CHAPTER 11

BIRTHDAY SURPRISES

-Annabeth-

After I went with Percy to visit his father in jail, I kept thinking about how different Percy was from the Percy I thought he was. I always thought of him as the stereotypical jock guy; popular, good-looking, perfect. But it turns out his life isn't all that perfect. I was really glad that he made up with his father after all these years. I learned from Percy that everyone deserves a second chances and impressions.

I was still curious what Mr. Jackson did to get arrested. I guess I'll never know.

I was wrong.

The next morning, I got up and did my usual morning routine. I groaned, I was so tired because Percy and I were out pretty late last night. I didn't get home till 10 and I still had all my homework to do; I actually didn't mind that part.

As I got dressed, I touched my silver locket my mother gave me before she passed. I took a deep breath and opened the locket.

I smiled sadly as I saw the picture. Mom and me. Me and mom. We both looked so happy in that photo. So happy. I almost forgot what happiness feels like. I thought there was no one in this world who could help me feel happy again. But there was.

I also remembered that there was only 5 more days until mom's anniversary. I don't know how I was going to handle that.

I sighed and grabbed backpack while I closed the door to my room, and headed downstairs.

I got to the kitchen and said, "Morning, dad."

Dad smiled, "There's my birthday girl!"

I tilted my head, but then I realized he was right. It was birthday. I guess I had so much in my mind this week, I totally forgot. What kind of teenage girl forgets her own birthday?

I smiled, "Thanks, dad."

Dad kissed the top of my head, "I can't believe my little girl is 16."

I chuckled, "I can't believe it either."

"Well, I made your favorite: chocolate chip pancakes with chocolate syrup." He exclaimed.

I sniffed the delicious aroma of my birthday breakfast, "Dad, I love you so much!"

Dad laughed, "Love you too, Annie."

I dug in to my pancake breakfast that was so good. "Hhmmm." It had the perfect amount of batter and chocolate, I observed.

"Glad you like it," Dad started, "But there's more." He went into the living and when he came back he was holding a large, pink gift bag. He handed it to me and said, "Happy birthday, Annabeth."

I smiled and opened the bag. I widen my eyes and looked at my dad, who was grinning proudly. I couldn't believe what was in the bag. It was a signed copy of my favorite architecture book. I squealed and hugged my dad. I may be a nerd for loving this gift for my 16th birthday, but I didn't care. This was exactly what I wanted. Who needs new clothes and jewelry when there's architecture?

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I exclaimed as I was hugging my wonderful father.

Dad chuckled, "No problem. But, actually, I wasn't the one who got this."

"Huh?" I say puzzled.

"Catherine actually got this for you. She wanted to give this to you this morning, but she had to work." He explained.

"Catherine got this for me?" I asked. I was surprised and really grateful. This was so kind of her. I didn't know what to say. "Wow."

Dad nodded, "Yeah, well she has connections. She had to pull a few strings, but she got this for you."

I marveled the book I was holding in my hands, "I wish I could thank her."

Dad waited a moment before he said, "Actually, you can. I asked Catherine to come over for dinner again. Like a birthday dinner with the family. Are you ok with that?"

I hesitated. I wasn't really sure how I felt about that. But then I thought about how nice and caring Catherine was by giving me advice about architecture and this gift. I was actually starting to like Catherine. So I smiled and replied, "I'm ok with that."

Dad hugged me again, "Thank you, honey. It means a lot to me that you're starting to accept Cathy."

"Yeah, well, if she makes you happy dad, I'm ok." I answer, completely truthful.

Dad smiled, but before he could say anything, we heard a loud HONK! and I realized that Thalia was here. I kissed my dad in the cheek and said, "Bye, dad. See you after school."

"Bye, sweetie. Happy birthday!"

I grabbed my bag and headed out the door.

Outside, it was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. A good birthday day. I was so glad it wasn't raining.

I saw Thalia's blue Ford truck out in the driveway. I got in the shotgun seat and greeted Thalia, "Hey."

She smiled, "'Sup, birthday girl."

I rolled my eyes as Thalia sang 'Happy Birthday' to me. She does this every year cause she knows I hate when people sing it to me.

When we got to school and parked, Thalia gave me my birthday present. It was in a little blue bag. I smiled as I opened it and found a picture frame of both of us that says 'best friends forever.' She also got me a $20 gift card to my favorite frozen yogurt place at the mall.

"Aww," I smother "Thanks, Thals."

Thalia grinned, "No problem, Annie."

