DISCLAIMER: I donot own anything. Nothing at all.
PERCY
It's 18th of August today. My birthday. I am 24. My friends are throwing me a birthday party, which will be hosted by my mother and step-father, who are going to be here any moment.
The past three weeks have been pretty good for me. I've got a new best friend, my daughter's school teacher, Annabeth. It's kind of amusing just a few weeks ago I didn't even know her name. She comes over in the evenings, almost everyday and we talk after Perrie goes to bed. Sometimes, when she doesn't come I call her or she calls me.
She told me about herself. She's approximately one year older to me. July 12th is her birthday. Grey is her color. She always wanted to be a school teacher, since she was like 12. She has 2 degrees( names of which I forgot. , of course a bachelors and masters). She likes the color of my eyes. Annabeth has a few friends who come over for drinks sometimes at her place. Her mother and father are not together anymore. Her dad had another marriage and she has 2 step brothers in high school. Her mother doesn't interfere a lot in her life, she's a busy/famous architect company CEO. Her dad is a professor and step mom is a home maker. Derek is the guy, her step mom's trying to set her up with.
Anyway, enough about her, mom's going to be here any moment. I need to prep everything. Food's done, cleaned the house, did the laundry, dishes are a check, now I gotta go wake up Perrie for school.
I walk towards the bedroom, swing open the door and walk in.
She's not on the bed.
Where'd she go at this time?
I knock at the washroom door.
No response.
" Perrie? Where are you, kiddie?" I ask, knocking hard.
No reply.
" Hey Daddy," I hear her voice from behind me, which makes me jump a little. I turn around to see her, standing behind me holding a small blue wrapped box.
" Whoa!" I manage. " Where were you?"
" Right here," She points to the side by the bed.
" Were you hiding?" I stoop down.
" Yes," Perrie grins.
" Why, may I ask?" I question, bewildered.
" I was wrapping your present, daddy. Happy Birthday to you," Perrie sings for me.
" Wow, that's so sweet, thank you so much Per," I pull her into a hug.
" Aren't you going to open it?"
" You want me to?"
She nods, smiling broadly.
" Okay," I start tearing off the gift wrap. I unwrap it to reveal a T-shirt, folded neat and clean.
I take it out, it says ' Best Daddy of the world' and wait.. is that my picture at the back.
" Oh wow! Perrie, How did you? Thank you so much," I look at her, smiling brightly.
" You're welcome Daddy," Perrie says beaming.
" Wait, but how did you? Where'd you get the money for this?"
" I saved some from my Christmas allowance, new years and thanksgiving too."
" How much exactly did you spend?" I ask surprised. I didn't have no idea she was saving money.
" Daddy," Perrie pauses. " Does I ever ask you how much you spend buying me gifts, taking care of me, buying me useless stuff I want but, I never use more than once?"
" No," I swallow. " And it's do I."
" So, should you?"
My daughter is more mature and understanding than I had imagined she was.
" No," I say nodding. " This is the best gift ever, thank you so much. I love you."
" I love you too daddy."
" You hungry?" I stand up and extend my hand out to her.
" Yes," She takes my hand.
We have some breakfast, after that Perrie leaves to take a bath, I get her clothes ready before she's back and pack her lunch box, stuff it in her bag. I don't usually drop her to school, she goes by bus in the morning and I pick her up in the after noon. Her bus must be arriving, it's almost time.
~ Ring~
" Hello?" I answer my phone.
" Unlock the door," My step dad says, on the phone.
They're here. They always visit us on my birthday, some times Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its like a family reunion. Feels good to see my parents today.
' Also, Today is the day I miss her the most.' Shaking off, that thought I move towards the door.
My mom and step dad are waiting by the entrance. They both engulf me in a group hug and wish me HAPPY BIRTHDAY. I usher them inside and put their suitcases in my room, while they make themselves comfortable in the dining room.
Perrie's ready and taking to them both, when I come out.
" How long are you staying here, Grammie?" Perrie is asking her.
