Hello there! I can't believe this is it! The Epilogue! IT'S FINALLY HERE! And, it's the longest chapter of the story. You're welcome. I"m so sad to see this story end, although, all good things must come to an end. Anyways, let's get those Review responses out of the way so that you can enjoy this final installment of Stranded.
Finding Adventures: Yeah... sorry about that. I knew where I wanted to end it, I just didn't realize that I'd reach that point until the last chapter. Thus, the abrupt decision to end this. About future fics... Possibly. I'm still writing, for sure. I've actually got something in the works. However, I don't want a repeat of this past fic. I know you guys all say that it's amazing but honestly, I had half of it really planned out when I published the first chapter so the rest of it was me winging it so I couldn't get in depth like I did with You're Gone and I'm Unbroken. Plus, with classes starting up again in a month, I'm not sure if I'll have much free time. When I feel like I can start posting again without all the stress, I will.
TheOneThatSitsAndLISTENS: WOAH! I didn't even make that connection until you brought it up! HAHA! Anyways, thanks for stick with me this whole time. I'm glad you enjoyed this journey.
Guest: Of course! I was going to add their reaction to the house either way but since you reviewed it, it definitely had to be done in the best way possible!
TopazDesertFlower: Whaddup! - I should not be this awake at 1am. Oh well. In regards to the house on the island... please... read on. :)
Sam (Guest): I'm not that big of a fan for sequels unless its like... supposed to have a sequel. It's nothing against sequels, it's just a personal thing. I think I've ended this story at a good place and to start a sequel would only add the pressure of being better than this. You know? If you haven't already, you should definitely read You're Gone and I'm Unbroken or even Chuck Versus Hollywood. It might take a while before my next story to be published so keep an eye out. And thank you.
Olympian and Wizard: Yo. You deserve a reward. All caught up in two days? Bruh. I thought them being on the island would last a long time... And then... I realized I had no idea how to write about surviving on an island and normally I would do like... extensive research, but I was feeling really lazy and college stuff got in the way and yeah... I know. In continuation of the response above, I'm probs not gonna have a sequel to this story. But, the Epilogue is three times as long as a normal chapter so you're technically getting three more chapters. :P I'll definitely keep writing. I'm just taking a break on posting anything. By the time my next story is up, I'll have gotten even better (hopefully).
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Percy Jackson and the Olympians... Obviously since I am in no way, shape, or form Rick Riordan.
Annabeth was sitting in her office, looking over another potential client profile, when Gwen stuck her head in through the door. "Ms. Chase," the secretary said, her voice timid. She knew that Annabeth didn't like to be disturbed when doing clientele research.
"Yes, Gwen," Annabeth responded, not even looking up from her computer.
"Mr. Valdez is here. He would like a word." That got the architect's attention. She looked up and gestured for him to be sent in. Annabeth spent the short amount of time she had to clean up and straighten her desk before Leo came in. Just as she adjusted the final folder on the corner of her desk, a knock on the door sounded, followed by the entry of her favorite contractor.
"Leo!" she greeted, standing to give him a hug.
"Hey! Annie!"
"Seriously?"
"Seriously." Annabeth rolled her eyes. No matter how many times she told him not to call her that, he still insisted. Very much like a certain best friend of hers that also happened to be her boyfriend's cousin.
"What news do you have for me, Valdez?" she asked, stepping back around her desk so that it stood between them.
"Your house is completo!" he plopped his blueprint holder down on the ground in front of him and opened it, pulling out her blueprints. "I believe these are yours, señorita."
"Really?" Annabeth smiled. She was excited to see how the house turned out. She took the blueprints and stashed them away in her safe.
"I also got your list. My interior designer took what was left over in the budget and managed to fully furnish the place. Everything is top of the line."
"Leo, that's fantastic. Thank you so much."
"Here," he pulled out an envelope from the back pocket of his tool belt. The man always had it on and it seemed to have everything he needed inside. "These are also for you."
The heiress opened the envelope and, upon seeing its contents, her smile grew. She flipped through all of the pictures that Leo had given her. Each one either displayed a part of the house or the view of the land from it. One side overlooked the waterfall and the upstairs balcony was tall enough over the trees so that they could see the beach in the distance.
