Epilogue

It was immaculately kept – that was the first thing Annabeth noticed when she stepped into the lobby. And it was; spotless white carpet, despite all the people that walked through daily, matched the white walls and furniture. There weren't any windows – she was thankful of that.

Thalia had offered to come with her, but she had refused. She needed to do this alone.

Now that she was here, she was certain of her decision. She didn't want anyone to see her like this.

Her hands shook. She had grabbed onto her clutch to hide it, but all that did was make the clasp rattle. The receptionist glanced up and gave her a warm smile. "Mrs. Chase?" she nodded, pressing her lips together to hide her grimace. It's just Ms, she wanted to correct. "Dr. Pan will see you in just a second." The woman gestured to the chairs and Annabeth took a seat. There was one other woman in the sitting room, a tall black woman with springy curls darker than her skin. Annabeth wanted to cry in relief. I'm not alone, she reveled inwardly.

But that was before a man stepped out from the restroom off to the side and took a seat beside the woman, taking her hand. They shared a warm glance and Annabeth squeezed her eyes shut. You're okay, Chase, she reminded herself.

"Mrs. Chase," the receptionist said. It's just Ms. "The doctor will see you now."

Annabeth nodded and stood, forcing her knees not to rattle together as she walked with her chin held high down the hallway. The last door in the hallway was ajar, and she stepped inside. Dr. Pan stood inside, regarding a chart. He looked up at her as she walked in, smiling warmly.

She closed the door behind her and walked unsurely towards the examination chair.

He set aside the chart and sat down in the little chair beside her, fiddling with the machine. "How many weeks?"

"Eighteen," she said.

"Hmm," he murmured, peering over his glasses at her. "This may feel a little cold." Annabeth squeezed her hands into fists and stared up at the ceiling, forcing deep, shallow breaths. "Looks like everything's working just fine. I assume you want to know the sex?"

She hesitated and nodded – before she could change her mind.

"It's a girl."

A girl, she thought. I'm going to have a daughter.

A/N: PLOT TWIST?

Maybe. The first fifty or so people who read the last chapter and saw the author's note before i went through and changed it already knew what was in store. However, I hope the rest of you are pleasantly surprised.

This takes place a couple months after Percy leaves for Chicago, by the way.

I'm really proud of this story and what I've accomplished. I love all of you for reading and faithfully sticking with me.

However, this isn't the end- not really.

While this is the last time I'll update here, I am starting a sequel. It will be called Retrouvailles, and will be taking place almost four years after the end of this story.

By the time you're reading this, the first chapter will likely be up. Please go to my page and check it out!

Thank you so much for reading and reviewing.

Love,

Anna x.