Chapter 8

After Annabeth bared her soul, Percy felt this strong urge to protect her, with every ounce of his being. He didn't want to see this strong, sharp opinionated woman be hurt any more. He meant everything he said to her once he heard her past. He loved her more than anyone he knew.

So, once she agreed to go out with him, Percy's entire being felt like it was floating on cloud nine. He was elated and blissfully happy, that he'd have the right to protect her, and stay by her side, like he had wanted. But he also would respect her strength. She was plenty strong already, which was something Percy admired. Even though she had to face that entire ordeal by herself, she still kept pushing through, striving to be better in all aspects. She faced the industry that placed her in this position, faced her mother who refused to see her point of view, and most importantly, had the guts to love again.

(If it was Percy, he'd probably hide in a corner)

After confessing, the two went back to Percy's condo, and spent time together watching some sappy Disney movies (which definitely included Finding Nemo, otherwise Percy wouldn't be there in the first place). They shared a bowl of popcorn, that ultimately ended up everywhere due to their unexpected food-fight (since it was caramel, it stuck to their hair), took pictures of their messy state (both of them saved it to their cloud as their first picture as a couple), and basically had a blast. Percy had suggested this, to cheer his girlfriend (yes, he could say that now) up. But it turned out to be so much fun, that neither remembered how sad or agitated they were feeling.

Once they finished watching Tangled, Annabeth snuggled up close to him. "I'm glad it was you Percy. The one I ended up falling for, I'm grateful it was you."

Percy pulled her closer, "Same here Annabeth. I'm glad it was you too."

He was just about to ask her if she wanted to spend the night over, when her phone rang. They looked over, and saw that it was her mother calling. Annabeth looked up unhappily, signaling that she'd take the call. Percy waved, showing that he didn't mind.

It took around ten minutes, but given the shouts, and bursts of exclamations in their conversation, Percy figured it was nothing too good. As Annabeth sat down, Percy looked at her questioningly. The blonde sighed, and said, "My mother wants me to head back. Apparently, someone told her about you and me, and she's pissed. It also doesn't help that are parents were not on good terms previously."

Percy held her hands, "Do you want me to come along, maybe I could explain it her as well?"

Annabeth shook her head. "You coming will only add fuel to the fire. Don't worry though", she added after seeing his worried look, "I'll definitely see you tomorrow for our shoot together. Also, I'll call you once I reach home."

Percy knew that pushing her then wouldn't help, that this was something she needed to do by herself. So, he nodded.

After gathering her stuff, Percy walked her to the door. Annabeth stood in front of Percy, and pressed her lips on his. "Thank you for such a marvelous night Jackson. To think we were enemies before. What a turn of events."

"I liked you before though. But, after we acted together in the first movie, you seemed so snobby, I didn't really like you. But I guess that was you trying to guard yourself. I'm glad we ended up the way we did."

Annabeth smiled, and that in turn made Percy smile. She hugged him one last time, promising to call him, and meet the next day.

Once she disappeared from view, Percy sighed and made his way inside. He sat down and decided to make a phone call.

After one ring, the person on the other line picked up.

"Hello"

"Thalia, you were absolutely right about Luke."

"I knew it. That shitty bastard needs to go to jail. After all he did. Thanks for going through with this for me Jackson."

"After all you helped me with once my dad passed away, this is nothing. I'll surely get Annabeth to be willing enough to justify in front of the court. But tell me, what after that?"

Even though he couldn't see it, Percy could tell she was smiling. "You leave the rest to me."

So, the unexpected turn of events. Thalia is alive? How, what, when? Don't worry, the next few chapters shall explain it all.

I hope you guys are enjoying it. I will definitely finish this story, even I'm enjoying writing it.

If you liked this story, please check out some of my other works.

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