Hello again :D! Chapter 15 is finally up! Sorry I took a lot of time to finish it but with the village feast and all, I got little sleep and was very tired. Now, I hope you enjoy this chapter! It's what many of you have been asking me :D!
Anyways, I was planning on ending the story with the next chapter, but I think it would be too short. Then an idea came to mind and I have to say, I like it a lot and I really hope you guys like it too.
But for now, you have this chap to read :D
Enjoy XD!
Chapter 15 – A Truly Happy Christmas
Ding.
That single sound made my heart stop. What was I to do? Should I run away? Or should I face my friends that haven't seen me in 4 months and probably hate me?
I felt a hand squeeze my shoulder. When I turned, I saw Triton who gave me an encouraging smile and nodded. Then he turned and left. Poseidon and Amphitrite walked on but Amphitrite looked back at me and smiled. I turned back to the elevator and sighed.
And that's when the door opened.
The 1st thing that filled my ears where the laughter of 3 people. 2 of which I knew and would recognize from miles away. The other sounded extremely familiar but I couldn't put a finger on who it was.
When the door was fully opened, the laughing stopped. Bianca and Nico looked straight at me. I could see another person, but he was in the corner so I couldn't recognize him.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I was now or never. Either they forgive me and things go back to the way they where or else they hate me forever.
When I exhaled and opened my eyes, I saw something charge me. This thing was very fast because I couldn't dodge it. And I knew it was very strong because it bear hugged the air out of me. But when I heard crying, I knew who it was.
Bianca.
Even though we weren't together, I still loved her very much. We were extremely close, but we didn't go past the 'best friends' stage.
I hugged her back and I have to admit, I cried a bit too. It felt good to see them again.
"Percy, we've missed you so much," she said, her crying turning into sobbing.
"I missed you guys too," I said.
She pulled back and wiped her tears away.
Nico walked to me and gave me a hug too.
"Good to see you Nico," I said, smiling, as he let go.
He smiled back. "You too Percy."
"Don't I get a hug?" said an extremely familiar voice.
I looked past Nico and Bianca to see a girl with black hair, blue eyes and a midnight blue dress. The dress was almost black, so it matched Nico's clothes a lot. Bianca was standing out because she was wearing a pure white dress.
But I knew who she was from the moment I saw her eyes.
"Thalia?" I asked, surprised.
Everyone smiled at me and she came to give me a hug.
When we parted, she said "It's good to see you again. Son of Poseidon."
I smiled. Nico must've told her. And I definitely knew who her father was. "Good to see you too. Daughter of Zeus."
They gasped. "How did you know?" asked Nico.
I shrugged. "Her eyes."
They nodded and smiled.
But then I turned serious.
"Guys. How is she?" I asked.
Their face darkened. That bad?
Thalia spoke up. "Percy, she really needs you. She's been feeling worse with every passing day. You have to go back to her."
Nico and Bianca nodded.
I sighed. "Don't worry guys. I intend to go back. And no one's going to stop me!"
They smiled at me.
Just then, thunder struck.
The meeting was about to begin.
"Let's go guys," I said. They nodded and we teleported ourselves to the throne room.
When we arrived, we went to our father's throne and the meeting started.
One word could describe the meeting.
Boring!
From 9 till 11:30, all the gods talked about was political stuff. I nearly slept more than once, earning a glare from Zeus and a light laugh from my friends.
When the meeting ended, the gods were supposed to leave. But they didn't because my father and Zeus where having an argument over something again. I was very surprised about this. Sarcasm sign. [A/n from The Big Bang Theory! Hilarious XD!]
Thankfully Poseidon was looking away from me, so I decided to sneak away.
But when I arrived at the Throne room, I heard someone say. "Perseus Jackson! Stop right there!" Poseidon.
I stopped in my tracks. Shoot. I was so close. All talking stopped and I could feel everyone's gaze on me.
I turned and looked at Poseidon.
"Come. Back. Here. Now," he ordered.
I looked at my friends and their eyes were filled with worry. Getting a god angry was bad. Getting Poseidon angry was very bad. But I didn't care. I had had it with him.
"No," I simply stated, earning some gasps. Then I turned to leave.
But he wasn't done with me. Before I left he said once again "Perseus. If you do not return to my side this instant, I will disown you."
Everyone gasped again. I stopped and turned around.
Poseidon looked at me with determination. Amphitrite and Triton were going crazy, shaking their heads and motioning for me to come back. They knew what was at stake. If Poseidon disowned me, I would still be his son, but I would be banished from his Palace, meaning I would never see them again.
I looked at my friends and the worry in their eyes had grown a lot. They knew what was at stake here as well, but they knew that Annabeth needed me. And so did I.
