But I Often See You As Something More

by SamIsEternallyTired

As a lot of years passed by, Percy and Annabeth remained as friends. But what they don't notice are some suppressed feelings. Will these feelings remain suppressed just as how they remained to be friends for years?

17. An Unpleasant Visit from Death

A/N: 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! :)

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Chapter 17 – Unpleasant Visit from Death

Annabeth's POV

I was about to close the door of my room after I got a glass of water from downstairs when I heard my parents arrive. I held the glass tighter as I peeked through the space between the door and the frame.

My mother sighed as she locked the front door after her and then hung her coat and scarf. She went to the living room and I heard my father flop down on the couch. A minute passed before they started talking.

"There's this huge space between us…" Dad started but then trailed off.

"And it just keeps filling up with everything that we don't say to each other." Mom finished the sentence for him.

"It keeps getting bigger and bigger."

"We're drifting away from each other, Frederick." Sadness was crystal clear in her voice.

Dad sighed as well, "This just isn't working out for us anymore, Athena."

"I know." My mom whispered.

A couple seconds later, they left the living room and went to different rooms. Mom went to the kitchen while Dad went to the study room.

"Annabeth." Someone called me.

I turned around and saw my Grandma looking at me. I stared back at her, not moving away from the door. She was sitting on top of my bed and patted on the space beside her. She heard my parents' conversation and knew that I heard it as well. I kept staring for a few seconds before I obliged. I placed my glass atop my study table and sat down. She comfortingly moved her hand up and down my back to soothe me because I started sob over what I just heard.

"Shh, shh, everything will be alright, sweetie." She comforted me.

My grandmother looked after me while my parents went to their couples' counseling meetings. I knew that something was happening between my parents. There are some nights that I could hear them shouting at each other. They would often have heated conversations that would lead to not talking for weeks. Everything that would happen, my grandmother would always know about.

My grandmother hugged me, placed her chin on top of my head, and kept petting my hair as she slowly rocked us back and forth to comfort me. I just continued to cry.

"They're going to separate." I said between sobs.

"What makes you think that, honey?"

"I heard them."

"They're just going through a rough time."

I looked at her and said, "They don't love each other anymore."

She tensed a bit but continued comforting me. And to think that I was going through this at the age below ten but my grandmother made sure that she was always there for me.

Soon enough, my parents filed a divorce declaring irreconcilable differences. They got joint custody over me and I visited my father on the weekends. Mother and I moved out and looked for another place to live in. She just made me finish grade school before we moved to New York City alongside with the Jackson family.

Somebody squeezed my hand which jolted me back to reality.

"Are you okay?" Percy gave me a concerned look.

I realized that I have been staring blankly into space for the past good solid fifteen minutes.

I cleared my throat and said, "Yeah, I'm alright." But it came out as a hoarse whisper.

He intertwined his fingers with my cold ones, which I was grateful for because his hand was warm.

Right now, we were at the funeral home where grandmother's corpse was to be displayed for the people who'd want to visit and give their respects and condolences. We would be staying here for a week before the corpse would be cremated. A week would be enough for some relatives and friends of hers to travel and visit.

I have been sitting at the back of the room for the past days, wanting to be as far as I could get from the coffin. Percy, of course, didn't want to let me out of his sight like always, sat with me. I haven't actually seen Grandma ever since her body was placed in the coffin.

The room we got on the tenth floor was big. It had around twelve couches where the guests could sit when they visited. There were three air conditioners that blasted cool air to beat the hot wind brought about by summer. There is also a private room for the family members where there is a single bed, a bathroom, and a mini kitchen. There was a balcony as well.

There were some flowers from Grandma's friends who have already visited. The flowers were placed on the sides of the room or beside the coffin. The casket was opened but I chose not to look at it.

Percy gave my hand another squeeze because he could see that I was starting to drown myself in my thoughts. I looked at him and placed my head on his shoulder.

I looked around the room and saw my father sitting on a couch nearest to the casket. He took another week off from work. The twins were in school. It was already their finals so they didn't dare to be absent. My stepmother was working because her office didn't allow leaves at this time of the year. This leaves me, Percy, and my father once again.

"You want a cup of coffee?" Percy asked me after a while.

"No, thank you." I said.

I haven't drunk coffee since the day Grandma died because I didn't want to stay awake. If it was possible, I just wanted to sleep the whole day so I wouldn't witness any of this as much as I'm awake.

"You want me to get you something to eat?" He offered.

I smiled at him and shook my head against his shoulder.

I haven't eaten anything other than fruits for the past days. Fruits like apples, kiwis, pears, oranges, and watermelons. It was because nothing seemed to be appetizing enough for me. Percy is getting more worried as each day goes by. He's afraid that I'm not eating enough but he knew better than to argue with me at my current state.

If I drown myself in my thoughts, Percy gets a fair share of over thinking as well. There are times when I could catch him staring into space as well with a blank expression or with his eyebrows scrunched up.

A couple days ago, when we were about to leave the hospital, the head nurse in the nurse station on the ground floor called our attention. She gave us a painting and said that that was of my grandma's possession. Now that she's dead, we can have it. None of us bothered to look at it until we got home. I was the first one to look at it and I immediately had a sad smile on my face because it was her last painting. She painted Percy and me playing chess with the beautiful red orange sky behind us. She has captured almost every detail that could be painted, which was amazing for a frail old woman to do. The painting had me with a small smile and a mischievous look on my face as Percy had scrunched up eyebrows, thinking hard on his next move. It's as if you can see the wheels in his head turn as he tried to make up his mind. Besides our obvious facial expression, you could see that we were enjoying each others' company and we were happy and contented with what was happening.

But why did my grandmother choose such to paint? Was there something she wanted to happen? Was she trying to say something? Am I just imagining or over thinking things? Or was it just me who wanted something to happen? Between Percy and me...

I quickly pushed my thoughts away because I knew I was pushing it and was about hit a rather sore spot if I continued thinking about it. To be honest, the topic of Percy and I being more than what we were for more than two decades was kind of something that really bothered me. What had happened between us a week and a couple days ago...I told myself to forget about it but I really couldn't. I would sometimes catch myself thinking and pondering on it.

I mean, who wouldn't? I thought defensively to myself.

Suddenly my best friend ever since I was a toddler starts showing signs that he is interested me after more than two decades of being together. After twenty-four years. He also happens to be engaged to his high school sweetheart and will be married to her in a couple of weeks from now.

Is he in the same place as I am? Does he drown himself with the same thoughts like I do? Has he actually moved on or does he still think about us? Was what happened between us easy for him to forget? Is there a chance that he could call off the engagement and wedding? Did what we have make him question his feelings for Rachel and what he has with her?

Does that mean that there's a chance that there could be an us? Does he love me enough to throw his whole relationship with Rachel away to give our new found relationship a chance?

What if...?

I quickly stopped myself from thinking any further. You've done it, Annabeth. You pushed it too far again. Great, now you're hurting yourself. Stop it. Don't even get me started on hurting Luke.

I tightly closed my eyes and willed myself to stop thinking about it. I shook my head as if it could make the thoughts go away faster. Once I successfully averted my thoughts to something else other than Percy and me, I looked up at Percy and he was concentrating on something.

Now it was my turn to ask if he was alright. I squeezed his hand and he shook his head before looking at me.

"Are you okay?" I asked him.

"Yeah." He smiled at me but it didn't reach his eyes.

I looked over at the casket at the front of the room and said, "Hey, Percy, let's go up to the coffin." I believed I mustered enough willpower to stop myself from crying.

I haven't gone near the coffin and haven't even laid an eye on it because I knew I would end up crying. I know that it was a natural thing to do so but I chose not to show any signs of weakness. If I could manage to suck it all up and not shed a single tear with people around, even my dad or Percy, I would do so. Showing signs of weakness especially crying only brings pity from individuals around. What do you do with pity? It wouldn't bring my grandma back, would it? I want to project an image that I am strong and I could handle the circumstance we are in emotionally well. I felt like it was my obligation to be strong for everyone.

His eyebrows scrunched up and his eyes showed genuine concern, like always, "Are you sure?" He asked and I slowly nodded.

We got up from our couch and walked towards the casket. I gripped his hand tighter and tighter as we got nearer. My hands were getting colder as well. Once we were in front of the casket, I took a good look of what was in front of me.

Grandma was in the coffin. She had light make-up on to hide the dark circles under her eyes. The dress she wore was the one she wore to the recital we watched a couple days ago. My stepmother believed it was the best dress that would still fit her. Her hair had a couple hair pins in them and it was styled the same way she wore her hair in the recital. Her eyes were closed and she looked like she was smiling a bit. Her wrinkly skin was almost as white as a sheet of paper. But overall, she looked peaceful and rather happy.

Percy placed his arms around my shoulders and brought me closer to him. We both stared at Grandma's corpse for a while without making a sound or saying a single word. I was starting to tear up. Percy started sniffling. I wrapped my arms around his abdomen, tore my eyes away from Grandma's serene looking face, and buried my face into Percy's chest. I underestimated my willpower not to cry. He hugged me as well. I could feel him taking quick and shallow breaths.

She's gone. She's really gone.

Percy and I stayed that way for a while before sitting down beside my father, who was staring off into space. I no longer felt the need to stay at the back of the room. After getting a look at my Grandma, I didn't feel uneasy being near the casket. I was staring at the casket, holding Percy's hand.

Being best friends with Percy for more than two decades has caused him to be attached to my family and relatives. He was closest to my grandma over all the other family members. That's the reason why he was here, with me, crying over the loss of my grandma.

"Do you want me to get you two anything?" My father asked me a couple minutes of silence later.

I raised my head from Percy's shoulder to look at Dad and said, "A cup of hot chocolate please, Dad."

"How about you, Perce?" My father asked Percy.

"Cup of tea, please, Dad." He said as he looked up at my father.

Dad left us to prepare us our hot beverages. It was quiet except for the sound of the cold air blasting from the air conditioners, the sachets my father was snipping open, the trickle of hot water from the water dispenser, and Percy's breathing. It was comforting but the same time unsettling. The silence went on until I decided to break it.

I looked over at Percy for the first time since we got a look at the corpse. I took a good look at him. His jet black locks were unkempt, which made him look more attractive and...sexier. His long, thick lashes naturally curled up, having been the object of my jealously for years now. I could see droplets of tears hanging from his beautiful lashes. The tears that were starting to form on the rim of his eyes were visible. His sea green eyes didn't have that usual happy glint. It was replaced by hollowness and sadness as he stared off into space. His lips were in a taut thin line. He had a strong jaw line. He had a few days stubble. It looked good on him…okay, looked...really good on him but I much prefer seeing him with a clean face.

He was wearing a gray shirt he acquired from his college days that had "Stanford Swimming" printed across in red, jeans, sneakers, and a hoodie which he did not zip up. I saw two small tear stains that were wiped on his shirt as I teared up earlier.

"Perce and Dad?" I said, casting him a suspicious look. "Might as well tell me now that I'm the illegitimate one."

Percy laughed.

"I soiled your shirt." I pointed out.

He looked down at his shirt and waved his hand dismissively.

"I just can't fully grasp that she –," I started but I have underestimated the fullness of my voice because my voice broke. I quickly feigned a cough and continued talking with a reaffirmed boldness of my voice, "is gone." I was starting to tear up once again as I looked at the casket. I blinked quickly trying to stop the tears.

Percy took a good look at me and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. He brought me closer to him and placed his chin on top of my head. "I know." He whispered as he rubbed my back.

Gods, for all I know, Percy might not even buy my façade, my stage boldness over the situation. He might know that deep inside all I wanted to do was to just let out all the sorrow, cry, and even wail.

I hugged him back and tightly shut my eyes. I took deep breaths to calm myself down and my breathing slowly went back to normal. As I hugged him, I noticed the little things. I could smell the faint scent of the shower gel that he used this morning. His stubble felt rough and prickly on my forehead. As it moved against my forehead, I had the urge to scratch that certain part of my face. While he was hugging me, I could feel that his body was toned and buff. I also felt his heart beating quite fast. He had a particular pace as he rubbed my back.

He continued to comfort me as he got his arm around my shoulders while his other arm moved up and down my back. It was a while before I moved out of Percy's comforting embrace. It wasn't for I was fully comforted but it was because I couldn't let Dad awkwardly stand beside us, holding our hot beverages, waiting for our special moment to end. I mumbled my thanks against Percy's shoulder and unwrapped my arms from his abdomen. I fixed the way I sat so I was facing the casket again. Percy had the wrong idea and was withdrawing his arm. I quickly grabbed his hand and firmly placed his arm back on my shoulders.

I accepted my mug of hot chocolate from Dad with a smile and a mumbled thank you. Dad even placed those small marshmallows that were now floating on top and slowly melting. I held the hot mug with two hands, relishing the heat as it warmed my cold numb fingers. Even though I wore a sweater and jeans, I still felt cold. The sweater I wore was given to me by Percy years ago. It was color gray and had a red print saying "Stanford Law".

"Thanks, Dad." Percy said as he held his mug by its handle.

Dad sat down and continued staring off into space. I snuggled closer to Percy, tucking my legs under me. He brought me closer to him, rubbing my arm, while taking a cautious sip of his hot chamomile tea. I smiled for this comforted me further. I blew on my hot chocolate, watched the small marshmallows swirl around, and then drank it. I closed my eyes as I felt Percy's wet warm lips press against my temple. His arm slowly dropped across my back and ended up resting on my waist.

The hot chocolate warmed me through as I downed it; from my fingertips up to my clammy toes. I closed my eyes and before I knew it, I was falling in and out of sleep. I stood up as I stirred awake for the nth time. I realized I was no longer holding my cup.

I looked for it until Percy said, "I already took care of your mug. You might've dropped it when you were asleep."

"Oh," I said, "thanks."

He smiled at me, "Don't mention it."

"Well, I'm going to go hit the sack then." I announced to Percy and Dad. I looked at the wall clock, saw that it was only three in the afternoon, but I didn't care.

Without waiting for their responses, I made my way to the small private room to occupy the single bed there. I closed the door behind me as I entered. I quickly removed my shoes and clambered on the bed. I drew up the fleece blanket up to my chin. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I tried to go back to sleep but now, I was wide awake.

"Ugh." I groaned as I tossed and turned on the single bed that started to feel uncomfortable. I even stuck my leg out of the blanket and still had the other leg underneath.

The door gave out a long creak as it was opened. I lifted my head off the pillow a little bit and looked at who it was. Percy's head popped in and his eyes immediately landed on me. He smiled sheepishly at me and went in the room.

"I thought you'd be asleep."

"Yeah, I couldn't go back to sleep." I said and slowly sat up.

"Maybe because it's too bright?" He suggested and started closing the curtains, which left the room rather darker than before.

"Yeah," I smiled appreciatively, "that's better."

He grabbed my pillow, sat down on the place where the pillow had been, and placed it on his lap. I raised my eyebrow at him. He patted on the pillow. I smiled and shook my head. I lied back down and placed my head on the pillow. I looked up at him and gave him a questioning look before turning to my side. He tucked me in under the blanket. I closed my eyes. I took a deep breath and so did he.

Percy started to sing to me, "Come away, come away. Leave it all far behind you."

He didn't have the best singing voice but right now, I could just listen to him sing forever.

"Cause it's not who you are and it's not what you wanted." He continued to sing softly. "I can see, I can see the strength there inside you."

I smiled to myself and he placed his hand on my arm. I held his hand and moved closer to him. With the back of my hand against his palm, I intertwined our fingers, tucked our hands under my chin and curled up in a fetal position.

