A/N: Let's try this again. Hi there, long time no see! AS A COMPENSATION, IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHAPTERS I'VE EVER WRITTEN, OVER 11K WORDS. Ok, now that the warning about the unusual size is out, I actually have a couple of reasons to why I was away for so long. Athena isn't the easiest character, neither is Annabeth (until you really get in the mood) and I was naïve/optimist enough to add Magnus in the last chapter, even if I had read only 1/3 of his first book. So, I had to find and read all his books before I even attempted to write him. That made me change some things. I'm sorry – not really – for the change, but his mom is still alive. I wanted to give Annabeth (and Magnus) some normal family moments, so I kept his mom alive, or Christmas would be a little awkward. Since it's not his story, but Annabeth's, I will be very superficial about his own life, and how did Blitzen, Hearthstone, Samira, Alex and all the others came to his life. Well, that's it. Enjoy. And please remember I started it before Trials of Apollo, so pretend that never happened.

THURSDAY

She barely heard the knock on the door over the sound of her music before her stepmother entered the room.

"Annie, did you finish with your suitcase?"

Removing her earbuds and sitting up in bed, she adjusted her cat who was lazily laying on her lap, being petted.

"Yes, some time ago. Why are we leaving tonight and not tomorrow morning, anyway?"

Her stepmother sighed from where she was standing and glared over her shoulder, which Annabeth guessed was directed to her father, even if she knew he was outside the house and couldn't see or hear anything happening in her room.

"Because your father can be more stubborn than you and decided he wants to drive tonight."

Do you want to bet we are not going?

Why do you think that?

Because mom is more stubborn than him, and she doesn't want to go.

***

"Ok, kids, you can go to sleep and I will wake you early in the morning to leave."

I told you!

Annabeth hid her smile and turned to her father pretending to be curious.

"Why did you change your mind?"

"I... thought better, and it's for the best if we go tomorrow morning. There is no need to drive at night."

'He' thought better. I don't know why he tries to look as he took this decision by himself, we all know that mom did it.

FRIDAY

"Ouch! Stop that, you little devil!"

Annabeth tried to hold her cat with one hand while kissing the scratch on the other.

Maybe you're hurting him?

I'm not hurting him!

How can you be sure, do you have cats?

As a matter of fact, I do. Actually, my family does, but I interact with them when I go visit them in San Francisco. He just doesn't want to make our life easier and get. In. His. Carrier!

We saved him from a cage, are you really surprised?

What do you want, carry him in our arms inside the car?

Yeah, mom would love that, she's already so happy with our decision.

And cats go crazy inside cars, we read about it.

... Ready to try again?

Easy for you to say, it's not you who are being scratched and bitten.

Actually...

Don't bother to finish the sentence.

***

"No, I will sit on the left window! You can sit on the right one."

Annabeth pushed both her arguing brothers out of the way and sat on the right window, with the cat carrier and a blanket over it. The little devil meowed, and she could swear she could almost hear the loathing for his current situation in that short sound.

"I'm sitting here and you both can fight who is staying in the middle."

"ANNIE!"

"I will not stay in the middle of you two."

"MOM!"

"Just please choose a place where to sit. We haven't even left, and you are already arguing?"

It sounds promising, doesn't it?

Promising?

Promising an apocalypse.

SATURDAY

Annabeth dragged her tired body from the hotel bed.

Almost a full day in the car and this terrible bed might have permanently destroyed my back. Yours, whatever.

We still have some hours to arrive in Boston.

This doesn't make me happier.

It wasn't my intention. Still, with you being a demigod and all, wouldn't you be used to things worse than this?

Worse things, yes. More boring things, hardly.

At least my cousin will be there.

Yeah, Max is nice, I like him.

How different is he from...

Magnus? A bit. He's not dead, for starters.

Well, he was for a moment.

What? Really?

It was some time ago, the family don't really talk about it, it's like water under the bridge. We're still not sure if he was dead and came back with a miracle or if the paramedics gave him a wrong diagnosis.

What happened?

Gas explosion. At least that's what the news called it.

I see...

Annabeth crouched next to the carrier to see their new cat calmly sleeping.

He almost looks cute like this.

I assure you that mom would still be tempted to make a hat with him.

She moved to the bathroom adjacent, being quiet as to not wake her brothers before she was mentally prepared to deal with them.

I don't blame her. The only thing more annoying than his endless meowing was the boys complaining about it.

But we must cut him some slack, he barely had a week to get comfortable with us and we are already taking him on a very long car trip.

What did you want me to do? We couldn't leave him alone.

You could've asked one of your friends to take care of him.

Most of them left town, and I'm not sure they would know how to take care of a cat.

It's a kitten, not a newborn baby. It's not rocket science. I thought about Barbara, but her mother hates cats. She doesn't like pets in general, but cats are a particular case of hate.

She left the bathroom and looked at her brothers still sleeping, spread over their beds and snoring not so lightly.

Do we wake them up?

Why? It wasn't me who gave birth to them, not my responsibility. Let mom take care of it, we take care of our kitten.

***

"Are we there yet?"

Amazing. Both my brothers have phones, they could easily check the GPS and map to know how much more and STILL feel the need to annoy the hell out of the rest of the family asking this every twenty minutes.

***

"Sweetie, we are here."

Annabeth slowly opened her eyes, to see her stepmom gently shaking her knee. Looking out of the window, she recognized pieces and bits of Boston.

I can't believe, we were actually fortunate to sleep the last three hours.

You say fortunate, I say my neck is killing me.

At least it's over.

Except we have the go home in the same way.

Does any of your friends like your way of overthinking?

Sorry, it's a habit.

A tiring one.

Like you've never done it.

True, but I'm trying to get better. I was doing progress before you came around.

So sorry for ruining everything for you.

The pain in my neck really sours your mood.

It's not just the neck it's the whole trip, I'm not looking forward to the second part.

Good thing that we return by plane.

What? What about the car?

By we, I meant you and me. Have you forgotten we're going to my mother's place? My family gets back with the car, we by plane.

My mood has already improved.

Really? Because mine just got sour.

Annabeth sucked in a breath when she was pushed against the car door by one of her brothers, his elbow digging into her ribs.

"Billy! Get off!"

"It wasn't my fault, Mike pushed me!"

"I don't care, stay in your seat!"

Her father sighed tiredly from the driving seat.

"Kids, do you need to find a reason to fight in the last ten minutes?"

"It was his fault!"

"No, it was Mike's!"

"I didn't do anything, I swear!"

Helga turned to glare at all of them.

"Can you guys PLEASE wait ten minutes in silence?"

Better back off, she has the headache face, you do not want to push her.

Apparently, the boys saw it too, because all three of them shut up at the same time.

***

"Hey, cuz. Twice in two months. That has to be a record."

Annabeth set her suitcase on the chair next to the bed of the guest room she would, thankfully, occupy by herself, and turned to see Max, Annie's cousin leaning against her open door.

"Are you complaining?"

