It's finally here! The epilogue! Honestly, this one epilogue is like four chapters in one (Idek if this should be considered an epilogue). I just couldn't stop writing and it ended up being the longest thing I've ever written! Thank you all for taking the time to read my story and big thanks to LouTheDog who beta read this update for me. I made sure to get this posted on August 18th because today is Percy's birthday and also the day Percabeth got together!
Disclaimer: Don't own
Percy POV
"Impressive Mason. You keep that up and I'd say you've got a good shot at going to state." I say, after clicking the stop button on the timer around my neck. I squat down by the edge of the pool, showing the numbers to the 12th grade boy treading water in the pool.
He tries not to show it, but I notice his lips twitch up in a small smile. "You think so?"
I nod before getting up to blow my whistle and address the whole Goode High swim team. "Alright, practice is over! Everyone hit the showers!"
Cheers follow the announcement as everyone gets out of the pool. It was Friday after all. I couldn't wait to get home either. Before they're all out of the door, I stop Mason.
"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?" I ask.
He nods, confused as to why I'd called him back. Mason was a quiet kid, the kind of person a lot of people don't take the time to get to know. He reminded me of myself in a way, with his mop of messy black hair and his passion for swimming. When all the other swimmers were gone I began.
"Listen Mason, you've got some real talent when it comes to swimming, and I think that you could go really far but from what your teachers tell me, you haven't been doing so well in your classes. School comes first and if you can't get your grades up I don't have a choice but to not let you compete in meets, understood?"
"Yeah, I get it. And…thanks coach." He replies, taking me by surprise. My eyebrows furrow in confusion.
"For what?"
"For…believing in me, that I can make it far. I haven't really had a lot of that in my life."
I can tell there's more to the story, but I don't push it.
"You're welcome. Now, I'll see you at practice on Monday, just get those grades up, you hear?"
He nods. "I will. Bye coach."
With one final wave he's gone.
If someone had told me six months ago that I would become a high school swim coach and PE teacher at my old school after retiring from the Marines I wouldn't have believed them. I would've thought I'd do something with law enforcement, maybe a police officer or something. Yet here I was, coaching the swim team that I had once been the captain of back when I was a teenager. It was almost as if I'd never left.
I loved my job though. I'd looked at so many different job positions after retiring from the service and even tried out a job I'd found behind a desk. I had soon discovered that having a desk job was not the job for me. I wanted to be doing something more productive and social, so I looked around some more and found out Goode High was looking for a PE teacher as well as a swim coach. As I've said countless times, I loved swimming and being in the water. It was one of the only sports I thoroughly enjoyed and being the PE teacher meant I wouldn't have to be stuck behind a desk all day so I applied for the job without hesitation, and got it.
Grabbing my car keys and wallet, I made my way out of the school building and into the parking lot. Putting the key in the ignition, I started on my way home.
Annabeth POV
"Dr. Chase, we're losing him."
My hands work faster, trying to find the source of the bleeding. Everyone around me was a blur as I focused all my attention on the operating table before me, which held what looked to be a seven or eight year old lab mix. The dog had been brought into the clinic by a few people claiming to have found him by the side of the road, nearly dead, but still breathing. We had to start operating almost immediately. The monitors around me starting beeping wildly, a sign that meant if I didn't find what was causing the bleeding soon, it would all be over.
After another few seconds I finally found the problem; a big piece of the lung tissue had been torn, thus causing the rapid blood flow.
"It's a pulmonary contusion. We need to drain the fluid from the pulmonary cavities."
Without another word, I go to work on draining the fluid and patching up the damaged tissue. With the help of my veterinary assistants we work rapidly. The process doesn't seem fast enough though because the monitors continue to beep quickly. We're almost done, and then within the next second the heart rate monitor flat lines and the assistants back away.
However, I don't move from my spot. I continue what I'm doing, working as fast as I possibly can to finish the job and not willing to accept defeat.
"Dr. Chase-"
"No! I'm not stopping! Not when I'm this close!"
When I finish the room is silent except for the different monitors. The flat line had sounded only a couple of seconds before I finished, so I hoped with every fiber in my being that I hadn't been too late.
There's a tense moment. No one says a word, everyone's eyes plastered to either the monitor or the dog lying on the table. I was breathing heavily, not daring to make a sound.
And then, just when my heart had started to drop and I was starting to think I had failed…
The heart rate monitor started beeping at a steady rate.
Relief coursed through my body and my mood was instantly lifted. The dog was alive. I smiled under the mask I was wearing, while all around me the others in the room started clapping.
"Well done, Dr. Chase." I heard one of them say.
I nod in thanks before beginning to close up. We move the dog to the location for overnight observation after the procedure is over. I change out of my scrubs and into some new ones with my white coat over top. After changing I walk over to the people who had brought in the dog. It seemed to be a family, two parents and a little girl who looked to be about four or five. When they spot me, the little girl runs over asking me a million questions at once.
"Is the doggie ok? Did you fix him? He's alive right? Was it hard to fix him? When can we see him?"
"Katie, let the doctor speak." Her mother tells her.
"I'm sorry, she's just very anxious." The woman says, this time directed towards me.
"Oh, it's quite alright, ma'am." I smile and kneel down so that I'm eye level with the girl.
"The dog is going to be just fine. It's a good thing you found him when you did, you helped save his life Katie." I tell her honestly.
The biggest of grins forms on her face. "Yay! Thank you for fixing him!" She takes me by surprise when she pulls me into a hug, but I return it wholeheartedly.
There were two sides to this job. Sometimes you got hugs and smiles when you saved an animals life and other times you had to go out and tell families that their pet hadn't made it. Unfortunately, I'd had to do both but these were the moments that made it all worth it.
"When can I see him?" Katie asks curiously, excitement lacing her words.
"He's resting right now but soon I promise." I tell her, standing back up so I could address the whole family. We talked for another minute. The family informed me that they would most likely be adopting the lab mix and my heart warmed at the information. They thanked me once again and left the clinic.