Most of the gods didn't care much.
Athena was looking at me curiously. When I looked at her, she raised an eyebrow, as if saying : What is your choice? Power or love?
I already knew my choice. I made it 4 months ago. Another god caught my attention.
Aphrodite.
She looked at me and gave me a small vision.
It was Annabeth. But she wasn't happy. Hell no. She was crying in bed. The clock on her night stand showed that it was 11pm. She was literally crying herself to sleep. That vision and that vision alone was enough to kill me inside.
I turned to Zeus.
"Lord Zeus, may I ask a small favor?" I said politely.
He raised an eyebrow and nodded. "Go on."
I took a breath and looked straight in my father's eyes. "Warn me when the real Poseidon I know and love returns. Tell him I'll be with Annabeth, daughter of Athena. He can own me there again."
With that, I turned and left, leaving everyone baffled. My friends, Amphitrite and Triton where smiling. Bianca had a shocked expression when I mentioned that Annabeth was a demigod.
I went to the elevator and waited for it to come up. This was going to be a long night.
~Aphrodite's POV~
I squealed mentally when I heard what Percy said. For a demigod, he was really brave standing up to Poseidon like that. Poseidon isn't known for his patience. Usually, when someone speaks to him like this, that someone would be already dead. But I guess his love for family comes 1st.
I turned to Athena with a smile. She raised an eyebrow. I leaned towards her.
"I told you he'd choose your daughter over his father," I whispered.
"Oh shut up," she replied. She was frowning but when Percy stood up to his father, she smiled.
I smiled as well. Athena had told me that she wanted her daughter to be happy. And if that meant being with Percy, she would allow it. Athena and I would constantly fight over which is better : love or brains.
I guess this gave her the answer to that. But she'll still deny it.
~Athena's POV~
I can't believe it. He actually chose my daughter over his family. I was actually wrong about someone.
I saw Aphrodite smile at me, which caused me to raise an eyebrow.
She leaned over and said "I told you he'd choose your daughter over his father."
"Oh shut up," I replied, frowning that she was right.
I knew that Percy loved Annabeth, but my feud with Poseidon blinded me to see that fact.
I hate to admit it but I, Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and Battle Strategy, made a wrong move.
I made the wrong move when I silenced Fredrick and suggested to Poseidon to take Percy away. This caused Annabeth a lot of emotional suffering. I should have known that after what happened with Luke, she deserved someone who loved her. And now I see that Percy did love her.
For once, love actually triumphed.
I mentally groaned. If Aphrodite heard me say that, I'd have to endure it for all eternity.
~Poseidon's POV~
I had no idea what just happened.
Someone actually defied my orders. And humiliated me in front of my brothers and the other Olympians. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement.
If it was anyone outside my family, I would have sent them to the deepest ocean and let them drown slowly, torturing them for their insolence.
But this was my son.
My own son had spoken back to me.
I should have been furious. But why am I feeling proud?
I can still hear his message. "Message me when the real Poseidon I know and love returns."
What did he mean by that?
Zeus sighed and said "Meeting adjourned."
All of us slowly made our way outside. Amphitrite, Triton and I made our way to my house.
When we got in, they all stopped and looked at me with crossed arms.
"What?" I asked.
"Really dad. You went that low?" asked Triton. Oh great! Him too?
I got angry and summoned my Trident. He didn't even flinch. Amphitrite decided to speak up.
"I thought you understood what love was. How could you be so blind by your hate towards Athena that you messed with his life?" she said.
I didn't know what to say. Her words where true. How could I? After all the times I told him how much his mother meant to me and that I would disobey Zeus to be with her, I should know how he felt.
I sighed. "Fine. I'll apologize."
They raised an eyebrow. Triton said "Where you serious about the disowning?"
I smiled "Of course not. I already knew his choice from the moment I brought him here 4 months ago. I just wanted to see if his love for that demigod was stronger than his love for us." I tried to act like this was all planned by me so that they won't hate me as much as they did before.
But they knew me too much. "Fine dad. I guess that was a good excuse."
I smiled again. "Now, let's go home. I have a letter and a present to give to him. But I'll give it to him after he speaks to her."
They nodded. We were about to leave when I heard a knocking on the door.
I sighed when I found out who it was.
Athena.
"Stay here," I said as I went outside.
Athena saw me. Her facial expression didn't change a bit and she was very hard to read. Damn her and her ability to hide her emotions from her face.
She spoke first.
"What are you going to do now?" she said.
"If you accept their relationship, I will too. I won't be happy about it, but I will learn to endure it."
She smiled. Wow…she can smile.
