CHAPTER 3:

"So how long are you staying in San Francisco? " I asked Annabeth.

We were walking by the beach and I held her warm hand in mine. I could vaguely make out the horizon in the distance where the sea touched the sky. It was dark and the only light was provided by the crescent moon and a billion blazing stars in the night sky.

"Probably a month, maybe." She said timidly. I was staring at her, dazed by how her face reflected the moonlight giving it a faint glow in the dark. It took me a few seconds to decipher what she said.

"A month?! A full month?! A month that has 31 days in it ?!" I eclaimed.

"Yes Percy, the very typical month of an ordinary year." She said matter-of-factly.

I tried to counter her decision."But, then, how am I supposed to survive? I can barely live a week without you! "

"Yes I know that its really gonna be hard for you without me around." She said with a smile, " but I promise I'll try to get back soon."

I still wasn't convinced, so I asked," What about school? You will miss school ! "

Annaneth went to a school in New York and she lived in a hostel during the school year. The best advantage of this was that I could see her whenever I want.

Now maybe I was being a little desperate. But hey, I really loved this girl and I knew I didn't have forever. I just felt I could make the best of life my trying to spend as much time as possible with Annabeth. Being a demigod and all, you face monsters constantly and any fight could be your last one.

"My school doesn't start until next month, so it won,t be a problem. Besides...I want to spend time with my dad. I am sorry, Percy-" she started to apologize but I cut her off.

"No, its fine. Its really fine. I'll keep myself busy one way or the other."

I cursed myself silently for being so selfish. I wanted Annabeth to stay in New York, away from her family, just because I wanted her close to my own home. I didn't even think about her family. I felt guilty and decided to make up for it.

"Hey, its okay. I am really happy for you. So what have you planned to do with all that time with your dad ? "

That seem to lighten up her mood and she started telling me about all the trips she had planned and all the monuments and museums she would be visiting with her dad.

Seeing her so happy and enthusiastic, made my heart jump. I listened to her every word quietly, trying to memorize the effect of her live voice, that I won't hear for a long time.