Chapter 30: It's Nothing At All
AAZ: Can I steal PJO from Rick Riordan? No? Why? Stop being mean… you are not the boss of me! HELP HELP DISCLAIMER IS CHOKING ME! *cough cough* I… don't own Percy Jackson- *faints*
Percy: See what you did? Now AAZ can't continue the chapter!
Disclaimer: *silence*
Percy: You don't talk much do you?
Disclaimer:*silence*
Percy: I guess I'll write this chapter…
Annabeth: You can write Seaweed Brain?
Percy: Don't insult my intelligence! Now on with the chapter!
AAZ: Don't steal my line! I WILL OWN-
Disclaimer: *chokes AAZ*
AAZ: *faints again*
Percy: *stares at disclaimer* You're an evil little disclaimer aren't you?
Disclaimer: *silence*
Percy: This shall be in Percy's POV *smiles*
Annabeth: *takes out a textbook* Let's first teach you the basics of writing.
Special thanks to my horrible cousin for helping me with this chapter :D
Percy's POV:
I wasn't used to seeing Annabeth like this, she has never broken down in front of anyone. She was the strongest person I know, but here she is, in a corner with tears streaming down her face. I didn't know what had happened but I felt the need to comfort her. Rushing over, I quickly wrapped an arm around her to assure her that she's not alone.
I didn't know what to say, instead I just let her cry on my shoulder as I patted her back. I just held her there, we sat there in silence as she cried on my shoulder. "Come on," I said softly. "I'll… uhh… take you home."
She slowly stood up as I helped supported her, "I can walk." She said barely audible as she tried to stand up straight.
Without another word, I hooked my arm around her waist, "It's not a crime to ask for help."
"I'm perfectly fine," She said stubbornly.
"You're not." I decided before I helped her into my car. "I'll drive you home."
"I left something in there," Annabeth managed out as she tried to get out from my grip. "My jacket."
"I'll get it. It's near the restrooms right?"
"I can get it myself-"
I stopped in front of my car and unlocked it, "You're staying here, I'll be right out." I told her before rushing inside to see a scene unfold between two familiar people, Luke and Hermes.
"-gone for like years? You didn't care until I finally got hung up at the police station for stealing someone's art!" A distressed Luke exploded.
"That's not-"
"And my mom? Did you even care that she's been in the hospital for years now?!" Luke yelled at his father, his hands shaky and trembling.
"You don't understand, your mother, she doesn't-"
"How do you know what she does and doesn't?! You haven't seen her for years!" Hermes stayed silent as Luke continued on, "Why did you think that I stole expensive art? Did you even ask? Did you even know that I joined a gang? All you knew is that you were busy with making sure the world is not suffering from your delayed transportations."
"It's not like that-"
"THEN WHAT?! It doesn't hurt to call in once in a while, I only saw you once in my whole entire life! The first time was in a police office! Twice if you're counting right now! I had to deal everything alone since my mom got into the hospital! I was a mere nine year old at the time! I had to jump from relative to relative just for a place to live. Did you care when I finally ran away?!"
"Son," The elder man tried to calm down his son.
"Don't call me by that," Luke snarled. "I am not your son, my dad have been dead for years now." Hermes looked hurt as his son said that. "And I don't need your help in providing her hospital expenses, I've already got that covered."
"What? How-"
"Get away from me." He glared at his dad one last time before walking out into the night. Hermes stood behind staring at his angry son storming away from him. Finally after a last longing look, he dropped his head down and walked in the other direction. I stared at the two retreating father and son, feeling sympathy. I tried to comprehend what I just saw, I completely understood a parents not being around so despite how much I hated him, I felt sorry for him.
Living life alone completely alone as a nine year old is bound to make someone act like a jerk. At least I had my mom with me, who supported and understood me in every way, but he said his mom was in the hospital. I shook my head, 'Annabeth's jacket.' I reminded myself before seeing a familiar coat thrown onto the ground in front of the restrooms.
Ring! Ring!
"Hello?" I called into my phone as I held Annabeth's jacket in my hand.
