Bonded Souls | Percabeth Fanfiction

Chapter 16

Sally set down a cup of tea in front of Annabeth and Annabeth gave Sally a small smile, quietly thanking her. The two of them were sat at the dining table, Sally sat across from Annabeth with a cup of tea too.

"So... Percy's step-dad is quite abusive then?" Annabeth questioned quietly, looking down at her cup of tea.
"Unfortunately." Sally answered, her voice quiet too.
Sally lifted her cup of tea and took a sip of it. Annabeth looked at Sally and Sally was a little nervous, feeling as though Annabeth would start judging her.

"I haven't had an easy life, Annabeth." Sally confessed. "I lost my parents when I was five, my uncle had to raise me. Then he was diagnosed with cancer when I was in my last year of high school and... once he died, I was all alone. I met Percy's dad and we had fun but then... he left once Percy was born, he had to leave. And then I met Gabe and I stuck with him because I thought he'd help provide for us."
Annaveth listened intently, looking at Sally.

Sally swallowed and she sighed as she brought her hand to her face, shaking her head slightly.
"Sweetheart, I'm sorry, you're a child, I shouldn't be dumping all of this on you-" Sally began.
"I'm more mature than you think." Annabeth said, looking at Sally.

"I just... I want to understand why you've stuck with an abusive man for so long."
Sally took her hand away from her face and she looked at Annabeth.
"Fear, mostly." Sally said. "And... I don't know how I'll be able to take care of Percy and I. I mean, I don't have a good job and... I just...staying with Gabe seemed easier."
Annabeth frowned slightly.

"You know that it's not gonna get any better if you just stay with Gabe, right?" Annabeth questioned. "I mean, Percy could... What if it gets too intense one day and either you or Percy get badly injured? To the point where you may..."
Annabeth trailed off and she sighed out softly. "Sally. I don't want Percy to get hurt. I didn't like how badly his face was injured last week, how he put a smile on his face and said he was fine when he clearly wasn't."

Sally stayed silent for a moment and she smiled slightly, looking at Annabeth.
"How long have you known Percy for now?" Sally asked.
"A couple of weeks." Annabeth shrugged slightly.
"Right. And you care about him very much already." Sally said. "I'm glad that you... you're in my son's life. Percy needs more people to love and care for him."
Annabeth's cheeks warmed up as Sally mentioned love.

Sally looked at her cup of tea.
"... I don't know how to get rid of Gabe. I know I should call someone, the police maybe, but I'm afraid of what could happen if I try and speak back. I don't know how he'll react and if he'll try to hurt Percy..." Sally said quietly.
Annabeth picked up her cup of tea and lifted it towards her mouth.
"Well, it's a good thing that I'm here then." Annabeth said, glancing at Sally.

"I am great at making plans to get out of any dangerous situation. Trust me, I'm quite a smart girl."

Sally looked at Annabeth and Annabeth smiled at her, taking a sip of the tea. Sally raised her eyebrows and she smiled back at Annabeth.
"You're going to help a poor old woman like me?" Sally questioned.
"I'm going to help a wonderful beautiful woman like you, who deserves to be happy and to live life without fear." Annabeth clarified, setting down her cup of tea.

"Now, listen carefully to me, and we can get Gabe out of your life within the next week without him hurting you or Percy."

*****

Percy sniffled as he wiped away his tears with his hand as he kept his knees close to his chest as he looked down below at the people walking by and the dogs barking at the distance.

He didn't know how long it's been, he didn't know if Annabeth was still here or gone, but all he knew was that Annabeth probably thought he was a huge coward and didn't like him, that she would never like a boy who can't even stand up for himself.