The house itself was everything Annabeth imagined it to be. She had pulled some Greek designs as the base of the architecture but also threw in some Victorian influences as well as modern influences. This way, she was able to keep an open mind on the furniture scheme. And the furniture scheme was exactly what she wanted. It wasn't too antique nor was it so modern to the point where she'd be afraid to sit down. It was perfect and homey. Just the way she wanted it to be.
She lifted the envelope to put the pictures back inside and found that there was still something inside. She reached inside and pulled out two keys. She looked up, a question on her face.
"The master keys," the contractor explained. Annabeth smiled.
"Thank you, again, Leo."
"It was no problem, Annabeth," he shrugged. "Anyways, that's all I wanted to give you. I've gotta get home to my wife."
"Tell Callie I say 'Hi,'" she reminded him as he backed out of the room.
"You know I will." The contractor shut the door behind him and Annabeth was left all by herself once more. However, now, her mind wasn't on work. It was on the island and how she was going to tell Percy the good news.
•-•
She arrived at her apartment at around six. She'd called Percy in the car, telling to meet her there as soon as he could. By the time she ordered in from the Italian place down the street and changed her clothes to something more comfortable, Percy was walking through the door. "Hey, Annabeth!" he greeted, calling out into the apartment. The architect stepped out of her room and went up to her boyfriend.
"Hey there," she smiled, wrapping her arms around his waist. She leant up and kissed him, an action that he readily responded to. "I have a surprise for you."
He raised a suggestive eyebrow. "Do you?"
Annabeth gasped and playfully smacked him in the chest. "Not like that you perv!" They both laughed.
"What's the surprise?" Percy asked, changing the subject.
"Let's eat dinner first," she suggested. "It should be here…" The buzzer rang. "Right now." She went to the speaker box and pressed the answer button.
"Delivery for Annabeth?" a voice said.
"Come on up!" she said, buzzing him in. She gathered the money for the delivery guy and paid him when he showed up at the door. "Thanks," she said, taking the food. Annabeth joined Percy in the living room and together, the two of them unpacked their meal and began eating. While Annabeth was paying, Percy had set up the Netflix so that the next episode of Once Upon A Time was queued.
As they ate their pasta in a comfortable silence, Annabeth couldn't help but feel that all was finally right in her world. Her and Percy were back together and stronger than ever, their home on the island was ready, she was on track to inherit her mother's company, and her relationship with her mother was an actual mother/daughter relationship. And, at that particular moment, eating take out with her boyfriend while watching their show, everything was perfect. She was exactly where she needed to be.
"So," Percy began as he set down his now empty pasta bowl. "What's this surprise that you're getting me all anxious for?"
Annabeth set her own bowl down and wiped her mouth. She shot him a conspiratorial smile and reached behind a couch cushion, pulling out a small box. "Open it," was all she said.
He shot back a questioning look and took the box from her apprehensively. It was too big to be jewelry but too small for anything else. Annabeth bit her lip in anticipation. Slowly, he opened the box and a look of puzzlement graced his features as he lifted the key out of the box. "A key?" he asked, confused.
"Not just a key."
"A… key to your apartment? I already have one. That's how I got in–"
"No, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth interrupted. "It's a key to a house." When she was met by his usual blank stare, the same one she saw on his face every time she tried to explain something to him, she elaborated. "Our house. On the island." His eyes widened in understanding.
"It's finished?"
"Yup! Leo dropped off them off this morning." She reached behind the cushions once more and pulled out the envelope of pictures and handed them to him. "These are some pictures he took." Percy flipped through them, a look of awe on his face.
"Annabeth… These are incredible," he breathed. "I can't believe you designed this. Wait. Who am I kidding? Of course you designed this. You're you."
"You like it?"
"Are you serious? Annabeth, I love it." He pulled her into a hug and pulled away only long enough to give her a kiss. "Gods. I love you so much."
"Oh yeah?"
"Oh yeah…" He continued to kiss her, leaning forward so that they were now lying across the couch. They didn't do more than make out. They had decided that they wanted to wait until they were both absolutely sure about taking that next step of intimacy. When they finally pulled away due to lack of air, Annabeth smiled. She rested her head on his chest and smiled in content. "So, when can we go visit?" Percy asked. Figuring he was wondering about the house, Annabeth looked up at him.
"How about this weekend?" she asked.
"What?"
"This weekend. We'll take the chopper to the island," she elaborated. "I had Leo install a dock and helipad by the beach." Percy laughed and she shot him a questioning look. "What's so funny?" she asked, sitting up.
