AN: I have a new Percabeth story called 'Concrete Angel' if you haven't already read it then please go ahead and do so. Sorry about any spelling/grammar mistakes. I wanted this chapter to get up as soon as possible.

Enjoy…

A Month Later

Percy

The next time I see Annabeth is a month later though we have been talking over the phone. The day I saw her at the café we made plans to meet up but I had to cancel since I had too much work in New York to sort out. I remember she sounded disappointed over the phone but I told her that we'd do it another time if she wanted and she agreed.

I wish she wasn't married…

Today is a Friday and I called the school I work at to say I was ill so I could go to Lilly's parents' day at her school. I had phoned my boss on the way to Lilly's school and when he asked why he could hear cars I had to lie and say that I was going to the chemist to get medication.

I flew to San Francisco yesterday, not caring whether my boss told me I had to go to work. He let me off, anyway.

I walk into the large school and find that Rachel is waiting inside. "Hi," I say and give her a quick hug.

"Is Silena looking after Lilly?" I ask, knowing that only the students' parents are allowed at these meetings.

"Yeah, she's taking her shopping," Rachel explains and I roll my eyes.

"I bet she causes Silena trouble. Silena loves pink, Lilly doesn't," I say and Rachel laughs.

"Come on, I know where her classroom is," she says and leads the way through the sea of parents.

As usual mine and Rachel's meeting with Lilly's teacher doesn't take long though this year it seems longer than usual. The teacher comments on how polite and grown up Lilly seems for her age and how she is smart.

It's not until Rachel and I walk out of the classroom and Rachel whispers, "She was trying so hard to get your attention," do I realise she is right. I was wondering why she was leaning over a lot.

I laugh and tease, "Oh, are you jealous, ex-wife?"

Rachel chuckles and says, "Of course not, ex-husband."

I love that we can be friends and not hate each other after our divorce. I feel like we are best friends in high school again.

"Besides, I'm sort of dating someone," Rachel admits.

"Is that so?" I question, raising my eyebrows.

"Yeah. He's nice, I guess…" she trails off.

"But?" I add.

"But I don't know how Lilly will react. What if she doesn't like him?"

"If he's as nice as you say he is then she will love him," I say.

"What about you? Are you seeing anyone?" Rachel asks.

I shrug, stuffing my hands in my pockets. "Not really."

"Not really?" Rachel repeats, questioningly.

"It's complicated. We talk on the phone sometimes…" this time I trail off.

"But?"

"But she's married," I admit.

"Percy!" Rachel nearly yells. "You can't be-"

"I know, I know. Calm down, Rach, let me finish," I cut her off.

She nods and I carry on.

"She's not happy and she's only staying with her husband because she doesn't want to take their kids from him but he never sees them anyway because he's always working."

"Still, Percy, you can't be seeing a married woman," Rachel says firmly but softly.

"I know. We're only talking but I like her and… and I think she likes me," I say, walking with Rachel towards the school exit.

I open the door for Rachel and she walks out. I follow her down the steps. I'm too busy looking at her for a reaction to what I said to notice the blonde coming up the steps and we bump into each other.

I grab her hand just in time and stop her from falling backwards down the hard stone steps.

"I'm so sorry," I immediately apologise.

The woman looks up and her eyes widen along with mine. "Percy?"

"Annabeth. Hi," I greet.

Well, this is kind of unexpected… but at the same time it isn't. The twins go to the same school as Lilly. That's crazy, I was just talking about her.

"How are you?" she asks, politely. It's so weird seeing each other face-to-face. We had only talked to each other on the phone two days ago.

"I'm great, thanks. What about you?" I ask back.

"I'm… okay," she smiles and I realise she's looking at Rachel and then back at me, expectantly

"Oh, sorry. Annabeth this is Rachel, my ex-wife, and Rachel this is Annabeth… a friend," I explain. The two women shake hands and offer friendly greetings.

"I have to go. It was nice seeing you, anyway," Annabeth says. I nod.

"Yeah, you too. I'll see you soon," I reply and she nods before running up the steps and into the school, my eyes following her as she goes.

"Is that…?" Rachel asks.

"Yep," I breathe.

"She seems nice," Rachel offers.

"She is," I say.

"But she's married, Percy!" Rachel scolds.

"I know, Rach. It doesn't matter, anyway. We're not dating or anything. Sometimes we talk on the phone and we've seen each other a couple of times. The reason we met was because of Lilly," I say.

"Is that so? Well, you can do what you want but, Percy, be wise and careful. You two having an affair could ruin her families life," Rachel says before giving me a quick hug and walking off in the direction of her apartment.

I sigh and run my hands through my hair before looking at the school one more time and walking in the direction of my hotel. I might as well stay here for the weekend, spend some time with Lilly and maybe I can call Annabeth and see if she wants to go out. No, that will make my liking her obvious. I could ask if she and the boys want to go to the park again or something.

