3 hours, 23 minutes, and 14 seconds
That was the amount of time left until I was going to meet Percy face-to-face.
I stared at the time on my phone as I lay on my side in the bed in the hotel room I slept in after I arrived at the city yesterday. I checked in after my brief trip up on Olympus. That was already an unexpected day, with my mother acting like, well, like a mother would. Offering support and advice, admonishing me gently for my mistakes, and letting me see the possibilities that I tried not to see.
She even embraced me at the end, something I never thought I would experience in my life. It was a change that took me by surprise, but it was also a change that I was very happy to see. Not just for me but for all of my siblings.
It was also a change I knew came about because of him, because of Percy.
Just another way he's made the lives of every demigod better, including mine. Now, as I wasted time here in my lonesomeness, I wished that meeting him again would kick-start a change in me too. For too long I've been stuck where I was, and it took learning of how he has lived his life that brought a yearning in me. One I thought I would never feel again.
And again, it was he who pushed her to chase that change.
I just wish and pray that he would be part of whatever that change would be in the end.
I turned and lay on my back, staring at the off-white ceiling of the room, thinking back on the day I made the call that resulted in this day and the upcoming meeting I was looking forward to and at the same time I was dreading.
---------Flashback---------
Gasping for breath after having just cried, I clutched in my hand my phone that I just used to call the man I loved—no, I have to be honest now, the man I still love. The man I betrayed and lost. The one I am trying to get back to.
My eyes still sting from the tears I shed after our conversation. His indifference towards me. The neutral tone of his voice. It hurt so much more than if he had cursed and yelled at me. Even him turning me down would have hurt less than this.
The worst part of it is that I knew he didn't do that on purpose. He wasn't being hurtful or vengeful to me. The truth of it was that he had moved on from me. It was that simple. And from the things I've learned, his life was back on track. No, it was even better than what he planned when we were still together.
It used to be his dream was just to have a quiet life with me while I got to live my dreams of building and designing. He would just find work that would suit his talents. Maybe live together and get married. Settle down in New Rome and start a family.
Now, he had his own piece of land, safety from all that used to threaten him and those he loved, and a successful business. But most of all, he is living his immortal life with two women who he loves and who love him too.
Piper and Hazel, two people I grew to be close with and even consider to be close friends. Now the gulf between us is like the oceans. Now they are the ones living the life I once envisioned for myself.
And I couldn't blame them. How could I when I was the one who squandered that chance away? When they fell for the same man I fell for. When they fell for exactly the same reason I did. NO, I couldn't blame them; I couldn't get mad at them.
But I could envy them.
And I envy them so much!
I wanted what they have right now: the safety, the life, the house, and the future.
The Man.
I wanted all of it for myself, just as much as I wanted him. Selfish of me, I know, but I am beyond lying to myself about what I want in life.
I wiped my eyes with the back of my hand and looked around. The back of cabin 6 was devoid of anyone, the main reason I decided to make the call here. Deciding that I was not in any state to make another call, I pocketed my phone and walked back into the cabin. 'I'll call her next, tomorrow,' I thought as I entered my cabin.
---------line break---------
I, as a matter of fact, did not make that call the next day. It has been a few days since I called Percy, and it is now effectively the next week. I cursed at my cowardice for chickening out of making this phone call. And now, I only had 3 days to go until the day of the meeting.
And so, here I was behind my cabin with my phone in hand, staring at the number of Sally Jackson. As I have been for the last 15 minutes. My guilt and fear made me hesitate in pressing the call button. With one last sigh, I pressed the call button and listened to the ringing, waiting and hoping for her to answer my call.
I knew there was a chance that she might decline the call after seeing my name on the phone. I prayed that wasn't the case. I knew Percy was also going to make the call to his mother, but as the one to suggest the meet, it was my responsibility to inform her.
My heart thundered in my chest as I held the phone to my ear, listening to the ringing. After a while, I thought she would never pick up, and I was about to end the call when I heard the sound of the call being picked up.
