A/N: Sorry for the late update but I wanted to post it on Christmas and anyways, Christmas is the season of forgiveness. Consider this my gift. I was listening to Glee's version of "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" which was sung by Darren Criss the whole time. Sexy song + sexy singer = PURE BLISS
HeartOfCaramel: Thank you :D
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYBODY!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!
If you want to help me, if you have any complains, questions, suggestions or if you just want to talk, message me. I'll reply. :D
Enjoy! :)
Chapter 21 – All I Want For Christmas Is You
Percy's POV
"Percy, what did you do?" Mom asked me after I told her everything.
"I bought a ticket to San Francisco and my flight leaves in a few hours."
"Why all of the sudden? Did you think it through?"
"I didn't actually and the ticket is nonrefundable. Why don't we celebrate the holidays in San Francisco? You know, for a change."
"Does your dad know about this?"
I looked down at the floor, "No."
"You tell your dad. Now pack you things because you don't want to miss your flight."
I stood up from my seat, hugged Mom, and kissed her cheek, "Thank you. Thank you."
I ran to my room to pack up then heard Mom call from the kitchen, "This conversation isn't over."
I went back home to tell Mom and Paul that I bought a ticket to San Francisco and pack up. I ran around my room, grabbing clothes and things, and stuffing it in my bag. I looked for formal attires incase for events I need to wear something formal and I want to impress Annabeth's family. After a couple hours of packing, I was finally done.
"Percy? Are you done?" Mom was by the door.
"Yeah, I am." I said as I zipped my bag.
"Okay, we'll drive you to the airport."
Mom and I went down and exited the building. We got in the car and then we were off to the airport.
"Percy, we'll follow you in a couple days and we'll stay at a hotel."
I kept nodding as Mom told me what to do.
"But before Paul and I arrive, you'll be staying at Annabeth's."
"Yes, Mom."
We arrived at the airport. I got my things and said goodbye to them before I entered the departure area. Since I didn't have that much bags, I got checked-in easily and now I was waiting for the plane.
"Hey. You're going to San Francisco too?"
I looked up and looked for whoever spoke. I saw a guy with short brown hair who was probably the same age as I am.
"Yeah, you?"
"Yup. I'm Tyson." He held his hand out.
"I'm Percy." I said as I shook his hand.
"So, what's bringing you to San Francisco?"
"My family is celebrating the holidays with family friends. What about you?"
"College stuff."
The plane arrived and both of us stood up.
"It was nice meeting you, Percy."
"Yeah, same here. So, I'll see you around in San Francisco, Tyson."
We went to the desk and went in the plane. I sat down beside the window and my seatmate sat beside me. I looked at the person beside me and laughed when I realized that it was Tyson.
"So we meet again." He said as he sat down.
The flight seemed short for me. Maybe it was because I had someone to talk to. A few hours later, I felt the plane slowly descend. We went out of the plane, got our bags, and exited the airport.
"I'll see you around, Percy." Tyson said before getting in the taxi.
"You too."
I waved at him then the taxi left. I got in the next taxi and told the driver Annabeth's address. Annabeth told me where her house was in San Francisco earlier. When we were nearing a house that was similar to how she described her house to look like, my heart started beating faster and palms were getting sweaty. I paid the driver, got my bags, and walked up to the door. I took a deep breath before knocking on the door. I waited a couple minutes for someone to open the door.
"Coming." A voice who I believe is to be owned by Annabeth's father said.
The door opened only to show a man around Mom's age, smiling at me, "How may I help you?"
"I'm looking for Annabeth Chase."
"May I ask who's looking for her?" His eyebrows scrunched up.
"It's Percy Jackson."
"Percy? Come in, Annabeth just got back home."
Mr. Chase let me in and told me to sit on the couch while he calls Annabeth.
"Annabeth, someone's here for you." Her father called from the foot of the stairs.
My hands were starting to get sweaty then Mr. Chase came back in the living room, "Look at you! I didn't even recognize you."
"Frederick, who's that?"I heard who I assumed was Mrs. Chase.
The moment Mr. Chase replied was the same time Annabeth went down the stairs. I was looking at the stairs as Annabeth went down and she stopped for a moment.
"Percy Jackson? Sally's Percy Jackson?" Mrs. Chase's voice got louder as she walked towards the living room to see for herself.
