Day 3 – December 27th
Percy
'Hey love, what time are you going to be home?'
'Not now Percy. Busy.'
'Call me when you aren't. Love you.'
Not exactly how I was expecting that text session to go, and I wasn't happy about that she didn't answer me back but at least I knew she was busy because she didn't even read the last message.
I flopped back on the sofa and sighed. It was only four-thirty and usually she was home by six; usually, on my breaks I could find ways to entertain myself but today was killing me. I was bored out of my mind and I knew it was in anticipation of the gift I had planned for tonight. I tried several times to play a game on the Xbox, but it wasn't happening as my mind wandered and I kept checking my phone to see if she had read my last message.
Finally, I gave up on waiting for her and took to deep cleaning my apartment. It needed it anyway if the rest of this week was going to go as planned. Thalia would have my hide if she walked in here and found the place in this state.
I was startled some time later by the door slamming and I banged my head on the cabinet door that was currently open.
"Shit!"
"Perce, where are you?"
"Kitchen," I replied, rubbing my head and examining my hand moments later, making sure I wasn't bleeding everywhere. I looked up to see her walk up to the island, tears in her eyes (this was beginning to be a daily thing and I was less than impressed) as she dropped her purse and a box of papers on the island.
"I may lose my job," she said through a sniffle and I rushed toward her.
"What the hell?"
"I had Lacy's new book all ready and I don't know what happened. I went over it four times before I left," she screeched, putting a hand on her heart as I inched closer to her. "The layout was perfect, everything was set to go. We got the two-thousand pre-ordered copies in and there are four pages in the wrong placement and two others that were upside down. Percy, I don't know what the hell I am going to do! I worked my ass off for this job . . ." she trailed off, her breathing erratic.
"Who the hell would do something that like? I was there before you left for California. I know the layout was perfect. Who do I need to talk to for proof?"
She shook her head at me, the tears threatening to fall once more as I could see the dried salty rivers down her puffy red cheeks. "I have a meeting tomorrow with Mark," she said quietly, eyes avoiding me as she spoke, "I don't think it is going to go over well."
I pulled her in for a hug and she heaved a heavy sigh against me. "Do me a favor, drop off everything and go change. Comfortable clothes, and keep warm. You're going to need it."
"Percy, I am not in the mood for –"
"–no complaining," I interrupted, "you need out of this funk. Things will be fine. Mark must know that someone else did this. Now, please go change. Gloves and scarf as well little missy," I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest and putting my foot down.
It wasn't often that I could talk to her like this and get away with it but sometimes I would get lucky and she would begrudgingly do as I asked without question; tonight, wasn't going to be one of those nights and she in turn slammed her right foot into the floor.
"Perseus Jackson, I am not in the mood to do anything tonight! Did you not hear me when I said I could possibly lose my job? I just want to sit at home and wallow for a little bit, is that too damn much to ask?"
Her eyes had gone from soft gray storm clouds to steely and cold, which was even more frightening with the tears that swirled within.
"I heard you. Remember, no complaining! Santa said so," I tried not to whine and failed miserably.
"Santa isn't real Percy," she spat back, acid laced in her voice.
"I told you, for the next twelve days he is, now dammit, get in the bedroom, change your clothes and do as I ask for once," I demanded.
She shrunk back under my voice and then her shoulders dropped as she marched off without saying another word. I hated being mean in her time of need, but I wasn't going to allow her to deter me from my gifts or my plan.
"Are you going to talk to me yet?" I asked, as she leaned her head on passenger window, a hand reaching over for mine. I gladly took the hand and pulled it to my lips, leaving a light kiss on top.
"Maybe later," a soft voice replied. I looked over to see a small smile on her lips as she closed her eyes.
I kept my thoughts to myself, allowing her to rest the remaining ten minutes to Central Park. Tonight, we were going to hit up our favorite little café, as I knew we hadn't been here in ages due to our schedules being insane but tonight she needed the extra dose of happiness that only The Perch could provide.
"Wake up sleepy head," I called to her, shutting off the engine and praying she would be in a better mood when she realized where we were.
A groan escaped her as she unwillingly stirred. She was far too cranky and far too sleepy here lately for my liking and I nudged her gently on the shoulder.
"Come on babe. I have an awesome surprise for you tonight."