"Hello! Jackson-Blofis residence!" A man's voice greeted, and I am immediately taken back to the past, to times I spent in that house. The voice of Percy's stepfather nearly brought me to tears from the yearning I felt for this life I could have lived.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, answering in as level a voice as I could muster.
"Hello, Mr. Blofis! It's me, Annabeth." I responded, breath held in, waiting for how he would react to my voice. He was quiet for a bit, so I worried he was going to drop the call. But I shouldn't have; he is not that rude of a person. "Annabeth, why the sudden call?" he answered, and I released the breath I was holding. That was one hurdle down; a few more to go. I could hear the sounds of babbling on the other end, and I suddenly remembered his daughter, Estelle.
Percy's sister, someone from his family I never got to meet. Sally wasn't pregnant with her when Percy left, and his family cut me off. I wondered how it would have been if I didn't do what I did and I got the chance to know her.
I shook my head, dispelling the thoughts of what-ifs from my mind. "I'm sorry for the call, Mr. Blofis. Can I speak with Sally, please?" I asked directly. I was already on the verge of a meltdown from the memories and regret. Dilly-dallying would just make things worse for all of us.
It was quiet for a while before he asked me to stand by. I heard him walking, then he called out to his wife, Percy's mother, Sally. I heard him pass the phone to her, and all of a sudden. My heart beat wildly in my chest. Her voice was just as I remembered. Kind was all I could use to describe how her voice sounded to me.
The voice of a mother.
That was the best description for Sally Jackson's voice.
"Hello, Sally Jackson-Blofis speaking." I heard her say, her words echoing in my mind, bringing back memories of a time when I still entertained the idea of being related to her in a more significant way than being her son's friend. Something more, something a lot more tangible.
"Mrs. Jackson, it's me, Annabeth," I quickly answered so as not to seem rude. I thanked the fates for allowing me a normal tone of voice as I spoke to the woman I once considered a mother figure. The woman I wanted to call Mother-in-law one day.
I heard her gasp, and I wondered if she was going to slam the phone down. I would have understood if she did, and I wouldn't have blamed her for it. Her anger was understandable to me. Expected even after what I did to her son.
It took her a few minutes to answer, but when she did, her voice was devoid of any warmth it had for me. It broke my heart, but at least she's talking to me. Which I chose to see as an improvement.
"Hello, Annabeth. It's been a while," she replied. Her answer made me breathe easily, knowing she wouldn't be hanging up. I paused, formulating what exactly I was going to say to her.
"I know I'm probably the last person you wanted to hear from, and I'm sure you have other things to do, so I won't take too much of your time," I said, almost in a rush. I wanted to get this over with. The hurt in me was overwhelming, and all I wanted at the moment was to cry and wallow in pity and regret. Sadly, I had a job to do. Crying will have to be for later.
"Okay, I'll listen." Once again, I thanked the Fates for giving me this chance. I was also thankful for Sally for being the kind woman that she is. For not letting what happened in the past rule her decisions now. I knew she was still upset, but she pushed through that to give me the chance to speak. I wasn't going to waste it.
I thanked her and immediately started on the reason for my call. "I called today because we at camp have finally learned what happened to Percy all these years ago. I have no doubt you are aware of it and that you also know of the other people currently living with him." I forced the words to come out of my mouth as calmly as possible. Inside me, though, my heart was shredding itself apart. The thought of Percy being with someone else was causing me so much pain I barely even had enough strength to get up since the day I was told about his relationship with both Piper and Hazel.
I didn't blame them, but it still hurt. Knowing that they get to live my dream is making me feel envy for them. And I didn't want to feel that way.
"A little over a month ago, we sent a few campers to his place, and they learned a lot more about what has happened with them since 7 years ago," I continued to explain, telling her the story as to why I am calling now after so long. "Last week, I finally called Percy, and we agreed to meet," I added, and I could imagine the shock on her face knowing that after more than 7 years, I was back in contact with her son.
I wanted to be more than back in contact with him, and I am going to do the best I can to get him to somehow forgive me. But I leave it to the fates if we are going to be getting back with each other. Especially with the harem that was granted to him.
