I smiled widely as the door opened to reveal Sally, her face smiling in expectation and love.
"Percy!" Sally exclaimed happily, wrapping her son in her embrace. Hazel and I shared a look, and I saw the same smile on her face as I'm sure I had on mine. Percy lifted his mother and stepped through the open door. Hazel and I followed, and I shut the door behind us.
"Sorry we haven't visited in a while," Percy said as he placed her down on her feet. Sally's eyes were watery as she held back her tears, but she managed a smile for her son and hopefully for us as well. "You're here, that's what matters!" She replied, turning to us next and stepping around her son to get to us.
"Hazel! Piper! Welcome! You two look great!" Sally came over and hugged both of us in turn. When she wrapped her arms around me, I basked in the warmth of the woman I now consider to be my mother-in-law. "You look wonderful, Sally!" I complimented her as we held each other at arm's length for a few seconds.
We stood there in the hallway for a few more seconds before Sally clapped her hands and declared, "So, let's get this show going?" We followed her through the hallway, and I saw her step to the side as she arrived at the familiar living room. I stood behind Percy as he took a few steps in and froze.
Standing a step behind Percy, I saw what caused him to stop in his steps.
Right there standing before us was Percy's ex, my ex-friend, Annabeth Chase in the flesh. Again, Hazel and I shared a look, and as one, we each grabbed one of Percy's hands and held it tight. I squeeze his hand, showing my support and reminding him that I, as well as Hazel, am right beside him.
My eyes studied Annabeth as she stood frozen in place, staring at Percy with obvious longing mixed with regret. No doubt she is now remembering that fateful night. I also noticed how her eyes went to our joined hands and tightened at the sight of it.
As I kept my eyes on her, I felt a surge of love coming from her, overwhelming my senses. As a daughter of Love, I am particularly in tune with the feeling that my mother rules over. I can feel if a person is in love at the moment as well as how intense the feeling is. And at the moment. I felt as if I was feeling my own love for Percy coming from Annabeth.
And that feeling only intensified when Percy spoke to her.
"Hello, Annabeth, how are you?"
Hearing those words made Annabeth's feelings for Percy soar to heights I've only ever felt from me, Hazel, and Percy. I knew right then and there that Annabeth would do absolutely anything and everything in her power and capabilities to get back with Percy. And I didn't know how to feel about that.
Strike that! I knew how I felt about that. I hated it! She doesn't deserve to be with Percy; even standing in the same room as him is a privilege that she doesn't deserve. Not after what she's done to him, not after the pain she caused him.
I turned to look at Hazel, the other woman to hold Percy's heart, and saw that, like me, she also noticed Annabeth's feelings for Percy. With no words needed, we both clutched at Percy's hands tighter. keeping him with us, not letting him move without the two of us.
"Percy," Annabeth spoke; that single word she uttered carried with it the yearning I knew she felt since that night 7 years ago. That one word was filled with all she wanted to convey but couldn't. That one word told me that her feelings for Percy only grew in the time they were apart. She uttered his name like a prayer, a plea to the gods above to hear her wish.
"It's good to see you again," she followed up after a bit. Swallowing the words I knew she wanted to say instead.
I turned to Percy and saw that he was still staring at her. I could see that he still cared for her, but that was now muted by the betrayal and the time he's spent away from her. I saw him nod in response to her compliment, and I took it upon myself to get the ball rolling. I didn't want to stay in her presence a second more than absolutely needed, after all.
I stepped forward and tugged on Percy's hand, pulling him to the sofa opposite the one Annabeth was sitting on. Hazel trailed after us, and as one, we all sat down, with Percy sitting between Hazel and me. Annabeth followed suit and sat down as well, while Sally stood in the kitchen, keeping her eyes on us.
We were all silent, and I took that chance to really study Annabeth. It's been a few years since I last saw her. What I saw didn't paint a great picture. The first thing I noticed was her hair; it was dull and lifeless. Not that she cared a whole lot about her hair in the past. Back then, her hair held a luster and bounciness in her curls that her hair lacked now. Now it fell from her head like a dry husk, completely devoid of life and care.
Her skin was much like her hair; there was no shine to it. It was dry and uncared for. It was pale, as if she hadn't been under the sun in a long while. She was also thin, not bone thin but clearly malnourished. Her shirt hung loose on her frame like an oversized shirt. If I didn't recognize the shirt she was wearing, I would have thought it belonged to a man.
Despite all of that, I could still see some effort on her part. The light makeup he had on, she put on lipstick on her lips, and I could see a faint blush on her cheeks. Her hair was also tied in a ponytail style that she used to wear in the past.
And again, despite all that, it was her eyes that drew me in. In contrast to her entire being, her eyes were alight with life. Her eyes were wide as she took in the form of Percy, no doubt drinking in how different he looked from 7 years ago. mentally comparing how he was back then to how he is now. I did the same the first time I saw him at that cafe in New York back then.
I was broken out of my musing when I heard Sally clear her throat before speaking, breaking the silence and urging us to talk with one another.
"Do you guys want anything? Coffee? Tea? Water?"
Sally offered from the kitchen, "Just a glass of water, please." Hazel answered with a smile, and Sally quickly moved, and soon she was passing a glass of water to Hazel, who promptly passed it to Percy, who drained it in one go.
I have to hand it to Hazel; while I had my attention on Annabeth, hers was on Percy. She noticed that he was not in a great state of mind and managed to rectify it immediately. I smiled at my soon-to-be sister-wife before turning back to Annabeth, waiting for her to take the first step.
Piper visibly saw Annabeth brace herself, taking a deep breath, wringing her hands while her mouth opened and closed a few times. Trying to make the words come out but failing. Finally, after what seemed to be a considerable effort on her part, Annabeth finally found her voice and spoke, her eyes looking at Percy and Percy alone.
"Percy, I know I've done this a million times, and I know I don't have the right to even speak to you after all I've done, but," Annabeth paused, took another deep breath, her hands now clasped on her lap. "I'm sorry!" She said in a clear voice that conveyed all her regret.
And, like a floodgate that has been opened. Her word came tumbling out. Unfettered and unblocked. It flowed out like a tide, rushing through the shore, and I watched from a safe distance as it crashed against the cliff that is Percy's will.
"I'm sorry for what I've done!"
"I'm sorry for hurting you!"
"I'm sorry for betraying you!"
"I'm sorry for pushing you away!"
"I'm sorry I was weak!"
"I'm sorry I let my hubris get the better of me!"
With her words came her tears; as her apologies flowed out, so did the tears fall from her eyes. Her hands balled into fists on her lap as she cried her heart out. Despite all this, her eyes never left Percy's. I felt the genuineness in her apology, and I knew she really regretted her past mistakes.
Listening to her words brought me back to that fateful night, the night that changed everything—for her, for them, and for us.
---------Flashback---------
"What?"