Annabeth ran down the stairs to also see for herself and when she saw me, she ran towards me and hugged me tightly. I held her just as tight was she was.
"What are you doing here, Seaweed Brain?" She asked me once she released me.
"We decided to celebrate Christmas in San Francisco for this year."
"So Sally is going to be here too?" Mrs. Chase asked me.
"Uhm, yeah, Mom and Paul are coming here in a few days."
"Wait, where will you be staying?" Annabeth asked me.
"Why don't you stay here, Percy?" Mr. Chase said.
"Yeah, you should stay here!" Annabeth said, "There's a guest room upstairs."
Once that Annabeth and her parents told me to stay there, I agreed. I got my bags and brought them to the room where I'll be staying. Annabeth fixed the room for me and sat on the bed when she was done.
"I can't believe you're here." She said.
"Actually, I'm not supposed to be here. When I found out that you left the apartment, I asked Thalia where you would be. I went to the airport and when the ticket clerk told me that your plane left, I bought a ticket for the next flight."
"What? I left you a letter before I left. I put it on top of your table."
I looked down at the floor, "I didn't see it."
Annabeth laughed and said, "That was really smart, Seaweed Brain."
"The ticket was nonrefundable so Mom decided that we would just celebrate Christmas here for a change."
"Well, at least you're here now and we get to celebrate Christmas together." She smiled at me.
We just stayed at the room until Mrs. Chase called us for dinner. After we ate dinner, Annabeth and I offered to wash the dishes and we did. Once all the dishes were clean, we went to the living room where Mr. and Mrs. Chase, Matt, and Bobby were watching TV.
They were watching a Disney movie, Lion King. Annabeth and I sat down on the sofa and watched with them.
"Matt. Bobby. Get ready for bed." Mrs. Chase instructed when the movie ended.
"But, Mom, it's only nine thirty!" Bobby protested.
"Bobby." Mr. Chase warned.
"Fine." Bobby said, defeated, and went upstairs with Matt tagging along.
Mr. Chase changed the channel and ended up on a channel that was showing Jeopardy. Annabeth and her parents were answering the questions while I just sat there, watching them. After Jeopardy was Wheel of Fortune. While they were waiting for Wheel of Fortunes, I took that opportunity to excuse myself and tell them that I'll be heading to bed.
"Good night Mr. and Mrs. Chase. Night, Annabeth." I said as I stood up.
"Night, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth said as she smiled at me.
I went upstairs and got ready for bed. I was on top of the bed, staring at the ceiling with my hands behind my head.
What do I wasn't for Christmas?
I don't want a lot for Christmas. There's just one thing I need. I just want you for my own, more than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is…
Somebody opened the door so I sat up.
"Hey, I was just checking if you are fine." Annabeth said.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
"Oh, okay. Uhm, good night."
"Good night, Annabeth."
All I want for Christmas is you.
xxxxx
I woke up feeling giddy. I took a shower and headed downstairs as soon as the smell of coffee reached the guest room.
"Good morning, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth said as I entered the kitchen.
"Morning." I greeted everyone in the kitchen.
Mr. and Mrs. Chase were wearing their robe, Annabeth still wore her pajamas, and her brothers were nowhere to be found.
"Did you sleep well, Percy?" Mrs. Chase asked me before taking a sip of her coffee.
"I did," I smiled at her.
"You want to go out for today, Percy?" Annabeth asked me.
"Sure." I said then bit my toast, "Where will we be going?"
"To the places I enjoy going to. That's what you did when I was in New York." She smiled at me.
After we ate breakfast, we got ready. I wore a plain blue shirt, jeans, and sneakers. I went downstairs, got my coat, and waited for Annabeth. A few minutes later, she ran down the stairs, wearing the same thing as I am. She laughed as she saw that I was wearing the same thing.
"First you follow me here to San Francisco and now you want to follow how I dress?" She asked me.
"Well, actually, I was the first to wear this so that makes you the one who's following me." I stuck my tongue out.
She knew I was right so she just told me to shut up. She got her things and told her parent that we were leaving before kissing them both on their cheeks.
On the way to wherever she wanted to bring me, I noticed that there weren't any snow then I remembered that it doesn't snow in San Francisco.
I won't ask for much this Christmas. I don't even wish for snow.