It is a chance for me to get with him again. And I am going to make sure I never take him for granted, like I did in the past.
"So, we decided to meet in New York, and I suggested we meet in your home." I told her the reason for the call, and Sally paused for a bit before replying with a question of her own. One I already anticipated. "Why here?" she asked, an expected question to my words.
"I figured it would be for the best, and with what I learned about his fiancées, I may not get the best welcome in their home." I gave her the same reasoning I gave Percy, which was the truth if what I was told about the curse was real.
"That's actually possible, okay." She accepted my reasoning. "When will the two of you meet?"
"Percy said that he's flying out in 2 days, so we'll meet then." I shared the plan I made with Percy, ignoring the giddy, excited feeling bubbling up from within me. I had to remind myself of the possible outcomes this meeting would come to, as told by my mother. Despite my effort, just the prospect of meeting Percy had my heart doing jumping jacks in my chest.
"So, the two of you have spoken?" Sally spoke, breaking me out of my daydreams. Her tone carried with it a worried and apprehensive feel. I knew she was worried about what the two of us even talking to each other might have entailed. But I still believe this is needed; it needed to happen sooner rather than later.
"Yes, we've spoken over the phone after the campers sent to him came back," I answered, and I couldn't help the way my voice became filled with yearning and hope. There was also relief as I felt it the moment Percy agreed to meet me, like it was chance or a step towards a brighter future for both of us.
"That's good. That's a start at least," I heard her murmur. "Yes, it is," she replied. And it really was a good thing.
"So, I will be expecting you in 2 days," Sally asked, and I confirmed it. I can just imagine her running through different meals in her mind. Already planning what to serve us. "Yes," I said with a smile that was quickly replaced with a frown.
"Thank you, Mrs. Jackson, for agreeing. And again, I'm sorry for all the hurt I caused your family," I told her, sincerity bleeding into my voice. Imploring her to hear how sorry I was and how much I regret my actions.
"It's no problem, Annabeth, and for what it's worth, I hope you and Percy can learn to forgive each other," Sally said, her words a salve to my wounded heart. It assured me that I was doing the right thing, and it also gave me hope for a better future, in whatever form it may come.
"Thank you! I hope so too! Well, I won't keep you any longer." Knowing that I was losing the battle with my tears, I decided to end the call. I've already troubled her for longer than I planned to; I wouldn't want to burden her with my tears as well.
"It was a surprise to hear from you, Annabeth. I'll see you in 2 days." I was about to say goodbye and end the call when Sally spoke before the line went dead. I stared at the phone for a minute before pocketing it. I took a shaky breath before I felt the tears running down my cheek.
Tears of sadness or not, I let them flow for a time. My mind was blank of everything except one.
Percy.
---------line break---------
The sounds of an alarm jolted me out of my thoughts. I fumbled for my phone and saw that I only had an hour before I needed to leave for Sally's place. Pushing myself up, I got out of bed and went straight to the bathroom, eager and nervous to get the day started.
After a quick shower, I went down to the lobby of the hotel and went to the small bistro for a light meal. I knew I was going to have a meal with the Jacksons, but I was hungry, and I didn't eat dinner last night due to nervousness.
I ordered a couple of sandwiches and a latte and sat down and ate my meal in silence. contemplating the events that will happen in a few more hours. I finished the meal and checked out. I went out and basked in the sun. It was a beautiful day. I suddenly had a feeling that Apollo was blessing this day, making it bright and cloudless just for us. Like he wanted our futures to be as bright as his sun.
And as the god of prophecy, I sure hope he's seen good things for me. With a small smile on my face, I began the short walk towards the apartment of Sally Jackson. Ready to meet my future. I joined the throngs of people as they went about their day; soon enough, I found myself in front of a familiar apartment building. I stood in front of it, looking up at the window on the 5th floor, my mind reeling from the memories of all the time I spent here, back when things were bright and simple.
