Chapter Nine: Reasons and Good Luck Charms
Disclaimer: I do not own Rick Riordan's
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
and the Heroes of Olympus Series, and I do not
own the songs I put into this book either.
I only own my fan made characters and of course
the plot line.
Added Songs – In Order of Appearance
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
~Author's Note~
How u all doing. Michaela's back again with a new update. I am really excited about this chapter. Time for the big reveal, Why didn't Thalia tell Percy the truth, and also, there is a new couple being introduced today with a big twist that will be exciting. time for the answers that you have been waiting for. Time to get on with the show.
"Annabeth let me explain. I couldn't tell him, I am so sor-"
"No, you don't get to tell me sorry. Not after what you done to me," Annabeth interrupted "Thalia, why didn't you tell him, you made such a big deal about it, spouting all this crap about going to expose me for the liar I am. Thalia, why didn't you end this?" she pleaded like a wounded animal
"I went to see him at the cafe, ready to tell him the truth but Apollo called me back so I left, and when I was done, I went back..."
Thalia inhaled deeply, a cool wind swept her hair across her face after another moment to gather herself, ' she twisted the doorknob and entered into the familiar clamor of the noisy café where cheery waiters dressed in black shirts and white trousers-or knee-length pencil skirts for girls maneuvered around the crowded tables with plastic trays balanced precariously on their hands stacked high with decadent food, the deliciously taunting smells almost pulling her away from her task. Sheer will power being the only that allowed her to push her way to the familiar polished countertop where she thought her cousin would be.
Much to her chagrin it was a tall lithe woman, her beautiful black hair pulled back in a ponytail by a striped hairband. Her thin lips arched upwards in a warm and welcoming smile, "Welcome miss. May I get you anything?" Her slender hands folded neatly on top of the counter, tilting her head to the side when she saw the woman didn't answer, the waitress placed a hand on Thalia's shoulder, "Would you prefer to sit at a table while you decide on what to get?" She proposed.
Startled out of her thoughts, Thalia shook her head, "Not now. Maybe later. But do you mind doing me a favor and call Percy Jackson for me please."
The waitress's features scrunched up marginally in concentration in an attempt to recall where she had heard the name before, "Just give me a second and I'll see if he is inside the kitche-"
A yelp of pain mixed with surprise followed by a clatter of cup as it hit the floor cut off the waitress's words as both women whipped their heads around to investigate.
Jane, a short waitress in her mid twenties who'd been recently hired had her large hazel eyes firmly fixated in the mess in front of her. Her expression seemed to be fixed between growing panic and complete mortification such was her distress that other waitress who'd been conversing with Thalia felt obligated to take over and began to give out orders to have the mess cleaned while she escorted the waiter back inside the silver doors of the kitchen
"I am so sorry Percy. I slipped, it was an accident." She called out guiltily.
Without wasting much time, Thalia hopped over the counter ignoring the shouts of protest from the waiters, she could deal with their lectures later about entering where she was not supposed to. Right now she had other things to deal with and she pushed the doors of the kitchen open and entered, weaving with instinctive precaution around the cooks who gave her curious glances from there working stations. Pushing the door open located in the furthest corner of the kitchen she had seen the two waiters walk through a few seconds earlier, wincing in sympathy when she saw vibrant shade of red it turned in just the short amount of time.
Grunting with effort, Percy carefully peeled the white shirt off his back and threw it onto the bench in the lounge room which was an exaggeration considering it was the size of matchbox with rusted combination lockers that were a struggle to open every morning, a water dispenser near the door and a small window that had an excellent view of the filthy alley behind the café that reeked of garbage and defecation. A single yellow bulb suspended in the air by a thick plastic wire attached to the cracked plaster on the ceiling. Several times the workers had complained about the pitiful conditions to the manager who promised to renovate the room but never really got to it eventually they learned to live with it or quit and a find a job elsewhere.
Percy inwardly sighed in mild relief when an ice pack was placed against his back where the scalding hot coffee splashed onto his clothes "Thanks, for that…" he stopped, unsure of the waitress's fist name.
"Jane." She finished. "I'm new around here. Your name is Percy right?"
"Yeah, thanks Jane." he replied, missing the blush that crept onto the tall girl's face as she moved the ice pack lower down his back. Percy hissing as the cold ice met his burning skin.
"I think I'll go get some burn ointment from the first aid kit. Mind holding the ice pack for a bit while I go and find it?" Percy nodded, reaching behind his back so she could give him the necessary ice that he needed.
"Mind fetching me some painkillers while you're at it?"