He raised his hands in submission, with a small smile on his lips.

"Not at all. Your company is much better than uncle Rudolph. But why the change of plans? Wasn't it supposed to be Thanksgiving in one year, and Christmas the next?"

She shrugged, kicking off her shoes and searching for a new set of clothes in her bag, as well as her toiletries.

"Relatives of stepmom are fighting. I didn't exactly ask for details."

"I'm surprised you felt that coming to the cold war between my mom and uncle Rud was better."

She stopped for a moment to look at him, scrunching her eyebrows.

"What happened?"

Everything. But let's say that Max always dying and how uncle dealt with it made it more intense.

What happened, exactly?

He stepped inside and held his open hand to her, that had a mint candy she hadn't notice first. She thankfully accepted, waiting for him to continue.

"For the cold war? The better question is what hasn't happened. It has been years they don't see eye to eye. I honestly think the only reason we are here is because of you."

"But did something happen this year?"

"Well, uncle didn't go to Thanksgiving, and mom was more than happy to not have to see him this year anymore, so the change of plans kinda ruined it."

"Hm... sorry?"

"No worries, you know mom love you guys."

I really like her, she's always nice and smiling, except when uncle Rudolph annoys her.

I liked her on Thanksgiving.

"Where is your room?"
"Not in this house. We are here just to welcome you and all that, but we're staying in our own apartment. It's not far, and allows mom to sleep better."

"Can't say I blame her, it's not the coziest house."

"Mansion."

Annabeth couldn't not notice the small bitterness in his voice when he corrected her.

"I take your mom isn't the only one who doesn't like Uncle Rudolph."

"Do you?"

"... Not really. He's not very..."

"Nice."

"I was going to say open to people."

"Are you afraid of offending him?"

"I'm usually careful of offending people in general. You can call it a surviving skill."

You never know when a god might be tempted to turn you into something weird because you forgot to avert your eyes or said something slightly challenging.

Or send cows after you?

I regret telling you that.

How do you even sleep at night?

Tiredness and habit, I guess. It's not that hard once you get used to it.

I'm amazed you get used to something like this.

I think humans are one of the species more adaptable. Given the right time, anyone can adapt to any reality.

Max snapped his fingers in front of her eyes, and she blinked in surprise.

"Where were you off to?"

"Sorry, I'm just tired. I think I'll take a shower and meet everyone downstairs for... Lunch? Dinner? I don't even know anymore."

He nodded in agreement and stepped back.

"Just a lot of snacks. See you there."

When he left, she still waited a minute or two, before gathering her things and going to the bathroom to shower.

But seriously, every time I think about how easily the gods get offended, it almost amazes me how Percy still managed to survive.

Your boyfriend is one of a kind.

Yes, he is.

I'm sure you agree with my sentence for a completely different reason. However, I'm not in the mood to argue.

***

The meal was nice, Annabeth was between Max and his mom, with her father at the head of the table, stepmother and brother on the other side. Uncle Rudolph had excused himself saying he had to study, and was buried in his library. Max told her about a friend he made, a Muslim girl who he later discovered had given him first aid when the accident happened. She was momentarily distracted by her aunt, with the support of her stepmother, scolding her father that he was a sedentary and should start exercising, and that's when all went downhill.

Max had the brilliant idea of challenging her brothers to catch food with their mouths, except her brother were terribly catching and Max was even worse throwing. Before their mothers could intervene and tell them to stop, Billy had launched himself over the table to catch a particular difficult throw, and in his momentum, knocked the jar with orange juice, splashing Annabeth, her aunt and her father.

Her aunt laughed in amusement, Annabeth was having a hard time glaring at her brother and her cousin and Ferdinand was scolding his son, while Helga had gone to the kitchen get something to help them dry the mess.

SUNDAY

Annabeth woke up and checked her phone for the time. Seeing a text from Percy made her smile.

P: Merry Xmas! I know you're probably still sleeping, but I wished to send you this as soon as I woke up. And I miss you.

That was cute.

You, saying my boyfriend was cute?

He has his moments. I wonder what Peter thinks about this.

Do you want me to ask?

Absolutely not.

***

Going downstairs, she could hear Max snoring on the couch, and smell the breakfast her aunt and stepmother were cooking, if their laughs coming from the kitchen were a clue.

Hm... pancakes.

It will probably have a lot of fresh fruits as well, my aunt is one of those.

Do we wake up Max?

Depends on how you can do it.

Annabeth looked over her cousin, and saw he was sleeping over the cover from the couch. Going behind it and taking the cover with both hands, she pulled it up with force, making her cousin roll to the floor and fall with a grunt.

"Ow! What... Annie!"

She smiled slyly at him, before walking away, not without shouting over her shoulder.

"Rise and sunshine, sun flower. Let's go have breakfast."

***

She had both hands on her head in annoyance of hearing her brothers' off-key singing. Every once in a while, one of them grinned at her, not stopping singing.

I wonder if they're doing it because they want or to annoy me.

I'd bet on the second option.

Wait, since you guys worship Greek gods, do you celebrate Christmas?

In a way. We exchange gifts, we eat together, and sing songs. Although the songs are a bit different.

Different how?

We take the rhythm and make lyrics more Greek inspired. By we, I mean the Apollo cabin.

Max threw himself in the couch beside her.

"Annoyed?"

She sighed, rubbing her forehead.

"Like you wouldn't believe."

"Well, you know what they say."

She turned her head slightly to raise an eyebrow at Max, waiting for him to continue.

"If you can't beat them, join them."

Oh, no, not you too.

He started to sing very loud next to her ear, however, not as terrible as her brothers.

He has a nice voice, but not when screaming.

What do we do?

Join them?

Seriously?

Of course not, I was thinking more of shoving some fruits down their throats.

***

Annabeth almost jumped in surprise when she felt someone putting a hand on her hair from behind, and turning around saw it was her aunt, smiling.

"Calm down, Annie, I just want to put something in your hair. You can trust me, I swear."

Annabeth turned her head and could feel her aunt pulling her hair from the bun and allowed herself to relax while her aunt used her fingers to smooth her hair, gently pulling it into a ponytail.

"There; now you're more festive."

Annabeth put her hand over her hair, but couldn't recognize what it was, so she stood up and walked to a mirror hanging to the side and checked her reflection, with a small smile when she saw her aunt had held her hair with a mistletoe elastic.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Who wants to start opening the gifts?"

When everyone agreed, Ferdinand got up to go fetch his elder brother, who had isolated himself again.

I mean, it he hates his family's company so much, isn't easier to say he doesn't want us to come?

Maybe he doesn't hate, maybe he just feels out of place.

When her father and uncle had returned, her aunt started handing her gifts around. Annabeth accepted hers and opened it, seeing a wool sweater. Before she could see it better, her aunt called her attention by speaking.

"When I saw it, I thought it would've been perfect for three or four years ago, since you liked it so much, but Max convinced me that you still do."

