16: The Mystery

Annabeth POV

"So, Annabeth, I want to know about my daughter's life. Tell me what's been going on," my dad said with a happy smile.

"Honey, would you like some more ravioli?" Helen asked sweetly.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Helen turned into an A-list actress every time that my dad came home. It was infuriating because it showed that Helen could be nice if she wanted to.

"Yes, I'd love some," I responded politely. "Also, my life is pretty normal, dad. I'm just your typical teenage girl."

"I don't believe that for a second, Annabeth. You are anything but ordinary. You're an incredibly intelligent and gifted person," my dad expressed.

I smiled kindly as I continued eating. Honestly, my dad would know what was going on in my semi-messed-up life if he was more present. I bit my tongue to fight the urge to blurt out my feelings.

Dad cleared his throat to catch my attention again before asking, "So, Annabeth, are you engaged in any relationship at the moment? That I should know about?"

My thoughts intensified as Percy came to mind. My relationship with Percy was complicated before, but now, it was over. There's nothing there.

I think there's nothing there.

"No, dad. I'm still single at the moment," I said tensely.

"Honey, Annabeth will be performing at the Fall showcase in three weeks," Helen said, shifting the conversation.

My eyebrows raised as I looked at Helen. I never realized that Helen even paid attention to the details of my life. She was definitely playing some game right now.

"I know, darling, she told me last week. It's a shame that I'll be missing it," my dad said. His smile receded in guilt.

"I thought that you could come back and spend time here. I suppose you're busy at work, though," Helen expressed.

There was a tension in her voice that indicated her distaste. Suddenly, I realized why she was interested in the showcase. It was a ploy for her to spend time with her husband. I didn't even blame her for using my life to help her marriage. I also want to spend more time with my dad.

The dinner continued reasonably. The conversation shifted to the boys, who laughed with their dad. It was a happy sight and sound.

An intrusive doorbell interrupted the pleasant night, which shifted to the living room.

Helen had retired to her room to let my dad spend some time with me and the boys. The twins were excitedly debating about which movie to watch.

"Annabeth, the boys and I are busy trying to decide a movie. Do you mind getting the door, please?" my dad asked.

"Yeah, of course," I said as I got off the couch.

The doorbell rang again in the time that I walked down the main hallway. "Hold on a second," I shouted as I unlocked my front door.

However, I did not expect to see Percy standing there.

He was wearing light jeans and a blue T-shirt. The shirt was slightly tight, so it effectively hugged his pronounced upper body. My emotions raged, but damn it, he was attractive.

"What are you doing here?" I said harshly.

I instinctively closed the door slightly so that he couldn't see into the house (not that this did anything).

My eyes studied his facial expressions. Something was brewing in his eyes. I couldn't quite decipher his feelings, but they were deep and complex.

Clearly, something serious was going on.

"Annabeth, who's at the door?" my dad asked as he approached us.

His smile widened when he saw Percy. My dad always liked Percy. Considering he was my best friend before, Percy and I spent a lot of time together. As such, Percy also spent some time with my dad as well. This was before Percy got famous and dad became busy.

My dad always liked Percy's personality, and he also admired Percy for pursuing his dreams and making them big.

"Wow, look at you. You've grown since I've last seen you in person," my dad exclaimed. He came forward and greeted Percy with a hug.

I simply stood my ground. I didn't know what to do. I certainly didn't want Percy here spending time with me and my family. However, my dad didn't know what's going on.

"It's good to see you again, Mr. Chase," Percy greeted.

My dad was about to start a conversation, but I interrupted by clearing my throat. It effectively caught both of the mens' attention.

"Dad, Percy only came to clarify something," I said firmly. "He's actually in a rush."

"Nonsense, Percy, why don't you come in for some ice cream. I can make the vanilla blue if you want me to," my dad said while chuckling.

Before I could refuse, Percy nodded eagerly. He followed my dad into my house, leaving me to simply stand there in confusion. What the hell was happening right now? Percy had no right to be here after everything that he said and did.

Percy lied to me about loving me. It seemed that he simply wanted a physical experience with me, and that's it. Plus, he got with Rachel of all people literally two seconds later. Gods, he was so infuriating.

I stormed back to the living room. Percy was sitting on the couch, mixing his vanilla ice cream and blue food coloring with a spoon.

Even though I was mad, I couldn't help my smile. He was such a kid.

Then, I resumed a neutral expression. Percy and dad began to talk about everything. Gods, what was he doing here? Ugh.

I walked towards the kitchen to get ice cream for myself. I was holding my bowl as I walked back towards the living room. However, I paused in the hallway nearby.

"Sir, how long are you in town?" Percy asked abruptly.