"Percy, it's Rachel. Where are you?" Rachel's worried voice called into the phone. "I just went to the restroom for one minute and you're gone. I saw your note, is Annabeth okay?"
"Sorry, something came up." I told her. "Is Fred there yet or-"
"Yeah, he's here. He's kind of pissed that you called him when he was in a middle of his co-called date, but what happened?" Rachel asked, worry evident in her voice.
"I'm not sure exactly," I admitted as I glanced nervously over Annabeth. "Annabeth called me and she just broke down, I'm taking her back to her friends now though."
"Is she okay?"
"She's starting to scare me," I said honestly. "I don't know what happened, just that she's been holding in her tears."
"Just get home safely okay?"
"I got it, I'll call you when things calmed down." I closed my phone and quickly rushed out to my car to find Annabeth sitting quietly in the car. "Here, put it on." I told her. "It's still chilly out, you can catch a cold."
She stared listlessly in front of her, not comprehending anything I was saying. I sighed and leaned down and placed her jacket over her trembling body.
"I'll take you back to Thalia's then," I finally decided as I started the engine, glancing over Annabeth to make sure she's okay. "Are you cold?" I asked cautiously as I noticed her shoulder's still slightly trembling. Without waiting for an answer I took off my coat jacket and wrapped another layer over her before driving out into the busy streets.
I wanted to ask her what's wrong, but for some reason I couldn't get up the nerves too. 'When she wants to, she'll tell me.' I decided. Right now, all I can do is make sure she's okay.
We sat in the car in a comfortable silence, my eyes on the road and Annabeth's hand gripping her phone as if her life depended on it.
As soon as I got to Thalia's house, I helped Annabeth out and knocked on the door. No answer.
"Thalia!" I yelled not really caring about her neighbors complaining.
"She's a heavy sleeper." Annabeth finally said seemingly to have gotten her emotions under control. "Just drive me back to the school dorms, I can ask Piper-"
"You're not going back there, not in that condition."
"I'm not sick." Annabeth denied stubbornly. "I'm perfectly fine."
"You're troubled." I pointed out.
Annabeth stared at her phone again as if expecting it to ring. "I'm sorry- I just-"
I placed both of my arms on her shoulder and bend down to look at her, "How about I take you somewhere to clear your mind a bit?" I offered staring straight into her grey eyes which seems to shine under the moonlight. Before she could say anything, I dragged her back to my car and drove away.
"Here we are." I said as I pulled down the window letting her take in the ocean breeze. "Montauk." I said the name of the beach in content. I opened the car door and helped Annabeth out as she wrapped my coat securely around her. "The best place to let out your emotions is out here where nobody can hear you." I sighed in content as I stared at the waves crashing along the shores.
"I'm perfectly fine."
"You said that at least three times today." I pointed out. "You're not fine."
"I'm perfectly fine-"
"Four." I grinned holding up four fingers.
Annabeth sighed, "Why'd you even bring me here?." She finally asked as I walked her up to my cabin that my mom had taken me to so many times. I noticed her hands still clenching onto her cell phone.
"I told you, the ocean breeze is great here." I smiled as I took my coat off her. "There's a few of my mom's old stuff here you could wear." I pointed towards a little closet in the corner. "It beats wearing an uncomfortable dress right?" She stood still, not even moving. I placed two hands on her back and pushed her towards the rooms. "Restrooms in there, quickly change. Wear something warm, we're going to go to the ocean for a bit." I said before closing the door behind me.
~PAGEBREAK~
We stood right at the walkway that overlooks the ocean. I glanced over at Annabeth who had changed into a pair of long pants and one of my old hoodies to keep warm. We stood overlooking the beach right on top of the porch that was filled with seaweed, dust, and probably even hermit crab. In other words, I love the place.
"Now, how's this for a vacation?" I grinned as I felt a rush of wind blowing past. "Not exactly a five star hotel, but still."
Annabeth stared intently at the waves not bothering to answer me.
"The weather is great, and we're hanging here. A little sibling bonding huh?" I grinned nudging her shoulders a bit.
"Why don't you just ask me what's really wrong?" She finally said."Isn't that what you're trying to find out?"