We hugged. It was exactly like one of those sappy, cheesy movies where the best friends make up. At the thought of that, Thalia and I laughed.

As we were walking in the hallway, I asked Thalia, "Hey, where's Percy?"

Thalia raised an eyebrow, "Why do you care?"

I shrugged, "Just wondering."

When we got to our lockers, Thalia asked, "Do you like Percy?"

I suddenly blushed and I was trying to hide my face from Thalia so she couldn't notice, "What? No, of course not. Why would think that?"

"Well," Thalia began as she got her books, "You 2 have been spending a lot of time together."

I gulped, "So? That doesn't mean anything." I really hoped she couldn't see my redden cheeks- that, by the way- was really hot from all the blushing.

"And Percy talks about you all the time, non-stop." Thalia said.

I whip my head toward Thalia, "He does?" Then realized what I said and quickly recovered, "I mean, so?"

Thalia smirked, "Annie and Percy. I would've never thought."

"Thought what?"

Thalia smirked some more and shook her head, "Nothing." Then she said something else which I couldn't really interrupt, but I swear she said, 'Mrs. Jackson.'

I blushed yet again as Thalia and I headed to first period.

So far, my birthday morning went alright. I got a 100 on my math test and on my science quiz. I was in a pretty good mood when lunch finally came. Thalia and I stood in the lunch line and got our trays. Today's special were hamburgers. I grabbed one and some ketchup and we sat down at an empty table.

Thalia and I were talking when out of nowhere, Percy came over. He was wearing a navy blue shirt that fit him really well and black jeans. His hair was jet blown and perfect as always. When he came over, he smiled which made my heart stop. I checked my mouth to make sure I wasn't drooling; thank god I wasn't.

"Hey, guys." Percy said then looked at me and smiled, "Happy birthday."

"Oh," I said surprised. I didn't even know he knew when my birthday was. I don't like telling many people. "Thanks."

"Yeah, so, um," Percy stammered, "Can I, uh, show you something?"

I looked at Thalia for some reasoning, but she just shrugged. Then I answered, "Um, sure." I got up from my seat and followed Percy outside in the green house garden. It's my favorite place in this school because the view is so beautiful. Colorful flowers planted everywhere, freshly mowed grass, the smell of spring from left to right; why would Percy take me here?

When Percy and I got to the garden, I asked him, "So, um what's up?"

Percy took a deep breath, "Well, I wanted to give you something for your birthday."

"Oh, you didn't have too." I insisted.

Percy gave a shy smile as he took something out of his back pocket. It was a small black box. He handed it out to me, "Just think of it as a thank you gift for tutoring me and going to visit my dad with me."

I shook my head, "I don't know…"

"Come on, just take it. It's your birthday." Percy grinned his silly grin and he convinced me.

I took the box from him and I slowly opened the gift. I gasped quietly when I saw what was inside. It was a small blue-green seashell necklace. It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I've never seen a seashell like that before. It was perfect.

As I marveled the necklace, Percy asked, "You like it?"

I looked up at him and gaped, "I love it. Where did you even find this?"

He shrugged, "I was swimming at the beach and I found this and thought of you." At this, I thought he blushed.

I blushed too. This was so sweet of him, I didn't know what else to say. It was nice gesture.

We didn't say anything in a while until Percy blurted, "Mind if I put it on you?"

"Huh?" I ask confused, then I realized he was talking about the necklace. "Um, sure." I said as I handed him the necklace. I turned around so he could put it on me. I shivered as I could feel Percy's gentle hands on the side of my neck.

After he clasped on the necklace, I turned around to face him, we were really close. I could feel him breathing and his warm green eyes staring at me. I said, "Thank you, Percy. I love it a lot."

Percy smiled, "No problem."

Then I got on my toes and hugged him. He hugged me back. I realized that I liked Percy. A lot. He was so sweet, and kind, and funny. Percy really has changed, and I just noticed it. I realized that Percy had seen me in my lowest when I was crying on the beach about my mom. Percy knows a lot about me, and I know a lot about him. We really are friends. When I think of Percy, I shiver. I never thought I would like him because he was such a jerk; be he actually wasn't. He changed.

When we released from our hug, Percy and I just stared at each other. I wasn't sure what Percy was thinking, but I really wanted to kiss him.

My birthday wish came true.

Percy leaned in and, before I knew it, I was doing the same thing. When are lips met, it was like fireworks. I know it sounds really cheesy; but it was perfect. I had my arms around Percy's neck and his hands were around my waist, pulling me closer.