I froze, panic and fear racing through my veins as I heard that voice from behind me. A voice I have come to be familiar with throughout this journey. I saw fear and disbelief in Annabeth's eyes as she stared at some point behind me.
I knew that if I turned around, I would see him standing there. Even from where I was standing, I could feel his anger flowing like waves to where I and Annabeth were standing.
The previously choppy waters of the Aegean Sea stilled all of a sudden. The water surface leveling out like a mirror's surface. If it had been a clear night sky, the water would have reflected the stars in an unbelievable sight. The world quieted, and I knew this was the calm before the storm; this was the peace before all hell broke loose.
I turned around, ready to face whatever was behind me, while Annabeth stood still, hands on her mouth. Her chest was heaving from the nervousness I knew she was feeling at the moment. The moment I was facing the same direction she was, I was hit with a fear more primal than I've ever felt before.
More so than when I faced monsters and giants. I feared for my life right at this moment more than at any point in my now dangerous life. I knew, right then and there, one mistake from me could mean death.
Right in front of me, of us, stood Percy Jackson. Hands clenched at his side into a fist, messy black hair falling before his sea-green eyes. His eyes, used to shimmer in mischievous light, now glowed with power. Before they shone with care and love for Annabeth and for us; now they burned with anger and hurt.
His face, handsome and angular, now looked to be chiseled from stone. His lips, always having the playful smirk, were now set straight, with none of the playfulness they had.
Aside from the anger I could feel rolling off of him, I could not get a read on him. Just like the sea that he commands, his current state was a volatile one. As calm and still as he looked at the moment, I knew beneath the surface, a storm was brewing, just waiting to be let out. And once it did, we would all suffer for it.
"Care to repeat what I just heard, Piper?" His words carried with them an edge I've never heard from him before. A danger that was just lurking beneath the surface. Of a barely contained rage just simmering within him.
I opened my mouth, but no words came out. How could I repeat what I just said? How could I do that? knowing it would only hurt him even more. More importantly, how could I do what he was asking if it meant that there could be a chance he would hurt me too? Percy and Annabeth had just escaped Tartarus. Annabeth might not have told me all that happened to them down there, but from what she'd told me, I knew Percy did most of the fighting for the two of them.
The fear in her eyes as she told me what she could spoke volumes of the things she witnessed down there. The horrors they faced and the hardships they survived. Despite that, the fear Annabeth held for Percy after their time down there. He told me all I needed to know about Percy.
I might have seen him as an unimpressive, lanky boy before. But now, now I cannot but see him as dangerous. More so now, when he is at the edge of insanity.
So no, I kept my mouth shut. I shook my head and took a step back. My body was shivering, but not from the weather, but from the fear I felt from the man in front of me. Percy scoffed after seeing me back off. "No? You can't repeat what you just said?" he asked, his words weighing me down.
He then turned his sight to Annabeth beside me. His eyes turned cold as he looked at her. Eyes that used to be filled with love and awe when looking at her now looked at her with utter hatred and disgust. A sneer formed on his lips as he took in her huddled form.
"And you, Chase. Care to say what you really think of me? What you really feel about me?" There was no warmth, no love in his voice now. Only anger and pain. The gift I received from my mother that allowed me to feel what others are feeling told me how hurt Percy currently is. I could feel his heart breaking the longer he looked at Annabeth.
Pain
Disbelief
Betrayal
Regret
That was all I could feel from Percy as he stared at the woman he loved, loved. The woman he sacrificed so much for. The woman he traded immortality for. The woman even the gods were powerless to erase from his mind.
The woman he jumped into Tartarus for.
The woman that he now discovered has betrayed him for the longest time, the one who fooled him. the one who used him.
He took one step forward, and Annabeth flinched. I saw fear and worry flit in her eyes before she took a step towards Percy with her hands reaching for him.
"Percy, I can explain," Annabeth started to say, only to be met by a scoff from Percy.
"Explain?!" his response thundered across the quiet night. He took one more step, and the sea around us rippled before dissipating in the distance. "I guess you could explain your way out of this mess; after all, you planned all of this since the day we met!" Percy's eyes burned with hatred as he snarled at Annabeth, baring his teeth at her in a sneer.
"I didn't plan this!" Annabeth shook her head, her blonde hair scattering in the wind. But there was no wind to blow it, so they fell along her back and shoulders. "You, Athena's favored daughter, didn't plan this. Are you kidding?" Percy refuted. He then started to pace in front of us, and I felt as if I was seeing a wild animal pacing before a kill.
"Didn't plan this? What was that saying you love so much, Chase?" Percy stopped pacing and turned to Annabeth once again; his use of her last name for address didn't get lost on me. He was severing ties with her in the most obvious way possible. The two times I heard him call her that, I felt a stab of hurt from Annabeth. Despite what she confessed to me, it would seem that she does love Percy after all. Though I doubt any good will come from her loving him now.
The damage was done, I'm afraid.
"Athena always has a plan! Those are the words you live by, right?" Percy leaned down and tilted his head, asking Annabeth in a mocking tone.
"I didn't mean it like that!" Tears were falling from her eyes now as Annabeth tried to explain herself. But even I don't know how to excuse what she just told me earlier.
"So I misunderstood what I heard Piper say?" Percy said, standing tall, pulling his shoulder back, and looking straight at Annabeth. "So I misheard it when Piper said that 'You used me and my feelings to ensure my loyalty in the war?" Percy repeated the words I said, the words Annabeth herself said when she opened up to me.
"I didn't hear her correctly when she said you've been tempted to go out with other men since I will always stay with you no matter what." Annabeth's eyes were downcast as Percy repeated the words she uttered earlier.
"You didn't mean it when you said you don't know how you can stay with me after what I did down in the Pit?" The anger that was masking the pain Percy felt was nowhere now as he said that. The pain was so obvious in his eyes a blind man could see it. The pain and anguish in his voice was so palpable I almost couldn't breathe from feeling it too.
Annabeth was speechless as she tried to think of a way to refute her earlier words. But try as she might, there was no going back from this. What was said and done was said and done. There was no rectifying this, and I grew afraid that Percy would leave. That he would jump off the ship and the fighting to us. We were in the middle of the sea, and as selfish as it was of me to think like this, I didn't want him to go. His presence on the ship guaranteed our safety in the water.
Percy was heaving, and I sensed that he was having trouble holding back his anger at the moment. Annabeth looked at him and tried to come closer to him, but Percy backed away. "I did what I did down there to make sure you get out alive," Percy said in a low voice devoid of any warmth.
"I planned on staying down there, just so you could escape!" Percy's voice was hard, and it thundered over us.
"I almost pushed myself beyond the point of no return to ensure your safety!" He took a step towards Annabeth, forcing her to back off and me to get out of the way.
"I chose you over godhood, over immortality!" Another step.