"I totally forgot that you were a super rich heiress!" he laughed. "Just hearing you say that so casually was like a slap in the face." Annabeth narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms over her chest.
"Are you insulting me?"
Percy's eyes widened in realization of what he'd just implied. "No! Of course not! I'm just saying that you were right. Not all heiresses are spoiled and snooty. You are very much like a normal girl. You work hard, you're funny, you'd rather save money than spend it–"
"I'm just being practical!"
"Exactly!" She must've had a skeptical look on her face because he continued talking. "No heiress that I've met, even Thalia, is practical." Annabeth thought about it. Her best friend really wasn't the most practical person she'd met. Sure she was down to earth, but when it came to shopping Thalia wouldn't stop until Annabeth declared she was done for the day. The girl was a walking paradox.
"I see your point," she admitted.
"Thank you." Annabeth rolled her eyes.
"So this weekend?" she asked, getting back to the subject. "We'll leave Friday afternoon after work and come back on Sunday."
"So what? The pilot will just drop us off?"
"Uh, yeah… Jeremy has a family, too." Percy gave her a smug smile. "Oh, shut up."
"I'm still wrapping my head around the whole private jets, helicopters, island thing."
"Whatever. You still haven't answered my question."
"Yes. Yes to the weekend."
"Great."
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
Friday rolled around and Percy found himself in the elevator of Olive Branch Architects, ascending toward Annabeth's floor. He managed to get off work earlier than usual and since he'd put his things in his trunk that morning, he had the luxury of heading straight to Annabeth's work. He stepped off the elevator and walked through the floor, greeting the few workers that recognized him from his previous visits. He even gave an awkward wave to Reyna. "Hey, Gwen," he greeted. The secretary looked up from her computer and smiled.
"Hello, Mr. Jackson," she replied. "Ms. Case is currently in a meeting but you are welcomed to wait right over there." She gestured toward the small waiting room beside Annabeth's office. He smiled once more and sat down, placing his duffle bag on the chair beside him.
Not five minutes later, Annabeth stepped out of her office with the client she'd had a meeting with. "Thank you so much for considering us. We'll be contacting you with a draft and quote within the next week."
"Thank you," the man said. "I look forward to working with you."
"As do I." They shook hands and the man headed toward the elevators. Percy stood up from his seat and Annabeth saw him. She smiled and motioned for him to go with her into her office. When the door closed behind him, Annabeth pulled him into a hug and kiss.
"Mmm," he hummed. "You ready to go?" he asked once they pulled away.
"Let me just finish wrapping up in here and we'll head up," she answered.
Knowing that Annabeth had a certain way she ran her office, he decided to take a seat on her couch and just wait. Percy quickly realized he had a new favorite hobby: watching Annabeth work. It sounded creepy, sure, but he just loved looking at her. Everything, from the way her brow furrowed when she was concentrated to the way she bit her lip when she came across a problem that seemed unsolvable. He must've had a smile on his face because Annabeth stopped working and gave him a weird look. "What?" he asked.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked. He shrugged in response.
"No reason," he said. "You're just… really cute when you're working hard."
She raised an eyebrow. "Am I?"
"Of course you are," he said. "You're already a normal cute on a day to day basis but you get this extra cute thing going for you when you're at work."
"Oh. Good to know." Annabeth shook her head and turned back to her computer. Minutes later, just as Annabeth shut down her computer, there was a knock on her door. "Come in!" Annabeth called as she grabbed her bag and packed up some papers and other things around her desk." The door opened and Athena came into the room. Percy's eyes widened and he stood up. Then next thing that the older woman did surprised him.
"Relax," she laughed. "Annabeth told me your plans for the weekend." She turned to her daughter. "The helicopter is ready on the roof."
Of course they have a helipad on the roof of their building, he thought. That shouldn't be weird. Most companies in New York had a helipad on the roof of their buildings.
"Thanks mom," Annabeth smiled, slinging her workbag over her shoulder. "Percy, I'm just gonna run down to my car to put this away and grab my stuff. I'll be right back."
Annabeth was gonna leave him alone with her mother? Oh crap. When the door closed behind his girlfriend's figure, Percy gulped and tried to give a confident smile, though it probably came out as a grimace. Athena Chase never liked him. He knew that. "How have you been Mrs. Chase?" he asked, trying to start a conversation.