I turned away from the ocean and faced her, "You don't have to tell me. I know what it's like to be wanting to keep things to yourself." I admitted looking down at my hands. I still haven't really spilled anyone about my own secrets, so I couldn't really expect Annabeth too. "And to be honest, you seem like you need a little getaway from reality."
I look up at her with an encouraging smile on my face, "However, if you need anything, I'm always here to listen. We may not be siblings but don't forget I'm still considered as your friend."
She stayed silent for a long time before answering, "My family- my real family, our-their house got caught in a fire. My stepmom and brothers got out fine. But my dad- I don't really like him but-" Annabeth stopped as if afraid she had said too much."They stopped the fire from spreading, and is looking for him right now… but-"
I didn't know what to do but just glance at Annabeth as she kept a straight face, staring at nothing in particular. "I don't care about him! He had never cared about me at all!" With that said Annabeth just broke down completely just like she had just an hour ago.
I tried to comfort Annabeth, I couldn't help seeing her like this. Raging and at lost for words. I know that deep down inside she loves her dad but sometimes things happen. In all my life I've never actually lost someone close to me, family member wise that is, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure my grandparents died a while ago, but I never got to know them, so seeing Annabeth like this I don't know how to react.
Annabeth struggled to keep her tears in, but I could tell that they were threatening to fall. "I don't get how my stepmom could just ask me to go back to their family, attend t! Why would I go back there!? After-after how they had treated me!"
I took a step towards her and wrapped her into a hug as she cried and cried. I may not know much about her relationship with her family over in San Francisco, but her dad is still her dad. Despite how much she may say that she hates him, I could clearly tell that she still cares for him. It's just that she's too stubborn to admit it. I didn't want to say 'it's okay' because I know for damn sure that it was not okay. Annabeth was torn between her dad and as stupid as it sounds her pride.
"You know, two of my friends died in a car accident a few years back." I began taking a deep breath as Annabeth looked up at me with tears in her eyes. "There was Silena, who was a complete neat freak and beauty queen. Then there was Charles, but we all call him Beckondorf. They died and I did the same thing as you, I just pulled myself out from my other friends and drowned myself in my own sadness. I never even had the courage to visit their funeral or their graves afterwards." I admitted remembering how I had jelly legs right when Nico had offered to take me to their funerals. "I didn't want to see them because I was scared just like how you don't want to go back to your family because of your pride." I said hoping that she would at least consider her family.
Annabeth stared down as if she was thinking of something, "You don't understand." Annabeth mumbled softly.
"I may not understand, but I know that moping around like this is not going to do anyone any good." I said trying to keep up a smile. "We're at a beach, the weather at night is mellow and all is well. Might at well do something worthwhile!"
Seeing that she wasn't the least amused I tried to entertain her. "Come on! Let's go to the beach!" I grinned grabbing her hand and starting to run out of the porch before tripping and landing flat on my face into a pile of seaweed on the ground.
With that I saw a tiny barely noticeable smile on her face. "You're such a Seaweed Brain." Annabeth suddenly said as she held out an arm to help me up.
I happily accepted it and stood up with a wide grin on my face before realizing what she just said, "Seaweed Brain? Really?"
Annabeth reached up and grab something out of my hair, "Anything to say about this?" She asked as she held up a patch of seaweed.
"Whatever… Wise girl," I grinned happily at my amazing comeback.
"Is that honestly an insult Percy?" Annabeth asked raising an eyebrow.
"Why wouldn't it be an insult?" Percy asked incredulously.
"That is because insults should be negatively insulting someone not praising them." Annabeth explained as I saw a trace of happiness in her eyes.
I couldn't help but smile, happy that she's not thinking about her family at this moment, "Well, being smart all the time isn't all that grand. It just means more work and thinking." I pointed out.
She shook her head, "Honestly, sometimes I question your logic. Well it fits since you're a Seaweed Brain."
"Well, can this Seaweed Brain assist you with your newest construction as the newly assigned architect of a fabulous sandcastle?" I asked with a smile on my face.
Annabeth blushed at my compliment before following me down the stairs and into the sand, "I hope you are ready to get your hands filled with sand."