"I chose you over all the others, even when I didn't remember who I was!" and another.
"I chose you, always I choose you!" He was now standing right in front of Annabeth, and she was leaning against the ship's railing.
"But not anymore." Percy's words carried over the sea. In the silence of the surroundings, his voice was the only thing we could hear. My heart broke for the two, but there was nothing I could do. I was complicit in this breakdown. It was my slip of the tongue that Percy overheard.
Annabeth's breath hitched as she looked up at Percy as he looked down at her. "What?" Annabeth choked on that single word, the same word Percy said as he overheard us earlier. Now uttered by Annabeth in an entirely different context.
"We're done, Chase; we're through," Percy said with an air of finality. There was a steely resolve in his eyes as he announced the breaking of their relationship. Annabeth's mouth opened and closed, trying to refute his words or deny them. I don't know. All I know is that Percy's mind was made up, and there was no changing it.
He stepped back and turned around, heading back down the interior of the ship. As he was about to step through the door, Annabeth called out for him, finally finding her voice.
"Percy, wait!" She took a single step with her arms outstretched.
"No!"
Percy shouted from the door, not bothering to look back. And yet I felt the force of his anger; the previously still waters of the sea suddenly began churning. Waves started to batter the sides of the ship; I was forced to grab ahold of the railing to avoid tumbling over.
The wind blew every which way, and the ship lurched side to side as it picked up speed. Lightning and thunder struck the sky as I watched the Son of Poseidon, the son of the storm-bringer, bring the storm to where we are.
"I will stay until the Giants and Gaia are defeated," Percy said, his voice carrying over the storm all around us.
"After that, I want nothing to do with you!" That said, Percy ducked through the door and disappeared from our sight. Thunder shook the sky, and rain started to fall. I stood there, rooted in place as I stared at the place Percy had been just a second ago. The rain pelted us, and we didn't move an inch until Annabeth dropped to her knees.
I ran to her and knelt beside her. I saw her tears falling, obvious despite the rain. She, like me, was staring at the door with an unreadable face. I sensed confusion and disbelief from her. I had no doubt her mind was a mess right now, and yet I didn't know how to help; I'm not sure I wanted to help at all.
I mean, I was the cause of this.
I was about to apologize to her when she turned to me with a panicked look in her eyes.
"What do I do?" she whispered, and for once, I didn't know how to answer.
---------Flashback end---------
A squeeze on my hand brought me back to the present. I turn to see Percy looking at me, smiling but with a concerned look on his face. I had no doubt he noticed me getting lost in the memories and got worried I might blame myself for that mess again.
And I loved him all the more for it. People always used to say that Percy was oblivious, and that might have been true in the past. But now, now he is a very observant and caring partner.
I returned his smile, assuring him that I was fine but appreciative of his concern. I leaned my head on his shoulder and just concentrated on what was happening right now. I felt Percy kiss the top of my head, causing my heart to flutter with love for him. I so very much wanted to return the favor, but I knew now was not the right time; maybe later, I told myself.
I settled down on the seat, my head on his shoulder, and turned my eyes to the woman in front of me.
Annabeth was watching us with tears in her eyes; she had just finished pouring her heart out to Percy. I also noticed the clear envy in her eyes from seeing how we acted just now. Seeing the caring side of Percy, his concern for me. And of course that little kiss he gave me, even if it's just on the top of my head. It would affect her as much if we made out right here, right now.
All I'm feeling for her at the moment is envy, regret, and jealousy, but not so much of that. And love, of course, so much love.
Before I could dwell more on Annabeth's growing feelings for my man, Percy replied to Annabeth's apologies.
"I accept your apologies, Annabeth," Percy began, his voice slow, clear, and kind. With no hint of the anger that used to dominate him whenever he was reminded of Annabeth and the things she had done. Now there was acceptance and muted care for the woman he once loved with all his heart.
I saw Annabeth's eyes light up from Percy's words. But before she could celebrate or reply, Percy's next words dashed her burgeoning hope. "But I can't forgive you just yet." Percy's words were not unkind, and yet I saw the hurt in Annabeth's eyes as his words registered in her mind. Annabeth's eyes closed as she hung her head down; her breath hitched as she quietly sobbed.
Sally, being the kind woman that she is, moved to sit down beside Annabeth. Running her hand up and down her back, Sally consoled the crying woman who just had her hopes dashed by a few words from his son.
I glanced at Hazel and saw that she had her eyes on Percy, her hands, like mine, wrapped around one of his. Looking up, I saw concern and guilt on his face as he looked at the results of his words.
'This won't do.' I thought Percy shouldn't have to feel guilty about his choices and decisions. Especially in regard to Annabeth. She was just getting what she deserved, as far as I'm concerned. She should be thankful Percy even entertained her request for this meeting. Percy is under no obligation to hear her out, in my opinion. Annabeth's tears should not be affecting Percy so much. But unfortunately, Percy was a kind man, the same one she fell in love with. And right now, his kind heart was reacting to Annabeth's suffering.
'I just hope Percy doesn't cave to her, not easily anyway.'
I'll have to remind Percy that he doesn't have to cater to Annabeth later. Either way, I will always be here to support Percy, no matter what he decides to do.
Annabeth managed to calm herself after a while; Sally handed her a box of tissues from the table, and the blonde wiped her face before facing us again. "Thank you, Sally," she muttered to the older woman sitting beside her, who smiled in response.
"I understand, Percy. I know why you can't forgive me. Gods know I don't even deserve to ask for it from you. But I will not stop wishing for it; I won't stop asking for it. If it takes me the rest of my life, then I'll gladly spend all of it begging for you to forgive me," Annabeth declared in a quivering voice. I felt her determination, and I knew she would not stop.
I felt my irritation rise, but I held back from doing anything, remembering Percy's request for me and Hazel. He didn't want us to act untowardly to Annabeth, despite what she has done. According to Percy, he was the one he hurt and betrayed, and since he no longer feels hatred or anger towards her, then there was no reason for the two of us to feel hostile to her.
His logic is sound, I know. But women are not logical beings. Add the curse of the harem in the equation, and you end up with two overprotective women who took it personally that their man was hurt and betrayed by the woman sitting in front of them. A woman who is now apologizing and angling to get back with her man.
"You're free to try!" Hazel suddenly said, at the same time I scoffed loudly.
I felt Percy squeeze my hand, and I knew he did the same for Hazel. A quiet warning and a reminder of his request. I also saw Sally widen her eyes at us, wordlessly asking Percy to keep us all calm.
"Girls, you promised." Percy's gentle words chastised us, causing us to stop. Hazel muttered an apology while I just smiled at him, not trusting my mouth to stay silent.
"Sorry about that," Percy told Annabeth, who shook her head.
"Don't. It's okay. I understand that they're angry for you. And I deserve it and so much worse," Annabeth refuted. I felt her sincerity, which I found both admirable and irritating at the same time.