"Sleep would have been an awesome surprise," she mumbled as she turned her head toward me and glared at me through slits. Suddenly her head snapped up and she blinked at me several times as a smile spread across her face. "Come on," she called happily, flying out of my Explorer before I had even pulled the keys from the ignition.
I jumped out of the vehicle and ran to catch up with her as she wandered down the path, lit by thousands of Christmas lights wrapped around every tree along the path.
"Can we eat out on the back patio?"
There was a twinkle in her eye that I hadn't seen since she got back from California and I gave her my infamous crooked smile.
"Of course. Part of the reason I asked you to bring your scarf," I replied, catching up to her completely and wrapping my arms around her waist. We walked on like this for several feet before she stopped abruptly causing me to slam into her back. "Oomph, I think your brake lights are out."
I was hoping for a laugh but instead she turned around immediately and placed a hand on my cheek.
"You know I love you right?"
Instantly, my brain was in overdrive. You only have these talks with your significant other when something is wrong, and I already knew that she was in a mood, so there was really no telling where this talk was going to go.
"I know that I have been difficult since I got home, and I don't mean to take that out on you at all Percy. I am just not in a place where I am ready to talk about the things Helen and I fought about."
I looked down in her gray orbs, the sparkle now lost once again. "Annabeth, I am not going to force you into telling me what happened. Yes, I am dying to know what happened, but I know you will tell me eventually. I know you love me and I hope you know that I love you more than anything. You are my world," I replied, leaning into her hand.
"Just give me some time Percy," she whispered softly.
Cupping her face in my hands, I leaned in and gently kissed her forehead, then nose and then lips before replying, "Whatever you need."
"I love you," she replied softly, pushing herself up on tiptoe to meet my lips once again.
Annabeth
The sound of a little girl's giggle pulled me from my moment with Percy and I pulled away quickly, my cheeks burning in the process.
"They were kissing, Momma," she giggled again, turning to look us as her mother pulled her along the trail. "Do you still love Daddy like that?" The little voice asked, and I shrunk back behind Percy, suddenly embarrassed by the exchange.
Suddenly the little girl was scooped up as her mother whispered to her and then the wails started.
"I think we just ruined her evening," Percy replied, grabbing my hand and pulling me forward. "Let's eat. I am starved."
I leaned into his side and for the first time today a smile spread across my face. I wasn't going to let tomorrow ruin my night. I would worry about all of that in the morning.
As we made our way down the trail, the lights got brighter as the trees became denser around our favorite eatery. This time of year was always magical, whether it be from the thousands of twinkling lights or the little bit of snow lingering on the ground, you couldn't help but destress.
My stomach growled as we neared the entrance to The Perch and instinctively I dropped a hand down to my stomach.
"When was the last time you ate?"
"A cup of coffee this morning," I responded shyly.
"Annabeth, you have to quit skipping meals. You worry me when you do that, and you get really hangry and say a lot of things you don't really mean –"
"– don't start with me on that one," I whined as we passed through the doors and the amazing smell of home cooked food hit me, sending my stomach into another rumble as well as turning it slightly.
"See! You skip meals and you feel worse. You've been so off since you got back from your dad's. You never get sick and you are worrying me."
"I'm fine Perce. I just need to eat. Now, you said we could sit out on the patio, let's go," I practically cried, pulling his hand as we crossed the restaurant.
We sat at a table closest to one of the large outdoor heaters and I found myself almost regretting the decision until I looked around, the lights bouncing off the snow and Percy's ocean orbs. Percy sat down next to me and wrapped an arm around me, drowning me in his infinite warmth. It honestly didn't matter my mood, the man could always make me feel better, even if I was angry with him.
"May I take your order?"
I looked up to see a familiar face and smiled, "The usual Tammy."
"House salad with blue cheese and the honey chipotle baked chicken with classic veggies and a water coming up. And for you?" she asked, turning to Percy as he furrowed his brow, glancing over the menu.
"Chicken fingers with the fries, not the tots and a Coke."
"Got it. Anything else?"
"Actually, change the salad to the potato soup. It's too cold and can I get a small hot chocolate to go as well?" I wasn't exactly sure what made me change my mind. In the three years that we had been coming here, I had only changed my order up twice and that was because we were still new to the place and trying things out.
Percy threw an odd look at me and shrugged, "I don't want to hear it Seaweed Brain! You got the most childish thing on the menu and you're gonna give me strange looks?"