"That's the Golden Gate Bridge." Annabeth pointed at a bridge.
She sat down on the concrete barrier and motioned for me to sit beside her so I did. Her hair was bothering her so she turned around and now she was facing me. She smiled at me and I smiled back.
"Percy, why did you follow me here?" Annabeth asked me and when I didn't answer she quickly added, "Not in a mean way. I'm just curious."
I kept quiet and thought of a way to explain without sounding quite desperate, "Because I didn't want you to leave."
I looked over and saw that she was try not to smile, "You're laughing at me." I complained.
"I am not!"
"You are so not making this easy."
She looked at me straight in the eye, serious again, "I'm never going to leave you."
I smiled, "I'll keep that in mind."
Annabeth hopped off the concrete barrier and I did the same. I was quite surprised because she held on to my hand. I looked at her and she was looking at the ground, smiling, and blushing.
"Have you tried riding the cable carts?" She asked me after we walked a couple blocks.
"It's my first time here in San Francisco, remember?"
"Oh yeah." She laughed.
Annabeth went between parked cars and looked left and right for the cable cart. When she finally spotted one that was coming, she raised her other hand and just waited for the cart to stop.
"C'mon." She pulled me along as she ran towards the cart.
We got on the cart, it started moving, and a guy wearing a uniform went near us.
"Two passports for three days." Annabeth told the man.
"That would be forty dollars." The man said as he held out the passports.
Annabeth got her wallet from her bag to pay but I was faster. I got my wallet from my pocket and paid the man fifty dollars. He gave me my change and went away from us.
"Thanks." Annabeth thanked me while putting her wallet back in her bag.
"No problem." I smiled at her, "So where are we going to next?"
"A place where I really enjoy going to. You'll know once we're there."
I gave up but I kept talking, "Did you ride this everyday going to school?"
"Yeah, once I was old enough to."
Once the cart stopped, Annabeth and I got out of the cart and walked towards where she wanted to bring me. She was still holding my hand . She stopped in front of a building and smiled.
"San Francisco Public Library." I read out loud, "I should've known."
"Let's go in." She said.
We went in the library and instantly the smell of books greeted me. There were people looking for books, reading books, borrowing books, and returning books. There were lots of bookshelves, tables, and lamps. Annabeth smiled at me and ran towards the bookshelves. It took me a while to process what just happened and when I did, I walked towards the bookshelves. Was it just me or Annabeth was so happy to be here? I looked at every aisle, hoping to see Annabeth but she wasn't there. If she wanted to play hide and seek then she'll be playing hide and seek.
I went through the bookshelves again and when I got a glimpse of her, I ran towards her, hoping I could catch her. She ran through the aisles but I was faster than her. I ran as fast as I could and grabbed her by the waist. She was laughing quietly and so was I…that was until we heard someone clear their throat. Annabeth and I quickly stopped and looked at whoever cleared their throat.
"Mrs. Olivier, hi." Annabeth said and quickly fixed herself.
Mrs. Olivier wore a white blouse, a pencil skirt, and flats. Her caramel colored hair was tied into a tight bun. She was holding a pair of glasses and had her hands on her hips.
"Annabeth Chase?" Mrs. Olivier was surprised to see that it was Annabeth who was making all the noise.
"I'm so sorry for the disturbance, Mrs. Olivier."
"Just don't do it again, Ms. Chase."
"We should probably get going. It was nice seeing you again, Mrs. Olivier."
"You too, Ms. Chase." Mrs. Olivier smiled at Annabeth but gave me a cold look.
Annabeth and I left the library and once we were out of the library, she laughed and I joined in. When we stopped, Annabeth held my hand and raised her free hand; signaling the cable cart to stop. We got in the cable cart and showed our passports. She was still smiling until now.
"I can't believe that Mrs. Olivier caught us." She laughed.
"How long was Mrs. Olivier the librarian there?" I asked.
"Years actually. Around eight years. I use to help her arrange the books when I was younger."
"Who knew Annabeth Chase had a fun side?" I wondered out loud.
"Oh hut up, Seaweed Brain." She hit my arm.
We got off the cable car a couple minutes later and walked, still hand in hand.
"So where are we going?" I asked her."
"One of my favorite restaurants here in San Francisco, First Crush Restaurant."