Annabeth glanced at her cousin who winked, and opened the sweater. It was black, with snow flakes pattern sew in gray and blue. She could see the coat of arms of Ravenclaw, as well as the sentence "Do What Is Wise" written bellow it.

You were a Harry Potter fan?

Sometime ago. Barbara and I read it together. She's still hooked, I'm not. Still, I like this sweater. As ugly Christmas sweaters go, this one is nice. Have you read Harry Potter?

I did. A lot of my brothers and sisters were fascinated by it, and I wanted to know what they all saw in it.

What did you think of it?

It was nice, but not so much of my style. A little too much fantasy for me.

... Do you hear yourself and realize the irony or just ignore it?

She put the sweater and hugged her aunt, thanking her.

Weird, usually is mom who gives a sweater. I wonder what they're gonna give us.

Annabeth accepted the wrapped gift her father was handing her, and quickly tore away the paper, Annie's curiosity feeding her own. She stopped when she saw the box of a new phone, much better that the one she currently used. She could hear Annie praying.

Please, let it be real, and not a prank. Real, not a prank. An honest to God new phone.

She opened the box and Annie's happiness was so strong that Annabeth almost screamed in excitement in reflex.

They gave me a phone! I had been saving for months now to buy a new one, but I was expecting this one to stop working before spending my money.

Now you have savings.

Exactly! Can you please hug my parents in appreciation?

Yes, sorry!

Her father simply hugged her back, saying she was welcome, but Helga whispered in her ear.

"Your father almost gave up of this idea after your 'dates' with Peter, but I convinced him back. I hope that was the phone you wanted."

Absolutely yes, thank you so much!

Annabeth repeated and disentangled herself from her stepmother. Still with Annie happily talking about her new phone, Annabeth accepted the brown paper bag with her name scribbled on it from her uncle and opened to find a book with a worn-out leather cover. Took Annie less than three seconds to remember where that book was positioned in her uncle's big library.

Why did he give us a book from his library?

In a paper bag. Isn't it obvious? He didn't bother to go Christmas shopping, so just chose a random thing to give us. What did Magnus get from him?

She looked at her cousin to find him holding a mug that was chipped on the side with a disgusted expression. When he saw her looking, he turned it, so she could see the stained bottom. She was laughing so hard at his expression she almost hit her head while throwing it back.

TUESDAY

Annabeth thanked the gods that her phone ranged in her pocket two seconds after she finished placing the piece she had successfully removed on top of the Jenga tower. Knowing architecture, no one could beat her in this game, but a distraction like her phone could have made her make a mistake and give joy to her brothers, that have been trying to make her mess up for over 20 minutes. Expecting Percy, she was a bit surprise to see a text from Barbara.

B: Annie, are you busy?

Glancing at Bill studying the pieces before choosing which one to remove, even if she knew he didn't understand anything about structures and weight distribution, she then focused on her phone.

A: Not really, why?

B: Can I call you?

A: Sure, now?

Her answer was the phone ringing. Smiling apologetic to her cousin while pointing to the phone, she left the room to answer it.

"Hello?"

"Thank heavens you are free to talk!"

"Why does your voice sound like you're on verge of panic?"

"Annie, I AM panicking."

"What happened?"

"Jay happened?"

"Jay? Per... Peter's friend? What did he do? I swear, if he..."

"Don't bother to threaten him, he didn't hurt me."

"Then what happened?"

"He texted me!"

Is she seriously having an attack because a guy texted her? Where is the Barbara I know?

"I didn't even know he had your number."

"Well, I gave it to him on Halloween, because he ASKED for it. We didn't talk much, he basically sent me memes every once in a while..."

Sounds like a real prince charming.

"...but now he sent an actual text!"

"And you're freaking out because he bothered to write? Honestly, Ba, I expected more from you."

"Hey, you date his friend Peter, watch your tone."

I wish I could tell her there is a big difference there.

You mean you didn't have a crush on him when he was a clueless and stupid boy that had no way with words?

... Point taken.

"Ok, sorry. Let me find my inner girly girl so we can freak out together. Three. Two. One. O. M. G. He texted you!? That is totally awesome! Tell me everything! Did he also send a kiss emoji!?"

"I seriously hate you right now. Please, don't ever do this high pitch EVER again. And I'm not freaking out because he sent 'hi', I'm freaking out because he sent 'hi, are you free today? Would you like to go on a date with me? Just us, you can choose where if you'd like'."

Whaaaat!?

"Oh! Ok, that's a bit big."

"Thank you!"

"What did you answer?"

"I haven't yet. I read the notification and called you."

"Why me?"

"Because you're my best friend AND you have a boyfriend, so I thought you could give me boy advice."

"Not sure I'm the best person to..."

"AND you date his friend, but I swear that if any of this reaches Peter and later Jay, I will hunt you down and kill you. Slowly."

"Threat received."

"Back to subject, what do I answer?"

"Pretty sure the standard answers are yes or no."

"Which one should I say?"

"That is up to you. Do you want to go on a date with him?"

"I... I don't know. I don't really know him. We met at Halloween, but it was a big party, we were with a group, etc. I'm not sure how he's in private."

"Well, do you want to get to know him?"

"... Maybe? Don't judge!"

"I won't. Well, if you do want to know him, accept and choose a public place like somewhere to eat a burger or..."

"Nachos?"

"Also works. Just don't go to anywhere fancy or too private, like the movies."

"Seriously, the movies are NOT private. And it's a disrespect to the people that go there to WATCH the movie."

"Well, if you don't like it, don't do it, but I doubt you can change this tradition."

"Ok, public place, not fancy."

"And decide during the date if you want to pay, share or let him pay, but doesn't matter what you choose, leave your house with money. You never know what might happen."

"Will do."

"And I'm not sure how much you trust Jay, but you might want to go with your car or choose somewhere close to your house, just in case something goes wrong."

"Like what?"

"I don't know, anything. So much can happen."

"...Do you think something will happen?"

"I think you should always be prepared to whatever happens."

"Hm. Fair enough. I will answer him, call you in five minutes. Bye!"

Well, you're better at love advice that I would've given you credit for.

I'm not good with it.

Could've fooled me.

She wasn't asking for love advice, just about meeting someone she isn't familiar yet. I gave her precautions any sensible person would follow.

... Ok, I can see that. What now? Do we get back to the game?

First, bathroom.

She was washing her hands when her phone rang again, and she knew it was Barbara. After drying her hands, she picked it up.

"Yes?"

"I answered him, we are going on a date on that Mexican place near my house. You know, where I took a pic of you with a sombrero."

What? Pfff...

Don't ask. And don't laugh either!

Sorry. But I couldn't see myself wearing a sombrero and you even less.

I lost a bet.

That's a lie, I can tell.

No, it's not!

Annie, I know you and I know when you lie. And why are you so ashamed of having a picture with a sombrero?

Annabeth was so distracted she almost didn't hear Barbara's next words.

"I'm still gonna print and frame that picture."

Don't you dare!

Pffff...

Annabeth!

