A/N: I don't own anything you recognise.
PERCY
3:03 P.M.
20th September
List of things to do today:
1. Clean the closet.
2.
What else do I got? Umm... I can't think of anything right now. Maybe, that's all I got for now. I guess, that's it.
I neeeeeed to clean my closet. Its so messy. I couldn't even find my socks, today morning. It was all fine till the days mom was here. It's been about two days since my parents left for home.
The past month was a blessing. My work was reduced to one third and I had some time with my parents. My mom and step-dad did a lot of tasks, which I do everyday, lessening my work and we had amazing family time. Perrie was so happy with her Grandma, and pa too. I mean, it was a fun month.
Jason got a girlfriend, Piper. They've been going strong till now. He met her on my birthday party. They are like perfect for each other.
Annabeth had dinner with my family for almost the entire month. I've got to know her so much more better. She is a just great and an awesome friend.
At this time, usually, I go to pick Perrie up from school, but, today here I am in the office sitting on a round table, scratching my head thinking of what to do.
So, the thing is that, I take my lunch break at 3, when Perrie gets off from school, so that I am able to pick her up plus have lunch with her. The school decided to take the kids to amusement park today, for a one day trip sort of thing. So, I don't have to go anywhere, just be here. I've had my lunch already. Sam says I can relax for another half an hour, even though I wasn't paying full attention in the meeting, which happened on this very table I am sitting.
I won't lie by saying, I am not worried. If the truth be told, I am very anxious. Its the first time my daughter has gone anywhere alone without me, in a very long time. It disturbs me when I think something could happen, knowing that I had almost lost her once, before. That day was my fault. I don't wanna, no I mean I can't blame anyone, but me.
I don't want to have negative thoughts, but it's kind of not possible not to. But, I shouldn't of course. Be positive, she's out there, having fun with her friends, enjoying the rides, eating and dancing. Plus, they have like 4 teachers with them, including Annabeth and Piper. So, I shouldn't be fearful.
I already called Annabeth three times in a row, 1 hour ago. I don't feel like doing it again. I could text her, though. Great idea. I just hope she doesn't think I'm going crazy.
' Hey! How's it going?'
That should be fine. I hit send.
I'll finish my list by the time, I wait for the reply.
1. Clean the closet.
2. Yeah! The Groceries. I need to buy them.
Annabeth gifted me this small dairy on my birthday, cause she was sick of me hanging up the phone on her saying,' Crap! I forgot to do that. I'll call you back in 15.'
So, she said I should make a list of what is left to be done, everyday, so I won't forget anything.
That's actually so sweet. It's been very useful so far.
I feel my phone vibrate, I unlock it to see Annabeth's reply.
' All's good. Kids are having fun. Just don't worry, Perrie is all right. Focus on your work.'
' You know me too well. Thanks for everything. :)' I send back.
I am kind of relieved, but not totally tension free.
' Just breathe. I'll take care of her.' I see another reply from her.
I wish I could thank you enough, Annabeth. You've helped me so much.
' :)' I send back.
" September-" I say to myself.
" What about September?" My friend, Jason Grace startles me.
" September. September is the ninth month of the year, according to Julian and Gregorian calendars. It's one of the four months with a length of 30 days. And, September in Northern Hemisphere is the season equivalent to March in Southern Hemisphere."
" Okay," Jason says making a face. " Why are we discussing September?"
" Because," I clench my fists lightly, and open them out in frustration a second later. " I don't know what to do. I am feeling antsy."
" Why?" He leans by my chair.
" I dunno. Perrie," I say sceptically. " She's-"
" God! I knew it. I know. I know, you are worried to death as if some thing's gonna happen to her. Come on, man. She's with her school friends and her teachers, Annabeth and Piper. She'll be fine. You need to stop being worried for every damn thing."
" It's not small thing. You remember what happened last time, I left her without me, " I say gravely. " You don't understand. It still bites me, how could I do that?"
" I hope you do recall, " Jason sits down next to me. " what happened was years ago. Perrie was just 6 months old. She couldn't call anyone. She couldn't take care of herself back then. She'll be fine."
" I just texted Annabeth, she says all's good. But still, I can't help it," I say looking at him.
" Just trust me. Nothing will happen. And, you managed 5 hours already. It's only 4 hours more. She'll be back by 7," He glances at his watch and then, texts on his phone.
" Yeah," I shrug. " You are right, I guess."
" Come on, lets distract you," Jason stands up. " Stand up, you lazy person."
" Hey," I retort. " I am not lazy." I stand up.
