It's been another week, and I still don't know how to confront Ruby.

How do you turn up at your wife's doorstep after three years? Especially when you abandoned said wife, who was also pregnant at the time, for your ex-girlfriend, who abandoned you. And then, to really make matters worse, my cousin, who has always stolen my spotlight, is the leading man in my wife and daughters life.

Can you see my dilemma?

This has to be the hardest thing I have ever done. Even harder than proposing, which, believe me, was pretty hard.

I actually feel worn out, as I pace my new, empty, apartment. My footsteps echo loudly in the empty space. The only items I currently own, are piled in the living room.

I can't believe I did this. Where was the old Percy? The one who would never even dream of abandoning his wife and child, the one who was constantly being accused of being too loyal?

With a frustrated sigh, I walk back into the living room, to put away my few possessions. It doesn't take long. Clothes in the closet, sleeping bag and pillow in the bedroom, paper plates in the cupboards. The only really personal item I have is a small dolphin figurine. Ruby gave it to me.

I don't really have a place to put it so I stick it in my pocket, hoping I won't lose it.

I pull my new laptop out of it's bag, more for something to do than a reason for needing it. I half-heartedly skim through a few news articles and check my email.

More irritated at myself than ever, I slam the laptop closed. This is not helping.

"Dammit Percy, just walk up to her front door and knock." I tell myself.

But then, wait, that was actually the best idea I've had all day. How else was I going to do it? It's not like I could bring her a box of chocolates and a gift card or 'casually' bump into her at the supermarket.

Plus, I had already stalked her enough to know that she was home by three, and Jason was gone by six. I also knew that she worked at a law firm, Rose went to my mother's on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, Jason watched her Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and that they went out on a 'Family date night' every Sunday.

It was already 5:30, Jason would be gone in half in hour, I could do it then.

Suddenly more nervous than I had been on the actual day of my wedding, I brush my teeth, change my clothes, and even attempt to comb my hair. Not that it actually helps.

Hopefully my old clunker of a car, will start this time. But I won't hold my breath.

With car trouble and traffic, I don't make it to her apartment until 6:40, but at least I don't have to wait for Jason to leave.

I bound up the steps, two at a time, nearly tripping on the first landing.

I know exactly where her door is. Number 227, third story. She got the best one in my opinion. Nice and private with a balcony overlooking a small garden next to the parking lot and a convenience store. A welcome mat and a few plants grace the front door, making it seem far more welcoming.

I allow myself a minute to catch my breath. A dreadful, terrible minute in which I nearly turn back a few times.

But finally, I work up the nerve, to raise my hand and knock. My stomach plummets, and I resist the urge to bolt.

The door knob rattles, increasing my feeling of anxiety, before the door opens.

And there she is. Wearing a blue collared shirt I recognize as Jason's. She has paired it off with black belt, and white pants with black flats. Her wavy hair has been straightened, and it falls loosely around her shoulders.

I drink in her appearance, this is the first time I've seen her directly in three years. And luckily, she still seems the same Ruby. Sadder, maybe, but she still has that air of excitement that first caught my attention.

"Percy?" She gasps, stepping back, eyes filling with tears. "What- what are you doing here?"

And in that moment, I have absolutely no idea what to say. None of my pre-planned words seem right anymore. So, swallowing hard, I wing it.

"I was, um, in the neighborhood." I wince, that definitely didn't sound right. "Uh, could I come in?"

For a moment I can see she is considering saying no. But it passes, and she reluctantly stands aside, head bowed slightly.

"You can sit down if you want." She says softly, as she hurries to gather toys and turn of the television.

I mutter a word of thanks as I sit in a eccentric looking blue armchair, which perfectly describes Ruby's taste in furniture. She sits down on a plain tan couch, which in no way, matches her bright standards.

"Why did you leave?" She asks before I can open my mouth. She shifts uncomfortably. "I know you love Annabeth, but I just thought-" She swallows uncomfortably, not meeting my eyes. "I thought you loved me more."

I swallow yet again, wishing I could punch myself. The pain in her voice and eyes, are almost too much to bear. "I wasn't thinking straight. I was confused, and hurt, and stupid. I regretted it instantly. But it was too late, and I was afraid of what would happen when I came back."

"Why now?" She fidgets with her fingers. "Why come back now?"

"Things were difficult. Annabeth- she changed. I didn't see an opportunity to leave until now. When I said I wanted to see you- it was bad." I stop talking, hating how I sound like I'm making excuses.

She doesn't seem to believe me. If anything, she looks like I just made things worse.

"Ruby, I'm so sorry. There hasn't been a day, when I don't hate myself for what I did. I lost everything I ever wanted, the night I left. I lost you, my daughter, my chance at happiness." I pause for a moment, she looks dangerously close to letting the tears flow. "I don't blame you if you can't forgive me. I don't even think I can forgive me. But I whatever it takes to make things up to you, I will do it. I still love you. And, I just loved you to much to see how much you would hate me when I came back."

There's a moment of silence following my speech. Ruby takes a shuddering breath, and looking me in the eye, tears streaming down her face, says the words I most want to hear.

"I forgave you a long time ago. And I think, I will always love you, despite what you did." With a glance behind her, at a closed bedroom door, she continues. "But right now Percy, things are complicated. I've changed. I think- I just need some time, okay?"

I nod, taking that as my cue to leave. "Could I come back later?" I ask tentatively, hands in pockets, staring at my shoes awkwardly.

"Um, yeah. Tomorrow, at four, if that's okay."

"That's great." I smile. "Tomorrow at four. I'll be here." And turning, I make my way out the door, and into the rapidly fading light, feeling like I haven't said enough.

So there's that chapter! It's far shorter than I wanted it to be, but hopefully it's adequate. I must have re-written it at least 7 times. I also spent my time writing it when I should have been doing my homework, but I was hit by a wave of inspiration. All well. There weren't any flashbacks here, but maybe next chapter. Maybe.