Chapter 1: New Year, Same Me

Annabeth

It was a day unlike yesterday. Heavy rain and dense fog clouded the skies till last night. Lightning storms roared throughout the dimly lit streets down below. Today was different.

"Mmm…" Soft mumbles woke me up.

Gaining some level of consciousness, it felt like my body was floating in a void. I couldn't really see much of anything, but while my sight failed me, my other senses hadn't. I felt a brisk cold beyond any human understanding, like an astronaut in space without his spacesuit.

I couldn't speak and moving around proved to be as difficult as a person trapped in rolls of plastic wrap. I tried to get my other senses back to no avail. Strange things were happening too where my hands and feet felt really cold like they have been submerged under ice water. Even as I shifted and stretch out my limps, nothing seem to make them warm again. It was as if my toes and fingers were locked inside a freezer. Every time I tried to wiggle around the movements would pain me, almost like my blood vessels were replaced with sharp piercing shards of glasses, stabbing and cutting me open.

It was downright unpleasant, but soon it got worse. A sudden blast of frigid air blew over me though there wasn't any wind around me. The chilliness snaked upward through my hands and feet, engulfing my muscles and bones in nothing but a frost of iciness that made me shudder. It was moving fast to extinguish any warmth my body still have, leaving my figure in a frozen form.

I screamed out loud as a last resort, hoping it would wake myself up from this terrible nightmare. I also looked around to seek help but all around me was darkness. It felt hopeless as there was nothing else I could do.

The bitter cold was just too strong as it sneaked closer to my heart. I panic when my arteries and the little blood flow still pumping in my heart began to freeze up. I lost the ability to breathe and soon my ability to scream as well. Desperately trying to fight, I didn't want to give up but the pressure was so strong I couldn't carry on. My eyelids felt heavy now. I felt myself fainting away.

"Good morning Annabeth!" Someone spoke.

The voice sounded almost metallic and inhuman, but just then a sudden burst of orange light as bright as a sun moved across the world I was in. Hitting my right cheek first, its glow gradually wrapped my body in its embrace. As if I was flowing in orbit, the rotation of the planet brought me on its warm horizon, melting my frozen heart to keep me breathing. I gasped, then the same voice called out to me again.

"Good morning Annabeth!" The voice repeated itself and sounded more familiar.

I was still catching my breath when it startled me.

"Annabeth! Wake up!" A hoarse voice screamed and forced me awake.

As soon as I tensed up, my real body jerked awake on a soft mattress. I heard a small shrieking gasp left my throat too after I sat up, cold sweat dripping from my forehead. Unable to blink, I kept my wide gaze on my grey comforter. My mind was reeling just like my erratic breathing pattern.

"Good morning, Annabeth." I heard our digital assistant Owlfred greet me, "It's currently 7 am. Today is August 18. The temperature is going to be around 73 degrees. Your schedule for the day includes-"

"Okay. I got it…"

Barely awake, a shivering sigh escaped me as I took a minute to compose myself. Luckily, the weather outside was nicer than yesterday. After a night of pouring rain and thunderstorms, being woken up to the smell of fresh winter dew and endless blue skies felt almost like a reward.

Instinctively, I turned my head right toward the open window beside me. A chorus of birds chirping a melodic morning song outside eased any fear still lingering inside my head. As relief settled on me, I look beyond the windowsill into the city skyline. Patches of orange leaves rustled under the gentle cool breeze passing along Central Park. Like typical NYC, there were already faraway rumbles of cars and trucks driving on the early morning streets of the Upper East Side.

I stretched my arms out and above my head, "Mmm…"

Basked in the warm glow of the rising sun, it sure felt great to let out a breath of air before I shook my head side to side. Any blonde hair stuck to the sides of my face flew away before falling back along with the rest of my long wavy curls.

"Good morning, Owlfred." I greeted him, "Is my mom awake?"

Woof-Woofs!

Owlfred didn't even get a chance to speak before a soft whimpering bark brought my attention to the big furball sitting anxiously beside my bed. I giggled at my other companion in my room, "Good morning too, Leo."

Pawing at my bed, I reminded him with a stern look, "No Leo, you can't…"

He ignored my warning like always even though he knew the rules. I knew he wouldn't dare so I smiled at my Golden Retriever puppy and pat his fluffy head.

"Who's a good boy, hum?" I said with a silly voice and scratch behind his floppy ears too.

He had that signature Gold Retriever smile on his long face while I held his right paw. Happily drooling all over my room, his undulating long tongue was licking my hand and my forearm relentlessly. I giggled.