I wanted to tell her what she deserved, but I held back, not wanting to go against Percy's wishes. I sighed and leaned even more against Percy's side, almost putting my entire weight on him.
Was it petty of me? Yes.
Did I want to show off to Annabeth? Also, yes.
Did I want Annabeth to know her place? Definitely yes.
If I could, I would have kissed him in plain view of her, not to hurt her. But just to remind her of what she lost and what I now have.
After a little bit, Annabeth began to speak again, asking Percy a question I knew she wanted to ask since she got the news of Percy being found.
"So, how have you been, Percy?"
Annabeth asked in a small voice; her curiosity was palpable, but I also noticed a yearning in her. A want deep within her to know how Percy has been living. For what did she want to know that? I don't know, but I can bet money that she wants to know more so she can make a plan on how to move forward with her plans to get back with Percy.
I turned to Percy and saw him staring at Annabeth; no doubt he as well has figured out Annabeth's angle. He, after all, knows her best. He stayed silent for a few seconds before exhaling. With a small smile, he answered her question, and I felt better with that because I felt that Percy truly had moved on from her. He didn't feel reluctant to share his past with her because she is his past. And he is now living in the present, looking forward to the future, with us.
If the two of them would ever get back together, it would be a fresh start. They wouldn't be picking up where they left off, and they would be starting off as two new people. Completely different from how they were seven years ago.
"I'm good, thank you for asking." Percy smiled as he answered, the same smile he uses when dealing with clients. It was polite and cordial. And it wasn't what Annabeth wanted to see on his face, I'm sure. "Although, it was hell for me at the start," Percy added at the end. Leave it to him to make light of his suffering. I lifted the hand of his that I was holding and brought it up to my lips.
I kissed the back of his hand, nuzzling it after. Trying to remind him that he isn't alone now. Hazel, on his other side, used both hands to massage the hand she was holding while looking up at her man, our man.
Besides the nymphs, she was the one to really see how Percy was after everything came down. The aftermath of the war, Tartarus, and Annabeth's betrayal. She's told me how, despite his own pain and suffering, Percy still put her first after she came to live with him.
His heart was already healed when I came into the picture, so I was able to wiggle myself into his life and love quite easily compared to how it was during Hazel's time with him. As much as I'm glad he was able to recover, I sometimes wish I was there for him during the darkest of his days. I would have loved to have supported him during that time.
"I was lucky I had Mom and Paul to support me at the beginning," Percy said, smiling at his mother sitting beside Annabeth. Sally smiled back at her son, and I felt the love permeate the room from the two of them.
"And then, Hazel came into the picture and swept me away!" Percy grinned at the smaller woman sitting on his other side. Hazel blushed but returned his loving smile with one of her own. I felt her love towards Percy, and it mirrored his own for her. "Oh hush!" Hazel slapped his arm in protest, causing Percy to chuckle.
"He's right, Hazel. It's only after you arrived that Percy began to open his heart again," Sally said, joining the conversation, smiling softly at Hazel. I turned to Hazel and smiled at her too. I wanted to add something as well, but I was stopped by Annabeth's voice.
As one, we all turned to her as she spoke. "I'm glad to hear that you had help, Percy." Her voice was small and sad, and I knew instantly that one of the reasons why she still hasn't moved on is because she had no one to support her. Or maybe because, unlike Percy, she didn't want to be helped.
From my therapy sessions, I learned that some people become so comfortable in their suffering and pain that changing things for the better becomes unimaginable. That they would rather stay where they are than face the uncertainty that dealing with their traumas would bring.
I was lucky, or we were lucky Percy was not that kind of man. But it seems Annabeth is one. It took Percy being found for her to find the will to change things up.
And that's just kind of sad to think about.
"And you too, Hazel. I'm glad you had Percy in your life." Annabeth followed up; I could tell it hurt her to say that. But she was also sincere in her words; she truly believed what she said. "If you don't mind me asking, how is it living with Percy?"
Her brazen question caught me off guard; I never thought she would go and ask something like that to our faces. I knew she was going to be curious about how our lives have been. I am too, about hers, but I wouldn't ask her like this.
I turned to Hazel and saw her staring silently at the blonde. Once upon a time, Hazel looked up at Annabeth, and Annabeth was wary of Hazel at the start due to her closeness to Percy when they met at New Rome for the first time. But that passed quickly. It must have been jarring for her to discover that Hazel was with Percy; same with me, I'm sure.
I was about to rebuke her for her audacity when Hazel spoke up. "I don't know where you found the gall to ask me that question, but for Percy's sake, I'll answer." There was a rare hardness in Hazel's tone when she spoke to Annabeth that kind of surprised me. I've only ever heard her speak this way a few times with some of the employees of the store, and only when they mess up.
It's times like these that remind me that as kind and sweet as Hazel is, she was once a praetor of New Rome. Leading hundreds of warriors and commanding their obedience and respect. I watch Hazel sit up on the sofa, back straight like the general she once was. Though she never released Percy's hand, her hold on it was tight and firm, like mine.
"My life has never been better. I have been the happiest I have ever been since I got with Percy," Hazel stated plainly, her eyes shining with the truth of her words, words that I share as well. "And it's only going to get better from here," she added softly, turning to look at Percy with a lovely smile. Like what I did earlier, Hazel tugged on his hand and kissed it, her eyes shining with love for this man who means the world to us.
Percy returned the favor, pulling Hazel to him and capturing her lips in a soft and chaste kiss. Yet it contained an ocean of love within, almost drowning me and Hazel with the amount he had for us. I shivered from the intensity of the feelings washing over me, and it reminded me of another thing he has that floods us when we are alone together. I felt my cheek burn from the wanton thoughts my mind suddenly flooded with, and I shook myself mentally. Putting that picture aside for now.
But later, after this. I will demand to be flooded by my fiancé until I am drowning in him.
"You make me the happiest too, you and Piper both!" Percy said as the two separated, looking deeply in each other's eyes. If we were back home, Hazel would have dragged Percy to her bedroom already. Unfortunately, we are not, so Hazel turned back to Annabeth. I did the same and saw her looking pained at the display she just witnessed; her eyes were wide, and she was biting her bottom lip.
It took a while before she could respond.
"I see. I am happy for you two, really I am. Since I've already asked, I was already told some information on how you came to live with him, but I would like to confirm just one thing. You fell for Percy before you joined the harem, right?"
I guess I should have known she would ask about that; her curiosity for one and the possibility it represented would have made her very interested in the harem.
I waited to see how Hazel would deal with her question, planning on supporting and adding to however Hazel chose to face this inquiry from Annabeth. We both know why she is asking this; she wants to know how she could get in and be a part of Percy's harem. Using that Athena mind of hers to plan a way to use this to her advantage. I wish her luck in this; Percy is no longer the gullible guy she knew who would have welcomed her with open arms like before.
