Once Upon A Time

Chapter 14 - Couple of weirdos

Annabeth POV

After my more than eventful morning, I got ready quickly putting on an aqua colored skater dress, fixing my ever unruly blonde curls and heading towards the dining table. Practically skipping towards my destination, I couldn't help but ponder about what was happening today. Percy wrote that he had a surprise but what was it? He knows I don't particularly enjoy them yet he still tries to pull one on me. 

"Good morning!" I chirpily say as soon as I enter the room, heading towards a table that was missing just Percy. Everyone turned my greeting.

"Quite merry today, aren't we Annabeth?" My dear mother asks oh so concerned with a look of mischief on her face. Note the sarcasm please.

"Same old , same old mother. Nothing in particular." I said calmly defying her with my gaze. Her eyes just twinkled... Oh no.

"Really? I'd think it was quite odd and maybe as a cause of a particular special someone my dear." She said 'innocently'.

I could see Sally's eyebrow reach new heights as this piece of information rested within her. I could sense the curiosity coming out of her.

Fortunately before they could continue teasing me, a smile-filled "Morning" filled the room. I could sense my cheeks blushing against my better judgement. At that, my mother's grin just widened and she turned to a clueless Percy who was on the process of taking a seat across from me and next to Ty. Oh boy.

"Why morning to you too Percy! Someone seems particularly happy." She baited him in.

"Why wouldn't I be? It's a new day, the sun is shining and my loved ones are in good health." He said kindly. Typical Percy.

"That's quite right young man." My mother approved his answer, rewarding him with a smile. "You have turned out to be a truly well-rounded young man Percy. Gods, I can still remember you and Annabeth in diapers."

"Ah , they were the most adorable babies I have ever seen my dear friend." Sally chimed in. "And they looked so cute in matching outfits she cooed."

"Okay mom, enough." Percy whined somewhat embarrassed.

"Oh but the funniest thing was when we dressed him up in Annabeth's clothes!" Sally said bursting in laughter followed by my mother and father and I have to admit that I snickered a bit too. "And he would parade around the palace." 

Okay by now tears were streaming out of our eyes and Percy looked beyond embarrassed. Aw poor Seaweed Brain.

"Gods Annabeth not you too!" Percy said with a look of mock disappointment.

"Sorry Perce but I can picture you working the catwalk and smizing all the way." That brought another wave of laughter, including a reluctant Percy. He didn't fight it and burst out laughing too, looking every bit like his old carefree self. He did have a killer smile though.

As our fits of giggles subsided, we ate breakfast making small talk with each other. My mother and Sally thank gods did not try to entrap us in anymore romantic or embarrassing issues so it was mostly smooth sailing until Percy chimed in with:

"We gotta leave as soon as you're done Annabeth."

"Leave?" Sally inquired. "Where are you going?"

"It's a surprise mom." Percy said in a monotone voice.

"A surprise huh?" Sally asked. "Well as long as it doesn't end with us becoming grandparents, you kids are excused."

"Mom!" Percy exclaimed at the same time as I said "Sally!"

"What?" She said innocently. "I mean I would love to have a grandchild but you are too young and me and Athena will not raise the child for you." She continued teasing.

"Oh my Gods." I couldn't believe them honestly. "You know what Perce let's go before they say something else."

At that, me and Percy scurried away, leaving behind our own dear somewhat deranged mothers in hysterics. God what have we done to deserve this?

"They really need to go checked out in a psych ward." Percy scoffed. "They're getting worse and worse with each passing day."

"Agreed." We were now walking towards the hallway. "Umm Percy where are we going?"

"To your surprise of course."

"Percyyy" I whined. 

"What? " Looking at his sea green eyes I could tell he knew what I meant but decided instead to play coy.

"You know I don't like surprises." I tried to make my tone as persistent as I could.

"And you know that I wouldn't do that if it was a bad one." He said calmly. Then a smile took over his face making me lose my attention for just a fraction of a second. "Trust me you'll love it Wise Girl."

Feeling assured I nodded my head in understanding, followed by a nod of his own. And just like that a silent agreement of trust took place, one that I hoped he would honor.

So we made our way out of the palace and towards the stables. Walking towards one of the caretakers, Percy left my side to talk to him. However he kept his voice low enough for me to not hear anything. Hmm, what was he cooking up?

After the talk, the caretaker - who I recognized as John - left to go inside the stables while Percy turned to me giving a close to breathtaking smile. I smiled back at him, trying to keep my pounding heart at bay. Do I have arrhythmia? Yeah for sure that must be it...

After a bit, John came out with my beautiful Gipsy and another dark- almost black- horse most probably for Percy. I smiled at my white mare, while she gave me whine almost in greeting. With the hugest grin on my face, I walked towards her, petting her mane and giving her a hug. I loved my Gipsy and she seemed just as happy to see me.

After I finished saying hello to Gipsy and I turned to Percy, who had this almost dazed look on his face.

"Umm, Percy?" 

That seem to make him snap out of it. "Yes Annabeth?"

"Was this your surprise?" I asked giving him a smile while still petting Gipsy. "Because if it is, you did a great job. I hadn't seen my girl in ages."

"This is just part one Annie." He smiled. "The best is yet to come."

I rolled my eyes.

"First- don't call me Annie. " I narrowed my eyes at him which just made him chuckle. "And secondly- stop being so secretive."

"All in due time my dear." He mocked my mom, which made us both burst out laughing. 

Couple of weirdos.