Famous Fate

21

Annabeth's face dropped as I recalled the evening and my conversation with Athena. Her frown made me feel so bad that I even regretted telling her.

"I'm so sorry," Annabeth admitted as she rubbed her face. "Gods, I never should've agreed to this, it's all my fault! My mother, she's a monster!"

I grabbed Annabeth's hands. "Hey, hey, it's not your fault, don't apologize."

She sighed and nodded as she turned to peer out the car window. I followed her example. The car ride home was silent.

"I wish you'd let my mother's words stop bothering you," Annabeth said as we walked into my apartment after we hadn't talked for the whole car ride.

I shook my head as I walked into the living room, Annabeth following me. "No, I'm not letting her get to me. Really, I'm fine."

Annabeth shrugged as we both sat down and stared at the blank screened television, sitting perfectly still.

"If it's not my mother's words, then what's bothering you?" asked Annabeth as she turned to face me. "Please tell me."

"I told you I'm fine!" I admitted as I shoved her off and stood up, crossing my arms.

She instantly stood up and grabbed me, not allowing me to walk away. "Oh, don't be like that! Just tell me. You can tell me anything, Percy. You know that, right?"

I closed my eyes, unable to look at her. "It's just...your mom was right!"

Annabeth instantly shook her head and sat down, trying and failing to pull me down with her. "Percy, she's just jealous! Can't you see that? We're happy and she knows it!"

"What if you're not?" I asked weakly. "What if I am not enough for you? Not smart enough for you, not successful enough for you..."

Annabeth looked closed to tears as she stood up and wrapped her arms around me. Then she cupped her hands around my face. "Percy, what do you mean? It doesn't matter if you're enough for me, because you're you. And you're funny, talented, caring, and, if anything, I'm not enough for you. I'm boring, logical, and calculated. You take risks, you're exciting. And you're perfect."

As she planted a kiss on my cheek I couldn't help but weakly smile. "You sure? Because I don't want you sitting here ten years later wishing you'd done what your mother said."

She shook her head. "Nope, never. I hope you still want me, though. After meeting my mother."

"Even if she was my mother in law, I'd still wanna be with you," I admitted.

"Mother in law?" Annabeth asked, her face growing red. "You...you wanna marry me?"

My eyes widened as I quickly shook my head. "What? No! I mean, yes, of course, but not right now."

She laughed. "You're cute when you're nervous. And, don't worry, I'm not seeking a proposal. We haven't even been together for a year yet."

But that night, all I could think about was marrying her.