" Lets go get Pizza, " He walks ahead of me.
" But, I had lunch already."
" Can you resist a Pizza?" Jason looks back at me and winks.
" Fine," I ponder for a moment. " That's not something I can do."
Annabeth
" That would be fun right?" Piper asks me looking at the giant roller coaster.
" Not for the kids, no way Piper, " I say shaking my head.
" Not the kids silly, for us."
" What?" My eyes open up wide in surprise. " We are supposed to watch the kids."
" We are doing that, aren't we?" Piper says after a pause.
" We are. But, there are like 75 of them and just 4 of us," I remind her.
" Girl," Piper points her index at me. " I ain't leaving till I ride that one."
" Okay," I give in. " But, only when kids are at lunch and Fred and Bran watch them like hawks. Go tell them both."
Today, we are at the ' Amusement Park of NY ' from the school as a part of a one day trip. 25 students each from 3 classes are here, with 4 teachers that is, Piper, Fred, Bran and me. We've been here for 3 hours now.
Kids are enjoying on rides. They were so thrilled about this trip.
Though its fun for them but it's hard to watch each child. Plus, they are just 5. They can't be left all by themselves. I am counting them after every hour. They aren't allowed on big rides, just small ones and no water ones.
After the rides, we take them to dinosaur park, then they have lunch in the cafeteria and lastly, dancing. The three school buses we came in,will take them back to school from where the parents pick them up at 7. That's the schedule. Everything has been according to plan till now.
This park is divided into 4 sections: the rides, the water rides, cafeterias and food courts and section four is the dinosaur park, where we are proceeding to now. The kids walk in a line, and teachers walk along making sure everything is alright and maintain decorum too.
We see exhibits of Tyrannosaurs, Sauropods, Ceratopsians, Raptors, Theropods , Titanosaurs and many more.
The park guide is explaining the kids about these dinosaurs. There's an ecstatic environment here.
" Miss Chase," Melisa walks parallel to me. " Why aren't we taught this at school?"
" Oh you like that?" I ask.
" Yes," She nods.
" Anybody else?" I say loudly.
" Yeah, me too," Greg says and a few other kids join.
" Alright then," I smile. " I'll talk to the other teachers about it. We'll make sure you have a class on it, atleast one day of the week."
" Thanks Miss Chase," Greg, Melisa and a few kids chorus.
At 1:30 we take the kids to food courts. No food court is big enough to accommodate 75 kids, so they go in groups of 25 while others wait. We could have sent them to other cafeterias, but then, it wouldn't be possible to keep count.
" Annabeth," Piper taps my forearm in a quick motion. " Let's go now, before eating. I don't wanna you know-"
Crap.
" Yeah," I lift my hand. " No need to explain. I get it. "
" Come on then, what are you waiting for?"
" You sure about this?"
" Of course, move, get up."
" Oookay," I say looking around once. " We need to be back soon."
We get in the line for the giant roller coaster. Thankfully, it aint that long as I had expected it was gonna be. I slip my phone in my skirt pocket after speaking to my Dad and Step mom.
" How're they doing?" Piper asks me after I put my phone is. I have noticed she's busy texting her new boyfriend, Jason like almost all the time. They hit it off really well at Percy's party. I'd say they make a cute pair.
" Pretty good," I say brightly. She nods and we move forward. We put our bags on the side before getting on the roller coaster.
Now, that I get a closer look I can see it's quite daunting of a ride. Firstly, the path is plain for like 7-8 metres, then comes the sudden way up to a high peak, where it goes up steering way for the downfall. The path down is the one that scares me the most. Going up is all fine, and then just as it starts backing down there's this jump in your heart, which you can't explain. I'd rather not try. Then, it goes on forever, for a linear path which is slanting to one side and then its up and down and more down and up. The ride goes on for 3- 4 minutes I'd guess.
" Our turn," Piper squeals as we are in our seats on the ride. We put on seat belts and so does everyone else. There are about 20 people on it and a lot of youngsters, so I bet you there's gonna be lots of yelling.
And so after 2 minutes, the ride begins and so does the shouting.
" Wooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo," is all what I can hear.
We go straight, up and down and sideways and more, holding on to the steel rod with both our hands. The ride was joyful and my head's spinning.
" That was good right?" Piper looks at me beaming.
" Sure," I mutter. " Only my head, won't stop spinning."
" I need to use the washroom," Piper turns left and proceeds in that direction.
~ Vibrates Vibrates Vibrates~
That's my phone. I pull it out.
It's Percy. I gotta take that.