"Then as do I. But if your son tries to get 'hot and heavy' with her, I will remove a part of his anatomy. And I'm guessing you know what it is," she said smiling at first. But her threat was delivered with fire in her eyes.
I gulped. The goddess of wisdom was not one to mess with.
"Will you tell your daughter of what happened here?" I asked.
She nodded. "She has a right to know what he did for her."
I nodded also. She was about to leave when she said "And you could have found an easier way to tell Percy what Luke did to Annabeth. I still have my doubts about him, but he sure helps her with her memories of Luke. And how you told him was one of the worst possible ways."
"He is my son. You have no right to interfere," I said grumbling. I knew she was right, but I wasn't going to tell her that.
She rolled her eyes. I guess she heard me. "Then I hope you value your pride more than your child."
With that she left.
I went back inside and we left without a word.
When we arrived at the palace, I immediately went to work on the letter I was going to send Percy and his gift. I had an ideal one. One of the rarest gifts on earth.
And I'm sure he'll love it.
~Zeus' POV~
Tonight was….interesting. I witnessed a demigod stand up to his father. Not just any father. My hot headed brother, Poseidon.
Percy Jackson stood up to Poseidon in the name of love. How brave of him.
Right now I was alone in the throne room. Well actually, my daughter was here with her boyfriend. I knew exactly what she wanted. And I knew another thing.
This was going to be a loooong talk.
"Father," she said smilingly. The son of Hades stood by her side, holding her hand.
"Yes daughter," I replied casually.
"You know what I want," she said.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I replied, acting the idiot.
She sighed. "Look dad, I know that you're not that happy about what happened this morning. But it was my fault, not Nico's. I know you just want to look out for me, but I don't want you messing with my love life. Got it?"
Her eyes had turned into a very scary glare. I guess that's how mine look like when I'm angry. I felt so proud of my daughter, standing up for what she believes is right.
I sighed. I can't believe I'm being told by a child. But she is my child. So I guess she's more important than any regular demigod.
"Fine," I huffed. Then I turned my eyes on Nico. He gulped when he felt my gaze on him. "You better take care of her or else. Understand? And if you get her pregnant before 20 I'll…" I had to leave that threat hang because of the glare Thalia gave me.
"You'll what father?" she asked angrily. She gave me a glare again.
I gulped. Who knew I had such scary eyes. I sighed again. "I won't kill you Nico because I don't want my daughter to be a single mother. But best be warned, I won't go easy on you if you do it."
With that, I transported myself home.
~Nico's POV~
Phew.
I think I peed my pants from Zeus' yelling. But he got told by Thalia. Who knew the King of the gods would be afraid of his daughter.
She turned to me and smiled.
I smiled back. "Now what?" I asked.
She took my hand and we walked outside. Then she whispered "Now, we go to your room."
I smiled. "Gladly."
With that I shadow travelled us home and we spent the rest of the night together.
And before any of you sick bastards think anything sexual, all we did was make out on my bed. That's all!
~Percy's POV~
After the elevator stopped at the lobby in Manhattan, I ran outside. Annabeth's house wasn't far…maybe a 10 minute run. So I ran.
When I got to her house I was soaking wet and extremely cold. Thankfully, Poseidon hadn't taken my powers, so I quickly dried myself. That didn't help the cold a lot but it was better than being wet.
I stood at the door, took a deep breath and knocked 3 times. I heard some footsteps coming to the door and a voice saying "Who is it?". At first I was shocked.
It was a guy's voice.
Maybe she moved on, maybe she forgot about me.
But then I recognized the voice to be Malcolm's.
I smiled and sighed.
When I heard the door unlock, I focused on teleporting myself inside. Since Malcolm was here, I guess they were watching TV. So I went to the living room.
When I appeared, I found Annabeth on the sofa. Asleep. I smiled and tears formed. She was still beautiful as ever.
I heard Malcolm walk back, grumbling. "Stupid kids, prank calling at this time in chris-" then he saw me. "P-P-Percy?"
I nodded. "Hey Malcolm. Thanks for taking care of her."
He smiled at me and wiped a tear away. "No problem man. You have no idea how happy I am to see you."
"Thanks. Happy to see you too. So, where are her parents?" I said.
"They went out for dinner with the twins. Usually Annabeth goes with them but this year, they went to a place that Annabeth doesn't like. So she stayed here. Nico called me and since I didn't have anything to do because my parents are both out of town on a working holiday, he told me to come here and keep her company. Then he said something about you coming back. And I can see he was right. How did you escape anyways?"
I smiled. "I'll tell you later. Right now, we have to get Annabeth to bed. The couch is no good place to sleep."
