Chapter 2:

Percy had a long day. He was visiting Olympus to have his monthly meeting with the gods for a progress report on how things were going within the demigod community. It was exhausting, trying to remain calm as the gods quarreled amongst themselves. Completely exhausted, Percy had just finished the meeting and was driving down the highway towards their house. He hadn't seen Annabeth in two days, and was looking forward to coming home and not having to worry about his job until the next month. He couldn't wait to tell their kids the story of how Zeus almost flipped his chair when Hades suggested that Zeus take a break from watching his lasted favorite television program, "Temples For the Gods" which featured the newest and most expensive temples that the gods could order their people to build. He laughed at the thought of Zeus ordering a bunch of servants to erect the Temp200, the newest and hottest temple of worship. AS he thought of his wife and kids, he got even more heartsick for home, wanting to get to his house even quicker. He pulled onto their road and did fifty just down the 400 meter stretch to their driveway.

The Jackson's house was a comfy, beachy, little place. You'd never know that it housed two of the most well-known demigods in history. He smiled to see that their oldest daughter had her face pressed up against the living room window as he pulled into the driveway. She disappeared from the window and came running out of the front door to hug her father as he got out of the car. "Daddy!" she screamed as she ran down the path to him. He scooped her up into his arms. Lenna was the perfect mix between him and Ani, having her mother's beauty, and her father's personality. He kissed her in the midst of her laughter. "I missed you Lenn. I've got some stories to tell you" Percy said playfully as he set her down. She squealed and started running around him as he walked up the path to the front door of the house. There, his other two beautiful girls waited for him. Rylie clutched her mother's hand, smiling from ear to ear. She was the spitting image of him, except for her grey eyes. He ran up to them, picking Ry up and swinging her around, placing her next to her sister on the lawn. He looked up at his wife. He had missed her so much. He turned and kissed her. Nothing too long, just long enough to make up for the two days he hadn't been able to feel her soft skin or hear her laughter. He then pulled out of the kiss and hugged her tightly. She winced when he squeezed her, and he let her go. She looked pained. Percy stared at his wife, concerned. "You okay Ani?" he asked, his voice full of concern. Annabeth looked at Percy with her piercing grey eyes. She looked tired, but she smiled weakly. "I'm fine. I just need a little rest" she whispered to him. She pulled him in for another kiss. "I missed you, you know" Annabeth whispered to her husband.

Annabeth was washing the dishes from that night's meal when Percy came up behind her, holding her waist up against his. She winched turning out of his grasp. The pain flared back up again as he touched her sides. She looked at him, pulling his hands off of her and gave him a quick kiss. He was ridiculously handsome, even in an old t-shirt and pajama pants. "Ani what's wrong. You look like you've been stabbed. Are you sure you're okay?" Percy asked as his wife as she walked over to put the dishes back into the cabinet. "I'm fine" Annabeth replied without much gusto. "If something is bothering you then…" "I said I'm fine Percy" Annabeth retaliated. "I've just had a few stomach pains that's all". "Well I'm sure we can make an appointment with the doctor at one point or another" Percy replied. He never wanted to see Annabeth in pain. And Percy would do anything in his power to help Annabeth. Annabeth did not reply, signaling that she had ended this conversation and it was to be discussed later. Percy walked up the stairs to the girls' room, kissed them goodnight and tucked them into bed. As he was putting Rylie into her crib she asked "Mamma okay?" in her sweet little baby voice. Percy replied "I hope so".

After making sure both girls were comfortable, he proceeded back into his own room, waiting for Annabeth to come upstairs. She walked into their room stiffly, and was relieved to see Percy already there. She quickly changed from her blouse and jeans into her t-shirt and shorts and got into bed with Percy. Even after two kids she was gorgeous, her figure was perfect, and she couldn't have been any more beautiful. He rolled over and wrapped his arms around his wife, kissing her on the head, his face buried in her long blonde hair. She then whispered " Do you ever wonder what would happen if one of us where to…go away?". "If you are implying that you might be leaving soon…" "No, no, not like that. I mean like what if there was an accident that left only one of us. What do you think would happen to the one left. Would you marry again? What would happen to the kids, growing up with only one parent. And what if…" "Annabeth!" Percy interrupted her. "Are you planning on dying any time soon?" he asked. "Well no, but.." "Well neither am I so I don't think we have anything to worry about."he said matter-of-factly. "And besides, to answer your question, I would never dream of marrying anyone besides you". She relaxed a bit in his arms. "I love you" she whispered sleepily. "I love you too" Percy whispered back, his eyes closing and settling into her. He fell asleep soon after. In Percy's dream, Annabeth and the girls were happy and on the beach, laughing and smiling. Then there was someone screaming. The beach faded to dark. Percy didn't know who it was, or why they were screaming. And they were screaming someone's name. As the screams got louder, Percy's family disappeared, and he could hear the name that the woman was screaming. It was his. Percy woke with a start and jumped out of bed. He found Annabeth lying on the floor of the bathroom next to the toilet. She had some puke on her chin and the nectar bottle had fallen off of the counter. She was crying, clutching her stomach, screaming his name in pure, white hot pain.