With a heavy sigh, I went up the couple of steps and entered. I greeted Tom, the doorman who thankfully still remembered me, with a smile. I missed the old man; he used to always tease me in the past about when he would start calling me Mrs. Jackson. I smiled softly at that reminder of a future I squandered.
I went past him and headed to the elevators, getting in and pressing the button for the 5th floor. The closer I got to Sally's place, the more my heart thundered in my chest. My breathing was labored by the time I was standing before her door. I stared at it and remembered the time I was here last time. The time I tried to talk to Percy for the last time. A few days after the meeting with the gods on Olympus after the war with the giants. I tried to talk to Percy multiple times about what had happened to us, tried to apologize and to explain, but every time I got close to him. I would stop in my tracks from the glare he would send my way.
The hatred in his eyes was something that took me by surprise back then. I had pushed him so far; I had hurt him so deeply that there was almost no love left in him for me. It was a look I never thought I would see in his eyes for me. I wished back then for him to lash out at me, for him to curse and yell. Heck, I would have accepted it if he had raised his hands to me. I would have accepted it wholeheartedly.
Even now, standing in front of this familiar door, I found myself still willing to accept any treatment from him. Just for a chance to apologize to him. To tell him I'm sorry for the hurt I caused him. And maybe, just maybe, tell him that I still love him, with all my heart, with everything I have.
He was, and will always be, the one for me.
Taking a deep breath, I took a step and knocked on the door. I braced myself and got ready. I had a planned speech I was going to say to Sally; I had a number of things I wanted to tell her, including an apology and thanks for agreeing to this. For allowing me into her home. for listening to me when I called. I had so much in my mind I wrote it down and committed it to memory so that I could tell it to her the moment we met.
The door opened, and I opened my mouth to greet the mother of Percy. I was about to start with my planned speech when all of that went out the window. As soon as the door opened, I saw Sally standing in front of me with a soft smile on her face. I was momentarily shocked at the difference from how she was looking at me the last time I met her right here, at the threshold of her home.
"Sally, I!" I tried to talk, but I was suddenly pulled forward and engulfed in an all-encompassing embrace. Her warmth washed all over me, and I found myself giving in. My body shook as my tears flowed out; I dug my head into the older woman's shoulders as I shuddered from the sobs that tore through me. No words came out of my mouth, and Sally needed none to understand why I was crying.
She knew what my tears represented. Regret for the lost time I could have spent with her. Hurt, for the way our relationship ended. Anger, for the way I acted that led to how things are today.
But most of all, gratitude for the chance I now have. The chance to fix it all, the chance to reconnect, the chance to apologize.
The chance for something new, if the Fates allow.
When I managed to calm down enough to form words, I started to apologize to Sally. For everything, I just kept muttering apologies for a few minutes as Sally kept quiet, patting my back as she kept me in her arms.
We stayed like that for a few more minutes until Sally let me go. She held me at arm's length and looked me in my eyes with the same motherly smile I always remember her having. Her eyes held none of the anger I feared for so long; it was replaced with muted happiness and hope.
"Let's get you inside." Sally's voice still held that quiet strength in it. Like her words alone were enough to assure me everything will be okay. Like when I was younger and feeling alone without my mother or father to support me, I sought her words and advice to give me the strength to carry on. Losing that was one of the hardest consequences of my actions. I nodded wordlessly and allowed the older woman to lead me inside her home.
The place was just like I remember it, same wall, same decor, with a few additions to it. Like the crib I could see beside the sofa. New pictures hung on the walls, as well as some that are now missing from it. None with me, understandable of course, but I couldn't help the hurt I felt at that. Sally turned back and saw me looking at the pictures; what I was feeling must have been printed on my face because Sally answered the unspoken questions I wanted to ask.
"They're not gone, Annabeth, just hidden. I couldn't keep them there back then, back when Percy was still furious with you," Sally said, squeezing my hand.
That makes a lot more sense; it was reasonable and acceptable. I couldn't imagine how Percy would have reacted to seeing the pictures of us after what happened. Or rather, I didn't want to think about it. I faced Sally and smiled, showing that I understood.