He chuckled and continued his supposed lullaby, "Calling you, come away to where you're bright-eyed and hopeful."

He started to caress the back of my hand with his thumb and fix my hair with his free hand as he hummed what I presumed was an interlude. I wanted to listen more to the lyrics of the song but the last thing I was aware of was a light kiss on my forehead and then I was consumed by sleep.

I woke up after my deep sleep. Percy wasn't where he was before. I tightly shut my eyes as I stretched and take a deep breath. I sat up and examined the room. None of the lights in the room were turned on. The only light source was coming from the bottom of the door which closed off the room from the visitors. The curtains were still drawn but no light was trying to penetrate through them. It was probably late at night or early in the morning.

I got up from the bed, folded the blanket, and went to the bathroom to fix myself. Once my hair was in a neat ponytail, my breath was minty fresh, and I looked presentable, I exited the private room.

I looked around and there were people seated on the couches, talking to one another. All of them looked sad and some were crying and wiping tears away. There was a group of three standing in front of the casket, looking at Grandma. I noticed that there were new flowers. The twins were seated on the couch farthest from the casket, enveloped in their own little bubble. Their mom and Dad were talking to different groups of people. Percy was by the water dispenser, holding a mug, making a hot beverage. He cautiously walked back to an elderly woman, whose back was to me, with the hot mug and gave it to her. He sat down in front of her and looked up only to see me. A smile instantly spread across his face. He gave me a nod, signaling me to come over.

"Hey." He said as I sat down beside him. He placed his hand on my waist and introduced me to the woman he was talking to. "This is Mrs. White. She was just telling me about her trip with Grandma in Europe."

I looked at the old woman in front of me. She was smiling sweetly at me. Her deep set eyes were glistening as she looked at me. I could guess that she cried earlier. Her thin lips stretched as she smiled. Her curly white hair was shoulder length. The cup of hot tea nestled between her hands as her thin, long, fragile-looking fingers grasped it.

"Hi, Mrs. White. How have you been?" I asked as I smiled.

"Oh, I'm doing fine, dear." She smiled back and said, "Annabeth …oh, how often did your grandma talk about you!"

I laughed.

"She would brag about you when we're together. She would go on about how you have grown into such a beautiful and successful woman. Then she would start adding Percy into the conversation." She said, smiling at Percy. "But she told me that you went to Harvard…" She trailed off.

"I did study in Harvard." I said with scrunched up eyebrows. "In fact, I took up Law in Harvard."

Mrs. White took a sip from her tea and quickly glanced at my sweater. I remembered that I was wearing a sweater that shouted "Stanford Law". I laughed in spite of myself.

"Oh, but my sweater says otherwise. I really did study in Harvard. This was given to me by Percy," I explained as I bumped him with my shoulder, "as a gift. He went to Stanford and took up medicine. He knew I was taking up law and bought me this sweater."

She nodded, "Now I could see why she was fond of talking about the both of you."

I smiled at her and looked over to Percy. He was smiling at Mrs. White as well. As if we had an empathy link, he looked back at me. We laughed at each other.

"It's good to see a happy couple for once in a while." Mrs. White said before taking a sip again.

I swiftly looked away from Percy, "Oh, no, we're not married. We're not even together." I said too quickly.

She was taken aback, "Oh, what a shame." She said before drinking more of her tea as if to busy herself from talking to us.

Percy laughed and smiled, "So, why don't you tell us more about your trip with Grandma?"

She smiled back at him and started talking about the road trip around Europe. She told us about their gondola rides in Venice, restaurant hopping in Italy, historical tours around Greece and Rome, and so much more. While she kept us entertained, I can't help but make glances at the ring on my left ring finger glistening every time light hits it.

Maybe I should take it off. Should I?

"It seems like a very fun trip." Percy commented, drawing my attention away from the ring.

"It really was. We decided to go on that trip just after we graduated from college." She smiled faintly to herself. "Oh, how young and impulsive we were back then."

"How did you and Grandma meet?" Percy asked.

"Your grandmother was my best friend. We had been together ever since we were toddlers until we got older and started working."

Mrs. White stopped talking for a moment and kept her thoughts to herself. She was looking at the floor while tracing the rim of the mug with her index finger.

"Would you like some more tea, Mrs. White?" I asked, interrupting her train of thought.

"Oh, yes, yes." She smiled gratefully at me and gave the mug to me as I stood up. "Thank you, dear."

I went back to the table where snacks and sachets of beverages were displayed. I got a candy and popped it in my mouth before refilling the mug with hot water, reusing the teabag.

"Maybe you should take off the ring." Someone whispered in my ear, making me shiver involuntarily.

I looked at who it was and Percy leaned against the wall, facing me and munching on a couple pieces of peanuts. I rolled my eyes and looked down at the mug, watching as the clear hot water started to turn into a shade of brown.

"Why should I?" I raised an eyebrow at him, smiling.

"Because people keep getting the wrong idea that you're married."

"But I thought you liked it when people assume that I'm married to you?" I smiled smugly at him.

He cocked his head and had a thoughtful expression on his face, "Yeah, you're right. Don't take it off. Ever."

I laughed and he joined me.

"I think Mrs. White is great." He stated.

I nodded in agreement and swirled the teabag around the mug.

"How come I rarely saw her with Grandma?"

"Grandma was the one who would always visit her."

I gave Mrs. White her tea and excused myself to leave her in peace with her thoughts. I went over to the twins and told them that they should go to the family room because it was quiet and they could concentrate more. They got their books, notes, and pencils, before thanking me and bustling to the room. I get why they are rather quite studious about it. They were studying for their last finals in high school. They were graduating in a few weeks and will be off to college, hopefully, off to Harvard: my alma mater.

People went in and out. A couple of familiar faces greeted me as Grandma's friends visited and paid their respects. Percy and I have been going around talking to people. I, for one, had to repeatedly explain to people who asked that I was from Harvard, not from Stanford, because of Percy's gift. I also had to tell them that I wasn't married yet and Percy wasn't here as well because we were married or in a relationship.

It was around two in the morning when the place was cleared of visitors and my family was left. The twins and their mother already left a couple hours ago for the twins' exams were early.

Since I was nowhere near being sleepy because of my nap earlier, I resulted to going through my files and get work done. I set up my files and laptop on a couch and started working. Dad was asleep on the single bed in the private room while Percy was satisfying his boredom and compulsion by fixing the packs of food on the snack table. He would repeatedly stack up bars of brownies, cappuccino bars, and butterscotch bars and line them up. He fixed the sachets of instant coffees and tea. The mugs were arranged so that their handles were facing the same way. Stirrers and teaspoons were neatly settled on a tray.

I swiftly typed footnotes and highlighted sentences or fragments from the papers I had. Percy stepped away from the table, looked at what he has done, and sighed in appreciation. He looked over at the couches and started making sure that they were aligned properly. I smiled and shook my head before continued working.

He went over to the casket. I thought he started fussing on something that didn't look orderly to him like the flowers or mass cards but as I glanced over to him, I stand corrected. He was looking down at Grandma and had one hand on the casket while the other was in his pocket. You could tell that his hand was balled up into a fist. I pursed my lips and walked away from my makeshift workplace. I placed my hand on his shoulder, wrapped my other arm around his arm, and leaned my head against it. He huffed and then placed a kiss on my forehead.

"Maybe you should take a shower." I suggested with my eyes still closed, not moving out of my position.

"Do I stink or something?" He whispered against my forehead.

I chuckled and felt his lips form into a smile against my forehead as he chuckled along with me.

I let go of him and watched him as he made his way into the private room. I sighed and went back to my piles of folders. I stowed them away and closed all programs that had anything to do with working. I opened my e-mail and quickly composed a short one to Luke. I explained everything that had happened with my family. I turned off my laptop and placed my things back in the family room.

I turned off a couple lights. I sat down on one of the sofas and waited for Percy to emerge again from the room. A couple minutes later, he exited the small room and sat down beside me. He was wearing pajama bottoms and an old shirt of his. The remaining lights had illuminated the tired expression on his face. I patted on my lap.

He smiled and chuckled before obliging. He lied down and used my lap as a pillow. He was looking up at me, batting his eyelashes, and I held back the urge to laugh by pursing my lips. He closed his eyes. I was slowly running my hand through his hair. I also started humming the first tune that popped into my head, hoping it would lull him to sleep much quicker. I realized that I was humming the song that he sang to me earlier and since I didn't stay awake long enough to hear how it ended or how the rest of the song went, I ended up making my own tune. His breathing eventually evened out and I bent down to kiss his forehead.

His recently washed hair was dampening my jeans as he rested his head on my lap. I was still running my hand through his hair. I smiled at how peaceful he looked and continued humming even though I knew that he wouldn't be able to hear me. From time to time, Percy would stir in his sleep and then contentedly nestle on my legs once again. There also would be times when he would scrunch his eyebrows which I have to say looked funny and adorable at the same time.

The sunlight started to enter the room through the windows as I started to doze off as well.

I roused in my sleep as I felt someone carry me bridal style. I kept my eyes close, wanting to go back to sleep. I heard a creak and then felt the cushion of the single bed underneath me. The person carrying me gingerly placed me on the bed and tucked me in. I felt a soft kiss on my forehead before I went back to sleep.

I opened my eyes and I was just wide awake, as if I weren't asleep for the last couples of hours. Two people were in the room with their backs to me. They were talking and I instantly knew who they were despite the fact that I couldn't see their faces.

"A eulogy?" Percy asked in disbelief. "You want me to write a eulogy for Grandma?"

"Yes, Perce. Is it so hard to understand?" Dad said.

"But, Dad, you know how I am with public speaking!" Percy argued.

"I think you'll have to get used to it for your big day up at the altar with so much more eyes staring and anticipating for your each and every word and action."

Percy exhaled and it sounded like a frustrated one. "Okay, okay, fine. But what about Annabeth? She'll throw another fit about who's being an illegitimate grandchild between the both of us."

Dad chuckled and Percy joined him as well. I couldn't help but smile. "I think she's more privileged than I am when it comes to this." Percy said.

"Then the both of you do it!" Dad said and Percy probably gave him a protesting look because Dad started reasoning with him. "If your grandma would still be alive, she'd want the both of you to do it."

Percy sighed, "We should at least ask Annabeth about it before we decide on it."

"Of course. When she wakes up."

Percy turned around and saw me just looking at them. A smile immediately spread across his face as he said, "Hey."

I smiled back at him causing him to chuckle and walk over to me. I groaned as I stretched on the bed. Percy sat down beside me, smiling.

"How long have you been awake?" He asked.

"Long enough to know that I am the illegitimate one!" I said, giving him the stink eye.

Percy shook his head, chuckling, "I told you she'll throw another fit, Dad."

Dad just rolled his eyes but smiled. He continued doing whatever he was doing by the kitchen area of the family room while Percy talked to me about what I just heard. I sat up, rubbed my eyes, and quickly tied my hair into a messy ponytail. Percy just moved further on the bed and made himself comfortable.

"Hit me." I said.

"So Dad has entrusted either both or one of us to write the eulogy for Grandma," Percy started, "I am more than okay if you want to do it all by yourself. What do you say?"

To be honest, I was already thinking of what I wanted to write in the eulogy the moment I woke up and heard them talking about it.

I smiled at him and said, "Let's do it."

Percy cracked a smile and announced, "Well, I think it's safe to say that we can finally let out the breath we have been holding."

"That's good news." Dad said.

I hugged my legs and started thinking of what to write in the eulogy. I glanced over to Percy and I could tell that the wheels in his head were turning as well. I surveyed the room and inferred that it was early afternoon like around two or three. The curtains were drawn so the room was rather dim. The room was chilly, making me hug my legs tighter. Dad looked like he was making a salad or some sort in the small kitchen area of the family room. With his back to me, he continued chopping whatever he was preparing.

"You should bathe." Percy said after a while.

"What? Do I smell or something?" I asked as I started sniffing my clothes and my hair.

"No, I was merely suggesting. You usually have ideas when you come out of the shower. Just an observation."

I tilted my head, "Huh, you're right."

I put off the new responsibility given to me for now and fixed myself. I got out of bed and stepped, or should I say tiptoed, on the ice cold tiles, making my way to my bag to retrieve a set of fresh clothes. Once my clothes were bundled up, I went to the bathroom to take a shower.

"Is it really cold here or is it just me?" I asked as I exited the bathroom.

Percy, who was still sitting on the bed and was holding a pad of paper and a pencil, looked up and said, "It's just you. Seriously, if you listened to me –"

"Oh save me the speech, Mom." I said, rolling my eyes at him but smiled as I fixed my things.

I wore a plain shirt underneath my college sweater that had "Harvard Law" printed in front and jeans. For the past days, I didn't put too much effort on the way I dressed. Jeans, sneakers, and a shirt or sweater and I am good to go.

I got my laptop and sat down beside Percy, "So, you have anything yet?" I asked him.

"Nope." He said. "My mind is as blank as my answer sheet during the first couple of minutes of SATs."

I laughed and looked over at his paper as my laptop warmed up. He has managed to fill up almost half of the paper with doodles. "What is that supposed to be?" I asked as I pointed at a drawing.

"It's a…huh, what in the world is that?" He asked himself, making me laugh.

"How about that?" I pointed at a drawing of a faceless person who had, what I assumed was curly hair. I was assuming because it looked like Percy was trying to draw curly hair but it ended up looking as if he just haphazardly shaded on hair on the head he drew. "Who's that?" I asked as I bumped his shoulder.

His face had a hue of red, "I tried to draw you."

I scoffed, "Yeah, tried."

"Hey, can you just stop criticizing my doodles?"

I laughed and made myself busy with my share of the task on my laptop. As I tried to come up with a perfect beginner of the eulogy, I couldn't help but look over at Percy's doodles and look if he drew Rachel as well. My search for a doodle of another person ended up being fruitless. The only person he tried to draw was the faceless one, which he had claimed to be me. He didn't even bother to try and draw another person.

He didn't even bother trying to draw Rachel.

I quickly looked away from his paper and stared at the blank page of my document. The cursor blinked continuously and no words appeared on the page.

After a couple minutes, Percy sighed and said, "I believe that I speak for the both of us when I say that we cannot think of anything to write as of the moment."

I was still staring aimlessly at the blank page, lost in unimportant thoughts.

"Hey. Are you still there, Wise Girl?" Percy asked while waving his hand in front of my face.

Even thought I was fully aware of what was happening around me, I was still lost in thought. I didn't want my train of thought to be disturbed despite the fact that my thoughts were petty. I was still staring at my laptop. I heard a sigh from the person beside me. Percy closed my laptop and got it from me.

"Come on." He said, "Let's go out."

I still didn't talk back.

"Don't tell me you're sleeping with your eyes open."

"Am not." I finally answered after awhile.

"She's alive!" Percy smiled, "Come on. I'll buy us some frozen yogurt." He chided.

"I just need to free my mind." I said as I looked at him.

He stood up, grabbed both of my hands, and pulled me to a standing position. He swayed our arms and said in a coaxing voice, "That's why we'll go out so I can treat you some frozen yogurt. You know, to beat the summer heat."

I finally gave in, "Fine, fine. Just let me put on my shoes."

He smiled at me, making me smile as well, and then he let go of my hands. I went over to my things and wore my sneakers. I looked over my shoulder and saw Percy still smiling at me. I chuckled and shook my head as I quickly tied my shoe laces. I was about to stand up already but Percy already held out his hands. I looked up at him and smiled as I took his hands. He helped me up, let go of my hand, but held on to my left hand and intertwined his fingers with mine. I knew that he knew I was still wearing our friendship ring because he could feel it as he tightened his hold. I glanced at our joint hands and then a smile spread over his face, which I reciprocated.

