I apologized for not updating for a while. I'm kind of lost on how to write this chapter so it took me a while to write this. Hope you guys will like it.
Thank you for the reviews on the last chapter:
IIII Winter Wolf IIII : Please don't hate Nico. He's just doing his job and there is a reason behind why he's being like that.
hailstorm12 : Nope, Athena is not related with Zeus in any form. Her character here is totally different from the book. Thalia's parent will soon be introduced and they're definitely new characters. Thank you.
percabethforever6775
1fun2me3
Yaariyan
TyberAurora : Thank you. Don't worry I will not let that happen.
NCISRookie33
KitkatMoon
guestX
tniki713
Guest
Disclaimer: I do not own anything
Chapter 64
Previously…
Annabeth tries to straighten her dress as she heard a short knock on the door. Carly opens the door for her visitors.
She stands up to greet them. She felt so nervous when she finally sees them.
"Hi sis." Malcolm greeted her as he kissed her on the cheek.
"How are you my dear?" Athena greeted her curtly.
"Mom, Malcolm, what are you guys doing here?"
"Is that how you greet us after not seeing us for a long time?" Malcolm joked as he hugged her sister.
Annabeth smiled timidly just as she returns his hug. "I'm just surprised that's all." She replied as she pulled away from him. Then she turns to Athena to properly greet her mom.
"Hi Mom." She smiled as she awkwardly kissed her on the cheek. In return Athena squeezed her arm.
You see Athena is the biological mother of Annabeth and Malcolm is her half-brother. Malcolm's father and Athena never got married. He was indeed a product of a mistake. They were both graduating in college back then when Athena got pregnant with him. They separated even before Malcolm was born. But to be fair to his father, he never did run away from his responsibilities on him even though he and Athena didn't work out.
Athena met Frederick Chase, Annabeth's Dad when Malcolm was already 3 years old. Athena was already an architect back then. They became friends and soon blossomed into a relationship. They got married after a year of dating. Frederick treated Malcolm as his own son. After a year of marriage Athena got pregnant. They were all excited for the baby.
Through the early years of their marriage they were happy. Frederick being a professor to a well known university teaching history and Athena has made her own name on the architecture business. But soon the happy couple slowly started to fight due to conflicting schedules. Athena became busier with her work and soon neglected her role as a wife and as a mother to her two children.
Then after 6 years of marriage the two called it quits, seeing that they will never work it out even if they try harder. Malcolm, who was 9 years old by then, was devastated when they told him the news. Annabeth was only four years old back then. Frederick and Athena have decided that Annabeth will stay with his Dad but Malcolm will be with Athena of course.
Athena only has small portions on Annabeth's life. Although she checks on her and visit her at times but still it wasn't enough. Annabeth still crave for a mother's touch. And soon it was filled when her father remarried again to one of his colleagues. Her name was Helen. Helen has come to love Annabeth dearly. They got married when Annabeth was 10 years old.
Frederick was so thankful to his wife for completely accepting Annabeth as her own. Helen took Athena's role for Annabeth. At first she was hesitant and doubtful of Helen's love for her but soon she finally saw that Helen really loves her. After a year Helen got pregnant with twins, they named them Matthew and Bobby. They are both 10 years old now. And Annabeth loves them so much even though they seem to cause trouble everywhere. But the two love Annabeth too.
As for Malcolm, they only started getting close to each other again when she started high school, by then Malcolm was already in college taking up architecture just like their mom. They hang out every time Malcolm comes home from school break. Thalia even met him a couple of times. But soon as he graduated from college, he and Athena moved to London. And from then they rarely got to see each other.
Annabeth was pulled back to reality when Athena squeezed her hand. "So how's my daughter?"
"I'm good." She replied shyly. She gestured them to take a seat on the couch.
Malcolm plops down and she sits beside her brother. Athena chose to sit opposite to them.
"Why didn't you tell me that you're going to visit?" Annabeth asked them.
"It wouldn't be a surprise then." Malcolm smiled at her. He put his arm around her.
She smacked him lightly on his chest. Malcolm just laughs at her.
"It was a last minute decision actually." Athena informed her. "I wasn't supposed to come to this trip. Malcolm was the only one booked to attend some meetings. But the clients wanted to see me."
"Oh." Annabeth replied. "So when did you arrived?"
"Yesterday." Malcolm answered. "We couldn't visit first because from the airport we head straight to the hotel to meet our clients."
"It's okay." She replied smiling at them. "So how long will you guys be here?"
"I'm flying back to London tomorrow." Athena replied. "But Malcolm is going to be here for a week or so."
"That would be great then."
