The Swap

Chapter 3: Happier

Annabeth POV

"Bobby and Matthew, it's time for dinner," I called from the kitchen. 

It was no surprise that Helen was late to come home. She called me and yelled about the things that I had to do for the boys. 

Considering she caught me right before I was going to study for a Calculus exam, I nearly lost my temper. I wanted to tell her that I always make dinner and look after the boys anyway. 

However, I learned long ago to bite my tongue. 

Helen rarely got violent but when she did, it stings. 

"Annabeth, what's for dinner?" Matthew asked as the twins ran into the dining room. I was setting the table with lasagna and chicken tenders. 

"See for yourself boys," I replied in exhaustion. 

"Are you okay, Annabeth?" 

Before I could respond. Bobby came forward and hugged me. Matthew also joined the hug. They must've sensed how tired I was tonight. School was very busy, I had a lot of homework, and I had my chores on top of that. 

I smiled softly as I hugged my half-brothers. 

Despite how bad their mother was, I loved these kids so much. A lot of people put stock in genetics. However, I believed that nurturing was important. 

After all, Matthew and Bobby were sweet boys that I pretty much raised. 

"Yeah, I'm fine, guys. I'm just really tired is all," I responded. 

Matthew and Bobby seemed satisfied with my answer because they sat down and started eating. I joined them at the dinner table. Usually, when Helen was home, I took my food to my room. 

"Annabeth," Bobby acknowledged. I looked at him as I waited for his question. "Annabeth, why is mom always so mean to you?" 

"I don't know." 

These boys may only be 7, but they were smart and observant. Besides, it doesn't take a genius to notice my problems when you're at my home. 

Matthew gazed at me solemnly. 

"Annabeth, was your mom like this too?" he asked quietly. 

I felt tears stinging my eyes as I thought about my mom, Athena. She was a wonderful and intelligent woman, who cared the most about me. 

I gently grasped the silver owl pendant around my neck. 

My eyes burned as I fought the tears from spilling. I lost my mother a long time ago, but it still hurts to think about her. 

"No, my mom was nothing like yours. She loved me so much, not that your mom doesn't love you. It, it was just different," I said softly. 

My mom was smart and kind, and she didn't deserve to have cancer. That year was awful. No child should have to watch their mother slowly and painfully die. 

I shook my head quickly to stop the memories. 

"Phew, let's just eat, and talk about something else. So, how is school going?" I asked. 

Matthew and Bobby both groaned at the topic of school, making me chuckle. After a quick response, the conversation shifted to video games and Mythomagic. 

***

"Annabeth, you should really do the talent show,"  Thalia said. 

I sighed as we continued walking down the busy halls of Goode High. The hallways in the morning were always busy. I'm pretty sure it's the same way at every school.