HEEYYY GUYS & GIRLS! Guess who's back?
I apologize for taking so long in getting this chapter up for you guys, but life is life sometimes and I had to find time to finish this chapter.
Anyways, I decided to post today since it's my birthday tomorrow, take it as a gift from me to you. ; )
I have never been outside of California, so I have no idea how Europe is like. I did some research, and most places mentioned do exist, however, I can't assure accuracy on these cities.
I did not proofread enough, so I apologize for my mistakes.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but the plot.
Alright, Hope you guys like it : )
Chapter 18
Percy
"Percy! Get your ass up right now and help me pack!" Annabeth screeches as she drags suitcases and backpacks up the stairs in one arm and pillows and blankets on her other arm. I quickly rush towards her and take the suitcases, climbing up the stairs. "Seriously, Percy? We've had a whole week and you still don't have anything packed? What is wrong with you? I thought you were the overachiever in this relationship!" with a big 'urgh' she drops everything on the floor and plops down on my bed.
"Sorry, I've been doing some last minute arrangements," I shrug sheepishly, rubbing on my neck.
"Yeah, sorry isn't going to cut it," she snapped, and I can tell I'm frustrating her, "I'll get your clothes, you pack," she sighs already heading for my closet. She grabs an armful of shirts, some casual, some more dressy, pairs of jeans and slacks with my black converse. I pack quietly, because frankly I'm a little nervous to speak right now.
After getting all my stuff packed and ready to go, I look up at Annabeth while she's finishing up rearranging the mess we made, still not saying a word. I sigh loudly, "Are you mad at me for not packing?" my tone is a little more accusing than usual, but I can't help it. She has no right to be mad at me.
She sighs, "No, I'm not mad, I'm just nervous about this trip," she confesses, her shoulders drooping.
"Oh," I didn't think about that. I sigh and lie down next to her. "Everything is gonna be fine. Just be excited."
She sighs loudly, relaxing. "I know. It's just… my whole life I've always dreamed of this happening to me, but that's all it was, a dream. Now, I can't seem to think it's real. I guess I worry that all this really is a dream."
"That's understandable, but I'm here so either I'm dreaming with you, or this really is happening," I conclude smiling. She laughs then, joyously, and I can't help but grin widely at her.
Several hours later, I think we pretty much packed my whole room up I notice it's dark out. "Shit," and it seems Annabeth noticed too. She jumps off from sitting on my bed. Her hair mussed up in sexy curls from being up and about, green day t-shirt falling off her shoulder and leggings completely covered in lint, she's never looked more beautiful. Well, she has, but that's not the point I'm trying to make here.
"Shit! Shit! I gotta go, love. I have to finish packing!" She's rushing around my room, I assume to look for her car keys. When she finds them she rushes back to me and pecks me on the lips. "Pick me up at 6 o'clock. Don't be late." She kisses me again and this time I envelope her, making it last longer.
We pull apart a while later. "I won't" I smile dopily. Her returning smile is just as dopy. "Call me when you get home, ok?" She smiles again and walks out the door.
Tomorrow is going to be one heck of a day, and all the days afterwards, but something tells me it'll be worth it.
Annabeth
Airplanes are scarier than they look. Their monstrosities, actually. There was no way in hell I was going to get on that beast if it were the last thing I did. Forget going to Europe, I can travel somewhere else, thank you very much. Well, never thought I'd hear myself say that. This trip won't be easy. But, I digress.
Percy took the window seat and I took the aisle seat after much argument on his part, but he relented after I grudgingly admitted that I felt like my stomach wanted to jump out of my body and create chaos all around me. But being the wonderful boyfriend he is, he held my hand the whole way.
I only threw up twice. I took that really well.
Our first destination was Spain. We landed on the beautiful city of Madrid and I was full out shrieking like a little kid. And no, I was not embarrassed. On the contrary, I was glowing.
We arrived at the Holiday Inn located in the city and unpacked for our ten day stay. It was a decent three star hotel with a nice view over-looking the city. I took out my bag and thrust it over my shoulder as I searched for my map, extending it out on the bed. "Ok, so, since we're near Glorietta Piramides, we should go see this first and then we can go eat at Restaurante la mar Del Bien, and then we can go see…" I trailed off into my own thoughts as I listed all the places we could visit near the area.
