Hello beloved readers! After some time, I'm back. For those of you who are deeply concerned about Percabeth being broken up, never fear! I am too. This isn't considered a Percabeth story for nothing. I have a plan...read on!
Percy's POV
When I get to my apartment, the first thing I do is go to the kitchen. There are many people who want a big bathroom, a big closet, a big bedroom, but me? All I want is a big ole kitchen. Cooking is a passion that my mom and I share and it helps me de-stress. Not to mention that food is the literal best thing that has ever happened to the world, especially blue cookies. The apartment is quite spacious for one person. It could easily hold two people.
The kitchen is in the living room, kinda. Well, the living room is more of a great room(is that what you call it?). There's the living room on one side of teh kitchen and then another room on the other, but there are no doors that separate them, just the kitchen. Does that even make sense? Probably not.
At the end of the living room, there is a sliding door that leads to a hallway with three rooms. Probably two bedrooms and an office. And of course there are bathrooms too, duh.
When I'm done scoping out the apartment, the exhaustion hits me. After what felt like billions of hours traveling, I need to rest. I don't care what time it is according to whatever time zone I'm in, according to Percy Time(PT) it's nap time.
Then it hits me. Well, not literally, because there is nothing to be hit by. And that's the problem. There is nothing in this apartment. No furniture, no nothing. Oops, I forgot this isn't a hotel. You know, right when I think I have things figured out, reality always comes in to pay me a visit. I sigh. I guess I'll find a hotel around here somewhere. It's Saturday, and I start work on Monday.
But, nevertheless, I made it. I found a new home away from my past life. I just hope Australia was far enough.
Annabeth's POV
I roll over finding a new comfortable position using the maternity pillow I recently bought. I'm on the sofa reading a book about parenting, but to be honest, I'm scared. I'm not ready to be a parent, and with my other half missing, I don't know if I'll ever be.
Ding! My phone lights up on the table. I stretch my arm as far as it can but it's too short. I contemplate whether to get up or not. Ehhh, not worth it. (a/n relatable)
A couple minutes later, my phone lights up again. I swear the ding sounded annoyed. With a huff, I swing my legs over the sofa and not-so-gracefully sit upright.
Sally had been the one to text me, and I felt a wave of guilt wash over me.
Her message said, "Annabeth, I just received a letter in the mail from Percy. I just wanted to check-in with you to make sure he's okay because he never said goodbye before he left"
Shit. That's not good.
I don't think she opened the letter yet, but it is only a matter of time. I feel bad for thinking like this, but I don't want Sally to find out about my breakup from Percy who was gods-know-where, when I have been here all along.
"I'm coming over now. I'll explain everything," I reply.
-time skip-
"Good to see you, Annabeth," Sally says, embracing me into a hug I don't feel like I deserve.
"You too."
I take a seat on the couch as Sally brings us some snacks. "Where's Paul?" I ask.
"Had to do something at work. We just got back and he's straight back to work again. Just like Percy. At least they both like their jobs," she shrugs, "So what's it you wanted to talk about. It sounds serious, should I be worried?"
I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I must keep my feelings inside, I can't break down now. "I'll be honest with you, Sally. It's big news, and it's not very happy."
I inwardly cringe as her worry lines etch deeper into her face. Before she has a chance to speak, before I am unable to talk, I say, "Percy and I broke up. And it's all my fault."
There is a deafening silence. I can't look at her face. "Oh, honey," she touches my forearm tenderly.
I sniffle, and gather my courage as I plunge into the story that ruined my life.
When I'm finished, I break down and Sally embraces me into a hug. I thought she'd be mad, furious even. I kinda dumped her son. But this is Sally we're talking about, and her heart is more loving than anyone deserves.
"Annabeth, it's going to be okay," she says while stroking my hair. I just sniffle in response. "Since, no one knows where Percy is, I think we have to open that letter."
"Yes, of course. I just wanted you to hear my side of the story too, that's all," I say with a croaky voice.
I watch her open the letter and see that it was sent from Greece. That's really far away. What was he doing there?
Dear Mom,
I know you must be worried about me, and I want you to know that I am
fine. Annabeth probably told you what happened. It's true, and it's all my
fault. I know she had a rough day, yet I just fueled the fire. Nevertheless,
I've decided to leave. To start fresh somewhere else so everyone can have
the peace they deserve. Please don't come looking for me, I'll be safe. I'll
come visit when I'm ready. I just need some time and space.
Love, Percy
Sally starts to tear up and so do I.
After we've both cried out all our tears, she turns to face me. "We have to go search for him," she says. "Even if he doesn't want it, as his mother, I need to know he's safe."
"Yes, me too. I am going to alert Chiron and ask him to send out a search squad. He could be anywhere in the world, though. This won't be easy," I reply.
I get up to grab my things and head over to Camp Half-Blood when Sally embraces me again. "I want you to know that I'm here for you, Annabeth. It wasn't your fault, I know it. It wasn't anybody's fault. Don't be so hard on yourself. You're the bravest person I know. I'm here for you."
Her words bring me warmth and hope.
Then, she looks at my stomach and frowns, ever so slightly. I think she thinks I've gained weight, but she's too kind to say so. I glance at her and respond to the question that's brewing in her eyes, "Yeah, I'm also pregnant."
Please be safe, guys. And wash your hands, too.