"Hmm." Malcolm hummed. "How are you sis? Your office seems to be bigger since the last time I visited you." He said as he scans the room.
"Yeah we did some renovations."
"So how's work?" Athena asks her eyeing her intently.
"Good. We've been busy from the past couple of months."
"That's good then. I heard you're making your own name here." Athena smiled at her. "I'm proud of you."
"Well it seems like it runs on our genes." Malcolm brags as he playfully elbowed her.
Annabeth rolled her eyes but blush a little.
Annabeth asks them about the project. She learned that their clients are from London too and decided to invest in Greece. They were going to design a hotel.
"As much as we like to stay a little longer but Malcolm and I are going to meet the clients after an hour so we need to go now."
"Oh already?" She blurted sadly.
"Sorry sis, but hey I'll be here for a while. We can still catch up." Malcolm tried to reassure her.
"And we are having dinner tonight." Athena added. It wasn't a request. It was a statement. She's just like that. Not taking No for an answer.
"Well umm." Annabeth replied thinking about Percy.
"And you should bring your boyfriend. It's time for us to meet him."
Annabeth and Malcolm look shocked at her.
How did she know? Annabeth thought.
"Wait, boyfriend? You have a boyfriend Annie? How come you never told me?" Malcolm interrogates her.
Annabeth was rather speechless. She gapes at her mom.
Athena slightly smirked looking at the dumbfounded expression on her daughter's face. "Just because I'm far away doesn't mean I don't know what's going on with your life dear." She said pointedly.
"Woah, why didn't you tell me Mom?" Malcolm asked accusingly at Athena.
She merely shrugged. "Tell him I want to meet him. And I expect to see you two tonight." She demanded as she stands up.
Malcolm stands up too but still looking at his sister. "You owe me big sis. I need to know about him." He too demanded.
"Err.." Annabeth tries to find reasons. It's not that she don't want them to meet him. She's just afraid that her mom will not like him. Athena is a perfectionist, although they are not close but still she thinks highly of her and that her approval of him is very much a big of a deal to her.
"I know that he's here visiting you." Athena stated. "We'll see you tonight dear." She kissed Annabeth's cheek before heading to the door.
Malcolm looked at her. "See you tonight." He kissed her cheek too. "You have a lot of explaining to do." He said before going after their mom.
"We'll text you the details." Athena called after before they finally went out.
Annabeth plops down on the couch tiredly. Unable to comprehend what just happened. Just this morning she was having a great day and them BAM! It got complicated.
How should she tell Percy that they're meeting her mom and her brother tonight? Of course Percy knows about them. She told him about her family back when they were just friends and he's still Sean back then.
Percy already met Frederick, Helen and the twins when they started dating back then. Her family adores him. By then they still didn't know who he really is. By the time they found out the truth, there were different reactions from them. Of course Frederick and Helen were mad at him but to the twins he seems cooler to them.
When they finally got back together, Annabeth told her family about it. At first Frederick was mad. He was not open to the idea. He's afraid that someday Percy will hurt her again just like the last time. He saw how badly hurt his daughter was before. Helen on the other hand understands her. She understands why Annabeth chose to be with him again. She understands the love the two hold for each other.
It took them almost a month not talking to each other just because of it. Annabeth stood her ground. She let him see that she love Percy whoever he is and that he must accept it. It the end Frederick gave in, seeing that his daughter love this man so much. They took time to talk about. Annabeth explains to him all of the things that happened and eventually Frederick opens his mind but not yet fully accepting the idea. Especially now that he found out how rich Percy is and knowing that he's miles away from his daughter. A young man with face and talent like that and an heir to a multi-billion company is prone to girls adoring him.
When they come to a mutual understanding, Frederick demanded to meet Percy once he came to visit her and Annabeth promised him that. Even the rest of the family wants to see him again especially the twins. They just adored him so much whoever he really is. They've come to like him easily the moment they met him.
Annabeth massaged her temple at this. First her father and now her mother wanted to meet him. He never told Percy about the fight she had with her father but she told him that they wanted to see him as soon as he visits her. And Percy understands why. Actually it's one of his agenda. He wanted to come clean to her family. He wanted them to start all over again knowing that Frederick does not fully approve of them getting back together. But now her mom and Malcolm wanted to meet him too.
Annabeth doesn't know how much her mom knows about Percy. But by simply the way she looked at her, it clearly states that she knows a lot. And it bothers her for some unknown reason. With Malcolm, she thinks she can handle him. She knows he's just protective of her.
She doesn't know if they should tell the whole story of their relationship or just cut it to where they got back from each other.
Her thoughts were interrupted when there's a knock on the door. Carly peeks her head on the door. She saw the stress look on her boss. She asked her if she's okay. Annabeth just nodded her head and asks her what she wants.
