Aftermath-Percabeth

Chapter Fifty-Nine

"You okay?" Annabeth asked Marina as she buckled her into her car seat. "Not feeling sick or anything?"

Marina sighed as she squirmed around in her seat. She'd clearly inherited some form of her parent's ADHD. "I'm okay, mommy."

Annabeth frowned and felt her forehead for a fever. It felt fine to her, but she was still feeling feeble. "Just in case. Tell me if you feel sick, alright?"

Before she could reply, Percy pulled Annabeth over towards him.

"She's fine, wise girl," Percy assured her, which caused Annabeth to cross her arms. "I promise. If you're so worked up, I'll drive home so you can watch her."

Annabeth nodded. "I know I'm being crazy, but I just want to make sure she's okay. Her and Charlie."

They both got into the car. The car ride was silent at first, but Annabeth quickly broke that silence.

"Hey, Marina," Annabeth started. "The people at daycare said you....that you pushed someone."

"I didn't want to," Marina admitted.

Annabeth frowned. "What do you mean? Like, you did it without knowing? The water just did it?"

Marina laughed. "No! I mean, there's a big meanie at day care that was being mean to Charlie."

"Really?" Annabeth asked, clearly concerned. "And you pushed them?"

"I dunno," Marina replied, clearly not in the mood to be questioned. "I guess so. Are you mad?"

"No, sweetie. We're just....concerned," Annabeth said through barred teeth.

"We? Leave me out of this," Percy commented, which made him receive a slap from Annabeth.

The rest of the ride was in silence. When they arrived at their apartment, which was littered with boxes, they ate a hasty dinner.

After putting Charlie and Marina to bed Percy and Annabeth found themselves sitting at their dinner table, which still held the dirty dishes from their supper.

"What are we going to do?" Percy whispered.

Annabeth frowned. "I thought we agreed if this happened we would just treat them like normal. I mean, they already sort of know about everything."

"I know, but...." Percy started. "They know barely anything. And besides, when they start truly knowing, the monsters, they can tell...."

"We'll protect them until they're old enough to defend themselves," Annabeth reminded Percy. She grabbed his hand in hers.

Percy sighed. "But what if we're not always there? Marina's going to school soon, and since she has powers, that could be dangerous."

Annabeth closed her eyes. "May have. She may have powers. And I agree, school could be dangerous. What are you suggesting?"

"That we tell her," Percy started. "We tell her and Charlie everything. Then we teach them how to use their powers for good."

"I think you're right," agreed Annabeth. "If they know how to use their powers it will be easier for them in case anything happens. But before we start any of this, we should test to see if Marina actually has powers. The mist is a powerful force, and it may twist the truth. Especially for mortals."

Percy nodded. "Should we take her to some sort of public pool? I know there's one a few blocks down."

Annabeth shook her head fiercely. "No way. If she does have powers, they may be out of control and reckless. We can't have her reek havoc on mortals even if the mist will cover it up."

"Camp then?" Percy asked hesitantly.

"Yes, I feel like that would be best," she responded. "We'll go this weekend. Probably tomorrow. The sooner we figure this thing out, the better."

They both sat in silence, a million thoughts ringing through their heads.

I hope she doesn't have powers, Percy thought bitterly. She deserves a normal life. Even if she does have powers, she still deserves a normal life.

"Hey, everything will be okay," Annabeth told him, sensing his distress.

Percy smiled weakly. "I know, I'm just....I'm scared. Once she knows she has them, we can't go back. And Charlie will probably have them, too."

"I know," Annabeth said. "Let's just think positively. There's no use worrying about it until tomorrow. Now let's try and get some sleep."

"Alright, but only if you cut back on your snoring," Percy teased.

Annabeth narrowed her stormy eyes at him. "Please! You're the one who snores!"

Percy rolled his eyes and helped her stand up. "Whatever you need to tell yourself...."