We continued through the short hallway from the door to the living room. A quick glance confirmed what I knew. Some things have changed, but the layout of the room was basically the same as it had been before, with a few new items added to it, like a new couch and table. The crib that I noticed first as I entered was empty of the infant I was expecting.
"Where is your daughter?" I asked. "Paul took her to his parents yesterday; they'll be back later."
I nodded, and I got what she was not saying; she didn't like her daughter to be here in case things turned bad.
Sally started asking me about my life as soon as we sat down. I got the feeling that she was trying to get me to be more comfortable before Percy's arrival. I am thankful for her effort, but it wasn't going to happen, not anytime soon anyway. This was a place I considered home for a long time in the past, and then, because of me, I was barred from coming back here. Like the Christian story of Adam and Eve, because of a mistake, I was kicked out of paradise, out of home. Never allowed to return until I was forgiven.
Now here I am, inside that home, but feeling like an outsider. Like, I don't deserve to be here. And I knew I didn't, not yet, not until Percy fully forgives me. Not until I am welcomed back here with open arms.
"So, how have you been, Annabeth?" Sally asked, and I was torn between answering truthfully or lying. In the end I opted to tell her about my life without delving too deep into how much I suffered without Percy. "I've been better, I'm not going to lie. It was hard, very hard to even go on living after what happened," I started.
"I could imagine," Sally responded sympathetically.
"There were days when even getting up was almost impossible, and to make matters worse, I had no one to push me on, except Chiron and Malcolm. Some of my siblings distanced themselves from me. They weren't mean like the others at camp, but they also didn't hide their displeasure for me." Sally was kind enough to hold my hands as I shared with her my story. She didn't say anything, probably knowing that nothing would make me feel better.
"Back then, I was waiting every day for my punishment for what I'd done. I knew for a fact that Lord Poseidon would have retaliated and punished me severely," I continued, tears now flowing down my cheeks again. "Finding out that Percy shielded me, that even after what I've done to him, he was still protecting me. It just made me hate myself even more!" I was full-on sobbing now.
"It took a while, but Chiron managed to push me to go back to school. At first I went back to my father in California. I finished high school, and my dad tried to convince me to go to college there, but the nearness of California to Camp Jupiter made me not want to go there," I continued.
"I couldn't make myself go there. Not after I destroyed the plans Percy made for the two of us to go to college there, to live there. Not after I knew I destroyed his dream of starting a family there with me!" I suddenly found myself pulled by Sally into her embrace, and I cried and cried on her arms.
Years of regret and hurt poured out of me as I finally opened up to someone. The tears didn't stop as I finally let all the pent-up emotions out, something Chiron, Mom, Dad, and even my stepmom suggested. I remember getting into a fight with all of them whenever they suggested going to a professional. The idea of opening up to a stranger was unthinkable for me. And even now, I still don't think I could have done it. But it was different with Sally; she wasn't a stranger; she was the closest to a mother I had. Sharing with her felt natural and safe.
When I got a hold of myself, I pushed off and sat back, wiping my face. Sally watched on with an understanding expression on her face. "Where did you go for college?" She asked me after I was calm enough to talk. "Here, in New York. I moved back to camp and stayed there as I went to college," I answered with a slight smile.
Sally nodded. I had a feeling she was happy I chose to continue my studies. I knew from Malcolm that Percy didn't; maybe that was why she's feeling the way she is. "That's good! Education is very important! Did you still go for architecture?" I nodded, smiling at her enthusiasm. "I did, though I haven't done any work connected to it since I graduated," I said morosely; even I felt like it was a waste that I had not done anything with my chosen course.
Since I was a child, I've dreamed of building structures, designing towering skyscrapers that people would look upon and admire. wanting to be remembered for years to come. to build something permanent.
"That's fine; you can always start now. You're still young, and you can get your parents help to get started. It should be possible now thanks to the changes you demigods brought." I smiled at her advice, intending to follow it. I already planned on asking my dad for help in getting a job after this conversation. Then I will work on being a practicing architect from there. Step by step, as my mom would say.