Hazel sighed, then she leaned back on the sofa, dropping her head on Percy's shoulder. "When I lived with Percy, he informed me about the harem not because he had any intention of making me a member. He did it so that I would be aware of it," Hazel started. "I was in a very dark place when my father sent me to live with Percy, and he did so for my benefit. So I could heal, my father reasoned, and Percy did everything in his power to help me. He supported me, all the way, in every way." Hazel was looking up at Percy, who was blushing slightly from the compliments.
'So cute! '
I gushed in my mind at the sight of this godly man, red-faced from a few words from one of his women.
"You know how he is, Annabeth. Do you really think I stood a chance of not falling for him when he devoted his care to me? When he stayed with me during my darkest time?" Her questions felt like a slap to the face, and Annabeth felt it. As she had experienced all that Hazel pointed at, she squandered them away.
'And now she's back after finding out what she lost,' I mused.
"So yes! I fell for Percy before I joined the harem. And I fell for him hard; it didn't matter to me if the harem existed or not. By then I would have gone down on my knees and begged him to allow me to love him!" Hazel declared, straight-faced. Her words contain nothing but the truth, a truth that I share as well.
"You go on your knees for him now anyway," I teased, a smirk on my face as I wiggled my brows at Hazel. Her face turned red as she looked at me. She raised an eyebrow and responded to my jab. "Like you don't?" I grinned at her and shrugged in response. Not like I hide it from people; I love Percy, and I don't mind giving him pleasure in any way I can. Pleasuring him brings me pleasure too, so I do it often.
"Girls!"
Sally huffed, unamused by the topic Hazel and I began talking about. Hazel and I smiled apologetically to our future mother-in-law. She shook her head, but she had a smile on her face. I figured we were forgiven, but I would have to do something to make up later.
'Maybe I can take her shopping,' I thought.
I noticed Annabeth was quiet. Looking at her, I found her with her head down. I felt kind of bad knowing what Hazel and I insinuated would be hurtful for her to hear. But I don't particularly regret doing it, and I know Hazel doesn't either. We both love Percy, and we are not ashamed of showing it or telling people about it.
I watched her take a shaky breath before she lifted her head. She nodded to Hazel, thanking her for her honesty before turning to me with an expectant gaze. I sighed as I knew what she wanted from me; why she wanted it, though, I don't know. Deciding to humor her, I steeled myself and opened my mouth to give her what she was silently asking for.
"My story is somewhat the same as Hazel's; the only difference is that I came to live with Percy with the expectation of falling for him," I started, and my words shocked Annabeth. By the way her eyes widened, I could tell she wasn't expecting that. "Yes, I knew I would fall for him before long. My mother all but told me of that eventuality." I smiled, remembering that discussion.
"What happened?" Annabeth asked, and I told her my story, albeit a shorter version.
"Shel and I broke up after I fell to a dark place after learning of Jason's death," I shared. I leaned against Percy, needing his presence for the next part. Percy took his hand from my grasp and, showcasing how in tune he is with me and my needs, moved the arm and wrapped it around me. Encasing me in his warmth and care. Giving me the reassurance I needed, telling me not in words but in his actions that he will always be with me, supporting me and loving me no matter what.
I smiled at him as I placed my now-freed hand on his chest. Feeling his heartbeat calms me down.
"I was suicidal for a time after that. Everywhere I went just reminded me of all the loved ones I lost. Camp, my father's place, and New Rome didn't do anything but put me in a more dangerous mindset," I added, and I felt Percy pull me closer to him, and I relished his protectiveness and his possessiveness of me. I loved it when he laid his claim on me, declaring to the whole world that I belong to him.
'Gasp!'
Annabeth had a shocked look on her face. I felt her concern for me, and I smiled at her, willing her to understand that I am okay now.
"I went to my mother for help, and she sent me to Percy for the same reason Hazel was sent here by her father," I went on to say. "The safety that Percy and his place provided would ensure I could heal safely," I added. I lifted my head and kissed Percy's jaw, looking him in his eyes as I continued.
"But unlike with Hazel, my mother told me of the possibility of me falling for Percy. I tried to refute her words, but I knew deep down she was right. I took my time deciding if I wanted to accept her plan, but in the end I agreed." Percy was looking at me with so much love in his eyes I felt giddy from it.
"And so I moved in with Percy and Hazel, and during the course of my stay with them, I saw just how attentive Percy is to Hazel's needs. I saw how he cared not just for her but for the three nymphs as well. I also experienced what it is to be subjected to his care; I found out how good it felt to be supported wholeheartedly by someone who wanted nothing from you in return. I discovered what it feels like to have someone wish nothing but the best for you and do everything in their power to help you be the best version of yourself, not for themselves, but for your sake."
Words flowed out as I bared my mind and soul to Percy. I may have been answering Annabeth's question, but my words were for Percy and him alone. I wanted him to know just how much I appreciated all that he did for me. How thankful I am for his support. How much I love him from the bottom of my heart.
His eyes shone with love as he listened to me, drinking in my words and the feelings within them. I was just about to devour his lips when a clearing of a throat stopped me. I turned and saw Sally looking pointedly at me, and I giggled and opted to just kiss Percy on his cheek, just to tide over my need for him, for now, that is.
"And so, like Hazel, I fell for this perfect example of a man beside me. And with the help of Hazel, I managed to convince him to give me a chance and allow me to be a part of his harem," I continued. "Because Percy, being the honest and honorable man that he is, was denying himself the chance to be with more than one woman, officially, that is." I looked at Hazel as I said that, and we shared a short laugh at Percy's expense.
"I didn't want the harem in the first place," Percy grumbled, and Hazel and I both leaned closer to him, Hazel pulling on his arm tighter while I snaked my arms across his body, holding him close.
"We know," I told him.
Where other men would have been delighted to have a legitimate way of having multiple women with them. Percy, on the other hand, lamented that fact. He is okay with the idea now, but for the longest time in the past, he was very much against it. Hazel took weeks of explaining before Percy agreed with her idea of joining the harem.
"If Percy was against it, how did you get him to accept you?" Annabeth asked all of a sudden.
I stared at her as I answered.
"With the help of Hazel and the nymphs, we planned a picnic, and Hazel left us alone for me to confess to Percy," I said with a grin, nuzzling my head on Percy's chest. "And yet it still took me convincing him to get him to agree and invite you into the harem," Hazel teased, and I saw her smiling as she kissed Percy's knuckles.
I felt Percy shaking his head, and I giggled, picturing him with that small smile on his face that I have grown to love.
"That is how I fell for Percy; that is how my life has been since then," I told Annabeth, laying my head down on Percy's chest, listening to his heartbeat, enjoying his warmth.
