Annabeth's pov:
We don't get to see Percy the next morning.
"He didn't want to leave before meeting you all, but he was getting late for work and finally left at 9" Sara told us during the breakfast. I wasn't quite sure what she meant by 'work' though. We all woke up late today, around 11, because of the exhausting day yesterday. I always thought Percy to be someone who didn't wake up before 10 in the morning because he would always get cranky whenever someone tried to wake him up early.
My phone rings with Seaweed Brain written above a picture of us laughing and leaning on each other. I immediately answer the call.
"Hey wise girl, all of you awake yet?" he asks.
"Yes seaweed brain, we're having breakfast right now. But whereare you?" I ask him.
"I'm sorry wise girl, I know I shouldn't have left before meeting you all, but dad forced me to leave by 9. I'll join you guys later though. Promise. David will take good care of you till then, he knows every street, every corner of this city. Just tell him wherever you guys wanna go. I'll join you guys at lunch."
I sigh in defeat. I'm a bit disappointed because I thought Percy would be the one showing me around the city. David is his driver and the one appointed to give us a tour of the city.
"Alright seaweed brain, but you better show up at lunch." I reply.
"Sure thing wise girl. See you later then, love you." He says before cutting the call.
I smile softly at his last words feeling a flutter in my stomach. It happens every time he tells me he loves me- a flutter in my stomach, a smile on my face, a twinkle in my eyes.
"Why so happy Annie?" Thalia asks me, munching her food. I open my mouth to reply but Jason interrupts me.
"Whoa, she didn't even glare at you for calling her Annie and that happens only when Percy's around" he says smirking at me.
"Of course, she didn't glare at me. It was her boyfriend calling her after all. So, what did he say?" Thalia asks looking at me.
I roll my eyes at the siblings and say "he said he was sorry, he couldn't meet us before leaving and that he'll join us at lunch."
"Cool, then what are we waiting for let's go!" Piper says standing up. She's almost as excited as I am to explore Athens.
We go outside towards the black Porsche waiting for us. A guy, probably in his mid thirties, opens the door for us to climb in. He's dressed in black pants and a button-down shirt with polished black shoes. He has got light brown hair with sunglasses covering his eyes, and from his muscular build and height, you can tell he's quite handsome. He climbs into the driver's seat so I assume he's David.
"We would like to go see the Parthenon first." I tell him as soon as he starts the car. He simply nods his head, not uttering a single word throughout the ride.
The Parthenon is regarded as the finest example of Greek architecture and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments, which is why I wanted to see it first. It's a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron. Seeing it for myself was probably one of the best moments of my life. It stood on a platform of three steps surrounded by pillars. I took all the notes I could about it and hundreds of pictures from Piper's camera.
David then silently took us to a small, cosy restaurant when we told him to take us somewhere for lunch. He has still not uttered a word.
We take a seat in an empty booth and order some food while waiting for Percy.
He comes in after about 15 minutes, dressed in black jeans and a light blue shirt showing his muscular build. His raven black hair, defined jaw line, and Ray Ban sunglasses instantly captures the attention of the females present in the restaurant.
I wave at him to help him find his way towards our booth.
"Hey guys. Started eating without me already?" he says coming over to us while stealing Piper's fries. I grin at him as he takes a seat beside me.
"How did you like the Parthenon wise girl?" he asks once he has ordered his pizza.
"How did you even know we went to the Parthenon today?" Thalia asks.
"David told me of course" he answers as if it is the most obvious thing in the world. It probably is except for the the fact that I haven't heard the guy speak a word yet.
"I find him creepy. He hasn't spoken a word yet. And he carries a gun." Jason mutters.
"He carries a gun for safety, kind of like a bodyguard. And he doesn't speak to everyone except for a few, but he's really nice once you get to know him" Percy says defending him.
"I loved the Parthenon! I took lots of notes and pictures, the architecture was so amazing and did you know it has got..." I reply to his question and then continue telling him about the structure and history of the Parthenon which he probably didn't listen to, but I so wanted to share it's information with someone.
The rest of the lunch was spent eating, laughing and enjoying the afternoon, with Percy occasionally getting up to receive 'important' calls.
We all finally leave for home along with Percy.