Sorry, sorry. You just sounded so panicked.

That picture should've been burned a long time ago. Better yet, never taken.

I'm sure you looked amazing with a sombrero.

... Are you being ironic right now? I can't tell.

No, I'm not. It's nice to give in to your silly side sometimes.

YOU telling me that?

I spent most of my life fighting for my life or learning how to. After you face Misery and survive, you start giving more value to the opportunities to laugh, even the silliest things. I'm happy you have a friend like Barbara that makes you wear a sombrero.

... Thanks, I guess?

Annabeth jumped in surprise when her phone ringed against her ear. Her confusion grew when the caller ID said 'Barbara'.

"Hello?"

"Ah, now you can hear me? Great!"

Oh.

We left her hanging.

My bad.

"I'm s..."

"When you remained quiet and didn't answer me, I guessed there was something wrong with our call. It seems ok now."

"... Yes, it does."

"Anyway, I was asking you, how are you? Have you chosen a name to your cat AKA little devil?"

"To be honest, not yet. We have been distracted."

"We? Who is we?"

Oh, Styx.

Seriously, two months and half and you still slip up?

I was distracted, I'm sorry.

"We, I mean the whole family. You know we came to visit my relatives, and Christmas, etc..."

"Makes sense. You said you have a cousin of our age, no?"

"Yes, Max."

"You're lucky. I'm the baby of the family, the last accident. All my cousins and siblings are over 28, I have no one to talk to."

"None of those older cousins have kids?"

"They do, but the oldest is a boy of eleven. You can guess how much in common we have. And that was irony."

"I could tell, but thanks for the tip. And trust me, I know the feeling. I have my brothers, remember?"

"Oh, right. How old again? Nine? Ten?"

"Twelve. It has been a while since you met them for the first time."

"Well, it's not like I see them. Every time I go to your house they are locked inside their own rooms."

"And you should be thankful for that."

"I suppose that makes sense. I can barely stand my cousin on holidays; how do you do all year?"

"Meditation, sleeping pills and superhuman powers. Plus, a lock on the door since the episode of the blue hair."

"Very wise. I missed talking to you, girl. This town is absolutely empty, everyone left to visit relatives."

"And you didn't?"

"My family is two hours away, I left and came back."

"Barbara? Shouldn't you be getting ready for your date?"

"I'm ready. Jeans, a shirt, a sweater and a heavy coat. Plus, snickers. I'm going to eat Mexican food in a place not fancy with a guy that saw me with my hair without a brush AND after a swim in a stranger's pool. It's not like I need to impress."

"I'm... happy you feel that way."

"He's still just a guy. And my best quality is my brain, not my body. My intelligence, not my vanity. If he wants anything with me, he needs to know where he's stepping. Besides, I REALLY doubt he will come in a tux. Come on, it's Jay. I don't even think the guy knows what a hairbrush is. Except for Jodi, they are the 'no hair brush club'. You boyfriend included."

"True enough. Then why are you going out with Jay?"

"Because his best quality is not his hair, but his smile. I like his humor, he makes me laugh."

"I admit I had my doubts about your date, but seems like you two will get along."

"And remember, he's friends with Jodi. I don't think he will have problems with me being smarter than him. Can't say that about a lot of guys."

"A friend is different than a love interest."

"Maybe he wants this date to become friends with me, who knows? Besides, if he can't accept me for me, he's not the right guy."

"It seems like you didn't need boy advice at all."

"I know my value, Annie. I just don't have experience with dates."

"And how did your parents react about your date?"

Annabeth heard the air intake on the other side.

"Barbara?"

"OH NO, I TOTALLY FORGOT TO ASK THEM! THEY ARE GONNA KILL ME. HAVE TO GO, BYE!"

I'm not even surprised she forgot to ask her parents.

How are their relationship?

Good, but her dad is a little bit too jealous, because she's still their baby.

Entering the library again, she saw that her cousin and brothers were already halfway into a new tower of Jenga.

What are we waiting for? Let's show who's the best at this game.

Don't need to tell me twice.

WEDNESDAY

"Can you see me?"

"No, check your settings."

"Ok, give me one sec."

She heard a crash sound on the other side, and carefully called out.

"Percy?"

"Hey, wait just a... ow, my foot, just a sec... no, not here..."

Maybe he should call IT?

He can do it.

Annabeth, it's Skype. You said he had little contact with technology. And he said it's in Greek. Do you really think he can find the settings?

Percy knows Greek.

Yeah, and Percy is stuck inside Peter's body, who I'm pretty sure doesn't have the brain programmed for Greek like Percy does.

"There you go."

Annabeth smiled at her aunt's notebook, where she could see his face still scrunched in concentration.

"Hi, Per-"

"Wait, no, your image disappeared, what did I do?"

Annabeth sighed, and thought about going to get a glass of water from the kitchen.

IT is still an option.

***

"I'm happy you're having fun."

Percy smiled and ruffled his hair before rotating his head a little to the left, and she could her the crack through the speakers.

"Of course, I still feel like a monster will pop out of nowhere and try to eat me, but when that doesn't happen is always nice, and makes Greece slightly more enjoyable. Tyson helps."

"I wish I could see him."

"It's still weird seeing him smaller than me, but the way of thinking is almost the same."

***

"Annie, I'm meeting my friends for karaoke, want to join us?"

She raised her eyes from her book she had brought from home to look at his cousin.

I didn't even know he had returned from his apartment.

Do you want to go?

Are you in the mood of leaving the house this evening?

"I think I'll pass, Max. But please, ask your friends to record your singing and send me a video, ok?"

He threw something in her direction before leaving. She caught and smiled when she saw it was butter cookies, most likely sent by her aunt.

Now I'm curious, how is your singing? I haven't tried singing with your voice, but it would be different, I think.

If someone ever records my sing, I'll break the device they used and their heads. No witnesses.

That bad?

I don't know how to sing, and haven't tried to learn, so yeah. Yours?

It's not terrible, I think. I sang a lot in camp, and Apollo campers can't resist giving you tips to improve, even you never ask for it.

Barbara's sing scares me.

Why, that terrible?

No, the opposite. She has a normal voice, ok. And one day she was like 'does anyone knows the name of this song?' and started singing and everyone around us was so surprised. My thoughts were 'who are you and what have you done to Babi?'. It's a very nice singing voice, but it doesn't sound like her normal voice.

Percy is actually a good singer.

Somehow, I doubt that. Of course, I've only met Peter so far, so I can't see him being a good singer.

Well, his singing is terrible, unless he's underwater.

... How can someone sing underwater?

Well, he can breathe, talk, survive insane water pressure... why he wouldn't be able to sing?

So, he's terrible singing, except underwater?

He's not really terrible outside water, but it's like he makes an extra effort to sound like a dying whale and ruin the song. I heard him singing calmly and it's not that bad. He's not a professional, but it could be way worse.

Which he tries to do on purpose.

Yes.

I was thinking he was like the mermaids from Harry Potter. Gentle voice inside water, ear-splitting scream outside.