I did a few simple check-ups for different pets, and then before I knew it the sun was beginning to set. Looking at the clock on the wall, I realized how late it was getting and that I should be heading home. The clinic was open at all hours but I never worked the night shift. I changed back into my street clothes and said goodbye to a few of my co-workers before I left. I was so glad it was Friday, because I didn't work on the weekends unless I was called in.
…
Upon entering the apartment I braced myself for the greeting I was about to get. I heard the familiar sound of nails on the wooden floor and the padding of paws as the friendly face of my one-year-old golden retriever came into view. He jumped up and attacked me with kisses, getting my face all slobbery and wet. I laughed and patted his head.
"Hi, Max! Who's a good boy? Okay, okay! Enough with the kisses!" I laugh. He gets down and I put my car keys into the bowl on the side. I smile when I smell the scent of spaghetti and meatballs fill my nose. When I walk into the kitchen my smile widens at the scene.
Two plates of steaming hot spaghetti were placed neatly on the kitchen table along with some glasses. The door to the fridge closes and the person behind the door looks up. His eyes widen, and the two-liter bottle of coke he was holding nearly falls out of his hands.
"Gods you scared me half to death Annabeth! You're like a freaking ninja!" He says, holding a hand over his heart in attempt to calm his heart rate. I can't help it, I start laughing my head off and replaying his reaction in my head.
"You didn't hear me come in? What about when Max came to greet me?" I ask.
He shakes his head, placing the bottle of coke on the table and walking closer to me. "I was in the zone."
I stifle a laugh. "In the zone?"
"Yup, I was completely focused on cooking. No one could distract me." He explains exasperatedly, dramatically looking up to the side.
I roll my eyes, subconsciously wrapping my arms around his neck. "You're such a Seaweed Brain."
He doesn't reply but places his arms around my waist, pulling me to him, his lips crashing against mine. I hum, pulling at the collar of his shirt to bring him closer. He tilts my head to deepen the kiss and I let him, my hands exploring his messy locks of black hair. He cups my cheek with one hand while the other holds my waist firmly.
"I missed you." I say when he pulls away.
"Not as much as I missed you." He replies, grinning cheekily.
We said the same thing to each other pretty much everyday after work. It was silly because we'd just seen each other in the morning. Percy and I had slowly become one of those couples I used to despise, the kind that was always so lovey-dovey with each other, but I just couldn't help it. I was like a completely different person around him.
We'd found a small apartment and moved in together a few months after Percy retired from the Marines. I was still in veterinary school and Percy was looking around for a job so it was really hard financially when we first moved in, but we made it work somehow. Now we both had stable jobs and it wasn't as hard to pay the bills each month like it was before.
I'll admit, I was sad when I moved out of the condo I shared with my friends for so long. They, of course, had finished college way before me because I had to attend vet school, but we still lived together during that time and it was a big change when Percy and I had decided to get our own place. A big change, but definitely a good change.
I woke up and fell asleep every day cuddled up to my boyfriend of five years now. We watched TV and ate dinner together every night. Usually Percy made dinner because I got home later than him and I made breakfast. Even the little things made me smile, like when we brushed our teeth together or spent time playing with Max in the living room.
Now Max came as a surprise to the both of us. You know those cheesy movies where someone finds a puppy left alone abandoned in a box on the side of the road? Well that's how we met Max. About a year ago we were driving back to the apartment after going out to dinner one night, and saw this box on the pavement. Something inside of me told me it was important and that we needed to stop so Percy pulled over and we both got out to see what was inside. I wasn't expecting to see a scared little puppy inside because like I said, in real life this isn't a normal occurrence. He was filthy, his fur almost completely brown and the instant I saw him I knew I wanted to give him a home. Luckily, our apartment complex allowed pets so as soon as we got back to our place we gave him a bath and I gave him a quick physical to make sure nothing was wrong. There was a moment when I burst out laughing while we were giving him a bath and Percy looked at me like I had gone crazy. I explained how I was laughing at the irony of how out of all the dog breeds this one that we happened to come across was a golden retriever, the kind we'd talked about owning years ago. He started laughing too and then we were both unexpectedly covered in soapy bath water because Max shook himself.
"How was your day at the clinic?" Percy asks, bringing me back to the present, where we were seated and eating dinner across from each other.
I tell him all about the operation I had to perform today and how the dog almost hadn't made it. I can tell he doesn't understand every word I say because of the medical terms, but he still listens intently and I'm grateful for it.
"Wow, I've got one badass of a girlfriend." He says, once I'm finished. I laugh and twist another forkful of spaghetti on my plate.
That word, girlfriend. Don't get me wrong, I loved being Percy's girlfriend but lately I've been feeling like… I want something more. In my head I knew I wanted to be a fiancé and then eventually a wife. I remembered what Percy told me about wanting to marry me once I graduated from vet school. I'd been out of school for about a year now but nothing had happened. Yes, I know it's the 21st century, and it's not all that uncommon for a girl to propose, but ever since I was little I'd pictured what it would be like when the guy I loved proposed to me and I still held onto that.
It seemed like everyone was moving on with their lives. Leo and Calypso had been married for almost a year now, and a few weeks ago Calypso had told us she was expecting. Jason had proposed to Piper a few months ago. Nico and Thalia had just recently moved in together. Juniper had told me Grover was hinting constantly about proposing, so that was bound to happen any day now. It just seemed like everyone was taking the next big step in their relationship.
Percy hadn't given me any hints about proposing, and we didn't really talk about it. Did he still want to marry me? Did he still want that dream house and family that we had once talked about? I knew I did but I had no clue what was going on inside that mans head.
"Hey, are you ok?" Percy asks softly, placing a hand on mine and again, snapping me out of my trance.
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. How was your day?" I ask, rather fast.
He stares at me for another second before letting it go and starting to talk about his day at the pool and how one of his swimmers improved their time significantly. I listen, keeping our hands intertwined across the table.
Time Skip: One month later
Percy POV
"So that's why you've been a nervous wreck the whole week!" Claire, one of the girls on the swim team, says excitedly. I'm about to reply when another one of the girls, Katherine, cuts me off.
"Don't even deny it Coach. So come on, tell us! How are you going to do it?" She asks giddily.
