Annabeth POV
As the plane wheels hit the surface in San Francisco, and we bounced up and down as the brakes were pressed, my heart was hammering in my chest.
Just before boarding the plane in Denver, I sent a quick, simple text to my dad.
Hey! About to take off from Denver! I know it's short notice, but I am bringing my boyfriend, Percy, too. Excited to see you!
The fake positivity was alarming, but hopefully it would ease the bomb that I dropped on them, with an extra guest.
Maybe they were excited about meeting someone special to me, or maybe they just disregarded the text, too consumed with listening to more stories about Matthew saving lives or Bobby's new flat.
Percy stood up next to me, and I stayed seated for as long as I could, savoring the last moments of peace that I would have. I closed my eyes, took one deep breath through my nose, just like we are taught in yoga, and gave myself a mental pep-talk.
After I felt mentally strong, and I had a smile plastered on my face, I stood up with the rest of the passengers on the plane.
The rest of them were probably eager to see their loved ones, or maybe they are coming home from a vacation to spend Christmas at home. I noticed a very tan family in the row ahead of us, and the teenager daughter was sporting a tank top that said, "Cabo, Mexico."
Lucky bitches…
I was paying attention to much of the scene around me, as my thoughts zoned to my family once more, and when I reached up to grab my backpack in the overhead bin, I noticed it was gone. I brief wave of panic coursed through my veins, until Percy tapped me on the shoulder, and handed me the blue bag.
Damn him… I wasn't adjusted to the chivalry that Percy possessed.
I smiled sheepishly at the other passengers, whispered a quick, "sorry" to them for holding up the line, and followed my ridiculously handsome fake boyfriend down the terminal.
His long legs produced long strides, and I had to break out into a mini jog to catch up with him. Once I was at his side, I gave him a small shove and told him to slow down.
"Sorry Angel. Your 5'5" stature can't keep up?"
I shook my head at his mocking, and marched ahead towards baggage claim, with extra speed just to spite him, where we would be meeting my dad and Whitney.
He laughed at my determination. "I like feisty girls."
My face flushed at his comment.
God, he was so blunt and honest, and it was absolutely terrifying to me.
It also gave my butterflies.
Once at the conveyor belt that would produce our bags, I finally gained enough courage to check my phone, to see if my dad replied to my most recent text about the extra guest.
I pulled it out of my waistband, and held my breath as my eyes scanned the screen.
Perfect honey. Maybe him, Bobby and Matthew can all bond. We will pick you both up out front at 4:15.
That was it? Not any questions, or alarm?
Of course he would tie in his precious step-sons to my announcement. I rolled my eyes to the back of my head, but then chastised myself.
I was going to be optimistic about this trip home. That's what Percy is doing, and I at least owe it to my saving grace to put on the same happy face that he is wearing.
Speak of the devil, he let out a small yelp as the conveyor belt started to move, and bags came into view. He touched my shoulder, and pointed. His hand was warm on my exposed collarbone.
I looked at him with one eyebrow quirked. "You're so weird Percy. You squeaked like a lap dog…"
He laughed. "Sorry Angel. ADHD. The scene was getting pretty bland, and the moving bags spiced up the picture a bit."
Now it was my turn to laugh. God, this man's smile was infectious, as hard as I tried to ignore the fact.
"Okay, Percy. You are officially the weirdest boyfriend I have ever had. That's for sure."
"But also the most handsome," he spoke and he leaned his tall body lower to my face. His eyes were so green, and the contrast between his olive skin and eyes was breathtaking. His long hair was tousled over his forehead, and I wanted to touch it again.
I let out a small laugh and shoved him away, shaking my head.
It was definitely true though.
My past boyfriends have all been nice flings, but nothing compared to Percy, and the feelings he gave me with one glance.
His bag must have gone by, and he left my side and went to retrieve it. I watched his form as he walked away.
He was tall, and had narrow shoulders, but still was defined with muscle.
Something about a guy in grey sweats…
Stop Annabeth. Control yourself, I scolded myself. This was a week and a half agreement. Nothing more.
I was interrupted from my thoughts when I spotted my black suitcase coming down the belt. I grabbed it off, and let out a breath of air at the heaviness of it.
Percy returned to my side, and I noticed he had a blue duffle bag and looked ready to go.
We made eye contact, and his eyes seemed to be asking, "what now?"
I took one final deep breath, and took Percy's hand with my free hand that wasn't holding my suitcase.
I wasn't sure if it was for show, to prove to my parents that we were, in fact, dating, or for my own comfort.
Most likely option number two.
Once his thumb starting to rub over my knuckles, I knew it was definitely option two.
I led him out the nearest sliding glass doors, that would be the gateway to the outside world of San Francisco. As the doors opened and revealed the bright sunlight, nearing sunset, my eyes scanned for the familiar black minivan that would be picking us up.
I spotted it just a couple yards away. I dragged Percy in the direction, and he stayed silent, his thumb still doing the comforting gesture on my hand.
My dad must have seen us approaching, because the driver side door opened, and he hopped out, eagerly.
Fredrick Chase looked just as I remembered. His circular glasses were perched on his nose, his blonde hair was getting whiter as the days went on and age took its toll, and he was wearing a striped shirt, his favorite.
My heart clenched at the sight of him. The familiarity of him.
I dropped Percy's hand, and started to walk faster to my dad, who gave me a tight squeeze.
The resentment that I hold deep in my heart doesn't change the love that every daughter has for their first hero.
Once my dad let me go, Whitney gave me a brief hug. She smelled like very expensive perfume, just like always.
Once she let me go, she pulled back and held me at an arm's distance away. "You look great Annie!"
I gave her a slight smile, but slightly cringed at the use of the name "Annie." Even though I have mentioned the fact that I don't like it, she always seemed to enjoy the shortened version of my three-syllable name.
I was suddenly reminded of Percy, who must have felt incredibly awkward at the moment. I turned around to introduce him to everyone, but found that my dad was already laughing with him, and patting him on the back.
Hmm… Well that was easy.
My dad was a big teddy bear, and never tried to be the overbearing, protective dad that movies depict.
After Percy and my dad cracked another joke and laughed together, he joined me next to Whitney.
"Hello, Mrs. Chase. I'm Percy. Annabeth's boyfriend."
He flashed a smile that showed the dimple on his right cheek, and looked at me with a glint in his eyes. It seemed to say, I told you everything would be alright.
My step-mother responded, "Oh dear call me Whitney." She brought him into a hug, and when she caught my eye over his shoulder, where he couldn't see, she mouthed the words, "he's cute." She added in a wink for good measure, before letting him go.
I smiled to myself. Percy was accurate with his prediction of charming the pants of my parents.
My dad loaded up our luggage into the black minivan, and Whitney returned to her seat in the front of the van. As Percy shuffled into the backseat of the vehicle, I followed him in.
I slammed the door shut behind us with the realization of how great the first introductions had gone.
Maybe this wouldn't be so bad…
A/N: Here is chapter 7! I hope you are enjoying, and are excited to see how the rest of the story plays out. Please leave any types of comments and criticism that you have. I would love to hear feedback.
