Apologies

Chapter Two: Percy's POV

        The five minute ride in the elevator to Olympus felt like an eternity. Annabeth was standing beside me, and she looked happier than I'd seen her in years. I felt like I was going to be sick. I couldn't stop imagining the look on Athena's face when I saw her. Or my father's. I didn't think either of them would be pleased.

        After what felt like a thousand years, I heard the high pitched ding of the elevator letting us know we've reached our destination. I had an awful feeling in my stomach. I didn't understand how Annabeth was so calm. Maybe she just was just too happy to think of the consequences. I guessed that I could have felt the same way as Annabeth, if I didn't have to carry the weight of my big secret.

        If only I could tell Annabeth... No, I thought immediately. She'd be crushed. I couldn't do that to her. I had to tell her sometime before our wedding, though. She might not want to marry me if she knew.

        Annabeth and I were the last two campers to leave the elevator. I reluctantly walked out of the elevator, taking baby steps. "I'm sure my mother's reaction won't be that bad, Seaweed Brain." I could tell she was making an effort to hide her irritation. It wasn't working so well.

        "Sorry," I mumbled. She smirked and grabbed my wrist, dragging me forward so we didn't fall to far behind the rest of the campers. After the incident on the Argo II when we fell asleep next to each other, we weren't allowed to be alone together without adult supervision on Olympus, the Argo II, Camp Half-Blood, or Camp Jupiter.

        The second I saw Athena's cold, hard, gray eyes bore into mine, I had the feeling she was going to rip me to pieces. My hands began to shake and my legs felt like Jell-O. "Perseus," she said smoothly. It gave me goosebumps. "Congratulations on your engagement with my daughter. Treat her well," she said and smiled slightly.

        Then Poseidon came from behind her and added, "yeah, 'cause this chick will tear you apart." We both laughed. Athena just glared at him, although it looked like she was trying not to smile. I didn't realize how tense I was until it all disappeared from my shoulders. I felt much better. I was still guilty about my secret, though.

        I thanked Athena and my father, and walked across the room to Annabeth I was grinning and trying not to show any guilt on my face. I hoped my eyes didn't give me away. I faked a smile and said, "thank gods, Wisegirl. Your mother loves me." I smirked. She laughed, and I pretended to laugh with her.

        I was going to miss her beautiful gray eyes.

        Her curly blonde hair.

        Her energetic laugh.

        Her gorgeous smile.

        Her soothing voice.

        I was going to miss every little detail about her. I didn't know how I was going to break the news to her.

        "Percy!" Annabeth said, annoyed. "Earth to Percy," she said again.

        "Huh?" I said. She laughed. I absolutely loved that laugh.

        "Look around," she said. "Can you believe you met most of these people when you were twelve?" She winced. She was probably remembering when she said almost that exact same thing when we were in Tartarus.

        I quickly attempted to change the subject. "Want to dance?" I asked abruptly. It was the first thing that popped into my head. I mentally slapped myself in the face. No wonder she calls you 'Seaweed Brain', you idiot, I told myself. Annabeth laughed her bright, energetic laugh once again.

        "Do you even have to ask?" she said. And we danced.

        If I was going to leave soon, I wanted to make the best of my last few weeks with her.