That description is not very far off the mark.

THURSDAY

"Will you take good care of him?"

Helga sighed tiredly, repeating for the fourth time.

"Annie, I might not have agreed with your idea of adopting a cat without talking to us first, but I won't harm it in any way. I promise to take care good care of it."

"Him."

"Him."

Her father entered the living room.

"Annie, we need to leave, or you'll be late for your train."

"Ok, so bye everyone."

She tightly hugged her aunt and cousin, before following her father to his car.

***

"Did you call your mother this morning?"

Annabeth stopped looking outside the window to look at her father.

"She called me, actually; said she'll do everything to leave work early today."

"She's still working?"

"Are you surprised?"

He sighed and adjusted himself in the seat.

"Not really. She's not a bad woman, just..."

Not fit to be a mother.

"She has a passion and pursue it with an endless energy and dedication, every obstacle is a challenge she's happy to overcome, and distractions have no place in her life. If you think about it like this, it's admirable."

"Annie, you're a gift, not a distraction or an obstacle."

Even if she knew this was Annie's father and not her own, hearing these words with his voice made her throat close a little.

Wow. That was one the nicest things my dad said to me in a long time. Maybe ever.

She swallowed before giving him a small smile and answering.

"Thanks, dad."

***

Annabeth got as comfortable as possible she could in the train seat, taking her book from the bag at her feet. She had already read fifty pages when the feeling of someone watching her became unbearable. Looking around, it wasn't difficult to find the culprit. On the other side of the hallway, a baby in the arms of her mother carefully watched Annabeth with eyes so big and so blue it almost looked unnatural. She shouldn't be older than a year, and wasn't crying, screaming or smiling, just watching in curiosity.

Babies are a little unsettling.

Why do you say that?

Because they keep staring even if you look at them. I'm used to people looking somewhere else, so this habit of babies makes me a little uncomfortable.

They're curious and in process of storing as much info they can. Imagine how far would have gone humanity if people kept the same curiosity and need to learn they had as babies.

Possibly already extinct, because grown up people tend to think of not so nice things as 'I wonder how this tastes like' or 'can I fit that block in that box?'.

We still think that. After all, people try new food sometimes, as well as organized a place into boxes.

You got my point.

Yes, I did.

The baby girl leaned her head against her mother's chest and gave Annabeth the tiniest smile, before snuggling against her mother, who hugged the girl and adjusted her in her lap, reaching for a toy beside her. Annabeth looked up and even if she could only see the woman's profile, she looked happy while playing with her daughter, her straight blond hair in a long ponytail she used to tickle her baby. Looking to her own light reflection against the glass, with her blond curls in a bun on top of her head, Annabeth started to think how it would be to be a mortal. She usually avoided these thoughts, seeing no purpose on wasting time in 'what if's', but sometimes it was stronger than her, imagining how it should be to not worry about monsters, gods, prophecies and wars. However, she most likely wouldn't have met Percy, and she would choose him over a normal or easier life a million times. Still, she thought if one day they would be able to have an almost normal life, marry (or maybe just live together, as she didn't know if the goddess of marriage still held a grudge, so maybe it was better not to ask for her blessing) and have kids, watching them grow, taking them to school... Two years ago this thought would be a 'what if', but after the roman camp came to light, with its city within the protective walls, this daydream almost felt real, almost possible.

***

After taking a cab to her mother's apartment, she rang the doorbell and waited, but couldn't hear any sound coming from the inside.

Well, she's still at work, what a surprise. The spare key is...

Annie was interrupted by the door opening. Annabeth stared at her mother in her mortal self and was a little surprised. Her eyes were as penetrating as ever, and even if she was dressed in a t-shirt and yoga pants, she looked as regal as she was dressed for battle.

"Welcome, Anniebelle. Come inside, your room is ready, you know the way."

Adjusting her bag on her shoulder, Annabeth stepped inside the apartment. Even if Annie had warned her, the coldness of the furniture still surprised her. Everything was polished wood, gleaming steel and spotless glass. Some paints hung, and everything clean. No rugs, no cover over the couch, no coat or flip flops around. The only part that showed some human activity was the dining table with a laptop and papers around it in organized piles.

Moving to her room following Annie's directions, she found a room as spartan as it could be, even if elegant in its design.

I know you warned me...

Still surprised? Remember, she doesn't really live her, it's just her apartment in New York. Just like she has one in London, and in Berlin...

Got it. I think a shower is in place before facing her, where is the bathroom?

***

"Anniebelle, would you help me set the table?"

Is it that hard to call me Annie?

Putting her phone on mute after she texted her father that she'd arrived, she slipped it into her pocket and moved to the kitchen.

"Yes, of course."

Annabeth accepted the plates her mother was handing her before moving to the dining table and setting it on the opposite side where the papers still sat.

Wait a second, we're eating together?

Don't you do that every time?

She once forgot I was coming and you ask me that?

And this time she remembered. It's progress, no?

She decides to give me attention when it isn't me in my body. Talk about irony.

Maybe it's the first time of many others?

Oh, no, please tell me she's not cooking?

Why, is it terrible?

No idea, she never cooks. If she does, the universe might explode.

"Mother? What are we eating?"

"I ordered from a restaurant near here that is very good. I apologize for not asking you what you'd like to order, but if I asked for you to finish your shower, they would be too busy, and the food would take forever."

"No, it's okay. I apologize for taking so long. Hm... where are the glasses?"

***

After the food arrived not five minutes later, they ate in silence, Annie's tension growing as the end of the meal got closer.

The interrogation is about to start.

Annie, please relax a little. You're making me nervous.

Well, I'm so sorry for worrying about my life!

"So, Anniebelle."

Oh, God, here it comes.

Focus less in being nervous and more in helping me give her the right answers.

"Tell me about your year."

***

Aethyia, for Annie's surprise, was interested in her life, asking questions apart from her grades. Wisely keeping anything boys' related in secret, both girls joined to tell about their year, Annie remembering what had happened before Annabeth arrived, before they told about Annabeth's new friends, carefully presented as Annie's, her Christmas, and finally about their cat.

"What is his name?"

"Uh, I haven't chosen yet."

At least this time you didn't say 'we'.

I almost did, to be honest.

"Why not?"

"It's just... so far, no name seemed fitting."

***

Already in bed, she answered the text her father sent after she missed his four calls.

F: How was it?

A: She was home and we ate together.

F: Is that a good thing? I can't say if you're happy about it.

A: We talked more than we did in years.
F: That's good, right?

A: Yeah, it was. Good night, dad.

F: Good night, Annie.

She seemed almost a changed woman.

Maybe she's changed.

Let's hope it lasts until next year.

Which is in a couple of days.

I prefer to keep my expectations low when it comes to my mother.