"I have work again on Monday. As you already know, having a passionate career can be quite busy," my dad said.

I sighed. I've heard that many times.

"Yeah, I do know that, sir. Will you be visiting for the showcase?" Percy asked. His voice was tense. I realized that even though he was making casual conversation, his mind was distracted.

"Unfortunately not," my dad expressed.

"Sir, you have to visit the showcase. Annabeth would love to sing whilst you're watching in the audience," Percy said quickly.

"Percy, you know how busy ou careers can be," my dad said with a sigh.

"Yeah, our careers will always be hectic. It's up to us to make time for the things that I matter. For instance, I always make sure to come back home for my mom's birthday. Spending time with her son is all she wants every year," Percy said softly.

The silence was tense, and I didn't like it.

I digested Percy's words. He was trying to convince my dad to watch me sing at the showcase. Percy knew how much it meant to me. I didn't understand what Percy was trying to do.

"Err, sorry, sir. I probably shouldn't have said anything."

"No, it-, it's fine, Percy. I appreciate your words," my dad expressed.

I decided to walk in at that time. The boys had started to watch Disney's Hercules, and I loved the opening number.

"Percy, it's probably time for you to go," I said firmly

Percy's eyes found mine as he stood up. His eyes were pained as he nodded. He came to get something off of his chest, but I wasn't letting him. He wasn't going to use me again.

"Percy, please stop by again," my dad said absentmindedly. Great, Percy messed up my dad. Just great.

Percy and I walked towards the kitchen since he wanted to wash his bowl. I couldn't deny that Percy didn't have home manners. I grabbed a spoon to eat my ice cream as Percy turned on the sink and started washing the bowl.

His hands didn't stop with his own bowl. He continued to wash the rest of the dishes that were piled in the sink.

"That's not your job. Just leave my home," I said firmly.

Percy didn't stop though. His hands worked diligently in the water and soap. I took the time to watch his facial expression. His pupils were shaky, his expressions were solemn, and his muscles were tense. Something was up: a mystery of sorts.

"I said that you should leave," my voice elevated slightly.

"I'm trying to spend time with you," Percy whispered.

His voice was quiet and delicate. The gentleness and brokenness of his voice made him sound very genuine. However, I was more cautious this time.

He continued to wash the dishes as I ate my ice cream. It was quite delicious, but I was so confused that it slightly ruined the taste.

"You have no right or reason to spend time with me. Go to your girlfriend," I spat. I reached forward and pushed him away from the sink.

He quickly wrapped his hands around mine.

Despite the water and soap, his hands were warm as they encased mine. His eyes closed as he breathed in relief. My presence and touch were helping him. I could see that much, but I didn't understand why.

If he didn't love me, what was he doing here?

What was he doing holding my hands?

I tried to pull away, but Percy's grip was tight. His thumbs rubbed my skin. "A few more seconds, please," Percy begged quietly.

I looked into his beautiful sea-green eyes. They were strained and emotional. This young man in front of me was a mystery.

Finally, I managed to pull away. Percy nodded quietly and quickly washed his hands before turning to leave.

"What happened?" I asked. My curiosity got the better of me. I should've just let him leave, but nope.

"Everything. I-"

He paused and took a deep breath. His eyes locked onto mine as he said, "Gabe got released from prison this morning. My security is all about that now."

My expressions softened. I knew all about Percy's history with his old step-dad. Gabe Ugliano was an awful man. He used to abuse Percy constantly when Percy was only a child. What kind of person can maliciously shout at and beat a little kid?

"At least, you're protected. Terminus and Chiron will make sure of that," I said quietly. "Um, you should still probably go."

I felt bad, but I was too conflicted right now.

I needed Percy to leave so that I could think about what was going on with him. The way he looked at me and talked to me was nothing but seemingly genuine and loving.

"Thanks, Wise Girl," he whispered before closing the door behind him.

My mind raced as I watched him outside. Terminus was in the driver's seat, waiting to drive Percy home. I realized that Percy wanted to be near me after getting bad news.

That meant something.

Actually, his feelings and actions meant a lot of things. I just couldn't figure out the significance. There was a mystery here.

For the first time since Reyna's party, I completely set aside my emotions.

I decided to think from an objective standpoint. And, thinking logically rather than emotionally cleared a few things up. This is why I always relied on my intelligence and rationality.

It was obvious that something deeper was at play here.

What if Percy did indeed love me, and he was lying? After all, he had done it before. Plus, all of his current actions and emotions were supporting this scenario.

This theory was possible.

Actually, this new theory was highly reasonable.

I was smiling as I rejoined my family for movie night. I liked the thought of Percy still having feelings for me. It made me feel special and loved, which I rarely felt.

Now, I just had to resolve the mystery.