~PAGEBREAK~
After building our sandcastle, Annabeth was finally tired and started her way back to the cabin for a sleep. I sat outside on the porch waiting until she's fallen into a deep sleep before I started planning a trip out of New York.
Sneaking into her room, I managed to get out alive with her cell phone. I opened through Annabeth's recent calls and pressed send on the call she had before she called me.
Area-code: San Francisco.
"Annabeth!" A woman's voice said in the other line. "T-they found Fredrick! He's still alive, we're bringing him to the hospital right now. I know you are not exactly on best terms with your dad, but we need you right now-"
"Actually Mrs. Chase, I'm Annabeth's friend." I begin. "I was wondering if you could give me the address to the hospital that her dad is in." I said quickly getting more and more unsure of whether I was even doing the right thing. "She's planning on going over to San Francisco tomorrow and-"
"Can I speak to Annabeth? She will want to know of her father's condition." The elder woman interrupted me.
"She's actually asleep right now," I answered honestly.
Mrs. Chase sighed in content, "Can you tell Annabeth that her father missed her? We really want her to come back to San Francisco. We're not certain about Fredrick's condition yet, but he seems to be responding very well. Tell her she still have a home here in California. I know that we got off to a rough start before, but tell her that we really want her back. Bobby and Matthew really misses her too."
"I will," I earnestly told her.
She seems satisfied with my answer and went on to give me the address of the hospital.
I pulled out my cell phone and dialed in another number that I dreaded calling. The phone was ringing. Then I heard a girl answering in a tired way. "What!? WHO IS THIS AND WHY THE HELL ARE YOU BOTHERING ME IN MY SLEEP!"
Maybe this is not such a good idea. "Sorry umm.. it's Percy, I need to talk to you." I said rather nervously. "It's about Annabeth-" I began before I was rudely interrupted.
"WHAT?! SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ANNABETH? WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO?!" Thalia screamed into the phone.
In the background I heard a crash, "Wait is Nico there too?"
"ANSWER THE QUESTION! WHAT HAPPENED TO ANNABETH?!" Thalia demanded.
"Look, nothing happened, I just need you to pack two days worth of clothes for her to wear." I told her hoping she won't destroy my eardrums again.
"I am not doing anything until you tell me where she is."
"Well, she would've been at home if you weren't too busy cuddling with Nico." I pointed out rudely.
"We were not cuddling," I heard a voice in the background, Nico.
"Nico, I need you to buy me two first class plane tickets to San Francisco-" I said thinking that the phone was probably on speaker.
"Plane tickets? But you don't use planes!" Nico interrupted me.
I shuddered at the thought of planes but quickly brushed it aside as I thought about how Annabeth had looked when she cried. "Just get me plane tickets to San Francisco."
"San Francisco, why are you going there?" Thalia asked her voice sounding more and more suspicious of me. "Annabeth made it pretty clear she does not like it there."
"Look I'll tell you the details when I come and pick up the stuff. Just for now get it ready for me." I begged them.
"Percy, I'm an investigator, I don't make enough big cash for a first class ticket to San Francisco in one day, much less two." Nico grumbled.
"Dude, I'll pay you back with interest! Just get me those tickets!" I rushed him. "I know you have a big stash somewhere, just do this for me once!" I begged him.
"You've been asking me for favors a lot lately." Was the gloomy voice of my friend.
"Nico, it's only been two favors."
Before Nico could answer Thalia interrupted, "Plane tickets and two days worth of clothes… why the hell do you need all this?"
"I told you, I'll explain it later!" I told them. "I'll pick them up at 8 o'clock sharp in the morning." I told them before hanging up.
"Trust me, he'll be here at nine." I heard Nico mumble in the background before they hanged up. I stood up and started walking into my own personal room in this cabin.
I glanced at the phone in my hand, "I hope she won't be mad at me." I whispered as I stared at the closed doors where Annabeth was in. "Sleep tight, Annabeth."
