Forgotten Paradise by Average Canadian

Chapter 6: The end of his Childhood

Annabeth was forced to start to take different routes to get to the hollow under the tree now. She had been wearing down a noticeable path right to the location. So Annabeth cut through the woods this time feeling the branches and leaves brush and scrape her bare legs.

Her sense of direction wasn't entirely off. She managed to get to the hollow alright.

Like routine Annabeth took the boulder away and reached under to pull out the crinkled plastic bag that covered the green bucket. Unzipping the plastic bags she retrieved her pen and brown leather journal.

It was protected pretty well from the harsh rains and storms that tore at the island. The leather hadn't been so much as splotched and the pages were clean and unwrinkled as ever.

Annabeth flipped through the filled pages describing months of adventures with Percy.Tree climbing, waterfall diving, surfing, fishing, rock climbing, exploring, monkey feeding, rapid sliding, picnic making, stone skipping, vine swinging, fruit collecting, manta riding adventures. 

All on that little island they called Wise Seaweed. They had even built a tree house so they could hang out while it rained.

There were so many more that the details had already started to fade in her mind so she kept up with the journal every day.

Because as cheesy as it sounds, everyday was an adventure with Percy.She wrote that down too.The leather book was thick, and yet she only had a couple pages left. She'd have to replaced the book soon.

She finished detailing the day's events and skipped home feeling light hearted. The setting sun set warm rays against her back as they filtered through the trees. Bird songs and breezes smelling of the fresh papaya and open ocean made her mood even lighter.

Before she had even got into the house her Mom zipped out and encased her in a warm loving hug.

"Annabeth I've been so worried." she whispered into her hair.

Annabeth blinked thoughtfully "But I'm gone out this late everyday Momma."

Her mother's arms trembled as they held her. "I know Chickpea," she assured, using Annabeth's nickname.Athena led her daughter inside and sat her down at the kitchen table.

"I saw a shark today" Annabeth told enthusiastically "It could've eaten me whole probably, luckily I was on land."

Athena clenched her fists and put her back to her daughter "Is that so sweetie?" her voice was shaking.

Annabeth's face morphed into horror and she slapped a hand over her mouth as she gasped.

Athena wheeled around on edge "What? What is?" she shrieked.

"I left my camera on the beach, I need to go get it before the sun sets." Annabeth jumped off the chair and made a move for the door.

Athena grabbed her child's wrist "No Annabeth! You can't go out there!" she said tensely.

"But someone will take off with my camera, all my pictures of me and you are on there" Annabeth wailed.

"We'll get it in the morning pumpkin." 

Athena soothed."It won't be there in the morning" Annabeth protested.Athena rubbed her hands together nervously. 

"Chickpea you want some fruit juice?"

"No, I want my camera!" Annabeth stomped her foot on the verge of a tantrum.

"Nonsense child, you'll drink your juice" Athena spoke sternly while passing Annabeth a glass of orange liquid pre-poured.