He laughed slightly. "Not an hour has passed and you're already taking care of her. And there's no way I'm lifting her upstairs now that you're here so be my guest."
I shook my head, smiling. Putting one hand beneath Annabeth's legs and another under her neck, I lifted her bridal style and took her to her room.
Malcolm opened the door for me and removed the quilts from the bed. I placed her on the bed and covered her. She sighed in her sleep and I couldn't resist the urge to kiss her forehead. So I did it. "Merry Christmas Wise Girl," I said. She smiled. Maybe she felt my presence?
Malcolm and I went to the kitchen downstairs. He gave me some hot chocolate because I was still very cold. Then we talked about the 4 months I was away.
Apparently, everyone thinks that my true father came and took me with him to see a dying relative in Europe. It was a lame excuse, but everyone believed it. He told me that Nico and Thalia got caught a few times for sleeping, and only sleeping, together and got yelled at. Both of us laughed at that. Then I teasingly told him how many times he and Bianca got caught and he blushed bright red. I laughed hard at this.
Then his smiled vanished. "Percy, are you staying for good?" he said seriously.
I nodded with determination. "Poseidon already threatened to disown me but I don't care if he does. I'm staying with her."
He seemed surprised when I mentioned 'disown' so I told him what happened up on Olympus.
When I was finished, he put a hand on my shoulder and said "She'll be extremely grateful for what you've done Percy."
"I know. And it was worth it," I said smiling.
"You know, for the son of my mother's enemy and a son of the Big 3, you're very different. I half expected you to hate me and all," he said suddenly.
I raised an eyebrow. "Why would I hate you? Just because you're a son of Athena that doesn't mean that you're your mother. Even Annabeth. I don't like to label people by their parents but by their character."
"Wow. That's deep man," he said.
I was going to say something when we heard the door open. It was 10 minutes past midnight, so I guess it was her parents.
"Hey guys we're back. So sorry we came late but the traffic was…." Helen trailed off when she saw me.
"Percy?" she asked like she couldn't believe it.
"Yes Mrs. Chase. It's me," I said politely. Maybe I'm an idiot but I don't think that it's something good to talk to your girlfriend's parents casually after 4 months being away.
Fredrick came in after a few minutes and was very surprised to see me too. "Percy?"
I nodded. "Does she know?" asked Mrs. Chase.
"No. She was asleep when I came here," I said. They nodded.
"You should go see your parents then. She was with us at the restaurant so they should be home any minute now," said Mrs. Chase.
I nodded. "Will do. Good night everyone. And happy Christmas."
Before I was about to teleport myself home, Helen came to me and gave me a hug. "Now that you're here it is." Malcolm and Mr. Chase nodded.
I smiled. "Thanks."
With that I left.
I arrived home and everything was turned off. An idea hit me.
I sat on the couch and waited in the dark like in the moives.
After a few seconds, I heard the door unlock and my parents laughing. I smiled at that but then I pretended to be serious. They made their way inside and when they were near the couch, I turned on the lights, making them gasp.
"And where have you 2 been? Do you know what time it is?" I asked seriously. Then I got up and crossed my arms.
"Percy?" asked my mother with tears forming.
I smiled and nodded. Then I went to give her a hug as she burst into tears. Paul joined in the hug and I could clearly see that he was happy to see me again by the tears in his eyes. He was my step-father after all.
We pulled apart and went to the kitchen. She made herself and Paul some coffee and we just talked. I told them what happened in these past 4 months. Then I told them about Poseidon and when he threatened to disown me.
It was about 1am when she asked me "What about Annabeth?"
I grinned and took out Annabeth's present. They gasped when they saw it and I explained, very embarrassed what the gift Amphitrite gave me for Annabeth meant. I wasn't embarrassed in being with Annabeth. What embarrassed me was explaining how much I loved her to my parents.
My mum gave me a hug and said "We're proud of you Percy. Annabeth will love it."
I nodded. Then I yawned.
"Off to bed mister," said my mother sternly. But then she smiled. I smiled back and nodded. Even though I'm 17, it felt good that I had a mother that still loved me very much.
After she still tucked me in…yeah she still does that…she turned and left. Before she closed the door I said "Merry Christmas mom."
She smiled at me and said "Thanks to you, it is."
Wow. I guess they really missed me huh?
When she closed the door I slept soundly for the 1st time in 4 months. Dreams came to me immediately and I enjoyed every minute of them.
And you can guess about who they were.
~Annabeth's POV~ (10 minutes before midnight)
My dreams where the same for the past 4 months. The last thing I remember was me and Malcolm watching TV, and then I fell asleep.