A few blocks later, we arrived at the restaurant. I opened the door for Annabeth and followed her in. We got seated and ordered. While waiting for our orders, Annabeth and I just talked.
"So, Percy, how's San Francisco so far?" Annabeth asked.
"It's great here." I understand why you would miss it so much."
"How about the cable cart?"
"I'm loving it so far." I took a sip of water before continuing, "I can't believe you kept San Francisco all to yourself for all those years."
She stuck her tongue out at me, "What do you want for Christmas, Seaweed Brain?"
"Anything would be fine." You.
"If you say so, just don't complain if you got something you wouldn't like."
"What about you, Wise Girl? What do you want for Christmas?" I asked her.
"I really don't know. A book or maybe just a shirt."
With that, our orders arrived. Annabeth talked about her childhood here in San Francisco while we ate our lunch. She talked about how much time she spent at the San Francisco Public Library, how much she enjoyed eating here in this restaurant, how her first ride in the cable cart went, and more. When the waiter gave us the bill, I offered to pay but Annabeth insisted that she pays too.
"You know, you don't have to pay for everything I buy, purchase or eat." She said.
"I'm being a good friend."
"Well, if you're being a good friend, you'll make me pay for half of the amount."
"Fine."
We split the payment, paid the bill, and left the restaurant. We walked down the street. While she held me hand, I felt the butterflies flutter around in my stomach. We got on the cable cart again and went down a few minutes later. We kept walking until we stopped in front of a building. I looked at her with my eyebrows raised.
"Sundance Kabuki Cinema. We're going to watch a movie." She said, excited.
"I knew that."
"So why raise an eyebrow at me, Seaweed Brain?" She laughed.
We went in the cinema, fought a bit over which movie to watch, finally deciding to watch New Year's Eve, and she bought the tickets while I bought the drinks.
"Two bottled water, watermelon flavored Airhead, and a berry blast Push Pop." I told the person behind the counter.
After paying, I stood by the entrance waiting for Annabeth. She showed the tickets for both of us and we entered the cinema. We chose our seats, got comfortable, and waited for the movie to start. I gave her her bottle of water and candies and she smiled and thanked me. A few minutes later, the lights dimmed and the movie started.
"I like the movie." Annabeth said as we exited Sundance Kabuki Cinemas.
"I bet Hugo was better."
"Oh really? Why didn't you watch it separately then? I could've watched New Year's Eve all by myself and you could've watched Hugo all by yourself."
"Well, you already bought the ticket."
"Whatever, Seaweed Brain." She started walking away and this time, she didn't hold on to my hand.
We walked in silence, got on a cable cart, got off, and continued walking. I was in battle with myself. A part of me told me to just hold her hand and another part of me told me to give her some space but the part which wanted to hold her hand won. I reached for her hand and held on to it. Her hand relaxed and held on to mine too. I gave her hand a squeeze and she squeezed my hand back.
"So where are we going?" I asked her.
"To one of my favorite ice cream shops."
"Bi-rite?" I read a sign I saw from a far.
"Yeah. They have pastries but their ice cream is to die for."
When we got to the ice cream shop, Annabeth immediately fell in line. I have to say, that was one long line. I looked at the ice cream flavors that were written on the glass of the freezer. It said that the salted caramel was the most popular but I wanted something else. Annabeth finally got to the counter and said her order to the cashier.
"One double scoop of salted caramel please."
"Anything else?"
"How about you, Percy?"
"One double scoop of malted vanilla with peanut brittle and milk chocolate pieces."
"Will that be all?"
"Yes."
Annabeth paid for both of use and ignored my protests while she insisted that it's her treat. As soon as we got our ice cream cones, we exited the shop. She licked her ice cream and smiled at me.
"I miss this ice cream so much." She said.
I licked my ice cream and smiled too. The ice cream was delicious.
"Once again, I can't believe you could hide this from me for years." I told her.
"Here, try mine." She offered her ice cream.
I licked her ice cream and understood why this was the most popular one.
From the shop, we decided to walk back. With ice cream cones in our hands, while walking hand in hand, it felt perfect. It was around five when Annabeth said that she wanted to see the sunset. So we went back to where we first went this morning. Annabeth sat down on the concrete barrier and watched the sun slowly go down. I sat down beside her and watched along with her. At times I would look at her from the corner of my eye. She looked beautiful with the orange glow that the sun was giving off.
