Chapter Twenty-two

Annabeth's POV

Home sweet home. San Francisco. I can't believe that I'm back. But who said that I wanted to be back here. My mom and dad have been lying to me about my whole life. They actually did me more harm than safe. We moved farther away from where I was thought to be the safest. Don't they care? If they would've told me sooner, I would have been fine. But, know, I'm not.

"Annabeth?" Thalia waved her hand in front of my eyes.

"What?" I blinked quickly.

"Annabeth, do you know where the closest hotel is?" Percy asked, clearly avoiding Thalia's question about why I spaced out.

"Oh, um, it should be the Triton hotel, by the east end of San Fran." I could hear Percy mumble something like, "Oh, great."

I knew that he doesn't like his step-brother because of their families.

We arrived at the four star hotel at one in the afternoon. I've never been here, but I've heard that this is a really cool place. Inside was marvelous. The whole structure was like a different Olympus, one that mortals, or demigods, can enjoy. Maybe we might even run into Triton.

"Room with three beds, please," Thalia said to the lady behind the counter. She eyed us suspiciously, but let it go.

"Here's your room key. Have a nice stay." She didn't even look up at us.

"Hey, guys?" Percy and I turned towards Thalia.

"Yeah?" I asked.

"I think that I'm going to go look around first. Don't worry, I'll see you later. I promise." I wanted to complain, but she had already taken off. I looked at Percy and he shrugged. The two of us walked into the elevator, pressing the fourth floor button. Inside the elevator, we stood next to a teenager, maybe around our age. He had tan skin and a well built body. His eyes were sea green and his hair, a raven black. He looked just like Percy.

"What are you doing here?" Percy spat at him. This must be who I think it is.

"Well, nice to see you here too, brother." He looked at Percy with a scary smile, but his face softened when he looked towards me. It's Triton. "And who must this lovely lady be?" One of his eyebrows was higher than the other. He took me by the hand, and kissed it, gently. I couldn't help but blush.

"My name is Annabeth Chase. Daughter of Athena." I gave him a smile. He smiled back.

"The name's Triton. Percy's awesome, cool, and single brother." I could see Percy fuming in the back, trying to hold in some sort of anger.

"Well, since you're a god, can you tell us something that will help us on our quest? Maybe our next location?" I asked. He shook his head.

"Sorry darling, but I'm not suppose to tell you." He ran his fingers through his hair. Was he...flirting with me?

"Um, it's alright." Suddenly, the elevator dinged.

"Till we meet again." He winked at me as Percy and I stepped out of the elevator. Then, it closed.

"Did you see that? What a total loser. If I were a girl, I would smack him in the face and run." Percy seemed annoyed.

"What's wrong, Percy? I think that he's okay. I mean, sure, you don't like him because of the whole family thing, but give him a chance."

"I try, Annabeth. I really try. But it doesn't work. We can't agree on anything and his mom already hates me. And what's wrong is that he was coming on to you. Didn't you see that? It was almost like he was trying to...seduce you." He shivered.

"Why do you care?" For some reason, Percy's being kind of protective. "You're not, jealous, are you?" For some reason, I really wanted to know his answer.

Percy flushed red. "Um, it's just that, um... we should probably get inside." He had the key and walked down the hall, to our room. My heart dropped. Why, why do I feel like this. I've always been insecure, but never like this.

The room was magnificent! Tall, wooden chairs sat int the corner, next to a pot of geraniums. The placed smelled of the sea and had an earthy sound to it. The beds were covered with luscious black and carmel patterns, cascading down and getting wider and wider. Just like my smile.

Percy plopped down on his bed and let out a big groan.

"This feels so good! The train ride had my back breaking!" I rolled my eyes and sat down next to him.

"Seaweed brain."

"At least I'm not a Wise girl." He sat up, one eyebrow higher than the other, just like Triton, but more brighter and happier.

"Can you think of a name even dumber than that," I said, with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

"You know you love that name, Wise girl." He slouched and gave me a warm smile.

I turned, locking my eyes with Percy's. It feels like I'm back at camp, years ago, with the boy I became friends with.

"So, you never told me if you were jealous or not." Percy reddened and for some reason, so did I.

"Um, it's, ah-"

"Just spit it out, Percy." He ran his fingers through his hair and chuckled. He took a deep breath and finally spoke.

"Yes, Annabeth, okay? I was jealous. I am jealous. It's because I'm not comfortable with any other person coming on to you. It just makes me feel...angry. But I know why." He gave me a reassuring smile, one that warmed my heart just right.

"Why, Percy? Why are you jealous?" Suddenly, my voice became softer and we were both staring at each other. I was leaning closer and closer. And so was he. I closed my eyes, and then, felt soft lips on mine. My heart skipped a beat. His hair spilled against my forehead. I leaned in closer, deepening this feeling. I didn't need another answer from him. I knew why. And I feel the same way.

I'm so sorry about not uploading faster, but I had severe writer's block. Plus, school isn't making anything easier. But, I want to recommend an awesome book! It's called Enclave by Ann Aguirre. It's so cute and exciting, but has some romance in it. Almost like the Hunger Games. Check it out!