" Hello?" I answer.
" Hey. Annabeth, everything's going good?" My heart does that natural jump as it always does when he talks to me, even if it's on the phone or a message.
" Yeah. Sure," I nod.
" Co-"
The phone disconnects.
He calls again, after a minute. I pick up.
" Yeah sorry, low signal here," I manage.
" No problem," He says. " Perrie?"
" Yeah, she's okay. Everyone's okay. Listen, can I call you back in a few minutes? I was on a bumpy ride and now my head's literally reeling."
" Okay. Sure," He hangs up.
My phone rings again. It's him again.
" Yes?" I answer.
" Sorry about this but I had to, " I hear him saying. " Don't just keep watching the kids. Have some fun yourself too."
" I will," I tell him and he hangs up, leaving me smiling.
For the fourth time, my phone rings.
" Yes Percy?" I say in a more irritated tone that I was aiming for.
" Hey... Annabeth, right?" The person calling says.
Crap! It's not him. In annoyance, I didn't even see the caller id.
It's an unknown number.
" Y- yeah," I say at last.
" Hi. This is Derek Evans."
Derek Evans. That for sure rings a bell.
" Remember me?" He questions.
" Ummm... not really. Sorry," I say apologetically.
" To remind you let me ask you something. There was a guy your step- mom was asking you to go out with?"
" Yes. His name is Derek Something. I don't remem-," It hits me mid sentence and my head stops wobbling." Oh, that's you?"
" Yes," Derek Evans says triumphantly.
" Okay. So?"
" So, I was going to ask you if you'd wanna go out tonight?"
" I don't know, if today is possible. I am at work right now and I'll be free after 7:30. Honestly, after a tiring day wouldn't you wanna just crash on your bed?"
" I completely understand your point. But, I was really looking forward to it. Can we please meet, at whatever time and place you want, please?"
" Ummm... Okay but, I can't stay very long and I don't want to keep you in the dark, I am not looking for a relationship right now. Will that be okay with you?"
" Of course. It is," He says enthusiastically.
" I'll text you the time and place," I try to sound positive.
Piper joins me in a few minutes. " Let's go back now."
" Hmm," I take the lead. " I just got asked out."
" OMIGOSH," Piper catches upto me. " Who was it? DID you say Yes or not?"
" I don't know if you remember him. That guy, Derek Evans, who my step mom was tryna get me to go out with."
" Of course, I remember him. So, what'd you say?"
" I am going but I told him I wasn't looking for a relationship and stuff,"i sigh.
" I see," Piper nods along. " What if I ask you the reason of you not being interested in a relationship?"
" You can't ask people that," I say in a nervous rush.
" Don't change the point. Are you waiting for a certain some one to realise his feelings for you?"
" No, Piper. Don't be ridiculous. If you are in love with some one, you don't expect anything in return. It's not necessary for them to love you back. And I never put forth, any conditions before falling for him. Love is unconditional."
" You do love him? I thought it was just a crush," Piper squeezes my hand.
" I do."
" But, you still have a glimmer of hope in your eyes," Piper looks in my eyes.
" Never lose hope," I smile and we walk back to where everyone was. We have food and later, there is a DJ in an open space. The children dance happily. Percy texts me after an hour again. I assure him everything is alright and he needs to take a long deep breath and relax his brain. I text Derek the time and place, we'd meet.
At 5 pm, I start receiving calls from parents, asking me when we will be leaving. So, I put a message in the Whatsapp class group when we leave. And, I count the kids 2 times. Take a roll call, just to assure there hasn't been any mistake and no one's left behind.
School's a two hour drive from the park. A few of kids have fallen asleep on the way back. Some are eating, some are singing and some are playing with cards.
* After 2 hours *
We reach school at 6:56 p.m. The kids get off, and I see parents waiting for them. Many of them had to be woken up, the ones who had fallen asleep. Parents are asking them how it was, did they eat, have fun etc. Teachers will stay till all the kids have been picked up. About, 7 kids are left at 7:30. Percy and Perrie are waiting for me, though I motioned them to go. But, Percy was adamant. They're sitting on a bench waiting.
Bran and Fred call the parents of the kids, who haven't still arrived. After, about 25 minutes, we are free. Everyone's gone home now.
" Let's have dinner," Percy sounds happy. " I got us some food."
" I am so sorry Percy. I can't go with you guys today. I have a date," I confess.
" Oh," His face falls. " You didn't tell, I mean, I didn't know."
" Sorry. It was just a spur of a moment decision. I only told Piper," I say quickly.
