Come Back to Me[Sequel to YME and Crossing Paths]

Chapter Twelve: Coming Home

Chapter Twelve: I'll be Home for Christmas

December 22nd

Annabeth

"Ma'am, please understand that it's just impossible to build a house in a week," I said into the phone, trying my complete and utter best to sound sympathetic. "It's the holidays, and none of us are working from tomorrow until January 7th. It always takes at least three months to build a house."

"Please...we can pay you extra." She pleaded with a hint of desperation in her voice.

"I really wish I could do something to help you. Even if we were open, that wouldn't be possible."

The lady sighed. "Can I call you back in a few weeks?"

"Yes. Can I have your name and number, please?" I grabbed a piece of paper and a pen.

"Colleen Harris," She then proceeded to give me her number.

"Have a good day. Happy holidays." I said before hanging up. I looked at the digital clock on my desk, desperate for five pm. 04:32 pm. Damnit. I didn't have any work to catch up on, but I always liked to stay until five just in case something came up since office hours are seven to five. I looked over at my personal phone as it rang. I smiled, seeing Percy's contact pop up.

"Hey, you," I answered, a smile tugging at my lips.

"Did I wake you up again?" Percy asked, teasingly worried. I laughed.

"No. You saved me from boredom, actually. It's around four-thirty or something."

"Good, good," he paused for a moment. "Are you and Athena doing anything for the holidays?"

"I have no idea. We haven't even had time to talk about it."

"If you–Jonas get out of the trash!" I stifled a laugh. "Sorry. I'm watching Jonas for Piper and Jason today. I told them if they didn't take a break for a day, they will be dead by next year."

"How are they doing? I haven't heard from them in a while."

"They are going insane. Tristan is going a little...sideways in the head. Piper's really worried. On top of that, Jason is sick with the flu or something."

"Oh, that's horrible," I said.

"Yeah..." an awkward silence fell over us.

"Annabeth! I need you in my office!" my mom's voice came through my message receiver.

"I've got to go. Talk later?"

"Okay. Bye, Wise Girl," he said sadly. "Take care of yourself, understand?"

"You too. See you, Seaweed Brain." I hung up and grabbed my purse, walking in long strides to my mom's office.

•••

"I've been thinking," Mom started. I leaned forward in my seat, anxious to hear what she had to say. "I want you to go home. To America. I know you just got back a few weeks ago, but I think it will be best if you go back." My face fell.

"Mom... are you sure? It's a little late to be making plans to go halfway across the world."

"Nonsense. Go to the house and pack most of your things. I have a feeling you won't be coming back for a while. You are going to be managing the New York branch of the company." Now I was shocked.

"W-what? You're trusting me to manage a branch?"

"Yes. I have total trust in you. I booked you a flight for nine pm, so you should get packing."