"Yes," he started, pulling me closer, "but I am still twelve at heart, so it's ok for me, but you on the other hand, my chia latte drinking, sophisticated woman, never order hot chocolate."
"It's cold out here Percy, and a hot chocolate sounds divine," I whined, leaning into him and closing my eyes. In all honesty, I could have just curled up with him right there. I wanted to forget about today and I most definitely wanted to forget about tomorrow and my upcoming meeting with my editor-in-chief.
Dinner was a nearly silent affair as we watched the snowflakes dance around us and melt as they came in contact with the warmth from the heaters around us. I had to force my food down, my stomach doing flips with each bite. Tomorrow was weighing on me and stressing me out.
I remained lost to reality as we left The Perch and I allowed Percy to guide me along the trail and after several hundred feet I suddenly realized that we were not headed back to the car.
"Percy," I stopped dead in my tracks, looking around confused, "where the heck are we going?"
"You'll see. Come on Wise Girl, keep me warm," he requested, holding an arm out, wrapping it around my waist and pulling me closer to him.
We walked for what felt like forever as I was now anticipating his next gift. The trees gave way to the green and in front of us was the giant outdoor skating rink.
"But Percy –"
"– please don't complain," he whined.
"I wasn't going to complain you dunderhead, well not fully anyway," I retorted, stopping to take in the skaters and lights in all their beautiful glory. It had been years since I had been here. In fact, the last time I was here I was eighteen and it was one of the last decent Christmases I got to celebrate with my mother before work really took over for her. "I was just going to say, we don't have our skates."
He didn't say a word, just flashed me that crooked smile that I loved more than anything and grabbed my hand, dragging me along behind him as he laughed.
"Percy . . . dammit Percy, slow down," I cried as he dragged me along behind him.
"Live a little Wise Girl, I have it all taken care of!"
Some form of a groan/laugh escaped me as I ran behind him, trying to keep up and not throw up in the process.
Pushing myself forward, I found an opening and forced myself into a spin. The feeling was dizzying and freeing all in one shot and a smile spread across my face.
"Maybe you missed your calling," he called out to me, forcing me stop on the spot. I wobbled on the spot and was steadied by his arms around me.
"I highly doubt that. Just because I can do a few tricks doesn't mean I am a skater by any means Perce."
He dropped his head and kissed my forehead, sending chills down my spine. "You never see yourself for the truly beautiful and amazing woman that you are. I wish you would."
Heat immediately filled my cheeks. I was used to the man always complimenting me but tonight there was more love and affection in the words than I had ever picked up on in our entire fifteen years of knowing each other.
Pulling a hand from his waist, I reached up to his cheek. He hadn't shaved in several days and I was cursing the fact that it was cold, and we were on the ice as I really needed some skin to skin contact with him. I moved my cheek toward his and he in turned adjusted to allow me to move closer. Big mistake as Percy's foot slipped, tangled up with skate and took us both to the ice.
"Owe," I cried while laughing, thanking god the only part of me that hit the ice was my left hip as Percy tried his hardest to protect me from slamming into the ice full force.
"You okay?" he whined through a laugh.
"Yeah. Just nailed my hip. I should still be able to walk tomorrow."
"Good," he replied leaving a kiss on my head. "I hope you enjoyed your present for day three. Now please get up before I become permanently stuck to the ice!"
I laughed again, cringing as I got up, and grimaced as I helped pull him from the ice. "Thank you, Percy," I let out in an exhausted huff.
"You're welcome Wise Girl," he whispered in my ear as he pulled my cheek back to his.
"I love you more than you will ever know," I whispered in return.
Hello again my lovely readers! Here we are trudging along through day 3 and I must say that after the first round of holiday fun, I am about dead to the world. Fun!
Thank you again to my lovely beta 3! By the way, she has a wonderful new story out and should be the top of my favorite list! So go read and leave her some love, I swear you won't regret it!
Falling clouds : Thank you! Actually, Jasper came about from a bad Twilight joke between my beta ( 3) and I. Yeah we went there! LOL We both forgot that was their ship name. Oops!
3 : I swear I will touch on that whole issue with her mother. We haven't seen the last of Annabeth's meltdowns yet. Poor girl.
PJOIsDaBest: Love your excitement! Hope you enjoyed this next part!
Has anyone figured out what Percy has up his sleeve? I've left little hints here and there but have you truly figured it out?
Hope you liked this little installment, I shall be back tomorrow with another!