I stare at the team blankly for a second. "Uh…I was just kind of planning on asking her." I say, rubbing the back of my neck nervously.
It was true, I didn't really have much planned. I'd gotten the ring months ago and Fredrick had given me his blessing so long ago but I wanted to find the right time to do it. I'm starting to realize that there isn't really a "perfect time" for it, and for that reason I had decided that I was going to do it this weekend.
"What! No! This is something she'll remember for the rest of her life! Okay, wait, give me a minute. This needs to be thought out carefully." Claire explains, looking deep in thought.
"Well, obviously it should be something easy and chill. Do it at a restaurant or something." Noah, one of the male swimmers, comments. Another girl, Emily, one of the youngest swimmers on the team, flicks his forehead.
"No you idiot! Claire is right! It needs to be well thought out and romantic. Hmm… what to do?"
Somehow it had gotten around the school, or more specifically the swim team, that I was planning on proposing to Annabeth and the girls on the team had basically cornered me. They had met Annabeth a couple times when she visited during her break time, so they knew who she was. I had no choice but to confirm the rumor and now swim practice had turned into some kind of grand proposal planning session with not only the girls, but the boys as well, all gathered around, treading water in the pool and shouting out ideas.
In a way, I was glad I had told them because I really did need help coming up with an idea, even if it was from high school students, and the team had been really worried about competitions coming up so it gave them a bit of a break. But at the same time, if anyone walked in right now and saw how unproductive this practice was, I'd probably get in trouble, but it didn't look like I was going to get anyone to practice today, based on how this was going.
"Do you guys have a special place or spot you like to go to? Having it at a place you two find special will make the proposal so much more meaningful." Claire explains. That girl had to be related to Piper in some way because I swear that's something she would say.
"Uh… there's this place in Central Park. We used to go there quite a lot-"
"Bingo! That's where it needs to be. Now for the set up…" Katherine says, carefully thinking it through. They seemed to be taking this very seriously.
"I've got it!" Emily shouts suddenly.
She explains her idea out loud to the team, and once she's done the whole team nods in agreement with choruses of approval sounding out from everyone.. They turn towards me and I smile. It might have been a bit over the top and cliché but at the same time…
It was perfect.
…
Annabeth POV
"Once. Just once I'd like to come here with you without having my sight being taken away Seaweed Brain." I tease as Percy adjusts the blindfold over my eyes.
This afternoon Percy had casually come up with the idea that we should pay a visit to our one special place that we had shared so many memories together at in Central Park. I smiled at the idea, agreeing almost instantly. It was the place where Percy had surprised me with a picnic date early on in our relationship, the place where we'd spent the night together under the stars on the night before he had to leave me for the first time since I'd met him and lastly, the place I would spend hours at just sitting and hoping for my Seaweed Brain to come back safely when we were separated. Wow that sounded really sappy, well you get the point.
I hear him chuckle nervously. "Well that night is not tonight, sorry Wise Girl."
He grabs both of my hands so he can guide me and I quickly notice that they seem to be slightly shaky. I stop him from beginning to walk by squeezing his hands in mine and tugging him a bit closer. Even though I couldn't see because of the blindfold, I knew that something was up.
"Perce? What's up, you've been acting…different lately." I comment. It seemed like in the last few days he'd been kinda off, on edge about a lot of things, and whenever I came home from work he would look tense, or at least not as relaxed as usual. It worried me.
He sighs deeply, I feel his hand touch my cheek as he leans down to give me a lingering kiss that ends much too soon for my liking.
"Come on, let's go." He whispers, taking hold of my other hand once again and avoiding the question. I decided to let it go for now, but as soon as we got home he'd be in for a hard questioning.
I hear Max's dog tags clank loudly as he walks beside us. We had decided to bring him as well. There was a small watering hole there that I was sure he'd like. He loved swimming, and it was a good change of scenery for him.
My feet tread lightly on the grass as we walk the all too familiar route. After another few minutes we finally stop and I hear Max move ahead of us, probably to the water but I didn't know, considering I was still blindfolded. I go to undo the fabric tied around my eyes but Percy's hands stop me.
"Not yet Wise Girl. I'm going to direct you, and I'll tell you when you can take it off, ok?" He asks me. I give him a confused look, which he probably can't see because of the blindfold, and nod unsurely.
"If this is some trick and you direct me right towards the water, I can assure you that you'll be sleeping on the couch tonight." I threaten. He chuckles from behind me as I walk forward.
"Trust me." He whispers quietly. The next moment consists of Percy telling me to keep walking straight, move a little to the left, or walk to the right. His voice gets further as I walk until he finally shouts at me to stop walking. He tells me to take off the blindfold and I do so graciously.
"Now, Max!" I hear my boyfriend shout. When I get the fabric off my face I look down to see my dog trotting towards me, with what looks to be a white scroll in his mouth tied with a grey ribbon. I smile curiously, squatting down to take the note from him and untying the bow as I pat Max. Once I opened the note there were only two words on the small paper.
Turn Around
Confused out of my mind, I stand up from kneeling next to Max and turn completely around. What I see, right there in that moment, is something so beautiful, something that will forever be remembered in my head as one of the best times of my life. I gasp loudly and tears instantly flood my eyes. That had to be a new record for how fast I could go from confused to crying my eyes out.
About 30 feet in front of me lies four words, phrased in a question, spelled out in bright white lights.
Will you marry me?
If Percy hadn't directed me where to stand I'd probably be looking at it from an odd angle, but from where I was I could see it perfectly.
Percy stood not far from the display, thousands of other bright lights surrounding him in the trees. He started walking towards me along the walkway filled with lit up lanterns, sort of like the ones from the movie Tangled, but these ones stay on the ground. When he's right in front of me he takes my hands in his, staring deeply into my eyes. I try to clear my blurry eyes, but it seems to be impossible because more tears keep coming.
"Wise Girl, the first time I saw you, which seems like decades ago, was in Central Park on some random afternoon that I was home on leave. We didn't talk that day, but I froze as soon as I laid eyes on you. I remember thinking, now this is the honest truth, I remember thinking 'wow she's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen'. For the days following I couldn't get the image of the grey eyed beauty with princess curls out of my head."