We were quiet for a while, Sally getting up and heating water for tea while I checked the clock on the wall over and over, anxious and excited for Percy to arrive. Her next question shocked me and made me blush.
"Before Percy and the girls get here, Annabeth, I need to ask you something quite delicate." She asked as she placed her teacup down on the table. I could see her reluctance, and it made me worry about what she was going to ask. I nodded at her to continue, waiting for whatever it was. "You mentioned on the phone that you already know about Piper and Hazel," she started. I nodded again, indicating that I do know and that I remember what I said when I called last week.
"I don't know how to ask this in a better way, so I'll just be direct." Sally squared her shoulders and stared me in the eyes. I noticed a faint blush on her cheeks as she took a deep breath before asking a question I never, ever thought I would be asked by her of all people.
"Were you and Percy sexually active before you broke up?"
Her question halted my thoughts. Why did she want to know that? What was the relevance, and why was she curious?
It took me a few seconds before I could respond. I felt my face heat up as I stared at her. "What? Why are you asking about that?" I asked her in return, not really wanting to know her reasons but wanting to delay answering her question by asking something first.
"I need to know, Annabeth. As you know, or at least you said you know, Percy is now the master of a harem with two very beautiful and dutiful girls in it. Add to that three very attentive nymphs who live to take care of all of his needs," Sally explained in a calm voice. I listened to her, still reluctant to share my physical history with the mother of the one man I was romantically involved with.
"And, if you know as much as you said you do, then you also know that those girls will be very protective of Percy from you since you do actually have a history of hurting him," Sally continued to explain. "If the girls start to attack you with their words, because I don't think they will resort to physical violence in my presence, and when they do, I think they will use their sexual activities with Percy as weapons against you," she added, her face a bit red from what she said.
I had to admit, what she is saying does make sense. And according to what Malcolm told me, he himself witnessed Hazel almost attacking Clarisse of all people because the daughter of Ares mildly insulted Percy. I can't imagine what they would do to me, who actually hurt Percy.
I suddenly remember the night Malcolm called me from Percy's place, a day after they arrived there.
---------Flashback---------
I was lying on my bed in cabin 6; the rest of my siblings are either getting ready for bed or already asleep. The sudden ringing of my phone brought all attention to me.
Hurriedly, I grabbed it from under my pillow and darted out of the cabin, not wanting to disturb the others and also not wanting them to overhear. Once I was behind the cabin, I accepted the call and heard Malcolm's voice on the other line.
"Annabeth, it's me. We need to talk."
His voice carried with it a worried tone. It instantly put me on edge. 'What has happened? Did Percy turn them away? Were they attacked? Was someone hurt? 'All sorts of questions ran through my mind in an instant. Perhaps knowing me well enough, Malcolm eased my worries somewhat by clearing things up fast.
"We got here safe, and we are all okay. We were welcomed by Percy and the rest, and we are now resting. It's been quite a day for us," Malcolm stated, and I could feel the exhaustion in his voice.
"That's good to hear, but why did you wait a day to make this call?" I asked; the delay in their contact with us here at camp caused not just me to worry about their status. It was only Chiron's reassurance that we have not tried to contact them ourselves.
"I tried to last night, after our first discussions. I tried to IM you and Chiron, but it didn't work. I thought something might have happened, so I waited till today to ask Percy why IMs don't seem to work here. That's also why I'm calling you on the phone." His answer only managed to confuse me even more. 'Why wouldn't IMs work? 'I thought. I decided to ask instead of wracking my brains for the answer.
"What did they say about that?" I asked; this was important information that could affect how we deal with Percy and the others in the future.
"They said that since the land is protected not just from monsters but also from the gods themselves, it unfortunately restricts powers that originate from the gods as well. Unless allowed by the owner, things like IMs, shadow travel, and other god-given gifts are basically unusable here."