When the sun was finally gone, Annabeth and I got off the concrete barrier and continued walking home.
"Mom! Dad! We're home." Annabeth called as she went in the house.
"We're in the living room." Mrs. Chase called back.
Annabeth and I took off our coats and hung them on the coat rack. We went in the living room and Christmas decorations were everywhere. Annabeth's parents were hanging the Christmas lights while Matt and Bobby decorated the Christmas tree. Annabeth and I helped decorated and put random figurines around. I noticed that Mr. and Mrs. Chase put up mistletoe.
"Okay, let's put up the stockings." Annabeth's father said.
Matt and Bobby immediately grabbed their stockings from the box of Christmas decorations. Annabeth and her parents got their stockings too. I watched them as they hung their stocking upon the fireplace.
"Wait, Percy doesn't have a stocking." Annabeth pointed out.
"Pick a stocking from the box, Percy." Mrs. Chase said.
"No, it's fine. Thank you anyway." I said.
"Are you sure?" Annabeth asked me.
"Yeah, a hundred percent sure."
I don't need to hand my stocking there upon the fireplace.
"Dinner's ready." Mrs. Chase called from the kitchen.
Mr. Chase, Annabeth, Bobby, Matt, and I got up from where we were sitting and suddenly…
"Looks like we have our first victims." Mr. Chase announced.
I looked at whoever was under the mistletoe and smiled when I saw it was Annabeth and Bobby. Annabeth and Bobby looked at the mistletoe, horrified, while Matt laughed at them.
"Dad, can we skip?" Bobby pleaded.
"A mistletoe is a mistletoe. Come on, give your sister a kiss."
Annabeth and Bobby looked at each other and Annabeth just crouched down to kiss her brother's cheek. As soon as her lips were off his cheek, Bobby wiped the spot where his sister kissed him.
"Oh suck it up, Bobby." Annabeth said.
"Now that wasn't so hard was it?" Mr. Chase said.
Since this Christmas I wanted a kiss from Annabeth, I'm just going to keep on waiting underneath the mistletoe.
After we had dinner, I went to the guest room to think over things I'll give for Christmas. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. I was expecting Annabeth to walk through the door but I stand corrected. Instead of Annabeth, two little boys went in the room and sat on my bed.
"Uhm, hey, guys." I said.
"Are you and my sister dating?" Matt asked.
And with that I was in an awkward position, "Uhm, no, we're not."
"Aw, too bad. You're a fun person to have around." Bobby said.
It felt good hearing that, now if only Annabeth's parents said that to me…
"But if you hurt her, you'll never be coming back here." Matt said.
"If only you guys knew. Hurting her is the last thing I want to do."
Matt and Bobby looked at me then at each other, "I approve." Bobby nodded.
"Me too." Matt said.
"So are we guys cool?"
"Yeah we are." Matt smiled at me.
"So, Percy, do you know how to play Mythomagic?" Bobby asked me.
For the next hour, Matt, Bobby, and I were playing Mythomagic. They were currently beating me when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." I called.
"Percy, have you seen where my brothers are?" Annabeth went in and saw who I was with, "Matt. Bobby. Get ready for bed. Do you know what time it is? Good thing Mom and Dad aren't here but they'll be back soon."
"But Annabeth, we're playing with Percy." Bobby whined.
"Now." She said sternly.
"We're beating Percy anyway. C'mon, Bobby, let's go. Good night, Percy." Matt said and got off the bed while Bobby was behind him.
"Really, Percy? Mythomagic is an easy game to play. I can't believe they're beating you." Annabeth laughed.
"Oh yeah? Then why don't I see you playing with them?"
"Because they don't enjoy losing repeatedly." She stuck her tongue out.
"Good night, Annabeth." Matt said; now wearing pajamas with Bobby beside him wearing the same thing.
"Did you guys brush your teeth?"
They nodded.
"Okay. Good night." Annabeth said then Matt and Bobby went in their room.
"Does that mean I have to go to bed too?" I asked her.
"Yes, you do. Tomorrow's going to be a big day because we're going Christmas shopping."
"Oh yeah, about that, I need help because I really don't know what to get."
"Good night, Seaweed Brain."
I sighed in defeat. "Sweet dreams, Wise Girl."