"I've been fine, Percy."
"That's good. That's… good."
"Why are you nervous?" she asked.
"W-What?"
Athena laughed. "There's no need for you to be nervous, Percy." Athena moved closer and took a seat on the couch, gesturing for Percy to join her. He did so reluctantly. "Annabeth has told all about your relationship and I have to say… the two of you have been through a lot." She paused as if to gather her thoughts. "I will admit that I did not approve of your relationship in the beginning but I see that she is happy with you. And I do not have to make any threats because I know that if you hurt her or do anything to make her unhappy, she is more than capable of doing what I would do to you." Percy gulped. He knew that the Chase women were a fiery, scary pair. But he loved Annabeth enough to look past that.
"I understand," he said. "I don't plan on ever hurting Annabeth again. And the last time was a misunderstanding. We've grown since then, though." Athena smiled.
"It seems I have underestimated you, Percy Jackson." She stood with perfect timing as Annabeth back came through the door.
Had they really been sitting there that long? he thought.
Athena turned to the couple. "Enjoy your weekend," she said before leaving the office.
Annabeth had a confused look on her face as she walked up to Percy who was now standing once more. "What happened?" she asked.
"I think… I just got your Mom's approval…" Percy said, he himself unsure of what had happened.
"That's good." She pecked his lips. "Come on. We gotta go if we want to get to the island before dark." Percy grabbed his things – along with Annabeth's – and followed his girlfriend up to the roof.
When they arrived, the blades were already spinning and the crewman was waiting for them. He took their bags and ushered them toward the chopper where the pilot was waiting. They boarded the chopper and, soon after, took off.
The flight itself was a little over an hour long and Percy only got more excited with each passing second. When the island finally came into sight, he was literally bouncing in his seat. "Percy!" Annabeth yelled, holding his arm. "Calm down!"
"It's right there, Annabeth. I can see it!"
"I know!" He looked into her eyes and could see that she was just as excited as him, if not more. She was just better at holding it in. When they landed, they both stepped off and immediately noticed that the shack Annabeth had started before they were rescued was finished and converted into a small cabana, complete with outdoor furniture and everything you could expect from a resort's beachfront cabana, for when they wanted to spend the day at the beach. Annabeth smiled from beside him. "Leo must've finished it. That man sure has an imagination."
The crewman placed their bags beside them and Annabeth thanked him before picking her own bag up. She waved her thanks to the pilot. "We'll be by to pick you up on Sunday afternoon as you've requested."
"Thank you again, Rodney. Tell Jeremy we say, 'thanks.'" The crewman nodded.
"It's our pleasure, Ms. Chase." He got on the helicopter and once Percy and Annabeth were a safe distance away, they took off.
Percy and Annabeth made their way to the opening in the forest and were surprised to see that the pathway was fixed with a wooden pathway, much like a bridge built over sand dunes at the public beaches. Together, they walked across the bridge and in awe as the house came into view. "It's so beautiful," Percy breathed.
The house itself was two stories. The outer walls were white and it reminded him of every fancy home in the movies he'd watched growing up as a kid. There were two balconies that he could see on one side of the second floor that no doubt allowed a view of the beach and large windowpanes on another, facing the direction of the waterfall and oasis. The whole look was very modern, yet it had a distinct suburban feel to it. Annabeth had really outdone herself in the way that she mixed the different architectural styles together. They opened the front door and Percy was still in awe. Everything just got better and better. There was a patio out back fully outfitted with a grill and furniture. The open floor plan connected the large living room to the kitchen. A hallway broke off to the right and the left. "What's down there?" he asked.
"Two bedrooms and a bathroom," Annabeth answered. She designed the house so Percy figured she already knew where every nook and cranny was.
"To the right?"
"Another bedroom."
"What's upstairs?"
"Come on." She led them up the staircase and Percy was surprised to see a second living room/game room. There was a pool table and a foosball table off to the side. The large windows he'd seen from outside gave the perfect view of the waterfall and oasis. Leo's crew had cleared the small amount of trees that blocked the view of the oasis so the waterfall was in clear view. He didn't have much time to ogle the view as Annabeth led them down another hallway and opened the door to reveal a large suite, complete with a kind-sized bed, large windows, much like the ones in both living rooms, and a door to one of the balconies he'd seen facing the front of the house. "And this… is our room," she said, dropping her stuff on the ottoman at the foot of the king-sized bed.
