Disclaimer: I don't own PJO
I sighed sadly as I looked back at the beautiful beach house, leaning against my boyfriend's arms.
We were supposed to leave today, seeing that we at least have to spend a few days with our families and prepare for school. It wasn't my decision but it was the catch. All of the parents agreed on the beach house thing as long as we'll be home a month before the first day.
The trip back to the Jackson's mansion consisted mostly of comfortable silence. No one dared to make a single comment seeing that we weren't really in the mood to argue. It was a sad day for everyone. The next time we'll see the beach house might probably be next summer already and who knows when the time after that will be. I can't stand losing my friends. They're my family and I don't know what I'm going to do without them.
My eyes drifted to the book I was reading, trying hard to push back the feelings of desperation and sadness and disappointment. I thought of what Jason said so long ago, about staying there and having classes on the beach and sitting under the stars with the people I love around me. I wanted that.
Percy noticed my change of mood, of course. He's grown extra sensitive towards me lately and I was having mixed emotions about it. The good thing was that I didn't feel at all offended. "Are you alright, Annabeth?" he asked, not even bothering with my nickname. I guess he knew how I felt at that moment.
"Yeah," I answered in a voice just about a whisper. I smiled at him reassuringly and placed a hand over his. "I'm just a little sad that we have to leave, you know. That place was like a second home to me. To all of us! It was like the best escape from reality."
He nodded his agreement, squeezing my fingers lightly. "I know how you feel. But I swear to you that we're going to be back there for break next year. Think of it as a continuation of summer."
Ever since we started going out, his inner knowledge suddenly started to show itself to the world. I guess that's a good thing, then. Now I don't have to constantly yell at him for being so oblivious to such things.
I don't know why but my mind travelled to all of those naked nights I shared with him, where he would show me how much he loved me. I wasn't totally against it but… "What's on your mind now, Wise Girl?" he looked so adorable when he's confused. I now realized why I liked making things hard for him. He was cute.
"What if I'm pregnant?" I just blurted it out and I suddenly noticed how quiet it was in the car. The tension couldn't have sliced with a sword because of how thick it is. Thalia tensed. I guess it wasn't my best move to say those words while in a vehicle with my best friend/sister at the backseat. I've never seen her so murderous before.
Nico held her back, thank goodness. "Anna…" Percy sighed, looking at me once with those beautiful sea green eyes of his. "You know you don't have to worry about me leaving you, right?"
"It's a very big possibility that you wouldn't want anything to do with me anymore if I am. It's stupid, I know, but possible." I was holding back tears now. I couldn't stand losing my friends but I would die if I lost him. Percy Jackson is my life. That's a known fact.
He pulled over and ordered Nico to drive instead. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the sight of him getting out of the driver's seat and heading shotgun. "What are you doing?"
Seaweed Brain, my Percy, took my hand in his and went over to sit in the back. I still didn't get why we had to switch drivers and Thalia had the same expression I had from the passenger seat. My boyfriend just shook his head.
"If there is a little me or a little you growing inside of there," He motioned to my flat stomach. I had to admit that my breathing hitched when he started tracing circles around my belly button. "They're going to be very spoiled. I'm not leaving you, Annabeth Chase. I love you more than anything else in the world. You are my world. Don't doubt my feelings for you even once."
A small smile appeared on my lips and I immediately hugged him, pressing my lips softly to his. This wasn't me but I enjoy being this way in front of him. Vulnerable. He was the only person I can trust to make me feel this way. "I love you, too."
We didn't venture on the topic further. Because of the little incident, the others reached Percy's house ten minutes earlier. I missed my bedroom here so much. And Bella, who constantly appeared at my doorway just to watch me read or design. She told me that I was her 'role model' and she wanted to be exactly like me when she grows up. If ever she does want that, then I have to teach her to avoid the mistakes that I have made. The stupid, careless, immature mistakes."
Turns out, I wasn't pregnant after all.
Percy was relieved when I told him. As much as he wants a child with me, I think he agrees that we're still too young for that and it would be best if we wait until we graduated college and have decent jobs and get married before we start the baby talk. God, he already has something planned for our future?
My father came to visit with my little brothers the day after he found out that we were back. As usual, I enjoyed dad's company and it made me feel loved by at least one of my parents. And Bobby and Matthew played with Percy and Bella outside with Mrs. O' Leary chasing after them. It was nice to see that again. It's been way too long.
"Are you being safe?" Was the first thing my dad said after an entire five minutes of comfortably silence.
My ears turned red at the statement. Seriously? He gave me "The Talk" before. Why is he giving it again? "Dad!" I whined, burying my face in my hands.
"I am your father, Annabeth. I have to know these things. I have to know if that boy is treating my little angel right." He crossed his arms, looking slightly embarrassed himself.
I sighed, "Yes, daddy" I muttered, sucking up to him like I usually do. The only time I call him 'daddy' was when I didn't want him to be mad at me. "Percy and I are being safe."