FRIDAY

Since her mother was already up and eating fruits in the kitchen when Annabeth got up, she joined her and asked her mother about her latest research. While her mother gave Annabeth a small lesson on microorganisms and chemistry of university level, which she needed to understand the research, her mother's phone rang. Glancing at the ID and letting a scowl take place on her face, she excused herself to Annabeth and answered it, in a professional tone that still made clear she wasn't happy about the interruption. Annabeth was a little surprised when Aethyia started to talk in a quick German with the person from the other side.

I know some words of German, but I can't catch anything she says.

You know German?

I said 'some words'. You never know when it might come in hand.

***

At first, they had proved to wait for their mother to finish with her call, but when she opened her notebook to search for something for the other person, Annie gave up.

She's not gonna finish it anytime soon. Let's take a walk or something. There is a very nice place ten minutes away with hot chocolate 'from the gods', how you'd say.

I'm sold.

When the elevator arrived at the ground floor, Annabeth looked about the hall in appreciation.

I know I said it yesterday, but this is beautiful.

Right, you haven't had the tour of the building, let's do it.

***

Is the indoor pool hot?

I have no idea, never went there.

Why not?

... I don't know, I just never did. Anyway, here is the indoor court.

There are two courts?

It's amazing mother chooses a building with an amazing structure but never used it.

From what you said, neither have you.

I stay here for maybe three or four days. It's not much.

Distracted, Annabeth stopped when something touched her right foot. Looking down, she saw a basketball.

"Hey, can you throw it for me?"

Coming in her direction from the indoor court, probably not older than 12, was a boy in a wheelchair. Annabeth picked up the ball and handed it to him.

"Who is playing with you in this cold?"

"It's just me."

Are there...

Other kids in the building? Yes, I saw them the last time I was here, and I doubted they moved.

Some exercise might be good for us.

She tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"Hm... how good are you?"

"Why do you ask?"

"Do you think you're up to one to one?"

The boy's eyes grew large.

"Against you?"

"Are you underestimating me because I'm a girl?"

His panicked face almost made her feel guilty for playing around him.

"No, of course not!"

"Then what is it?"

"I... I just thought you would underestimate me."

"Why would I?"

He shrugged, not meeting her eyes, vaguely gesturing to his wheelchair.

"You know."

I wonder how it happened and how long ago, he doesn't seem to accept it that well.

Annabeth pretended not to understand.

"No, I don't."

He sighed as he was tired of saying it.

"Because I'm in a wheelchair."

"Being physically impaired pushes you to compensate with your mind. And I never underestimate anyone who has a working brain. So, are you in for a game against me?"

His face broke in a smile so large his cheeks had to hurt.

"Hell yeah!"

I wonder when was the last time someone played with him.

Probably too long.

"My name is Anniebelle. What is yours?"

"Bryce!"

"Well, Bryce, let's see how good are you."

***

For someone who didn't seem to accept his condition very much, he sure as agile in that wheelchair. Since being able to run was still an advantage, Annabeth downplayed a bit, but not too much. If he wanted to win, he had to earn it. After fifteen minutes, she was already sweating and asked for a break to remove her coat and set it to the side. He rolled the wheelchair in her direction.

"What did you mean by that?"

She put her hands on her hips before asking him.

"By what?"

"That being in a wheelchair forces me to be smarter."

"I said pushes it you, not that it forces."

"Yeah, but why did you say that?"

She shrugged looking to the side, taking some seconds to elaborate better, and answered him while holding his eyes, so he could see she believed in what she said.

"People still judge too much based in appearance. From the way you keep your chin up, you have one hell of a pride. I can't even imagine how many times someone thought less of you just because your legs don't work. And people who do this are stupid. Doesn't matter how smart they might think they are, deep down they're stupid. The best way to put stupid people back in their place is to be smarter than them. That's why I think you're a very smart boy."

His grin was so big and bright it made Annabeth warm on the inside that she had caused it.

"Always be the smartest person in the room."

Laughing lightly, she nodded to him.

"That's something my mom would approve. Come on, let's get back to the game."

When he turned his back to her to get back to the center of the court, she sprinted, took the ball from him and made a point, all in few seconds.

"Trickery! How dare you!"

She grinned with a sly touch to it.

"You know how. Always be the smartest person in the room."

She winked and was happy when he laughed in return.

Thanks.

For what?

Playing with him. I don't know if I would have done it, so I'm happy you did. See how he smile.

The saddest people smile the brightest.

The most damaged are the wisest. All because they do not wish to see another one...

Suffer the way they do.

***

At some point, he made a curve too narrow, tipping the wheelchair so much it fell to the side and making him fall and roll a bit far from it. Since Annabeth was chasing him at the time, she had to hastily stop to not trip over the wheelchair. Seeing him sitting up before starting dragging himself to the chair, she spoke up.

"Do you want help?"

"No, I can do it on my own."

Taking two steps in his direction, she squatted so he could look into her eyes.

"I asked if you want help, not if you need it. Just because you can do something on your own, doesn't mean you have to."

"You're saying it's okay to ask for help?"

"I guess."

He held her gaze, probably trying to search for pity or knows what other emotions he despised after people used so many times with him. She didn't feel any of it and when he was certain of it, he nodded in defeat.

"Fine, I want some help."

She went to get his chair and let him sit up by himself, recognizing how that was important to his pride.

***

When they made a water break after playing for almost twenty minutes, he kept quiet, musing around something. Annabeth stayed silent, waiting for him to say what he wanted to. It didn't take much long.

"You don't look like someone who asks for help."

She smiled at his way of starting the conversation, and wasn't really surprised that was still in his mind.

"I usually don't, you're right about that. But I learned to welcome it when help presents itself."

"What made you change?"

She sat down, knowing this would be a long conversation.

"Some tough situations I wouldn't have survived if not for my friends."

His whole face brightened in excitement.

"Were you in a gang!?"

Wait, what? Where did this come from?

Do I really look like I was in a gang? His problem are his eyes, not legs.

"What made you think I was in a gang?"

"Well, you said you almost died sometimes..."

Even if should be impossible in theory, Annabeth could feel and almost see Annie glaring at her.

"...and you have an expression tough enough to be part of a gang."

Annie was more taken aback by this than Annabeth.

"I think I'll take that as a compliment."

"So, were you!?"

Fix. This. Don't give him the idea that joining a gang to face life and death situations is a good thing.

"Ok, maybe saying I wouldn't have survived was a stretch. Still, being in a tough situation and realizing you have friends willing to help is a relief."

He still looked at her with suspicion in his eyes.

"I guess."

"Sometimes friends offer help not because you can't on your own, but because we all like to help those we care about."

They stayed quiet for a couple of minutes and Annabeth was about to stand up and resume the game when he spoke again.

"Have anyone ever tried to kill you?"

What is with this boy?

Maybe too much TV.

I don't look like I was in a gang. For crying out loud, I spent my life among books!

The small time they talked was enough to serve as a confirmation to Bryce.

"So you were on a gang!"

Annabeth sighed in annoyance.

"Why are you so keen in thinking I was in a gang?"

"You never said you weren't!"

This boy is so technical. Usually, I appreciate it, today is an exception.

