I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in a while. And this is a really short chapter. So sorry.

Disclaimer: I don't own Percy Jackson and the Olympians

It took us a while to convince the boys to leave their precious orb.

We were supposed to leave already and it wasn't really that hard to let go, knowing well that I will be seeing Hazel and Frank soon enough. I'm just going to miss the people that I met and how I'm never going to forget them. It still was very possible for Angela to join my two friends when they visit all of us in New York. And if all of the people we meet in this road trip will all just meet and head over to the beach house at the same day… hmm, it would be nice to see Paige again. I really have to ask her how she's doing. Was she back with her real friends?

Seeing that I couldn't wait any longer than I already have, I grabbed my boyfriend's hand and dragged him down to the front door where they were waiting. He wasn't struggling that much so the only thing that I had to worry about was his weight and how it would be very hard for me to walk properly with him slowing me down. I also had to be very careful that I don't trip on anything because if I fall, he's going to fall on top of me. And that's something I don't want to happen when I'm on the tile floor.

Anyways, I successfully brought him to where the other girls and some guys were and helped the others to get their boyfriends before Thalia and Clarisse erupt like volcanoes. They are honestly the most impatient in our group, seeing that they don't really gain any since they have this certain hatred towards books. If my best friend doesn't like what she was reading, she throws whatever she was holding away. It was a surprise that she enjoys Twilight. Not so many people do.

Okay, I'm getting sidetracked again. I blame the ADHD.

When all of us managed to round up all of them, we said our farewells- Connor and Angela looked awfully sad as they hugged- and brought ourselves to the car with Percy on the wheel. And we waved to them as we exited the estate, excited for the next time we were going to see each other. Because we know that it wouldn't be the permanent goodbye.

We made a schedule for the trip back, mostly involving who will drive at a certain time. The rest of it just includes the chores that we need to do so some of us- *cough* Stolls *cough*- wouldn't be too lazy. But I know the twins will end up sucking up to Katie so that she will do their jobs for them, or at least for Travis. It was still worth a try, though.

I sighed as I wiped my hands with the dishtowel, just finishing the fact that I washed the dishes while the car was moving and hitting every bump and crack in the road. As much as Clarisse hates it, she still helped me. See, I knew there was good in her.

It was already a talent for me to tune out all of those background noises that mostly involved shouting or laughing and focus my hearing to Seaweed Brain's steady breathing, the usual almost inaudible tapping of his fingers on the wheel or armrest, maybe humming when there was a song he particularly liked. And if I was lucky enough, he might even sing for me.

"Hi, Wise Girl" He smiled calmly and looked at me briefly. Of course, he didn't notice me walk over to him but I guess he was used to my usual spontaneous self. I rarely show it anyone else but I'm a very different person when it comes to the man I love. "You happy that we're finally going back home?"

I placed my chin on his shoulder and wrapped my arms around his neck, finally comfortable. My fingers started playing with his unruly black hair, enjoying the fact that I'm the only one who can touch him this way. "Of course I am, Seaweed Brain. I really miss that beach house and the alone time and your family. God, you don't know how much I miss Bella."

"Yeah, I know how you feel. It's been a while since I've seen that kid. I'm always usually used to her being a room away or even a car drive. Not this." I nosed his cheek and kissed his jaw softly, retracting my arms and moving to the empty seat beside him.

He took my hand in his, never leaving his gaze on the road except when he would sneak glances at me. Thankfully, there wasn't much to worry about since no car has passed by in a long time. It was almost very much deserted here, which was a good thing so we could avoid car accidents.

"I love you, Percy." It came out as a hoarse whisper, blushing almost instantly when I realized how it sounded.

He laughed at my red face. "Love you, too, 'Beth." My boyfriend replied, "Always have, always will." He raised my hand so that they could meet his lips, kissing my knuckles lightly without looking away from the road.

I only had about an hour left before Jason takes the wheel. Maybe I could see how long I could last without looking at him. He didn't like the idea at first, saying that it was useless and it would only waste his precious time. My excuse was that it would help build our relationship more and make us stronger as a couple. I don't really know how it would do that but I'm sure that it will.

"Okay, fine." He conceded, shaking his head. "I will play the game. But what are you going to do if I win?"

This was something I haven't really thought about. If he wins, he should get a prize. But it was also very sad that he chose to not look at me so that he could beat me. "You know what, this was a bad idea. I wasn't thinking clearly. Let's play another game!" I coaxed, giving him a flashing grin. I just realized that this game would just be another subject of those stupid arguments that we usually have."

Percy thought of it for a moment but suddenly refused. "I don't want to play anything, actually." He admitted, disappointing me just a little. Then I suddenly realized that maybe he has a reason as to why he doesn't. But still, things are going to get very boring for the next forty nine minutes.

"Let's just talk." He suggested, looking at me with bright eyes filled with happiness. "It can help pass the time."

It was a good idea, if I do say so myself. I get to find out more things about him and he gets to find out more things about me. Ever since we were children we had no secrets and I think it's about time to tell him about my life before I realized he existed. In full detail. He deserves to know everything about me when I know everything about him.

The days went by very fast and we reached the beach house without anything bad happening to us, thankfully. Being stranded in the desert makes you question if you still have any luck. Much to my surprise, the Jacksons were waiting for us patiently in the living room with bright smiles and some tears- mostly coming from Sally.

Percy immediately picked his sister up and placed a kiss on her cheek. Without letting go of the little girl, he gave his parents huge bear hugs that probably crushed Bella but she was fine. And she squealed in delight when she saw me, her blue eyes filled with happiness. I should really pay attention more to who my boyfriend calls because being surprised like this can be very tiring.

"Did you have fun?" Mrs. Jackson asked, sitting down on the sofa with her husband beside her. "You've been gone for so long. I hope it was worth it."

Most of us nodded, Clarisse merely shrugged. In front of me, Silena started showing the many souvenirs she managed to buy. I don't even know how she does that without any of us- except for Beckendorf- knowing. There was even one from Denver and California. And as far as I'm concerned, we never left to go to the mall. But I didn't ask her for explanations. Knowing her, she wouldn't answer them anyways.

We told them everything that happened from different points of views. Connor and Travis teased about the many times they saw me and Percy making out in ever place we can. I tried very hard not to hit both of them but my blush was still very obvious. Piper broke the tension and shared about the new friends we made. She even managed to describe Angela perfectly without faltering, quite a feat I might add. As usual, Sally saw the scars on Jason's hands and arms and interrogated us about it.

I stayed quiet, my head bowed down in guilt. I would have prevented this from happening if I just paid closer attention. And Percy couldn't help but blame himself for it because it was his dare that broke them up. But Percy's cousin didn't say anything, fingering the used-to-be wounds.

Leo sighed, "It was my fault, Mrs. Jackson." He muttered, "I did something I wasn't supposed to and Jason and Piper broke up. When I saw him…" his gaze fell in absolute guilt.

Chris placed a hand on his shoulder and patted it reassuringly. It was just something we can't prevent and I know it was a painful topic to discuss for the couple. Just like Luke in my relationship with Percy.

"Okay," Poseidon clapped his hands, shattering the uncomfortable silence. "Why don't we eat? Sally made lasagna and I know how hungry you are."

At the mention of food, all of the guys perked up and gathered around the dinner table. I rolled my eyes at the sight of Seaweed Brain shoving a spoonful of lasagna in his mouth.

All in all, it was good.

Please Review!