"Sure." she replied, directing his hand gently until it settle into a feasible grip around the ice pack and walked towards the door which much to her surprise opened without her help recognizing the girl from earlier as she stepped in a concerned look in her eyes as her gaze settled on the bare-backed waiter. Although she would have liked to stay in case the woman tried anything, she found herself hesitating when she saw the woman gently took the ice pack out of the waiter's hand and pressed with a far too tender touch against his back. Without exchanging words Jane, knew this woman could be trusted as she stepped back into the hectic kitchen.
Percy didn't pay much attention instead he focused on the best way to move the ice pack on his back without causing a sharp jolt of sheer agony down his spine from the now delicate skin his back. Hissing in pain when he rubbed a little too hard with the ice pack against a particularly sensitive area.
"Give me the ice pack Kelp Head."A voice from behind demanded authoritatively. Percy hesitantly turned to Thalia as she extended her hand, wanting the ice and Percy cautiously handed the ice pack over to Thalia. Her mouth pulling into a taut line when she noticed the pale marks on his back, curiosity getting the better of her. "Are you gonna tell me where you go these scars or do I have to pry it out of you."
"Thalia, this is not the time." Percy headed her, turning his back to her and she placed the ice against his back, and a little violently, indicating that Thalia was severely pissed off.
"When is the time then because I am not leaving until you tell me where you got these scars from?" Thalia growled, her free hand prodding the centre of his back; out of pain Percy smacked her hands away and jumped away from her concerned touch, leaning on his side against the wall.
"Don't touch me Thals, please don't ever do that again." He demanded, as his hands trembled, tears cascading down his face as he hugged his chest, in an attempt to hide his abdomen.
Thalia's heart began to break at the sound of Percy's broken sobs. She stood up and walked forward, leaving the icepack on the bench and stood in front of her cousin, cupping his face in her hands, his sobs becoming breathy and shaky.
"It's ok Percy. It's ok." She whispered softly, as blue eyes met green. She tentatively released his face and draped one arm on his shoulder, while she wrapped her other arm around his neck and pulled his head so that his chin rested on her shoulder. "You don't have to tell me anything, I was just worried that's all." She whispered, but that wasn't the only reason.
Annabeth was right, there was so much she didn't know about Percy: all his hardships, wins, losses, heartbreaks. And what made it worse because now that Thalia had seen the scars that encompassed her cousin's body. A heavy truth became clear was whether she wanted to find out the truth the longer she held her cousin's quivering form.
She mentally chastised herself at her lack of empathy a morbid part of her mind desiring to have her question answered. Seconds turned into minutes still she continued to hold her cousin, feeling every tremble beneath her touch, absorbing every tear onto her blazer. Silent as a rock she took it all in until he finally broke the embrace when he felt that he'd shed enough tears for the past.
"Thanks Thalia, I am sorry I freaked out like that. It's just that, those scars bring back so many memories." Thalia smiled knowing, this was his secret if he wished to share with her then she would be right there to hear it. He walked to his locker, after struggling with the lock for several minutes he smiled when it finally opened and pulled out a lime green t-shirt and wore it, glad to have his scars covered again.
"Will you ever tell me what happened?" She asked hopefully.
"Eventually, but I would rather not tell you. You can ask Anna if you want, the day after we got together, she found out. In fact that day, she wanted to tell me something, on many occasions she has tried to tell me something but never gotten the chance too." Percy said thoughtfully, wandering for a second about what that may have meant. "Oh yeah, what did you want to tell me earlier, you know, before you had to leave?" he said quickly.
"Oh right, I just wanted to tell you that Anna Olympia is really, glad that she met you."
Thalia was sobbing into her hands now, she looked up at Annabeth with tearstained eyes, "I didn't tell him Annabeth, I couldn't tell him. Not after I saw those scars." Annabeth stared at Thalia in disbelief. "God, I nearly fucking ruined my friendship with you Annabeth and I am so sorry that I am such a pain in the ass and that I am such a horrible soulless bi..."
Annabeth slapped Thalia's cheek, hard, the effect was instant Thalia glared white hot rage at Annabeth as she cradled her cheek, her earlier sympathy gone."What the fuck Annabeth?" She spat.
"You were ranting and blaming yourself again so I did what needed to be done and slapped some sense into you, not just that but for saying all of those horrible things to me." Annabeth seethed triumphantly, standing up and extending out her hand to Thalia. "Stop being so silly and get up off of the floor." Thalia took Annabeth's hand and Annabeth pulled Thalia to her feet. Thalia smiled as she and Annabeth hugged each other
"God Annabeth, you will never know how sorry I am for being so stupid." Thalia apologized, hugging her friend tightly against her.