"Woah," was all he could manage.
"There are also two more rooms down the other hallway." He'd seen the hallway she was talking about as she'd dragged him in here. "If you're hungry, the kitchen should be fully stocked, and I made sure Leo outfitted the house with cable and internet."
"This house is perfect," he breathed. Annabeth laughed. He closed the distance between them and hugged her, lifting her up and spinning her. "You're perfect. I love you."
"I love you, too." They kissed right as the sun set.
•-•
Four Months Later
"Come on boys! We've gotta go!" Percy yelled. Jason, Nico, Will and Frank all rushed down, half dressed in their tuxedos. "The girls are already waiting! My mom just texted me, wondering where we are!"
"Crap!" Jason exclaimed. Each boy grabbed their respective jackets and rushed out to the lobby where the limousine was waiting for them outside. They climbed in and made a couple of last minute adjustments to their outfits on the way to the church.
Everything before the actual ceremony was a crazy blur. The boys were running around the venue, making sure that everything was perfect and the girls were in the dressing room trying to calm the anxious bride down.
The ceremony itself was beautiful. Tears filled the eyes of all the women in the wedding party and in the congregation. Even the men admitted to being touched. At the reception, Percy and Annabeth were sharing a dance on the dance floor. "This day was so perfect," the blonde heiress said.
"Maybe on your end," Percy scoffed. "We, on the other hand, were running around like chickens with our heads cut off making sure that everything went perfect."
"Well, all your hard work paid off." They shared a kiss and turned their head to look at the happy, newlywed couple. Rachel was laughing at something Octavian had said. The two looked so happy and Percy found himself thinking about the day he and Annabeth would be celebrating their commitment to spend the rest of their lives together.
Someday, he thought.
Not long after their dance, all the unmarried women were gathered in a huddle and Rachel was standing with her back facing them for the traditional bouquet toss. When the flowers went airborne, they flew right in the direction of Piper, who sidestepped at the last minute so that the bouquet landed in Annabeth's unsuspecting arms. Percy laughed as Annabeth blinked at the bouquet that seemed to have magically appeared in her hands. As the girls dispersed and the men walked up to the dance floor, Percy passed Piper and the two did a small furtive handshake. Now all he had to do was catch the garter. The only guy in the crowd who matched his height was Jason and they had an understanding so he wouldn't have much of a problem. Once Octavian retrieved the garter, from Rachel's thigh, he turned his back and tossed. All Percy had to do was reach his hand out and the elastic band landed right in his hand. The rest of the guests cheered as Annabeth took a seat on a chair in the middle of the dance floor and Percy slid the garter up her leg, stopping it around her mid thigh.
"Did you plan this?" she asked when they did their dance.
"What?" Percy replied, feigning innocence.
"This whole thing with the bouquet and the garter."
"Annabeth, I have no idea what you're talking about. I just knew that I wasn't going to let anyone else catch that garter."
"Mhmm… sure."
"I'm serious!"
"Whatever." He leaned forward and gave her a kiss.
"You looked so cute when that bouquet landed in your hands."
Annabeth gasped. "You did plan this!"
"I only came to an agreement with Piper and Jason. Now, all I have to do is introduce them."
"I'm so glad you and your cousin made up," Annabeth said, referring to the past when Percy had walked in on Jason and Reyna making out.
"Yeah… Well… he's family and Reyna was the one who stepped out. And, we were never really that close as kids. I didn't even know he existed until he made lacrosse team captain and I didn't find out he was my cousin until we hit college and we saw each other at a family reunion. We decided to put the past behind us. We've both changed and we've both matured."
"Good for you." They both smiled before they shared another kiss.
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
One Year Later
Annabeth stood off to the side of the stage as her mother spoke at the podium. It was the annual company ball and Athena Chase was making the CEO's address. "I have ran this company ever since it started out as a small firm in Virginia. I am proud to have witnessed its growth and development as though it were a child. And it was. It was my child for many years until I had one of my own. Then, I had the pleasure of watching her grow and develop into the beautiful, strong, young woman she is today. And, today is a special day, because I have the pleasure of announcing that my daughter, Annabeth Chase, will be taking over Olive Branch Architects. I have the utmost confidence that she will continue to uphold the values and traditions of our company as well as continue to advance and improve our techniques and styles. The decision to pass on the company to my daughter was not a light one, however, it was easy to see that it Annabeth has matured into a capable architect and business woman. There is no one else that I can see fit to run this company." Athena gestured for Annabeth to take the podium. The blonde heiress stepped forward and hugged her mother before standing in front of the microphone and all of the company's employees.
