Crossing Paths[Sequel to You're My Everything]

16: Heartbreak Brings People Together

Two Months Later
Annabeth

I recovered from my surgery about two weeks after Hazel and Frank's wedding. They went on a tour through Europe for their honeymoon. Last I heard, they were in France. As for Percy and I? I haven't actually seen him in about a month and a half. Seven weeks ago, I got a message from my father saying that him and Helen were in an accident, and they were in the hospital. Apparently, Helen got the worst of it. I went to San Francisco, only to find that Helen was fine, but my dad had been put in a medically induced coma. For the first time ever, I hugged Helen. We cried together, hoping and praying that he'd be alright. Just three days ago, we'd been informed that he had passed away and there was nothing the doctors could do. I took a plane home the next day and arrived in New York this morning because of an overnight delay in Colorado.

Stepping off the plane with Helen, I was stone-faced and rigid. Helen and I had bonded over the death of my father, and come to an unspoken agreement. Once through the airport, we hailed a taxi and it took us to my house.

"I'll get the guest room ready for you. How long do you think you'll be staying?" I asked my step-mother.

"Just until after...his funeral. Then I'll have to go back to California." I nodded solemnly as I finished making the bed.

"I need to go pick up my daughter. I should be back in half an hour."

"Okay. Take your time. Tell Athena I said hi."

"I will." I walked out the door and got in my car, driving to my mom's house. I remembered how much of a hurry I was when I left.

Flashback - 

"Mom, I can't explain right now." I said frantically as I stuffed my suitcase. "I just need to go right now. I don't know how long I'll be gone but...take care of Rose for me." I hugged her and kissed her on the cheek.

"Annabeth?" she said as I was about to run out the door.

"Mom?"

"Stay safe. I love you." I smiled.

"I love you too."

 - Flashback End

I pulled into her driveway and crept to the doorway. I rang the doorbell, and heard footsteps running frantically towards the door. The doorway opened revealing non other than Sally Jackson. Her face broke out into a smile.

"Annabeth!" she crushed me in a hug, and I hugged her back, holding back tears. She pulled away, holding me by the shoulders, suddenly serious. "Where the fucking hell were you?!" my face fell.

"M-My dad..." I stopped when I saw my mom and Rosalie.

"MOMOMOMOMOMOMOM!" she nearly knocked me over, hugging me with such force that I felt bruises forming on my skin.

"Hey sweetie." I said softly, stroking her hair.

"Where did you go? You were away for a month and a half!" I sighed. Why don't we sit down?"

The four of us sat on the couch, and I began my story.

"I went to San Francisco, thinking I would be there for a few days. Helen wasn't actually hurt. Rosie, remember when we went to California last year and stopped at grandpa's house?" I asked. She nodded. "A few days ago...he passed away. That's why I was gone so long. Helen and I came back to New York this morning. This is the first place I've come all day." Everyone sat there, frozen. I could tell that's not what they were expecting.

"So you didn't run away with Percy?" Rosie narrowed her eyes.

"You saw him last week, Rosalie." said my mom. She moved closer to me and pulled me into a hug. "I'm sorry, Annie. I should have called and asked."