A mixture between a laugh and a sob escapes me as he continues.
"We met again by chance that day at the zoo when we both got lost. I saw you first and I knew I couldn't let you get away again, not without at least getting your name. That day I lucked out, because not only did I get your name but we spent the whole day talking and I got to know you. You were different from other girls, there was just something about you that intrigued me, and we became friends practically right at the start. In a way, it also scared me because I was only home for two months and then I would be leaving again. My head was telling me that I shouldn't get too close to anyone. These thoughts carried on up until the camping trip where we again got lost in the woods and had splash wars in the lake. I couldn't do it anymore, we hadn't known each other very long but I didn't want to, or more like I couldn't be just your friend. I confessed that I liked you and words cannot describe how overjoyed I was when I found out you felt the same way. We went through ups and downs at the start of our relationship, but there isn't one couple that's one hundred percent perfect, all relationships are a little flawed. During those two months I was visiting home I fell completely in love with you, and I knew leaving you was going to kill me."
I sniffle. He runs his thumbs over my hands soothingly, keeping his green orbs locked on my grey ones.
"Over the time that we were separated I missed you more than I could handle. Everyday I would think about you and wonder what you'd be doing back in New York. Being away from you was one of the hardest things I've had to do, and when we were finally reunited that first time at the airport I realized that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. We were far too young at that time though, I was still invested in the military and you were studying to be a veterinarian so I knew it would have to wait. We've been though so much together, including a time where I was closer than I've ever been to death, but we still made it through. You've taught me many things over the years. As corny as it sounds, before I met you I felt like my life was missing something but I didn't know what. With you I feel whole."
He grins and I grin back through my tears. That was probably the cheesiest sentence I've heard him say, (and that's saying a lot) but I loved it. I loved him.
"I love that you're not one of those girls who is obsessed with their appearance and cakes their faces in makeup or wears clothes that are extra tight. I love that you're determined and you never give up on something when you really care about it. I love how you have a serious and a non-serious side along with a girly and a tomboyish side. I love seeing you in my clothes that are so baggy and huge on you but make you look adorable. I love your laugh, and the way your eyes light up when you're happy. I love being the person you come to when you're upset and you need to cry. I could go on an on but overall Annabeth, I love you and I want us to build a future together."
With that, he steadily drops my hands and reaches for his pocket, getting down on one knee and opening a small velvet box. When he opens it I gasp (probably a little too loudly) at the ring.
It had a three-carat round cut diamond in the center, surrounded by smaller diamonds on the band of the ring. I wasn't usually one for too much jewelry, but the ring was absolutely stunning. My hands come up to cover my mouth and tears pour out of my eyes.
"Annabeth Marie Chase, will you marry me?"
I nod my head, and when I finally find my words, I speak.
"Yes." I whisper, a sob breaking through. I was a crying mess but he didn't look like he cared. He smiles happily up at me, getting back on his feet before slipping the ring onto my left ring finger.
He instantly leans in to kiss me and I return it whole-heartedly, smiling like I'd just won the lottery. I wrap my arms around his neck snugly and laugh giddily when he dips me in the middle of the kiss, breaking it to smile down at me while I smile up at him before he connects our lips again. I use one hand to cup his cheek, and several times I have to break the kiss because I can't stop grinning.
After a minute I let out a startled screech when I feel water spray across my legs. Percy puts me upright and we both pull away, looking down to see a certain golden retriever shaking his long wet fur from swimming in the water before barking happily. I smile when I think about Percy including Max in the proposal. He incorporated my love of animals into it, and that only made it more special.
"Hey Max! We did it buddy, she said yes." He says, crouching down to ruffle his fur. I grin widely, getting down as well to pet him. He showers my face in kisses and I laugh, scrunching my face up and closing my eyes.
"Did you go swimming? Yeah? How was the water?" I ask in a rather higher pitched voice after a beat. Obviously he doesn't answer in English but he barks again in response.
"Why don't we go check for ourselves, Wise Girl." Percy says, looking over to me.
"Now? It's like nine o clock. Plus, we don't have swim suits." I point out. He shrugs.
"Doesn't matter. Besides, we have something to celebrate. We can afford to do something a little crazy." He reasons, leaning his forehead against mine. I smile, he had a very valid point and we had underwear so it wasn't even that bad. With that in mind, I give him a quick peck on the lips before pulling away.
"Race you!" I shout childishly, getting up and running closer to the water. I begin to pull off the jean shorts and maroon shirt I had on. He follows behind me. I carefully take off the new ring on my finger as well and place it on top of my other clothes. I didn't want to take it off but I knew better than to take fine pieces of jewelry into the water.
I feel strong arms wrap around my bare stomach and suddenly find myself lifted into the air. I let off a round of giggles as Percy runs, carrying me bridal style against his chest. When he jumps he takes me with him and cold water envelopes my body. I come up completely drenched but still holding on to Percy. He shakes his wet hair out of his eyes, smiling at me. His facial features are illuminated quite nicely by the many lanterns and hundreds of lights surrounding us outside the water.
When he leans his forehead on mine and closes the gap between us I have the urge to pinch myself to make sure this isn't a dream, because the moment is so blissfully perfect.
Time Skip
Piper gives me a curious look, holding her chin in her hand before speaking up. "Turn around slowly so we can see the back."
I do so reluctantly, turning around so I was facing the long mirror in the room and the others could see the back of the gown. A minute wearing this dress and I already knew I didn't like the feel of it. It was a bit too poofy for my taste, and the material on my shoulders was itchy.
Let me explain what was happening. I was currently at a bridal boutique in the heart of New York City, trying on white wedding dress after white wedding dress. This was the third boutique I'd been to in just the last week and trying on all these dresses was just plain exhausting. I know they say planning your wedding should be something exciting and fun but it was kind of getting frustrating at this point, I just couldn't find a dress I liked on me. It seemed like every one I had tried on had something wrong with it. Too long, not long enough, itchy, poofy, too fancy, too casual, the list went on. I wasn't much for wearing dresses anyway. Everyone knew I lived in t-shirts and converse but this was my wedding for Gods sake.