Malcolm's explanation shocked me. The restrictions he stated would ensure that, aside from those living within the land, everybody else would be at a disadvantage in a fight. If it ever comes to that, the barrier surrounding the land prevents any would-be attacker from even coming in, so really, it's just an added defense for the residents of the land.
It is also proof that what was promised to Percy is being granted. If even the gods couldn't enter his land at will. Then we demigods would surely be helpless going to him and asking him for help or getting him to go on a quest for us. Unless he wants to, of course. And why would he want to? After all he's done for the world, he deserves that break.
"That makes sense," I replied, still mulling over that fact. It also meant that I wouldn't be able to get in contact with Percy and Hazel unless I had their numbers. Both of which I didn't have. I wonder if Malcolm could convince them to allow him to share their contact details with us.
"It does, but that's not all we learned about Percy." His words filled me with dread, and the things he said next proved it. My mind was a mess of information while my heart was filled with regret and wonder. Percy and Hazel were engaged, as we thought; they were in a relationship. While that knowledge hurt me, I knew the two of them deserved to be happy. And knowing Percy, I'm sure he's making her happy.
The company they established, while a surprise, was a welcome one, though it did answer one more question we were at camp trying to find answers to.
How Piper came into the picture was still a question in her mind. Besides what Piper told Drew, which was not enough to satisfy the questions in my mind.
Malcolm ended his report with the news that Lord Hades came to ask Percy permission to send Nico to his land the next day, further demonstrating the gifts he asked the gods for. We ended the call after a few more minutes, and then I was alone behind our cabin. Despite what I just learned, my heart was weirdly beating calmly.
Hazel and Piper are now confirmed to be romantically involved with Percy; that knowledge should have made me cry out loud, or at least feel something, anything really. But all I felt was a sense of all things falling into place. Did I ever think Percy was going to remain single? Of course not. I knew some other woman was going to see how kind and loyal and loving he is and would snatch him up.
And no matter how I hurt him, Percy is the kind of man who cannot help but be kind to everyone he meets. That would lead to women wanting to be with him. And just his looks alone are already a guarantee he will have no trouble getting with anyone he fancies. That fact was already proven by the number of his admirers back when we were at camp.
So no, I was not surprised he was in a relationship. I was happy he is in love again. What surprised me was that he ended up with 2 people I know.
---------Flashback end---------
"Annabeth!"
I was shaken out of my thoughts by Sally, her hands on my arm, gently shaking me out of my memories. I don't know how long I blanked out, but I smiled at her as an apology. taking a deep breath and looking straight in the eye before answering.
"We were." Two words, and yet they held so much weight for me and for Sally. I don't know how much those words meant for her, but for me, they meant so much. I felt my face burn with embarrassment from my admission. But deep down, I relished the memories of those times I was intimate with Percy. I longed for his touches, and I dreamed of his kisses. For more than 7 years now, I have remained untouched and unloved.
There were some who tried to make a move on me, of course. Both men and women, demigods and mortals. But I couldn't make myself accept what they were offering and whenever I tried to imagine myself being with someone else. I would seize up, and my heart would panic, like my whole being couldn't accept anyone else but Percy. I knew it wasn't healthy, but my heart wants who it wants.
And it wanted Percy, only him.
Normally, my mind would fight against whatever unreasonable thing my heart would beat for, would long for. Like the saying goes. A war between heart and mind. But for this instance, both my heart and mind were of the same opinion. They both wanted the same person.
My heart beats for Percy while my mind longs for him.
Every single day
"Well, thank you for your honesty. I just hope you two didn't do anything here in my home when you two were still together," Sally responded after a while, her cheeks pink but with a small smile on her face.
I shook my head, indicating that Percy and I didn't do anything of the sort here. I hope she couldn't see the lie in my eyes. I still remember the few times we did have sex in his room during the times I would sneak in through his window. Or the times we would be left alone in the house. Those memories would always make me smile. A time when I had it all. before I let it all slip away from me.
