Saturday, March 9th
4:10 pm - Finnley's Nursery
31 weeks and 3 days

Annabeth heaved a content sigh, carefully sitting in the rocking chair next to the crib. After weeks of work, the nursery was finally finished, and it looked amazing.

"We did it," Percy said with a shining grin. He looked over to where she was rocking, a hand resting on her belly. She was nearly eight months pregnant, and everyday she wondered where the time went. It felt like just yesterday she was sitting in the Riptide Café, terrified and shocked out of her mind. And every time she looked at Percy, it was like she was right back at that table, meeting him formally for the first time. She had no idea that that face would become her guiding light in some of her darkest times. She smiled at him.

"This is amazing," she laughed. "Thank you for helping me make this the best nursery anyone has ever seen."

Percy walked over to her. "Thanks for letting me help," he said, leaning down to kiss her gently. They both looked around the room in satisfaction.

Despite Annabeth's tireless efforts to try and help put furniture together and organize the room's layout, everyone ushered her away from doing anything that required work. She hated to have to be coddled like that, but she really did appreciate the generosity and kindness of the gesture. Of course, while her father and Sally were much gentler about it, Thalia and Percy were quick to yell at her—Thalia loved practicing her drill sergeant voice. It made Annabeth laugh.

"They're gonna love it," Percy said.

Annabeth chuckled. "Yeah, Silena is gonna adore this room."

"I wish I had this room growing up," he commented, picking up one of the dinosaur toys on a shelf against the wall. She watched him with a smile as he carefully placed it back down. "There should be, like, nursery contests," he started. Annabeth laughed at him. "Because if we entered, we would win."

Every word he said made her laugh harder. "Oh yeah? And what would our prize be?"

"$100 billion," he joked and they both started laughing. "I mean, between your brilliant architectural and interior design skills and my immaculate taste—and dashing good looks—it's a sure fire deal."

Annabeth shook her head at him. "You're such a dork."

"But I'm right," he countered.

"I suppose you are," she relented. "How do I look in this chair?" she asked, running her hands along the arms. It was a beautiful antique wooden rocking chair they had found and it was surprisingly comfortable for being so old. A bit of refurbishing by Beckendorf and the piece of furniture was good to go. She loved the intricate design in the wood.

Percy paused with a hand on his chin and squinting eyes. "Mmmm matronly," he decided.

"Hey!" Annabeth said, hitting him with one of the stuffed animals.

"Ow!" He dramatically fell to the floor.

"That makes me sound like I'm a hundred years old," she complained.

Percy laughed. "You look beautiful. And very comfortable might I add," he said, grinning up at her. She rolled her eyes at him. "This is a very soft rug," he noticed, running his hands over the fabric. "Where did you find this? It's great." Percy laid his head on the rug and spread out like a starfish.

Annabeth laughed and poked his side with her foot. "You having a nice time?" she teased.

"I am actually, thank you very much," he retorted snootily. Then he sat up in front of Annabeth, crossing his arms over her legs and resting his chin on his forearm. "Has he been kicking a lot lately?"

She rubbed her hands over her belly. "He's been kicking around pretty normally. Lately during the nights he's been going crazy which isn't exactly ideal for at least a half decent sleep," she explained. There was almost no such thing as sleeping comfortably when you're pregnant, between getting up to pee every hour to deciding if you want one pillow, five pillows, or none at all. Percy only got to experience the joy of restless and cranky Annabeth a few times in the week since he couldn't always stay over because of school.

"Well, at least he's kicking," Percy offered. She nodded her head. "You're almost eight months, right?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "It gets scarier everyday. I know that everyone is here for me and everything will be fine, but I'm still nervous. I've thought about it a million times but I can't imagine what it's gonna be like to hold this tiny human in my arms. And, for as insane as it might sound, holding him will be like it's all really real and it's really happening," she explained.

Percy looked up at her in an almost knowing way. "No, I get that. And honestly, I don't know if anything we can think up in our minds will live up to the feeling of holding Finnley for the first time—at least nothing I imagine will. But it's gonna be incredible, I can promise you that," he reassured her. "For as much as you're gonna hate what I'm about to say," he started, "It's not always about knowing what something is gonna be like. It's about accepting the fact that it's gonna happen and you're not gonna know exactly what it's gonna be like. It's about being open to experiencing every second of it. Not everything can be calculated by that crazy, gorgeous head of yours." Percy reached up and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

She smiled at him, running her hands through his hair. "Thank you," she said. "I just have to be open," she reminded herself.