Annabeth's POV:
I didn't know what was happening now. One moment, he was taking me to some beach to let out my feelings, and the next moment he's requiring me on a business trip out of the state. First thing I saw when I woke up was that I was in the car with him and driving towards Thalia's house. He didn't say anything about where we were going or why, just simply told me to follow him.
I have to admit, I never meant to just let myself go like that yesterday, but something inside me just snapped. I wasn't going to think about it. No matter what, I'm not letting something like my hated family sorrow affecting me.
Then there was Percy, who had actually made me forget for a spilt second that I had a screwed up family. 'But my dad...' I stopped my brain from thinking immediately as I glanced up at the smiling face of the one and only Percy Jackson.
"First class," He grinned holding up two tickets.
I shook my head, "I told you many times, I can't just leave New York so suddenly, I still have school-"
"I checked in with your school, you already finished taking all the required assessments to finish up the school year. So you could ditch all you want and it wouldn't affect anything." He pointed out.
"But there's work-"
"This is work." He answered grinning ear to ear.
"All my stuff though, I might be missing something-"
"If you need anything else, we could always buy it when we get to our destination, but I'm pretty sure Thalia provided everything already."
I don't know how he managed to get in touch with Thalia so quick, but by exactly 9 am in the morning, I was off at Thalia's house grabbing my luggage. After that he took me to his house so he could pack and reserve a hotel and rent a car over at another state. After all that he drove us all the way to the airport and we've been here since twelve. "You still haven't told me what's this about? And where exactly are we going?" I asked making a desperate grab for the tickets.
"That is a secret disclosed information for me to know and you to find out." He let out a mischievous smile as he grabbed my luggage. "Let's get those on the carts." He placed the luggage on the stroller and turned to me. "As for what this is about, there's a meeting I need to be present at and as a wonderful friend and business partner, you need to accompany me."
He didn't mention anything about what happened the night before, and for once I'm thankful. I was already in debt of him for making sure I was okay the night before and dropping everything just to make sure I was okay. "About yesterday-" I began.
"There's nothing too it! Now you know what my favorite beach looks like." He said keeping that smile intact.
I did something that was totally out of the ordinary for me, I stepped up and gave him a hug. "Thanks Percy." I mumbled as he stood there shocked.
"Uh- erm… yeah it's not problem, I mean that's what friends do right? Help each others through tough times." He managed without stuttering as I released him from the hug. He look up and the airport billboard as if trying to look anywhere but in my eyes.
He quickly cleared his throat as he looked at the time, "Looks like our flight is here. You are not allowed to look at the tickets or even ask any questions about where we're going until we get on the plane." He said mysteriously.
"Fine, that is only because you got us first class seats." I grumbled wanting very much to grab the tickets away from him.
He grinned, but there was something hesitant about his smile as if he's unsure about something. "By the way, there's a little rule when I'm on the plane." He began with a look of terror on his face. I raised an eyebrow as he continued, "No opening the blinds of the windows or anything and you have to get window seat."
"What?"
"No questions." He said with finality as he pushed me into the walkway handing the woman up front my passport and the mysterious tickets.
"You get window seat." He reminded me as we put our carry-on bag on top.
"Don't people usually want the window seat?" I asked as I sat down and he took a seat beside me.
"Not me, I'm unique that way." He grinned uneasily.
Before Percy could say anything, the pilot made another announcement and soon I felt the plan being lifted off the ground. Percy face turned pale and he involuntarily reached out to the closest thing into a killing death grip. Unfortunately the 'thing' getting the killing death grip was my hand.
If I was feeling cold before, I was completely cured because right now I am anything but cold. My face was burning up for no apparent reason and I could feel a drum beating in my head.
I looked at him in alarmed as I looked at his hands on mine and feeling a blush creeping up my face. "What are you-?"
He forced his eyes shut as I felt a launch into the air. "Just wake me up when it lands." He said obviously trying to control his breathing.
I raised an eyebrow, "You're going to sleep through 6 hours of flight?" I asked finding it unbelievable since we just had a rather long nap this morning.
"You meant you got to sleep." He still managed to grin with his closed eyes. "I was up all night planning this trip and making sure that we have everything. Plus nothing to do on the plane, so it's best to just go to sleep."