When we first told everyone about our engagement there was smiles and hugs spread all around. Piper completely flipped out and starting squealing about her favorite couple 'Percabeth' getting married. I laughed at her excitement and the name but it took Percy a full ten minutes to realize that it was our names combined, and when he did his cheeks pinked considerably from having taken so long to figure it out. I thought it was adorable.
I smile to myself. I still wasn't used to the whole idea. I was getting married in a few months time to the man I loved. I was nervous but I was also super excited. Percy and I had been engaged for a little less than a year now and I couldn't be happier. Weekdays at our apartment were similar to how they were before we got engaged, but now there seemed to be a different feel to the space around us like we were taking a big step in our relationship because, well, we were. The weekends at our place were now spent planning everything for the event. We actually had a lot of free time though because Piper had begged to help plan too and now worked as our unpaid wedding planner. I was starting to think she was more excited than anyone about the wedding.
Anyway back to the present. Piper, Thalia, Juniper, Calypso, my stepmother Sue and Sally had all come with me to see me try on dresses. I was glad for all the support, because wedding planning could be overwhelming.
"It's a bit too puffy for my taste. Annabeth what do you think?" Juniper asks. I turn back around so that I can see their faces and shake my head.
"I don't like it either. It doesn't feel right." I sigh.
Guys had it so much easier. Finding a suit wasn't nearly as hard as a dress. Percy had informed me he'd picked out his a few weeks ago while I still had yet to find a dress.
"Alright well there's three dresses left. Maybe one of those will be the one." Calypso states hopefully. I nod, stepping away from the mirror and picking the bottom of the dress up so I could change into a different one.
The next dress I try on doesn't speak to me either, it's too short and I don't like the pattern on it. When I look at the second dress on the rack I see that it's a good length and that the pattern of white flowers it has looks really nice. I decide to save that one to be the last one I try on for the day, and instead pick up the third dress.
The dress is simple enough. It has a sweetheart neckline that's tighter at the top kind of like a corset before it flares out from the waist down. The material is silky and comfortable, and when I look into the mirror I see that it doesn't look half bad on me. The others agree and I grin. It was the best dress I had tried on so far. I remember that I still have one more dress to try on and walk back into the changing room.
I carefully pull the dress on and just like the other one, the material is very comfortable and breathable. I walk outside to see the others and when they spot me they all seem to have different reactions. Juniper and Calypso smile widely at me as they take in my appearance. Thalia nods her head in approval. Piper grins and claps excitedly. Sue and Sally both smile and I see the shining of tears in their eyes. By the way they act I can see that they all must really like the dress.
"Annabeth, you look absolutely stunning dear." Sally says warmly.
I thank her and slowly turn around so that I can look at myself. I gasp at my reflection. I remember when I tried on that dress for the military ball so long ago, and this was like that but a hundred times stronger.
The dress was white and had a layer of vintage lace over top all along it. The top had thick straps with only sheer lace so you could see the skin on my shoulders. There was a sweetheart neckline at the chest and a thin silver diamond band at the waistline. Unlike the other dresses I had tried on, this one didn't poof out too much below the waist, instead showing off my figure nicely. It was long but not too long, and it didn't drag behind me on the floor which I liked. I was in awe at the beautiful dress. It was so…me. When I face the others yet again the grin on my face doesn't leave.
(Dress URL on my profile)
"This is the one." I say happily, twirling around and watching as the fabric on the dress floats up around me. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel like a princess wearing this.
…
Once I get home Percy had dinner waiting for me like usual. Tonight it looked like a chicken dish with pasta. Percy knew where I was the whole day, and throughout the meal I could tell he was dying to ask me if I found a dress, but I don't say anything. We talk about his day where he'd gone out with Jason, Leo and Grover. After we finish eating I go to clean up the dishes to put them in the dishwasher and clean up the kitchen. Percy offers to help but I tell him he doesn't have to and let him go watch TV.
After a few minutes I finish with the dishes and reach over to put the diamond ring back on my left ring finger. I can't stop the huge grin that comes to my face as I stare at the rock on my hand in a dream like state. I feel familiar hands place themselves on my hips as Percy rests his head on my shoulder from behind. I didn't have to look at him to know he also had a grin on his face. We probably looked so stupid in that moment, staring at a diamond ring and smiling.
I break out of the trance, slowly turning around to face my fiancé. His arms encircle my waist and bring me closer as I clasp my hands around his neck.
"I love you." I whisper.
"I love you too." He replies, leaning in to kiss me. Before it can get too far I pull away, realizing that I still hadn't told him about today.
"I found my dress today." I say contently, keeping only a small amount of distance between us. His eyes shine with happiness and he pecks my lips once.
"I'm sure you're going to look absolutely beautiful." He says. My cheeks redden, but I keep my eyes on his.
"Speaking of the wedding, do you remember what tomorrow is?" I ask. He thinks about it for a second but then his eyes widen hopefully.
"Please tell me it's the cake tasting." He says excitedly, practically jumping up and down in anticipation. I laugh at his childlike behavior.
"Yup-ahh!" I say before I'm being lifted up off the ground.
"Wooo!" He shouts, lifting one hand up to fist pump the air as the other holds me over his shoulder. Only Percy would get this excited over a cake tasting. I shake my head at his behavior, slapping his shoulder repeatedly before speaking.
"Put me down right now mister!" I demand, trying my best to say it in a serious tone and not burst into laughter. He freezes in place but then surprises me by running into the living room with me still over his shoulder. He sits me down on the couch and joins me a moment later. We watch TV together and eventually I fall asleep on his shoulder, a smile on my face as I do so.
Time Skip: Wedding Day
"Annie, you look gorgeous." My maid of honor, Thalia tells me. I shoot her a small smile in thanks.
Today was the day. By the end of this day I would no longer be Annabeth Chase, I would be Annabeth Jackson. I don't know why I was so nervous. Was it normal to be this terrified on the day of your wedding? It was the good kind of nerves though, like the kind you get when you're about to go on a huge roller coaster and you don't know what to expect.
