Thanks to everyone who reviewed! That gave me the motivation to update today! And I will be putting a flashback explaining everything with Annabeth. Maybe next chapter. I'm also thinking of having Percy reveal himself to Ruby next chapter. Thus the cheesy ending.

Ruby

I feel oddly exposed on my way to work. Like someone is watching me. Observing everything I do.

Of course, this is New York. Full of people. Odds are someone is watching you at some point.

But that doesn't stop me from constantly glancing in my review mirror, or glancing over my shoulder on the way in the office doors.

I'm a secretary at a law firm. I work at the front desk, filing papers, answering the phone, directing people to the right offices.

I actually started here by accident. On one of my many trips about the divorce papers the front desk was empty. I stood there forever, wondering if I should wait, or proceed right on to my lawyer's office.

The phone kept ringing and the place was slowly filling up with people. Finally Mr. Dannings, the owner came down.

He had apologized for the wait, and told us that they were having a slow day due to the secretary quitting. After informing us that those with appointments would have to come back at a later time I approached him.

Rose was already 6 months and I was having a hard time with my part time job at Target. The paycheck wasn't big enough to support us and pay my lawyer.

Thankfully Dannings was desperate enough to hire me on the spot with instructions to come back tomorrow.

Five months later I met Jason.

Now I'm happier than ever. With one major exception of course. But I try not to think about that.

Today the office is booming. I can barely keep up with the phones, appointments, and paperwork. My lunch break can't come fast enough.

With 45 minutes of free time I have to hurry. I promised Jason I would get home in time for lunch so he wouldn't have to attempt a meal for Rose.

I make it home with little traffic, a surprise considering it's lunch hour.

I'm expecting the usual when I walk in. Jason trying to capture Rose's interest in Sesame Street or building a castle with blocks.

But instead Rose is nowhere in sight and Jason is sitting on the couch talking to a tall woman with odd clothes.

Not odd in the sense of weird, odd in the sense of not what I'm used to.

I stop, slowly closing the door behind me. I'm not sure who the stranger is. But I recognize her as soon as she speaks.

"Hey Ruby. Haven't seen you forever! Three years I think."

"Thalia? What are you doing here?" That explains her clothes. They seem to fit the theme of her band.

"Yep. Thought I would stop for a visit. See my brother and his girlfriend." She sits up straight and pats the couch next to her. "Come stay for awhile."

I laugh with her. Or at least try. The last time I saw Thalia was at the wedding. She was the one who made a toast and told Percy he better treat me right. Or else.

"I'd love to, but I came to make lunch. I need to be back to work soon." I say, feeling awkward as I take off my fancy work jacket and hang it on the rack.

"Where's Rose?" I ask Jason.

He gets up and stretches before answering. "Asleep. She had a good workout at the park."

"Did she get anything to eat?"

"Um, yeah. I bought her a corn-dog. I forgot you were going to make lunch. Sorry." He shrugs, grinning sheepishly.

I shake my head, smiling so he knows I don't mind. "As long as it doesn't become a habit. I'll make her a fruit bowl for when she wakes up. "

"Are you one of those mothers who monitors your kids diet constantly?" Thalia asks suddenly.

I try not to look shocked. I forgot how blunt she was.

"I don't think so." I say, pretending not to notice the glare Jason shoots her. "I just don't want to much grease in her diet." I feel like she's judging me by the way she watches me with her stormy blue eyes.

Trying not to feel self conscious I head to the kitchen. "Do you want something to eat Thalia?" I call over my shoulder.

"No. I have to leave soon. I'm meeting up with an old friend. Thanks anyways."

I nod and set to work. I make Jason a grilled chicken sandwich first. I don't feel much like eating so I stick a banana in my purse for later.

Thalia and Jason sit at the island. Jason eating his sandwich, Thalia sipping a coke I pulled out for her. They chat idly about friends and family while I make Rose's fruit bowl.

Thankfully Thalia has lost interest in my actions, except to offer to help after I dropped a cup of water.

Before I leave I check on Rose. She's curled up in her crib, a blanket tangled in her feet. I fix the blanket and turn her baby monitor on. One of the only things Jason forgets to do.

I'm feeling much more normal by time I'm out the door.

But I can't help but feel like I won't for long.