"Annabeth?" Percy's voice broke out through my excitement-hazed mind.
"Yes?"
"We can't visit all of Madrid in one day, you know that right? That's what the rest of the nine days are for," Percy stated, worriedly. I sighed and smiled at him.
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry. I'm going to take a shower and cool off," I gave him an apologetic peck on the lips and dug for my toiletries bag. Warm hands wrapped around my waist and pulled me back against his chest. I slugged against him, relaxing immediately.
"I love seeing you excited. There is a glimmer in your eyes and your cheeks glow, not to mention your smile kills me about every damn time," he whispers in my ear as he nudges my neck, running his nose there and inhaling. I am a ridiculous puddle of mush right about now. I let out a ridiculous sigh and turn to face him, my smile just as ridiculous as the rest of me. His smile mirrors mine and his eyes shine with mischief through his crooked glasses.
"Gosh, you're so cheesy, I love it," I growled out as I pushed him down onto the bed and straddled him.
A rump in the sheets wasn't exactly the first thing I had on my mind to do in Madrid, but might as well, since we're hear an all. Percy brought me down to his lips and sucked the breath right out of me as I slowly grinded myself on him.
Once we finished our little fun, I headed off to shower while Percy cleaned up our mess. After we settled ourselves and cleaned up, both of us smelling like clean individuals instead of airplane sweat, and other kids of sweat, we headed off to explore.
The city was, in a word, magnificent. We visited the Plaza located in the middle of the city as people enjoyed their afternoon. We walked around the stores, and ogled at what we saw through their windows. Small boutiques here and there, cafes, farmer's markets, stores that sell just about everything, you name it. We ate lunch at a little restaurant called Café Europa talking about our trip and other things as well, basking in the beautiful day we spent together.
"Me puede traer la cuenta por favor?" I asked the waiter politely.
"Si senorita," he smiled and walked away.
"You speak Spanish?" Percy asked, eyes popped and mouth agape.
"I'm part Mexican, didn't I tell you that? Well, my grandma was from Mexico, my dad's side, and she always tried to teach me Spanish growing up, it just kind of stuck with me, I guess." I shrugged sheepishly.
"What else are you hiding from me?" Percy asked, bewildered. I gulped, but then realized the teasing tone of his voice and sighed in relief that he wasn't too upset. "By the way, your Spanish is hot," he added blushing slightly.
I smiled and blushed myself. "Thanks," then a thought came to me, "Now that we're here, I'm also half Greek, my mom's side," Percy laughed and I couldn't help but chuckle along at the ridiculous conversation.
"You know, now that I think about it, my dad's family is Greek, so I guess that makes me half Greek too." We stare blankly at each other for a few seconds, then burst into another fit of laughter.
After our laughter ceased and we paid our bill, we happily made our way back to sightseeing. All in all, it was a pretty good first day.
Our first week in Madrid was beyond what I could have imagined. We saw just about everything. We took a tour of the Royal Palace of Madrid, we saw the Almudena Cathedral, enjoyed a nice walk in the Temple of Debod, and enjoyed a play in a foreign language in the Teatro Real. Everything was so amazing and we both gushed over the slightest things that seemed magical in this beautiful city.
Percy
The first day in Barcelona, we got lost. At first, I was panicking. Annabeth was trying to keep me calm but I was already hyperventilating, she urged me to take two puffs of my inhaler and I sighed in relief. But afterwards, I realized we were surrounded by a sight that took my breath away.
The city glowed, even in the day, the ocean right under the horizon shimmered from the sunlight. I looked up at Annabeth, smiling uncontrollably.
"I am a dumbass," I finally confessed. She grinned and nodded.
"You kind of are," she agreed, smiling mischievously. I pulled her against my side and pecked her lips, just because I could.
"Where else should we get lost then?" I smirked at her as she wrapped her arms around my waist.
"We could go that way," she pointed to our left. It was up a hill and we could see the regal roads, probably from medieval days, but still as intriguing as ever. "Or we could go down there," this time she pointed down to our right, a small Plaza of sorts where people shopped and ate delicious Spanish cuisine. I grinned because I had already made up my mind.
"Can we eat?" I grinned at her boyishly.
She rolled her eyes affectionately, "You are such a dork."
