[A/N] OMG I feel so bad! I haven't updated in months and now I'm giving you guys such a short chapter and it sucks. Oh gods. Anyway, here's the gist. Expect irregular updates because even now I'm getting 4-6 hours of sleep a day. I don't own PJO and please review. Love you guys and I am SO sorry! DX

"Daddy?" I asked. "Why are they putting mommy into the ground?" Receiving no reply, I tugged on the hand that enveloped mine; my only source of warmth or comfort.

Looking up, I saw his mouth tighten into a line, his face otherwise wiped clean of emotions. Discouraged, but determined as ever, I continued. "They can't do that! Mommy said she still had a lot of work to do!" My voice rose higher and grew louder with every word, eyes glistening with unshed tears.

At this time, I began to attract attention. I could see them. Foreign faces turning to look my way.

Why do they stare? I was just asking my father a question.

Even above the cacophony of hushed whispers, I could hear the rows of my father's teeth grinding against each other. He was scaring me. Mommy, where are you? I think daddy's mad at me and I don't know why. Please come home from wherever you are. He's always happier when you're around.

Looking down at my feet, little hands fisting the hem of my new black dress, I let out an involuntary whimper. As if like a blasting alarm, it was heard by many in the vicinity. The looks were back, and now more than before. But, somehow, they were different this time. I just couldn't put my finger on it. And I hated it. How- no, why did those looks make me feel so insecure?

Finally, my father lost it. "Shut up, Annabeth Chase! Your mother is gone, you hear me? And she is NEVER coming back!"

Instinctively, I let go of his hand and took a step back, immediately regretting the loss of warmth and comfort moments later. It was so cold…

Mommy, if you are punishing me for misbehaving, I'm sorry. If you come back, I promise I'll eat my vegetables, I promise I won't read under the blanket past bedtime and I promise I'll do the very best I can to make you proud of me. So, please come back to me.

The world around me blurred. Thick lines and smudged colours were all I could see. Why aren't you answering me, mother?

…

I woke with a start when my head hit the bedroom floor. Flipping over onto my back, I rubbed my forehead, grimacing. That was going to leave a mark. But what exactly did I dream about that would make me feel so terrified? I let my hand fall onto the rug beside my head.

For sure, the dream had not exactly been pleasant. My heart clenched in frustration and anger. I knew that feeling. And I knew it well, too much for my tastes.

Pity.

Sighing resignedly, I stood up and let the blanket pool at my feet on the floor. Pushing the disturbing remains of what I could remember of my dream to the back of my mind.

Right now, I had more pressing matters at hand. For one, to figure out what exactly was going on at that damned hospital.

And… she had slept past the alarm. She was about to be late again.

…Percy's P.O.V…

Flipping through one of the magazine Annabeth had brought for me, I had to say; she was more considerate than others. For one, she had actually bothered to read through my profile and pay attention to my preferences. Another point is that she has so far worked really hard at her job.

Hopefully, though, it was not just because she wanted a good review.

Speaking of which, I wonder how it turned out between her and Chiron. She didn't come back last night, not even to take these fascinating magazines. Instead, I think that friend of hers came in. Thiha or Lilia or something. I really couldn't care less anyways.

Had she been fired? Nah. I think Annabeth is the kind of person who at least had the courtesy to inform people of such developments instead of throwing a hissy fit and storming out, not even pausing to look back at the person who loved her for six mo-

My train of thought was interrupted as the door slammed open. Keeping my face blank, I looked at her as she leant against the door frame, clothes wrinkled and a few stray blonde curls from her hastily-tied bun plastered to her face in sweat.

Well, someone's in a hurry today.

In between pants, she said, "Hey, –pant- Percy. –Pant- sorry for –pant- leaving early –pant- last night. After I talked to Chiron, I had a couple of other matters to sort out."

I see… Chiron again, huh? This is an interesting turn of events.

Her face broke into a smile all and she began giggling. Following her line of sight, I realised it was because of the magazine I was holding. Damn. She came in so suddenly.

"Really, Percy? Out of all the magazines, you choose the one that talked about mating rituals of marine animals?" I smirked inwardly. I wonder how long she was going to continue this one-sided conversation. Can't she see I just want to be left alone? Walking over to the side of my bed and dropping her stuff onto the visitor's chair, Annabeth read the magazine with me as I flipped through the pages.

"'When two whales are mating, there will be a third one at the bottom supporting them so that they won't sink.' Wow, talk about a third wheel."

"'Depending on the species, some octopuses begin life as miniscule specks floating on the ocean's surface.' And we'd have shredded octopi for lunch. How delightful."

"'Oysters can change from one gender to another and back again depending on which is best for mating.' Yes, I'm sure many people would want to be oysters just for the interesting sex."

After a while, I couldn't tell if it was her colourful commentary or the actual magazine that was keeping me entertained.

Noticing for the first time that the corners of my lips were tugged upwards, Annabeth grinned. But in the blink of an eye, her mood turned a one-eighty. She leant over me, trying to appear intimidating. However, having a sweaty and slightly out-of-breath Annabeth very close to my face conjured some thoughts that were not exactly appropriate for one in a hospital.

Absorbed in my less than innocent thoughts, I nearly missed her demanding, "Why won't you talk to me, Percy?"

Shit. I had hoped she had forgotten.

"You talked to me the other time, remember? When I nearly fell seven stories down out of the window? Yeah. I cannot comprehend as to why you refuse to talk to people, you know. Your voice is amazing. Like seriously. It's better than some of the idols that are famous today. For example, Justin Bieber. But then again, I'm not sure that is much of a compliment…"

Finally losing control, I cracked up, even if the last joke wasn't really that funny. Dropping the magazine and clutching my sides, gales of laughter escaped from my lips. This girl is weird. My laughter, echoing in the small confines of my room with the window and door closed, seemed like that of one who hasn't had a good laugh in a long time. In a sense, I guess, that is true.

After all, I can't remember the last time I'd met someone as interesting as Annabeth.

Looking back at her, I arched an eyebrow when she still had a dissatisfied look on her face.

"I said talk. Not laugh. You do realise there is a difference, right? Or maybe I'll get you a dictionary for your birthday and highlight their meanings for you."

I rolled my eyes heavenwards. Gosh this girl is stubborn.

"Fine."

Beaming, she straightened up, a content look on her face as she sat down next to me, gesturing for me to continue on.

Shaking my head resignedly, I did as I was told.

I swear. This girl will be the death of me.

THE END