"Exactly. See? You're a natural," he teased. She rolled her eyes and chuckled.

They sat in silence for a second, and Annabeth looked around the room. She had done everything she could to make it the best nursery for her son and she couldn't wait to have him in there. The shelves were filled with stuffed animals, one wall held a big bookshelf with baby books and other gifts she had gotten. His closet was filled with some of the cutest baby clothes Annabeth had ever seen, which she was so excited to dress him in. And the best part of the room: the mural.

Annabeth and Sally had worked on that mural together and not only had it come out absolutely beautifully but it brought the two women closer together. A few times, Annabeth would catch Percy watching them paint and bond from the door way, and her heart fluttered at the smile on his face. To be accepted by him and his family was so important to her, and Annabeth couldn't be more grateful. That little parade of happy dinosaurs brought so much joy to the room and to everyone apart of the process. A grin spread across her face just thinking about it.

As she looked around the room, Annabeth felt Percy's eyes trained on her. She finally met his gaze and giggled like a little kid. "What?"

Percy smiled at her and shook his head. "You look really happy, Wise Girl," he said.

Suddenly the moment became emotional and Annabeth nodded. "I am," she replied, nearly whispering.

There was so much that was uncertain and there had been so many times when Annabeth could barely get out of bed because it all just seemed too much to handle. But there were so many times when she laughed until her stomach hurt and when her heart was bursting with joy. She had never felt so much love with such intensity before Finnley. And that made everything worth it.

Every. Single. Second.

"Wow," she chuckled, slightly surprised with herself. "I am so happy," she laughed.

Percy grinned wide, a smile that could light up the whole town. "Me too. You look the most beautiful when you're happy, my love."

"And my favorite thing to see on you is a smile," she replied, to which he chuckled and grinned even bigger.

"You ready for dinner tonight?" Percy asked, looking up at her.

Annabeth sighed. "Honestly? No," she chuckled. "I'm a little nervous because my nana is coming. This is the first time she's gonna know of my pregnancy. I'm sure it'll be fine, she's just a bit... traditional. I'm excited to see everyone and to show the nursery, though."

"Yeah it'll be fine, don't worry. We're gonna have fun," he reassured her.

"I should probably start getting ready," Annabeth sighed, running a hand through Percy's hair.

He took a deep breath. "I'll help you," he offered. Then he leaned back off of her legs and they stood up, making their way downstairs to the kitchen.

~*~

Saturday, March 9th
5:55 pm - The Chase's dining room

"Everything looks amazing, you guys," Jason said, smiling around the table.

Annabeth smiled at the blond. "Thanks, Ja—"

"Ah, thank you, thank you." Thalia interrupted sarcastically. "It was several hours of slaving away in the kitche—"

"Shut up, Thalia," Jason cut his sister off. Annabeth rolled her eyes and Percy chuckled as they placed the last dishes on the table and took their seats next to each other.

"Maybe we could all try to get along tonight? The both of you know that Nana Francine doesn't tolerate fighting," Frederick warned, giving the two a look.

"Francine is your mother, Frederick?" Sally asked, pouring herself some water from the pitcher.

"Yes, and when me and my brother used to fight she would bring out her good friend the wooden spoon," he recalled. "Don't make me take a page out of her book." He gave pointed looks to the Graces. They mumbled 'sorry's and glared at each other.

Paul then spoke up. "Does she know about Finnley?"

Frederick and Annabeth both stayed silent.

"I'll take that as a no," he commented.

"My nana's very traditional, so I figured that this is the kind of thing I should tell her in person, opposed to over the phone," Annabeth explained. "And yes, I put it off for eight months," she nearly mumbled, "but I had to feel ready."

"So you feel ready now?" Sally asked.

"Not at all," she answered brightly. "But if I'm not ready by now I'll never be, so... time to rip off the bandaid!" She chuckled before gulping.

Sally looked at her warmly. "I'm sure it'll be fine. Your nana will understand," she reassured her.

"Thank you," she said, although Annabeth's hands were still sweating. Her throat felt smaller than usual, and it wasn't very easy to get words out, but that would go away. Right?

When the doorbell finally rang, she jumped. Annabeth decided to stay seated while her father answered the door. She bobbed her leg and played with her rings while she listened to the conversation in the doorway.

"It's gonna be alright," Percy said with a smile. Looking in his eyes, she found a bit of solace, but it didn't last long. "Breathe." She tried to take his advice, but it wasn't really working out for her. He kissed her on the cheek and then stood up to greet Nana. Annabeth watched Jason and Thalia kiss Francine hello. Sally and Paul introduced themselves as well as Percy. And then there was just Annabeth.