I'm not sure how long we stayed like that, but it was a long while before we let go. We just stared at each other and I didn't know what to say, but it was an amazing feeling. It wasn't my first kiss, but it was way better. His lips were so soft and irresistible. I wanted to do it again.

I still want sure what to say, so I stuttered, "Um…"

Percy gave a small smile, "So, uh… did you like it?"

I busted out laughing. Such a Percy thing to say. But I had to nod.

Percy chuckles too, "I liked it too."

We stayed silent for a while until Percy said, "So… does this mean I have a new girlfriend?"

I looked at him and smiled a little, "I guess so."

Percy smiled wide and put his arm around my shoulders. "Good."

The rest of the day was the best of my life. I just realized that Percy Jackson was my… boyfriend. It sounded weird, but at the same time, I liked it.

Thalia didn't take the news so well, but she suspected that we like each other. She did threaten Percy that if he ever hurt me, she'd run him over with her truck. It's nice to know your best friend has your back.

After school, Percy walked me home. When we got to my front door, Percy kissed me goodbye. "Happy birthday, Annie."

"You already said that." I pointed out.

"I know," Percy grinned. "I just needed an excuse to kiss you."

I chuckled, "Alright, see ya later."

Percy kissed me again, "Bye."

I smiled to myself as I walked into my living room. Today was amazing,

"Why are you smiling?" Dad asked, I just noticed he was sitting on the couch, reading the newspaper.

"Oh, no reason." I said as I walked over to him. "So, when is Catherine coming over for dinner?"

"Around 5:30." Dad replied. "How was your day, Annie?"

"Um, the usual."

When the doorbell rang, dad called me from my room and I ran downstairs. Mathew and Bobby were at some baseball field trip, so it was just going to be Catherine, dad and me. Shouldn't be too bad, right? What I didn't know, was that it will be a night that will change everything.

I got dressed and rushed downstairs where dad was greeting Catherine. She was wearing a green dress and her hair was curled.

"Hello, Catherine. You look lovely." My dad said.

She smiled, "Thank you," she looked at me, "Happy Birthday, Annabeth!"

I smiled, "Thanks. And thanks for the architecture book. I loved it."

"I'm glad. I actually got that book a couple of years ago when I first started to create buildings. It really inspired me to follow my dreams. Hopefully, it will do the same for you." Catherine said.

I nodded, "Thank you so much."

She smiled while my dad led her to the kitchen. For dinner, I helped my dad make lasagnas. He made the special sauce mom used to make. It was delicious. My dad got out wine and glasses for Catherine and him. I just drank cherry Coca Cola.

I couldn't help but notice that dad was really nervous for some reason. I eventually found out.

When we began eating, dad got up and tapped his glass, "I would like to make a toast. First, I would like to say happy 16th birthday to Annabeth. Honey, I love you." I smiled as dad continued, "Second, I would like to say to Catherine. I love you. When my wife passed away 3 years ago, I never thought I would be happy with anyone ever again. But you changed that. And I love you for it. I don't want to lose you, so I ask you this."

My mouth leaves open as dad got down on one knee with a ring in a box and asked Catherine, "Will you marry me?"

Catherine looked just as surprised as I was. But she didn't hesitate. She smiled and accepted, "Yes."

Dad gave a relieved sigh and slipped the ring onto her finger. The kissed and hugged.

I wanted to be mad at dad for this. I really wanted to; but I wasn't. Not at all. Seeing him and Catherine together made me realize that if Catherine made dad happy, I was fine with that. I was happy to see my dad so happy, smiling without pain. I was so glad for them. I really was.

This was definitely going to change my life. But that's ok.

That night, I went to sleep thinking about Catherine and dad, and Percy and me. I was so happy. I thought that nothing could go wrong.

I should've known better.

HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE THIS CHAPTER! I HAD A LOT OF FUN WRITING IT. PERCY AND ANNABETH KISSED! THE MOMENT YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR. THEY BOTH LOVE EACH OTHER… BUT HOW LAST IS THAT GOING TO LAST?

SORRY I HAVENT BEEN UPDATING MUCH THESE PAST 2 WEEKS. I HAVE BEEN REALLY BUSY WITH TRACK AND SCHOOL WORK, IM KIND OF FAILING MATH. ANYWAY, IT'S SPRING BREAK! I AM SO EXCITED CAUSE IM GOING TO MINNESOTA! YOU PROBALY DON'T CARE, LOL.

THANKS AGAIN FOR ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE FAVORITED, FOLLOWED, REVIEWED, AND WHO JUST READ THIS STORY.

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