"Just want to ask what you want for lunch." Carly smiled at her.
"Oh shit!" Annabeth cursed. She checked her watch and saw that it was already past 12. Percy must be at the café now. She stands up to look at her phone and she saw that she already has 10 missed calls. Percy was probably worried right now.
Carly just watched her amusedly. "I'm guessing that someone must be waiting for you then?"
Annabeth looks at her while calling Percy on her phone. She waved dismissively at Carly and the latter just smiled at her closing the door behind her.
It took only 1 ring, "Hey, where are you?" She can certainly hear the worry in his voice.
"Sorry I lost track of time. I'll be there in a few. I'm on my way down now."
"Oh okay. It's fine don't worry. Hurry up, I miss you already."
Annabeth can't help but smile. "I will. I love you."
"I love you too."
Annabeth hurriedly grab her purse as he exited her office. On the way to the elevator she saw Thalia waiting in front of the elevator.
"Thalia!"
"Oh hey! I thought you went down already?"
"You wouldn't believe who came to visit me."
"Who?" Thalia asked her.
"Mom and Malcolm."
"As in Athena and Malcolm?"
Annabeth nodded her head.
"Holy shit!" Thalia cursed. "That's surprising."
"Tell me about it."
The elevator opens and the two step inside.
"So when did they get here?"
Annabeth tell her the story.
"Do you think she knows everything?" Thalia asked.
"I guess so. Dad probably told her about it."
"Does Percy know already?"
Annabeth shook her head. "I'll tell him later. I'm actually nervous about it."
"Why?"
"It's mom Thalia. You know how hard she is to please. What if she doesn't like him?" Annabeth panicked a little.
"Hey." Thalia chuckled. "Don't sweat it too much. Percy is a good guy. She will like him."
Annabeth let out a deep sigh. "I guess you're right."
"Besides if she doesn't like him, will you break up with him?" Thalia raised an eyebrow at her.
"No." Annabeth replied quickly.
Thalia laughs. "See so what are you so nervous about?"
"I just want her to like him that's all. You know how much it will mean to me."
"I know and she will."
The elevators dings and they step out.
"So is Nico joining us too?"
"Actually no, I'm going to have lunch with dad and the idiot doesn't want to go." Thalia scowled.
"Why not?"
"He said he's not ready yet."
Annabeth laughs.
"Say hi to Percy for me." Thalia waved goodbye to Annabeth as she heads towards her car.
Annabeth heads toward the café at the corner where Percy is. She saw him sitting outside but he's not alone. He's talking to three girls who looked like Kelsi's age.
Percy spotted her and he excused himself from the girls to go and meet her.
"Hey." He smiled sweetly at her before giving her a chaste kiss on the lips.
"Who are they?"
Percy turned halfway to look at the girls who are currently watching them curiously.
"Come on, I'll introduce you to them."
Percy intertwined their fingers as they head back to the girls.
The three girls stand up before they reach them.
One of the girls look so familiar but Annabeth can't remember from where.
"Girls I want you to meet Annabeth, my girlfriend."
The three girls smile warmly at her.
"Annabeth these are Lily, Ashley and Jean. Remember Lily, she's the girl I saved from drowning."
"Oh that's why she looks so familiar." Annabeth smiled at her.
"Yep and Ashley and Jean are her friends."
"We are supposed to meet you too during the dinner but Sean, I mean Percy said that you can't make it. That's what like, a year ago I think." Lily explained.
Annabeth remembered that night. "Oh yeah I'm sorry about that."
"Percy's right, you are pretty and you two look so good together." Ashley cooed.
The two blushed by the compliment. "Thank you."
"You know Lily freaked out when we found out from Ashley that your real name is Percy Jackson and that you are a superstar." Jean informed them.
"I did not!" Lily protested but she blushed so hard.
Her friends laugh at her. "Just admit it!"
Lily just shook her head from embarrassment.
"Hey if I were you I'll freak out too knowing who saved me."
"That's enough girls." Percy cut them off smiling.
"So can we umm… take a picture of you two? If that's okay?" Ashley asks.
"Just the two of us?" Percy asks.
Ashley nods.
Percy looks at Annabeth for approval and she just smiled at him.
The two posts for the camera and then afterwards they took turn in taking pictures with them.
Percy and Annabeth invited them to have lunch with them but the three declined. They already had their lunch and they're heading back to school already.
"Say hi to your mom for me." Percy says to Lily.
"I will." The three said their goodbyes before finally leaving.
"So, what do you like to eat?"
When the waiter left after taking their orders, Percy noticed that something is bothering her.