Francine was in a crisp pink blouse and black slacks, her outfit prim and proper as usual. Her jewelry matched and wasn't anything too flashy. Her makeup was neat and her bobbed hair looked to be newly done. In other words, she was pristine, neat, and utterly terrifying.

Reluctantly, Annabeth tried for a smile and stood up. "Hi, Nana," she greeted with the best grin she could muster.

Francine turned to face Annabeth and stopped abruptly. Annabeth was certain that her heart had stopped beating in that moment. That still, tension filled, lingering, and absolutely terrifying moment.

"Good heavens," Francine said, as if the sight of Annabeth's bump was the most ghastly thing she had ever seen. In all honesty, that's what it felt like. "I..."

"Surprise!" Thalia said with an open-mouthed grin. Annabeth loved her best friend but there was nothing more she wanted to do in that moment than deck Thalia in the face. Standing right in front of her, she would have the perfect opportunity.

"What happened to you?" Francine asked.

"Well—"

"Knocked up at, what, 17? This is disgraceful!" she shouted. Suddenly, Annabeth felt her anger bubbling, slowly rising. Her grandmother had no idea what had happened to her, or what she had been through. But that was also what kept Annabeth from lashing out; Francine didn't know. Maybe once she did, she would be understanding.

"Ma," Frederick tried to cut in, but Francine was on a roll and she wasn't going to be stopped.

"Never in my life have I ever seen such irresponsibility. And from you, Annabeth. You've always been so mature, so good, what happened?" Then she looked to Percy. "You happened, I suppose. Boys and their inability to control themselves," she spat the words like they tasted bad. Percy had gone bright red.

Annabeth stood there and said nothing, listening to every word she said, taking every blow she landed. Percy looked like he wanted to defend himself, and Sally seemed ready to do so with her hands, but Paul's hand on her shoulder held her back. Honestly, Annabeth wouldn't have been mad at Sally for fighting her nana. In fact, she was ready to let her.

"Nana, it wasn't—" Annabeth tried to explain gently.

"No, excuses are the defense of a coward!" She interrupted. "I am so disappointed in you. How dare you stand there and try to justify any of this?"

With every word, Annabeth's anger stacked until she couldn't hold it back anymore. She slammed her hand on the table, rattling all the glasses and dishes, scaring everyone and silencing her grandmother.

"How's being raped for an excuse!? Huh?" No one said a thing, and Francine's neatly painted red lips stayed pressed in a thin line. Annabeth was done being polite and letting her grandmother heckle her. "Before you come into my house and accuse me of being a coward and being irresponsible, listen to what I have to say!"

Annabeth was so fed up with everyone and their assumptions about her, and about anyone with unplanned pregnancies. Everyone always assumed it was irresponsible, that they were stupid and young and they didn't have a clue in the world. But she had come to realize that girls like her, people in situations like hers, were some of the most courageous people in the world. Parenting and pregnancy is terrifying, and it is even more so when you're still doing some growing up yourself. No one ever stopped to consider that. She was so angry at the moment, she didn't even want to explain herself anymore.

"So then what do you have to say for yourself?" her nana asked. She didn't seem as explosively upset, but still sour.

"You know what? I don't have to explain myself and I don't really feel like it now. You know why? Because I don't owe you a goddamn thing," she said venomously, leaning closer to Francine.

She was vaguely aware of her father weakly saying her name, "Annabeth." Before anyone else said anything, Annabeth turned and stormed out of the dining room and up the stairs. She waited until she got to room and closed the door to heave a heavy sigh. Silent angry tears slipped down her cheeks, and she briskly brushed them away.

Annabeth loved her grandmother, but she was exhausting. Ever since she was young, her grandmother had been this way. She used to be a bigger part of her life than she is now, but no matter what, there was always this pressure that she placed on her. Francine was the type who loved to have things to brag about, and her straight A student and charismatic social butterfly of a granddaughter was number one on the list. Annabeth appreciated her pride in her, but it could build up too much and become pressure weighing heavily on Annabeth. There had always been this expectation for her to be perfect and proper; a good girl.

Annabeth could understand how this would be upsetting, but it was unfair to her. And she had been through too much and come too far to let someone—no matter who it was—invalidate her and tell her that she was a coward. A coward? Annabeth was her own worst critic, but even she wasn't going to sell herself short this time; she had to be incredibly brave, more brave than she had ever been, in the past eight months than in her entire life.