I couldn't help but feel a tad bit happier because of this.

Before we left the room, I got my phone, wallet, small steno notebook, and my pen. I placed the notebook along with the pen in the pocket in front of my sweater and my phone and wallet in the pocket of my jeans. With our hands still together, we bid my father goodbye and left the funeral home.

Percy drove us to the first shop that sold frozen yogurt and then parked Dad's car. He got out the car and then jogged to my door to open it. He even held out his hand. I chuckled, rolled my eyes, but took his hand anyway. Hand in hand, once again, we walked to the store.

Percy got the biggest bowl and gave me a toothy grin. I shook my head and then went to the dispensing machines.

"What flavor do you want?" He asked.

I placed my finger on my lip and looked at the available flavors, "Hmm, I want the plain one."

"Plain? Seriously?"

"Yeah. It's tangy and sweet at the same time. The flavors balance each other and it just works. It's good." I said. "Come on! Get plain."

"But I want the watermelon flavor!"

"Fine, fine, mix them."

We walked over to the machine and then filled the bowl with our chosen flavors. I didn't bother adding different fruits or toppings in our bowl because I believe that you will only fully appreciate the frozen yogurt if you ate it by itself.

While we were seated in the shop, enjoying one another's company and our treat, Tuesday afternoon seemed to unfold itself slowly. Deep inside, I was relieved that I was out of the funeral home. I was happy that Percy had this suggestion.

I scooped a portion of yogurt with my spoon and Percy swiftly stole it with his spoon. He laughed evilly before eating. I gave him a straight face and he gave me wide innocent smile. When my facial expression didn't change, he immediately scooped another spoonful of yogurt and bought it to my lips with the added airplane sound effects as if he was feeding a toddler. The cold yogurt touched my lips and I can feel my façade slowly go away. His wide eyes watched me expectantly. I smiled widely and ate the yogurt. He smiled back.

I took out my small notebook and tried to at least come up with an outline of what I wanted my part of the eulogy to contain. Percy looked at me and asked for my pen. He got the notebook and wrote something before sliding it back to me. He wrote the word "Chillax" and drew a face that was smiling and had sunglasses. He got my notebook again and slid it back a couple moments later. I looked at it and there were blanks and a stand where his future drawing will be hung.

We stayed like that, playing Hangman or other games like Pictionary and the alike and ordering frozen yogurt from time to time, for hours as we watched the sun steadily go down. The orange hue that it gave off turned to red and soon enough darkness enveloped the shop which was opposed by the bright incandescent lights.

"Percy," I whispered, "I think the management is starting to get annoyed with us."

He looked around before turning back to me and whispered back, "Nah, I don't think so." He leaned in closer. "I think you're just saying that because your butt is numb."

I was about to protest but then he was right. He laughed and then stood up. He held my hand as we said our thank you's and exited the shop.

"You ready to go back?" Percy asked me as he opened the door for me.

I hesitated, "Can we not?"

His happy expression changed into a concerned yet slightly sad one, "Of course."

I thanked him before I got in the car and he closed the door. He jogged to his side of the car, got in, turned the engine on, and looked at me. He gave me another concerned smile before leaning near me to give me a kiss on the forehead.

"So, where to?" He asked a couple seconds after he moved away from me.

"Anywhere."

"Buckle up and get ready for the best night of your life!" He said excitedly as he revved the engine.

I laughed and just anticipated for what he had in mind.

A couple minutes later, we were going through Presidio and soon enough, Percy parked the car. I already couldn't wipe off the smile on my face because I already knew what he wanted us to do. Well, what one of the things he wanted us to do.

"You ready?" He asked as he held out his hand after he opened my door.

"Are we really going to do this?" I laughed and took his hand.

"Definitely." He closed my door.

He paid for the parking fee and then we walked up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Percy's smile showed the fact that he could not contain his excitement to cross the bridge. He held my hand as we started to walk the 2.7 kilometer bridge. The air started to become chilly and when I would look down, I would see the dark water. The cars just kept passing us and sometimes, Percy would point out some good looking cars that would zoom past us.

"Look at Alcatraz!" I pointed at the lit island of Alcatraz that probably still had tourists going around it.

"You always did have a weird fascination on Alcatraz." Percy chuckled.

We stopped for a while because I wanted to appreciate the lone island more. As I stared at it, Percy went behind me and hugged me, wrapping his arms around my waist. With the chilly sea breeze blowing around us and Percy's body making me warm, I was just in pure bliss.

"Come on, we're not even half of the bridge." I said a couple minutes later, looking at him.

"Wait; let me take a picture of you with the Alcatraz lights in the background." He said, making me laugh.

"Why not." I said and he unwrapped his arms around me.

He got his phone and readied to take a picture, "One, two, three, smile."

I laughed at ourselves because we were doing something a real tourist would do in a city where we both grew up in.

"Let's take a picture of us together." I said.

He held his phone arms length and had his arm on my shoulders, bringing me closer to him. We both had wide smiles and took a couple pictures until a stranger must've noticed our struggle.

"Do you want some help? I could take a picture for the both of you." He said.

"Oh sure, thanks." Percy said and gave his phone to the stranger.

Percy and I readied and positioned ourselves. He placed his arm on my shoulders and I wrapped my arm around his waist. And as if we hated space between us, we kept pulling one another close.

The stranger laughed and then said, "One, two, three, smile! One more." He offered.

Percy and I stayed the same and smiled.

"Say cheese!" The stranger said enthusiastically.

And out of the blue, Percy kissed my cheek, making me laugh.

"One more." Percy pleaded. "I mean, if it's not too much trouble."

"Oh, of course not." The stranger smiled at us.

Percy hugged me from behind and then placed his head on my shoulder. I laughed and just placed my hands over his and smiled. A couple seconds later, the stranger gave us a thumbs up and gave the camera back to Percy.

"Thank you so much." I said to the stranger.

"Oh, no worries. Will do anything for a lovely couple." He smiled at us.

"Aw, thanks, buddy." Percy said and clapped his arm.

I didn't even bother correcting him. We continued walking across the beautiful bridge. Once we got to Marin County, we just crossed the street and then crossed the bridge once more. This time, instead of seeing The Rock, we got to view the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. We did the same thing. We stopped for a couple minutes to admire the view of the well lit white bridge. Percy hugged me from behind again.

"Please don't even start with the facts." He whispered.

I chuckled, "You know that when there was an earthquake during the evening of October 17 in the year 1989 –"

"And what was the name of the earthquake?" Percy went along with me.

"The Loma Prieta earthquake. It caused the upper deck to collapse on the deck underneath, killing one person."

I just felt him chuckle and then sigh. He tightened his grip on me and placed a delicate kiss on my temple. I smiled and sighed as well. It was as if the only thing missing was one of us would whisper "I love you" to the other. Wait. What.

After we took pictures, we continued walking and before we went back to the car, we went to the bridge pavilion where Percy insisted on buying me a small Golden Gate Bridge keychain and an Alcatraz key keychain. He was about to buy me an Alcatraz cup but I really refused because it was too much. We exited the store and finally left.

We passed by Presidio once again.

"So, what's next on your list?" I asked him.

"You'll see." He said and made the car go faster.

Once Percy parked the car, I realized that our next destination was none other than Pier 39.

"Dinner at Pier 39." Percy smiled at me as he held my hand as we walked over the overpass.

"Look! It's Alcatraz!" I pointed at the island with our linked hands.

He laughed, "Stop with the Alcatraz obsession."

I laughed and swayed our hands. We got off the overpass and just walked around Pier 39. Take pictures here and there as well because Percy insisted. Solo pictures and couple pictures. Pier 39 along with its lights seemed like a huge fair. It even has a huge carousel. We looked around the shops and I ended up buying a black floppy hat, which Percy is wearing as of the moment.

"Well, aren't you a pretty lady?" I smiled widely at him.

"Baby, I know." He said as he winked at me.

I laughed and then we continue walking around, swaying our hands.

"So where are we eating tonight, pretty lady?" I asked him.

"You'll know." He smirked at me and then pulled me to wherever he was taking us.

"Crab House!" I said aloud, excited.

He just smiled at me and opened the door.

We got seated and ordered. This time, Percy took off the hat because tons of eyes were looking at him. I got the hat, wore it, and gave him seductive smile.

"Well, hello, pretty lady." He smirked at me.

"Baby, I know." I mimicked him.

We ate our dinner and decided to stay at Pier 39. We ended up riding the carousel and looking at some sea lions before we left.

We got in the car and I kept quiet because I just wanted to be surprised at where he would bring us next. This time, we were actually entering the city. I actually missed the steep streets. Percy just revved the engine and I found us just at the top of the street that was steeply heading down but instead of having a straight street, the road was crooked.

"Alas! The crookedest street in the world, Lombard Street." Percy said before driving down the zigzagged road.

After driving through Lombard Street, he parked the car. We walked back to the street and took pictures. Yes, solo and couple pictures. The flowers were just blooming wonderfully and there were cars that were still lining up with drivers just waiting for their turn to drive down the road.

"One last destination and we can go back." Percy said as he turned on the engine. "I mean, if you're alright with going back."

I smiled at him, "Come on."

Percy drove away from the city this time and we were passing through residence homes. The street just kept winding up and I think I already got an idea where he was going to bring us.

"I know where we're going!" I smiled, looking at him.

"Really?" He smiled as well but didn't take his eyes off the road. "Where are we going?"

"Twin Peaks." I smirked.

He looked at me and smirked back.

A couple minutes later, we arrived and Percy parked the car. We got out, went by the railings, and I just smiled widely at the sight before me. Twin Peaks was a mountain and once you get to the top, you overlook the whole city. During the day, the spot was famous for tourists but at night, tons of lovers come up here.

I tightly gripped Percy's hand and then we started playing I Spy because that's how we are.

Percy started, "I spy with my little eye an orange, well lit, long –"

"Golden Gate Bridge!" I answered enthusiastically and pointed at the famous landmark.

"Your turn."

"I spy with my little eye a small mean of transportation that only has one route."

"The cable car." Percy smiled down at me and then looked at the city to point one out.

It just went on for probably more than an hour. We pointed at different landmarks like the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Cable Car Museum, Pier 39, and many more. Although there are times when Percy would complain because I would describe what I was looking at by saying facts about it like when it was built or who designed it.

We moved, sat on the barrier with our feet dangling, and stayed there until it was in the wee hours of the morning. I think we managed to stay that long at Twin Peaks because it was like we were a couple of beings who had no problems except how to spend all the time we had.

We stared at the city until the lights go off one after the other. The dark blue night sky that loomed over the bright city was soon overruled by the soft orange hue given off by the sun that started to illuminate San Francisco.

We were still seated on the barriers. The lovers left in exchange for tourists who were eager to see the beautiful city. The time the sun fully shined over the city, Percy and I decided that it was time to go back.

"Back to Dad?" Percy asked as he got seated in the driver's seat.

I looked at him with my lips in a taut line. I really didn't want to go back because I knew that the problems that seemed nonexistent for the past hours will be back.

"Okay." He gave me a sad smile and drove.

I must've fallen asleep during the drive for we were driving through a residential place when I woke up.

"Where are we?" I asked him.

"Pacifica." He smiled.

I smiled back. He was bringing me home.

He parked the car in the driveway, I unlocked the front door, and we went in. No one was home for the twins were already at school and their mom was working. I went to the bathroom, got ready for bed, and dove straight under the covers. I called Percy and told him to sleep beside me because I just know that he would insist that he was fine sleeping on the couch.

"So tell me if I'm right or if I'm right." Percy started as he got comfortable beside me.

"What are you going on about?" I raised my eyebrows at him.

"Last night was the best night of your life." He smiled at me.

I laughed and turned my back to him, lying on my side.

"Silence means yes." He said in a singsong voice.

"I'll leave you with that assumption." I said with a clear smile in my voice.

He huffed in disbelief and I felt him turn his back to me too.

"Yes." I said after a couple minutes.

Despite the fact that it was around nine in the morning, Percy and I slept peacefully like babies.

I felt the bed move. Percy got off the bed. I opened my eyes and turned around only to see him smiling softly at me.

"Good morning." I said hoarsely.

"I think you mean afternoon."

"Oh!" I was suddenly alert. "What time is it?"

"Five in the afternoon."

I quickly got out of bed and fixed the bed. I told Percy to use the guest's bathroom while I use the one in my room. After I bathed, I realized that I didn't have fresh clothes to change into. I went to the twins' rooms and looked for a shirt I can borrow for the meantime.

"Hey, what are you looking for?" Someone said.

"I don't have spare clothes." I looked at Percy. "All my clothes are at the funeral home and all the clothes I have here don't fit me anymore."

He gave me a look before leaving me. I continued looking and a couple seconds later, Percy called me. As I turned to look at him, he threw something at my direction. I reflexively caught it and gave him a questioning look.

"I left some of my clothes here because I figured that there would be nights that I'd sleep here." He explained.

I thanked him and wore his dark blue shirt along with my jeans and sneakers. I dried my hair and didn't bother tying it into a ponytail or a bun. We left the house and drove back to San Francisco.

I was expecting him to bring us back to the funeral home but he surprised me once again. He brought us to the Palace of Fine Arts. I smiled at him and we got out the car. Hand in hand, we went around the tourist attraction. We looked at the swans and ducks swim peacefully around the pond. We took a couple pictures and left.

I have never felt like such a tourist in my own hometown.

Percy drove us back to where we really needed to be.

"You alright?" He asked me as we went up to the floor where our room was.

I nodded at him although my lips were in a tight line. He held my hand and intertwined our fingers.

"Where have you guys been?" Dad asked us the moment he saw us enter the room.

"Just cleared our heads." I simply said and shrugged.

"Been around the city." Percy replied.

"Well, it's good that you guys are finally back because your uncle and cousins are arriving today." Dad said.

"Oh, what time are they –" I asked but was disrupted when someone opened the door. Well, looks like they just arrived.

"How are you holding up, Fred?" Uncle Julian held my dad in a manly embrace.

"I'm doing alright, I suppose." Dad sighed as he hugged back.

Percy and I moved away from them so that they can have their intimate get together. I looked at who else entered the room and saw that my cousin was here as well.

"Annabeth!" My cousin, Reyna, ran to me and wrapped her arms around me, which I reciprocated while still holding Percy's hand. "I knew you'd be here, Percy." She greeted Percy, who was standing behind me.

Soon enough, Dad and Uncle Julian sat on the couch nearest the casket, catching up, while my cousin, Percy, and I sat at the back.

My father was older than Uncle Julian, that's why it was obligatory for him to take care of everything. Back then, Dad was an only child until my grandparents decided to adopt another child hence my Uncle Julian. Uncle Julian was originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Both his parents died when he was really young so his relatives took care of him. When resources and money became scarce, he was given up for adoption. His relatives asked my grandparents one favor though, which was to allow him to keep his original family name: Ramirez-Arellano. Uncle Julian was 18 when he was enlisted to serve the military. Before serving in Iraq, he had a daughter, Hylla, with his girlfriend Bellona. A couple months in service, he had to be sent home because of an injury he acquired when a roadside bomb went off. When he got back, he had Reyna in a couple months time. After having Reyna, Uncle Julian and his girlfriend just called quits.