" At least let me drop you," Percy says looking at me. " And I can always come to get you back too."
" Honestly, you don't need to. I'll be fine on my own."
" Yes, you will be. But, we are going to drop you, no matter what."
" Okay," I nod. " I can go home by myself please?"
" Fine," He says full of sarcasm.
I get in the car with Percy, in the passenger's seat while Perrie sits in the back. I give Percy directions to ' Chloe's', that's where we are gonna meet.
" Call me if you need a ride," Percy slides down his window when I get off. " Be careful."
" Okay. I will," I wave them bye.
When I walk in a guy wearing a hoodie, waves at me. I put a smile on my face and advance towards him.
" Hi," I greet.
" Hello," He smiles. " I am Derek Evans."
" Annabeth Chase," I extend my hand to shake his hand.
" What would you like to have?" The waitress ' Alexa' asks us.
" I'd like a Crème latte and strawberry-chocolate pastry with honey flavoured almonds on top," Derek says looking at the menu.
" For you Miss?" Alexa asks me.
" The same," I hand her both the menu cards.
While we wait, he asks me about my job and vice-versa and we talk about my step mom too.
It is an honest chat. I'd already told him I wasn't looking to date and he said I could take all the time I want. I was thankful for that.
We split the bill into half and we step out.
" Okay so, I'll be leaving," I look at the watch in the café from the glass window. " It's getting late."
" Let's just sit for a little while more," Derek says looking at a bench outside. " I'll drop you home."
" Sure, " I mumble.
We talk for a little more while, sitting on the bench. I was talking, looking ahead, when I realise there's a pair of eyes staring at me. Derek's looking at me. I stop talking and turn my head to face him. He starts leaning in.
NO! I wasn't emitting that signal. He's going to kiss me. I don't want to.
" No, "I bolt up. " I don't want to."
" Why?" He asks standing up too. " Annabeth, I really like you. I am totally forming a crush on you right now. When your mom showed me your picture I was like, ' Wow. She's so damn pretty. I got to see her for at least once.' And now, here we are."
" Look, Derek you are really nice and cute. But I can't. I just can't," I say trying to explain.
" Is there some one else? Was it that car guy?"
My heart jumps when he mentions Percy. I adopt a silent tone.
" I get it. You are in love with him. That car dude," Derek says.
" Yes. I am, " I shrug.
" And he doesn't like you?"
" Not in that way. I mean, we are friends or as he would say Best friends," I shrug again.
" Aww," He pulls me in a hug. " Come here."
" I am fine Derek," I say trying to smile.
" He's an idiot. He doesn't realise what he is missing on," Derek looks at me.
" Don't call him that," I say defensively.
" Okay. Your Honour," He says. " It was nice meeting you, afterall. And there's a plus point."
" What?"
" I have a new crush," He says making me blush. " Let me drop you home."
I don't wanna go home. I want to be with Percy and have dinner.
" I'll go," I take my bag." Nice to meet you too."
I take off and find myself knocking at Percy's door.
" Do you have any food?" I ask as he opens the door.
" Will Ice Cream be fine?" He's rubbing his eyes.
" Great," I step in. He locks the door behind me and follows me.
" What happened Annabeth? Did it go terrible?" Percy turns on the kitchen light.
" Were you sleeping?"
" Not yet," He yawns. " Was going to. You didn't answer me."
" No it was fine, " I say nonchalantly. " He said he liked me. He wanted to kiss me, but-"
" But," Percy cuts in. " That weird crush of yours played his role and you had to let him down."
" Yeah," I nod frantically. " How do you know that?"
" I just do," Percy pulls out Ice cream from the fridge.
" Thanks," I take the can from him . " This is just unfair. He said he has a crush on me. But, I couldn't-"
" You have to say No some times. Even if they are your friends," Percy says with a little smile.
" Maybe."
" Of course," Percy smiles at me. My heart's pounding again and really loud.
' I love you.'
" You wanna go on the terrace?" He asks.
" And?"
" I dunno. Watch the stars or something," Percy suggests.
" I'd love to," My heart beats faster. I love him so much that I'd probably do anything for him.
Also, I know is it is hard for both of us. He still loves her and I love him.
Both of us love some one who doesn't love us back.
A/N: Thank you for reading and supporting the story. Thanks to everyone who followed and faved the story. Thanks so much.
Fratzy, King of Heroes Gilgamesh, Guest thanks for leaving reviews. Thanks a bunch. It feels great to know people are liking the story.
And spoiler: Rebecca Brown aka Becky will be seen in the next chapter.