"You will never know how sorry I am for putting you into that position." Annabeth apologized, pulling away from Thalia and the two stood still, facing each other with smiles forming on their faces. "Best friends." Annabeth offered, sticking her fist out to give a fist bump.
"Best friends." Thalia fist bumped Annabeth, a grin spreading across their faces, as the laughed and hugged each other.
"Do you have anywhere to be tonight Thalia." She shook her head and Annabeth smiled. "Good, we have some catching up to do, wouldn't you agree." Thalia nodded and just as they were about to leave the room, Thalia's phone started ringing. "Go ahead and get it."
Thalia hesitantly pulled out her phone and blushed when she looked at the screen, nervously she sighed pressed the phone to her ear. "Hey Nico, how are you doing... No, don't worry I am fine." There was yelling on the other end of the line and then Thalia's face paled. "Fuck, I am so sorry I forget that it was our one year anniversary date... No, let me feel guilty. I was the one who forgot... No Nico... Alright fine, I will tell her you say hi, considering she is going to kill me anyway once she finds out... Yeah, I know... Okay Nico... Okay, miss you bye."
Thalia put her phone away and nervously looked at Annabeth who was staring wide eyed at her best friend. "Your one year anniversary date!" Annabeth shrieked in surprise, Thalia cautiously watching Annabeth's facial features and body language as she stared at her best friend. "Is that the kind of date I think it is?" Annabeth asked calmly, approaching Thalia slowly, who was even more nervous, considering she didn't want to meet Annabeth's dark side ever again.
"Surprise!" Thalia said nervously, her voice going rather high, "I have a boyfriend." She announced, slightly cheering to lighten the mood but Annabeth still looked very dangerous. "We have been together for a year... today exactly."
"You have a boyfriend and you didn't think it wise to tell me." Annabeth said as she stood face to face with Thalia. Her face lightened up and she squealed, that's right, squealed. "My best friend has finally gotten over her commitment issues." She cheered to the sky, dancing around and twirling, "My best friend has a boyfriend, my best friend has a boyfriend." She repeated rhythmically, having so much fun and Thalia was staring at her with a horrified expression.
"Who are you and what have you done with Annabeth Chase?" Thalia gapped as she started at Annabeth who looked like a squealing high school girl again.
"I am right here, but right now, I got to tell Silena and Piper." Annabeth grinned evilly as her gaze flicked to the door and she ran for it, Thalia trying to prevent her from running away but Annabeth side stepped her and Thalia ploughed right into the wall, feeling a bump forming on her head, she turned to Annabeth who had her phone to her ear.
"Annabeth Marie Chase, don't you dare..." But before she could finish, the person Annabeth was calling answered, and it was on speaker phone.
"Hello, Silena Beatrix Beauregard speaking." The voice cooed and Thalia's eyes went wide. She was begging Annabeth not to do it, but it was already too late and Thalia knew it.
"Hey Silena, it's me. Guess what. Thalia and I made up, we are friend again." But before Silena could answer Annabeth continued, "Oh and guess what, Thalia has had a boyfriend named Nico for a year now." Annabeth had a smirk on her face as the girl on the line squealed too.
"Oh my God. I can see it now, Thalico! See, I just shipped their name. I got to tell the others. Thalia and Nico sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in sitting carriage. Ha ha ha, I love it, Thalico is alive, so when are we going to meet him? Is he hot? What does he look like? He'd better treat you right..." Silena continued on; Thalia was furious and Annabeth saw, ending the call and smirking at Thalia.
"Annabeth Marie Chase, you are so dead!" Thalia shouted as she charged towards Annabeth who was ready for her, and once again, side stepped Thalia but this time, Thalia was able to stop before she hit the wall.
"You are gonna have to catch me first." Annabeth grinned as she shot out of the music room at lightning speed, Thalia cursing as she ran after Annabeth, yelling, "I'm going to get you for that Chase!" And Annabeth going, "Catch me if you can." The two friends seemed to be back to normal, well, what was normal for them. Acting like a bunch of children, chasing each other round the house, that was them when they were normal, and it was good to see that they were friends again.
Hours Later...
"Seriously, I think I want to die. The way you and Nico met is so cliché and romantic, he is almost as romantic as Percy." Annabeth laughed, grinning at Thalia as they sat on her bed in their pyjamas. Annabeth wearing a pair of silky owl printed night shorts and a spaghetti strap tank top that she usually slept in. Thalia was wearing a severely baggy shirt with the tiniest shorts that Annabeth had ever seen in her entire life. Thalia gave up on catching Annabeth an hour after their game started; Annabeth was just too fast and too clever for Thalia.