Hylla is currently working in United States Fish and Wildlife Service as a federal wildlife officer while Reyna is an SFPD detective. Hylla was older than me and ever since we were toddlers, I already knew that she had a spot for wildlife in her heart. We only spent a couple years of our childhood together because when Uncle Julian came back, he brought Hylla back to Puerto Rico. As for Reyna, I was older than her a couple years but I was closer to her since she spent her formative years in San Francisco and ended up staying here. Reyna always had a way of knowing whether someone is lying especially if she had her dogs, Argentum and Aurum, around. I believe that was one of the reasons why she later became a detective.

"How come you only visited today? Is everything alright?" I asked Reyna. "You're still in SFPD right?"

"I'm actually on sick leave right now. I've been staying in San Juan for the last couple of days." She said as she tucked her black hair behind her ear.

"Oh, are you feeling better now?" I looked at her with scrunched up eyebrows. "Percy can do a check up if you want." I offered, looking at Percy and expecting him to unhesitatingly agree.

"Nah, I'm good, recovering. Just having a runny nose from time to time." She shrugged and smiled at me. "Thanks anyway."

"How are Argentum and Aurum?" Percy asked.

Reyna had a glint in her black eyes the moment "Argentum and Aurum" left his mouth, "Oh, they're more than fine. How about Onion?"

"She's doing quite fine as well especially now that she has a new puppy to play with." I smiled.

She looked at Percy with wide eyes, "You gave her another dog?"

Percy chuckled, "Nah, Annabeth got me a pug for our anniversary."

Reyna looked at Percy and me back and forth with an excited expression, "No way. What did you name…her? Or him?"

"Her." Percy answered. "We named her Raisin."

As if she could be more excited and her eyes could be wider, she guessed, "Cause of her facial structure?"

"Hah!" Percy suddenly exclaimed excitedly. "Right?!"

"Nice." Reyna nodded her head appreciatively.

"And Annabeth said it was stupid." Percy gave me a stink eye.

"I did not!" I defended myself.

"Yeah, but you were thinking it!"

We started to bicker the childish "did too!" and "did not!" exchange until Reyna whistled, signaling us to stop and causing us to laugh. We eventually talked about our jobs and got up to date with what's been happening in our lives for a while before I asked about her sister.

"How about Hylla? Where's she?" I asked Reyna.

Percy immediately looked as if he lost a tad bit of interest in what Reyna and I will talk about. Ever since we were kids, Hylla already had something against Percy. I never knew what it was but it seemed like her anger towards him never died down. Percy tried to settle it but it remained unresolved until now. Perhaps Percy destroyed something of hers. I really had no idea and I chose not to meddle with their affairs. The last thing I need is my cousin's anger directed at me as well or my best friend questioning my loyalty.

"Oh, Hylla's still in Brazil." Reyna said. "She's sent there to check the Amazon Rainforest and Amazon River. I think that she'll be stationed there since I heard that the numbers were rising."

"Isn't she coming here?" I asked.

"Last time I talked to her she said she'll probably be here later or tomorrow."

"That's good to hear." I smiled.

Once everyone was up to date with what was happening in each other's lives, my dad and Uncle Julian mixed with us and caught up as well.

"Excuse me, Annabeth, where's the bathroom here?" Reyna asked me a couple minutes later.

I excused myself from Uncle Julian, who was telling me how he managed to overcome his posttraumatic stress disorder after his service in Iraq, and led Reyna to the family room, where the bathroom was.

"I see that there's a ring on your left ring finger." Reyna said as she exited the bathroom. "Was I not invited to the wedding or did I just forget?"

"Oh, this?" I laughed as I showed her my friendship ring to which Reyna nodded. "It's nothing. Don't worry, you didn't miss any weddings especially mine."

"Okay, good." She sighed in relief and smiled but then eyed me, "You know, I don't think it's nothing."

"Believe me, it is."

"Okay, whatever you say." She scoped the room and asked. "How are things between you and Percy?"

"We're not together." I said defensively. "He's engaged and I have a boyfriend. Percy's getting married in a couple of months. So, yeah, we're just best friends."

She looked at me, examining me. "I can tell that you're wearing his shirt." She pointed. "And that ring you're wearing is given by him."

I stared at her with slightly wide eyes but I refused to budge.

She continued, "You spent the night together last night doing God knows what because the both of you have similar tired eyes. He looks at you differently and vice versa. I can tell something is up, Annabeth, so please do enlighten me." She smiled sweetly at me.

"I – fine." I said and told her a gist of everything that happened between Percy and me.

"Grandma can really play mind games on you, can she?" She smiled at me. "You know, I can tell that he has feelings for you; feelings that go so much beyond platonic ones."

"I, yeah, I really don't care. I don't want any problems anymore." I waved my hand dismissively.

"You're suffering, I can tell." She sighed and pouted at me. "Who knew I could use my lessons on how to read people's body language outside work?"

I smiled at her but rolled my eyes, "Yeah but I think it is better off this way."

"That's what you think but I say you're wrong." Reyna said.

"I wish I were." I whispered.

She embraced me and I held her in my arms as well.

"It's a good thing Argentum and Aurum aren't here." I joked. "I feel like I would've told you so much more."

She quickly released me from her hug and held me arms length, "Are you telling me that there's more?"

"What I told you was just the tip of the iceberg." I sighed.

"Then you must tell me more!"

"I told you everything you need to know although I chose not to go into details."

"Still." She insisted. "Later tonight."

"Eugh, fine." I gave in. "But, first, you must tell me what makes you say that 'he looks at me differently'?" I made air quotation marks.

She chuckled, "Hmm, let's start with how he looks at you. Whenever you talk or share something, he looks so engrossed with whatever you're saying but when other's talk to him, it's as if he's thinking, 'Just give me the gist of what you want to say'. As if he wants that person to give him one-liner sentences so he could continue on listening to you."

"What?" I gave her a funny expression.

"I know it sounds funny but I swear, you have to see it for yourself! If only I could video him and show it to you!" She looked at me with wide insisting eyes. "He has this default look when you're around: when you talk, when you stand up and walk around, when you're in the same room. He has this small smile. His eyes – eugh, how can I say this without sounding so cheesy and stupid? Gods bless me for what I'm going to say. His eyes just immediately light up and would be filled with care, love, pride, compassion, and longing. He also seems protective over you as if he would be willing to take any bullet or insult for you."

"Okay, I think I got the idea." I said, stopping her, because I honestly couldn't take it anymore.

"You know I speak the truth and nothing but the truth." She looked at me with pointed eyes. "'I must not tell lies.'"

"Eugh. You know I hate her." I gave her a stink eye as I was pertaining to Umbridge from Harry Potter.

"You just can't handle the truth." She stuck her tongue out at me.

For some reason, Reyna had an effect on me. She can say anything she wanted to me and get any answers from me. It was like her mere presence can make me say everything I was keeping. I think she made the right decision when she chose her profession.

"We were just going around the city, just so you know." I said as we left the family room and she just laughed.

As we exited, I saw Percy playing with a visitor's child. Percy and the little boy sat down on a couch while, I assume, his mother was by the coffin. Percy was doing some magic tricks for the kid. You can just hear the pure joy and excitement in the little boy's laughter whenever Percy finishes a trick. Percy was a natural with children.

I smiled and I felt Reyna's arm on my shoulders.

"He's a keeper." She observed.

I looked at her, "You and your observations."

"You know I'm right." She teased.

I laughed and shook my head. Yeah, he's a keeper.

Soon enough, there were more people who visited and gave their condolences. Family friends caught up with my uncle, checked how Reyna was, and asked about Hylla.

I chose to escape from the crowd and stayed at the balcony. I leaned on the railing and looked at the buildings and cars and people on the ground. The cold air helped me clear my thoughts that were once again filled with a certain black haired and green eyed person.

"Well, who knew? He's right." Someone behind me said.

I turned around and saw a girl who was probably as tall as me. She was lean and had an athletic build. She had long dark hair and dark eyes as well. She was wearing a plain button down shirt and denim jeans. She looked very exhausted not only because of the bags under her eyes but also because of her tired expression. Despite the fact that she looked the exact opposite of tireless, she still mustered a smile for me.

I smiled widely at her and gave her a hug, "Oh, Hylla, how are you?"

"I'm doing great." She laughed as she hugged me.

"I say it's a lie." I said as I released her. "You look like shi–…well, you look bad. Did you just arrive?"

"Exhausted, yeah, but I'm really relieved that I was allowed to go on a leave for Grandma's death. Percy told me that you'd be here."

"Yeah, just clearing my head and avoiding small talk with people who show sympathy towards me." I sighed. "I heard about you being sent to Brazil to watch over the Amazon. How was it?" I smiled at her and eyed her drink.

"It's hot milk. I really need sleep…soon or else I'll collapse." She explained. "Anyway, I got stationed there. Once I got all the boxes of my things inside my new apartment, I immediately went to work. It was a good thing that the employees there were very welcoming."

"That's how they want you to think before they start bossing you around." I teased.

"Shut up." She scrunched her nose at me.

"Gods, I missed you." I hugged her again, carefully avoiding her hot drink.

"Ditto." I heard the smile in her voice.

We released each other and leaned against the railing. We both looked at the cityscape. The sound of cars passing by and Hylla occasionally sipping her drink was relaxing.

"How are you holding up? Everyone knows how close you were with Grandma." Hylla asked a couple seconds later.

"I'm doing fine. Not great though but Percy's helping me get my mind off of things."

"Oh yeah, Percy." She said as she rolled her eyes.

I chose not to mind her dislike caused by the dispute between them.

"How are things between the both of you anyway?" She asked. "I'm only asking cause I care about you."

"Why are people always asking me that question?" I asked, exasperated.

Hylla raised her hands, "Woah, don't take it all out on me."

"It's just…eugh."

"You know, I wasn't asking it in a way that I was saying you guys were a couple. You just immediately jumped into assuming I meant it in that way when I was meaning it in a best-friends-ever-since-kids-and-now-even-living-in-the-same-city way." She defended herself before I could direct more annoyance towards her.

Gods, she's right. I have been assuming that people mean it in that way every time they ask me about Percy.

"We're fine." I sighed. "You know, still best friends."

"Okay, that's good to hear." She sipped her drink. "Tell me if he hurts you or something because I'm licensed to carry a gun."

I knew that was her way of showing that she cared about me and that she was protective over me. "You never did like him, huh?" I raised an eyebrow at her and gave her an amused look.

She shook her head and scrunched her nose at me

There was silence between us and the only sounds we can hear were the cars and the soft chatter of the people inside.

"How long will you be staying here? I know how much of a workaholic you are."

"What day is it today? I tend to lose track of the days."

"It's already Wednesday."

I sadly sighed and looked over the cityscape, "Percy and I are leaving this Sunday. We were only given two weeks worth of leaves."

"Annabeth," She paused for a while, "I am deeply sorry for your loss."

I looked at me, wondering where that came from. Grandma was both our grandmother although Hylla was related to her legally while my relationship with Grandma was legal and biological.

"The bond that the both of you had was not like what I had with her. I grew up away from her and only knowing her as someone who saved my father and gave him a second chance." She explained. "I don't know how you feel right now. I don't know how grave her death is to you. I am sorry for the loss of one of the most influential persons in your life and for the loss of the relationship you had with her."

I just kept quiet and nodded at her. She pursed her lips and then comfortingly rubbed my arm before excusing herself.

She was right. Grandma was so much more than a grandmother. She was my second mother. She took care of me at times my mother can't do so. Grandma was my second best friend. I always told her everything and she has never judged me. She was my second fan. In every step I took in life, she was always there to support me and cheer me on. She was the second relative I was close to. She was the second family I had when my parents decided to split. She was one of my mentors. Whatever life, my parents, books, or teachers have failed to teach me, she taught me. I may have used the adjective second in all the ways I described her role in my life but that just means that she was just there when the first person was not. Every single time. She was always there. When I lost her, I didn't just lose a grandmother, I lost a mother, a best friend, a fan, a relative I was close to, a family, a mentor, and so much more.

I started to tear up and my façade slowly chipped away, which was alright since I was all alone. I slowly slid against the wall, sitting on the floor, and hugging my knees as I started to cry. I just let the sadness seep out. I just let everything go. I sobbed and moaned. I kept at it for a couple minutes, letting the fresh hot tears warm my cheeks while the cold air chilled my tearstains.

The door opened. I chose not to mind whoever it was. I pressed the heels of my hands against my eyes and tried to control my sobs and sniffles.

"Oh gods." He whispered.

I looked up to give that person a nasty look for not respecting the fact that I wanted to be alone and that I was having a meltdown but all I saw was Percy's concerned and sad face. He had his eyebrows raised and scrunched up. His eyes were sad and slightly wide. His lips were pursed into a taut line. He came out and closed the door behind him. He quickly sat down beside me, placed his arms over my shoulders, and brought me closer to him. He repeatedly comforted me by rubbing my arm and whispering things like, "It's okay" and "Just let it all out". I truly appreciate what he was doing but I ended up just crying more. He shifted his position and hugged me. I removed my hands from my eyes and quickly wrapped my arms around Percy, gripping him tightly and burying my face in his chest. He rubbed my back as I continued to weep.

"Do you feel better?" He later asked me once I ran out of tears and was trying to calm myself down.

I nodded against his chest. Still hugging him, I looked up at him and saw him looking down at me with the same concerned expression.

"Do you want some water?"

I nodded. He kissed my forehead before giving me a squeeze and leaving me out on the balcony. I slowly stood up and held the railings as I continued to look at the bright city lights. The cold air was comforting and when Percy came back with a bottle of water, I felt a bit better.

"I soiled your shirt again." I said as he handed me the bottle.

He looked down at his shirt and instead of two small tearstains like before my tearstains were bigger now.

"Don't worry about it." He said nonchalantly and then removed his hoodie so he could put it over my shoulders.

"Percy, I–" Love you. I stopped myself and paused for a moment. "Thank you for everything." I whispered before taking a sip of water.

He looked at me with a sad smile, "Anything for you." He placed his arm over my shoulders brought me closer to him again. He kissed my temple and I heard him sigh.

I cuddled closer to his shoulder and it was as if I could just stay there forever. His hoodie warmed me and his familiar scent calmed me faster. He rubbed my arm and I looked up at him. He had a blank faraway look and I could tell that his thoughts were just as far as his look. I placed my arm around his waist and buried my face into his shoulder.

"Hey." He smiled at me.

I stared into his eyes for a couple seconds and said, "I'm really glad you're here."

"Wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

We were looking at each other for quite some time and the distance between our faces slowly became smaller and smaller until –

"Hey, Anna…beth."

I diverted my face away from Percy's and pressed my cheek against his shoulder as I looked behind to see who barged in. Percy ended up having his face in my hair and his hand on my nape.

"Yeah?" I said once I found my voice.

With her lips pursed and her eyes wide, Reyna slowly shook her head and opened and closed her mouth like a goldfish. It was a while before she said, "I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to have dinner. We're planning to get some Chinese takeouts."

"I'll be right there." I said. "Just a moment."

She mouthed "okay" and slowly closed the door.

I tried to play it cool but deep inside I was freaking out. Percy casually let his hand slip as he slowly moved his head away from me. I looked up at him and despite the lack of proper lighting; I can tell that his cheeks were red.

"I was thinking about Chinese chicken salad." I shared. "Hmm, I think you are in the mood for pepper steak and General Tso's chicken."

He laughed, "Am I that predictable?"

I laughed with him, "I think I know you more than you know yourself."

I smiled and gently bumped my nose against his shoulder. I unwrapped my arm and made my way to the door. Before I closed the door behind me, I looked at him and he was looking at me with a small smile and soft eyes.