"Thank you," she said, looking back at her mother. "And thank you," she directed to all of the people in the audience looking up at her. "This is an opportunity that I have been looking forward to for years. I have grown alongside this company and have witnessed its peaks and valleys. I have learned everything there is to know about our organization. I have worked in all capacities in this company, from summer jobs in the mailroom to architectural internships in college." She paused for the wave of nostalgia and chuckles to radiate throughout the crowd. They'd all seen her grow as she'd spent much of her time in the Olive Branch building. "Now, I have the honor of continuing the works of my mother and this company. This company, and everyone in it, is family. You were all there, watching over me as a child and treating me as an equal when I was amongst your ranks. And, although I will be assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer, I still want us to be a family. Because, even though we are an international organization, we still are a family business. I intend to keep it that way. So, thank you for your loyalty to this family. I'll see you all at work on Monday." Applause and laughter filled the ballroom and Annabeth stepped back for the Master of Ceremonies to keep the party moving along. Annabeth went to her mother and gave the older woman a hug.
"What a wonderful speech," the elder Chase praised.
"Thank you, Mom." Out of the corner of her eye, Annabeth could see three more presences join them. "Dad! Matthew, Bobby!" She hugged her father and brothers as the three Chase boys praised her speech as well. As she spoke with her parents and thanked them for everything, she could feel someone standing behind her. She turned around and was happy to see her boyfriend standing there with his hands in his pockets and his boyish smile on his face. "Percy!" she ran up to him and hugged him. They shared a brief kiss, mindful of their company.
"Congratulations, Annabeth," he said. "You were great up there."
"Thank you."
"Mr. and Mrs. Chase," he greeted. "Matt, Bobby."
"Hello, Percy," Frederick acknowledged. Athena and the twins smiled in greeting.
"I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to steal away the newest CEO of Olive Branch Architects for a dance."
"The pleasure is ours."
Percy smiled once more before he took Annabeth's hand and led her to the center of the dance floor. Annabeth gave him a questioning smile.
"Who are you and what have you done with my boyfriend?" she asked jokingly.
"Hey now, I may be on your family's good side but they still scare the crap out of me," Percy admitted. Annabeth laughed. "Plus, we're at a company ball. It feels weird to be anything but proper."
"Touché." They danced around in a comfortable silence, Annabeth's head rested on her boyfriend's chest.
"How does it feel?" Percy finally asked. Annabeth lifted her head to look at him.
"What?"
"How does it feel to be in charge of all these people?" Annabeth looked around at everyone dancing and mingling.
"Honestly?"
"It's preferable."
"It's a little scary… and intimidating," she admitted. "But, I've grown up with these people, they're as much family as my parents and brothers."
"And me." Annabeth cocked her head at his addition. He stepped back and knelt on one knee. Her eyes went wide in a mixture of shock, excitement, and anxiety. The music stopped and everyone's eyes were on them. It was as though time had frozen around them. "Annabeth Sophia Chase," he began, a smile on his face. Already, tears were forming in Annabeth's eyes. "I have known you for a little over a year and in that time, we've been through so much. You were the one that kept it together when we were stranded on that island, which seems like a lifetime ago. You were the one that went above and beyond for our relationship. I was the one that screwed it all up. But, I've learned from my mistakes. And, one thing I've learned is that one does not simply walk away from Annabeth Chase."
"Are you seriously making a Lord of the Rings Meme reference right now?" Annabeth laughed through her tears.
"Maybe…" Everyone around them chuckled. Percy shook his head, getting back on track. "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that today is probably the happiest day of your life, but I want to beat that. I want to keep beating that. I want the day we get married to be the happiest day of your life, our life. I want the day we find out you're pregnant with our child to be the happiest day of your life, our life. I want the birth of our children to be the happiest day of your life, our life. Do you see where I'm going?" Annabeth nodded, prompting him to keep going. "I want to be there, I want to be a part of every happy day in your life and I want to be there for you when you have your bad days, too. So, will you, Annabeth Sophia Chase, spend the rest of your life with me? Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He brought a hand out from behind his back and revealed a small, velvet box. Upon opening said box, Annabeth saw the most beautiful ring she'd ever seen. It had a sterling silver band and three stones. The middle, and largest stone, was a round cut, one-carat diamond, and on either side of the diamond, point-five karat, princess cut emeralds sat. It was simple yet elegant. It was perfect.