Once I arrive at the hotel I have a shower, washing my hair with the expensive looking shampoo and conditioner the hotel provided. I swear they reserve this room just for me. I've become a regular here. I might as well move here. The thought freezes me and I stand in the shower like a statue while the water runs down me.

Why don't I move? I mean, yes, I have a job in New York but I could easily quit and move here. I could get a job here, maybe at Lilly's school; I heard the history teacher was resigning because of old age. I could see Lilly way more often and maybe even Annabeth…

I switch the shower off and towel-dry myself before sliding into shorts and a plain blue t-shirt. I go over to the bed and lay down for a while, thinking through my new plan. It isn't a bad idea. I could keep my apartment in New York for Lilly or use it when I go over to visit old family and friends.

It's perfect.

I'm brought out of my thoughts when my cell phone rings. I grab it off the bedside table before pressing it to my ear, not bothering to look at the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Percy, it's me," Annabeth's sweet voice replies. I instantly sit up straight and I suddenly feel nervous. I've never felt this way before when we talked on the phone but now I feel like a teenage boy, wanting the hot girl but not being able to have her.

"Oh, hey. What's up?" I ask, trying to act… normal and not like I'm going to have a panic attack or something.

"Nothing. The kids are out and Luke is in work, as usual. I have nothing to do and I was wondering…" she trails off. I can hear the nervousness in her voice.

"Sure. Do you want to go out or do you want to come over here? I could come to yours if you want?" I suggest. Wow, I sound do desperate and eager. I need to calm down.

"I'll come to the hotel. What room is it?" she asks.

"Top floor, room 567," I reply.

"Okay, thanks. I'll be over soon," she says and then hangs up.

I find myself running around the hotel room like a maniac, putting food packets and cans of soda in the trash and making the bed. I try to tame my hair but it just looks even messier than it was before. I sigh and give up on my hair.

I hear the knock on the door not ten minutes later. I try not to sprint to the door, telling myself to calm down and not to make a fool of myself by acting like an idiot. I open it with a large smile, gesturing for Annabeth to come in.

"Hi," I greet.

"Hey. I know this wasn't planned but I had nothing better to do," she admits, smiling softly.

"It's okay. I wasn't doing anything, either," I reply. "Where are the kids?"

"Jess is out with her friends and I said the twins could sleep at their friends house because their teacher said good stuff about them," she says.

"Make yourself at home. Do you want a beer or a soda or anything?" I ask.

"I'll have a beer, please," she replies and takes a seat on the couch.

I walk to the fridge in the corner and grab two beers before going back to the couch and handing her one. I take a seat next to her and take a large gulp from the can. Now what?

"So…" I trail off. "How are things at home?"

"You mean with Luke?" she asks and I nod. She rolls her eyes. "The same as usual. The kids never see him and he sleeps on the couch. I just don't see why he can't take five minutes off of work to see his kids."

"It sounds like he's in love with his job," I say.

"He is. He's more in love with his job that he is with me. I don't even know why I tell you all these things but it feels… normal, you know? If my moaning all the time annoys you just tell me and I'll shut up," she says and I chuckle.

"You don't annoy me, I promise." Far from it, I want to add but that would sound kind of weird.

"That's good. How's Lilly?" she asks.

"She's fine. Her teacher loves her… and me," I say and Annabeth laughs.

"That's not surprising!" she replies and takes a sip of her beer. What does that mean? I decide not to question her. Things will only get awkward.

"You want to watch a movie?" I ask.

"Sure," she replies and I switch the TV on and search through the guide for a good movie.

"How about 'Marley and Me'?" I suggest and she nods.

"I love that film. Have you ever seen it?" she asks and I shake my head.

"No. Is it good?" I ask back.

She smirks. "Watch it and you'll find out."

So, we watch it and by the end I decide it's the saddest film I've ever watched. Annabeth is still crying when the credits roll on the screen and even I have tears in my eyes.

"I'm a mess!" Annabeth sniffs, wiping her eyes.

"It's understandable," I reply, smiling at her.

"What did you think?" she asks.

"That I want to cry like a baby but I don't want to look like a wimp," I admit.

Annabeth raises her brows and says, "You calling me a wimp?"

I grin. "I would never say such a thing," I reply, dramatically and Annabeth bursts into laughter. The sound is like music to my ears and I scold myself for sounding so mushy.

Why does she have to be married?

We talk while we finish our beers and I can't help but wish that the night wouldn't end. I feel so comfortable around her, like we've known each other forever. "Tell me about Jess," I say.

"Jess is a character. She's fifteen. She started hanging around with a new group several months ago and she's changed. We've never got on perfectly but she's become worse these last few months. She's always answering me back and being cheeky. I try so hard, you know? But she hates me. She doesn't let me do anything for her," she replies.

I frown, who would hate Annabeth? "I'm sure she doesn't hate you," I say. "Why would she, anyway?"

"There is one obvious reason," she admits.

"And what's that?" I ask, curiously.

"Well, I'm not her mom…"

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