"Oh gods." Someone breathed beside me once the door knob clicked.

I turned around and saw Reyna looking at me with wide eyes, "What?"

"I shouldn't have barged in like that." She said. "We suspected that Percy would've been with you since everyone is outside except the both of you. I just wasn't expecting that the both of you would be…having a moment."

"It was a spur of the moment." I sighed. "It was actually a good thing you came in because I don't think I'd be able to handle more drama."

"I just…I just really…wish I hadn't barged on you guys."

I laughed. "Gods, Reyna, it's fine. I'm even thankful."

"I just wanted to see you happy."

I didn't know what to say so I just placed my arm on Reyna's shoulders and lead us out of the family room. In the common room, Dad, Uncle Julian, and Hylla were huddled together.

"What's the commotion all about?" I joked as we approached them.

"Finally!" Hylla said, rather annoyed. "You came out!"

"Good. We can already order." Uncle Julian said. "Wait, where's Percy?"

"Chillax, Dad. I already noted his order."

Dad dialed my step-mom's number and started reciting our orders. She carefully noted it down and told us that she'll be arriving with our orders in a few minutes because she still has to pick up Matt and Bobby.

We separated a couple moments after and continued chatting with the visitors. I made my way into the family room and back to the balcony where Percy would still be. My hand was on the door knob and before I could turn it, I hesitated.

Instead of deterring the feelings between Percy and me, maybe I was just encouraging it?

Nah, what was happening is platonic.

Are you sure?

I opened the door. Percy's back was to me and he was leaning against the railing. I walked over and placed my hand on his back. He jolted from my touch before he looked at me.

"What are we doing?" He asked me after a couple minutes of silence passed.

I had the same question in my head but I had to be the bigger person, "Percy, I…we already talked about this."

He looked at me and his eyes looked sad and lost at the same time. "I know but it's been so hard for me –"

"It's been really hard for me too plus with the added strain from Grandma's death." I said. "You also already made a choice by continuing with the wedding. Rachel over Annabeth. I get it. So that's pretty much that, Percy. There's nothing more for us to discuss about."

He fell silent and gazed over the buildings.

Choking my tears down and making sure my voice wouldn't break, I said, "Percy, right now, I just really need my best friend."

Another period of silence passed by before he held my hand, squeezed it, and said, "Of course."

I looked at him and gave him a sad smile, "Thank you."

I left him so he could be alone with his thoughts and went back inside to socialize with the visitors. Since most of them were already being attended to by my relatives, I walked up to the casket and looked at Grandma's peaceful face.

"Grandma, please tell me that I did the right thing." I whispered, feeling rather heavy-hearted with what just happened between Percy and me.

More visitors arrived and I started talking to them. Percy came out soon and he looked out of it. His eyes hurriedly surveyed the crowd and when he saw me, he instantly looked away.

I am honestly gutted. I didn't want things to end up like this between us but I guess it's inevitable.

"Hello, hello." My step-mother greeted as she entered the room with Bobby and Matt tagging along behind her.

Almost all of us let out an "ugh, thank gods" in chorus. We excused ourselves and got our respective orders. Some of us took our Chinese takeout box and huddled together while the others returned to whoever they were talking to with their takeout.

"Is it just me or did you and Percy get into a fight or something?" Reyna asked me as she sat down beside me.

I looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"

"Look at you guys. He's avoiding you. Normally if things were alright between you two, he'd be sitting beside you and you'd be picking off of his Chinese takeout box."

"Gods, Reyna." I was freaked out at how accurate that was.

"You know I'm right." She said in a singsong tone.

"I gave him an ultimatum." I explained.

"Ooh. I see." She looked at Percy who was sitting far away from us. "I don't think he's handling it well."

"He'll come around." I said mostly to myself.

Reyna bumped me with her shoulder and got a piece of chicken from me.

After eating our dinners, we continued entertaining the guests and Reyna was right. Percy would always be in the far end of the room, away from me. When the guests left, Hylla was already asleep and Dad and Uncle Julian each claimed a sofa and called it a night. My step-mother brought the twins home. Reyna was taking a shower and getting ready for bed. Percy was staying out at the balcony while I just sat down on the sofa nearest the casket.

Gods, Percy was so not making this easier.

Someone tapped my shoulder and I turned around only to see him.

"Hey." I said. "What's up?"

"Want to go get some McDonald's?" He asked.

I gave him a small smile, "I'd love to."

We borrowed Dad's car and Percy drove us to the nearest McDonald's branch. I thought that we'd stay there for the meantime but he instructed me to stay in the car. I raised an eyebrow at him and carefully watched him as he made his way into the restaurant. He came back a couple minutes later holding two Happy Meal boxes. As much as I don't want to admit it, I actually got giddy.

"Yay! Happy Meal!" I exclaimed as he opened the door and got in the car.

He laughed and said, "I hope you'd like the toy I got."

"I bet I will." I smiled at him and started to open a box.

"Ah ah." He said, stopping me. "Wait until we get to where I'm driving to."

"May I at least start eating the fries?" I looked over to him. "You know they're not as good when they're cold and soggy." I said matter-of-factly.

"Fine. Fine. As long as you give me some as well." He smiled back.

I laughed and started eating some fries while giving him some as he drove. I loved it whenever Percy would drive us somewhere without telling me the destination. As much as I hated surprises, this was something that I actually enjoyed.

"Oh, oh, oh, I know where we're going!" I excitedly said as we got to the express lane. "Twin Peaks! Twin Peaks! Twin Peaks!" I chanted.

He chuckled and asked for a fry.

"May I at least know what the toy is?" I asked as he parked the car.

"Nope, not until we find a spot." He said.

"Eugh, fine." I rolled my eyes but smiled.

Tonight, there weren't a lot of people. Most of them were lovers though, no surprise there. Percy and I got a spot that was away from most of the people there and sat down beside each other with our feet dangling from the edge. We took a couple minutes to take in a view and let the comforting silence loom over us. I looked over to him and found him looking at me.

"Hi." I smiled.

He reciprocated my smile, "Hey."

"So may I open my Happy Meal now?"

He just chuckled and nodded.

I carefully opened the box with the signature M as the handle. I peeked inside using only one eye and immediately gasped. I looked at Percy and gave him an expression of disbelief.

"No."

"Yes." He smiled. "That's why I invited you to get McDonald's with me."

I got the toy that was encased in plastic and held it near my chest.

When Percy and I were younger, we used to watch this cartoon show that had characters from the Greek mythology. Aside from it being educational, we also watched it because we had the same names with the main characters. It was about this twelve-year-old boy named Percy, loosely based on Perseus, who had to go on different quests with a satyr and his best friend, Annabeth. Both Percy and Annabeth were demigods and their godly parents were Poseidon and Athena respectively. It was a nice television show.

I got a small plastic figurine of Annabeth. She wore what she usually did: jeans, her orange camp shirt that had Camp Half-blood printed on it, running shoes, and her iconic dark blue Yankees cap that could make her invisible. She wielded her dagger and crouched down to a fighting position. She had her curly blonde hair into a ponytail and her grey eyes looked fierce.

Gods, for all I know my mom and dad genetically modified me to look just like her.

"You got Percy, didn't you?" I smirked at him.

He held out his Happy Meal toy. It was as if he was holding a miniature version of himself. Percy, the cartoon character, was wearing the same thing that Annabeth wore: jeans, orange Camp Half-blood shirt, and running shoes. Percy's toy was also in a fighting position and was holding on to his sword Riptide. In the cartoons, Riptide would turn into a ball pen whenever it was capped. Perseus would also have his companion Pegasus named Blackjack.

We brought our Happy Meal toys near each other only to find out that their hands would connect and clasp together.

Oh yeah, in the cartoon show, they end up together.

We both just laughed and started to eat our Happy Meals. I got a burger and he got chicken nuggets and some blue soda. We sat down, crossing our legs and facing each other.

"I'm sorry I acted differently a while ago." He apologized as he dipped his chicken nuggets in the barbeque sauce.

"It's fine." I said, waving my hand dismissively.

I scrutinized Percy's half lit face because of the distant little orbs of light from the city. He scrunched his eyebrows for a moment before looking up at me to give me a small smile.

We both started talking casually like before. I'm claiming that Twin Peaks is our safe haven. Whenever we were here, everything seemed to go away. Both of us would be in pure bliss. Nothing could bother us and problems couldn't reach us. If I could stay here forever with Percy, I would.

Soon enough, the lovers left and sun was already slowly rising. The darkness was chased away by the reddish orange hue that the sun gave off. The fog unhurriedly formed somewhere near the Golden Gate Bridge and began swallow the city. It was an amazing sight and I absolutely missed that phenomenon. I had my head resting on Percy's shoulder and my arms wrapped around his waist while his hand comfortably rested on my waist. As I said before, pure bliss.

I could feel my eyelids getting heavier every time I blinked and the next thing I know I was on a bed.

That was the only problem in our safe haven. Sleep finds you.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and looked around. I was in my old bedroom. Percy was nowhere to be found. I took a deep breath and sat up.

"Percy?" I called out.

No response. I quickly got out of bed and looked for him. I went through the different rooms and I ended up seeing him asleep on the couch. I lightly shook him, making him stir in his sleep.

"Hey." I whispered. "Sleep on my bed."

"What?" He squinted at me. "I'm fine here."

"No, I insist."

He mumbled something incoherent before falling back asleep. I shook my head and went back to my room to get my blanket for Percy. I played with his hair for a moment and then decided to make him something to eat when he wakes up.

I ended up gathering ingredients for waffles. Since I figured that waffles would be enjoyed more if it were still hot, I decided to catch up on news and watch CNN. Once acquainted with the current events, I went outside and sat down on a chair on the patio, over thinking about things once again.

"Annabeth?" I heard a couple hours later.

I felt him place his hands on my shoulders and lean down to kiss the top of my head. It instantly made me smile.

I held his hand and looked up, "Hey." I whispered.

"Were you just out here, staring at the landscape?" He asked with a smiled clear in his voice. "How long have you been out here?"

"Just a while." If a while meant a couple hours.

"Aren't you cold? Your hand is cold." He pointed out.

I gently shook my head.

"Come back in." He said. "I made waffles."

"What? But I was the one who was supposed to make you waffles. I already prepared the ingredients I needed."

"And I thought I should cook us something."

"Fine." I just smiled at him and followed him back inside the house.

Percy pulled out my chair and pushed it as I sat down. He cooked a huge stack of waffles, prepared some fresh fruits, and put out a bottle of honey and a can of whipping cream because both of us loved it. He even made us a cup of hot chocolate with those tiny marshmallows on top each.

"How do you think they're doing in New York?" I asked as I sliced my waffle.

"I think they're doing fine."

"Yeah," I agreed, "no calls or text messages from them other than 'Condolence to you and your family.'"

"Okay, I thought they weren't communicating with me on purpose." He said.

I laughed. Gods, I missed this.

Percy placed more whipped cream on his pancakes and proceeded to fill his mouth with it before smiling like a chipmunk with a mouthful of nuts at me.

"Aww, unfair!" I complained.

"Fine." He rolled his eyes and then filled my mouth with whip cream.

…okay, that sounded wrong. No sexual innuendos intended!

After eating, I washed the plates while Percy dried them. We moved back outside to the patio with our newly refilled mugs of hot chocolate. We sat down beside each other and looked at the landscape in front of us. I had my legs propped up on top of his lap and he simply just placed his arm on my legs.

"Oh, look!" I pointed at the incoming fog.

Percy just smiled as he continued to drink his hot chocolate. He later placed his mug on the wooden floor so he can draw my legs closer to him. Instead of placing my mug on the floor as well, I continued to hold on to it because of its residual heat.

I opened my eyes when I heard him drew a deep breath. I blinked a couple of times before settling with squinting at Percy. He had a hand on my legs while the other was rubbing his eyes. The both of us just looked at each other with squinted eyes for a moment before realizing that we both fell asleep. I searched for my mug and fortunately, I didn't drop it when I was sleeping. I looked at the landscape in front of us and the sun was already giving off an orange hue as it was setting.

"Hey."

I gazed back at Percy and smiled, "Hey."

"Maybe drinking hot chocolate milk was a wrong move."

"Nah, the nap was quite alright."

"My butt's numb." He made a face.

I laughed and tried to move in my chair, "Yeah, so is mine. Go on, take a shower. I'll make us both a cup of coffee."

"Thanks."

I retracted my legs off of his lap so he can stand up but with a blink of an eye, I was hauled over his shoulder and was being carried back inside the house. I simply just laughed along with him and allowed him to carry me and set me down on the sofa.

"Go. Go on! Take a shower!" I said as I pushed him on his butt with my feet.

"I'm going." He laughed. "I'm going already."

I slowly got up and went back to the kitchen and started to prepare our coffee. I got pure black coffee while I mixed Percy's. Two teaspoons of creamer and two teaspoons of sugar. I slowly stirred his coffee as I blew on mine before drinking.

"Hey."

I quickly turned around and saw Matt walking into the kitchen.

"Shouldn't you be in school?"

"School's almost done so we only go there in the morning. We're already free to go by the afternoon." He explained.

"Wait, so how long have you been home?"

"A couple hours already. Bobby's here as well." He got an apple from the counter and bit into it.

"You didn't bother waking me or Percy up?" I raised an eyebrow at him.

"Yeah…we didn't want to disturb you guys." He wiped the juice of the apple from the corner of his mouth with his thumb.

I sighed. "Do you guys want to come along? We're heading back to the funeral home after Percy showers."

"Sure. Mom's going to pick us up later anyway. I'll tell Bobby." He smiled at me and left the kitchen.

I walked out the kitchen and towards the living room, passing the hallway to the rooms, when I saw Percy hastily making his way to my old room. Since he was fresh from the shower, he simply had a towel wrapped around his waist. For a millisecond, our eyes locked and I swear I saw a smile spread across his face.

"Hey!" He called out with a smile in his voice. "No peeping!"

"Hey!" I called back out. "No teasing!"

"Touché!"

I laughed and continued to the living room where I wore my shoes and readied myself. I tied my hair into a ponytail and checked if all the things I brought were with me. Phone, wallet, pen, and a small steno notebook. Yup, I have everything. I went to the bathroom to just brush my teeth and wash my face. I couldn't really take a shower here because all my clothes were at the funeral home.

I closed my eyes and as the cold water touched my face, images of Percy's half-naked body flashed in my mind. Well-defined arms, toned abs. He wasn't beefy but he was lean and toned. I absentmindedly smiled and quickly wiped my face. Gods, he was such a treat.

"Hey Peeping Tom." He greeted me as I returned to the living room.

"Shut up." I playfully hit his shoulder. "You should've warned me about your strip tease."

"Touché." He slowly nodded at me.

"Thanks, I try." I laughed.

"Are you ready to go?"

"Wait; just let me call Matt and Bobby."

"Wait…they're here?"

"Right? I think I have ninjas for brothers."

I called the twins and we got in the car. Percy drove, I got shotgun, and the twins sat at the back.

"So where were you guys last night?" Matt asked.

"We went out. Why?" I asked.

"Okay, if that's what you want to call it then." Bobby giggled.

"What's so funny? We did just go out last night." I clarified.

"Nothing." Matt said in a singsong voice.

I no longer tried to insist and decided to let it go. As an old habit, I placed my hand on Percy's lap and continued to look out the window. I don't know where I got this habit of mine but I put my hand on his lap whenever he's driving. No maliciousness! My hand would just simply rest on his mid-thigh. I don't know why I do it but I think I do it because I want to make him feel like he's not alone and I was just there. From the corner of my eye, I saw Percy glance at me with a small smile.