"I know, but he is such a great guy." Thalia said in a dreamy voice. "Annabeth, I never thought that I would find someone; I always thought that after Liam I would never learn to trust someone again, and then one day, I happen to walk into a coffee shop and spill my coffee all over this stranger." Thalia laughed. "Look how far I am now, I honestly trust him, I have serious feelings for him, and I could see a future for us Annabeth."
"I know how you feel Thals. When Percy confided in me about Reyna... I felt exactly like that because that is how much we connected and I just can't stand the fact that when I tell him the truth. I am sorry that you got dragged into this mess, not only will it hurt his trust in me, but you as well."
"Annabeth, it's ok." Thalia said calmly, placing her hands on top of her best friend's hands. "You didn't choose for any of this to happen, you don't control fate. Percy and I were destined to meet again someday." Annabeth smiled, whenever Thalia used facts and logic, Annabeth couldn't argue with her because Thalia was a genius in mathematics, economics and the unnatural ability to negotiate with talent scouts to make sure they get the best pick of the crop. An indispensable employee at Apollo records, with her quick wit and vast knowledge in business helped the company grow to new levels that it could compete with some of the best.
"Alright, I get it." Annabeth rolled her eyes at Thalia as they started laughing again. "Correct that Percy is writing his final exams tomorrow." Annabeth asked, Thalia nodded, a hint of curiosity in Thalia's eyes. "I need to call in a favour." Annabeth thought calmly, pulling out her phone and looking at the time. It was after nine, close to ten, would he still be up if she phoned at this hour. She made her choice and hit dial, hoping that he would answer.
"Hello Annabeth, Charles Beckendorf at your beck and call. What's up?" A voice spoke calmly; he seemed wide awake despite the bad timing.
'Man, was this guy a psychic or something,' Annabeth thought to herself as she debated her request. "Hey Charlie, I need you to do me a massive favour, I know it's late but I am in a bit of a crisis."
"Sure, what can I do to help?"
"Can you be at my house as soon as possible; I need you to please come and pick up Thalia and take her home. Her car is out of gas and she needs someone to drop her at her apartment." Annabeth had a gut feeling that Silena was listening in on Charles, so she lied to make sure that Silena didn't hear anything confidential.
"I see, give me a few minutes, I will be right there," Annabeth sighed in relief, he was on his way which was good, and she believes that he got what she was trying to say.
"Thanks Charles, I owe you. Tell Silena that I am sorry that I have to drag you away home." Annabeth heard Silena mutter a passionate curse of annoyance to Charles on the other end of the phone. "Sorry Silena." Annabeth apologized, Charles said a quick good bye before Silena took the phone and muttered a list of curses at Annabeth that would make a pirate faint.
"My car ain't broken down." Thalia snapped, staring at her best friend with shock plastered all over her face.
"It was a cover story, I knew that Silena was listening in on his conversation with me, so I fibbed to get him here to do me a massively big favour, concerning Percy that is." A look of clarity appeared on Thalia's face.
"Oh, now I get it. So what is it that you need him to do?" Thalia asked inquisitively, a smile
Annabeth leaned over the edge of her bed and pulled out a box from under her bed and handed it to Thalia. "What is this might I ask?" Thalia inquired, a looked of excitement and curiosity on her face.
"That, is the special present that I got for Percy, you could call it a good luck charm. Open it and take a look." Thalia smiled, opening the box and her eyes went wide as she stared into the box, reaching in and pulling out a picture frame, the very one that Thalia made in wood shop class in high school for Annabeth, it was a beautiful frame, it looked very professional. It had beautiful carvings of Owls, all different and detailed, and hand painted with contrasting colours to add to the beauty of the frame.
What was inside, made Thalia want to cry. A simple message that would last a life time to Percy and the two girls knew it.
You are stronger than you think.
You are better and you know it.
You are never alone, because you have all of us.
Anna Olympia
The message was surrounded by pictures of people who cared about Percy, one being a recent picture of Thalia and Jason, one of his mom and Paul, another of his dad and step brother, one of Bianca, another of his best friend, Grover Underwood and finally, a pictures of Anna.
"Yeah, that's our Grover. He is Percy's best friend, and Percy wanted me to come to this Christmas Eve dinner at his father's house so I can meet everyone." Annabeth groaned, flopping back down on the bed, wiping her eyes. "By the way, his dad invited both of his brothers." Annabeth added, "So, Nico is coming, Bianca is coming, Jason is coming, I am, and Grover and Juniper will be there too." Annabeth counted off, knowing that this was going to be a very difficult thing to do, but she had to do this, she couldn't disappoint her boyfriend and his mother, and what made the situation hair-raising scary was that she was being introduced to his dad for the first time.
"You know what that means don't you."
Annabeth nodded, knowing it involved the one thing that she hated doing most.