Before she closed the door, she said, "You'll figure it out, Seaweed Brain."
xxxxx
"So we split up?"
"Yeah. You go around buying your gifts, alone, and so will I. We'll meet up here at lunch, okay?"
"Okay. We'll meet up here at lunch."
"So, I'll see you later, Seaweed Brain."
"Yeah, see you later."
With that, Annabeth left me to buy her gifts. Today, she brought me to the mall to go Christmas shopping. I honestly don't know what to buy so I'm just going to wing it and hope that they would like what I'll buy them.
First, I went to the toy shop for Matt and Bobby's gift. I went to the part if the store where they had collectable figurines and asked the person behind if they had Mythomagic figurines. The person showed only three figurines.
"Uhm, are there others?" I asked.
"I'm sorry but these are all we've got."
"Kronos, Ares or Dionysus?" I wondered out loud.
"I'd choose between Kronos and Ares. Dionysus is the lamest one of all."
"How come?"
"Dionysus only has five hundred attack points, Ares has blood rage or infinite health for three rounds, and Kronos has infinite attack power and defense power."
"Yeah, I'll get Kronos and Ares."
I got the figurines and paid for them at the cashier. On my way out of the toy store, I saw a kid dragging her mom inside the store.
"Mom, I want that doll from Christmas! I already wrote to Santa and told him I wanted that."
"Maybe Santa will really give that to you." Her mom said and the girl was just ecstatic.
I won't make a list and send it to the North Pole for Saint Nick.
Santa Clause won't make me happy with a top on Christmas day.
I left the store and headed to a perfume store to buy my mom and Annabeth's mom's gifts and probably Paul's and Mrs. Chase's too. I looked around and smelled some perfumes. When I narrowed down the scents I liked the most to two, I bought them already. I don't know what to buy for Mr. Chase and Paul then I remembered that both of them are teachers; well, Paul is a teacher and Mr. Chase is a professor. I went in different shops to look for what I could give both of them and eventually I just got them neckties. Now I had to buy Annabeth a gift.
I walked around the mall and ended up in a souvenir shop. I looked around the shop. Annabeth said that she wanted a shirt. I went to the shirt section and ended buying a shirt saying, "Someone who loves me very much went to San Francisco and bought me this shirt." And since I was kind of feeling the Christmas spirit, I bought her a Santa hat.
I was waiting for Annabeth at the place where she said we would meet up when I remembered that I had to talk to Dad and tell him what I did. I thought about it and I should probably buy him a gift as well. I went to a clothes shop and bought him Bermuda shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, and a Hawaiian themed necktie.
"Where have you been? I've been waiting for you since a while ago." Annabeth said as she saw me.
"Sorry. I had to buy one last gift."
"Do you have everything you need?"
"Yeah."
"Even gift wrap?"
"Oh. Forgot about that, I'll just buy some from the bookstore."
"I'll go with you."
We bought gift wrap and then had lunch.
xxxxx
"Paul and I are on our way to the airport and will be there in San Francisco in a few hours so fix your things because we'll be staying at a hotel."
"Okay, Mom. Have a safe trip. Bye."
Mom hung up on me. I put the phone back to the receiver and sighed.
"What did Mrs. Jackson say?" Annabeth asked me.
"They'll be here in a few hours and I should pack up my things because we're staying at a hotel."
"Well, get packing. C'mon I'll help you if you want."
I smiled at her and we got off the couch. We were about to go up the stairs when we heard Matt and Bobby.
"Look at all the gifts, Matt!" Bobby said excitedly.
"I wish all of it is ours." Matt said.
Both of them rushed down the stairs and ran towards the Christmas tree. They started counting their gifts and predicted what their gifts were.
I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.
A few hours later, all of my things were packed up. I already told Annabeth's parents that I'll be staying at the hotel.
Annabeth and I were watching TV when the phone rang. Mrs. Chase answered it and told me that it was for me.
"Hello?"
"Percy, we're on our way to the hotel. We'll just check in then we'll have lunch together."
"Okay, I'll be on my way, Mom. Bye."
I hung up on her. I got up from the couch and got my things. I wish Annabeth could come along.
"I could come along if you like." Annabeth said.
Did she just read my mind?
"Sure, why not?" I said.
After Annabeth got changed, we got a cab and headed to the hotel. Mom greeted us as we entered the lobby.