I don't know how all this happened. As a daughter of Athena, I should be able to find a solution to this problem.
But this was a problem of the heart, something we children of Athena don't excel in.
Percy was in the majority of my dreams. And every dream was the same.
I would be in my bed. Now before you start thinking dirty stuff, let me explain.
I would be in my bed, trying to sleep…alone.
Then Percy would open the door of my bedroom and come to my side. He would kneel, gently caress my face with his thumb and then lean in to kiss my forehead.
And there lies the problem.
The moment before I feel the kiss, the dream ends, making me wake up in tears and sweat.
The 1st month he was away, this dream was pure torture. I would always cry myself to sleep, trying hard to keep my crying quite so as not to worry my parents. But they could probably hear me because sometimes my mother would come and calm me down.
But then, as time passed, I got used to it. It still hurt a lot when I woke up and not find him next to me, but I wouldn't cry.
Tonight the dream came again. Percy opened the door and I smiled at him. He came to me and did what he usually does, making me feel safe and happy. Then he leaned in to kiss me. I sighed, knowing the dream was about to end, but I still closed my eyes.
I felt something warm on my forehead and I opened my eyes again.
Percy was still there!
And he KISSED me!
Then he pushed me gently aside and sat on my bed. I got up and sat on him, giving him a hug and snuggling as closely as possible. If this dream was about to end then I wanted to enjoy it as much as possible.
He rested his head on mine and that's it.
That's all we did.
That is… until I woke up.
I sat up on my bed, startled, sweating. What just happened? I looked to my left, half expecting Percy to be there, but I knew it couldn't be.
I got out of bed and went to the bathroom. There I took a long, hot shower. My bathroom was a bit cold, so the shower calmed me down. When I was finished I put on some clean clothes and headed downstairs to get some breakfast. It was 9am so everyone should be awake by now.
For the sake of my family, I tried to act happy. My mood changed a bit to how it was when Luke broke up with me. Sad. Pissed off. Snappy. Moody. But today, I felt different. I actually felt happy. Maybe it was because my dream ended like I always wanted it to end.
I went to the kitchen and found my parents and brothers having breakfast. When Bobby and Matthew saw me, they sighed and said "Finally! We get to open our presents!" They got up and ran to open their presents. We all laughed at that.
My mom came over and hugged me. "Merry Christmas baby."
"Merry Christmas mom. Merry Christmas dad," I said.
"Happy Christmas darling," said my dad as he hugged me.
Helen came to me and gave me a medium sized box. When I opened it I found the latest version of the Ipod Touch. I smiled and gave my parents another hug. "Thanks guys."
Then my dad gave me another box, a smaller one. "This one's from Athena."
I was curious since I hardly ever see her. But she always remembers to send Christmas and birthday presents to each and every child of hers.
When I opened the box, I found 2 silver earrings shaped like her owl and a note. When I read it, it said "Think Wisely".
What did she mean with that? None the less, I closed my eyes and thanked her.
"You're welcome my daughter," I heard her say.
Helen then handed me something black. When I took it and opened it, I found that it was a blind fold.
"What's this for?" I asked confused.
They smiled at me and my father said "Put it on Annabeth. It's another surprise."
I sighed. They were parents after all and they always got me cool stuff for Christmas and birthday.
"I hope you didn't go overboard with this gift," I said.
Helen smiled. "Oh we didn't do a thing."
"What?" I asked.
She smiled. "Put it on and you'll see."
I shrugged and put it on. My dad put his hands on my shoulders and guided me towards my room. He opened the door and I went inside.
"Now don't move ok?" he said.
I nodded.
I felt something being put around my neck and being locked on. A necklace I suppose.
Then a new pair of hands, slightly stronger, wrapped around my waist and pulled me towards my full length mirror.
Warm breath tickled my neck.
Then I heard him again.
"You look beautiful Wise girl."
Percy.
When I heard his voice, I gasped loudly, making him chuckle. Tears cascaded down my face in an endless stream. He took off the blindfold and I looked in the mirror. I looked at his face and he was looking straight in my eyes.
He was right behind me, his head near my ear.
To say I was surprised was an understatement.
At that moment I felt happy, excited, surprised, confused…everything.
Slowly, and a bit shakily, I turned around to face him. When I was fully facing him, I looked in his eyes again and slowly raised my hand to his face. This wasn't real. This had to be one of my dreams.
I could see a tear sliding down his face, so I wiped it away. He took my hand and kissed it.
It felt so real. I was so sure I had woken up this morning. But this couldn't be real. Percy was gone. And I was never going to see him again.
"I missed you," he said.
I smiled. "You always say what I want in my dreams."