"You okay baby?" Percy asks as he holds her hand.
Annabeth looks at him. "Nothing." She lied.
"It doesn't look like nothing."
She averted her eyes and noticed that some are looking at them. They probably recognized Percy who forgot to wear his cap today.
Percy followed her gaze. He laughs lightly noticing the attention their getting.
"Sorry about that, I forgot to bring my cap. We can leave if you're not comfortable."
"No it's not about that." She turns to look at him.
"Okay then so what is it?"
"How did the girls know you are here?" She asked instead.
Percy raised an eyebrow at her but he answered her question anyway.
"Would you believe me if I tell you that they just passed by and they happened to recognize me?" He asked sheepishly.
"Hmm, you mean just a mere coincidence?"
Percy chuckled. "Yeah, hard to believe but it's true. Those girls go to school here."
"Okay."
"Seriously what's wrong?"
"I need to tell you something." She finally decided. It's now or never.
"Should I be worried?" He asks playfully which earned him a playful smack on his arm.
"Okay I'm sorry." He chuckled. "So what is it?"
She squeezed his hand. "Remember Mom and my brother?"
"You mean Helen and the twins? Of course I…"
"No." Annabeth cut him off.
"Then who are you referring to?"
"My biological Mom, Athena and my brother, Malcolm."
"Oh yeah of course I remember you talking about them, so what about them?"
The waiter comes back with their food so their conversation has to be stop for a little while.
"So?" Percy prompted.
"They are here and they wanted to meet you." She goes directly to the point.
Percy's on the process of eating his pasta when she tells him the news. He puts down his fork and looks at her. "Really?" But his expression is unreadable.
"You don't seem surprise?" She asks him.
Percy scrunched his eyebrows. "I am actually but I thought they were in London?"
"Yes but they happened to have some business in here right now."
"So I guess you tell them about me then?"
Annabeth actually blushed, thinking how to answer his question without him making feel bad. "Actually.."
"I take as that a no then." He averted his eyes looking at the passerby.
"Hey." She softly called. She reaches for his face to turn him so that he was looking at her. "I'm sorry if I haven't told them about you, but you know how my relationship is with my mom. We're not that close and I haven't talk to her in a long time."
When Percy didn't say anything, "But it doesn't mean that I'm not going to tell them about you, it just happens that mom found it out before I get the chance to tell her about you. I'm guessing she found it out from dad."
Percy let out a deep sigh. "Okay."
"Hey, don't feel bad." She quickly pecks his lips. "I'm sorry."
Percy smiled at her. "Damn why can't I just stay mad at you even for a short time."
She punched him in the shoulder. He only laughs at her as he kisses her properly on the lips before drawing her in for a hug.
When they pulled away, Percy studied her.
"What?" She questioned.
"You seem so nervous about it?"
"I am actually." She confided.
"Why?"
"Mom is… hard to please." She summed up. "Malcolm is not a problem though. As long as you don't hurt me he'll be fine with it."
"So I should worry about your mom then."
"Just be yourself." Annabeth adviced him.
"Wow thanks for the very helpful advice." He teased.
But she didn't smile.
"Hey I'm just joking."
Annabeth hugged him instead. "I just want them to like you that's all."
"So you're having doubts that they're not going to like me?" He teased more.
"Percy." She whined.
"Alright alright." He chuckled. "Don't worry. I'll be on my best behavior just for you."
"Thank you."
He slightly pulled away from her. "Anything for you." He said as he caresses her face.
"I love you."
"I love you too." He smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Now we need to eat." She declared before finally pulling away from him. "I still need to get back to work."
They began eating.
"So when will we meet them?" He asked.
"Tonight."
Percy nodded. "Okay then. I'll get ready for tonight then."
Annabeth smiled at him. "Oh and don't forget, next weekend we are going to meet Dad and the rest of the family."
Percy groaned. He knows that Frederick Chase and his family knew already his real identity. "That I'm afraid of." He admitted. "Are you sure your dad is not going to kill me if he sees me?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Annabeth scolded him. "And besides if he does, I'm pretty sure the twins will be there to defend you. Those two adore you so much." She teased.
"I'm glad that someone actually likes me in your family." He smiled.
Annabeth just chuckled while she caressed his face. "Come on now let's eat."
LINEBREAK
That night Percy stands in front of the mirror looking at himself. He's a bit anxious meeting her other family but he doesn't let it show.
"Hey." Annabeth called as she hugs him from his back.
"Hey." He smiled back as he turned around from her embrace. "You look gorgeous." He complimented her as he pecked her on the lips.
"You don't look so bad either." She smiled.
"You think they will be impressed then?" He joked.