"Annabeth! I didn't know you were coming along." Mom said.
"Well, I thought maybe Percy would get lost here in San Francisco So I went along with him."
"I hope you don't mind that I brought Annabeth along." I said.
"It's more that okay. Put your things in your room so we can have lunch." Mom gave me a key.
"My room? I have a separate room? I asked in disbelief.
"You father and I talked and he said you should have your own room. You still have to call your dad."
"Mom, you don't have to get me my own room. I would be fine staying with you."
"Your dad is paying for it." Mom simply said.
"Oh, I should bring my bags to the room so we could have lunch."
I went to the elevator and pressed the number of the floor my room is on. When the doors opened, I went out and looked for my room. I unlocked the door, put my bags in the room, locked the room, and went back downstairs. After we had lunch, Annabeth offered to show Mom and Paul around San Francisco and Mom said that it would be great. For the whole afternoon, Annabeth was our tour guide. She brought Mom, Paul, and I to the first place she brought me. While Annabeth was telling facts about the Golden Gate Bridge, and Mom and Paul were admiring it, I saw a familiar face.
"Tyson?" I wondered out loud; loud enough for him to hear.
He turned around, looked for whoever called him, and saw me. He smiled widely and went over to me.\
"I see we meet again." He said.
"I see that too." I said seriously but smiled widely, "What's up?"
"Just walking around with my girlfriend, Ella."
"Hi, I'm Ella." She held her hand out and I shook it, "You must be Percy. Tyson has told me a lot about you. I see you're also here for the Golden Gate Bridge. The construction started on January 5, 1933 and ended on April 19, 1937."
"And it was opened on May 27, 1937." Annabeth finished for Ella and held on to my hand, "Hi, I'm Annabeth, Percy's friend."
I introduced them and they shook hands.
"You're here with Annabeth?" Tyson asked me.
"My mom and my stepdad are here with us."
"Do you mind if I met them?"
"No, not at all."
I brought Tyson and Ella to Mom and Paul, still holding on to Annabeth's hand.
"Guys, this is my friend Tyson, who I met on the plane, and his girlfriend, Ella."
"It's nice to meet you." Tyson said while shaking their hands.
"It's nice to meet you, too." Mom said.
"So you're here in San Francisco for the holidays?" Tyson asked.
"Yeah we are."
They talked for a while then Tyson and Ella left, leaving us to continue our tour with Annabeth.
xxxxx
Today, I decided to stay at the hotel.
I woke up around ten in the morning then got showered so I can eat breakfast downstairs. After I ate, I went back to my room. I was watching TV when the telephone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hey, Percy."
"Oh hey, Annabeth. What's up?"
"Are you doing anything today?"
"Hope. I'm planning to stay at the hotel the whole day."
"Oh. Do you mind if I stay there with you for the day?"
"No, of course not. Come here anytime you want. Wait, is there something wrong? Are your parents fighting?"
Annabeth laughed at the other end, "No, I just want to hang out with you."
"Oh, well come on over."
"Okay, I'll see you later."
Then she hung up. I was excited to have Annabeth over.
About thirty minutes later, Annabeth knocked on the door. I let her in and we sat on the huge bed while watching TV. We ate lunch downstairs along with Mom and Paul then walked around the hotel before heading back to the room. Now we were watching A Walk to Remember because Annaebth insisted. We were in the part where Landon was about to kiss Jamie.
"Percy, I have something to tell you." Annabeth said and looked at me straight in the eye.
"What is it, Annabeth?"
"I might kiss you…" The TV said.
Annabeth just kept quiet but she started leaning towards me.
"I might be bad at it…" Mandy Moore said on TV.
Ring! Ring!
Annabeth straightened up and cleared her throat while I reached for the phone.
"Hello?"
"Percy, have you called your father?"
"I haven't but I was planning to call him later."
"Okay, I'll call you later." Then Mom hung up on me.
I looked over at Annabeth and noticed she was back to her earlier position, watching TV.
"There was something you wanted to tell me, Annabeth." I reminded her.
"I should get going. Thanks for letting me stay here. I'll see you tomorrow." She said then got her things.
"Bye." I said to practically nothing because Annabeth was already gone.
I just wanted to hit my head against the table. I was so close to getting a kiss from Annabeth and Mom just had to call.
xxxxx
Not a single call from Annabeth.