He raised an eyebrow and laughed. Even though it was a dream, I missed his laugh. "You think I'm a dream?" he asked.
I sighed. "Of course you are. Now you'll try to kiss me and I'll wake up."
He laughed again. Gods how I missed that laugh. Then he cupped my face with his hands and brought me in for a kiss.
"Goodbye Percy," I thought.
I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling before he kissed me.
And that's when our lips met…again!
I gasped. He used this as an advantage and slid his tongue in my mouth. This surprised me but I'm not complaining. I felt his hands go from my face and wrapping them around my waist, bringing me closer. I did the natural thing and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer also.
He pulled away after a while and smiled. "Still think I'm a dream?"
I shook my head as fresh tears fell from my eyes. Then he hugged me and I burst into tears.
He was back. Percy was back!
I couldn't believe it.
He slowly pushed me away and wiped away my tears.
"Don't cry Annabeth. I've been locked up in Poseidon's palace for 4 months without you. I don't want to see the daughter of Athena cry," he said.
At 1st I smiled and nodded. But then realization dawned on me.
Poseidon? Athena?
I gasped again. "Y-You're a-"
"Demigod. Son of Poseidon," he finished and smiled.
I smiled back and hugged him. Could this day get any better?
Then I heard someone say "Should we knock?" My dad.
"Fredrick, give them their privacy!" My mom.
I sighed and Percy smiled. We went to the door and Percy opened it.
Just then, they stopped arguing and had a look that said 'busted'.
Then my mother's eyes fell on my neck and she gasped.
"What?" I asked. My dad saw what she was looking at and gasped. "What?" I asked getting annoyed.
"I'll show you," said Percy as he pulled me back inside my room and stopped me in front of the mirror. Then he took my left hand and placed it on my neck.
Around it was one of the most beautiful necklaces I've ever seen in my life.
It was a silver 3D heart with a green rock, which I presume to be emerald in the middle.
"Percy it's beautiful," I said, tears forming.
I turned to him and gave him a kiss.
"Beauty isn't the only reason for it Annabeth," he said smiling.
I raised an eyebrow. "What more could it possible mean?" I asked curiously. I mean it was just a necklace but I wasn't going to tell him that.
He turned serious. "This necklace is different. Back before the feud between our parents, they were great friends. You know that they teamed up to invent the chariot. Well since they worked together, they gave their children something special if they wanted to be with the other's child. This was something a son of one god would give the daughter of the other god as a symbol of love. The heart and the emerald each have a meaning, but I'll tell you that later. Basically, this necklace means that the one who gave it to you wants to spend the rest of his life with you. According to Amphitrite, it's like a wedding but without the bindings." When he finished his small explanation, he was blushing slightly. And me?
I was beyond words. He said he wanted to spend his life with me. What more could he give me? I heard my mother sniffle and looked at her. She smiled at me, tiny tears escaping her eyes. I looked at my dad and he was smiling proudly at me.
I turned back to Percy and he had a look in his eyes that confused me. He looked afraid.
Was he actually thinking that after all he said I was going to reject him?
I smiled and to prove my point, I jumped on him and kissed him with all my heart. With my sudden surprise, he stumbled backwards and we landed on my bed. But he quickly got over his surprise as he put his arms around my waist and kissed me back. I placed one hand on his chest and put the other hand in his hair, pulling him closer.
But of course someone had to ruin the heated kiss.
My dad cleared his throat.
Both of us sat up, blushing madly, taking deep breaths. I sat on his lap, head buried in his neck, hiding some of my embarrassment.
Percy pulled me away and said "I should get going. My mother should be starting our Christmas dinner soon and she'll need my help."
"No need Percy," said Helen. "We've invited your parents over. We were going to do it anyways but with you here, it'll be a proper family dinner. Now that you and Annabeth are married." Air quoting 'married'.
Both of us blushed again and I mouthed a 'thank you' to my mother. She winked at me.
"Thank you Mrs. Ch…I mean Helen," said Percy, correcting himself when Helen semi-glared at him.
"We'll leave you 2 alone now. Behave," said my father seriously.
Both of us nodded, blushing slightly. They left and closed the door, leaving us alone.
I smiled at Percy and hugged him. "Alone at last."
He laughed. "As if." I raised an eyebrow.
He took my hand and led me to the balcony. It was a very sunny day, despite it being the middle of winter. He pointed to a tree. Nothing was out of the ordinary…except…I gasped.
A white owl.
He sighed and motioned for the owl to come inside. The owl came to us quickly and landed on my bedroom floor. Then it slowly started to change form. And I knew who it was.
Athena.