"Shopping for formal dresses because the Jackson family, are super classy, so we have to wear elegant gowns, jewellery and make-up too." Annabeth nodded bleakly, looking at Thalia's shocked expression. "Yeah, Percy told me, said he was looking forward to you coming to this dig, he hates it but you will make it so much more enjoyable for him."
"Man, does he have to be so romantic." Annabeth complained, shoving the pillow over her face, drowning out the bright light of her room. "When Charlie gets here, please just tell him what I want him to do with the box."
"Okay, just tell him to leave it outside Percy's door, knock and then he has to gap it out of there." Annabeth mumbled a yes and Thalia nodded, packing the frame back into the box and placing an envelope, with a letter in it on top of the box. By the time Charles arrived, Thalia was fast asleep and the pillow had been tucked under her head. Giving Charles the instructions, he left and Thalia went inside, locking the door behind her and went straight up to Annabeth's room.
She smiled as she skilfully pulled the blanket out from under Annabeth without even waking the blonde and climbed in next to her best friend but not before turning off the light switch, finally letting her eyes fall. It really had been an exhausting day.
As soon as Percy had entered his apartment late in the afternoon he'd walked to his bedroom pulled out his notes from a shelf above his desk and began to study, pouring over each written word with a fear derived determination. Finally after hours of sitting still hours, the university student stood up and yawned, contorting his limbs like a trained gymnast in different ways to remove the lactic build-up. Satisfied he'd done enough stretching Percy stepped out of his room and strolled at a leisurely pace towards the kitchen to make some coffee.
As the kettle boiled, Percy put on his radio, deciding to listen to some music while he waited. Playing on the radio was a song that Calypso wrote and Percy quickly lost interest in and switched it off. The last thing he needed to hear was some shrilly manufactured singer singing songs about her own life over the sound of heavily automated instruments. He was brought out of his thoughts when there was a knock at his door. He went to the door, unlocking and peering cautiously around the corridors only to find no one was there.
Seeing nothing, Percy turned to enter back into his apartment when he heard the beep of his kettle, pausing when he felt the sole of his foot brush against something. It felt rough. Curiosity replacing his earlier uncertainty he turned around and looked down only to see a package, with an envelope on the top of the box, his name written on it in a familiar hand writing, he observed. He picked up the box and brought it in, locking the door again and he sat down on his couch, opening the box. He pulled out the gift and smiled at it.
He put it to the side, picking up the letter and carefully opened it, and pulled out the letter, smiling as he read the letter.
Dear Seaweed Brain
I thought that this might give you the strength you need to get up every day. I have noticed that you have been down, and confused and looking ready to give up, and I thought that I should give you something to remind you that you are never alone and that there are people who care about you.
I hope you don't mind that I borrowed some of your pictures, I just wanted to give you a reminder that every day may be a struggle but you don't have to do it alone. We are all here for you and we always will be.
Good luck for you final exam tomorrow, I will be right with you. There is something else in the box, keep it with you and it will bring you good luck that will last a life time, and it will always remind you that I am with you where ever you go.
Good luck Percy.
I believe in you.
Anna
Percy smiled as he pulled the box towards him and he dug around and found a sea foam green pouch, and examined it curiously before he opened it and tipped the contents into his hand. In his hand lay a silver chain with two dog tags on it. Picking one of them, he saw Anna's full name on it, and then looking at the other one, it had his name on it. He smiled, not at the sincerity of the gift, but at the fact that the dog tags were together on one hook that connected to the chain. He looked at the frame, mainly looking at Anna and grinned.
"Thank you Anna." He whispered as he leaned back on the couch, examining the dog tags once again.
The next day...
Annabeth sighed contently as she opened her eyes, she felt refreshed and ready for the day. She looked to her side and saw that Thalia wasn't there, it was still warm so she couldn't have been gone for very long. Annabeth grinned when a delicious scent entered her nostrils, the sweet aroma of chocolate making her brain sigh happily. She climbed out of bed, putting on her normal soft fluffy white slippers and made a b-line for the kitchen.
She walked in and smiled when she saw Thalia humming to herself as she made herself an aromatic cup of hot chocolate. Thalia smiled when she saw Annabeth and instantly grabbed another cup and made her friend a cup of hot chocolate as well. "You are lucky that my chocolate woke you up, if I had of left you to sleep, you probably wouldn't have woken up until like ten." Annabeth grinned and grabbed her cup, taking a long and slow sip, savouring the taste.
"Thanks, I don't want to be late to the studio any way. The earlier we get there, the sooner I can leave so that we can go and see Percy." Thalia nodded, sipping her own cup of hot chocolate.
