The Stories of Our Heroes

Visits

Annabeth Chase had shown up with no warning at Sally Jackson's door many times. At first, Annabeth had been ashamed to run into the shelter of a woman she barely knew. But Sally always welcomed her in so kindly that Annabeth frequently found herself in the Jackson apartment when times were hard - and even when times weren't too bad.

The first time, snow was falling down in New York so hard it almost made Annabeth wish that she had stayed in California. Almost. She had been trying so hard to patch things up with her dad. Some days were great... but others weren't. Too many rough days in a row had drove Annabeth to run away again. Not permanently, not like last time, but just long enough for the dust to settle. But Annabeth had promised Chiron and made a bet with Grover that she could last the whole winter without returning to camp. Pride was her fatal flaw, after all, so staying at Camp Halfblood was off the table. So she headed to the only other safe place she could think of.

She was confidant that she remembered correctly the address Percy had given her, "just in case you ever need something." Still, as her snow covered boots trudged up the stairs of the apartment building, Annabeth couldn't shake the nervous feeling building up in her stomach. Percy was her friend and his mother seemed like a nice lady, but would they really want her around? Was she too much of a burden?

She had reached their door... but she couldn't knock. The Jackson's didn't need this. She turned around just as the door opened behind her. She whipped around, only to almost collide with Percy.

"Annabeth!" he yelped. If she hadn't felt so horrible, she would have laughed at his expression. "What are - what are you doing here?" His face broke into a grin, loosening the knot in her stomach.

Before she could respond, a woman stepped into the door frame behind Percy.

"Hello dear," she greeted with a warm smile. "You must be Annabeth. Percy has told me so much about you."

"Mom!" Percy cried, a dark blush creeping up his neck and into his cheeks. Annabeth couldn't help but giggle.

"It's nice to meet you, Miss Jackson," Annabeth said politely.

"Please, call me Sally."

The Jackson's ushered her inside and Sally started to fuss over her.

"You must be freezing! Let me make you some hot chocolate."

Percy took her coat from her and hung it up, along with his own.

"Where were you going?" she asked him.

"Oh," he shrugged nonchalantly, "just to meet some friends. It's no big deal."

"You can still go! I'm not-"

"I promise it's not a big deal. And you have snow in your hair, Wise Girl." He gently brushed some of it out, and it was her turn to blush. Then he led her to the kitchen.

Annabeth felt awkward and embarrassed with all of the attention and felt the need to explain herself.

"I'm sorry to drop in on you guys like this, but my dad..." her voice trailed off. How was she supposed to explain that?

But Sally and Percy were both understanding people.

"It's okay, Annabeth," Percy promised, setting a mug down in front of her.

Sally nodded in agreement. "Stay as long as you need. Really."

Annabeth took a huge sip of the steaming hot chocolate, trying to rid the lump in her throat.

The second time, the weather was beautiful. The fresh June air felt great against Annabeth's skin and she was spending her journey to camp walking as much as possible. Okay, maybe a stroll through Manhattan was a bit of a detour, but she didn't mind.