My Life as Annabeth

Chapter 25

Just as I predicted Mark showed up the next day as soon as he heard wind of what had happened the day before. He pranced in with about a dozen flowers, apologizing profusely and admitting he had took part in the arrangement with hag from hell.

Nathan had arrived shortly after Mark had therefore he was able to hear most of the story. I have never seen Nathan more confused and angry before although why should he when I did tell him otherwise? I didn't know whether to say I told you so or not even though I desperately wanted to. So I did and it pained me to say it.

No truly it did, my throat hurt like a bitch, you know after being strangled and all that sort of thing happens.

After Mark apologized I said nothing. I expected that much from him but it didn't mean I blamed him for what had happened to me. Well he did sort of try ruining my and Nathan's relationship, which he did... But he didn't exactly plan for me to get jumped and almost... Well that. And to be fair he was only part of the reason we broke up.

I stayed exactly three days, three long miserable days to tally up on my bedside in the hospital room. The nights were the worst since I hardly slept a wink. It wasn't until I got home on Thursday morning that I slept for hours on end.

Ever since my sleep schedule has been on the bad side and I just knew I was going to have the worst few weeks of my life getting up for school. Although I doubt it would be a problem anyways since I go to school whenever I pleased. School was coming up around the corner and no one was exactly thrilled with me going out in public yet. I didn't entirely mind though, I did look like shit after all. But although they weren't thrilled with me going out in public or to school it was a necessity that I actually go outside. Plus I've dealt with worse situations before so I think I could handle the stares and whispers that I get when I walk along.

I was quickly recovering though, my cut on my ankle was barely visible, my eye still looked messed up but should be entirely healed by the time school starts, my neck is fine, and the bump on my head had disappeared. As for my stomach it was about the same as my eye, just a tad bit worse. It hurt when I laughed so I tried my best to avoid doing so, but I knew that I'd be rocking the deformed bruising on my side for a couple days of school.

Nathan visited me everyday even though I had broke up with him. He said it didn't matter if we were together or not, he wasn't breaking his promise on seeing me. Lily slept over every night for awhile until I took her key for my house and locked her outside claiming she needed to go home because I would be fine and not get killed... She wasn't entirely too thrilled to hear that.

My dad spent most of his time with me, either he was cooking in the kitchen while I rested or he was in the living room with me, marathoning our old movie favorites with the company of Nathan of course.

It wasn't awkward with him at all, Nathan I mean. Actually it was rather comfortable just being friends, laughing and talking. I think I enjoyed being friends with Nathan more than I did when we were dating. "Okay birthday girl, you've been up here for too long! It's time for you're birthday ambush!" Christian, Lily, Rebecca, and Nathan all rush into my room.

"I told you guys I don't want to do anything for my birthday." They near me eagerly, "Also if you touch me I will scream!" Everyone but Christian stops. "Don't test me." He ignores me anyways, slipping a hand under my legs and other on my back.

"Careful! Don't forget about her stomach!" Christian, oh so carefully, lifts me up despite my protests and walks me out the room in his arms. "I know, jeez it's like they think I'm an idiot!"

"That's because you are." Lily mutters to herself but wasn't too hushed about it. Christian stares down at me, winking. "She totally has a thing for me." I try hiding my smile. "Oh you think so?"