Aftermath-Percabeth

Chapter Sixty-One

"Oww! My head!" Marina complained as Percy pulled her hair back into braids. "You're really bad at this, dad!"

Percy released her hair and gawked, clearly shocked. "No way, Mari. I practiced, and I think they look great. What do you say, Annabeth?"

Annabeth rolled her eyes as she walked into their living room, her phone camera in her hand. "Leave me out of this. Now go pose by the fireplace."

"Why?" Marina asked as she was taken over to the fireplace by Percy. "I don't get it."

"It's your first day of Kindergarten," Annabeth told her as she readjusted her hair, much to Percy's dismay. "Now smile. Not you, Percy."

She snapped a picture of her from practically every angle and pose before insisting Charlie join her by her side.

"You look so handsome," Annabeth commented as Charlie stood proudly next to Marina. "Think, you'll be in Kindergarten next year, too!"

Charlie sighed. "Don't cry, mommy. You'll make daddy cry.....again...."

Percy shook his head before taking several pictures of his own. "You ready for school? Not scared or anything?"

Marina nodded as she joined Percy by the door. "I'm excited! Won't Estelle be there?"

"Oh, yeah, speaking of that," Annabeth interrupted. "Sally texted me. She's going to wait for us outside the school."

"I thought she was coming here?" Percy asked. "I saw a car pull up. Who's here?"

Then, as on cue, a knock on the door alerted them. Annabeth grinned knowingly before opening the door and revealing Piper, Jason, and Romeo, who was going into Kindergarten along with Marina.

"You guys are here? Why?" Percy asked as they walked in.

Piper rolled her eyes. "Wow, good morning to you, too. I was expecting a warmer greeting. Maybe a parade, even a song in my honor."

Percy sighed. "You've been spending too much time with Leo. I thought Romeo was going to some school in the city."

"Nope, he's out here," Jason answered. "Since I work out here, I can just drop him off and pick him up. Besides, he'll get to be classmates with Marina."

Romeo had rushed over to Marina, who were now playing together and chatting about school.

"Watch then get married some day," Piper commented as they all peered over at them.

Annabeth chuckled before crossing her arms. "We wish."

"What are you doing?" Romeo asked as the two kids noticed the glares on them. "Is it time for school yet?"

"Wow, a kid who wants to go to school?" asked Percy who walked over to them. "Annabeth, this is clearly your kid."

"Ha ha," Annabeth responded sarcastically. "Now let's get going. We're practically late!"

After they drove to daycare and dropped Charlie off, they arrived at the quaint elementary school in the suburbs.

When they arrived Jason and Piper had already entered the school so they weren't able to find them, but they did locate Sally, Paul, and Estelle.

"Oh, it's my grown up grandbaby!" Sally practically sobbed as she pulled Marina into a tight hug. "And just think, you'll be at the same school as Estelle!"

"Only for a year, though," Percy commented as he pulled his younger sister into a hug. "Are you excited for fifth grade?"

Estelle nodded eagerly. "I'm in the oldest grade in the school! It's gonna be great!"

Paul laughed. "Soon she'll be going to Goode High. I can't believe how old she's getting now...."

"I know, right? It seems like yesterday Percy and I were babysitting her for the first time," Annabeth commented with a sad smile.

After chatting for several more minutes they eventually split up and headed towards their respective classrooms.

"I only hope Hazel and Frank's kid can go here, too," Percy said. "Then that'd be great. They could all be friends. Have their own little club."

Annabeth rolled her eyes and followed Marina, who was taking charge. "Sure, Percy. Mari, are you sure you know where to go?"

Marina nodded before stopping in front of a Kindergarten classroom. "Right here!"

"Do you want us to come in?" Percy asked as he crouched to her level.

"Nah, bye!" Marina said as she hastily hugged both of them before rushing into the classroom.

Percy slowly stood up. "She didn't even cry...."

Annabeth laughed and grabbed Percy's hand. "Did you want her to?"

"I dunno, I was expecting something," he commented. "I give the girl life and all I get is a feeble 'bye'."

"You gave her life? Okay, sure," Annabeth replied, an eyebrow raised. "Do you want her to cry?"

Percy shrugged and peered into the classroom. "I was expecting something! Oh, look, she already has friends. I've been replaced!"

Annabeth joined Percy in peering into the classroom to see Marina, already talking and playing with several students. "Come on, let's get you home."

Percy grabbed her hand as they started walking. "I can't believe it. It's really real."

"I know, I'm shocked," Annabeth commented.

"Just wait until Charlie's there," Percy said. "One more year."

Annabeth eye's widened. "Ugh, don't remind me!"

Although they were both worried, they both knew that both Marina and Charlie would be okay.