Colors [Percabeth]

Memory Lane// Chapter 21

Percy

7 years ago

"Ready or not, here I come!"

I suppressed a giggle as I scooted further away from the door. My mother's footsteps echoed throughout the kitchen and down the hallway.

"Oh, Percy?" She called out. I hugged my knees tightly and curled up into a ball. I did my best to breathe quietly, despite how badly I wanted to burst out laughing. A sigh came from her as she exclaimed, "Oh dear. It seems I have lost my son. He is just way too good at this game!" I giggled at that. The cabinet door to the kitchen suddenly burst open and a strong pair of arms grabbed me. A squeal escaped my lips.

"Found you!"

I pouted. "How did you know I was in there?"

She ruffled my hair. "Sweetie, you always choose this hiding spot." Seeing the pout was still on my face, my mother kissed my cheek and handed me a cookie. That made me smile. I ran off into the living room and planted myself on the couch to watch the TV. My mom decided to sit beside me. Her soft hands ran through my hair as I happily munched on my cookie.

After a bit, the front door swung open to reveal a tall man walking through it. He set his surfboard that he was carrying down before sitting down beside us. "Daddy!" I exclaimed and wrapped my arms around his neck.

He gave a soft smile. "There's my little fishy."

"How was the beach?" I asked bubbly.

He shrugged. "It was fine. There was a storm though, so I closed the shop early and headed home."

My mom sighed and stood up. "Well, I'm glad you're here. I'm gonna take a shower. Watch Percy." As she headed upstairs I turned towards dad.

"Wanna play hide-and-seek?"

He chuckled and ruffled my hair. "Sure." I grinned excitedly and began to run off when he grabbed me. "How about I hide."

My head tilted to the side before suddenly grinning. "Okay, and I'll come find you!"

A small smile appeared on his face. "Yes, come find me."

I nodded and closed my eyes. I began, "One, two, three..."

"Percy?"

I was brought out of my thoughts and quickly wiped the tears away from my eyes. I hadn't realized I was crying until now. Annabeth poked her head in the attic and frowned a bit when she saw me. "Hey," she said softly. "Your mom told me I could find you here."

I did nothing except pat the spot next to me. She obeyed and curled herself up in a ball. We were both silent for a while before she decided to speak up. "I heard today's his birthday." All I could manage was nod. My arms wrapped themselves around her and pulled her into my lap. A small gasp escaped her lips. "Perce.."

I cut her off with a passionate kiss. "Don't leave me. Please.. Don't be like him. Don't walk out on me." She bit my lip and responded back, "I won't." She then pulled away from my lips. "Come on, let's go back downstairs." Annabeth got up and headed down the stairs. When she saw I hadn't moved from my spot, she frowned. "Are you coming?"

"In a minute."

She nodded and headed the rest of the way down. Once she was out of sight, I relaxed and pulled out the small note that had been scrunched up in my pocket. I had received it earlier in the mail today. In big red letters, the words COME FIND ME were written.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and made my way down.