"Then explain the death grip that you are still putting on my hand." I said sarcastically looking at my trapped hand, for once glad that he has his eyes closed.
"Oh that…" I saw him cautiously opening his eyes. "I'm- going to sleep!" He quickly said before faking a loud snore that earned a few looks towards our way.
"Percy!" I shook the hand that he gripped, trying to get him out from his fake dream. Finally after fifteen minutes of attempting to wake him up, I realized that he was no longer faking a snore but in fact was quiet. My hand was no longer being held by him, but I was rather shock to realize I was the one that was holding his hand. I quickly released my hand from his and with that the panicky feeling in me subdue immediately.
I stared at my hand, then at his opened hand on the hand-rest. My hand for some reason felt colder as I let go of his hand… not a good feeling either. When he was holding my hand, it felt almost- it was so comfortable that it scared me.
What am I talking about? I tried to laugh it off in my head.
The panicky feeling began to emerge again, this time however it was not a good feeling. I snapped myself back to reality.
'It's nothing… it's nothing.' I assured myself.
It was far from nothing though, someone who made me laugh, someone who cared about me, and worst of all… it was someone that I'm starting to develop feelings for.
Annabeth: Hey we actually managed to succeed!
Percy: Can I continue writing!? THIS IS FUN!
Annabeth: *raises an eyebrow* This is fun? When have my Seaweed Brain enjoyed literature writing? But Percy this is where we should end! It's a great cliffhanger!
Percy: I think Rick Riordan has a better cliffhanger…. I mean seriously? Mark Of Athena? I WAS ABOUT TO MEET YOU!
Annabeth: Well, considering that this is your first time writing a story Percy, the fans should give you some slack right-
Percy: OUCH MY FACE! *dodges tomato* HEY WAIT STOP STOP IT! THIS IS NOT A CLIFFHANGER! LOOK ANNABETH IS FALLING FOR ME-! *gets knocked in the head with a shield by Luke*
Luke: This is so real! I'm not dead and I'm loving it!
Nico: Ba babababa I'm lovin' it!
Annabeth: Nico… just because you were shown having a Happy Meal doesn't mean you have to sing it every time…
Nico: *grumbles* Can I write the next chapter?
AAZ: *wakes up* HEY WOAH… WHAT?! STOP! THAT'S MY STORY *chases after PJO chacters*
-15 minutes later-
AAZ: Those *cough* demigods! I can't catch up with them! *cough* THEY HAD TRAINING! *looks at FF page* New chapter… A Wise Seaweed Plan *reads through* PERCY CAN WRITE?!
Luke: I was surprised too.
AAZ: Wait… why are you here?
Luke: Cause I'm an important character?
AAZ: The antagonist of the story that is.
Luke: Still important, people wouldn't love Percy if it wasn't for my evil deeds.
AAZ: Are you praising yourself?
Luke: What is there not to praise? You are the one being a jerk and might not be updating for a while…
AAZ: Today has to count for something right?
Luke: What about next week?
*AAZ stays silent*
Luke: You know… I see a couple mortals and demigods out there with angry faces and dangerous weapons…. Duct tape included.
AAZ: NOO! ANYTHING BUT THE DUCT TAPE! I CAN'T STAND-
Luke: I thought you hated hugs…
AAZ: DO NOT SAY THE H- Hu- H- THE H WORD!
Luke: Well… when will be the next update AAZ?
AAZ: That… will depend on err… well, you know-
Luke: No I don't. And you will remember to update next week..
AAZ: Look I have trouble remembering the difference between Pangea and Pemdas I don't think I can remember to update next week…
Luke: You're just as bad as me, except I am a read badass demigod!
AAZ: Well I'm the- Nevermind, so… even if Percy did wrong this chapter, what did you guys think of it? Good Bad? Bad Good? Horrible? Evil? Bad Grammar? Bad Spelling? Wrong Language? Ba-
Annabeth: HEY I HELPED WITH THIS PART!
AAZ: Agent Astro Zombie OUT! *dodges bronze knife*
Song: Chasing Cars- Snow Patrol!