"Oh. Well, I wasn't."

"Not sure I believe you. You look like you never run away from fights."

"Fights doesn't mean gangs."

"I've never met someone who was part of a gang, this is so awesome!"

We can add hearing impairment to the list.

"Can you tell me about some of your fights?"

"I guess..."

Annabeth!

He looks at us like we're his superhero made real. You want me to just say 'absolutely not' and leave him by himself?

... Try to choose something not out of a nightmare, at least.

"Please, pretty please!"

"Ok, ok, calm down. Let me think for a second."

Thinking quickly, she chose one that didn't seem like a nightmare.

"Ok, there was this one time me and two friends were cornered."

"Wow."

You haven't even started and he's already awestruck.

Look how his eyes are shining.

"We were actually going back to our... hideout. Unfortunately, three of our enemies were standing in our way, demanding us to surrender."

"Surrender? I thought gangs just attacked!"

How many TV does this boy watch?

"I never said it was gangs. And besides, you should always give your enemy a chance to surrender."

He looked at her skeptical.

"Always?"

Annabeth hesitated just half second before answering.

"In theory, yes, always. Anyway, we couldn't surrender."

He threw his arm up in celebration and Annabeth had to hold her laugh at his enthusiasm.

"Yeah!"

"So, I threw away my knife."

Great, tell the kid you had a weapon.

Might as well make the story looks good.

His despair face made her chuckle a bit before she smoothed her expression again.

"What!? But you said..."

"Do you want me to tell it or not?"

"Yes."

"Then wait for me to finish. I wasn't throwing my knife away to surrender. However, they thought I was, so they lowered their guard. The true reason I threw the knife was to call my boyfriend."

NO!

What?

He's my mom's neighbor, and even if I think the likelihood of them meeting is close to zero, my mom hearing about a boyfriend from a stranger would be a nightmare!

Sorry.

"You have a boyfriend?"

"Boy friend. There is a space in there. The ones by my side were my girl friends."

He looked at her like he didn't really believed, but thankfully let it pass.

"Ok... did your boy friend hear you?"

"Yes, he realized I was in trouble and came to the rescue. Once our enemies were... defeated, he gave me my knife back."

He stayed almost seven seconds just looking at her in awe, before sighing in a wishful way.

"Awesome. I wish I could walk to be part of a gang."

"I wasn't part of a gang. And still, most of the fights I got into wasn't out of my own free will."

"But..."

Annabeth held both his hands to make him focus on her.

"Bryce. Being part of a gang isn't a pretty thing, take that idea out of your head. Being in danger isn't exciting either. It's terrifying, traumatizing, and make you long for the times when you weren't in danger. Being in danger doesn't turn you into a hero, it turns you into a cornered animal. People say the reaction are usually flee or fight, but a very common reaction is doing nothing. You're just so terrified, uncertain, in a situation you've never experienced, that you simply do nothing."

Have you ever faced a situation that you did nothing?

Yes, and almost died. Would have if it wasn't for my friend.

No one can win every battle.

Yeah, I learned that that day.

"Surviving a very dangerous situation changes you, leaves a scar. And maybe if it happens a second time you'll know what to do. Or maybe you'll be even more afraid because you haven't dealt with the trauma from the first time. No one should long for danger, it's not safe or healthy, for either body or mind. It's okay to yearn for adventures, emotions, excitement. But not danger. Trust me, the people who are constantly in danger who switch with your safe life at any time. Do you understand me?"

He slowly nodded, before looking down in what looked like shame.

"I'm sorry, it's just that..."

"You want more to your life that you're currently getting."

He looked up in surprise and she nodded.

"I can understand it, but there are better ways of doing it than getting into danger. Maybe I could give you some ideas."

"Really!?"

"Of course, but only if you beat me in our still unfinished game."

"You're on!"

***

When Annabeth came back, sweat and tired, her mother unglued her eyes from her computer.

"Where had you ran off to?"

"Just went to walk around a little bit."

Aethyia took in her appearance.

"Well, take a quick shower, we're going out."

"If it's okay to ask, where are we going? Just so I know what to dress."

Her mother didn't look away from her computer to answer.

"Nothing fancy. I decided to give you a laptop as a reward for your performance these last few years."

Annabeth remained rooted to her place.

Have she ever given you a gift for...

My performance? Never? What is up with her?

"Anniebelle, please shower so we can go."

She obeyed, walking to her room first.

What is up with my parents giving electronics this year?

Maybe she was jealous of your father and decided to top his gift?

I hadn't thought about it like that. Still, the idea has merit. In that case, I'll choose the best there is.

SATURDAY

Annabeth washed her face and looked at Annie's reflection in the mirror.

Are you sure you want to do it?

Do you have anything against it?

Not really...

However...?

...You seem tense. It feels like you're going to a place you know will kill you.

Annabeth gave a humorless chuckle, glad her mom was not around to hear.

I have some experience with this kind of place.

I'm serious.

So am I. I need to do this, Annie.

Well, then I guess I'll be with you.

Do you mean like 'trapped in your own body'?

No, like 'I'm here if you need me'.

Thanks, Annie.

***

Annabeth payed the taxi and stepped out, ignoring the driver's curious glance as to what a teenage girl was coming here on winter. Thankful that her boots prevented the small amount of snow over the ground to wet her feet, she started going up the hill on foot, feeling her heart pick up speed, while she squeezed her bag against her body.

Take a deep breath. Calm down a little.

I'm calm.

Yeah, right, I can feel your tension.

The winter sun warmed up a little bit, but the cold still found a way through her layers of clothes. She closed her eyes the last steps, and opened when she arrived the top of the hill. Looking down, she couldn't help but feel her heart stinging when she only saw nature covered with snow.

What did you expect to find here?

Nothing.

You sound awfully disappointed for someone who found exactly what she expected.

I guess... Maybe I had a very small hope that things...

Would magically solve themselves?

I don't know...

She looked around the terrain, nothing but nature.

It's so weird not seeing anything here.

How is it in your world? The camp, I mean.

Standing on top what in her world was the Half-Blood Hill, Annabeth took the notepad and pencil she had brought in her bag and started to draw her home, while explaining to Annie where each building was, as well as telling how it was when she arrived and how it had changed over the years, including the changes she had designed.

***

Finally! Now it looks good, no?

I think so.

Annabeth turned her head to one side, trying to see better if her third attempt of braiding her hair like the Youtube's tutorial was good enough.

Looks like hair is set. What is next?

Lighting a candle. Or we can thank your gods on your way, if you want.

Why is that?

Because we have no makeup, neither has my mother, and we were fortunate enough to not get any new pimple in the middle of our forehead. Those horns usually come before a party and when you cannot hide.

Hahahahahahahaha.

A vibration from her phone distracted her.

P: HAPPY NEW YEAR, WISE GIRL!!

A: Is it already new year for you?

P: Yes, I come from the future, so hear my words.

She shook her head smiling at her boyfriend's dorkiness.