I enjoyed the quiet for a bit, all of us no doubt digesting all that had happened. Annabeth, I'm sure, is currently analyzing all that she learned. Compiling it in that brain of hers and finding out how to use it for her plans.
Oh, I know she has a plan; if she doesn't, then she will have one. And I bet it will include a way for her to be a part of our lives. While I am against it right now. It will ultimately fall on Percy to decide. If he decides to accept her, then Hazel and I will welcome her as part of the family. If he doesn't, then this hate and irritation I feel for her will remain. And I will forever be on guard with her.
I was brought back to the present by Percy's voice, asking Annabeth something I have been wondering about.
"My turn to ask," Percy said suddenly, and I saw Annabeth brace herself as she nodded for him to continue.
"How have you been, Annabeth? What have you been doing for the past seven years?"
There was no hate or anger in his voice. All I could hear was curiosity about how she had been living. I found myself perking up, and I knew Hazel was also paying close attention to Annabeth now. Both of us are waiting to learn what she has been doing with her life, like Percy is.
I turned to Annabeth to see how she was taking the question. I saw her looking at Percy with a contemplative look; I just knew her mind was running a mile a second, formulating a plan on how to answer it to her advantage.
"I'm not going to lie, it could have gone worse than it did," Annabeth started with a rueful smile. Immediately, I felt Percy move, sitting straighter as his attention was now fully on Annabeth. His worry is palpable for how his ex's life has gone.
"After you left, I was stuck for a time. It took a few months and a number of people to push me forward with my life, or a semblance of it anyway." Her smile carried no humor while her eyes showed the pain she was feeling. "The first step I did was to move back in with my parents, to get away from camp, from everyone who knew, away from the judgment I got from them."
"My family was supportive and pushed me to carry on with my studies; I graduated as we planned." Annabeth smiled at Percy at that statement, and I remembered the two of them planning their education back then. Or at least Percy telling Annabeth about how he planned to go to college at New Rome University after high school. "My dad wanted me to continue my studies in California, but I couldn't do that. With how near Camp Jupiter and New Rome are to me, I would have been reminded of what you dreamed for us, of what I destroyed with my own decisions." Her eyes were watery now as she told us of how her life after Percy went away had gone.
I turned to Percy as I saw him listening attentively; his eyes held nothing but compassion for Annabeth. I knew right away that Percy would extend his help to her if she needed it, and he would do so without any motive other than to help. I hope Annabeth wouldn't need his help. I'm sure Annabeth would be better off with it, of course, but I also knew she would use it to get close to Percy again. And at the moment, I didn't want her anywhere near Percy. Selfish as it may be.
"But you did go to college, right?" Percy asked after a few seconds. There was apprehension in his voice, and I knew he was worried that Annabeth didn't go to college. It was something that he knew was very important to Annabeth. A dream of her from before he came into her life. I knew he would be hurt, and he would blame himself in the event that Annabeth forewent her education because of what happened between them.
"I did," Annabeth answered with a soft smile on her face. I could tell she liked that Percy was showing concern for her. I fought the urge to put her in her place and bit my tongue from commenting on how she should wipe that smile off her face. Instead, I snaked my arms around Percy and held him closer, nuzzling his chest with my nose as I inhaled his intoxicating scent.
Whether she noticed what I did or not, Annabeth went on with her story, not looking at me in the slightest. "After high school, I went back to New York and enrolled in NYU. I took architecture, as you would know." She paused and looked at Percy; he nodded in confirmation, making her smile widen a bit more. "I lived at camp during breaks and stayed at a dorm near the campus."
"After I graduated, I moved back to camp; aside from a few small projects, I haven't really done anything close to what I dreamed of doing." Annabeth looked down at that, shame the dominant feeling I got from her. I wanted to feel bad for her, her dream of being able to design buildings right at her fingertips, yet she was unable to reach for them. Hindered by her guilt for her mistakes. For the first time since I walked into the room. I wished for her to get better; I wished for her to be able to live out her dream. Just not with Percy in them.
"I didn't expect this from you, Annabeth. I hoped you would have at least gone on and become an architect by now," Percy commented, shaking his head.
"Many people did, but I just couldn't find the motivation. Chiron, Malcolm, and my parents—they were among the only ones who tried to push me forward. But I didn't listen to them; the few projects I was talking about were from Chiron introducing me to a few demigods that grew older and were looking for a demigod architect to help them design a place that could be appropriate for demigod life," Annabeth explained. Her words, while making sense, also didn't really.
Percy nodded, though I felt that he still couldn't accept her reasoning. We were quiet for a few minutes after that until Percy asked something else. A question that took Annabeth by surprise, going by the look on her face.
"And, romantically, was there anyone in the past seven years you got close to?"
My curiosity was piqued, and I turned my full attention to what her answer would be. Annabeth stared at Percy, and I could see the conflict once again in her eyes. It took her a minute before she sighed before answering.
"No one," Annabeth declared, shaking her head. "I mean, there were a few who tried, both men and women, but I just couldn't get myself to accept what they were offering," she added in a small voice, her eyes looking straight at Percy. I felt the truth in her words, and I knew the reason behind her decision to remain single.
She wanted to remain loyal to Percy.
I scoffed mentally at that, a little bit too late in my opinion. She should have done that before she did what she did. Then again, if she had, then I would not have had the chance to be with Percy like this. Or maybe the Fates would have found a different way to get to this outcome.
"Why?" Percy asked, and I rolled my eyes at him. I wanted to smack him for acting dumb, but Hazel beat me to it. Smacking his arms, Hazel chided him for his question like a mother would.
"Stop acting dumb, Percy! You know as well as we all do what her reason is." Percy pouted as he leaned back while Sally looked on, an amused smile on her face. Annabeth, on the other hand, was looking at Hazel with awe, perhaps finally seeing her for how she has become after 7 years.
"That's good, Hazel! It's great seeing you girls putting Percy down when he's being stupid," Sally said, praising Hazel with a teasing smile on her face as she looked at her son with amusement. Percy pouted even more, and I found myself being tempted to kiss him until the smile returned to his face.
"I see how it is. It's okay; you all can gang up on me; that's fine." Percy pouted even more and tried to get up, away from us. Hazel and I held on to him as he squirmed, all the while Sally laughed at the childish scene taking place in front of her.
I giggled with Hazel as my heart burst with happiness. Here we were, in front of Annabeth, a person who hurt Percy deeply, and instead of a fight, something silly was happening. I leaned up to his ear and whispered something that caused him to look at me with heat in his eyes.
"Don't worry, Percy, Hazel and I will surely gang up on you later!"
The way he looked at me made me squirm with need as my core tightened in anticipation. He smiled at me, and it carried with it a promise of a wild night of passion. One I was sorely tempted to start right away. I glanced at Hazel and saw her giving me a knowing look; I winked at her, and she smiled. Then she pulled at Percy's hands and pressed a kiss on them.