"Percy, get changed. We're having dinner at Annabeth's." Mom said.
I got up from bed and got ready. I got my bag of gifts because I'll bring it to their house.
When we got to their house, all the Christmas lights were on. Once we got it, I heard nothing but Christmas songs. Matt and Bobby were laughing while Annabeth or her parents would randomly sing along to the Christmas songs.
"Sally!" Annabeth's mom said out loud and hugged my mom.
"Hey Sally." Annabeth's dad greeted and gave my mom a short hug.
They had a little reunion while I put my gifts under the Christmas tree.
All the lights are shining so brightly everywhere and the sound of children's laughter fill the air. And everyone is singing. I hear those sleigh bells ringing.
I sat down on the sofa while Annabeth was playing with Matt and Bobby on the floor. Annabeth wore a fitting red dress, white shoes, and Nico's gift. I really had no idea why Annabeth wouldn't go near me. I didn't do anything wrong, right?
"Come join us, Percy." Matt said, "We're playing Mythomagic."
I got up from the couch and sat down on the floor with them. We played a couple rounds and I have to say, Annabeth was right. She always won and, well, I always lost. While we played, our parents danced around. After probably the tenth time she won, she slowly stood up and headed for the kitchen. Since the Chase's version of All I want for Christmas is You was catchy and upbeat, I ran after Annabeth and danced with her. I held her hands in mine and danced our way back to the living room. Annabeth laughed and danced along with me. I had to watch my steps because I didn't want to step on her shoes. The next song was Extraordinary Merry Christmas and luckily it was upbeat so Annabeth and I continued dancing around.
Annabeth and I stopped dancing when Extraordinary Merry Christmas ended because we couldn't stop laughing. We sat down on the sofa still laughing.
"I'm sorry if I did anything wrong yesterday." I said.
"You didn't do anything wrong, Seaweed Brain."
"Then why were you like tat towards me?"
"I was just over thinking things."
As the clock struck twelve, Matt and Bobby dove under the Christmas tree and grabbed their gifts. They ripped my gift's wrapper, suddenly looked at me as if I was a god, and tackled me to the ground while thanking me repeatedly. We opened our gifts and thanked whoever gave it to us. When I opened Annabeth's gift for me, she was also opening my gift for her. I opened her gift and guess what; we had the same gifts for each other. We gave each other puzzled looks but laughed it off and wore our Santa hats.
"Merry Christmas, Seaweed Brain." Annabeth said then kissed my cheek.
"Thank you for inviting us over. Merry Christmas." Mom said while Paul and I just smiled from inside the taxi.
"You're very welcome. When are you leaving?" Mrs. Chase asked.
"Later actually. Paul has lots of papers to check and my boss wouldn't let me have a longer leave."
"Oh. Have a safe trip and come back soon."
Mom got in and the taxi brought us back to the hotel. I went to my room and got changed for bed. I wish I could stay here in San Francisco longer because I wanted more time with Annabeth.
I won't even stay awake to hear those magic reindeers click cause I just want you here tonight holding on to me so tight.
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need. Won't you please bring my baby to me?
This is all I'm asking for. I just want to see my baby, standing right outside my door.
I was about to fall asleep when there was a knock on my door. I got up, opened the door, and was surprised to see Annabeth outside, carrying a bag. I let her in and she said that she asked her parents if she could sleep over and they said yes. She was sitting on the bed, watching TV, when the phone rang.
"Hello, son. How's having the room all to yourself? I wanted to ask you if you wanted to come along to Mustique for Christmas and New Year."
"I'm loving it so far. Have you asked Mom and Paul if they wanted to come along too?"
"I already asked them and they said no. So why not ask you. So is it a yes or a no? It's all expenses paid."
"Sure, I'll go." I looked over at Annabeth and said, "Dad, it is fine if I brought a friend along with me?"
"Oh sure. It's a hundred percent fine with me. I'll see you tomorrow. Merry Christmas, son."
"Okay. Thanks, Dad. Merry Christmas to you too, Dad." Then he hung up.
Time to tell Annabeth to pack up her things because she's going to Mustique with me.
A/N: Thanks for reading! :)
The link to Annabeth's Christmas Party outfit is on my profile :)
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Question of the Chapter: How did or will you celebrate Christmas or the holidays?