. Lonely Lullaby
Disclaimer I don't own PJO
Chapter 12: Um Thanks?
Annabeth's POV
Here's how my day went after seeing Percy: Thalia took me dress shopping, I went back to the Grace's, Thalia made me model it because she wanted Jason's opinion, and then she forced me to wear eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, and lip gloss against my will. Then I was blindfolded and put in the backseat of a car. When the door finally opened I realized that New York actually felt warm. The breeze blew against my legs in my black tights. I knew we had stepped inside a building when I no longer felt the breeze and the lights became brighter. The clack of my heels against the floor and all the other white noise was soon replaced with the clanking of glasses and loud chatter. As the Graces lead me through the room a hush fell over the room.
"Watch your step." Thalia warned as we walked up a few stairs. A voice boomed over the speakers.
"On May 30th two years ago I lost someone dear to me," It was my mother's soft voice. "It hurt not knowing if she was okay or where she was. Only having a note to hold onto was starting to kill me. A few weeks ago Chief Grace then informed me of a new lead they had been given and when I heard the news I nearly fainted." She always was one to faint when hearing distressing news. Thalia nudges me closer to my mother. "It's so good to know my baby is back home." Her voice cracks and she undoes the blind fold. Our grey eyes meet and I smile at her. I wrap my arms around her happily.
"I missed you so much." I whisper and she nods.
"I missed you too." A swear I haven't really smiled in so long, it feels so good. She smiles and then steps off the stage with me. People are cheering and happily greeting me with hugs. As I make my way to the big table I'm supposed to sit at I see Percy's raven black hair through the crowd. I politely excuse myself and walk over to him. His hands are shoved into his tux's pockets and damn does he look good. His hair is messy in the most perfect way and his eyes look such a hypnotizing sea green I wouldn't be surprised if I got lost in them.
He runs a hand through his hair.
"You know Annie," He says and I melt at the way his lips move saying my name, "I was starting to think you weren't going to come back." He says smirking at me.
"Well Percy," I bite my lip trying to keep down a smile, "I just realized there are too many people I left behind. Too many pieces of a puzzle I never put together. To many unfinished blueprints I left on my old desk." I mutter the last part and he laughs, holding his arms out for me to hug him. I quickly abide and rest my head against his chest. We stand in the embrace for a while until an annoying voice rings in my ears.
"Oh Percy!" She calls, her frizzy red hair bouncing and I already feel pissed off. We hesitantly break apart and she rests a hand on Percy's shoulder. She smiles at me, a smile so fake it may as well be made in China. "Annabeth it's so good to see you again!" I smile back at her, wanting nothing more than to claw out her eyes.
"You too Rachel. Thanks for the warm welcome back. So… different than your old greetings, don't you think?" I ask her and her face twists into a sour expression but Percy eyes her.
"Yes definitely different." She turns to Percy, kissing him on the lips quickly. "I'll see you later, okay hon?" She asks slowly licking her lips. I mentally gag. Percy just looks really uncomfortable.
"Yeah okay." She smiles at him one last time before strutting off into the crowd. He puffs out a bit of air and rolls on his feet.
"Well she hasn't changed much." I say and he nods.
"Yeah I agree with you there. Do you want a drink? They've got water, multiple soda flavors, and wine if your mom allows it…" He rambles on and I giggle a little.
"Thanks Percy but I'm fine." Somewhere behind me music begins to play softly and Percy extends his hand.
"Miss. Chase," He sighs dramatically, "Would you do me the honor of dancing your first dance with me?" He asks and I pretend to think about it before lacing our fingers together. We smile at each other and glide back and forth on the dance floor. It wasn't elegant, it wasn't romantic, but it was enough for me. Occasionally we would step on each other's feet and giggle before composing ourselves. "You know I'm really proud of you?" Percy whispered so only we could hear.
"And why's that?" I whisper back.
"I was not the nicest person to you once upon a time and I basically drove you out of town. After two years of living with a complete lunatic, you finally had enough of it. You got him arrested and moved back. You're strong Annabeth I just don't get one thing." He says with his eyebrows furrowed.
"What?" I ask resting my head against his shoulder.
"You somehow just forgave me. It doesn't make sense. I was a prick to say the least." He says sheepishly. I sigh and purse my lips, thinking of how to respond.
"Percy, I know you're not totally into religion but I know you're not against it either. I've been taught my entire life about forgiveness and love in my church. I was taught that while you still may disagree with what the person has done, eventually you need to make some kind of peace. I don't want to live with hatred for anyone. I don't care what they think about me or if I haunt them, they're the guilty ones, and I need to forgive them so I can be at peace with myself. Does that make sense?" He nods.
"You're way too nice." He says twirling me.
"Yeah I guess but you know that in three seconds flat I can turn into the sassiest girl whoever walked the planet." He laughs and smiles at me.
"Yes I do. I actually know her quite well."
So short update to finish up the chapter I interrupted. You guys probably hate me right now. I haven't updated for how long? Anyways bye.