"So," Bobby spoke up, "I heard that Father entrusted you two to write a eulogy for Grandma."

"Yeah, why are you asking?" I turned around to look at him.

"How's it going so far?"

"I, well, I already have an outline of what I want my part to contain." I looked over to Percy. "How about you?"

His eyes widened. "...I knew I was right when I insisted that Dad should choose you to write her eulogy."

It suddenly dawned on me that Grandma was to be buried two days from now.

"Gods, Percy we only have two days to write a eulogy." I pointed out.

"Oh gods." He breathed out.

The car was silent and the only sound we would hear was the sound the car was making as we sped through the freeway.

"It's okay. We can do it." I reassured Percy and partly myself.

He placed his hand on top of mine and squeezed it. He gave me a reassuring smile.

"So, when are you guys graduating?" Percy glanced at the rearview mirror to get a look at the twins.

"In a few weeks." Matt said nonchalantly.

"It's alright if you can't come." Bobby said.

"But I want to." I gave them a sad smile.

"It's fine and we understand that you have jobs and you practically live on the other side of the continent." Matt explained. "Although if you guys lived in Daly City, I don't think we'll ever forgive you."

"Plus, plane tickets are expensive right?" Bobby asked.

"Eugh, fine." I groaned. "But I'll make it up to you guys."

"Sure thing, sister from another mother." Matt smiled.

I raised an eyebrow at him but started laughing. He was right.

We arrived at the funeral home in a while and went right up to our room as soon as Percy locked the car. There were already visitors and our family members there were busy chatting with them. I was on my way to the family room when Reyna walked pass me.

"Wait," She stopped and looked back at me, "Weren't you wearing that yesterday, Annabeth?"

"Shut up." I stuck my tongue out at her.

"Where were you last night? I went to the bathroom to take a shower with you sitting in the lounge and Percy on the balcony. The next thing I know, I was exiting the bathroom with you guys missing."

"Percy and I just went out." I shrugged.

Why were people making such a big deal out of this?

She rolled her eyes and walked away from me only to call back, "Go take a shower. I can still smell you from here." She smirked at me.

I continued walking to the family room to take a shower. I went through my bag but realized that the only clothes I had left were long dresses and my black dress for Saturday. Gods, why did I choose to bring clothes like these? The dresses were even colorful.

I grabbed the first dress my hands touched. I got everything I needed then quickly took a shower. I looked at my reflection and slowly shook my head. My dress had thin straps and a colorful pattern printed all over until floor length hem. I brushed my damp hair and I could see my hair already starting to curl up.

I exited the bathroom and tiptoed on the ice cold tiles. I wore my sandals and went back to the lounge.

"Wow, you look so festive." Hylla teased as she passed by me.

"Shut up." I gave her a stink eye, eliciting a laugh from her.

I looked around and Percy was sitting beside an old person, who I assumed was one of Grandma's friends. The twins were by the snack table. Dad, Uncle Julian, Hylla, and Reyna were entertaining guests. I slowly and furtively retreated back into the family room.

I turned on my laptop. I was surprised when I didn't find any reply from Luke. I went through our photos together that was compiled in my laptop. I smiled to myself. I missed Luke. I ended up turning off my laptop and staring at my blank steno notebook with a pen in hand. I suddenly remembered how I saw her as my second everything so I started scribbling down notes.

"I thought you slipped and hit your head when you were taking a shower."

I looked up from my notebook and saw Percy smiling at me.

"Hi." I smiled back and let out a deep breath.

"Have you started with the eulogy?" He sat down beside me.

"Yes, unlike you."

"About that..." He trailed off.

"Don't you dare back out on this." I stared him down.

"No, no, of course not." He shook his head. "It was actually such an honor to actually make Grandma a eulogy. I just need help."

I smiled, "You know, you just write from the heart."

He rolled his eyes at me, making me laugh. I grabbed a couple pieces of paper and a pencil from my workbag and handed it to him. We both sat beside each other on the bed. We didn't say anything for a while and what you could hear is the distant sound of cars, our breathing, peoples' chatters outside, and Percy's pencil whenever he writes. Once in a while a guest or a family member would enter the family room.

"How's your part?" He asked me after what felt like an hour of silence

"Well," I looked at the pages of my notebook that were once blank, "I think I'm doing good."

I handed him my notebook and carefully surveyed him as he read what I wrote. He placed his hand over his mouth and was quiet for a while.

"Gods, Annabeth, you make my speech seem like I was in a rush to write one."

I laughed. "Which is partly true, you know."

"But yours is like it's been drafted numerous times."

"I was in the high school newspaper." I suggested. "If that helps."

He buried his face in his hands. I chuckled and placed my hand on his back but he moved away from my touch.

"You're suggestion for the school paper to make an obituary section for students' dead pets was alright." I comforted him. "Your example entry on your dead fish was very touching too."

He gave me a hurt expression. "You were editor-in-chief."

"But apparently, the rest of the people on the school paper publication preferred putting horoscopes and zodiac updates for the month."

"You knew horoscopes and predictions based on peoples' zodiac signs were Barnum effect on people." He slowly shook his head. "You were the editor-in-chief."

I placed my hand on his back once more. "Sorry, bud, they overpowered me."

He sighed and gave me back my notebook.

"Well, don't be too hopeless. Let me see yours." I swiftly stole his paper.

I read the only paragraph on the paper and it was good. Aside from that, there were numerous doodles once again. There was another drawing of a head. This time, the hair was longer and the curls were better drawn and prominent. Percy already had a light sketch of a face. To my surprise, it resembled me.

"Without sparing my feelings, tell me what you think." He broke my focus on his drawing.

"Your starter is good." I smiled at him.

"Are you sure?" He raised an eyebrow at me. "Were you really referring to my starter or my drawing?"

I hung my head. "Both."

He laughed at me. "Busted!"

I laughed along with him and gave him back his paper. When the laughter died down, he commented in a serious tone, "It's you, by the way."

I felt myself blush. I gave him a small smile, "It looks better compared to your faceless drawing earlier."

"Ha-ha."

I bumped my shoulder against his and snuggled closer to him. We continued writing our pieces. Soon enough, the chatters outside lessened and became softer and Dad entered the room to get ready for bed. We shuffled out of the family room and saw my other family members cleaning up the lounge. Percy and I helped clean up and then settled down on a sofa to continue writing.

I was staring off into space for a couple seconds, trying to look for another inspiration. I scoped the room and everyone else was already asleep on their claimed sofas. The only lights that were left on were the lamps behind Grandma's casket.

"Want some ice cream?" Percy piped up.

I turned to him, "Gods, yes please. I am all out of creative juices."

"Good, me too." He stood up and got Dad's car keys again.

We went around the city before settling for the convenience store of a gas station. Percy was filling up the car with gasoline while I did the grocery shopping. I ended up getting a huge tub of ice cream, a couple bags of chips, and candies. I paid for everything then got back into the car.

I enumerated everything I bought for us as I got in. He nodded his head appreciatively, making me laugh. He slowly drove out the gas station and didn't tell me where we were headed but I was hoping it was to our safe haven.

We started munching on a bag of chips as he kept his eyes on the road. In a couple of minutes, Percy going up the familiar road. I smiled to myself and happily ate a chip.

Instead of sitting on the edge of the barrier, tonight, we sat down on a huge boulder. Percy brought the bag of goodies and I looked for a comfortable spot for us.

I opened the tub of ice cream and found out that it was still frozen. A bit melted at the sides but still frozen. "Nice, nice." I said.

Percy got out the spoons I bought and we started eating. The view was still spectacular no matter how many times I've already seen it.

"It never gets old." Percy breathed. "Does it?"

I looked at him with a huge amused smile, "That's what I was thinking."

He just looked back at me, gave me a charming smile, and fed me a spoonful of ice cream.

Once the tub was empty and clean, we opened the bags of chips. I lied down and looked at the star-peppered night sky. It was a bit uncomfortable at first but maybe I back muscles numbed and it felt alright to lie down. Percy followed me after a while and started whining.

"How can you lie down for so long?" He immediately sat up and looked at me weirdly.

"I think my muscles numbed already." I laughed.

He contemplated on it for a while before lying back down.

I can sense that he was about to whine so I said, "Just shut up and eat a chip."

"The stars are amazing." He said out loud. "Definitely worth the aching back muscles."

I laughed, "Although, you know what I want?"

"A cushion for your back?" He looked at me. "Because that's what I want."

I laughed at him again, "Looks like someone's getting old. Shouldn't the aching back muscles come when you're in your late forties? You have two more decades." I joked.

"Ha-ha." He rolled his eyes.

"But, no, I would want a pillow."

"Here." He moved away from me so that my head was leveled with his shoulder. He extended his arm so I could use it as a pillow.

"Nah, your arm will fall asleep."

"It's fine." He said then pulled me closer to him.

I giggled and ended up just nestling closer to him. We saw a couple shooting stars and once again, I was in pure bliss. When the stars were no longer in the places that were in before, I figured that I should start writing again. With the distant city lights and the moon as our sources of light, Percy just kept quiet and watched me as I wrote on my notebook.

"Do you have like a thousand mini writers in your head?" He asked me before popping a candy in his mouth.

I looked at him, placing my chin on his chest, "One of the prerequisites of being an editor-in-chief." I joked.

He placed his hand on top of my head and started playing with my hair. I smiled at him and he reciprocated it. I opened my mouth and he just chuckled and fed me a piece of candy. I continued writing and he just played with my hair. I would already be asleep in no time if it weren't for the coffee I drank earlier.

"What's wrong?" He asked me after he realized that I kept moving closer to him and putting his forearm over my arm.

"I'm feeling cold." I admitted.

"Oh." He said. "I told you if only you listened to me. You should be eating more."

I rolled my eyes, "Blah blah blah, I know, Mom."

He chuckled, "Wait here, I brought my hoodie for you cause I know how easy you get cold. It's in the car."

We sat up and he waited for his arm to have its feeling again. I watched Percy slowly make his way down the boulder.

"Ooh, careful." I called after him.

I looked around. There were less people compared to when we arrived here. Same goes with the city lights. Most of it were already turned off. I looked up at the sky and it was already lighter than before. Dawn was approaching.

He came back with a bundled up hoodie in his hand and cautiously got back on top of the boulder. I just wore his hoodie and we went back to our position before. I stowed away my notebook and pen in the pocket of his hoodie then simply enjoyed the remaining time we had before the stars slowly disappear and the sun make its way up to the sky to replace the stars and moon. Percy played with my hair and I traced non-existent drawings on the back of his hand.

"Is it weird that after all the ice cream, chips, and candies we ate, I still want to eat?" I asked Percy once the sun was up.

"Not at all." He laughed. "I'm hungry myself."

"Nice, nice." I laughed as well. "Let's have breakfast. My treat."

I smiled and we sat up. I groaned as I stretched because of the sore back muscles. I looked at Percy and tried to hide my smile.

Percy made a face. "Pins and needles. Pins and needles." He repeated again and again as he shook his hand vigorously.

It took a couple minutes for him to feel his arm again. He stretched and groaned. I grabbed our bag of trash and Percy made his way down first. He looked back up at me as I slowly made my descend. Gods, wearing a floor length dress that wasn't flowy and sandals was not the best idea. I tightly held on whatever my hands would touch and tried to gingerly step down the boulder.

"Wait, wait." Percy said. "Sit down."

"What? I'm just a jump away from the ground. A jump that could get my back scratched and skinned."

He laughed. "Come on, just sit down."

"Fine, fine." I did what he told me to and waited for the next step of his plan.

He extended his arms towards me. With his hands somewhere on my mid-thighs since that's the only extent his arms can go, he instructed me to jump. I was skeptical at first but he promised me that if I get a scratch, I can have his new car. That was how sure he was that I'll be alright. I leaped off the boulder and the next thing I know was Percy was lifting me in the air. His hands were now on my waist and he was just laughing at me while carrying me. My long curly hair concealed us in our happy little world.

"Well, that's no car for you." He teased as he brought me down.

"You didn't tell me you lifted, cheater." I joked.

"So where shall we have breakfast?" Percy asked as he turned on the engine.

"Oh, you know where's a good place to eat at?" I raised an eyebrow at him. "This diner in Daly City. They have this amazing hash and the waffles are to die for."

"Am I the only one who doesn't remember this?" He slowly drove down the mountain. "Mom would always talk about this diner and I could never recall it."

I laughed. "Maybe you'll remember when you taste their bacon."

"Is this diner better than the one in New York City?" He looked at me.

I cocked my head and thought about it. "Yes."

"Oh Gods, you got me all excited now." He laughed.

"Gods, who wouldn't be?" I got excited myself as well.

I gave him the directions with ease since it was pretty much imprinted on the back of my head. Throughout the ride, Percy just had scrunched up eyebrows. When we got there, I excitedly skipped towards the door with Percy in tow.

"I'll have waffles with extra whipped cream and a cup of black coffee." I smiled at the employee taking our orders. "Thanks!"

Percy flipped through the menu again as he tried to make his mind.

"He'll have hash, bacon, and eggs." I ordered for him. "And a cup of coffee as well."

The employee left us and I looked at Percy. He was scoping the diner, looking for something that would remind him of the place.

"I told you their hash is good and so is their bacon." I reminded him.

"I am so lost." He breathed out.

"You will remember when you taste the bacon." I reassured him.

Our orders arrived shortly and I happily ate my waffles. Percy tried the bacon and he started to smile. He gladly ate his breakfast and we shared. For dessert, we simply ordered two different slices of pie.

"This!" He smiled widely. "This is what I remember!"

"The blueberry pie?" I raised an eyebrow. "Why not the amazing waffles, delectable bacon, or the scrumptious hash?"

"I always slept in every weekend and when I would wake up, it would be Mom coming home with some blueberry pie."

"So that explains why you have no idea how good this diner is." I placed my hand on his shoulder and patted it. "You, my friend, have started living you life at this very moment."

After a couple more orders of other desserts, I paid for our bill and even got an order of waffles and bacon to go. Percy drove us to Pacifica and with that, our little evening escapade ends just like other adventures for the past days here in San Francisco. It starts with us going around the city, staying in our safe haven Twin Peaks, and ends with us turning in here in Pacifica.

I dove right under the duvets once I was done getting ready for bed. I called Percy so I can tell him that he could sleep on my bed as well but I didn't get any response. I went to our living room and found him fast asleep on the couch. I didn't bother waking him up because he was already in deep sleep. I just got the blanket I gave him the day before and tucked him in. I went back to my bed and fell asleep.

I woke up with the smell of coffee very potent in my room. I groggily smiled and wafted the scent. I walked towards the kitchen and saw a sleepily looking Percy grin at me.

"Coffee?" He offered.

"Yes, please." I said as I sat down by the island counter.

"I knew the smell would wake you up." He chuckled as he gave me a cup of black coffee. "You'll never know what time it is."

I looked around and it was already dim outside. "It's almost six in the evening."

"Dammit, I was thinking you'd never get it."

I chortled, "And I also got a glimpse of my clock when I woke up."

He shook his head and sat down beside me. With his right hand, he brought his mug to his lips while his other hand rubbed my back. Since I spent the night before lying down on a rock, getting a back rub was a luxury.

When he was done with his coffee, he took a shower. While he was taking a shower, I brushed my teeth and washed my face in the master's bathroom. I was waiting for Percy then I remembered my take home waffles and bacon. I nearly skipped to the kitchen to reheat my meal.