Even though Percy didn't tell me why he had to leave, I figured it out the moment I discovered he was Poseidon's son. Because of the feud, they would never accept our relationship. And both gods where to blame.
When she was fully human, I held on to Percy because I was afraid that she'll take him away from me.
She smiled at me. Then she looked at Percy who had his arm around my waist. I guess he was afraid he'll lose me too.
"It seems not even your father can stop you from achieving what you set out to accomplish," she told him.
"Nothing is more important to me than her," he replied calmly. That made me smile and I rested my head on his chest.
"True. But still, the threat of being disowned isn't something one would take lightly," she said.
My eyes widened. "Percy what is she talking about?" I asked him.
He sighed while Athena laughed lightly. "It appears I came too soon. For once my timing was wrong. But since I'm here…." She turned to me. "Percy here was about to leave the throne room, I'm guessing he was leaving to come to you." Percy nodded. "Anyways, Poseidon caught him. He ordered Percy to return to his side but he refused and turned to leave again. But then Poseidon threatened to disown him if he doesn't return to his side. Percy looked at him, then at me, then at Aphrodite. He told Zeus to tell him when the Poseidon he knows and loves returns then left to come to you."
I turned to him, very surprised and gave him a kiss. He did all that for me? I couldn't believe it.
When we parted, Athena looked at Percy again. "Percy I can't help the feeling that Aphrodite showed you something. What was it?"
He sighed. "She showed me Annabeth crying herself to sleep. It was awful," he said before pulling me into a hug. I hugged him back.
But of course she had to ruin it by clearing her throat.
"Although I accept your relationship, I'm not 100% for it. So don't overdo it!" she said, glaring at Percy. He nodded.
She was about to leave when she noticed my necklace. She came to me and took a look at it. "I haven't seen one of these in a long time. Where did you get it Percy?"
"Amphitrite and Triton gave it to me. They didn't want the feud between you and my father to come in between Annabeth and I. She told me its meaning and when they used to exist," said Percy.
Athena smiled. "Then I guess you're in good hands Annabeth." She turned to Percy and said "Don't make me regret the trust I've put in you. And just because you gave her that necklace, it doesn't mean that you can take your relationship all the way. Got it?" He nodded.
She went to the balcony, transformed into an owl again and left.
Silence hung in the air. I was deep in thought after what she said.
Take your relationship all the way…that meant…but I could get pregnant.
I knew Percy wouldn't do that to me right now. He knew I was still getting used to having a boyfriend after what Luke did to me. But why did Luke do that to me? Why did he take advantage of me like that?
Thinking these thoughts, I felt the pain coming back to me, so I started crying, surprising Percy. See I love Percy very much, but still, Luke told me that he was sorry for what he did and that he loved me very much. And thinking those things hurt like hell.
I felt warm hands wrap around me and pulling me into a hug.
Percy.
He knew how to make me feel better. And now he has a right to know what Luke did to me.
But what if he doesn't love me anymore after I tell him? What if he leaves me again? Could I be able to bear another loss?
I cried harder thinking these thought.
Percy didn't know what to do and I couldn't blame him.
That's it. He deserves to know! After all he did for me, telling him the truth is only fair.
"Percy," I said slowly.
"Yes," he replied softly.
"Y-You s-should know s-something," I started. "Something Luke d-did to me. H-He…" but I was cut off when he placed his lips on mine, giving me a soft kiss. Then he pulled away and hugged me.
"Shh. Annabeth I know what he did to you. The bastard took advantage of you and took your virginity. I know. Poseidon told me. I was definitely not happy when he told me or how he told me." I could hear the anger in his voice but he calmed down. "Annabeth, I still love you. And nothing and no-one will take me away from you. This is a promise I plan to keep."
I couldn't believe my ears. He still loved me. He knew that my virginity wasn't his to take but he still loved me. How much can one guy love me? Me! The most imperfect girl on earth!
He leaned in and kissed me again.
Apparently a lot!
I kissed him back, giving him every ounce of love he deserved from me.
Fresh tears slid down my face. Percy pulled away and asked "Why are you sad now?"
Stupid Seaweed Brain!
"I'm not sad Seaweed Brain. I'm happy. Very happy," I said as I hugged him again.
He hugged me back without saying a word, but I knew he was happy too.
After a few minutes of silence, we heard the bell ring.
"Must be my parents," said Percy as he pulled away. I checked the time and found that it was already 11am. Time really passed by quickly when you're enjoying the moment.
"Let's go," I said as I took his hand and we went downstairs. We went to the kitchen and found our parents preparing dinner and my brothers playing with some robots. Destroying more likely.
When my mother saw us, she smiled. "So the lovebirds finally came down."