"I agree. You ready kiddo?" I turn around to see my father with his arm outstretched for me to join him. I can't help but notice that his eyes are a bit teary and I smile up at him.
"You've grown up to be a beautiful young woman. I'm so proud of you and I'm sure your mother would be too." He chokes out. I fight back my own tears, leaning up to give him a kiss on the cheek.
"Thanks dad."
A few minutes later we're lined up in front of the door to the wedding service. Up at the front was the flower girl, Calypso and Leo's daughter Penny. The bridesmaids and groomsmen are, of course, lined up to go before me. It was Calypso and Leo followed by Grover and Juniper, Piper and Jason and then the best man and maid of honor, Nico and Thalia.
The music starts and everyone begins walking through the doorway. When we're up next I take a shaky deep breath. My dad stares down at me reassuringly and I smile, beginning to walk down the aisle between the many rows of seats. Everyone stands when I walk through, and I take the time to observe all the familiar faces. At the end of the aisle stood all of my bridesmaids wearing light blue flowing dresses with bouquets of flowers in their hands, similar to the ones I was holding myself. Groomsmen stood on the other side, wearing suits and blue ties to compliment the bridesmaids.
I look straight ahead and that's when I see him. Dressed in a black tux and staring right at me was the man I was going to spend the rest of my life with. He smiles at me and I smile back. I don't take my eyes off of him until we reach the end of the aisle. My dad passes me off to him, and I give him another quick kiss on the cheek goodbye. We join hands and I immediately get lost in his sea green eyes. They stare into mine with such emotion that I can barely make out what the sermon is saying.
It's only at the very end of the service that I'm able to snap out of my trance. We get the rings as the sermon continues.
"Do you, Annabeth Marie Chase, take Percy Orion Jackson to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you shall live?"
"I do." My eyes sting with newfound tears.
"And do you, Percy Orion Jackson, take Annabeth Marie Chase to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you shall live?"
"I do." He says lovingly.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Percy's lips find mine and I smile into the kiss. For a moment it's as if everything in the world freezes and it's just the two of us. When we pull away a tear escapes my eye and I notice his becoming watery as well.
It doesn't even feel like real life.
…
The reception is pretty chaotic. It starts with Percy and I sharing our first dance to Make You Feel My Love by Adele. After the dance we find ourselves bombarded with hundreds of hugs and congratulations from everyone. I can't remember a time in my life where I've said the words 'thank you' to so many people.
When it's time for the bouquet toss, it comes as no surprise when Juniper is the one to catch it.
The evening only gets better when it's time to cut the cake. Percy and I had decided on a three layer vanilla cake with buttercream frosting, decorated with several light blue roses around the outside. Camera flashes almost completely blind me when Percy rests his hand on top of mine and we cut the first piece of the dessert together. I take the piece and when I look up to offer him some he immediately dips his finger in the frosting and dots my nose with it. He laughs at my stunned expression but it doesn't last long because I take a part of the cake in my hand and spread it all over his face. He grins goofily, taking another part of the cake and smearing it all over my nose and cheeks. I try to be angry but I end up laughing.
"Seaweed Brain! You're a-" My words get cut off when he leans in to cover my lips with his. I smile, tasting the vanilla flavor mixed with the buttercream, I hear the snap and click of the camera but I don't pull away until I hear a familiar cat call from the one and only Leo Valdez.
"Save it for later you two!" I hear him say once we pull apart. My face heats up. Percy kisses my cheek, whispering that he'll be right back.
"Valdez! Cm'ere, give me a hug." He shouts, opening his arms out, his face still covered in cake and frosting. Leo takes off running, Percy going after him. I shake my head back and fourth, grabbing a napkin to rub the cake off my face. Boys will be boys.
Throughout the night there's lots of laughing and dancing. I get asked to dance with so many relatives I lose track. I dance with my little brothers, my cousin Malcolm, my Uncle Rick and of course with my dad when the father daughter dance comes up.
One of the major highlights of the night came when my parents as well as Percy's (which I guess were mine now too. Wow, that's going to take some getting used to) pulled us aside to tell us that their wedding gift to us was a house. Yup, you read that right. They had bought us a house. I'm still trying to process the whole thing but I'm grateful for everything they've done.
With the two of us being the center of attention, Percy and I didn't get very many moments alone together at all. When the reception is almost over, the man with the microphone announces the last song.
"We're gonna slow it down again for the last song of the night. The groom would like to dedicate this song to the bride."
Did he just say Percy was dedicating this song to me? I get my answer when the Seaweed Brain himself walks over to where I'm seated, his hand outstretched between us.
"May I have this dance?" He asks formally. I smile, taking his hand in mine. We make our way over to the dance floor as the song begins. I wrap my arms around his neck and his arms snake around my waist.
Rest of My Life-Bruno Mars
Everyday I wake up next to an angel
More beautiful than words could say
They said it wouldn't work but what did they know?
'Cause years have passes and we're still here today
Not even a minute into the song and I was already tearing up. I lean forward to rest my forehead on his, keeping my eyes on him as his hands tighten around my waist.
Never in my dreams did I think that this would happen to me
As I stand here before my woman
I can't fight back the tears in my eyes
Oh, how could I be so lucky
I must've done something right
And I promise to love her for the rest of my life
He pulls me closer to him and teardrops of happiness fall down my cheeks. I notice a faint shining of tears in his eyes.
Seems like yesterday when she first said "hello"
Funny how time flies when you're in love
It took us a lifetime to find each other
It was worth the wait 'cause I finally found the one
"Percy" I whisper, leaning my head on his shoulder and nuzzling my nose in his neck. His cheek rests against mine as he continues to sway us back and fourth.
Never in my dreams did I think that this would happen to me
As I stand here before my woman
I can't fight back the tears in my eyes
Oh, how could I be so lucky
I must've done something right
And I promise to love her for the rest of my life
When the song ends we stay in that position for a little while longer. I pull back to look him in the eye, the tears still coming down my face. I thanked the Gods that Piper had used waterproof makeup on me instead of regular, or else I'd be a sight to see. I knew everyone was watching us but I didn't care.