"I agree, I want to get off early too so I can see my cousin on time." Annabeth nodded, taking her cup of hot chocolate with her as she went back up to her bedroom, debating what she should wear.
An hour later...
Annabeth and Thalia strode into Apollo records with their arms interlinked, laughing their heads off. Thalia was telling a story she remembered. It was when they were in kindergarten still, and Percy and his friends, the Stolls, Conner and Travis Stoll, they were in an all out prank war, and Percy pulled a prank on them one day, filling a batch of water balloons with slime and nailed the Stolls, they looked awful, so the Stolls got Percy and the teacher bad.
They made a pretty impressive rigging system on the door so that when Percy walked in, he was doused with the vilest smelling concoction he had ever smelt. "Percy smelled like week old vomit for nearly two weeks, I never cried so hard in my life, well that was until I watched my mom die in front of my eyes." Annabeth saw the pain flooding into Thalia's eyes. "I was only six, when she died, I didn't find out until collection day from camp, I mean before we moved away from New York for ever, we were moving houses."
"What?" now Annabeth was frozen, this is the first time Thalia had actually said anything about the day that Thalia and her family moved.
"Right, I never told you about this." Thalia admitted as the elevator doors opened and the two walked towards Thalia's office, going inside and Thalia sat in her office chair, Annabeth sitting in front of her. "At the time with Jason, our family was growing, me Jason, my mom and dad couldn't all fit in the house we had, and my mom was pregnant with twins, so my dad had bought a bigger house, at the time, I thought that we were all going to still be together but then the accident happened a few weeks before the camp."
Annabeth leaned against the table with her elbows propping her head up, and looked at Thalia, waiting for her to continue.
"My mom, Beryl Grace was an actress, she was big and she was returning from Hollywood, taking a break from her movie, and my dad was suppose to pick her up, but he had a meeting, so my uncle Hades came and picked me up and took me to the airport to meet up with my mom." Thalia's face fell. "I was so happy to see her, I was busy telling her about my first two months of school and then everything went dark. When I came too, the car was trashed, I looked in the front and saw that the engine was basically in my mom's lap, so many pieces sticking out of her chest and stomach, blood was everywhere." Thalia's eyes went glassy as she looked at her hands. "The entire passenger side of the car was bending in, and my mom was still alive, struggling to breath. Uncle Hades was lying on the steering wheel, his head was bleeding. My mom turned to me, wincing as she moved her hand and she took mine in hers..."
Thalia's voice broke, she couldn't hold in the tears anymore. A single tear fell from her eye as she scrunched her eyes shut, looking down at her lap "She told me... that she loved me and... and then said that she was sorry... so sorry for not being... being around much and then... then... then she closed her eyes and never opened her eyes again." Thalia cried out, her hands going over her eyes as she started sobbing, finally letting the tears go. "The car was hit by a drunk driver, but the thing was, the drunk driver was Percy's father, Poseidon Jackson."
Annabeth gasped, her hands flying over her mouth, "No, are you serious."
Thalia nodded grimly, drying away some of her tears. "Yeah, he had had a fight with his wife and went out and got drunk, this happened in the afternoon. He had been drinking since eight o'clock in the morning." Annabeth had no idea that it was that bad. Now she could see why. "He was severely hurt; his spine had been fractured in three different places. Uncle Hades had a punctured lung and a shattered knee cap. My mom died because of the accident, my dad could never forgave Percy's dad but he discovered too that Hades was also drinking. An all out war broke out, and before I knew it, I was telling Percy that we were moving away for good."
Annabeth got up and walked round the desk, going to Thalia's side and wrapping her in a hug. Thalia cried into Annabeth's stomach, Annabeth doing what she could to try and comfort her best friend who was so broken, that she didn't know if there was any way of fixing her. Annabeth suddenly had an idea in mind, she pulled away and pulled Thalia to her feet, Thalia staring at Annabeth with a shocked expression as she pulled her in the direction of the recording room. She knew everyone was there and she had a brilliant idea.
She barged in, everyone staring at them as the two entered the large recording room. "Annabeth, what are we doing in here?" Thalia groaned, drying her tears as Annabeth plugged in the microphone and readied herself for her plan. "Annabeth, what are you doing?" Thalia demanded as she looked at everyone who was gathered outside the window, looking in at them.
"Trust me on this Thalia." Annabeth assured Thalia as she went outside to the soundboard, thankful that Luke wasn't coming in today and handed Hazel a piece of paper with a request and Hazel happily complied, putting the disk in the player. She showed Piper what to do quickly before she ran into the recording room with Annabeth and Thalia. Annabeth gave Piper a thumbs up and she hit play, and then the music began and everyone smiled.