" Well... I dunno. How long do you want us to?" Mom is saying.
" Forever," Perrie answers without wasting another second.
" Okay," Paul and Mom laugh.
" Your bus is here," I remind Perrie. " Come on."
" Bye Grammie and Granpa," Perrie waves at them.
" Bye dear," Mom says and I accompany her outside. In a few seconds, the bus arrives and Perrie gets on.
ANNABETH
I am in love. With him. I don't know, but it happened. I find myelf often thinking of him. About him. Whenever I get a text, or a call I am hoping its him.
~ Ping ~
Its a text from him. My heart skips a bear, as I open to reply.
' Whatchu doing?'
' Getting ready for school. And you?'
' Just sent Perrie to school. Mom and Dad are here. Leaving for Office. See you in the evening.'
' That's great. Yes I'll see you. Leaving for school now.'
Telling each other everything, has become a part of our lives. It has become more of a habit. It starts from what you are doing, what you did during the day to talking at night about what are your views on this or that.
I think we are best friends now.
Maybe I fell in love, but, I donot expect anything more from him.
Piper and I are going to Percy's birthday party.
Day at school, just flew by me. It was quick as a fox. Today we had Drawing, Maths(my favourite), English and Home Science class, plus it being Friday means One hour early off for us.
~ Evening~
Now I am waiting for Piper to arrive at my place, so we can leave for the party. I am wearing a long black flowy dress, with thin straps, my 4 inch long black heels and I let my hair down. I rang her about 30 minutes earlier, when she said she'd be here in 5 minutes. I roll my eyes at myself for believing that white lie.
I should call her again and if she doesn't answer I am going to leave by myself. It's getting late. We are 40 minutes late already.
I call her 3 times again, result being no answer. I gather up my stuff, and step outside.
I wait for the elevator, by pressing the button. Its down right now. Coming right up now. Good.
The door of the elevator opens and I see Piper standing inside.
" Oh so you decided to show up?" I say with sarcasm dripping, out of my voice.
" I am sorry, Beth," She says apologetically. " Aren't you coming?"
" Hmmm," I step inside.
" Looking good," She stares at me.
" Yup, I know. You look fine too," I say coolly.
" Ah! Come on, how long are you gonna be mad?" She pushes the ground floor button.
" I was waiting for 40 minutes, and I called you 4 times. Do you even check your phone?" I say crossing my arms.
" I am so sooooooooooory! Please, my dear Annie, Don't be mad, please."
" AHH!," I huff. " Fine."
" YAYY, thanks. Lets go. I'll drive," Piper says thrilled.
It takes us 15 minutes to reach Percy's house by car. I am a little nervous. I haven't been to a birthday party in ages. Plus, when you like(love) him, it's a whole new level of nervousness. The house looks just the same from outside, as it is when I am here everyday. I don't hear no music.
We walk in and are greeted by a woman, that's Sally Jackson. I remember her from the photographs I have seen.
" Hello dear," She says to both of us.
" Hello," Piper says brightly.
" Hello Mrs Jackson," I say.
" And you are? I haven't seen you both around before."
" I am Piper Mclean and that's Annabeth."
" Nice to meet you, Piper Mclean," She says to her. " And Annabeth," She nods to me.
" Mom," I hear the voice that gives me butterflies in my stomach.
" Mom," Percy interrupts us, appearing out in the hallway. " Let them come inside." He's wearing a V-neck white T-shirt with regular patched denim jeans and grey ankle high boots. He's looks so perfect.
" Yeah sorry," Mrs Jackson looks at us with a small smile. " Come on, girls." I can hear faint music from inside.
We place our presents on the table where we see a stack of them. There are in total 5 of them. There's about 10 people aside from us in the party. I can place names to a few of the faces. There's Jason, Leo, Grover, Percy's step dad- Paul and Rachel Dare(That woman is sure as hell classy.) and oooh, Mrs Vin is here too. I don't know about the remaining of them.