"Yes." She barely managed to get the three-letter word out. With the smile that rivaled the Cheshire cat's, Percy slid the ring onto the appropriate finger and stood up to pull Annabeth into a hug. Tears of happiness flowed down Annabeth's cheeks as they kissed. "Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes," she repeated as everyone around them cheered. Annabeth caught the eyes of her family members who were among the crowd, cheering for the newly engaged couple.
•-•
Nine Months Later
Annabeth took a deep breath and steeled her nerves. Behind the curtain in front of her was a small congregation of her and Percy's closest friends and family, waiting to witness their commitment to one another. They were currently on location on the beach of Ogygia, having flown out all their guests, celebrating their wedding day. The last of the wedding party made their way down the aisle and took their places, flanking either side of the makeshift altar. Now, it was just Annabeth – and her father of course.
"You ready, Sweetheart?" he asked, holding his arm out for her to take.
"As I'll ever be," she answered. She looped her arm through his and faced forward. The curtain rose and, rather than the traditional wedding march, Bright Eyes' First Day of my Life – the song she and Percy danced to on their first date – started playing. Annabeth and her father made their way down the aisle. When Percy turned around, she could see his sea green eyes light up with happiness. She couldn't possibly guess what was going through his mind but she felt like she could burst with joy. His hair was windswept and his eyes matched the color of the ocean. It looked like he literally had seaweed in his head. He had that boyish smile on his face that she loved so much. She could see him trying to hide the fact that he was wiping his hands on his pants. He was perfect. The whole day was. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the temperature was a perfect sixty-eight degrees. They reached the foot of the altar and her father kissed her hand before placing it in Percy's. After passing off her bouquet to Thalia, her maid of honor, Annabeth stood next to soon-to-be husband and held his both of his hands in hers.
"Dearest family and friends," the pastor began. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Perseus Dylan Jackson and Annabeth Sophia Chase in the sacred bond of Holy Matrimony. Before we continue, I'd like to ask anyone who objects to this union to come forward now or forever hold their peace." The pastor paused briefly, but no one stood up or spoke out. "Very well." He continued on with the wedding script. He explained the meaning behind a union of two people and how it was the beginning of the next chapter of their lives. Annabeth and Percy both listened intently, excited for their chapter to finally begin. "And now, the vows. Annabeth?"
Annabeth smiled. "Percy, or should I say Perseus?" The congregation chuckled. "When we first met, I thought you were so annoying. We were stranded on this island and all you cared about was not using other people's clothes." More chuckles. "But, as we got to know each other, I learned that you were just a really nice guy that put others first. You've opened me to a whole new world outside of work and I'm so happy that you did. You've made me realize that there is so much more to life and I can't wait to live the rest of mine with you by my side." Percy smiled.
"Perseus?" the pastor prompted.
"What? Oh. Right. My turn." He looked into Annabeth's eyes and she could literally see his brain scratch everything he'd prepared. "I'm sorry." Her eyes widened in shock. "I prepared the perfect vows but they're not good enough." Her heart was beating hard and fast and she wasn't sure if it was because she was anxious or nervous or what. "I can't express my love for you in a few short words. I can't use those words to tell you how I can't wait to start our lives together, or how are kids are gonna be fish lovers that can draw really well." The congregation chuckled once more. "Words just can't express that. Because even though I'm telling you this all now, the feeling, the deep, raw feeling in the depth of my being is so much stronger that these words don't do it justice. They just don't cut it. So, instead, I'll just have to show you. So this is my promise to you: I promise that I will spend the rest of our lives together showing you how much I love you." There were a number of 'awws' from the ladies in the audience.
"May we have the rings?" the pastor asked. Frank, Percy's best man, handed the rings to him and they each took each other's respective rings. "Annabeth, do you take Perseus Dylan Jackson to be your lawfully wedded husband; do you promise to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to honor and respect, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, from this day forward until death do you part?"
"I do." She slid the ring onto his finger.
