AN: Hey guys! For about 30 minutes, I hurriedly typed up this chapter and got this. I hope this lives up to most expectations. It was rushed so I do apologize if it sounded rushed.

This is my Christmas present to you! I'm TERRIBLY sorry I couldn't update earlier.

~EOA

Annabeth's PoV:

I don't know how long we stood there, but by the time I left, it was already dusk.

I was wiping my tears off my face as I told Percy I had to leave, though my voice sounded like weak attempts at words. He seemed to understand me, and wrapped his arms around me, and hugged me tight. "Thanks for coming, Wise Girl," he whispered, as tears leaked out of my eyes. I breathed in his sea-like smell, and for a second, my heart leapt. Something at the back of my head was nagging me, telling me I used to enjoy this.

"No problem, Seaweed Brain," I said, and put my hands behind his head and kissed him on the cheek. My gray eyes met his green ones, and he grabbed my hand.

"You'll come over for Christmas, right?" he asked, his eyes sadly hopeful.

I smiled weakly.

"Of course I will," I said, and squeezed his hand. I patted his cheek. "You'll be okay, right?" I asked. He nodded, and his eyes flashed momentarily to Sally. Oh. He was worried about her. "She'll be fine, Percy. She's a tough woman. She'll get through this," I said.

His eyes were grateful, and he grinned.

"Well, I'd better get going. Good night, Percy," I said. He waved silently, and I opened the door, and left.

Percy's PoV:

My cheek still burned where she kissed me, even after a long hour.

Sally stirred, and yawned. I went to kneel in front of her chair.

"Mom," I whispered. Her eyes fluttered open. "Oh, Percy. Has Annabeth left?" she asked sleepily. I nodded, and held her hand. "I need to take Ben home," I said quietly.

She nodded. "Okay. Go ahead," she said. Startled, I asked, "Do you want us to take you home?" She shook her head. "I'll stay here for a little bit." She sighed when she saw my worried expression. "I'll be fine!" she insisted. I stuck out my chin stubbornly. I wasn't satisfied. "Mom, you know I won't let this go until I know you're fine," I said, squeezing her hand just a little bit tighter. From years of experience, she came up with an excuse.

"Percy, don't worry! Gina has already volunteered to help me a little bit," she said. Gina was her friend's daughter.

"Mom, I'm your son! There must be something I can do!" I said desperately. She smiled half-heartedly, and for a split second, I saw a flicker of my mom in her younger days. Her elderly, wise-looking features were suddenly young and exuberant, like when I caught her with Paul for the first time, over the Iris-Message, so many years ago.

She patted my cheek.

"Percy, dear, you've got a lot on your shoulders to deal with. The divorce papers, raising Ben alone, and now -- Annabeth," she said.

"Annabeth?" I asked incredulously.

She grinned knowingly.

"Oh please, do you really think I can't see what's going on between the two of you?" she asked, her kind eyes sparkling.

"Huh?" I asked stupidly.

"If you ask me, I'm seeing what I saw between the both of you 7 years ago," she remarked. I shot her a glare. "Mom, it's over. We could never get what we had back. It's just not possible, especially because we just sorta-- I dunno-- fell apart? Besides, she's probably found someone new," I said childishly. She chuckled softlly.

"We'll see about that."

With Ben in my arms, I left the hospital, after being assured that Gina would pick my mom up when she was ready.

Then I remembered.

"Christmas!" I shouted, shocked. It was only two weeks away, and I hadn't gotten anything for Ben or my mom.

I hit my palm against my forehead and cursed in Ancient Greek. "Ω σκατά!"

Annabeth's PoV:

I drove home, my lips still burning after I kissed Percy's cheek.

I rolled down the windows, allowing wind in, which whipped through my hair, and I let my ponytail loose. I switched the radio on, and hummed along to "All I Want for Christmas".

New York was ablaze with more lights than usual. Times Square was bright with colorful Christmas lights and glowing ornaments. The big Christmas tree in the center was surrounded by kids (even at this hour!), couples, families, and elderly people. I parked my car outside the square, all intentions of going home deserted. Stuffing my hands into the pockets of my gray fleece jacket, I shuffled through the crowds, wandering aimlessly around. Angels were lit everywhere, and I took my camera out of my purse. I snapped a few pictures, and sat down. I'd become fond of photography after my step mom showed me her collection of photo albums.

A couple, probably around their 50's, passed by me, hand in hand, heads leaned towards each other, completely oblivious to their surroundings. I smiled, and wished I could experience something like that.

