The Events of Olympus Resort | A Percy Jackson Fanfiction

Chapter 21

Annabeth POV

I hate myself for looking. I hate myself for giving him that kind of power over me, especially after what he did. But I can't help it. I check my phone again to see if there's a text from my dad. Nothing.

Over the past week, my dad has stopped by my room to look for me a total of two times. Both times, I turned off the light and pretended that I wasn't here. He's texted me about five times, and even went as far as to call three days ago, but I think he gave up after that.

I don't want to talk to my dad at all, but I guess a part of me still holds out hope that he cares more for me than he's letting on, so I keep checking my phone. And when I see that there's nothing there, a sudden surge of sadness washes over me. I'm used to him not reaching out, but for him to not reach out to me today of all days? That was a low, even for him.

Today's my eighteenth birthday. The thought both excites me and scares the shit out of me at the same time. On the one hand, I'm my own person now. Legally, I can make my own decisions and be in charge of myself. But that also means that I'm moving on, and change has always been something that's scared me.

Though I guess not all change is bad. I look around me at my new friends. It's hard to believe I've only known them for a little over a month.

For my birthday, the girls decided it would be fun to go out for lunch and then get our nails done. Trust me, I'm not a manicure person, but I'm really enjoying myself right now. Even though I've never put too much thought into my nail care, I've never been to a spa before, so this is kind of special for me. I guess spas are just another one of the million things you miss out on when you hardly ever see your mom growing up, so it means a lot to me to be here right now.

Across from me, Piper and Hazel talk lightly as the two women who sit on stools by their chairs do their nails. On my left, Reyna is reading a magazine, her feet soaking in a bowl, and Thalia sits on my left, arguing with the poor woman trying to do her nails.

"Ow! Not so much lady! I still need some cuticles left when this is over," she complains.

I laugh. "Thals, you're probably the most difficult person I know."

Thalia shoots me a glare. "I'll let that slide," she says, "but only because it's your birthday."

I smile. She's right. This is my day, and I shouldn't be letting anything get me down. Not the resort scandal, not my internship, and definitely not my dad. I decide to put him on 'do not disturb,' and slip my phone into my back pocket. Much better.

Beside me, Reyna puts down her magazine. "So," she starts with a smirk. "What time is Percy picking you up again?"

I feel my cheeks go hot, and beside me, Thalia lets out a laugh.

"Man she's as bright as a tomato!"

"Awe, leave her alone Thals," Hazel interjects.

"Thank you!' I say to Hazel. Then, turning to Reyna, I can't help the grin that takes over my face when I say, "Four o'clock."

"Ugahhh I'm so happy for you guys," Piper lightly squeals. "You're so adorable together."

Beside me, Thalia coughs. "Um, let's not forget who basically got them together in the first place," she says, pointing to herself proudly.

Reyna rolls her eyes dismissively. "Okay Thals."

"What, it's true!" Thalia protests, making me laugh.

The truth is, I couldn't be more excited. I've had an amazing day today with my friends, and now I'm going to be spending the rest of the day with my boyfriend.