"And do you, Perseus, take Annabeth Sophia Chase to be your lawfully wedded wife; do you promise to have and to hold, to love and to cherish, to honor and respect, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, from this day forward until death do you part?"
"I do." He slid the ring onto her finger.
"Then, by the power vested in me by the state of New York, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Percy lifted her veil and gave her a kiss. When they pulled away, he dipped her and placed another kiss on her neck. Everyone in the congregation cheered for the newlyweds.
"I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Perseus Jackson!" The congregation continued to cheer as the couple made their way back down the aisle to the house where the reception was going to take place.
•-•-•-•-•-•-•-•
Five Years Later
"Congratulations, Mrs. Jackson, it's a baby girl," the midwife announced. She placed the little pink bundle into Annabeth's arms.
"Oh, she's so precious," Annabeth crooned. "Percy, look at our daughter."
"She looks just like you," he said. "She has your nose and hair."
"But she has your lips." The baby girl opened her eyes. "Oh! And she has your eyes, Percy. She's gorgeous." Percy took the baby from Annabeth and cuddled her.
"Definitely worth every broken bone in my hand." Annabeth swatted her husband's leg.
"Oh, hush."
"Do you have a name for your baby girl?" A nurse asked.
"Penelope," Annabeth said, smiling at Percy. "Penelope Rose Jackson."
"A beautiful name." The nurse turned to write the name on the basinet card. She gave them a few more minutes with the newborn before interrupting once again.
"I'm sorry, but I have to take her to go get checked out," a nurse said, taking the child from her parents. "A nurse will be by to take you to a private room."
"Thank you."
Once they were transferred into a private room, Annabeth turned to her husband. "Call our parents. Tell them what room we're in."
"On it." As Percy stepped out to make the phone call, Annabeth closed her eyes and breathed a sigh of contentedness. The past five hours in the delivery room were death on her. She thought that after the first one, the second would be a breeze but it was definitely no walk in the park.
"Mommy!" her three year old yelled as he burst into the room, clambering up the hospital bed. Unlike his sister, Andrew Neal Jackson had jet-black hair and a nose like his father while his and lips and eyes were just like his mother's.
"Hi, Baby," she smiled, lifting him the rest of the way. "Where's Daddy?"
He pointed to the door right when Percy opened the door, revealing both their parents and Thalia. "Mommy, where's baby sister?"
Annabeth smiled. "Your baby sister is coming. She needs to be checked by the doctors first."
"How is she?" Her mother asked.
"She's perfect. She's healthy and beautiful."
At that moment, a nurse walked in, pushing the basinet in front of her. Percy received the cart and thanked the nurse. He carefully lifted the baby out of its carrier and showed her to his parents and in-laws. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Penelope Rose Jackson."
"Oh, Annabeth, she's gorgeous," Sally praised, taking her second grandchild from her son. "Hello there, Penelope." Athena moved next to Sally and the two older women fawned over the baby girl.
Andrew, her son, lifted his arms and Percy lifted the boy up into his arms. After baby Penelope was passed around from grandparent to grandparent to Thalia, she was given back to her mother. "A picture!" Annabeth's best friend yelped, pulling out her camera. Percy sat on the edge of the bed beside his wife, sitting his son in his lap. The members of the Jackson family smiled and Thalia took the picture. It was a picture of a beautiful, happy family. When Annabeth looked at the photo, she could feel tears of joy fill her eyes. It was everything she'd ever wanted since she'd met Percy: a happy, healthy family.
Who would have thought that getting stranded on an island would be the best thing that ever happened to her?
And there you have it! The conclusion of Stranded! I really hope I covered everything that was brought up to my attention. I think I did. If I didn't, I'M SO SORRY! I love you all so much.
There will be one more Author's note after this, giving you guys a better explanation of my... I guess Hiatus...
I will also, in that final Author's note be responding to EVERY review. That's right. Every. Last. One. So! Review with your questions and I will answer them to the best of my ability. Make those reviews count! Don't make me respond with single worded responses. This is your chance to tell me how you feel about my writing, etc.
I do not condone HATE. Constructive criticism, on the other hand, is very much welcomed. :)
Talk to me, guys! Ask me questions about my writing or about me (within reason - I won't be giving out any super private information).
I did something like this on You're Gone and I'm Unbroken and I'll do it again with Chuck Versus Hollywood. I wanna make it a tradition after every story just to gather what you guys think about it.
So... for the last time... (in this story)
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