"Maybe." She teased.
"That's reassuring." He pouted.
"Kidding." She chuckled. "Now come on, we better head to the hotel. Mom doesn't like to wait."
"Okay then."
After 15 minutes they reached the hotel where Athena and Malcolm stay.
"Ready?" Percy asks her as he guided her inside.
Not far away, Annabeth already sees her mom and brother already seated, early as always.
The waiter guided them to their table. When Malcolm sees them approaching, he stands up to greet them as a gentleman always.
"Hey sis." Malcolm greets her by kissing her cheek.
When he pulled away, Percy offered his hand. "Hi I'm Percy Jackson."
"I know you." Malcolm stated. He chuckled a little bit. "I'll be damned. So it is really true. My sister's boyfriend is the famous Percy Jackson."
"You know him?" Annabeth asked surprised.
"But of course, your boyfriend here is so famous."
Before Annabeth can say anything more, Athena cleared her throat. "Annabeth dear."
"Oh Mom, I'm sorry." Annabeth greeted her with a kiss.
"It's okay. So this must be the famous Percy Jackson, who luckily stole the heart of my only daughter." She raised an eyebrow at him.
Percy offered his hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you ma'am."
Athena curtly nods at him.
Percy didn't know what to expect. Malcolm knows him and Athena doesn't show any bit of emotion.
They soon take their seat and gave their orders to the waiter.
Annabeth must have sensed Percy's discomfort. She squeezes his hand.
During the entire dinner, Percy felt like he's under interrogation mostly by Athena. Malcolm on the other hand kept quiet on the most part of it. He'll just butt in sometimes.
Percy and Annabeth didn't need to tell how they met and how they got together since Athena and Malcolm already knew about it, thanks to Annabeth's dad.
Although Athena didn't know the entire story, what she knows is enough already not to trust Percy with her daughter. Although she can sense that Percy is a good guy, still, she can't help but to worry about her daughter.
"Malcolm." Athena called breaking the awkward silence that's been hanging for quite some time between them.
"Yes mom?" Malcolm asks as he breaks away from his trance. He seems to be a little distracted.
"Why don't you and Annabeth go for a dance?" She demanded.
Annabeth and Malcolm look at each other. Annabeth doesn't like the idea.
"It's okay mom. I don't feel like dancing." She declined.
"I insist." Athena demanded slightly looking at Percy and Annabeth.
"I just need to talk to Percy privately."
Percy squeezed Annabeth's hand, silently telling her that it's fine and that he can manage it.
The two didn't argue with Athena anymore. Malcolm stands up and offers his hand to his sister.
Annabeth hesitantly reach for his hand. She turned to look at Percy but he only smiles at her. He gestured for them to go.
When Annabeth and Malcolm reach the dance floor, "I don't think this is a good idea at all." She blurted out.
"We don't have a choice." Malcolm pointed out.
"What if she scares him?"
Malcolm chuckled at his sister's discomfort.
"He's going to be fine. He's a grown man. I'm pretty sure he's capable of defending himself."
"I know, it's just that.."
"Hey relax." He smiled warmly at her. "If it helps, I like him though. I think he's a good man. Although what he did from the past is not good but he has his reasons and I totally understand him."
"Really?"
"Really." He said pointedly.
"Why?" Annabeth inquired. She thinks her brother is hiding something.
"What kind of question is that?"
"I don't know. I just feel like you know something about him that I don't."
Malcolm chuckled. "You think too much. He's popular and of course I have read a couple of articles about him and his family."
"I didn't know you're interested on those kinds of things?"
"His family is the second richest in the United States. I can't help but be curious about him."
"It seems like you know a lot about him already? I thought mom only told you about us this afternoon?"
"Yes." Malcolm nervously replied.
Annabeth pulled away slightly to look at her brother.
"Don't look at me like that."
Annabeth let out a deep sigh. "I'm just nervous that's all."
Malcolm squeezed her hand.
"So tell me how do you managed to do it?" He asks.
"What?"
"Him, being so popular and rich, doesn't that worry you?
"At first yeah, I had doubts about it but Percy proved to me that there's nothing to be afraid of. He's not like those rich guys who are full of themselves. Percy is different that's why I love him so much. He doesn't laet fame get into his head. And he respects me so much."
"Glad to hear that."
"So why do you ask?"
"Nothing I was just curious."
She then turned her attention back to her boyfriend and mother.
Back at Athena and Percy…
"So." Athena started. She looks sternly at Percy who in return looks at her curiously.
"You love my daughter?"
"I do ma'am with all my heart." He stated truthfully.
"I'm going to be honest with you Mr. Jackson."