"We didn't, not all the way at least. We mostly did it at his cabin," I replied in a small voice while looking down, avoiding her gaze. We were both quiet for some time after that, just letting the time tick by, not knowing how to carry on the conversation after such an embarrassing topic.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Knocking on the door broke the silence, and as one, Sally and I turned to the hallway and the front door at the end of it.
"That should be them," Sally said. "Coming!" She called out before standing. She turned to me, and her face turned serious. "Relax, Annabeth, it'll all be okay! You'll see," she said, and then she gave me a comforting smile that managed to calm me down. A smile only a mother could provide to her children, and I was eternally grateful to this woman who so readily forgave me—or not really forgave me but was willingly accepting of me in her home.
As I watched her walk to the front door, I found myself wishing that her words would come true.
My heart raced in my chest as the seconds ticked by slowly. I became aware of everything in the room as I waited for the man that has been the center point of my existence. "Percy!" I heard Sally shout, and I could just imagine the mother and son sharing an embrace. I remember always smiling whenever I saw them being affectionate with each other.
I always loved that about Percy, how, unlike other guys his age, he never felt embarrassed showing how much he loves his mom. I wished I could have the same relationship with my own, but I knew back then that that was impossible. I hope that now. With the changes my mother wanted to put in place, we could have even a fraction of what Percy and Sally had.
I heard muted conversation coming from the hallway, and I braced myself for the shock I knew was coming from seeing Percy for the first time in 7 long years.
It didn't take long until I heard the sound of multiple footsteps coming from the front door. I held my breath as my heart thundered in my chest as one by one they came out of the hallway. Sally arrived first, leading the way into her home. Her eyes were shining with happiness as she entered her living room. Happiness flowed through her whole being at having her son and his family in her home. She met my eyes, and she nodded at me, a signal of silent support for me.
As she stood to the side, I was finally given a clear view of the man standing behind her.
Like gravity, I was drawn to him. Like a puppet, I felt like I was being controlled by something. Unaware, I got to my feet but stayed in place as my eyes took in his form in its entirety. The years he's been gone have been very kind to him.
He was taller now, a few inches if I'm right. His body is more defined now, his chest and arms filling in his shirt in a very flattering way. His shirt molded over his obviously toned abdomen. His pants couldn't hide the powerful muscles hidden within them. I could only imagine how big and strong he's gotten between his legs.
I mentally shook myself, pulling back from the wanton thoughts my mind conjured.
I looked up, and our eyes met for the first time since that fateful night aboard the Argo II. Since he overheard me and Piper, my world crumbled. His eyes were the same color of green, the same ones I craved. the ones I loved, and still love, by the way my heart is beating right now. I wouldn't be surprised if everyone in the room could hear it now.
His face was more defined, with sharp cheekbones and an angular jaw. He was handsome back then, but now he was irresistible. Standing here in his mother's living room, staring at him, I could feel myself falling even more for him. His absence did nothing to dull the feeling I had for him; no, it made it worse.
Now I am sure of one thing: I cannot survive without him in my life.
I noticed two figures move from behind Percy to stand by his side. I widened my eyes as I recognized the two. Piper and Hazel, both former friends of mine, were former comrades in the war. And now, both women are also in love with the same man I love.
I mentally scoffed at the ridiculousness of Fate. At how the three of us ended up falling for the same man. Then again, I could understand how and why they fell for him. I, after all, fell for Percy for the exact same reasons. The only difference is that they would never make the same mistake I did.
A small movement caught my attention, and I lowered my gaze to check it out, and I froze. Right before my eyes was a scene that drilled in the fact that I was trying very hard to ignore. Piper and Hazel, both women, were holding one of Percy's hands in theirs. The sight almost made me bawl my eyes out, and yet, as if knowing what I was going to be doing, Percy called out to me. And hearing his voice in person, not over the phone, managed to calm me down.
I saw Percy turn his head to look at both women at his side with a smile before he turned to me. He took a deep breath, and I held mine, waiting for whatever he was going to say to me. And when he did, he spoke to me in the most comforting tone I have ever heard from him.
"Hello, Annabeth, how are you?"
Five words, and I knew I was a goner.