Annabeth and Hazel started dancing excitedly as the classic music for a very fun and popular song played. Annabeth shook her hips as the music played, her voice grew in crescendo w as she sang, Hazel joining in soon after.
I come home in the morning light
My mother says when you gonna live your life right
Oh mother dear we're not the fortunate ones
And girls they want to have fun
Oh girls just want to have fun
Annabeth nudged Thalia who nervously looked at everyone who was watching her anxiously and Annabeth grabbed her hand, and smiled encouragingly.
The phone rings in the middle of the night
My father yells what you gonna do with your life
Oh daddy dear you know you're still number one
But girls they want to have fun
Oh girls just want to have
She sang on her own, her voice radiating purity as everyone stared at her, no one realized that she has such a strong and powerful voice and when the chorus arrived, all three of them sang, the band rushing into the room and singing with them eagerly.
That's all they really want
Some fun
When the working day is done
Girls - they want to have fun
Oh girls just want to have fun
Some boys take a beautiful girl
And hide her away from the rest of the world
I want to be the one to walk in the sun
Oh girls they want to have fun
Oh girls just want to have
That's all they really want
Some fun
When the working day is done
Girls - they want to have fun
Oh girls just want to have fun,
They want to have fun,
They want to have fun...
All of them laughed, hugging and cheering, dancing around and having fun, being. Apollo grinned, it was good to see them all so happy, and it is so relaxing to see Thalia and Annabeth finally friends again. He had never felt so relieved in his life, so he smile grew as he left the room with all of the laughing and ridiculous smiling girls.
Percy sighed as he put his pen down. The invigilator had just announced the class that there time was up and everyone stopped writing in an instant. Nyssa watched Percy with a calm gaze as he looked through his twenty-three page paper one last time, reading over his curvy writing before she stood up and collected the papers. Everyone sighed in relief once all the papers were collected and Nyssa stood at the front of the class, a proud smile on her face as she looked at everyone.
"Well done everyone. I am so proud of you all." She said calmly as she handed off the extremely large stack of paper off to the invigilator who left the room. She dusted off her new denim jeans and fixed her black blouse before she sat on her desk, her ankles crossed and her hands in her lap. "This is our last lesson and I just want you all to know how proud I am of you all. I know that each and every one of you will succeed in whatever you do. Give yourselves a round of applause and smile."
All the students erupted into cheers, and Percy stood up. "Guys, I know that I am speaking for all of us when I say this, but this wouldn't have been possible without you Nyssa. You guided us, taught us and had faith in all of us," everyone nodded in agreement at Percy, "Thank you Nyssa for getting us to this far. We owe you a lot, so thank you." Everyone stood up and followed Percy's suit as he started clapping and cheering for this amazing woman who had been with them for years.
Half an hour later...
Percy pulled away from Nyssa, smiling as she hugged him one last time. "I am so proud of you Percy. You have been through so much and yet, here you are." Percy smiled as Nyssa held his hands in hers, a proud glint in her eyes. "You are going somewhere great Percy, there is no doubt about it. Be happy, and don't let anything hold you back ever." Percy nodded, muttering a thank you and a final good bye as he collected his things and walked out the door to his lecture theatre for the last time and headed to his car, but he was met with a wonderful surprise.
In front of his car stood Anna in the very same dress that she wore on their very first date they had, except this time she had a black cardigan and a pair of sneakers; that was so Anna. Next to her was Thalia wearing her usual pair of black three quarter cargo pants, black trainers and her Camp Half-Blood shirt with her hair down and her spiky bracelet around her wrist. The two were grinning like crazy, laughing at each other and then they turned their heads and grinned when they saw Percy.
Thalia came bounding towards Percy, tackling him with a powerful hug, nearly knocking Percy off of his feet. Percy laughed as his cousin enthusiastically started jumping up and down around Percy as he walked forward to Anna who walked up to him, nervously biting her lip as she stood in front of him. "Hey Wise Girl. I missed you so much." Percy said casually as his free hand went around Anna's waist and he leaned down and pressed a kiss against her lips.
"Well you most certainly are happy to see me Seaweed Brain." Anna ginned enthusiastically as Percy leaned down and kissed her for longer this time, dropping his books and wrapping his other arm around her waist as he arms went around his neck.
Thalia made gagging faces and blushed, the kiss going on for quite a while. A car horn hooting got all their attention and it was Thalia's turn to blush. A black mustang pulled into the car park, and parked next to Percy's car. The door opened and a tall fairly well built man stepped out, removing his black tinted shades, ruffling his hair as he closed the car door. He was wearing a pair of black leather jeans and a black t-shirt with a skull and cross bones on it, a silver chain around his neck.