Percy slightly cringed at Athena being so formal.
"I don't like you for my daughter." She looks at him daring him to question her.
Percy was actually expecting that. He can feel it from the moment they met. And when she asked her children to leave them for a moment to talk, his suspicion was confirmed.
"You maybe famous and rich but that's not enough for me." Athena continued. "I have researched about you from the moment I've learned that you're dating my daughter. And I must tell you, you have a quiet an interesting story."
Percy kept quiet not knowing how to react.
"Tell me why didn't you go to college? Is it because you're already rich that you don't think it's important anymore?"
Percy tried to calm himself. Athena is just testing him or so he thought.
"That's not the reason ma'am." He still tried to be polite.
"Then what is it?" She inquired. "You have all the means but still you chose the path that is not stable."
"Tell me are you planning to stay in business for a long time?"
Percy shook his head. "No ma'am, my father and I had an agreement about it. I'm still going back to school."
"And when is that? When you're not famous anymore? Is that it?"
Athena is starting to get in his nerves.
"Soon." He replied curtly.
Athena laughs sarcastically. "I see, so not yet in the near future. Well I can understand why. Why need to rush when you have all the money and the fame. I guess you're enjoying the fame that's why education is not important to you anymore."
"I think you're misjudging me ma'am."
"Am I?" Athena narrowed her eyes on him. "I hope you understand that I only want the best for my daughter."
"I do but that doesn't mean you have the right to judge me just because of what I do?" He stated calmly.
"Maybe, but how can I be so sure that you're good enough for her?" She questioned him.
"You're maybe rich and famous but what if all of this was taken away from you? What do you have left? Your music? I think that's not good enough."
Percy clenched his jaw and his hands to keep himself from saying something bad to her.
"Let's just hope it doesn't come to that." He prayed. "I'll assure you that I'm going back to school because someday I'm going to take over my dad's company."
Athena laughs. "Don't promise anything. I'm just merely stating the fact. Annabeth is a wonderful girl, Percy. And I only want the best for her. Her relationship with you is a big risk for her."
"I love her and I'll do everything for her."
"That's easy for you to say. You're famous and rich, I'm sure there are millions of girls who want you for themselves and …"
"Is it really about me not going to school or you just don't like me for her?" Percy cuts her of. He's not backing down this time. He already had enough of her accusing him of things.
Athena crosses her arms as she studied him. "So you finally catch up."
"So you really don't like me? Why?"
"Give me one good reason why I should like you?" She challenged him.
"I love your daughter with my life."
"That's not good enough Mr. Jackson. How can I be so sure that you're not going to hurt her just like what you did before?"
"I already learned from my mistake. And I'm not stupid enough to do it again."
"If you say so. I'm just stating my opinion about your relationship. I know my daughter loves you and my opinion doesn't matter to her. But don't be so sure because even if I'm far away I'll make sure that I'll keep an eye on you."
Percy knows that her words are true. "I know."
"Let's just be clear about one thing, if you ever hurt her again …" She threatened. "I'll come find you and I don't care who your parents are."
"You really don't like me. But I don't care, I love your daughter and I'll prove to you that I'm good enough for her."
Athena didn't have time to answer because at that time Annabeth and Malcolm are heading back to their table.
The two siblings sensed that something is wrong from the moment they reach the two.
Percy tried to smile at Annabeth but the latter can tell that he's distracted and he's quite annoyed.
"Hey." She greeted him as she kissed his cheek. "Everything alright?"
"Y..Yeah." He lied.
Annabeth and Malcolm look at each other and then they turned to Athena who pretends like she doesn't know anything.
Annabeth knows that something is definitely wrong but she chose to keep quiet she can asks him later.
They continued to eat up until Athena excuse herself. She said that her flight will be early tomorrow so she needs to retire early for the night. She kissed and hugged Annabeth before she turned to Malcolm and instruct something about work.
Athena just nodded curtly to Percy as if to remind him about what they've just talked about a moment ago. Percy smiled in return. He will not let her ruin everything they have.
When Athena leaves, the three of them stayed behind.
"So what are you doing tomorrow?" Malcolm asks.
"Oh, we're going to Patras to meet some friends." Annabeth apologized.
"Oh I see. It's okay. I'll be here for a week anyway. I'll catch up with you later then."
"Why don't you come with us?" Percy offered.
Annabeth and Malcolm look at him.
"Our friends will be there too, and you can meet my cousins."
"I don't know." Malcolm said hesitantly.
"Why not?" Annabeth asks. "Come on it will be fun. Thalia will be happy to see you too."
"Come on Malcolm, would you rather stay here in this hotel and be bored to death. It will be fun. Don't worry about them? I'm sure they will like you." Percy insisted.