I was spraying whipped cream on my to go container as I waited for the over toaster to heat my bacon and waffles.

"I knew you wouldn't forget it." Percy smiled.

"Never ever." I said in a childish manner.

"I'll get the car started."

He left me alone which was alright since a couple moments later, the oven toaster's timer went off. I quickly got my food and locked the house. Percy already had the car waiting in the driveway. We left Pacifica and got to the funeral home by six forty-five.

With an empty to go container, we went up into the room.

Tonight was Grandma's last night.

There were a lot of guests tonight. All of the sofas were taken and filled. Some of the guests were already standing up. Percy and I were making our way to the family room when Dad called us. The both of us looked at each other for a second before he let go of my hand and told me to go ahead.

I hastily took a shower and got dressed. Again to my dismay, I have nothing but floor length dresses left. Tonight I got a light turquoise sleeveless dress with elegant prints on it. It had a halter-like and keyhole neckline and also a gold belt for an accent. I wore the same sandals and exited the family room because I knew Dad wanted me to talk to the visitors.

"What is the event, Annabeth? Why are you all dressed up?" Reyna asked as I passed by her.

"For some weird reason I thought it was nice if I brought dresses like these here." I shrugged, making her laugh. "You can also never overdress."

I managed to go around the room, entertaining the guests. Most of the time, we'd share stories about my grandmother. Some of the visitors would ask me about my marital status because of my friendship ring although this time, it didn't make me wonder about taking it off.

"So, who's the lucky guy?" One of Grandma's closest friends asked me as she eyed my ring.

I knew I could joke about the subject matter because I was close with her as well. "You see the guy with black hair. The one wearing the gray shirt sitting beside Mrs. White." I described Percy.

She looked at him for a while before nodding appreciatively. "Where's the engagement ring, dear?"

"I was the one who proposed."

She was quiet for a second and it almost made me tell her that I was kidding. She smiled widely at me, "That's a girl! Destroy the social construct that men would be the one who should propose and women should just wait for them! Did you get him a ring with a rock as well?"

I was taken aback and then smiled before coming clean.

She pouted at me. "So you aren't really married?" She looked at Percy again. "Too bad. I was all for him for you."

"Yeah, that's what a lot of people have been telling me."

"So tell me how you have been doing?" She gave me a sad and sympathetic smile and held my hand.

We talked for a while before she pointed out that my faux husband was calling me. I looked around and saw Percy waving at me, trying to get my attention. I excused myself from her and made my way to Percy.

"What?" I asked as I got to him. "I was talking to someone important."

"This is her right here." Percy smiled brightly as he stood up and placed his arm on my shoulders.

I looked at who he was talking to and he was another close friend of Grandma's. "Oh, hi Mr. Ross." I extended my hand for a handshake but he kissed my hand like what they did back then.

"Annabeth dear." He smiled sadly at me. "I commiserate for your inconsolable loss."

"I sympathize for the loss of your friend." I said back to him.

With his lips pursed, he nodded slowly and let go of my hand. Percy sat back down and let his hand slide down to my waist where it rested as I just stood up.

"So what has this guy been telling you so far, Mr. Ross?" I glanced at Percy and smiled.

"Oh no, call me Lucas." He insisted. "Well, this young gentleman told me that his wife would love to talk to me."

I looked at Percy and laughed. "So we're on the same page as well?" I asked him. "I've been saying the same thing to people."

Percy had a gleam in his eyes before laughing too. "Nice, nice." He said in between laughs.

"Sorry, Mr. Ross." Percy said, trying to catch his breath. "We're not really married."

Mr. Ross looked at me for reaffirmation and I just nodded and wiped a tear from the corner of my eye. I placed my hand on the side of Percy's neck and I didn't feel the leather chord that held our friendship ring. I looked at Percy's left ring finger and grinned when I saw our friendship ring.

"Although may I ask why the both of you would pose as if you were married?" Mr. Ross just smiled at us.

That got me thinking. "I…really don't know. To spread the love." I came up with a lame explanation.

"To see what peoples' reaction would be when they see us together." Percy said mostly to himself.

To have the satisfaction of getting positive feedback from people when they see us together. To get an answer to "What if we were really together?".

"So, Mr. Ross, I mean Lucas, how are you?" I asked once awkward silence loomed over us.

Percy and I talked to Mr. Ross before I offered to get him some refreshments like tea and some pastries. I moved away from them, came back with the goodies, and then excused myself. I continued going around the room and talking to other guests. It took longer for the guests to clear out tonight. It was already around one in the morning when my family was the only one left.

I was standing beside the casket and staring at Grandma.

"Hey." Someone placed their hand on my back.

I quickly wiped a tear from the corner of my eye with the back of my hand. I faced the person and saw Percy giving me a concerned look.

"You don't have to hide." He comforted me.

I hugged him, burying my face in his chest. He gently rubbed my back to soothe me. When I pulled myself together, I untangled myself from Percy and looked around the room. Everyone was looking at me and they gave me such sympathetic looks.

So much for trying to hide.

"I'll just be on the balcony." I whispered to Percy and hastily left.

Once I was all alone on the balcony with the warm air surrounding me, I sank down to the floor and hugged my knees. After tonight, I'll only get to see Grandma on a photograph. I can never touch her wrinkly pale skin, kiss her forehead, or tuck her hair behind her ear. I placed my forehead on my knees and started sobbing as quietly as I can. Next thing I know, someone wrapped their arms around me.

"Gods, Reyna, don't scare me like that!" I looked up at her with my bloodshot eyes and tearstained cheeks. "I didn't even hear you open the door."

She just laughed and brought me closer to her. I wiped my tears and placed my head on her shoulder.

"We need to stay strong, the both of us." Reyna said. "Yes, we are allowed to mourn, I mean, it's impossible not to since Grandma was such a delight, but sooner or later we have to show our strong faces."

I sighed. "Tomorrow is going to be a very long day."

"I know. I heard you were doing the eulogy." She looked me. "How's that coming along?"

"Just need to polish some parts."

"Percy's part?"

I cracked a smile, "That I do not know although I am guessing I'm the one with the longer speech."

Reyna rolled her eyes. "Girl, I think everybody already expected that when we found out that you and Percy were doing the eulogy."

I laughed and gave her an awkward sideway hug.

"Another thing," Reyna said, "do you want me to write a back-up eulogy for Percy?"

"No need to, I already did that." I joked.

Reyna chuckled and stood up. She held out her hand but I politely declined. Even though, I kind of got a pep talk, I think it was a pep talk, I just wanted to stay out here all by myself and sulk.

"Do you want me to get you a blanket or jacket?" She as she opened the door.

I laughed, "It's warmer out here than it is inside there. I'm fine, Reyna, thank you."

"I tried to be subtle." She said, making me raise my eyebrow at her, "It's so that you won't soil your dress with your tears."

I laughed again, "Shut up. Thank you."

She smiled at me and said, "You'll be fine, Annabeth." Before going back inside.

I'll definitely miss her when we got back to New York City.

The buzzing sound of cars passing by, occasional car horns, distant chatters from the room beside ours, and the random stir in the sleep of the person who was sleeping in the family room's bed. I hugged my knees and let out a deep breath.

"Annabeth?" Someone whispered.

"Percy?" I looked up and saw him sticking out his head behind the door.

"Hey." He closed the door behind him. "How are you?"

"I'm fine." I squinted my eyes at him. "Did Reyna make you come out here?"

He pursed his lips and shook his head. He kissed the top of my head and sat down beside me.

"A penny for your thoughts?" He said after a while.

"It's just...we'll never get to see Grandma again." I sighed.

He fell quiet. I bet he never thought about it.

"Since I see that you are in my position, I will leave you with your thoughts and go for a walk." I said and stood up.

"Where will you go? Wait, I should go with you." He snapped out of his thoughts and gave me a concerned look.

"I'll just go around the block." I stopped him. "It's fine. I'll bring my taser and pepper spray."

He looked so helpless when I left him there. I scoured through my bag for what I told Percy I'd bring and his hoodie which luckily was just around. I opened the door to the balcony a bit and then held out both my hands with the taser and pepper spray. I heard him chuckle. I wore his hoodie and pushed up the sleeves up until my elbows. I chucked the two things I told Percy I'll bring inside the pockets and left the building.

I carelessly and aimlessly walked around, looked around the buildings and the city lights.

A couple minutes later, I realized that there was a car slowly following me. I held the pepper spray in one hand and the taser in another. My heart was beating fast and then the car caught up with me. I brought out the pepper spray and when I was about to press, Percy's face greeted me.

"Gods, Percy!" I exclaimed. "You don't do that to me. I could've pepper sprayed you straight in the face or worse, tasered you!"

"I'm sorry." He said. "I didn't think that through."

"Hell yeah you didn't think that through!"

"Come on, let's get some frozen yogurt."

"Yeah, I doubt there are still yogurt shops that are open at three in the morning." I said as I pocketed my things.

"Or get some snacks or eat at the diner in Daly City."

I gave him a weird look. "Well, aren't you persistent? Why?"

"I just need to get away."

I sighed and gave him a sad look, "Fine. Let's go get a tub of ice cream from a convenience store." I said as I got in the car.

We bought a tub of ice cream and he drove us to our safe haven. I tied my hair since the winds tonight made my hair go all over my face. Tonight, Percy and I decided to sit of the hood of the car. We still got the view of the whole city and we could recline unlike if we sat on the barriers.

"How's your eulogy?" I asked him before I ate a spoonful of ice cream.

He had a distant look on his face before he looked at me and slowly shook his head.

"What? What does the shaking of the head mean?"

"I'm almost done but I don't think it's good at all." He looked down at his hands.

"Hey." I called his attention. "You know why Dad asked you to write a eulogy as well? Because he knows how much Grandma loved you, you illegitimate grandson of hers. Everybody knew that. No matter what you say up there tomorrow is how you felt about Grandma and even though you say 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' everybody would be busy crying and remising their time with Grandma to wonder and point out that you have a grammatical error. Except for me, I will never let you live that down."

That got him to smile.

"Whether you write a speech that is worthy of a Pulitzer prize and will be in line with the Gettysburg Address or something comparable to a slam poem made on the spot, whatever you wrote will mean a lot to you. So lighten up."

He gave me a grin, "Thank you, Wise Girl."

"Anytime, Seaweed Brain." I smiled back.

After we finished the ice cream, we worked on our eulogies and once we were done with that, we started sharing stories of Grandma. There were times when we would die of laughter but there were also moments when we'd just fall quiet.

"Oh no, remember that time when we visited her and we said we'd bake something for her?" Percy started.

"Oh gods," I started laughing, "but we got into a huge food fight and we stopped because you threw flour onto Grandma's face when she entered the kitchen since you thought it was me."

"Ugh, she surprised me when she poured vanilla extract on me." He laughed along.

"You have to hand it to her, you smelled good for a while."

"Ha-ha."

The sun started to rise. I looked over to Percy and he was looking at me in a loving manner. It was still rather windy so some hair strands that were shorter in length got in my face.

"What?" I asked him.

He just smiled and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear, "Beautiful."

Gods, as much as I didn't want to admit it, it made me blush and my heart flutter.

I gave him a small smile and mouthed, "Thank you."

I gave one last look at the view ahead of us before sliding off the hood. Percy asked me where I was going and I told him to get in the car because I'll be treating him breakfast.

We went to Daly City and ordered the same things at the diner. I was facing Percy and I gave him a good look as he ate his hash. His black hair was a bit longer and unruly because of the windy setting outside. He had bags underneath his eyes although it looked as if they were starting to disappear as his body was already adjusting to our messed up sleeping schedule. His cheeks slightly puffed up as he chewed. Two weeks without shaving got him to grow stubbles. It looked really good on him. His lips started to spread into a smile since he noticed that I wasn't listening to him anymore. I looked up at his sea green eyes and I could see them slowly have that glint of joy as the corners of his eyes crinkled.

"What?" He smiled at me.

"I - nothing. What?" I looked down and quickly ate a slice of waffle.

I just heard him chuckle and continue eating.

The burial was happening later in the afternoon so that the twins can be there after their school. We got desserts and I ordered a couple to go's for the others at the funeral home. After I paid, we headed back to the city.

"We have breakfast!" I announced as we entered the room.

Uncle Julian, Dad, Reyna, and Hylla turned their heads towards us and then smiled widely. They flocked around us and chose whether they wanted waffles or hash. Percy and I stayed at the lounge as they ate their breakfasts. It was fun since they were sharing stories.

When visitors started to come, we started getting ready as well. One by one, we showered and wore our black clothes for the burial service later. Meanwhile the ones who were done getting ready and the ones waiting for their turn to shower attended to the visitors.

I wore a black slip dress. I wore black heels since Hylla told me to. To keep it simple, I wore the watch that Grandma gave me a couple years back, the owl necklace that Mom gave, and Percy's ring. It looked like it was going to be windy today, making me style my hair such that the length of my hair was rolled up and pinned down and I left a couple locks of hair framing my face.

I exited the family room and Percy was the first one to see me. It looked like he was mimicking a fish because he just opened and closed his mouth.

"You look stunning." He said as he approached me.

I stuck my tongue out, "Yeah? You think so? I mean for someone who is attending a burial service?"

He shook his head and chuckled.

"Go." I pushed him towards the family room. "Go get ready."

"I'm going, I'm going, Tom."

I laughed and gave him one last push. I went around the room. A couple minutes later, I saw a familiar face in the crowd. The person slowly walked into the room and was in search for someone. When this person's eyes landed on me, his face lit up.

Oh gods.

I walked towards him and gave him a hug. He hugged me back just as tight. He had one arm holding my abdomen close to him and his other hand holding the back of my head.

I looked up at him and tiptoed to give him a kiss.

"Hi." He said as he kissed me back.

I smiled and moved away, "You didn't tell me you were coming."

"I know, I'm sorry it took me a while to get here. I had to wait for the approval of my request to get on the flight going here."

"Well, at least you're here. Eugh, I missed you so much." I said before wrapping my arms around his neck and kissing him again.

"Luke."

I turned around and saw and equally surprised and black suit-and-tie-clad Percy with wide eyes.

"Hi Percy." Luke smiled and waved at Percy.

"Wait, I'll get Dad." I let go of Luke and excused Dad from who he was talking to.

"Mr. Chase." Luke said as he shook Dad's hand. "My deepest condolence for your loss."

I heard Percy scoff, making me raise an eyebrow at him to which he waved his hand dismissively to. I scrutinized Luke as he talked with Dad. His hair was styled in a suave manner and he was still wearing his airline uniform. Percy left us a couple moments later.

"Did you rush here right after you got settled at your hotel?" I asked Luke once Dad excused himself.

"Yeah, I didn't want to miss you before the burial service."

"Luke!" Hylla exclaimed as she made our way to us.

"Hylla." Luke smiled and accepted the hug from Hylla.

Hylla really liked Luke for me, which was the exact opposite of how she felt towards Percy.

"Condolence." Luke said as he released Hylla.

They talked for a while about work, life in general, before Hylla left. Reyna replaced Hylla and talked to Luke as well. As if they were lining up to meet Luke, Uncle Julian was next.

Thirty minutes before the burial service, the funeral home management entered the room to get and bring the casket to the cemetery. That was the cue to leave. The visitors lined up to leave the room and follow the convoy to the cemetery and we did the same. In Dad's car, it was Dad, Percy, Luke, and me. We left the city and headed to Daly City. Daly City was where Grandma resided. That was why I loved the diner there. We visited her every weekend back then.