His thumbs rub the tears off my skin and I lurch forwards, placing my lips on his as he cups my face. It was the perfect end to our wedding reception. Words couldn't describe what I felt for him in that moment.
Time Skip: One year later
I stared down at the test in my hands, not taking my eyes away from the pink plus sign that registered as positive. I don't know how long I've been sitting here, trying to wrap my head around the whole thing. Three other used tests sat next to me on the bathroom sink counter, all of them showing different symbols that indicated the same thing.
I was pregnant.
I was having trouble at the moment trying to decide if I was happy or terrified. I came to the conclusion that I was a little bit of both. It wasn't that I didn't want kids, just that I didn't know if I was ready for a baby. I had wanted to wait at least another year before I even brought up the subject of kids to Percy, I guess that hadn't really gone as planned.
Oh Gods, Percy.
Obviously I had to tell him but the question was how was I going to break the news to him? It's not exactly something I can just blurt out in the middle of dinner.
"Hey Seaweed Brain, how was your day? Oh by the way, I'm pregnant."
Guess I was just going to have to think of something.
…
Time Skip: One week later
I was currently pacing back and fourth in the living room, trying and failing to keep my hands from shaking. It's been a week. A whole week since I found out I was pregnant and I still have yet to tell Percy the news. As a matter of fact, no one except me knew. I was hoping that would change after tonight. I had taken an earlier shift at the clinic today so that I would be home before Percy to make dinner. There was no more putting it off, I had to tell him tonight.
The last week had given me some time to think over everything and I now knew, without a doubt, that I wanted this baby. I was excited, nervous and terrified all at once. It was a little earlier than when I had wanted but that's just how life is, some things just happen without you planning them.
Over the past few days I could tell Percy knew something was up. He would give me worried looks and glances but I would always reassure him that I was fine, but the truth was I was freaking out inside about what his reaction would be.
Nervous thoughts rack my brain. What if he didn't want a child? Sure, years ago he'd said he'd wanted to have a family, but things change. People change. What if he didn't anymore? Would I have to leave our beautiful house to go live in some trashy neighborhood carrying our child? Or worse, would he leave me, leave us to go somewhere else?
I start to breath unevenly, pacing across the room at a faster rate. Max barks at my feet, probably wondering why I was walking in the same pattern over and over again. After a few minutes I hear the familiar click of the lock being turned in the doorway. I hear footsteps walk in. Max takes off in the direction of the noise.
"Oomph-hey buddy!" I hear him greet the dog before placing his car keys on the key rack. He looks at me surprised when he sees me but his lips quickly turn up in a smile. Despite my nervousness, I grin back.
He closes the distance between us, pulling me in for a short, sweet kiss as a greeting.
"You're home early." He states, keeping his arms loosely around my waist. I nod in response, giving him another quick peck on the lips.
"Come on, I made dinner. I figured we could eat outside on the patio tonight, that ok?" I ask, taking one of his hands in mine and trying to appear as if I'm not freaking out.
"Yeah, sounds great."
We head outside through the sliding glass door in the back. I had set up a table with some chairs. A stack of blue pancakes sat on each on of the plates on the table.
"Breakfast for dinner? You hate that." He says confusedly.
I shrug. "You love it."
"True, it's blue too. What's the occasion? Last time I checked it wasn't my birthday or our anniversary." He comments, his eyes full of amusement.
"Uh…let's eat first." I say shakily, hating myself for missing another chance to tell him. He gives me another one of those looks before we both sit down in front of the food.
While we eat Percy tells me all about his day at work and I mention a few things that happened at the clinic. Dinner is the same as every other night, with the exception of me being on edge throughout the whole meal.
When we finish eating and washing the dishes we head into the living room again. Percy lets out a long sigh. "Annabeth, what's wrong?"
"What do you mean? Nothing's wrong." I reply, obviously not convincing him as he stares at me unbelievingly.
"Yes it is. You've been…distant all week. Was it something I did? Was it something I said?" His eyebrows furrow in concern as he looks me in the eyes.
"No, Gods no, Percy!" I reply hurriedly, feeling guilty for making him feel like he did something wrong.
"Then what is it?"
"I-its nothing bad. Well at least I don't think of it as something bad. Hopefully you don't think of it as something bad either. I hope you don't leave me. I don't know what I would do if you did. I guess I won't know till I-"
He cuts me off by placing his lips on mine. He cups one of my cheeks with his hand and I feel the cool metal of his silver wedding band on my skin. His other arm moves to wrap around my waist. I rest my hands on his shoulders, trying to relax my nerves. He pulls away a minute later.
"You're rambling, Annabeth. I would never, ever leave you. You're stuck with me whether you like it or not Wise Girl." He says proudly.
I smile up at him, feeling a bit more confident now. I slowly remove his hand from cradling my cheek and place it carefully on my stomach, holding it there with mine.
"Percy…I'm pregnant."
His eyes widen in realization. He glances back and fourth from looking at me to staring at my stomach where our hands were still placed. He doesn't say anything for several minutes and I feel the nerves start to kick in again.
"…Percy?"
"Y-you're pregnant? Are you sure?" he stutters.
"Well the four different pregnancy tests I took all said the same thing so yeah, pretty sure." I say sarcastically, despite the serious situation.
"We're g-gonna be parents?"
I nod slowly, still not sure what he thought of the whole thing.
His face suddenly breaks out into the biggest smile I've ever seen, his eyes lighting up with happiness. I barely have time to sigh in relief before I'm being lifted off the ground.
I squeal in delight, laughing as he spins me around in the middle of our living room. When he places me back on the ground I grab his shoulders for support. He leans his forehead on mine and I smile widely up at him.
"I'm going to be a father!" He says excitedly.
I giggle, placing my lips on his as one of his hands comes up to rub my back. The smile across my lips prevents me from being able to kiss him any longer than a few seconds. His nose nudges mine playfully, a stupid grin on his face as well. His arms bring me closer until there's not an inch of space between us. He leans in to kiss me again but once again I break it by letting a small giggle escape me.
"You going to let me kiss you or not Wise Girl?" He whispers teasingly, his warm breath brushing across my face from our close proximity.