Just then, there was a knock on her door. "Anna?"

Annabeth was surprised to hear Jason's voice on the other end. "Come in." She tried to wipe her tears away, but her red eyes weren't as quick a fix.

"Hey," he said gently, sitting next to her on her bed. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," she sighed. "I just... I just got a little upset, is all."

"No one blames you. If you didn't yell at Nana Francine, Sally would've," he joked.

Annabeth chuckled. "I know, I saw her." They laughed for a second.

"Look, Nana Francine isn't used to stuff like this. And, yes, she's terrifying. And I'm pretty sure she hates me," he added.

Annabeth interjected. "No, she has a soft spot for you, a little bit."

"Really? Could've fooled me," he mumbled and Annabeth chuckled. "She's scary and kind of harsh, but it's only because she loves you. And while we don't equate Finnley to being something that's going to mess up your life, she does. But I think that if we explain to her how awesome he is, she'll come around. And she'll realize that no matter what crazy turns there are in your path, you are still the same strong, determined person.

"The same Annabeth who in the fourth grade protected me from that eighth grade bully Felix Warner by smack talking. The same Annabeth who basically saved Thalia's life when she cut her leg that one time we went on a hike. And a bunch of other times," he added. Annabeth chuckled, sniffling. "And the same Annabeth who never lost sight of what she wanted even when she lost the most important in her life. The point is, no matter what you go through, you always persevere and no matter what, you reach your goals and are successful in everything you do." They smiled at each other. "Finn is just along for the ride." They laughed.

Annabeth sniffled and brushed the rest of the tears from her face. "Thanks, Jason."

"Don't mention it," he said, hugging Annabeth tightly. She sighed as they pulled away.

A knock at the door grabbed both of their attention. "Hey, how's it going in here?" Thalia asked with a cheesy grin. Annabeth laughed and rolled her eyes at the girl.

"What, Thals?"

"Well for one thing, all the food is cold now," of course, Annabeth thought, "And Percy is downstairs talking to Nana Francine. Alone. In a room. With the door closed."

"Oh no," Annabeth sighed. She could only imagine how Nana Francine was ripping him a new one. Or the fight that they were getting into because Percy wasn't having it. "I guess I have to go deal with that now." She stood from the bed and followed Thalia downstairs, Jason behind them.

"Are you alright?" Frederick asked as soon as Annabeth was down the stairs.

"Yeah, I'm okay," she replied.

"I'm sorry that your grandmother is like this, you don't deserve that," he explained.

"It's alright, dad," she assured him. "I got this." After her father hugged her, she walked over to her father's study where the door was closed. She was about to open it when she heard voices through the door.

"I just never thought that this would happen." It was her Nana.

"No one ever really does. But for the amount of people it does happen to, Annabeth is the strongest and most capable person to ever have to go through this. She's the bravest person I know. And while it's not my story to tell, I hope you'll agree with me when she decides she's ready to tell you," Percy explained. Listening to him speak of her so highly made her want to cry; hearing what he said when she wasn't around told her that he really did love her, and it was so mutual.

"I wish I had listened to her before I got so upset. I feel ridiculous."

"Annabeth is really understanding."

There was a slight pause. "Percy?" Francine asked.

"Yes?"

"Thank you for being there for Annabeth. She's lucky to have you."

"I'm just glad she lets me be there for her."

Annabeth decided that was a good time to knock on her door. She opened it slightly and found Percy standing across from where Francine sat on the loveseat.

"Hey," Percy greeted lightly. He walked to the door. "I think you guys should talk," he said, nodding at Annabeth. She nodded back and stepped into the room, Percy leaving and closing the door behind him.

"I'm sorry, Annabeth," Francine apologized. They were both stubborn women; it ran in the family. But they were able to make amends with each other, at the least.

"It's okay, Nana. I'm sorry I cursed at you."

"I deserved it." There was a pause and Annabeth sat down, pulling a chair from her father's meeting table. "I don't know if you're ready, but I'd appreciate it if you could tell me what happened." Nana Francine was a harsh woman, with sharp edges and a lot of straightforwardness. But now she was gentle.

Annabeth took a deep breath. "Back in August, I went to a party. And you were partly right in saying that I was irresponsible. At this party, I was being irresponsible and I was drinking. A little bit more than I should've been. That night, Luke, I know you remember him, he took advantage of me and he raped me. That was how I got pregnant."