I laid my head back on his chest and saw Annabeth looking at us; there was a look of longing in her eyes that I ignored, pressing my ears on Percy's chest to listen to his heartbeat again.
It took a few minutes for us to calm down, and when we did, Percy had something to say. "To be honest, Annabeth, I didn't expect this to happen to you," he said in a serious tone. "I thought you would have lived the life you wanted, the life you planned to live since we were 12." His eyes now bore down on the blonde in front of us, and Annabeth, her head ducked down, avoided his gaze.
"I knew what happened between us affected you, but not to the extent that it had," Percy added, shaking his head. "Don't get me wrong, I knew you would have gotten some kind of retribution for your actions. My relationships with the gods guaranteed that, unfortunately." Percy looked apologetic at that for a bit before continuing. "But I never thought you would have stopped living altogether."
"And this, what happened to you? Seems more like self-imposed punishment rather than something from Nemesis ," Percy ended, his eyes still glued to Annabeth, likely trying to get a read on her mind.
"It's what I deserve," Annabeth muttered. I saw Percy about to retort, but Annabeth raised her hands, cutting him off. "No, Percy! I know you think otherwise, but I believe I needed to be punished!" Annabeth hissed. I also know how you stopped Lord Poseidon from punishing me; you didn't have to do that after what I did. But thank you for doing it!" Annabeth bowed her head as she thanked Percy for protecting her from his father's wrath.
"You hurt me, Annabeth; you hurt me deeply. But that doesn't mean I wanted you to die," Percy responded, his words cementing the kind of man he is for me: a kind man, the kind that even after being hurt in the worst way possible. His mind still didn't fall into a dark place that wished suffering for others. Witnessing that trait of his made me fall for him all over again.
"All I wanted back then was to be as far away from you as I could possibly be," he ended. His words might have been harsh, but I believe it will have a better effect on Annabeth. It would make her understand Percy better, and it would also make things clear for her.
"I figured, again, I apologize for what I've done, Percy! I'm really, really sorry!" Annabeth sobbed, dropping her head on her hands as she cried her heart out once again. Sally, sitting beside her, ran her hands along her back, trying to calm her down. She was unsuccessful, as Annabeth was beyond calming gestures.
It was 5 minutes later when Annabeth finally calmed down enough to be able to lift her head and look back to Percy. Her eyes were red from the amount of crying she had done today.
"You've apologized enough, Annabeth. I may not have forgiven you yet, but you can stop saying you're sorry. I know you are, and it's time you work on forgiving yourself," Percy said, his eyes holding a warmth that I didn't expect to see directed at Annabeth. I knew from seeing that that Percy would be forgiving her soon enough. But I also knew Percy would make her work for his forgiveness, and I am looking forward to that.
"Right now, though, you need to get your shit together! Staying at camp and not working as you've dreamed since we were children! Not moving on and remaining stuck where you were!" Percy continued, now scolding Annabeth. The scene would have been amusing if not for the smile slowly growing on the blonde's lips. The sight of it irritated me; I was tempted to smack it off her face.
"I no longer feel hatred towards you, Annabeth, but seeing you like this, seeing you squander away your talents! It might just make me hate you all over again!" He was on a roll now. I turned to Hazel and saw her sporting an exasperated look on her face as well.
"And if you need help, then I'll give it to you." I gawked at Percy as he said that.
'Is he serious right now?
"I'll help you in any way I can, Annabeth, but you have to take the first steps yourself; no one can do that for you." And just like that, Percy all but guaranteed Annabeth will be one of us someday. His kindness, though endearing, can be irritating at times. Hazel and I have our hands full with other women trying to get with Percy without him initiating.
With him doing this, he's all but made sure Annabeth will be lurking around us, trying to get in. I look at Hazel, and wordlessly, we come to the same conclusion. I nodded to her, and I knew the both of us would be talking later when we're back at the hotel. After we put Percy to sleep, of course, which will be a task in and of itself.
'We need a plan to make sure Annabeth doesn't get back with Percy easily! '
My thoughts were disturbed by Annabeth replying to what Percy offered.
"I don't deserve that," Annabeth said in a low voice, her eyes cast down with tears falling from them again. This meeting has been tear-filled since the start, like I thought it would be. I agree with her sentiment, though. She doesn't deserve Percy's help, nor his kindness. If I had my way, we wouldn't even be here, listening to her.
'Stop! 'I told myself. 'This is the curse talking! '
I took a deep breath to collect myself. Over the years, I have fallen victim to the curse a few times. And I have been doing my best to recognize when I am under the grip of it so I can take stock of what I am doing so I can stop myself. Percy doesn't like it when I act overly jealous or when I get aggressive with other people.
Percy just shrugged as he replied to her.
"Maybe you do, or maybe you don't," he started. "The point is, it's up to me whether I want to offer you my help or not," he explained. "And right now, I want to help Annabeth Chase, my friend, not Annabeth Chase, my ex." Percy finished, his words reminding me of just how much he has grown. The emotional intelligence he had and how mature he's gotten over the years. They reminded me of one aspect of him that made me fall for him in the first place.
His reply made Annabeth cry once again, which made Sally pull her into her embrace. Her body was shaking as Sally consoled her while she looked at her son with a proud smile on her face. Irritated as I am at how things went, even I can't help but feel pride for how Percy handled things. As much as I hated the possibility of Annabeth becoming one of us, I knew it was out of my hands. All I could do was try to make sure she actually deserves to be one of us before Percy forgives and accepts her.
I let out a sigh, leaning back into Percy, letting him take care of things for now, that is.
---------line break---------
Sally POV
My tears threatened to fall as I embraced Annabeth, trying to get her to calm down as she cried her heart out from my son's words.
His words filled me with pride for the man he's become; his willingness to give Annabeth a chance at forgiveness is a reflection of his maturity. His readiness to offer his help, even to the person who hurt him, showed how well-adjusted he's grown to be.
All of those showed me how kind-hearted he truly is. It proved to me and to all who know him how even after being granted immortality, after being given a harem of all things. He remains the same as I have always known him to be, how I've raised him to be.
A good man at heart.
And that no amount of power will ever change that.
I smiled knowing that even after I am long gone from this world, my son will stay the same.
After a few minutes, Annabeth stopped crying, and she sat up, wiping her eyes with the tissue I handed her. "Thank you," she told me softly. I smiled at her, feeling happy for the girl who I once treated as a daughter-in-law. Based on what just happened, I think there is a chance for that to happen once again.
Pushing that thought aside for now, I'll leave that for my son to decide. I will just support him in whatever he decides to do in the future. Glancing at the clock on the wall, I noticed that it was close to dinner time. With a smile, I clapped my hands, getting the attention of everyone.