Having been by my side ever since I was a little kid, Leo was the only one in our family that would always leave a smile on my lips every time we were together. We've both grown up a lot throughout the years, especially with each other. His playful charm that's always getting him into trouble with me was something I've learned to treasure. Despite all the wild things he's done, I could never stay mad at him. He was too adorable to even try. It was hopeless.

So when I saw his tail wagging frantically and a small leaping motion on his hind legs, I knew Leo was ready to jump up my bed regardless.

(H-Hop!)

"Ah! Leo!" I laughed as he pounced on me wildly.

"Bad! Bad Leo!" I was cracking up at his antics before enough was enough. I tackled him down, fighting against his four flailing paws to give him a forced belly rub.

"You are a very bad, misbehaving boy, Leo." Any pretense of me trying to punish him was betrayed by my chuckles.

He was defeated now, though the way he was lying upside down on my bed with his tongue lolled out his mouth told me he didn't care one bit. A bit annoyed but entertained nonetheless, I shook my head.

"Is my mom awake, Owlfred?" I asked once more.

"She's currently preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Shall I let her know you are awake?"

I nod without saying more.

"What am I going to do with you, huh Leo?" I sighed as he rolled around my comforter without a care in the world.

If only I can be just as carefree as he is…

"Alright, furball. Time to get up." I smiled at my best buddy.

As soon as I shifted my legs from underneath my comforter, Leo's sense perk up and before you'd know it he was back on his paws. He jumped off my bed at the speed of sound and ran straight out the door to my room.

"Thanks for messing up my bed, you jerk," I said amusedly.

Once he was gone, I swung my legs over the edge and sat for a moment. I glanced around my room as well. Just like how I left everything last night, my desk was littered with school papers upon stacks of drawings and designs. A few half-opened books kept everything in place. The tall bookshelf sat right next to it which was stock with all my favorites. On the other side of the room, my closet was neatly organized except for a few hangers and rumpled shirts lying on the carpet. My dresser was the only exception where it was completely clean and not in a mess.

"Mmm…" I rubbed my eyes and did a lazy stretch.

Despite feeling so tired and just as sleepy as I initially woke up, I managed to lift myself off the bed. After a few stumbling attempts, I finally got to a point where I could stand on my wobbly legs without falling over. Just then, Owlfred came back.

"I've informed your mother." He told me, "Well, how are you doing this morning, Annabeth? I sensed a spike in your brain activities. Did you have a nightmare again?"

I took a few steps towards the hangers on the floor when tiny illuminating particles form in the middle of my room. Growing light blue dots seemingly impossible to exist slowly bonded with each other, creating trillions of small triangles until a humanoid figure appeared. Taking shape in his final form with a black and white suit; since Owlfred was our assistant after all, I input a special design in his program just for him to look the part as well. He was always so grateful for my gift to him. After a few quick seconds, he finally materialized behind me, though I paid no mind to it.

I nodded nonchalantly at his concern, "I am fine, Owlfred… Don't worry."

Built from the bottom up, Owlfred was an autonomous, unrestrained AI developed and programmed by none other than my mother. It was more advance than anything that's still being developed by the top software companies right now. Owlfred was also way ahead of its time. He could easily mimic human-level conversation with his vast library of syntax. His ability to manage anything in our homes, even things without an output wireless signal, was quite revolutionary as well. Of course, being a cutting-edge AI it's no surprise that I've often pounder about his existence. Disregarding the possibility or impossibility of it, it always seemed too good to be true. Then again, I've always thought of him as something more than just an AI because of the way he's been in my life since I was born, or so I was told… The only downside of having Owlfred in our lives is that his being was restrained to our homes only.

"I see… Well, I guess you should get ready now." He reminded me.

I got confused, "Ready for what?"

"Your junior year at school, darling…"

Spinning around, I spotted my mother standing by my doorway with an amused smile. Her arms were crossed around her chest, and she was wearing her work clothes already; it was a combination of her work pants, a white blouse, and a matching jacket. With her hair washed and braided back, she looked more than ready for that important meeting at her company.

I pressed my hand on my chest after flinching, "Jesus mom… I- I can't believe you just—"

Unaware of her presence, I could never tell when she was sneaking up on me. She had this ability to always catch me off guard, and over the years I still hadn't gotten used to it.

"Don't tell me you've forgotten about school, Annabeth…" She teased me.

Ahh shit!

I replied, "No! Of course not."

It was a total white lie because I've completely forgotten about another new year at Goode. Disbelief filled me, then dread engulfed me whole when I realized the precious time I've wasted since waking up.

"What time is it?" I whispered under my breath hoping to hide the sheepishness in my voice.

But of course, my mother saw through me immediately. She made a small laugh.