He had a relaxed smile on his face, his shaggy dark brown hair hanging loosely in his face, but not so much that his deep brown almost black eyes were hidden. His black trainers etched their way forward, towards Thalia. Anna turned and saw that Thalia was smiling like crazy as the man walked to her side, his arm going over her shoulder. "Hey Thals, sorry I am late. Traffic was a nightmare, such horrible drivers on the road. I almost got run off the road."
Anna and Percy stared at this mystery man with his arm around Thalia, but Anna had an idea of who that might be. Thalia realized that her cousin was staring and wiped the blush off of her face and smiled, ducking out from under the guy's arms and taking his hand in hers. "Sorry. Percy, Anna, this is my boyfriend, Nico." The man smiled and extended his hand out to Percy who seemed very uncertain of this guy.
"Pleased to meet you Percy Jackson. Thalia has told me all about you I haven't seen her this happy and talkative before." Percy grinned and shook Nico's hand. "By the way, my full name is Nicholas James Pluto, but everyone just calls me Nico."
"It's a pleasure to meet you Nico. Thalia never mentioned that she had a boyfriend." Percy shifted his gaze from Nico to Anna, who shook her head and held her hands up in defence.
"Don't look at me. I didn't know she had a boyfriend until late last night, let alone that they have been an item for a year and a day now." Thalia's blush grew tenfold and Percy rolled his eyes and started laughing, earning him a punch in the shoulder from his no longer blushing cousin. Percy just found himself laughing as Thalia started cussing him out on laughing at her for blushing redder than a cherry tomato.
"Well, we have to leave now, we are late for our date." Thalia said hurriedly, Nico taking the opportunity to wrap his arm around her waist and press a kiss on her cheek, making her grin.
"We should double date sometime." Percy suggested, everyone nodding in agreement. "How about tomorrow night."
"Yeah, I know this great place we can go too. I will have Thalia send you the directions to the place. Make sure that you wear something that is comfortable but stylish." Nico said calmly, everyone murmuring in agreement with him. Suddenly Percy remembered something of great importance.
"Happy one month anniversary Anna." Percy shouted joyously, Anna's eyes going wide as she remember that today was their one month anniversary. "Percy shot to his car quickly and dug something out of his cubby hole before walking over to Anna with a wide smile on his face. "This is for you." He said calmly, handing her a long black velvet case.
Anna curiously took it and opened the box, gasping as she looked inside the box. She carefully pulled out a gold necklace, a simple heart pendant on the end, in the middle of the heart was a P carved into the shape of the heart, and at the bottom end of the heart was a single emerald. "Oh my gosh, Percy this is so beautiful." Anna breathed out, tears threatening to pour from her eyes. "Can you help me put it on."
Percy nodded, taking the necklace from Anna ash she turned her back towards Percy and lifted up her hair, gasping when she felt the cold metal brush against her chest before settling securely around her neck. She turned to Percy and hugged him, him spinning her round and round, the two of them laughing like maniacs. Percy set her down on the floor and took her hands in his. "I am so glad you like it Anna. It's not much but it makes me happy to see you wearing that."
"Percy, it's beautiful. Thank you so much." She leaned in and kissed him on the lips, to show her appreciation for the gift, and just how much he truly meant to her. "Come on, we have both got to get back to work, so hurry up Seaweed brain, you have to drop me off at my apartment." Percy grinned and hoisted Anna over his shoulder, carrying her playfully like a sack. "Percy, I am wearing a dress, put me down this instant, so help me god I will..."
Percy ignored her rant, holding her legs down as he shook Nico's hand and kissed Thalia on the temple before carrying Anna to his car, she stopped her rant for a moment and waved goodbye to her friends before she started hitting Percy's back again, and all he was doing was laughing. Even though Anna looked annoyed, you could see that she was smiling.
Wow, I hate it when fights happen, I like happy times and having fun, living in the moment filled with laughter and love, don't you. A few quick notices to you guys:
Nicolas James Pluto – Nico Di Angelo, in this fic, he ain't related to Bianca. Thought I should mention that if any of you were confused, cause I love Thalico, one of my favourite pairs, even though they weren't in the official series.
A big thank you to Captainravenworld for helping me out. On another note, I apologize for any mistakes there are because sadly my beta Akakuro4869 is still away, and my friend GoneRENegade's computer crashed and they lost the beta'd document so this chapter is unbeta'd but I couldnt leave you guys hanging, so here it is. Hope you enjoyed it, but I got to run, the chapter wont write itself.
Peace out My Fictioneers and thank you for all of the reviews, so let's have some more reviews for this chapter, I look forward to hearing what you have to say, so Peace Out Fictioneers.
~Michaela Anne Schultz~