He nodded, looking awfully superior. I tried very hard to roll my eyes at him and actually succeeded. Yay! "Annabeth, I know you can protect yourself and Percy's a nice guy so there's hardly anything to protect yourself from. But you have to understand that I'm only trying to protect you."
"I know." I flashed him a smile, a true smile. "Thank you, dad."
Surprisingly, Dr. Chase stood up and called for the boys. He said his goodbyes, kissing me on the forehead like he usually does and threatening Percy about hurting him if he hurts me and then he left. It actually didn't surprise me.
The man I love wrapped an arm around my waist like he usually does and stared after the door. "What are we going to do now, Wise Girl?" He asked innocently, his eyes flashing with another not-so innocent emotion.
"Let's go watch Toy Story 3 with Bella!" I urged, making him laugh a little at my immaturity. It wasn't entirely my fault since Percy's younger sister has been pleading for me to watch that specific movie with her and I never really had the heart to say no.
I guess too-adorable puppy dog faces run in the family.
And so, we spent the rest of the day watching that specific movie with the little almost four year old girl on my lap. I've watched it a million times before with my brothers but it still gets me every single time. Beside me, Percy was smiling with his eyes as bright as the sun. He wasn't paying any attention to the movie but on me and Bella instead. He likes it when his two favorite girls were enjoying themselves. I even managed to shed a few tears when Andy was giving his toys away, including Woody.
As the ending credits rolled in, I noticed that the youngest Jackson was very much asleep with her head against my chest. Seaweed Brain suggested that he bring her to bed before dinner and I wasn't really against that. With the toddler safely in the arms of her brother, we brought her to the pinkish bedroom close to my own. He sighed, placing her gently on the small mattress and kissed the top of her head lightly. Percy has always been so caring, especially to those who barely know how to take care of themselves.
We sat on the recliner, watching her as she slept. I felt responsible for everything that happens to her because we're the ones who're with her every step of the way. Sally and Poseidon are awesome parents, don't get me wrong, but… I don't know how to finish that statement.
Seeing that there was nothing to do, Percy brought me to my room. We sat there on my bed, cuddling and talking like we usually do. I told him about my worries and he reassures me that he will always be there for me. Nothing much really changed other than the fact that we're going back to school soon. And his birthday will be next week already.
Seaweed Brain will turn 17 next week.
I didn't have a gift for him yet. And I should give him the best present in the world because I was his girlfriend. Sure, I'm always filled with the greatest ideas regarding what he wants but Percy's too humble to even want anything. He already has everything he needs, or that's what he says, and the only other thing I can think about is to throw a party as big as what we gave Piper for her birthday. Or the simple celebration for Jason's on his.
My friends didn't stay for dinner because they needed to go to their respective families. The Grace siblings will be here tomorrow morning because they didn't want to spend their lives with their father. We're sorta in the same situation but I'm more open than they are.
The food consisted mainly of steak and pasta. My mouth watered at the sight. They may have an extremely talented chef in the kitchen but no one can beat Sally Jackson's cooking. I sat at my usual seat, across Percy's mother and beside my boyfriend. He was, by the way, busy waking Bella up from her nap.
Manners were thrown out of the window the moment my fork touched my lips. I didn't care if my hopefully soon-to-be in-laws were just staring at me a little surprised. I missed the food. No one can blame me.
Surprisingly,
Poseidon just chuckled and his wife smiled broadly. "I'm glad you enjoy what I cooked, Annabeth." She commented, giggling slightly.
I blushed to the point where I was probably the same color as a tomato. My eating slowed reasonably until I was acting proper again but their expressions never changed. Those two people are just too kind. I heard the shuffling of footsteps at the hallway and some hushed whispers. And then a small child laughing. It was obvious who those people are.
"Hey, kiddo." Mr. Jackson greeted happily. "How was your sleep?"
Bella just smiled and placed a kiss on her father's cheek, crawling over to her chair and smiling triumphantly. Percy chuckled at the sight, taking the seat beside me and filling his plate up with his mother's delicious cooking.
He, too, didn't bother with manners. And I laughed when I saw the traces of sauce around his mouth, wiping it as if he was a child. This was happening way too much to be healthy. "Thanks, Wise Girl." He said, his mouth still stuffed and not even bothering to swallow.
I shook my head in disapproval. After being scolded for the same thing before over and over again, he really should learn to not talk with his mouth full. Even Bella knows not to. And she barely has enough education. But I have to admit that I enjoy treating him like a child. It made me feel wanted.
Once dinner was over, and after washing the dishes with Percy, I headed upstairs to get ready for bed. However, I stopped directly in front of the little girl's bedroom to see my boyfriend telling her a bedtime story- something he obviously made himself. Bella enjoyed it so there was no problem with that.
I smiled at the sight. He was perfect with children. It's possible that there isn't a child in the world who doesn't want to play with him. I don't even know how I deserved someone so kind-hearted and generous and just so… pure.