"Well! Now that that's done, why don't we all have dinner? You'll join us, won't you, Annabeth?" I invited the girl sitting next to me, who is still dabbing at her eyes. She turned to me, shock written all over her face, like she couldn't believe I would ever invite her to share a meal with me and my family. I understood why she thought like that; I admit that in the past, I wouldn't even think of greeting her, much less inviting her for a meal.
But like my son, I too no longer have any hatred for her. While I am disappointed at her actions back then, I have moved on from them. Right now, I am looking forward to a future where my heart is made lighter with forgiveness and acceptance.
While I am sure she and Percy will be getting back together in the near future, I admit that I have been wrong before. Thus I will just step back and watch, accepting whatever the future may hold for them.
"Thank you! But I wouldn't want to impose any longer," Annabeth replied, shaking her head as she tried to decline my invitation to dinner. 'That simply won't do! ' I have missed having meals with her, and I also cooked with her in mind.
"Nonsense! You are not imposing! Besides, I already cooked for you as well; if you don't stay, then it will just go to waste!" I said, a bit more forcefully, and I saw Annabeth struggle with herself. In the end, she nodded, but not before she turned to Percy, asking if he was okay with her joining us for dinner.
"Of course! I have no problem with it," Percy replied, nodding his head. I smiled at him, then I stood and made my way to the kitchen, followed by Hazel. Both of us are working together to set the table.
---------line break---------
I smiled at the scene in front of me. It has been a few months since Percy and his girls visited. And it has been years since Annabeth sat down with us and joined us for a meal. Once upon a time, I thought her sitting down and joining us for dinner would be a frequent scene in my house. But sadly, Fate had other plans for her and us.
But now, that was not the case. I turned to my left at Annabeth, who was eating her food slowly, all while sneaking glances at Percy, sitting at the opposite side of the table, in between Hazel and Piper.
I watched as both Piper and Hazel took turns feeding Percy, play fighting with each other over whose turn it was to shove food in his mouth. Percy tried to get them to stop, which did nothing but goad them on.
I sighed, shaking my head at their antics. Knowing that they are only doing it to show Annabeth up. telling her in no uncertain terms that they are the ones with Percy, and not her. It was childish, and it was unwarranted, but I also knew the girls couldn't really help themselves. Not with the curse affecting them, I was just glad that was the extent they were going to display their disagreement with how things are going.
And so dinner went on like this, with Percy being fed like a baby and him pouting about it. Annabeth looked like she wanted to feed Percy as well but was clearly holding back. And me, just sitting back and watching it all unfold.
---------line break---------
"Thank you for dinner, Sally! It was wonderful!"
Annabeth thanked me at the door as she fixed her bag over her shoulder.
"You're welcome, Annabeth! I'm glad you enjoyed it!" She smiled at me before turning to Percy, who was standing beside me, and Piper and Hazel a step behind him. I saw a look of longing in her eyes for a brief moment before she shook herself.
"And thank you, Percy, for everything," she said, her voice low, but it carried with it years of pent-up emotions. Something that both girls standing behind us noticed, I'm sure.
"Think nothing of it, Annabeth. And remember, I want to help." Percy reminded her. Annabeth nodded, then I saw her hands flinch, as if raising to give Percy a hug before they moved behind her back. In an effort to hold back her impulse and to avoid infuriating the girls further.
"I'll remember," she assured my son. She turned to all of us and said her farewell before going through the open door and walking away. The door closed, and I turned to both girls, ready to reprimand them for their juvenile actions earlier.
"Both of you! That wasn't nice what you did earlier!" I said, my voice tight, and I'm sure my face was carrying a frown. Hazel looked down guiltily, but Piper held her head high and reasoned with me.
"Yes, it wasn't nice of us, but it was necessary," she declared, looking me directly in the eyes. "Annabeth has to understand that she needs to work hard and she needs to do her best, be at her best, if she wants to get back together with Percy!" Her eyes held a seriousness in them that I knew nothing I said would change her mind about what it is the two girls planned to do.
Shaking my head, I walked past them back to the living room. Leaving it to them to handle things, besides, I know Percy would put a stop to things if Piper and Hazel go overboard. Sitting down on the sofa, Percy followed and sat right next to me. He grabbed my hand and squeezed it. "Stop worrying about these things, Mom. I'm sure things will get better in the future," he said with a smile, and I immediately believed him.
I accepted his words with a smile; I pulled him into my arms as I hugged my now a lot bigger son. I marveled at how my arms can't reach each other now when back then, I used to completely wrap them around his body.
My son is a man now!
I felt Percy return my embrace as I relished the warmth he provided. Something I used to think I would lose when he turned 13. Now I know for sure I will have it until my life on this earth comes to an end. We spent the next hour just talking about anything and everything. From the latest celebrity gossip from Piper to the plans they have for their business from Hazel. Percy talked about the new designs and the last few commissions he finished, and I told them about how my life has gone. About the newest chapter I just wrote and Paul's class.
But mostly I talked about Estelle; Percy was bummed she wasn't here right now but understood why I sent her away. The girls were disappointed about not being able to fawn over Percy's little sister. I took that chance to tease the three of them into having children of their own. I know they've decided against having children for now. But I believe it is one of the few ways a parent can have fun with their children.
Before long, I was walking my son and his fiancée out the door. They are going back to their hotel for the night.
"Goodnight, Mom, and thanks for this," Percy said as he hugged me by the door.
He let me go, and I gave each girl a hug before they too stepped out of the door. "You should come have lunch with us tomorrow at the hotel!" Percy invited me as he stood in between Piper and Hazel. "Yes! And bring Estelle and Paul with you!" Hazel added, a wide grin on her face.
"That's a lovely idea! I'll tell Paul later!" I agreed readily, not really ready to let them go back to Washington just yet.
"Great! Give us a call when you guys are on the way!" Piper said, her arms wrapped around Percy's. I stepped up to my son and kissed his cheek. "You're a good man, Percy! I'm very proud of you!" I told him, and I saw the light grow brighter in his eyes.
I waved them goodbye, and they headed towards the elevator. I turned around and closed the door behind me, walking back to the living room and dropping down on the sofa. I let out a huge sigh as I let go of the tension I was holding in for the better part of the night. I leaned back and closed my eyes, thanking whatever god was there that made sure tonight went on without much trouble.
After a few minutes, I was woken up by the sound of a door opening. I turned in time to see Paul walking through the short hallway, Estelle in his arms. My daughter squirmed as she spotted me, her arms raised towards me, hands making grabby gestures. My heart warmed at the sight as I remembered Percy doing the same thing when he was her age. It seems both of my children inherited that particular trait.
Paul walked to me and passed the wiggling child into my arms. I quickly hug my daughter tight, missing her warmth and smell after a whole day of dealing with her brother and his issues. I felt Paul kiss the top of my head before he sat down beside me.
"How did things go?"
He asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.
I gave him a smile that told volumes while my mouth moved to say a simple reply.
"Things went as well as they could."