Famous Fate

12

"I can't believe the amount of paparazzi out there!" Annabeth said as she slammed the door behind us, wide eyed in disbelief. "You'd think they'd have other places to be on Halloween."

We'd just gotten done with our date at some fancy restaurant I'd allowed Annabeth to pick out. And, even though I hated to admit it, the plan was working seamlessly. Wherever we went there were paparazzi there in a matter of seconds.

"It's Halloween?" I asked frantically while I cursed under my breath. "Crap, I totally forgot! I have plans..."

As I rushed around my apartment Annabeth narrowed her eyes at me judgmentally. "You already have plans? With who...?"

I paused to look at her. She'd placed her hands on her hips and was glaring at my condescendingly. "My mom."

Annabeth burst out laughing. "You have plans with your mom? On Halloween? If you don't want to tell me, just say so."

"Ha ha, very judge-y there, Chase," I shot back. "And they're with my sister, too. Estelle, she's six. I don't want to miss seeing her trick or treating. And my mom always saves extra candy for me."

"I bet you wear an embarrassing costume, don't you?" Annabeth teased.

I rolled my eyes. "Obviously. That's why I was running all around my apartment. I was looking for the aforementioned embarrassing costume. Now will you help me look for something to throw on?"

"Fine, but what costume are you looking for?" asked Annabeth as she walked over to me and helped me go through a messy closet.

"I didn't buy one yet, I thought I still had time..." I whispered while throwing things crazily out of the closet. "Ah, screw it, I'm going to be late, anyways..."

I stood up and pushed all the contents of the closet back into it and slammed the door shut, pressing all my body weight to keep it from spilling.

"Okay, well, I guess I'll see myself out," Annabeth said as she peered at the closet with dismay.

I furrowed my eyebrows and smiled in confusion. "What are you talking about? You're totally coming with me, Chase."

A small grin appeared on her face as she slowly shook her head. "I can't...wouldn't I be intruding? I mean, it's your special time with your sister—"

"Nonsense! Besides, my mom has been dying to meet you," I replied. Annabeth's smile wavered when I mentioned my mother wanting to meet her, so I quickly spoke again. "No, it's not a famous thing. My mom—whenever she finds out I'm dating someone demands to meet them and make them cookies. Don't worry, she's nice, I swear."

"Alright, then, I think I could mange to eat some cookies," Annabeth replied as she took my arm and I led her out of the apartment.

I led her through the staggering paparazzi outside my apartment and into her private car. The driver sighed when I gave him the address, which was out of the city, but agreed to drive us.

Annabeth tapped her foot nervously as she peered at the landscape whipping by us out her window.

"Hey, you don't have to be nervous," I assured her. She slowly turned to face me. "My mom is the nicest person ever, okay? And I'm sure she'll love you. She loves just about anyone."

She nodded slowly as the car dropped us off at my mom's house, which was practically swarmed with trick or treaters.

I led Annabeth past the sea of kids and into my house, where my mother was handing out candy.

"Percy! Where's your costume?" she berated as she pulled me into a massive hug. "Estelle will be disappointed."

I nodded as I smiled at Annabeth. "I know, I know. I forgot, I'm sorry! Anyways, mom, this is Annabeth."