We spend the rest of the time after an early dinner in Percy's garage on Thalia's request, exploring his collection of cars and bikes. He has like 7 cars and 3 bikes. He explains each of their features in detail and with fascination to an equally fascinated Thalia.
With the way his eyes light up and he smiles while explaining, you can tell he loves his cars. He has even named each one of them. Go figure.
Although I don't understand much of what he is saying about his cars as he and Thalia are the only ones with an obsession and knowledge about them, I enjoy seeing him this way. The way his soft black hair sways slightly as he shakes his head, the way his gorgeous sea green eyes seem even more mesmerizing in the garage's soft yellow light, the way he moves those muscular arms of his while explaining something, the way he laughs heartily in his deep, beautiful voice and the way his perfect lips move as he speaks- I love it all.
Someone snaps their fingers in front of my face, moving my attention from Percy.
"I've said your name thrice now Annabeth" Piper says frowning.
"Are you all right?" she asks glancing towards Percy, then back to me.
"Oh, she's perfectly alright Pipes, just a bit busy staring at her boyfriend" Jason says smirking, putting an arm around Piper's waist.
I blush slightly as I realize I was staring at Percy. And was caught doing it.
"He's my best friend Jason" I say removing all thoughts of his luscious lips from my mind.
"Did Annabeth Chase just blush?" Jason asks in wonder, his eyes widening.
I roll my eyes at him, lightly punching him in the stomach, muttering a shut up.
Percy and Thalia come towards us from the other end of the garage where they were seeing the bikes.
"It's like 11 now guys, we should go to sleep" Percy says leading the way out and locking the garage behind us.
"You guys wanna go to the beach tomorrow?" he asks as we are about to go to our rooms.
"Sounds great" Piper says and we all nod in agreement. After a chorus of good nights , we all head to our own rooms.
I hear a knock at my door just as I am about to go to sleep. I open it to reveal Thalia and Piper standing at my door in pajamas. I raise an eyebrow in question but move aside nonetheless to let them in.
They immediately seat themselves on my bed as I close the door and do the same.
"Jason told me about what happened today in the garage" Thalia says grinning at me. Piper looks deep in thought.
"About what?" I ask in confusion, slightly tilting my head.
Thalia rolls her eyes and says "about how you were staring at Percy the whole time."
I sigh. They are not going to let that go easily.
"What about it Thalia? He's my best friend and always will be. Nothing more than that." I say in exasperation.
"But it's so obvious you like him Annabeth! I've seen you staring at him when you think no one's watching. You may not realize it yet, but you like him, you really do. And not just as a best friend. You've been best friends with him for what- 8 years? 9 years? When are you going to realize what your heart really wants? For once, see him as a man, a handsome and kind man who has always been there for you since 9 years, who has never let you down, who always takes care you and who will never intentionally hurt you. You never blush Annabeth. Never- except for when you're around him. The way your eyes light up, the way you smile whenever he is around- it all shows how much you like him, love him even. Just realize it before it's too late Annabeth. It's been like 9 years already. You are one of the smartest people I know and for once, let your heart guide you, not your brain. We love you Annabeth and we know Percy makes you happy, really happy. I can't force you into anything, but just think about it okay? For once, see him not just as your best friend but as someone you would want to spend the rest of your life with." She finishes.
I'm still trying to register her words. Sure, she and Jason have always teased me about him being my boyfriend or me having a crush on him. They do the same to him too. But I never paid much attention to it. This time though, Thalia seems serious. Like really serious, and it's not often you get to see her like that.
She smiles softly and goes out the door muttering a good night.
Piper sighs and says "well, she has already said everything. But seriously just think about it alright? You're a smart girl Annabeth, and the earlier you figure it out, the better. I saw how hurt you were when he didn't tell you about his father, I saw the disappointed look on your face when he left without meeting you today morning, I saw how your face lit up when he joined us for lunch and I saw how you were looking at him in complete adoration at the garage today. Listen to your heart for once and maybe you'll be happier than you are now."
She hugs me tightly and leaves the room.
I switch off the lights and lie down on the bed with a sigh. I never thought of Percy as more than just my best friend. Thalia and Piper's words keep repeating in my mind again and again as I try to find reasons for why I shouldn't be more than just best friends with him. As I drift off to sleep thinking about a green eyed black haired boy, I realize that there are none. No reasons for me to not love him.