P: In the future, you look even more beautiful than you did in the past.

Smooth.

A: What about you?

P: I still have the same gift to offend people with sarcasm.

A: Good things never change.

P: Absolutely.

Annabeth pulled the dress Annie had told her to bring from the hanger, where she had left to smooth out the wrinkles. It was modest, dark blue, with a skirt to her knees and delicate lacy covering the upper part.

It's a very cute dress, why did you buy it for?

Actually, I bought just to have it.

You, a shopper?

Ha ha. No. Barbara once dragged me to the mall because she had to buy a dress to use to one of her cousins' wedding. We were in that mission for so long I finished the book I had in my bag and ran out of battery. In the end, I was so bored I decided to try a couple of dresses just to have what to do. In the end, this one looked really nice on me and was on sale. And I thought 'best to buy and already have it if the occasion arises, than later need a dress like and having to go out and buy it.'. That is, if I found it. So, it's just strategical planning.

Well done.

Thank you.

She pulled black flats, since feet aching from hours on heels didn't appeal to either of them. Right after a knock on the door, her mother called out.

"Anniebelle, are you ready? The taxi has arrived."

Checking herself in the mirror one last time, very satisfied with the outcome, she answered.

"Yes, I'm ready."

Taking her heavy coat, she left to join her mother, who was stunning in a black and white dress, with a simple design that fit Aethyia perfectly, with the dark hair pulled into a French bun, that made her eyes stand out even more.

***

We're absolutely under dressed.

Well, I bet any of these dresses are worthy an apartment.

Definetly not something I could afford.

One more reason not to show any weakness.

Screw your courage to the right place.

And you'll not fail. Macbeth, I like it.

But let's not murder any guests.

That could ruin the mood.

Not sure about that, this party is as exciting as a funeral.

Adjusting her back and raising her chin with proud, Annabeth walked after her mother, who was already greeting some of the guests.

***

Annabeth had spent most of the night walking beside her mother and being introduced as her daughter. Some people showed a small amount of surprise, but the biggest portion just greeted her politely, except for some men clearly old enough to be her father giving her heated looks while her mother was busy talking to someone else, which left Annabeth and Annie tempted to find a bathroom where they could throw up in disgust. While Aethyia introduced her to the other guests, Annie could recognize almost a third of those, from politics, scientific maganizes, researches and even film industry.

Wow. The fact that mother had tickets to this party is impressive. I had no idea she was this important.

I thought she used to take you to a party like this every year.

Parties, yes. Elegant and expensive, also yes. This high-profile? It's the first.

"Tell me, which school do you go here in New York?"

Annabeth focused her attention on the woman who had asked the question, and smiled politely while answering.

"Actually, I don't live in New York, I live with my father..."

"Well, that's no reason to not attend it. We have some very prestigious schools, and I'm sure your mother could find the most suited for you."

And live alone? Thanks, but no thanks.

Annabeth kept the smile, even if their thoughts didn't match it.

"Thank you for your advice."

That we didn't ask.

"I'll take it in consideration."

Not really, but maybe this way you'll shut up.

***

After a point, Annabeth started eating. Not because the concept food served in micro portions of weird combinations, did anything to placate her hunger, but it spared her of having to fake smile to everyone and prevented her to give in to the urge (and Annie's opinion) and answer in a not so kind way. After a short sip of water, she accepted what the waitress had offered, without looking, and cringed when she felt the taste.

Blergh, avocado again. You'd think a chef for an expensive party like this would be more creative.

I'm not a fan of avocado either. How much long of this torture?

Forty five minutes.

Why there isn't even a single soul of our age?

It could even be a toddler, I just want someone different.

***

"THREE, TWO, ONE!"

Annabeth was to the side of the big glass wall, where she could see the ball drop, even if she couldn't see it arriving to the ground, not that she cared about it. She pulled her phone and texted, even if she knew he would be dead asleep.

A: Happy New Year, Seaweed Brain 😘

SUNDAY

Annabeth was seated near her gate, boringly playing with a small string while making different knots she had learned on Camp, and some nautical ones Percy had taught her one day she was at his house, helping him study.

Is it weird that I miss the little devil?

Careful, or the name might stay.

Nah. He has a temper, but it's not that bad.

Annabeth felt someone drop an object near her foot, but was so focused on her conversation with Annie and the string in her hands, that she barely spared it a glance before a girl with yellow paint over her curls picked up and walked away. It was only after almost ten seconds that her brain registered that bellow the yellow paint, the girl had red hair and what she'd dropped was a blue plastic brush she was very familiar with.

OH MY GODS!

What?

Annabeth sprang to her feet, frantically looking around her, in hope of finding that mass of red curls that was impossible to mistake.

Where is she!?

Who?

Rachel!

Wait, who was Rachel again?

There!

The crowd had parted for just a small second, but was enough to Annabeth spot her friend. Not really caring how she looked, she started to run after the small family of three; the parents elegantly dressed and their daughter like she couldn't care less. Annabeth tried to push people out of her way, but it was like she couldn't make any progress.

"RACHEL!"

Annabeth, what are you doing? Stop it!

Ignoring Annie and all the dirty looks she was getting, she kept running, but arrived almost too late, since the family was already presenting their tickets to board the plane.

Annabeth, please, stop it!

"RACHEL!"

Annabeth, are you trying to scare off a girl that has nothing to do with your world? Do you want security to take us?

You're right, I'm sorry.

But her last scream had caught the girl's attention, that was looking around her with a confused expression, trying to find who was making such a scene. Annabeth was about to step back and return to her gate, when the green eyes met her own, and Annabeth saw the girl's face morph to something that mixed shock and what looked like recognition.

Wait a second...

She could almost swear the girl mouthed 'Annabeth' before her father got tired of waiting and put an arm around her shoulders and pushed her to go ahead. She spared one last glance at Annabeth, looking almost scared, before she let her father guide her.

She recognized me... she knew who I was!

You can't be sure of that.

She mouthed my name!

You THINK she mouthed your name, but I think you were hoping so much that she was your friend that you saw whatever you wanted to, if it looked like a sign that she knew you.

But...

Annabeth, stop it! She's gone now, nothing you can do.

Annabeth took a deep breath and let her head fall.

You're right, I'm sorry.

Now let's just go back to our gate.

Fine.

... I'm sorry this trip didn't bring you close to a solution.

It's not your fault.

I still feel bad. Now, Rachel was a daughter of who?

She was the Oracle.

Oh, right, the one that used to hit on your boyfriend.

She was attracted to him because he was... almost like the path to her destiny.

Are you saying that you weren't jealous?

Now, I didn't say that...

A/N: Tell me your thoughts on it, pleeeeeease? I actually dedicated myself a LOT to make this chapter worth the reading after so many weeks away. And the next one is Will, who was close to nothing in his chapter, so if any of you has an idea (even a random one like Annabeth befriending Bryce) feel free to PM me. And just because I laughed like a retarded when I saw this picture (and I wish I had seen it before the halloween chapters):