The Forbidden Child

Chapter 14: It's Hard to Let Go

Annabeth POV

Annabeth was the first to leave the amphitheater and into her bunk. She was heartbroken. She and Percy finally had time to relax after the war against Gaea. But the great Percy Jackson once again had to save the world. She knew that as a demigod it would be nearly impossible to have a normal life. But she thought maybe this time it would be different.

There was a knock at her door and in came Percy. He immediately grabbed her into a hug. Annabeth couldn't look at him so she laid her head on his chest.

"Hey, it'll be okay. It'll be over before you know it. Besides, we get a few days before the quest starts," Percy said soothingly.

Annabeth looked up at him. "You need to spend those few days planning for the quest."

They broke apart but didn't let go of each other.

"Let's get some sleep. We'll figure stuff out tomorrow. Good night, Seaweed Brain."

Percy kissed Annabeth's forehead. "Good night, Wise Girl."

*****

The next morning, Percy, Leo, and Piper met up at Bunker 9. Annabeth didn't want to intrude so she carried on with her camp activities. Today she was leading Arts and Craft. Hermes cabin was attending, which meant more time with Helena. Yay.

"Today's lesson is weaving. We're not going to weave some rug or tapestry. I'm going to teach you how to weave things that you can use in case you're in danger" Annabeth explained.

Some kids started whispering to Helena, "Annabeth survived Tartarus. She fought against Arachne herself..." Annabeth saw Helena shudder at the name Arachne. Annabeth didn't blame her. She hated spiders.

Annabeth walked around the room while everyone wove a ladder with pieces of cloth. She got to Helena's table and noticed she was done already. Annabeth picked up Helena's finished work and tested it out.

I've never seen someone finish something as quick as, well, me. This ladder is amazing. It can even hold my footing. Annabeth thought to herself. She quickly put it down. She didn't want anyone to see her reaction.

Helena looked up at her with puppy dog eyes. "Is it good? I've never woven before. It's actually kind of fun." Annabeth could tell Helena meant well. She smiled and nodded. Helena looked pleased with herself, almost as if she wanted Annabeth's approval.

"Got room for one more?" A new voice said.

Everyone's head whipped around to the door to see a blond boy sheepishly smiling back.

"Hey everyone. I'm back," Jason Grace said.

With that, the Hermes cabin stood up and went to greet him. Annabeth laughed and decided to end class early. She, too, was excited to see her Roman friend. Annabeth made her way through the crowd to Jason and gave him a hug.

"Jason! You're back so soon! I thought you were coming back in 4 days." Annabeth exclaimed.

Jason laughed. "It's good to see you too. Actually, I came with news. Specifically about her." Jason pointed at Helena, with a grim look on his face. "Can we talk?"