Percy and Perrie were talking in the corner. He catches me staring and beams at me. I smile back. There is food and drinks near the kitchen. People are scattered around taking amongst each other. Piper left 2 minutes ago, to get a drink with Sally.
" Miss Chase," Some one taps me on the shoulder. I turn to see Jason Grace standing behind me.
" Hi," I say. " Call me Annabeth."
" Okay Annabeth," He looks over towards Piper." Care to introduce me to your friend? She's cute."
" Piper," I say, amused." Sure. Come along."
" Piper meet Jason," I say as I approach her. " He's a friend of Mr Jackson."
" Best Friend," Jason corrects.
" Yeah best friend," I roll my eyes.
" Hi Jason," Piper puts down her glass and shakes hands with him. " So, what do you do?"
" I am a software developer. I develop software for apps, basically, write code, edit it and present it to Mr Jackson for testing it. And what about you?"
" I am a ..."
I walk away and leave them to talking, giving them alone time. I wander about the place looking around the house. Rachel is in a major argument with some guy, I don't know his name.
I think I was looking at them with a bit too much interest when I hear a whisper, " That's Rafael, Rachel's boyfriend." Percy is standing by my side.
" Rachel's boyfriend?" I echo.
" What's so astounding about that?" Percy says, looking at me.
How come she has a boyfriend? But, she's in love with Percy. She's got me confused now. Anyhow, looking at them doesn't look like she loves that guy. Her eyes don't shine when she talks to him, like when they do when she talks to Percy. In fact, they are arguing. And it looks bad. We can't hear them over the music.
" I just didn't know about him," I say waving off my hand casually.
" I am actually so happy you are here," Percy says with a heart stopping smile.
' I love you.'
" Hey, come on I wanna introduce you to my parents," He grabs my hand. I feel a stomach flip and heart beat jump.
" I already-"
" No excuses," He cuts me off.
Fine. I give up.
" Mom Paul," Percy calls his mom and step-dad. " Meet my new best friend. Annabeth Chase. She's also Perrie's school teacher."
" Hello dear, we've met," Sally says remembering it.
" Hi Annabeth," Paul shakes my hand.
I talk to them for a while, I tell them about Perrie and how we met. Perrie comes over too. She's too attached to her Grammie and Granpa.
" Lets cut your cake now, Percy."
" Mom," Percy whines. " I am 24, you see."
" Come on daddy," Perrie encourages him by extending her hand.
" Okay," He takes her hand. " Only for you."
We move towards the centre table, where the cake has been put by Paul. I can't help but notice, the cake's blue. I know Percy loves blue, at the same time, this is a bit crazy. Just a slight bit.
Perrie blows the candles after Percy has complained 5 times that he is too old for that. They both cut the cake together. Mrs Vin comes over and takes away the cake to cut it into small pieces for everyone to have a taste. We have tasty food prepared by Sally and Mrs Vin as I learnt after eating.
I notice Jason and Piper lost in each other's eyes, whilst, Rachel and her boyfriend Rafael look fine too. Percy and Perrie are eating like there's no tomorrow. Leo is taking to Grover and Sally and Paul have done eating and are busy cleaning up.
After that we have a small round of games and dancing. Piper dances with Jason happily smiling. Bet you, they've even exchanged numbers. I wanna dance too, but not alone. With him would be nice.
" Annabeth come along," Paul and Sally are calling me to dance with them. I can't help but smile at that sweet gesture. I dance with them, softly.
" You are my favourite girl in the whole world," I hear Percy saying to Perrie.
" And you are the best daddy in the world," Perrie says. I look towards them, Percy has lifted up Perrie and has one arm holding her, while his other hand holds one of Perrie's hand. He's swinging around with her and she's laughing. They're totally the perfect father-daughter duo.
I wanna dance with him too. Oh, I wish.
" Go on. Just ask him," Paul winks.
" No," I mouth at him. It's kind of embarrassing that I got caught, well atleast it wasn't Percy, just his parents.
He gives me a look that says ' Just-do-it-already-girl'.
"Fine," I mouth again, making up my mind.
