I saw Annabeth again when she, Percy and Thalia retrieved two demigods. When picking them up at their boarding school, Thalia charged down the hill, carrying a backpack. She skidded to a halt right next to the passenger door.
"Hi, Ms. Jackson," She greeted quickly, "Percy, can I sit shotgun? Annabeth's really, really mad at me and I don't want to sit in the backseat with her when she's mad. Please?"
"That's not my problem," Percy said, but his eyes widened when Thalia presented him with five gold coins.
"Five drachmas to let me sit shotgun," She coaxed.
He hesitated, then snatched the coins and stepped out. Thalia smiled and slid into the passenger seat.
Annabeth walked down the hill soon after. She raised an eyebrow at Thalia.
"Why are you sitting up there?"
"Mmm."
"She said you were mad at her," Percy said from the backseat.
Annabeth frowned. "No I'm not."
Then I understood Thalia's scheme, and from the glare Annabeth was giving her, she did too. Thalia responded with an angelic smile.
Annabeth greeted me and slid into the seat next to Percy. I was nervous about the upcoming fight. I trusted that Annabeth would make sure Percy stayed out of trouble, but I had the most uncomfortable feeling. I found myself rambling and telling Percy's baby stories. My poor son.
I told about the time he tried to talk me into getting him a guinea pig when he was eight. Annabeth laughed especially hard at that, for some unknown reason.
"Still want a guinea pig, Seaweed Brain?" She teased.
He blushed and shot her a glare.
Thalia smirked in the mirror, which didn't go unnoticed by Annabeth, who gave her an irritated look.
As I pulled up to the school, I prayed that Annabeth would keep my baby safe.
Please, please please. Let her take care of him. And let him take care of her.
I drove away, knowing that the fate of my son rested in the hands of the daughter of Athena. I drove away relieved.