My mind returned to the task at hand. I needed to bathe after such a long day and I didn't want to smell when I'm going to spend the night sleeping in Percy's arms. Who wouldn't want to look their best in front of the boy they want to impress? I trudged towards my bathroom and showered quickly. As far as I'm concerned, Seaweed Brain is waiting for me in his bedroom. I shivered lightly at the thought.
After getting dressed to a comfortable pair of pajama pants and a blue crop top, I grabbed a book from one of the shelves and went over to the place I'm going to sleep. And he was waiting for me, as always.
"Hello, Ms. Chase. What brings you here?" His tone was very amused but not at all surprised. He was used to this.
I gave him my most seductive smile. "I think you have an idea why."
He smiled teasingly, standing up. I had to lower my head just so he couldn't see how red my cheeks are at the sight of his bare upper body. "I honestly don't." Percy tilted my face up, grinning slightly at the sight of my embarrassment. He directed me to his king sized bed, per usual, and wrapped a strong arm around me.
"I'm tired, Seaweed Brain." I sighed, burying my face on his muscled chest.
Percy shook his head, something that an adult would do to a child who just asked the most immature question. Was I a child now? "I know you are, baby girl." He whispered to my ear, his fingers drawing circles on my back. "It's been a very long day."
"Since when have you started calling me that?" I asked him, curious. My heart was beating very fast at how he formed his words and I immediately felt myself blush. I wasn't really against it. It was just that he was never fond of that nickname before.
His smile faltered a little, his eyebrows scrunching up in worry. "Why? Don't you like it?"
"No, it's not that." I stammered on my words, looking at him straight in the eyes. "I'm not really against it. It's just very unusual hearing it from you. I'm just used with the whole 'Wise Girl' thing, you know."
The tables are turned now. When we were children, he was the blushing idiot who didn't know how to talk properly. How things have changed over the years. I guess he noticed that too because he just suddenly laughed. "You don't have to explain yourself, Annabeth. I'll call you whatever you want me to call you."
My small hand was in his big one. I let out a small yawn, something he saw as well. "Go to sleep now, Wise Girl."
"I like my new nickname." I muttered incoherently, letting my eyes droop. "You can call me whatever you want to."
Wait, had I just said that? What if he takes advantage of this new found freedom and starts annoying me with the lovey-dovey crap? I mean, sure, I loved seeing him tease every once in a while but that doesn't mean that I'm totally fond of it. But I'm sure that Percy wouldn't dare try anything new on me, in the fear of getting his butt kicked by a girl.
The thoughts suddenly started to blur and I found myself in the realm of unconsciousness.
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of squealing that obviously came from a little girl or Silena Beauregard. But the latter might have been a little unrealistic seeing that it was only seven in the morning and she might not even be awake yet. Then again, how could Bella be so energetic at this time?
"Annabeth!" the sounds started growing louder. "Percy!" And then someone started bouncing on the bed.
"Come on, Lena." A deeper voice now, "Give them time to sleep."
And then the other person started whining like a baby. "But Charlie! This is really important."
Apparently, I was proven wrong because that wasn't my favorite toddler but my childhood friend. "God, Silena." I complained, sitting up. My outfit was decent enough but I still felt very uncomfortable for Beckendorf to see me this way. Well, there isn't a law saying that a girl has to look like a supermodel after waking up. Only Lena's like that. "What do you want?"
She snapped her head to my direction. Thankfully, I was still under the covers. But Percy was still very much asleep so he couldn't help me right at the moment. "Well, since school is a month away already, I was planning to go shopping and I would very much appreciate it if you would join me."
"Don't you think you're planning ahead too much? There are more things I have to worry about than school." Wow, I can't believe I just said that.
Silena frowned and then she raised an eyebrow at my expression. "You already have something to give Percy for his birthday?" she asked me, calming down a little.
"Yes, of course!" I had to lie. If not, she would drag me to the mall and demand me to buy one of those expensive things that he never liked in the first place. "I have everything planned out already."
"Well, you heard her. Come on, Lena. We really have to go before Percy wakes up. Don't want him hitting us now, do you?" Charlie was a lifesaver, really.
Once that demonic diva I call my friend has left the bedroom, I returned to my previous position. Sadly, it didn't last that long. I can't really blame him for waking up the same reason as I did. Silena can be pretty loud. "Good morning, baby girl." My heart fluttered in my chest. I guess he didn't forget our conversation last night about what he was going to call me from now on.
"Morning to you too, Seaweed Brain." Man, his nickname can never get old. It was the most creative thing I could have thought of when we first met. And I don't plan on changing it any time soon. He was getting used to it. Well, used to me saying it. He will murder the people who call him that other than yours truly.
And then there was a loud clattering coming from downstairs and a few curses here and there. I sighed, sitting up. "They're here."
"I know. I think it's obvious, Annabeth." He leaned against the headboard and stretched his arms, waking them up. "Now, why don't we get ready and kill those people who woke us up from such a nice sleep."
I laughed and nodded, kissing him lightly. "I agree."
We did just that.
I apologize for not updating sooner. Reviews are very much appreciated. Thanks for the support!