"It's 7:08 right now. I recommend you get ready now before you are late for school." Owlfred suggested.

"Right... Thank you, Owlfred."

Junior year, huh…

In the blink of an eye, two years had already gone by since I was enrolled into Goode High School. Being a more prestigious school around the Financial District, Goode was considered to be one of the hardest school to get accepted into. Most people need amazing to perfect grades to really have a chance to be admitted. Though there were definitely some exceptions…

Despite it being my third year, I was technically a sophomore if account by my age. Not to gloat or anything, but I've graduated from middle school a year faster than everyone else, so by the time I started high school I was a year younger than all my classmates.

"I am going to get ready now, mom." I told her reassuringly.

I heard her chuckle, "I know you are, sweetie. I am not here to lecture you."

Then she made her way inside my room while I was in the midst of picking up the few dirty shirts and hangers off the floor. I tried to clean up as quickly as I could sense her presence unintentionally created an uncomfortable feeling inside me, and I didn't like being observed.

"Here." She handed me my tank top, the last remaining clothing on the floor.

I took it and threw it inside the laundry basket, "Thanks…"

She stood by me for a brief moment, "Everything okay?"

Well, I guess that's why she is staying in my room and even helping me...

"Mom, you ask me that every day, every minute, every second…." I rolled my eyes.

It was always the same with us, though at this point I wonder why things would change at all. Ever since I was born, she had always been a constant worrywart about me. Despite growing older, given some form of independence, and also learning from my countless mistakes, nothing I did would go under her radar. I would argue that I am already in high school so she shouldn't worry so much, but she would kindly reply with the same argument, a sharp reminder noting that I was still in high school. Even though there were still a lot of things under her control in my life, I did "understand" her "overprotective" point of view. After all, Mother Nature was never going to change in the world. I knew there was no way that I wasn't always going to be annoyed by it, but this time she really did look worrisome. I sighed.

"Sorry."

I sternly reminded myself that any good mother would come and check on their child even if nothing was wrong. And the fact that she wanted to make sure I was okay this morning was enough to put my annoyance aside. Again, I wanted to show her how grateful I was to have a parental figure like her who took care of me so unconditionally, but something was holding me back. An irritated and resentful feeling I've harbored since the beginning of my high school journey made it difficult to give her my full appreciation.

"Is something wrong?" I asked.

Her warm smile ignited a glowing feeling inside me. She reached for my right arm and held me gently before explaining, "I just heard a scream from your room. I thought something happened. Are you okay now?"

Oh that's right. I had a nightmare…

Before I could answer, Owlfred jumped in for me, "I sensed a spike in Annabeth's brain function this morning, and she reported having a nightmare as well."

"Thank you Owlfred." My mother still looked worriedly at me, "You sure you're fine?"

I nodded briefly, "Yeah. I am fine."

As I debated whether to reveal what the nightmare was about, my mother went ahead and asked anyway.

"Do you want to share it with me?"

I tried to shrug it off, but the mere memory of it made me shiver out of control. I knew it wasn't real, but a phantom blast of cold air blew over me. It made me shiver endlessly. "It's nothing really… I had a nightmare about being frozen to death. I woke up with a cold sweat, that's all. I am better now."

Strangely, I felt even better when she slowly rubbed her warm hand on my arm, "Thanks mom."

Despite not being a little girl anymore, this moment felt almost like I went back in time. When I couldn't help it anymore, I turned to embrace her with a warm hug.

"I am sorry, Annabeth… Thanks for telling me." She said beside me before pulling away, "Now, I think…"

Just then, Leo suddenly came charging back into my room and tackled me. I lost my balance for a few seconds while he began to lick me all over again. I tried defending myself, but I've only ended up giving him a free invitation by pushing him back with my hands and knees.

"Eww… Leo! You just ate! Ewww!"

I should have gotten mad and scold him for the surprise attack, but at that time all I could do was laugh and repel his oncoming assault.

"Gosh…"

I finally got him back down but the damage was already done. His slimy spit was everywhere on my hands and knees. Leo seemed pretty satisfied with that smug-looking smile. He sat down quietly now, his tail wagging to signal his happiness while looking up at us as if nothing was wrong.

Like always, he made me groaned exasperatedly. I was annoyed and frustrated with Leo ruffling my feathers almost every morning. Meanwhile, my mother could only laugh at Leo and what he just did to me, "You know, I think maybe we should…"

"…put a lock on the door? Yeah, that would be a great idea."

She made a humorous smirk, "No... Nice try, young lady."

I pouted, the same way Leo would when he knew there was something he wanted but couldn't get.