I bought a cup of coffee and settled down into a chair in a Starbucks, and flipped through some pictures on my camera. I'd had this camera for 4 to 5 years, and had pictures dating back to when I was 17.

I went to the very first picture. It was Thalia and I, hugging while laughing at the camera. It had been a few months since I last saw her, and I made a mental note to call her. The next one was Grover, Juniper, and I, lying on the grass at Camp Half-Blood, smiling. I stared at the younger version of myself, and thought of how different I was. Smiling, I flipped to the next picture.

It came as a shock.

Percy and I were lying on the sand at that beach Percy loved so much at camp. While I held up the camera, his lips were pressed against my cheek, the corners of his mouth curled up into a smirk.

My heart stumbled a little, as I flipped to the next picture. Our noses were pressed against each other, our eyes locked, gray meeting green.

Gulping, I hurriedly clicked to the next picture. It was a picture of Chiron. I sighed, hating myself. I hadn't talked to him in years, much less though about him! I swore silently to IM him when I woke up the next morning.

I flipped through the pictures, recollecting old memories, often pausing for more than 5 minutes on pictures of me and Percy.

Suddenly, a cold breeze swept through the cafe, and I looked up. A flash of red hair streamed in front of me, and I jumped.

Rachel Elizabeth Dare.

She leaned over the counter, giving her order to the guy. He nodded, writing it down on a cup. I could feel her eyes on me, and wondered if she remembered me. Risking it, I flashed my eyes up to meet her gaze, and her mouth turned into a little o.

Shivering, I stuffed the camera into my purse and almost ran out the door. Then, I speed walked to the nearest open store, and went to find a gift for Ben and Percy.

Percy's PoV:

The next morning, I called up Jayk.

"Hey, Jayk," I said into my phone.

"Hey, Perce! Watsup?" he asked brightly.

"I'm really sorry-- I know it's your day off-- but could you watch Ben for a few hours? I'm extra behind on my Christmas shopping, and I don't want him to know what I'm getting him," I said apologetically. He laughed.

"Sure, buddy! I'd be glad to take care of your little Beninator. Wanna just drop 'im off at my place?' he asked. "Sure. That'd be great. We'll be there in a few," I said.

After Ben had breakfast, we drove over to Jayk's place, and rang the doorbell. "One second!" he yelled through the door. Heavy footsteps ran back and forth.

"Sorry 'bout that," said a disheveled Jayk. "S'okay," I said. Jayk looked down. "Oi, there's the Beninator," he said grinning. Ben giggled. "Don't worry, Beninator. If your dad slips up on Christmas presents, Uncle Jayk's got ya covered," he said, grinning.

He looked up at me and winked.

"How 'bout we go look at the puppies down in Pet co, Ben?"

Something in my mind clicked. A dog! That's what I'd get Ben!

Jayk looked at me, grinning. "Have you caught my drift yet?" he asked. We laughed. Ben walked into Jayk's apartment to go play with his Schnauzer, Oggy. Jayk leaned in, whispering urgently. "Come bring it to me after you pick him up, and I'll take care of him 'til Christmas Eve. Then at night, I'll just drop it off at your place, and you can keep it in your room or something," he suggested. I nodded. "That'll work," I said.

I went to Toys R Us, and picked up a bunch of little cars for Ben. He loved Hot Wheels.

I went to Jared's for my mom. I picked out a little necklace with a dove, remembering that she wanted it the last time I brought her here. As I went to go pay, I remembered Annabeth. What would I get her?

Then something in my mind clicked again.

All those years ago, when we were about to leave for college, she left her owl earrings on accident, and I hadn't gotten a chance to give them back.

Maybe I could do that.

I drove to an animal shelter on the way back home.

The woman behind the counter held a shocked expression, and I knew why.

I leaned over the counter and said, "Can I look at the puppies?"

She led me to them, and I looked at all of them, behind the fence. One little beagle, looking only a few weeks old, caught my eye. He was huddled in the corner, his eyes sad. I pointed him out to the lady. "Can I see him?" She looked at me funny. "Are you sure? He's been here for weeks ever since he was born, and no one's want him. He's too small," she said. Yeah, perfect size for Ben, lady.

"I'll see him anyways."

She shrugged and climbed over the fence, picking up the small beagle.

"His name is Jasper."

Jasper. Not bad.

I looked at the puppy's sad adorable eyes, and looked at the lady.

"I'll take him," I said.

So what did you think?

My friend has a dog named Jasper, so I got the name from her.

Again, I apologize for not updating.

Happy Holidays!