Percabeth in Sanfrancisco

Chapter 1

Percy's POV

"I'll remember, that present will take up my whole suitcase. Everything's set for later? Awesome, I'll see you then Mrs. Chase." I hang up on Annabeth's stepmom.

It's July 10th and Annabeth's birthday is in two days. I am going to California this year to be with Annabeth and get to know her step-family better. I'll even get to go to school with her. I know what you're thinking. Percy is such a seaweed brain, there is no way that he planned this. Well let me just say this my friends, you are correct in your assumptions.

It was originally my mom's idea... She wants me to be with Annabeth so that my night terrors will stop, but what she forgot to tell me until today (the day I leave for California) was that me and Annabeth are enrolled in a private school, more specifically Darunwich Academy. So I'm a bit behind schedule trying to get a uniform.

Athena herself chose the school. Apparently if I wanted to date Annabeth I'd need to work my way up to her intellectual level. I'm not stupid, but I'll never be on the same level as Annabeth. Private school? That was just cruel, no wonder Arachne hates her.

I have all six of my boxes packed into my car and my shoes on, so I'm out. I run down the stairs into the kitchen where my mom is sitting. I'll grab my uniform from the school on my way to Annabeth's.

"Bye mom, I'll miss you." I hug her tightly. It feels like I just got home from war and I'm heading off again.

"I'll miss you too baby. Call me when you get there and don't cause Helen any trouble. I love you."

"I will, say bye to Paul for me."

"Wait, toothbrush?"

"Yes mom."

She smiles and stands up to hug me one last time. She stuffs something into my sweatshirt pocket. Blue candy!

I run out the door before I can chicken out and drive off to the Empire State Building where Hermes promised to transport me to California so I don't have to fly.

***

I never want to travel via Hermes ever again, it was the scariest thing I've experienced in a while. After picking up my uniform, I head to Annabeth's. Helen took her out for a spa day or whatever so I could unpack in peace. She is going to be so surprised!

I zip through the streets, checking my special phone for directions. Courtesy of Leo. It's surreal to be back here in California. It feels like centuries have passed since that first adventure with Grover and Annabeth.

I park on the street outside her address and glance at the big cul-de-sac house. It screams 'Chase'. I slide out of my car and go to let Dr. Chase know that I'm here before grabbing my boxes.

Something seems off as I walk up the path to her door.