All she knew was that everything was black. And there was a beeping noise coming from her left side. She didn't open her eyes, she didn't want to know if she was dead or alive. She didn't want to face what she did. Who she could have hurt. She felt a warm hand cover her own, a feeling of being alive.
"Annabeth," a voice said. So badly did she want to open her eyes, but didn't want to face what she had done. "Annabeth, I'm sorry I let you go. I should have chased after you. I should have known that.." his voice broke.
"Percy, nothing you would have done would have changed anything." She whispered, hoping he would hear her.
"Annabeth," he sighed, his forehead touching her hand. "You're alive."
"I'm sorry," her throat was rough and scratchy, like she hadn't drank in days. She wanted to know everything; she wanted to know who found her, and how she hadn't died. But a part of her wanted nothing to do with remembering that night. "How long have I been here?" she questioned.
"A week," he began. "It was a terrible week. I didn't know if you would wake up. You had lost so much blood." He felt like he had swallowed something too big. "I-I had to think what my life would be like without you. And, I couldn't…I couldn't do that. I can't even imagine going home to an empty house every day. I can't imagine not having someone to turn to when things get bad. I can't imagine living anywhere but with you in that tiny little condo of yours. I don't even care that it's not a big mansion like Hilary's. None of that ever mattered to me. Hilary was my best friend, but never more than that to me and I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that you were the one that always mattered to me. And that you were always the one."
Percy was too choked up to continue. Annabeth saw the pain and hurt in his eyes, but behind that she also saw that he was hoping for forgiveness. "Percy," she slowly lifted her hand to his cheek. She noticed the stitches on her wrist wrapped in gauze. "I've been waiting so long for you to say that." Her throat continued to burn, but she swallowed and began again. "You were never going to lose me. I'm a fighter, I always will be."
After three more days in the hospital, Annabeth stepped outside into the bitter winter air. How did time pass so fast? "Everything changes so fast. Summer to fall, fall to winter." She sighed. Percy slid his hand around her waist, her balance still not yet regained. "How is there already snow on the ground? I remember when we saw each other for the first time in years that the leaves were still falling from the trees."
"Time passes, everything can change in a matter of minutes." He kissed her forehead. The beautiful scenery of the hospital grounds was dazzling covered in snow. "This world is so beautiful and life is so precious. But things change, people leave, and life doesn't stop for anyone. Things get better, Annabeth. They always do." He smiled down at her. For once in her life she knew everything would be alright with her life. Her father would come around, Hilary would find another guy, Percy would always stay at her side and she would find her dream job.
Although nothing was certain, Annabeth hoped. She felt okay to dream, she felt like she had something to look forward to, something to help her sleep at night, something to make her get out of bed in the morning.
As they entered the cab heading to her condo, she thought about what the doctor had told her, and really remembered why she had a reason to hope. She placed her hand on her stomach and knew that everything really was right in the world.
A/N: Yes, yes. It is finished. One of the first series I started to write is over. I started writing it last year. Almost to the exact date. I've loved writing for all my followers so thank you all for reviewing because that what made me keep writing. I've loved sharing this journey with Annabeth and Percy. I've loved being on fanfiction for a whole year! So thank you all so much. I'm excited to start a whole new series soon, and continue a discontinued story. I hope you all enjoyed the year of chapters that I've shared with you.
Love always,
Demigodgirl1