Looking into his eyes and seeing how happy he was made me realize how stupid it was of me to be so worried about telling him.
For the rest of the day I was finding it physically impossible to stop smiling.
Time Skip: 7 years later
Before I could even step into the house I knew something was up. I could hear shouting and war cries from behind the door. Preparing myself what I was about to walk into, I jam my key into the front door lock and twist it open. I take off my shoes by the doorway before putting my car keys off to the side and walking further into the house where the yelling was coming from.
When I make it to the living room the three people in front of me don't seem to notice, continuing with the game. Couch cushions and pillows of all different shapes and sizes lie strewn across the floor. Foam Nerf gun bullets and random toys covered the floor so there was nowhere safe to take a step.
After a few seconds I clear my throat, crossing my arms on my chest. Three faces snap towards me, all the noises coming to a halt when one last Nerf bullet makes contact with its victim. The three bodies freeze. It takes all I have to keep a straight face.
"Whose idea was this?" I ask, raising an eyebrow questioningly. Immediately they all point towards someone. Two out of the three point to the same person. A tiny voice speaks up to explain.
"It was daddy's idea!" She supplies, pointing down from where she was currently being held atop her father's shoulders carrying a small plastic Nerf gun. The boy standing across the room nods in agreement, the dog next to him barking, seemingly in confirmation.
I stare pointedly towards my husband who looks very guilty at the moment. He looks up at the child above him, his facial expression one of mock hurt.
"Sky! I give you a shoulder ride and this is how you repay me?" He says teasingly. The little girl giggles, leaning down to give him a kiss on the forehead in apology before he lifts her up and over his head to place her back on the ground. He comes over to greet me but I glare at him, gesturing for him to start cleaning up. He starts to pick up some of the pillows. Truth was, I had a plan.
I make eye contact with my son across the room when the other male's back is turned. We share a silent conversation and he nods in understanding. Ever so silently, I make my way over to him and he gives me the giant Nerf gun in his hands, now fully reloaded with bullets.
"Seaweed Brain" I call, grabbing his attention. He spins around and as soon as he does I hit him with about five bullets to the chest in rapid fire. His eyes widen in shock and he sprints to take cover behind the couch.
"Sky hurry, I need a weapon!" He yells, his arm outstretched to the girl. She hands him her Nerf gun and then it's an all out war, orange bullets flying across the room as two voices cheer the both of us on.
"Nice shot mom, watch your back!" I hear my son shout.
"Get her daddy! She's coming closer!" A younger voice squeals.
When Percy comes out from behind the couch I realize he only has one bullet left. He shoots but I duck, easily dodging it. His eyes widen in horror and I smile evilly.
"What are you going to do now Seaweed Brain?" I ask, preparing myself to fire the plastic gun.
I step closer towards him but before I can take the shot Percy knocks the toy right out of my hand, grabbing my waist and pulling me towards him for a soft kiss. I gasp in surprise before allowing my eyes to close. It only lasts a few seconds because we get interrupted by a chorus of "Ewwww!"s
I laugh, staring down at the two kids before me.
About six years ago I had given birth to our son Liam Jackson. He had my blonde hair, and I remember feeling so happy when I saw that he had Percy's mesmerizing sea green eyes as well. He's intelligent for his age, taking a second grade math class while he was still in first grade. In addition to this he's an athlete, playing soccer and baseball, and I always make sure to get to every one of his games. He was a hardcore momma's boy but he was also fascinated with anything having to do with the military. After finding out that Percy used to be a Marine and having seen the silver star medal that he'd earned he wanted more than anything to grow up to be just like his father.
Four-year-old Skylar Jackson was another story. She had inherited Percy's black hair and my grey eyes. Unlike Liam who was a momma's boy, Sky was the definition of a daddy's girl. On more than one occasion I'd come home to see Percy in a pink sparkly tiara holding a teacup in his hand (with his pinky out, of course). She's a bit of a drama queen (something I like to say she got from Percy) but she's adorable nonetheless, and very smart too. She loves reading, and is ahead of everyone in her grade because she reads chapter books. The other day a book on architecture had caught her interest, and she hasn't stopped talking about it.
"Ewww? What's eww? Huh?" Percy teases, bending down to tickle Skylar and ruffle Liam's hair, getting a laugh from the girl and a slap on the hand from the boy.
I smile, admiring the scene. He was so good with them. I guess it pays off, having a husband who is practically still a child himself. Percy hadn't changed too much over the years. He had slight stubble on his chin now and of course he looked older but he was still the same old Seaweed Brain I fell in love with so long ago.
We spend the next few minutes cleaning up the destroyed living space. Afterwards, Liam helps me make some mac n cheese for dinner while Percy feeds Max.
Later on that night the five of us (can't forget Max) lay on the master bedroom bed to watch a movie. The kids sat at the foot of the bed near the dog while I lied snuggled up to Percy near the headboard. I rest my head on his chest and he kisses my forehead. Halfway through the movie I feel Percy's stare on me and I look up at him.
"What is it?" I whisper.
"Nothing, just thinking." He replies.
"About?"
"Just…everything. You, us. We did it, Wise Girl. We got married, got a golden retriever, have a big house with a white picket fence, have two beautiful kids to call our own. Everything we said." He says, grinning down at me. I smile, I hadn't thought about that night in so long.
"You forgot that we now have a mini van too." I add. He laughs, resting his forehead on mine.
"I love you, Annabeth Jackson."
I love you too, Percy Jackson."
He places a soft, lingering kiss on my lips before I bury my face further into his chest, turning back to the movie that Liam and Skylar had been glued to. Percy's arm tightens around me as he lays his head on mine.
In that moment I find myself being one hundred percent, undeniably happy. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
So that's the epilogue! I really hope you guys enjoyed it and that it was worth the wait. I can't believe this story is over. I'll probably add an authors note soon but other than that, The Marine and The Veterinarian is finished. But I do have another story don't worry! If you haven't yet, check out my story, The Rink. Let me know your thoughts. Love you guys!
REVIEW, REVIEW AND REVIEW!
-M
Question for readers:
What was your favorite part of the epilogue?