I am so sorry, my children. I got another review today and realized, crap, I haven't updated in forever! Here's another chapter. Just to let you know, the next one may not be out for a bit, as I've got my finals coming up fast. Sorry again!
Chapter 15
3 ¾ pages
Tuesday, October 8th
Annabeth POV
Previously….
I slammed my bedroom door shut. I groaned and flopped stomach-first onto my bed. Helen was horrible. I felt a buzz in my back pocket and took out my phone, rolling onto my back. I read the text.
Bet you'll never guess who
I couldn't help the smile that grew on my face. I replied,
How did you get my number, Seaweed Brain?
I stole it off of Piper
I laughed aloud and answered,
Actually stole it or did she give it to you willingly?
She gave it to me and told me, "Just text her already, Water Boy".
I rolled my eyes towards the ceiling. Piper. She is so dead.
Well, how are you? I asked.
Peachy. How 'bout you?
Fed up with Helen. I replied.
Who's Helen?
I cursed. I slipped up. How do I go through with this?
Someone who's obnoxious. I finally texted back.
Tell me who it is.
I groaned. I can never get away with anything. I thought for a second.
Meet me at Harry's in a half hour.
Alright. Percy answered. I turned off my phone and exhaled. Was I really about to do this?
Yes, we are doing this. I told myself firmly.
I knew if I told Percy, he would comfort me. Comforting wouldn't do any good. First, I had to let go.
I didn't want to. I would never let go of my mother. But it was time to move on, and I knew it.
Slowly, I made my way across the room. I went to my bedside table and opened the drawer. I pushed aside sketches and notes to reveal the envelope.
Hands shaking, I reached down to grab it, closing the drawer and sitting on the edge of my bed. I took a deep breath and tore it open.
The smell of jasmine wafted into the room. My mother's favorite scent. I pulled the paper out and unfolded it.
Annabeth,
If you're reading this, something must have happened. Do not despair, we will be together again someday. But with this note I hope to tie off loose ends and comfort you.
You must miss me very much. I'm sorry, honey. It wasn't my intention. If I know you well, and I hope I do, you probably took my ring.
I twisted the ring on my finger, smiling slightly, with tears in my eyes. Yes, we knew each other very well.
I hope you found somewhere good to go. I wish I could've stayed with you. I only want the best for you.
But you probably need help. I wish I knew the specific situation you are in. Right now, I can only offer you this advice:
Annabeth, you are wise. Most of the time you know what decision to make. But sometimes, we can confuse ourselves. Our brains might be telling us to do one thing and our hearts another.
Be that as it may, Annabeth, there are problems our heads cannot solve. Sometimes we have to listen to what our hearts are saying.
I love you so much, Beth. I hope you know that. Remember, when the mountain you want to move doesn't move, all you need is the strength to climb it. I hope you can find the answer to your problems.
I love you,
Mother
I sniffled, setting down the note. I wiped the tears from my eyes and took a deep breath. One last thing from my mother was all I needed.
I have to tell Percy. I have to let go.
~o0o~
I stood nervously outside the small cafè, biting my lip. Was Percy already here, or should I wait outside? Did I even want to do this? I sighed, glaring up at the sky. Let's just get this over with.
I walked in, the bell on the door jingling cheerfully. I immediately saw Percy. He was sitting in a booth that was placed in the corner, his elbows braced against the table while he frowned. He was wearing a black hoodie, his hair tousled.
I made my way toward him. He raised his head and blinked at me, seemingly confused and slightly amazed. I slid into the seat opposite of him. "Hi."
"Hey. You came."
"Did you not expect me to?" I shrugged, twisting my mother's ring. "It's probably time you know, anyway."
"Okay," He leaned back. "Who's Helen?"
I averted my gaze to the plain gray table. "My stepmom."
"Stepmom?" Percy furrowed his brow. "Why do you have a stepmom?"
"I moved in with my dad."
"Your dad left." He sounded confused. "Why did…?" He studied my face. "Did something happen with your mom?"
I chewed my lip. "She died." I almost whispered it. I didn't know if he could even hear me.
Percy stared at me, appearing to be uncomprehending. Then he opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a bubbly female voice.
"Can I get you anything?" A waitress with curly chestnut hair and bright red lipstick smiled sweetly at Percy. I felt like gagging.
"Thank you," I swiftly stood. "But I must be going."
I walked outside, concentrating on putting on foot in front of the other. I tell him that my mom died, and he gets distracted by a waitress. Does a single thought enter his head that isn't about girls?
I nearly screamed when a hand closed around my forearm. They spun me around and pressed me against their chest, embracing me tightly. They smelled like the ocean.
Percy.
"It's okay." He said. "I'm sorry."
I swallowed thickly and answered by wrapping my arms around his back.
"If you ever need to- to talk or something, I'm here, okay?" He pulled back, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "Just, uh, so you know."
I smiled up at him. A genuine smile. "Thank you, Percy."
He gave me a childish grin. "Always."
Hehehehe. Ah, that was cute. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the chapter. We are officially moving onto the next stage of the ship! Eeeee! Thanks for reading!
Replies….
dodoking666: That would certainly be interesting. Thanks for the review!
kiwikraz: I know, Percabeth is so cute! She really is. It's fine, don't worry about it. Me too! They're so good! Yeah, Piper is in some big trouble XD. Thank you, and this next stage is gonna be full of Percabeth. Anytime, my dude. Thanks for your review!
emily: Thank you! Can't say it was my idea initially. I was inspired from AnotherWiseGirl's story Memories. You should totally check it out, it's way better than mine. Thanks for reviewing!
Nicole: Thanks! Yeah, I feel kinda like Uncle Rick. Thank you for your review!
Guest: Thank you, and thanks for the review!
JoeBob: She's totally dead. Really sorry about that. I'm glad you came back, though! I'm doing my best, so please forgive me, as I got a lot of schoolwork. I despise persuasive essays. You're welcome, thanks for the review!
me: Thank you! I'm definitely planning on it. Thanks for your review!
