Remembering

Chp 4: Food Tray

Percy tapped his fork on the lunch table. Surprisingly, he wasn't waiting for food, but for the blonde girl from yesterday. The vow he made was entirely on impulse, and he regretted it immediately. But now, he was trapped. He had to remember that girl in one year, or he'd be dead. Why do I have to make life so much harder for myself?

The Greeks filed in, and Percy craned his head to spot blonde hair. He saw the praetor boy, but the girl was nowhere to be seen. She hadn't come for breakfast either. A girl with kaleidoscope eyes spoke up, eyeing Percy. "Annabeth will not be joining us for lunch today. Could someone please take a plate of food up to her?"

Why is she looking at me? Then it clicked. She was trying to help him! Percy leapt up and grabbed the plate, quickly mouthing a thank you. He turned and sprinted to the Greek ship. Even if he had the tray in his hands, he couldn't help feeling like he had forgotten something. He replayed Kaleidoscope Eyes' words, "will not be joining us.." Who won't? "Annabeth will not be joining..." Annabeth!! That's her name.

Annabeth. Annabeth. Annabeth. Percy repeated it in his head...it just felt right.

"Annabeth!" he yelled, laughing. It felt so freeing. The name unlocked feelings he had never felt before. He felt warm thoughts, if that made any sense. His brain felt like a...campfire. Bright in a world of darkness, dependable, and comforting. Maybe Annabeth had made him feel this way in the past...?

~

Percy reached the ship's hulk and spotted a ladder built into its side. He thought he'd sneak up quickly, but he forgot about the tray of food he was carrying. He was pretty sure a ramp would usually come down from the middle of the ship, but someone from the inside had to operate it.

"Hello-o-o! Anybody there?" A couple seconds later, the ramp came down, just as Percy predicted. He climbed up only to be greeted by a middle aged satyr. He seemed somewhat fit, with a short and stocky build. His chin was pointed and his feet were replaced by hooves. "What do you want, kid?" he asked crossly.

"Um...I'm Percy and I came to give Annabeth her lunch..."

The satyr's eyes widened. "Percy? As in Percy Jackson? Um...You might wanna give me the tray-I don't think Annabeth-um-"

"I know she doesn't want to talk to me, but I need to talk to her. Please Mr..."

"Coach. Coach Hedge." Coach Hedge hesitated for a bit. "Okay, you can go. Her room's towards the front, but make it quick."

Percy nodded and speedwalked to the front. He quickly looked at the doors-all were open and unlocked...except one. He held up his fist to the wood, about to knock, then he lost courage and dropped his hand. Percy shook his head: he was going to talk to her. He raised his hand and knocked.

"Coach, I told you not to bother me," a muffled voice whispered from inside.

"Annabeth, it's me...Percy."

Annabeth gasped. Percy? He was here? And he knew her name? Did he finally remember? Was this some kind of cruel joke? She told herself before that Percy was dead to her, but he was so close to her now...Curiosity killed the cat, and she swung open the door. Sure enough, it was her Seaweed Brain. No. That name is too painful. Annabeth told herself to be cold-to cut him out, but instead she said, "Percy? What are you doing here?"

Percy paused. What was he doing here? Oh, food. He nodded to the tray in his hands. "I got your lunch." Annabeth looked at him, sensing there was more.

"I-I also need to talk to you."

Annabeth gripped her handle, precariously balancing on a precipice. She could retreat onto land and stay in the comfort of her room, or fall into the uncertainty Percy brought with him.

"I'm sorry Percy. Not today." Annabeth snatched her food tray and slammed the door in his face.

Annabeth had let herself slip. She had opened the door. She allowed Percy to enter her life, but it was not going to happen again. Percy Jackson is dead to me. And I mean it this time.