Unexpectedly Expecting (Previously Known As Unexpected)

17 - Annabeth

I'm now officially 7 months pregnant. I had my first appointment of the third trimester this morning, but Percy had to leave about half way through it so he could go to class.

Hazel and Frank drove me back to the apartment, but couldn't stay afterwards. I decided to pack for the trip back to New York for Thanksgiving. I'm excited, but I'm not going to be able to eat as much as I used to.

I sit on the couch and read The Lost Book of White by Cassandra Clare (A/N that book just came out this morning, Tuesday September 1, 2020) until Percy gets home. His hair is messy and he has dark circles under his eyes from me keeping him up all night for the past month. He smiles when he sees me, though, but I still feel bad.

"Hey," he says. "What did the doctor say after I left?"

"Not much," I lie with a shrug.

She leans against the wall. "Okay, what did she really tell you?"

I struggle to get up, but I do eventually. I stand in front of him and put a hand on his arm. "Promise you won't freak out?"

His eyebrows shoot up. "Well, I'm already internally panicking, so you might as well tell me."

I sigh. "Don't freak out. Just don't, okay? I'm not in trouble or anything. The babies are healthy."

"So what's the problem."

I look down and his hand which I absent-mindedly grabbed a few minutes ago. I put it over my stomach. "It's completely normal, but if I go into labor within the next few days or weeks, don't freak out."

"What?" He asks. "What do you mean don't freak out if you go into labor? You're not due for over 2 months!"

"I know, but twins and triplets often come earlier than expected. It's okay."

"No, it's not. What if you go into labor while we're on our way back to New York? Should we even go?"

"Yes, we should go, Percy. I'll be fine."

"Don't say that. Then something is gonna happen."

"I shouldn't have told you."

"Would you rather me freak out right now or in 2 weeks when you go into labor 2 months early?"

I tried not to, but I smiled. "Fine. You have a valid point."

He puts his head in his hands and paces back and forth. "Well, then, I'm gonna go build some cribs. Might as well get it done, just in case."

He struts into the nursery and shuts the door behind him. I hear him messing with some things inside and I sigh. He seems like he had a rough day.

I get myself some crackers out of the kitchen and decide to go see a friend. I knock on the nursery door. "Hey, Perc, Hazel needs me down at the praetor's office. I'll be back later, okay?"

"Let me come with you," he instructs.

"Relax, Percy. I'm just going up the hill. Be back in an hour."

"Are you sure you don't want me to go with you?"

"Yes. I'll be back."

"And I'll be here. Love you."

"Love you, too."

I get my coat and step outside into the cool air. I immediately pull out my phone and dial Hazel's number and she picks up on the third ring.

"Hi," I say.

"Hey," she sounds happy. "What's up?"

"If Percy asks, I was at the office with you today, okay?"