"No pouting either." My mother chuckled, "Anyway, maybe we could think about letting Leo sleep in your room from now on."

To be honest, it wasn't like I hadn't thought about it before. I could buy him a little doggy bed and he could be my guard dog if indeed an intruder broke into our penthouse. Then again, being a golden retriever and one of the super friendly dog breeds… the probability of him welcoming the thief was a much more likely scenario. Still, it couldn't be all that bad though. If we let him sleep with me every night, he probably wouldn't feel that alone outside in the living room and I could get that extra alert if something were to happen.

"I thought about it too. I mean, he's practically sleeping in my room every night anyway…"

Having an agreement between us which at times was something of a rarity, my mother smiled and clapped her hands with a happy affirmation, "Okay then. I am going to get him one of those big comfy beds at Pet Smart this afternoon… and hon? You should get ready for school. Breakfast is ready downstairs when you are done."

I nodded as she brought the golden goofball out of my room, "Come on, Leo…"

When they left, I went back over to my bed and sat down. Even though I was a mess, the bed was feeling so comfy and warm, I—

Knock Knock…

I looked up and saw my mother with her head poked around the door. She smiled amusingly, "Hon? Chop-chop…"

"Okay. Okay… I am going."

-Line Break-

"Annabeth? Are you ready yet?"

I was just getting out of the shower when I heard my mother from down the hallway into the kitchen downstairs. I made an exasperated groan.

"Mom! I am almost done." I called back.

With a towel around me, I hurriedly walked inside my closet and took out an already prepared outfit. It was my school uniform. I had about six of them for school on the weekdays, an extra one for spare. It was neatly arranged. Everything I needed; from the ash grey school jacket to the long button-down white blouse underneath, a long red and white tie, and finally a high waist pleated skirt of grey and black stripes, were all ready and clean on the hanger. Thankfully, the skirt was longer than average and not one of those really small mini ones. It covered just a few short inches above my knees which I was grateful for.

I used to think it's strange to wear a uniform to school. No other kids in the city would, but I got used to it eventually. Goode High School was a private and prestigious school after all, and to look the part it's no surprise that there was a uniform requirement. Luckily, the uniform offered many variations so I wasn't stuck with what they gave me. Namely, I was allowed to wear a pair of thigh-high stockings just above my knees, leaving only a little bit of skin so I won't feel too exposed this way.

Thank goodness that was allowed, or else I would feel real uncomfortable dressed without it...

I threw the entire hanger on the bed as I dried myself down completely. I definitely wouldn't want to start getting dressed with a wet body. That would only cause more headaches than not later on.

"Annabeth! It's almost 7:30!"

I grumbled, "Mom, I can't go any faster!"

It was a lie. I could have gotten ready sooner if I didn't spend half an hour in the shower enjoying myself and relaxing in its steamy warmth. As a result, I now have to listen to my mother nagging every other minute.

If only Leo didn't lick me so much… A long sigh escaped from my airways.

In under five minutes of rushing and mad scrambling, I managed to pick up the pace and got dressed in my uniform, slipping on the last sock with a small tumble to the side. And within another five lightning minutes, I dashed over to my desk and pack my computer, notebooks, headphones, and various school stuff into my canvas bag. I grabbed my phone in a hurry too, and soon my body left my bedroom in an even messier state before I woke up.

I am so sorry Rosa, but I really don't have time….

Assuming that I'd finish my shower earlier, then I wouldn't be so frantic now as to be on time for my first day. Like my mom had said over the years, I always tended to not leave enough time for myself. It was a bad habit; that much was true. Though time and time again, this norm I've nurtured since a little kid— well, it definitely serves its purpose whenever I walked down this hallway. I promised myself that I wouldn't leave time in here, and I would never take a look at the frames hanging on the right wall. It's still too m…much— Speeding pass it like every morning, I took a right turned down the small stairs and immediately spotted my mother sitting on the dining table. She smiled at me when I came out fully ready.

"Finally…" She made a thankful groan, "Now eat your sandwich quickly, you don't have a lot of time to get to school."

I agreed. Her cooking was always the best which made it easy to plop down on my seat and ate the delicious sandwich like I was supposed to. It was a roasted turkey slices, lettuce, and tomato sandwich today, plus a little mayonnaise and honey mustard on the side.

"This is great, mom… like always."

I saw a small thankful smile across her lips. Instead of another sandwich for her, there was a cup of heavenly roasted coffee with cream by her folded arms. I could still see the steam coming up from the surface.

"Aww… did it run out? I wanted one too."

