the Summer House

9 - Sunday

Annabeth

What had I gotten myself into? I was going to have to meet his mom. She might not even like me for crying out loud.

There was the problem. I had to look nice, but I also had to look modest. I didn't want Percy's mom thinking I was a slut.

"What are you doing?" Helen asked. She had walked in on me looking through an array of dresses.

"I'm trying to figure out what to wear to Percy's house for dinner."

"Well do you need help?"

I looked up. Helen was offering girl help. Like a real mom. For once.

"Actually, yes. I have these two dresses, but I need to look good because his mom will be there. I want her to like me."

I held up two dresses. One was a pale red one that went down just above my knees. It was fitted at the top, and flowed down. The other was a dark blue number. It was like the other one, but it came with a brown jacket to wear over.

"Wear the red one. The blue one looks very laid back and hipstery," Helen said.

"Thanks," I smiled. Helen left as I changed into my dress.

On top of the dress, I put on a black jacket. I slipped on some ankle-high black boots. After a lecture from Helen, sponsored by Dad, about not having sex, I hopped into my dad's car and left.

Percy

The doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" I yelled.

"No, sit down. I'm going to see her first," Mom said, shoving me into the living room. I heard her open the door and greet Annabeth.

They walked into the living room. Annabeth was wearing a pretty pink dress, and her hair was flowing around her. It wasn't completely dark out, and the soft glow of the sun on her hair made it shine golden. She took off her black jacket and put in on the couch.

"Well, I'll go get dinner ready. Percy, stop drooling over her," Mom teased, smiling at me. I must've been staring.

Annabeth giggled. "You were staring, Seaweed Brain."

"Well thanks for siding with my mom, Wise Girl."

"Hey, I cannot tell a lie. Why, Perce? This dress too sexy for you?" She teased.

"Oh, shut up."

"You're blushing."

"Am not!"

I knew I was. I could feel my cheeks and neck getting warmer and warmer.

"Whatever you say, Perce. I'm gonna go see if your mom needs help."

"You do that."

Annabeth

Sally smiled as I stepped into the kitchen. I could see some wrinkles on her pale skin, and once in a while, her fragile hands shook. Other times, she was strong enough to be president.

"Hey, Annabeth. Would you like to help me set the table? I bet Percy's still in the living room trying to find the courage to come out here."

I smiled. "You're probably right. Being alone in a house with two girls must be intimidating."

"I can hear you guys!" Percy yelled. Sally and I laughed.

"You can come in now," Sally yelled back, and Percy skipped in like a five-year-old.

We sat down at the small table. There were only three seats, so we were all able to talk to each other.

"So, Annabeth, how long have you known Percy?"

Percy broke in. "Funny story, Mom-"

"Shut up, Percy. I asked Annabeth," Sally said.

I grinned. "I've known him since we were fourteen. We hung out one summer while my family went on a summer vacation to Virginia. I guess luck brought us back together."

"How interesting," Sally said. "So Percy had a friend or two already. My little Percy used to have a lot of trouble making friends."

"Mom!" Percy whined.

"I'm only teasing, darling."

Point: Sally was awesome.

"Anyways," Percy said after swallowing his lasagna. "What were you two talking about in here?"

"We were talking about how strange you've acting, Seaweed Brain," I said, giving him a smirk.

"Yes, what she said," Sally interjected.

"Wow, you two are ganging up on me aren't you?" Percy said.

Sally nodded. "I suppose so."

Percy

After dinner, I walked Annabeth out the door.

"Your mom's really cool," Annabeth said, putting her jacket back on.

"She is. She also loves embarrassing me."

"I see," Annabeth said.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow at school?"

"Well duh, we sit together at lunch."

"Speaking of lunch, we're gonna get a lot of talk from the group," I pointed out.

The corner of Annabeth's mouth curled up. "Let them talk."

She started to walk away.

"Wait, Annabeth!"

"Yeah?" She said, turning around and walking back towards me.

"Am I worthy of that kiss now?"

Annabeth smiled. Her eyes stared at my lips. "Whatever you say, Seaweed Brain."

She put her hand on my neck, pulling my head down to her. Her lips brushed mine for a few seconds. I couldn't take it anymore. My hand pressed against her back, pulling her slightly closer to me. Annabeth was trying not to smile. Sadly, she pulled away too soon.

"Wait, that's it?" I whined.

"I take things a bit slow, Seaweed Brain. I have to go now, but there's plenty more where that came from."

I grinned. "Yeah, I'll see you at school."

Annabeth walked away. As I watched her car pull out of the driveway, I turned around and went back inside. Mom was standing at the front door, grinning madly.

"That was so adorable!"

"Wait, you saw that?"

Mom nodded her head vigorously. "I was watching from the window. I opened it a little so I could hear what you two were saying. Oh my goodness, my little hero has a girlfriend!"

"Mom! That was private!"

"Nothing is private from your mom, sweetie. Now, do you want some hot chocolate?"

I sighed. "Yes, please."