"You said that your cousins are there too? You mean like all of them?"
Percy scrunched his eyebrows. "Yeah, why?"
"Oh nothing." Malcolm said abruptly.
"Come on, please." Annabeth pleaded. "It will mean so much to me if you come. You can meet the rest of my friends, I mean our friends and his cousins. I promise to you that they are all nice."
Malcolm scratched the back of his neck. "I don't know."
"Come on man." Percy smiled at him. "It will be fun."
"Please.." Annabeth begged him like a kid.
"Fine."
The two smiled at him.
They stayed for a while and they planned for their trip. They're leaving after they drop Athena to the airport.
They call it a night and Malcolm waved goodbye to them as the couple head towards their car.
"So?" Annabeth asks once they are inside the car. "What do you think of them?"
"About your mom and brother?"
"No about the waiter." She replied sarcastically.
Percy chuckled. "I think they're cool."
"Cool? What kind of answer is that?"
"What do you want me to say?"
Annabeth narrowed her eyes on him. "What did you and mom talk about?"
"Things, mostly about us."
"And that is?"
"It's just between me and your mom."
"Oh come on. You need to at least tell me something about it."
Percy shook his head. Annabeth punched him in the shoulder. Good thing they already arrived at her house.
"Hey." He scolded. "That's not nice."
Annabeth ignored him. She didn't wait for him to open the door for her. She stormed back into the house without waiting for him.
Percy shook his head in amusement. Once he was sure that the car is locked, she followed her inside.
He saw her in the kitchen drinking some water. He hugs her from behind and she didn't pull away. Percy kissed her on her neck.
She put down the glass. "Why won't you tell me what you two talked about?" She sounded hurt.
Percy turned her around. "Because I know you'll be upset."
Annabeth scrunched her eyebrows at him. "Why? What did she tell you?"
Percy hugs her instead. "She doesn't like me for you."
Annabeth gasps and she pulls away to look at him. "She said that to you?"
"Yeah." He grimaced.
"Did she tell you why?"
"Because I've hurt you before." Well technically he wasn't lying but he can't let her know the whole conversation.
"Is that all?"
Percy nodded his head. But Annabeth knows that there are more behind it but she doesn't question him anymore.
"I'm sorry. I can't imagine how hard it is for you when she told you that." She hugs him again.
Percy kissed the top of her head. "Actually I was expecting that already."
"How so?"
"Because from the moment we met, I can already sense that she doesn't like me."
Annabeth pull away to look at him as she places her hands on his cheek. "You know that doesn't change what I feel for you. I don't care what they think. I love you and that's all that matters to me."
"I love you." Percy told her.
"And I love you too so much." She closed the gap between them and kissed him passionately.
"Thank you."
"What for?"
"For loving me."
She smiled at him. "If there's someone who needs to be thankful, that should be me."
Percy shook his head. "You deserve someone better than me but yet you chose to be with me."
"What are you even saying?"
"Nothing."
Annabeth's suspicion only heightened from what he said. Her mom had said something that makes him question if he's good enough for her.
"You're perfect for me." She said pointedly as she hugged him tighter.
Percy didn't say anything else up until they were ready to go to bed.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Annabeth asks him one more time as he rests her head on his chest.
"Yes baby." He chuckled. He shifted so that he can kiss her properly.
"Goodnight baby. Go to sleep. We need to get up early tomorrow."
"Goodnight."
Annabeth knows that he's holding back something but she promise to herself that she will find out soon.
LINEBREAK
As soon as they left the airport, they head straight to Patras. It will take them at least 2 and a half hours before they reach Patras.
Percy and Annabeth are at front and Malcolm is sitting at the back.
Thalia and Nico already left before them. They took Thalia's car.
"Did you know that Nico declined to meet Thalia's father yesterday at lunch?" Annabeth asks Percy.
"Really? Wow he didn't tell me." Percy said amusedly. "So what did Thalia say?"
"Well she's kind of annoyed but Nico promised that he'll meet them next time." She chuckled.
"Hey lay off on my cousin." He playfully scolded her.
"Nico? As in Nico di Angelo?" Malcolm butted in.
Percy and Annabeth look at each other.
"You know him?" Percy asks.
"Yeah I heard about him." Malcolm replied. "So he's dating Thalia?"
"Yes." Annabeth confirmed. "It's a long story though."
Malcolm went back to his laptop.
"Hey." Annabeth softly called to him. "Enough with your work, you're on vacation right now so forget your work for two days."
"Look who's talking." Percy teased her.
Annabeth glared at him. "You're supposed to be on my side."
