Till Death Do Us Part

San Francisco Medical Center

Chapter 13- San Francisco Medical Center

Annabeth felt a surge of excitement as she stepped and lowered the gap between her and Nico. She felt a need to come closer to him. Just to be near him. And suddenly, it made her ache; just standing there…wanting to know about someone who might no longer existed for her anyway—or shouldn't have. Two years. She fought for it for two years. She stared at him not knowing what to say.

And Nico looked at her wondering why. He smiled in a confusing way as if the lady wanted to tell him something. He could not understand why but there was something about her that bothered him. For a moment she felt her heart stop, but his smile told her that he had no idea who she was. She pulled at her hat a little to assure that he couldn't see the last tape on her head and held Fred a little closer in her arms for comfort as Nico continued to stare at her.

"I know this is a crazy thing to ask." It was Nico who spoke first. "I know we never met before but I feel strange. Going away for a vacation?"

"Ah… yes," and she smiled. Nico stared at her beautiful face and his eyes went to the folder she was holding and the sketch pad.

"Are you an artist?"

She nodded. "On my way to Mexico." Annabeth felt excited. She would like to ask about Percy and how he is. Had he seen him? Her heart ached just to hear even a little bit of news about him. How about Thalia? Any news about her? Oh gods. Nico did not recognize her!

"I hope you're not from Mexico. I surely would like to see you here again in San Francisco. You see, we need an artist in our team and we haven't found one yet. May I get in touch with you? I hope you've got a contact number where I could reach you." Nico interrupted.

Annabeth suddenly panicked. She can't reveal her identity to Nico. No, not yet.

"I hope you don't mind if I'll just get your contact number Nico. I will be away in the country and have no idea when I will be coming back. I will give you a call when…"

Nico's eyes widened. "How did you know my name?"

Annabeth muttered something under her breath.

"I…err …I heard the saleslady talking to you," she lied and with that she turned her back and got ready to walk away.

"Hey! Wait…please !"

"I'm afraid I have a plane to catch. Nice meeting you." and she walked away.

Her knees were trembling and her heart pounding hard. Nico was her first link to the past. She turned left towards the ladies' room to make sure Nico will not follow her. She will stay there first to freshen up and stabilize her emotion. Her meeting with Nico was not expected and not planned at all. How she will act once she sees familiar faces. Nico, Thalia, and most of all…most of all Percy!

"Welcome to San Francisco, Mr. Jackson!" His secretary smiled as he strode along the corridors of San Francisco International Airport. He smiled at the girl who was part of his San Francisco team. She looked so young almost fresh from graduate school. He missed the cheerful motherly look of Katie Williams back in the Philippines but Annabelle Wise, his new secretary looked very competent. She was blonde, tan skin and her eyes, ocean blue. He was staring at her blonde hair thinking of Annabeth. It was Sally who personally picked her and he was glad she made a good choice. They will make a good team. He looked at his watch and wondered if Nico and the rest of the group had arrived. He was supposed to be in the same plane as Thalia and Nico but at the last minute there was a delay in their flight and Percy begged off to take the next flight schedule. The rest of the team should have now been settled at Jackson Hotel and after a few hours of unpacking, he could start the briefing and talk about their future plans. Rachel phoned him before he left and announced her interest to follow him in San Francisco. Anyway, she needed to attend a convention regarding her father's telecom business. Percy wondered if after two years, Rachel could replace Annabeth in his heart. Anyway, Rachel is a wonderful girl and she had set her eyes only for Percy even during their childhood days. He and Rachel grew up together.