We neared Daly City and I started to get nervous. Luke noticed it. He held my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. We got to the cemetery and parked near the spot where Grandma was going to be buried. The funeral home employees got the casket settled. The casket was nailed shut and there were flowers on top of it. As we walked to the spot, I already saw some visitors already crying. The twins and their mom were already there.

The weather today was cloudy and windy. Yes, it was still windy until now. I looked down at my watch and realized that we were on time. Everyone gathered by the casket. On one side were the visitors with the family members in front and the other side was where Percy and I would be standing while reading our eulogies. There was a short ceremony. The volume of sniffles I heard got louder with every moment.

"To say a few words, Annabeth and Percy."

Percy held out his arm and I gratefully wrapped my hands around it as we made our way in front. I made him go first with his eulogy because I needed to compose myself.

He brought out his paper. "Grandma died due to a heart complication and I can give you a step by step description of what happened with all the medical terms and jargons if you want, after all, I am a doctor." Some guests chuckled. "But pushing aside the technicalities, Grandma's heart probably gave up because of how large it was since her family and all her friends, me included, resided in her heart. If there was anything she taught me during the length of her lifetime, which was a lot but what really stuck to me was to love with all your heart. Grandma was technically not family but she accepted me with open arms to an extent that I acknowledged her as my grandmother, no offense to my biological grandmothers. She treated me as if I were one of her real grandchildren and I honestly felt it. She loved me enough to even make Dad consider getting me to make a eulogy for her. There are moments when she would address either Annabeth or me as darling both of us would bicker and quarrel on who Grandma was talking to. Funnily there are time when we would joke that Annabeth is the illegitimate grandchild and not me. There are also times that Annabeth would tell me that it seems as if Grandma was my best friend and not her. Grandma is truly..." He trailed off.

I looked up at him and saw that his façade was slowly chipping away. I gave his arm a squeeze, removed my hand from his arm, and then gave his back a comforting rub.

"A magnificent being." He continued. "Sorry, it's impossible not to get absolutely emotional for the loss of a stunning person." He fell quiet again. "Grandma's amazing and she has brought beautiful people into this world. And now that she is gone, we have to find something or someone utterly spectacular in this world to fill in the role that Grandma has left." He placed his hand on my back too, rubbed it, and looked at me. "May she rest in peace."

I took a deep breath before getting out my small steno notebook, "She was a face in the crowd, a mother, an acquaintance, a grandmother, a neighbor, a friend, a regular, a mentor, a best friend, a mother-in-law, an illegitimate grandmother, a classmate, and so much more. Throughout her lifetime, Grandma has played so many roles. Each one of us had our very own version of Grandma. To me, she was my second everything: second mother, second best friend, second fan, second family, second everything. I know having the word 'second' before every noun doesn't really sound appealing but what matters was the amount or number of roles she had in my life.

"Second mother. She took care of me at times my mother can't do so. Second best friend. I always told her everything and she has never judged me. Second fan. In every step I took in life, she was always there to support me and cheer me on. Second family I had when my parents decided to split. She was one of my mentors. Whatever life, my parents, books, or teachers have failed to teach me, she taught me. Second. It just means that she was just there when the first person was not. Every single time. She was always there. When I lost her, I didn't just lose a grandmother, I lost a-" I looked up at the cloudy sky so that my tears won't fall. With knitted eyebrows, I exhaled through my mouth. I pursed my lips and closed my eyes, making the tears fall. I covered my mouth with my hand, inhaled through my nose, and wiped my tears.

I looked at the guests' faces and simultaneously, they were both giving me concerned looks and crying. "She was not just a grandmother to me." I continued talking. "Even though Grandma and I are clearly not from the same stages in life, heck, we jumped a whole generation, we just clicked. I don't know how that happened and I bet Dad doesn't know as well." I looked down at my notebook and I realized I was at the end of my speech. I flipped it close and said whatever was at the top of my head.

"Percy, my illegitimate family member, told you that with her passing, we have to look for someone or something that would fill in her shoes. If you asked me, she is a lot of things all at once. A rainbow. A ray of sunlight that is just enough to keep you warm and cozy. A puppy. A kitten. Rain when you're all cooped up in your room and snug in your bed with a delicious cup of hot chocolate with those tiny marshmallows. Freshly baked cookies with a tall glass of milk. That memorable book that you will willingly read again and again. Chocolate. A movie you can never get tired of. A hand-me-down sweater with the scent of the cologne of someone special that you would wear even though it clearly doesn't fit you properly. It's pretty much everything you love, everything that makes you happy because that is exactly what Grandma is. She is someone you love and someone that makes you happy." I paused. "May her glorious memory live on with us."

I went over to the casket and tucked my steno notebook underneath the flowers atop. Percy followed suit and pressed his piece of paper between the pages of my notebook. We walked back to the spot we were in when we read our eulogies then they started lowering the coffin. Just like what Percy said, it was impossible not to get emotional. Everybody wept.

When the ceremony was done, I was still standing there while everybody else dissipated. Percy stood beside me and as a gust of wind passed by us, I involuntarily shivered. Percy was about to shrug off his jacket but from behind, somebody already placed their jacket on my shoulders. I looked at who it was and saw Luke. He placed his arm on my shoulders and brought me closer to him. I leaned on him and I honestly felt exhausted. Percy and I still haven't slept since last night and crying drained the remaining energy I had. Luke kissed my temple and also lightly placed a kiss on the top of my head. I closed my eyes and nestled my head closer to him.

"Come on, guys." Dad called our attention. "We need to get back to the funeral home to gather all our things."

I fell asleep on the trip back and was later woken up by someone's gentle shaking. I saw Luke's apologetic face. We hastily packed up our things and had our little farewell party in the parking lot. I hugged Reyna, Hylla, and Uncle Julian goodbye and told them that we should visit one another soon. Hylla had a flight back to Brazil by tonight same with Uncle Julian who was flying back to San Juan. Reyna was reporting back to SFPD later. I turned to Dad and hugged him tightly. I told him that sooner or later, I'll be visiting them again. I kissed his cheek and hugged him once more. Reyna was going to drive Uncle Julian and Hylla to the airport. Luke and I got a cab to the hotel he was staying at while Dad and Percy drove back to Pacifica.

The hotel was just in the city which was very convenient. Luke got the keycard from the front desk and then we went up to his room. I got my pajamas from my bag and went in the bathroom to change without even closing the door.

"How long are you staying in San Francisco?" I asked him and started brushing my teeth.

"Well, I'm flying tomorrow as well." He said. I could hear the friction of the fabric as he changed his clothes outside the bathroom.

"What? Isn't that tiring?"

"It's actually part of my request."

"I'm pretty sure you're jetlagged right now and you will be again tomorrow." I paused to gargle. "Where are you flying to tomorrow anyway?

"New York City." He said with a smile in his voice.

I grinned before washing my face. I exited the bathroom and saw Luke drawing the curtains, making the room dark. He turned around and gave me a small smile.

"I know, I know." I looked down at my old college shirt and cotton shorts. "It's not the most enticing pajamas I have but I really wasn't expecting that you'd come."

He laughed, walked towards me, and wrapped his arms around my waist, "Says the girl with the boyfriend who's just wearing boxers and a shirt to bed."

"Psh, we can quickly fix that by removing your shirt. Easy."

We laughed. I tiptoed and gave him a kiss. As much as I wanted to spend time with Luke and go around the city I grew up in, I just really wanted to sleep. He pulled away and then gave me a kiss on the forehead.

"What?" I asked with scrunched up eyebrows.

"You should get some rest. I know today was a long day for you and I bet you haven't slept yet."

"But you only get to be in San Francisco for a day. I can get dressed again so we can go around. You know, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, Alcatraz, Twin Peaks, Palace of Fine Arts, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf." I offered.

"We can do it some other time." He smiled. "Those spots won't leave any time soon."

I stared into his eyes to make sure it was alright with him that we slept in today.

"I swear, it's fine."

"You're the best." I pecked his lips.

I got into bed and Luke lied down beside me. I hugged him and he started playing with my hair, making it easier to fall asleep.

"Cafuné." He said almost inaudibly.

"Hmm?" I asked with pursed lips and closed eyes.

"It's Brazilian Portugese. It means the act of tenderly running one's fingers through the hair of someone they love."

I sleepily looked up at him, "I love you too."

It was quiet for a while.

"So where were you from? I forgot to ask." I asked softly.

"Rio de Janeiro."

"Mm, you're four hours ahead." I said mostly to myself. "How was it there?"

"It was fine. Hotter and more humid."

"Did you get to pick up some Brazilian words?"

"A bit but I barely left the hotel because I was worried about you."

"Aww, you didn't have to." I snuggled closer to him. "Did you get me some souvenirs?" I joked.

He chuckled. "Don't worry, my bag is full of it."

Soon enough, I stopped talking and fell asleep.

I woke up and gingerly sat up. Luke was fast asleep beside me. Of course I wanted to spend time with him but I didn't want to be selfish. He gave me time to sleep so I should do the same for him. I looked at the clock on the bedside table. It was already ten and if my geography was right, Luke's body clock would think it's already two in the morning. I left the bed and tucked him back in. I changed my cotton shorts for jeans and went through Luke's bag for a hoodie to borrow. I brushed my teeth and called Percy.

"Wise Girl?" His voice was alert.

"Did I wake you up or were you already awake?"

"I was already awake. I swear, we have messed up body clocks."

I laughed and was silent for a while.

"Twin Peaks for one last time?"

I smiled widely, "You read my mind."

"I'll pick you up in a few minutes."

I excitedly wore my shoes and tied my hair. I wrote on a paper my whereabouts and kissed Luke's forehead before heading down to the lobby. I already had a smile on my face when I saw a familiar car pull up.

"Hi." I greeted Percy as I got in.

"The usual?" He asked me.

"The usual."

We went to a convenience store, bought different snacks, and went on our way.

"Where's Luke?" Percy asked me as we comfortably sat on the hood of the car.

"He's fast asleep in the hotel. You know, jetlagged."

He slowly nodded.

"Are you going back to the hospital when we get home?" I asked.

"Yeah, the hospital is already calling me about the appointments and surgeries for tomorrow."

I made a face. I went through the shopping bag of goodies and brought out the receipt. I held it out to Percy and he gave me a quizzical look.

"I didn't get your sketch of me on your speech paper a while ago." I said.

He smiled and then brought a folded piece of paper from the pocket of his hoodie. "I knew you'd want it."

I smiled back at him. I kissed his cheek and securely tucked the piece of paper in my pocket.

I scooped some ice cream and contentedly ate it. Percy did the same and then looked at the city before sighing. It was our last time to have a look at this city, our last time to be in our safe haven, our last bit of extra time. When it was around six in the morning, he brought me back to the hotel.

"See you at nine o'clock." I told him as I closed the car door.

"I'll be waiting for you in the plane."

"Not unless I get there first." I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Hey, no fair! You have a boyfriend who can get you in there even before they open the gates."

"Told you I'll be there before you will." I laughed.

I waved goodbye before going up to the room. I gently knocked on the door and Luke opened it in a few seconds.

"Good morning." I smiled. "Room service?"

He smiled back at me before pulling me in the room by the waist. He planted a kiss on my lips as he locked the door behind him. I giggled as he lifted me up and carried me further into the room. He laid me down on the bed. I pulled him down and he flipped us so that I was lying on top of him. It was a couple minutes of just kissing.

"I missed you." He said as he pulled away. "Waking up to an empty bed isn't the ideal way to wake up, you know."

I pouted at him, "I know but I didn't want to be selfish and wake you up."

He pouted back at me, making me laugh. I gave him another kiss before reluctantly getting up from the bed.

"Well, come on." I looked at him as he opted to stay in bed. "We have a flight to catch today."

"I know but we still have three hours to spare."

I peeled off his hoodie and threw it at his direction. "Yeah, two hours on the breakfast buffet is also a good way to spend those three hours."

Luke made me get ready first. I simply showered my body, washed my face, and brushed my teeth. I wore another dress today because only the gods know why I decided to pack long dresses. It was a white long dress with light blue flowers as designs. It had spaghetti straps which was a good thing because it looked like it was going to be sunny today. I tied my hair into a messy bun with loose hair tendrils to frame my face. I went back out to the room and Luke looked surprised to see me.

"Wow, you look stunning."

"Thanks." I blushed. "Well, go on. Get ready. Our two hours to stuff ourselves with food senseless is at stake."

He laughed as he rushed into the bathroom.

I packed up my things and made sure that I didn't leave anything. I double checked my chargers because those are the ones I always tend to leave behind. I was wearing my owl necklace and wore the watch that Grandma gave me.

Luke came out a couple minutes later with a towel wrapped around his hips. Toned abs, muscular arms, lean built.

"Didn't your parents tell you that it was bad to stare?" He teased.

"Shut up." I rolled my eyes at him but smiled.

He fleetly got dressed in his uniform: light blue dress shirt, dark blue suit, dark blue neck tie with a gold tie clip, black belt, and black dress shoes. I helped him tuck in his dress shirt and tie his neck tie. He packed up his remaining things and we left the room. We ate breakfast after we check out.

With only one hour left, we went to the airport in a cab. I checked in and the both of us went to the pre-departure area. Perks of having Luke as our pilot for today is that I can board the plane the same time as he does. Although he had to pull some strings.

He got me to wear his jacket as we made our way to the gate.

"Yeah, other passengers won't see that the bottom half of my uniform is a flowery long dress." I joked as he buttoned up the jacket.

He just chuckled and held my hand.

"Hey, Annabeth." Ethan Nakamura greeted me as I stepped into the plane.

"Hi, Ethan, how are you?" I smiled back.

"Condolence."

"Thank you."

I went to my seat and left Luke to do his job. In around thirty minutes, the passengers started to board the plane. I saw Percy making his way to his seat, which was just beside mine.

"Told you." I said in a singsong voice.

"Cheater." He stuck his tongue out.

"Ooh, what's that?" I pointed to the paper bag he held on to.

"It's for you actually." He handed it to me.

I looked at what was inside and immediately smiled, "Aww, you didn't have to." He got me waffles and bacon to go from the diner in Daly City.

"I know, but I wanted to." He smiled.

As much as I wanted to eat it, I was still full from the buffet. They closed the door after a while. The plane was taxied on to the runway and then it was only minutes before we were in the sky.

The five hour trip was pretty much Luke and me sneaking around and kissing in the cockpit. I didn't feel guilty about leaving Percy behind because he was asleep for the duration of the flight. The pilots turned on the seat belt sign and I had to go back to my seat because then plane would start descending.

Once the plane was successfully landed, Ethan's voice resonated throughout the plane through the intercoms, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to John F. Kennedy International airport. Local time now is five in the afternoon and temperature is 23 degrees Celsius. For your safety and comfort please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened until the captain turns off the fasten seatbelt sign off. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate. Please check around your seat for any personal belongings that you may have brought on board with you and please open the overhead bins with caution for luggage may have shifted around during the flight. Bringing of airline property such as life vests in punishable by law.

"If you require deplaning assistance, please remain in your seat until all other passengers have deplaned. One of our crew members will then be pleased to assist you. We remind you to please wait until you are inside the terminal to use electronic devices. On behalf of the Olympus Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for flying with us and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the future. Have a nice day!"

Welcome back to New York City. Welcome back to reality.

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A/N: Thanks for reading! :)

Tell me what you think of the chapter. Write a review. It makes me smile throughout the day. So make me smile and write a review :D

Question of the Chapter: Have you ever written a eulogy? (I kind of hope not.)