"So he's no different huh?" Malcolm joined to tease her.
"You have no idea."
"Hey!" Annabeth protested and she punched Percy on the shoulder.
"Ouch!" Percy exclaimed and for a moment the car swerved to the left.
"Annabeth!" Malcolm exclaimed. "Are you trying to get us killed?"
"Sorry." Annabeth said sheepishly.
Percy runs his hand on his shoulder where she hits him. Annabeth really knows how to throw a punch.
When Annabeth saw it she apologized and kissed him in the cheek.
"Oh gross." Malcolm complained.
She just stuck her tongue at him. Malcolm only rolled his eyes in response.
For the rest of the trip Annabeth has been extra sweet to Percy just to annoy her brother.
"You okay there bro?" Percy asks looking at Malcolm on the center mirror. "You seem to be quiet."
"Yeah I'm fine, just thinking."
"You are always thinking." Annabeth pointed out.
"Hey I can't help it." He retorted back.
"What's her name?" Percy's question caught Malcolm off guard.
"How did you know?" Malcolm mentally face palmed. He just admitted that he's thinking about a girl. Now his sister will pester him about it.
"Oh my gods Malcolm!" Annabeth exclaimed turning back so that she's facing him. Percy scolded him but she just ignored him.
"What's her name?"
"I won't tell you."
"Oh come on. That's not fair."
"No. I won't tell anything."
"Please?" Annabeth pouted.
"Don't use that on me."
"Leave him alone baby." Percy butted in.
Annabeth glared at him.
"He'll talk when he's ready. Right, Malcolm?"
He smiled thankfully at Percy.
"Fine." Annabeth huffed as she went back to sitting properly. "But don't even think that I will let it go easily."
Malcolm just shook his head. He's certain that she will soon find out. And he's not even sure if he's ready for that.
He saw Percy reaches for Annabeth's hand to kiss it. And he can't help but smile on how Percy adored his sister so much and he can tell that Annabeth is no different.
Soon they reach Patras and Percy parked the car to a beautiful house near the beach.
"Wow." Malcolm admired. "This place is amazing."
"I told you." Annabeth stated.
Percy hurriedly gets out of the car to open Annabeth's door. The two shared a quick kiss not minding that Malcolm is right besidethem.
Percy saw that Nico and Thalia already arrived and there are other cars too that belonged to their friends. They were probably the last one to arrive.
"So whose place is this?" Malcolm asks.
"My cousin, Charles."
Malcolm scrunched his eyebrows. He can't remember any Charles on their family.
But before he can voice out his question, the front door opens revealing some people.
Kelsi runs straight to Annabeth.
"Annabeth!" She exclaimed as she hugs her.
"Hey Kelsi. How are you?" Annabeth asks when they pulled away.
"Beautiful as always." Kelsi grinned.
Percy snorted and she elbows him in the gut. "Ouch!"
"Serves you right." She stuck her tongue at him. "Who are you?" She turned to Malcolm.
"Way to be polite." Percy scolded her. "Malcolm, this is my younger sister Kelsi. Kelsi this is Malcolm, Annabeth's older brother."
"Hi." Kelsi greeted him enthusiastically.
"Hello."
"Come on inside. They're all waiting for you."
Percy and Annabeth hold hands as they follow Kelsi inside.
Annabeth noticed that Malcolm is not moving from where he is standing.
"Hey let's go inside."
Malcolm followed them hesitantly. He silently prayed that she's not with them.
"Percy!"
Their friends exclaimed once they reach inside.
Annabeth introduced her brother to them.
"Guys I want you to meet my brother …" Annabeth started.
"Malcolm."
All head turns towards Bianca who just came out from the room.
Malcolm paled when she saw her. "Bianca."
All eyes turned to look at the two.
"You know each other?" Percy voiced out.
Bianca turned to look at Percy before she turns her attention back to Malcolm. "We used to know each other." She said it with pure hatred.
The rest of them were taken aback.
"Bianca." Malcolm called.
"I need some air. Excuse me." Bianca turned around heading for the back door.
Now Malcolm was left with all the questioning look on their faces.
"How did you know Bianca?" Annabeth asks her brother.
"Oh my gods!" Hazel exclaimed. "I remember her mentioning your name. You two used to date."
Then Hazel glared at him. She probably knows the whole story.
Malcolm recognized her from the pictures. She's Bianca's older sister.
"What?!"
"Umm wait guys let me explain."
Nico stepped closer to him and immediately Malcolm recognized him.
"What did you do to my sister?"
Malcol gulped and he knows he's got a lot explaining to do.
Ha! Sorry it's another cliffhanger. I just need to cut it right there.
Please let me know what you think.