I walk over to the father and daughter duo, with continuous hammering going on in my heart.
I can do it.
'But, you haven't ever before', my brain says.
' There has to be a first time,' I argue with it.
I'll do it.
Percy puts Perrie down upon seeing me approach.
" Daddy I'll be with Grammie now," Perrie runs off towards Sally. He nods at her.
" Hey, Annabeth. I was just gonna ask you to dance, do you wanna?" Percy asks me.
" Love to," I say with a smile.
Yay, I did it. Well, technically, I didn't. But, I got to dance with the guy I love. I may have accidently, stepped on his foot, but, it was an accident. I was nervous, who wouldn't be?
I glance at the watch. It's 11:30 p.m. Time to leave.
People are leaving, Rachel and Rafael have left already. Perrie has gone to bed. Sally and Paul left for bed too. Now its just us 6, Percy, Leo, Grover, Jason, Piper and I.
" Piper," I whisper. " We should leave."
" So early," She complains.
" But you didn't even wanna come in the first place."
" How was I supposed to know I was gonna meet," She jerks her head slightly towards Jason. " All thanks to you. He's so cute. We're going out Saturday night."
" Wait... Isn't that tomorrow?"
" Yes," Piper says with enthusiasm. " I don't waste time."
Leo and Grover are leaving now.
I think we'll leave now.
" We're going and Grover left too. Piper come on," I pull Piper up.
" Can I do the honours please?" Jason asks Piper.
" Please Annabeth,"She looks at me.
" What about me then? You are my ride," I ask her.
" You can take the car," She hands me the car keys.
" Fine, you go with Jason. I'll go by myself," I tell her.
" Thanks Annabeth. You are the best," She gives me a hug me and leaves with Jason.
I'll just go to Percy, say goodbye and leave.
I walk up to him. He smiles at me, and suddenly, fishes out his phone feeling a vibration. He looks at it, his smile falters. And he balls his fists, but remembers I am still standing there. He loosens up, ignores his phone, with a little extra force puts it down and smiles again, as if nothing happened.
" What's it?" I ask.
" Nothing," He brushes me off.
" Why'd you get upset?"
" I am not upset," He says, grinning.
I can see he's lying.
" Is it Becky?" I summon the courage to ask.
I know when ever I ask him about her, he gets upset or walks away without finishing the conversation.
" Y-yes," Percy manages.
" You can tell me," I put my hand on his arm.
" Not today," Percy's face looks like he's gonna cry if I pressed more.
" Okay, you can when you want to or not if you don't wanna," I say softly, assuring him I'll be there to listen.
" Come on, I'll drop you home."
" No I have Piper's car," I show him the keys.
" I'll drive you, " He pleads. " I wanna take my mind off her."
" Alright if it helps," I give him the keys. He puts it down and fetches his car keys.
" No we'll go in my car," Percy gets up and I follow him outside. " You can pick it up tomorrow."
" I'll do it," I say with a hint of a smile.
I get in Percy's car and he starts driving. I look at his eyes. They look moist.
" Hey, are you okay?" I ask.
" Yeah," He doesn't look at me.
" Are you crying?"
It hurts my heart to see him that way. Its just too painful.
" No," Percy says defiantly.
" You don't cry on your birthday."
" It's over now."
" No, " I show him the time on my watch. " We still have one minute."
He half smiles.
" And to clarify, I wasn't crying."
" Okay sir," I put up my hands.
He laughs looking at that. " You are amazing , Annabeth."
" Hah! I know," I laugh. I made him smile...
We talk like everyday again and he drops me home.
I do wanna know what happened with Becky and I think he still loves her. Why did she leave him? When he loves her so strong.
A/N: HI readers! Thanks for reading. Hope you had a nice time reading. Thanks a lot.
Thank you to everyone who followed, faved or reviewed. Those things mean a lot. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your sweet words Guest. I am happy to know, you're liking the story and my work.
Thanks to King of Heroes Gilgamesh, Here's your chapter. Enjoy.
Thanks for the reviews.