The Heroes of Olympus After the War

Chapter 17

    As Will led me in to see Annabeth, I couldn't think straight. My mind was racing. I had so many questions. Would she be OK? Would she be sleeping or waiting for me? And the biggest one, would she be in pain?
    I pushed the heavy wooden door open and took a deep breath before walking inside. Will patted my back and then closed the door, leaving me alone with Annabeth. I walked over to her.
    Annabeth was sleeping. She had three IV's and some other needles. Her old clothes had been exchanged with a hosipital gown and she was covered up with a stiff white blanket. But she was sleeping peacefully. Her head was falling off the pillow so I gently readjuted it. I sat down on the chair next to her bed and took her hand. It was cold in mine.
    "Hey Annabeth," I don't know why I started talking to her. She was sleeping and couldn't hear me. But I kept talking. "You're going to be just fine. I'll make sure of it. Silena and Charles are with Hazel and Piper. Oh, I should probably give them you status," I suddenly remembered my promise to the girls. I pulled my phone out and sent a quick text to them explaining the situation. Then I turned back to my wife. I kept on talking.
    "I know you'll wake up. You're a strong girl. I mean, remember when you took a knife for me. I will always be grateful. But of course, Ambrosia and Nectar works on that sort of thing..." I trailed off, my voice cracking. What is she didn't heal. What if the godly food and drink didn't work on her. What would happen then? It was too hard to think about. I continued talking.
    "I have so much more to owe you. You've saved my life countless times. I love you Wise Girl. Come back to me Annabeth." At this point I could no longer talk anymore. My throat was burning and my eyes watering. Before I could stop it a single tear fell down my face. I quickly wiped it away, knowing I had to be strong for her. I laid my head next to our interlocked hands and soon I was asleep.
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    "Percy. Wake up. Come on Seaweed Brain." A women's voice was calling to me. I felt someone gently stroking my face. I jolted awake and nearly fell out of my seat.
    "Annabeth!" I cried when I saw she was awake and smiling. It still seemed kind of forced but it was a start.
    "Hey Seaweed Brain. Kiss me." She demanded. I smiled and gladly placed my lips to her's.
    "Are you OK? Are ou in any pain? Do you need the doctor?" I asked when we pulled apart. She smiled softly and took my hand in her now warm one. She squeezed it.
    "I am perfect now Seaweed Brain. Thanks to you." She sighed. I grinned and she scooted over in her bed. I eagerly climbed in next to her, wrapping my arms around her waist. I had to make sure I wasn't on any IV's but it was worth it to feel her gentle heartbeat against my chest. I wish the moment could have lasted forever, but it couldn't. The door opened and Will walked in with a clipboard. He was smiling.
    "Good morning. How did you sleep?" He asked Annabeth. He didn't even say anything about us both being in the bed. I wouldn't have moved anyway.
    "I slept well, thank you." Annabeth said. Will nodded.
    "Well, the good news is that you can go home today if you're feeling up to it." Will started checking the machines and needles. I heard the catch in his voice though.
    "And I'm guessing there's bad news."
    "Well, the thing is that we don't know what caused this failure in your lungs. It could happen again." He cringed slightly. "And you guys weer lucky you caught this early enough. Any later and Annabeth wouldn't be here right now. You may not get lucky again."
    In the life of a demigod, even adult demigods, you learn that luck is a precious thing. You never take it for granted.
    "So what do we do?" Annabeth's voice cracked and I didn't blame her.
    "I'm not sure. All I can say is to be careful. I am going to put you on some medication that will help but the rest is up to you. If you feel sick again, come here right away." Will handed her a small perscription form and hugged her. "You guys will have to see yourselves out though. I have another patient. I am sorry." with that Will turned and walked out the door. I looked at Annabeth, who forced a smile.
    "Why don't you go wait outside and I'll get changed quickly." Annabeth said. She tried pushing me off the bed but I stayed rooted.
    "No. You need help changing." I insisted, helping her disconnect all the IV's. She rolled her eyes but didn't protest.
    After ten minutes we had found her clothes and I helped her into them. Then I helped her out to our car from the night before.
    "Are you ready?" I asked, pushing the keys into the ignition. She nodded and I pulled out, heading to Hazel's house.
    "Annabeth, are
    "I'm great. How were the kids?" Annabeth asked. I knew she was anxious to see them.
    "They were wonderful. When we brought them here we fed them. After that they slept." Hazel opened the door wider and let us inside. We walked through her very old fashioned house and into the living room. Hazel and Frank had loved the idea of decorating their house in the old style. Hazel said it reminded her of her own home from her childhood.
   "Frank, Percy and Annabeth are here." Hazel called up the stairs, cupping her hands over her mouth like a megaphone. She then ushered us into the nursery where her own kid was sleeping. I saw Silena sleeping peacefully on a thick quilt on the floor, surrounded by pillows. But Charles wasn't there.
   "Where did he go?" I looked around but he wasn't in the room. Hazel looked confised. Until we heard giggling from the hallway. Annabeth smiled and peeked around the door frame. I joined her.
   Charles was crawling around the carpet, chasing after the small dog who would stop and lick his face before running off again. Charles, giggling, gave chase again.
   "That little boy can move." Frank said, coming down the stairs and joining us. We watched Charles for another minute before Annabeth walked toward him and scooped him up in her arms. He giggled even more, waving his small arms around. Annabet laughed and carried him back to us.
   "We should probably get these two home." I said. I turned back into the room and gently took the still sleeping Silena into my arms. She snuggled against my chest, her small fist clenching my gray shirt. I smiled and stroked her golden hair.
"Thanks again," Annabeth called over her shoulder as we walked out the door.
"Anytime. Take care," Frank called, shutting the door behind us.
Annabeth and I loaded the kids into the car and drove home. I had barely slept the night before, so I was exhausted. But in the car, my family safe and protected, I felt like I wasn't a mistake of a husband and father . Someone had to keep this crazy life under control.

Guys, I am revising everything. Feel free to read but don't take this too seriously. Soon, I promise.