After that fateful, and yet amazing day we went to the beach. But not just any beach, no. This was the beach in Barcelona, as in the same beach that Annabeth had painted in her mural for me on Valentine's Day. We had a beautiful picnic, where we ate owl shaped strawberries and turkey sandwiches.
Very romantic, if I do say so myself.
A few days later we took a tour of La Casa Museu Gaudi, the Gaudi House Museum, and observed the many exotic plants as well as architecture surrounding us. The view was incredible from up there and I couldn't help but sigh at how surreal this all felt. We took advantage of the day and went to see the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. I wasn't an overly religious person, but with Annabeth's hand entwined in mine, I couldn't help but feel a warm flutter in my belly.
On our last day of Barcelona, I had a special romantic evening planned.
"Annabeth c'mon, we can finish packing when we get back," I urged, impatiently, leaning against the bathroom door. The door creaked open and I stumbled off balance.
"That's what you get for rushing me," she admonished me. She was wearing a simple green studded blouse, black skater skirt with lace stockings, and her signature combat boots. I sighed like the love-struck fool I was. "You're drooling," she pointed out smugly. I quickly wiped my face and led her out the door.
Annabeth
"Percy, what is this?" I asked, looking up at a big wall of… grass. He just smiled and grabbed my hand. We walked towards it and I noticed that it wasn't just a wall of grass, it was several walls of grass with openings in every direction. I gasped. "Is this a Labyrinth?" I wondered, amazed.
"Yup. Parc del Laberint to be specific," he stated leading me to the entrance. We walked around, taking several long turns and finally made it to what I assumed was the center of the labyrinth. The space was a perfect circle, stone-paved floor and grass arches surrounding us. But that wasn't all.
In the middle there seemed to be two men with guitars and a young couple dressed in the traditional Spanish clothes. The woman wore a beautiful red dress puffed up in the right places, red rose in her hair and bright red lips. The man wore a black shirt and dress pants with slicked backed hair. Her arms were up, curled at the right angel as she stared intently at her partner, while he leaned towards her, arms hovering above her waist.
Suddenly the guitar started strumming, the man twirled the woman and they began the seductive dance of flamenco, all the while never dropping eye-contact. They tapped, clapped, spun, and danced with passion I have never seen. Once the guitar strung its last chords the couple finished with a twirl in the air and a perfect drop. I clapped excitedly, and cheered a bit at how amazing it was.
We chatted with the dancers for a bit while I introduced myself and praised their talent. The woman was 26 and her name was Sophia, her partner, as well as her husband of three years, Marco was 24 and they both lived to dance, it was their career. They told us that they met while dancing together and have never looked back since.
"I love you, Percy." I whispered several minutes later after our entertainment and new friends left. I leaned forward and clutched his face in my hands as I kissed his nose, cheek, and jaw. He groaned lightly as he nestled his arms around my waist pulling me against him.
"I love you too," He whispered in my ear. "I think I always will," he confessed shyly, his sea green eyes sparkling like the ocean. I gasped in a breath and pulled his lips fiercely against mine. He cradled my head as he kissed down my neck and between my breasts and I pulled him tighter against me.
After we calmed down from the sudden passion, we explored the labyrinth some more. We walked aimlessly with no rush as we talked and flirted unabashedly. Several minutes later we found ourselves in front of a gorgeous mansion and a fountain between the two-sided stairs. I grinned up at my amazing dorky boyfriend with his glasses, grey dress-shirt, suspenders and mussed up hair.
"Make a wish," he urged quietly, grasping my hand tightly.
"I can't do that in this fountain," I rolled my eyes at him, smiling nonetheless.
"Pretend you have a penny, and make a wish," he repeated.
"Ok, I'll play along," I grinned thoughtfully. I 'hummed' and rubbed my chin in thought. Right now in this moment, I couldn't help but feel that this was perfect, and I know that I will always love Percy.
My face grew serious then, and I turned to Percy with his arm also extended out to make a wish as well. I flicked my wrist and threw my imaginary penny in the fountain as the word forever made an echo in my thoughts.
Percy smiled at me and somehow, I knew that we wished the same thing.
So, did you enjoy this sweet corniness?
I still don't start chapter 19, so it might take a while for me to post it but, if you guys are kind enough to get me to 120 reviews, I'll see what I can do about posting faster.
However, I predict one or two more chapters to go, so we're almost to the end of this journey: (
Until next time folks : )