Ever since I was old enough to drink coffee, there had always been this unspoken rule about me and the coffee machine in the kitchen. We were kind of an inseparable duo every morning; it always blinked at me when I approached, and after I set my cup down it would automatically brew up a nice and warm vanilla flavor coffee, filled to the brim as its sweet essences flow around the house.

However, that's only if my mother hadn't gotten to the machine first. There was never any left for me when she was the first one to greet the machine. As I woke up pretty late today and didn't bother to get ready sooner, hence— there was no more coffee for me.

"Yeah… It ran out. But if you hurry up now I could give you money to get a cup from Starbucks across the street." She suggested an alternative.

I wasn't really a big fan of Starbucks. The high price and sugary-filled nightmare were enough for me to avoid that dreaded place. Then again, coffee was coffee and I really wanted one today. The clock on the wall now read 7:50, meaning that I had a little less than an hour to get to school on time. As the half-eaten sandwich was still in my hand, I knew what needed to be done. Without another thought, I took huge bites continuously, not even bothering to chew properly and barely swallowing it. I almost choked.

"Annabeth! Can you slow down? Sigh… Will you stop being so dramatic?"

There was a hint of mild irritation on her face while she was humorously laughing at me; I bet I looked like a ballooned pufferfish, a mouthful of her homemade sandwich. Imagining what I looked like almost made me double over and I had to will myself not to spit everything back out.

After I finished in less than a minute, I drowned out the glass of water beside me as well. Luckily, I was still breathing fine…

"Okay. See you tonight." I got up and went straight for the door.

My mother quickly turned on her seat, "Hey… Do you want Alfred to drive you today? He can pick you up after school too."

I shook my head, "Maybe just tonight. I can't get coffee if he's driving me this morning, right?"

Her first reaction was nothing short of being taken back by my cheeky remark. I smirked and treasured this rare moment immediately. My mother was well-known to be the smartest woman at her company, a famous architectural firm in New York City. After all, she built Owlfred from the ground up with no more than brainpower, her wits, determination, and lots of time. So whenever I could get a snarky comment over her, it no doubt drove her mad before she would shoot me one of these cold but mildly amusing glances.

"Annabeth, you are turning into such a smart-ass." Her voice was dripping with light-hearted sarcasm.

I quip back with a fake gasp, "Mom! Watch your language!"

Intended to be a direct mimic of her expression whenever I slipped up and said a bad word, she broke down and burst out laughing in fits. I could feel her delights as she inflected me soon after.

"Okay, smarty pants…" She said on the crisp of her laughers, "Get going now or you are really going to be late."

After a bit of fumbling, she fished out a twenty-dollar bill from her wallet and handed it to me. It was definitely more than enough for Starbucks, not to mention the leftovers I still have and the ability to use my credit card, but I took it regardless and smiled.

"Thanks."

I hurriedly slip my grey converse over my heels and straighten up my uniform.

"Oh! Almost forgot… Are we staying here tonight or back at the mansion?" I asked.

As a famed architect herself and the head CEO of her company, my mother had almost unlimited resources, aka money and wealth, to afford a second living space. Besides the luxurious penthouse we were currently staying at on the Upper East Side, we also have a place over by the Hamptons further into Long Island. It's really more like a mansion than a vacation home or something; with its own gate, a front view of the Atlantic Ocean and beachside, a large garden, and even a team of security by the perimeter. It felt almost too excessive sometimes, this otherworldly privilege of having all these just for the four of us.

"I am not sure yet. I will let Alfred know so he can tell you tonight, okay?"

Aware of it being a Friday, I was hoping we'd be spending time in the city rather than by the Hamptons. Even though a lot of our weekends were usually spent over there, I never did like to stay inside our large mansion with nothing but empty rooms after rooms, endless hallways, and more space than one would need for their entire life. I was sure that without our group of servants also living there, the mansion might as well be the creepy mountain hotel from that one movie.

"—'kay. I'm gonna get going then."

I quickly grabbed my bag and swung it over my shoulder, "See you tonight."

"Have a good day, sweetie. Love you…" She smiled warmly.

I love you too… I wanted to say it, but the words got stuck in my throat so I settled with a small nod and disappear behind the door. Now marching down the small hallway to the only elevator in sight; the perks of living in a penthouse were that you'd never have to ride with any of your neighbors, I hurriedly got in, pressed for the ground floor, and wait anxiously for it to decent.

A little glance at my wristwatch told me that it's 8:04 right now, meaning that I have less than fifty minutes to be on time. If I wanted to be totally safe, then it's probably a bad idea to get a cup of coffee from Starbucks just a few blocks away, but after this morning— the lingering sense of its aroma flooding my nostril… I almost unconsciously drool.

Screw it! I want my coffee!