Both of us blushed. "Let them be Helen," said my dad. "They were good. Right?"
Both of us nodded while blushing, making the grownups laugh at us.
Then Sally turned to Percy. "Percy, Poseidon told me to give you this." I felt Percy stiffen beside me when she mentioned Poseidon. Sally gave him a small parcel and letter.
When he opened the parcel, he pulled out a necklace exactly like mine. The only difference where the colors. His had a light green heart and a white stone in the middle which I assumed to be a diamond. Hey, when a god is one of your parents, money isn't a problem, so they could give us anything we wanted, with a valid reason of course.
Our mothers gasped when they saw it and said "Beautiful."
He gave the necklace to his mother and opened the letter. Being a daughter of Athena, I was curious so I gave it a peek.
Dear Percy
Even though I don't like it, I have to accept it for your sake. I'm talking about your relationship with that daughter of Athena. You disobeyed me, disrespected me and humiliated me in front of the other major gods. So I'm guessing for you to do that, you must truly love her. So I promise you I won't interfere. But what Athena said goes for you too. Get her pregnant before 20 and you'll be punished. Got it?
Love Poseidon.
P.S. : The necklace I gave you has the same meaning as the one you gave to her. She was supposed to give it to you but she didn't have it.
Percy and I smiled.
"What's it say Percy?" said Sally. He gave the letter to his mother and the others came to see what it said. While they were reading it, Percy handed me the necklace. "Can you help me put it on please?"
I smiled and nodded. He turned around and I put it around his neck and locked it.
He faced me again. "Thanks." We stared into each other's eyes for a few moments before my father cleared his throat. We turned to him, blushing slightly.
"What did Athena want?" he said seriously.
I sighed. Mysteriously, the pain I felt this morning wasn't there. It was less anyways. But it was enough to stop me from talking. I turned to Percy with slightly watery eyes and he nodded.
He started to explain what happened this morning. When he got to the bit about Luke, I could hear his voice trying to control his anger. I also heard Percy's parent's gasp slightly. And a crash from the living room. Usually I would go see what it was but at the moment I didn't care.
"And what did Poseidon mean about 'getting her pregnant before 20'?" my dad asked again.
"Nothing, don't worry," said Percy quickly. "It's just a warning that's all."
He nodded and my mother came to me. "Annabeth are you OK?"
I smiled. "Yes I am. Sure it still hurts but I'm learning how to forget. And I'm getting lots of help." I said smiling at Percy.
My mother smiled at us. "Well we're almost done preparing dinner. Why don't you help us so we can finish quicker?"
Percy and I nodded and went to help them. Percy's parents were preparing the table. Mine where some soup while Percy and I where cutting some onions and carrots.
I just finished my second carrot when Percy said "Finished."
I was very surprised. "Wow. You're fast."
He laughed nervously. "Poseidon used to set me up on many dates. He was as bad as Bianca. But at least Bianca didn't make me cook for my date like he did. He taught me how to cook so that the date would like me better. He used to force me into making these perfect dishes for him as training. I guess I'm still used to doing it."
I smiled at him. "Glad to know Poseidon taught you how to take care of a woman."
He grinned at me.
Then I turned to continue cutting the carrots when I caught my parents staring at us.
"Dinner isn't going to finish itself," I said smiling.
They smiled at me and went back to what they were doing.
After a while we put the chicken in the oven and while it cooked, we cleaned all the dirty things we used. Then our parents told us to go on the sofa and watch some TV while the chicken cooked.
We went to the living room and Percy sat down. Then I sat on him and he placed his arms around me. I put my head on his shoulder and kissed his neck, making him shiver. I smiled. So this was one of his weaknesses. Good to know for future use.
I moved my head to his chest so that I could be more comfortable. Then I closed my eyes and relaxed.
What a morning.
In just one simple morning many things happened to me.
But only 2 of them made me the happiest.
Percy returned to me and he gave me something which meant that we'll be together.
I sighed and smiled at these thoughts while snuggling closer to him. He tightened his grip around me slightly as if telling me that he'll never let go.
This Christmas was definitely one of the best in my life!
FINALLY! It's ready! Ok sorry for taking sooo long to update but I've been rather busy :P!
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR INTERESTING AND CREATIVE RESPONSES IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW!
Ok so here's something which might make the story slightly more interesting.
In the bit where Percy kisses Annabeth [ I know there's a lot :P!] and then he tells her that he's a demigod….listen to these songs…I feel like they fit.
Don't Matter – Akon
Thunder – Boyslikegirls
Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Chapter 16 is almost done and I'll start typing it as soon as I've finished it.
Peace XD!