"I'm so sorry, darling." Francine took Annabeth's hand, squeezing it.

"When I told Luke that I was pregnant, he left. He went away to college in California," Annabeth explained. For the first time, she realized that she didn't really feel anything when she said that. No sadness, no guilt, no pain. It was subtle, but she realized it.

Francine shook her head. "I can't believe he would do that to you. I mean, you had known each other all those years."

Annabeth nodded. "Yes, everyone was surprised. And that hurt for a long time, but I'm okay now. I'm so happy now, Nana. I met Percy a few days after Luke left and he's been there for me ever since. I love him, and he loves me," she chuckled, not being able to help her smile at the thought. Francine smiled smally as well. "I know that this seems like something that would ruin my life, but it's made it so much better."

"How far along are you? What's the baby's name?"

"I'm about eight months, and his name is Finnley," she replied.

Francine gasped and smiled, placing a hand on Annabeth's belly. "Oh, that's precious. I wish that you had told me sooner, I wish I could've been here for you," she said.

"I know, me too." They hugged each other at that, and Annabeth was suddenly nostalgic, smelling her Nana's perfume. They separated. "I'm still on track for graduation and college and everything."

"Good, I'm glad. I'm so proud of you, Annabeth. And I never should've yelled at you like that, I was out of line. I'm sorry." Nana cupped Annabeth's cheek and smiled at her.

"Thanks, Nana. It's okay."

"I suppose we should get back to everyone and finally have dinner," she said.

Annabeth chuckled. "Agreed. I'm eating for two now, and I certainly have the appetite for it." They laughed and walked out of the study. Everyone seemed to be waiting for them, apprehensively standing around the dining room and whispering. When they came out everyone stopped talking and stared at the two women.

Annabeth broke the silence. "I'd like to enjoy the food I prepared warm, so everyone grab something and bring it back in the kitchen. Time to reheat!" she announced, laughing. Everyone agreed in cheers and grabbed different plates of food, following her to the kitchen.

~*~

Saturday, March 9th
8:30 pm - Finnley's nursery

"Alright, ready?" Everyone waiting excitedly by the door. By now, the entire gang was at the house and they all just finished dessert. Annabeth had decided to invite over everyone to show them all the nursery at once, and she felt bad that they couldn't make dinner so she offered dessert.

"Ow, someone's pushing me!" Connor complained.

"Travis, cut it out!" Katie scolded.

"If any of you step on my shoes, I will cut off your faces," Drew threated.

"Hey, stop fighting!" Annabeth chastised. "The nursery is a happy place and everyone must be happy in it."

"Alright 3, 2, 1!" Percy counted, and then they opened the door. Everyone flooded into the room. It was just then that they realized maybe having almost twenty people in a room at one time wasn't the best way to appreciate it, but it was too late now. Everyone started looking around and 'oohing' and 'ahhing'.

"This is amazing, Annabeth!" Will exclaimed.

"Thanks, Will, but I didn't put this together alone. Sally, Percy, Thalia, Jason, and my dad were huge helps."

"Well you guys did an awesome job, this is to die for."

Annabeth walked in front of the mural. "Wait, everybody step back really quick," she requested, everyone moving towards the back of the room. "Sally, come here,"

"Oh, no, please," Sally declined politely, but Annabeth grabbed her hand and pulled her forward, chuckling.

"This is the mural that Sally and I painted for Finnley," Annabeth announced, and they stepped aside so everyone could see the parade of dinosaurs along the wall. Everyone was impressed by how well it came out.

"That's so good," Annabeth Beckendorf say. "And the chair looks great in here."

"Good job, babe." Silena kissed her boyfriend on the cheek. "And the mural is so adorable!"

"You two are so talented I love it!" Juniper fawned.

Everyone loved the nursery, just like Annabeth knew they would. And Finnley was going to love it too. That room was filled with so much happiness in that moment.

"You're already a wonderful mom, just like I know you'll be," Francine was at her granddaughter's side, hugging her with a look of pride in her eyes.

"Thanks, Nana," Annabeth replied. Those kinds of compliments were the best compliments. Nana Francine went to talk to Frederick who was standing in the doorway of the room, looking at everyone and smiling in a very knowing and fatherly way.

Percy wrapped an arm around Annabeth's shoulders and the other around his mom's. "I think this is a pretty dynamic duo right here," he said, smiling.

Annabeth and Sally smirked at each other. "I think it is." They all laughed.

What Annabeth was so certain was going to be a disaster turned out to be okay after all.

Funny how that works, isn't it?

•••