The Closure

Percy POV

"Everything will be all right, Percy. This place is safe, and you have nothing to worry about. Have the conversation that you need to have," Hestia expressed.

"Yea, Seaweed Brain. We'll be right here in the waiting room."

I nodded at them both. Annabeth and Hestia came with me to the prison. However, I wanted to have the conversation alone with Gabe. This would be our last interaction together, and I needed closure for myself.

My mom always said that to put something behind you, you have to confront it first. I am confronting Gabe so that I could move past him. My life shouldn't have to revolve around memories of his abuse, so that's why I'm doing this.

I walked towards the door, leaving Hestia and Annabeth in the waiting room.

Essentially, the communication room was set up with a glass wall in the middle. We can through the glass and view the inmates on the other side.

The visitors could have their booth, and you were allowed to talk to the inmate with a telephone.

I walked towards the second booth.

Gabe was already waiting on the other side of the glass. His burly face was riddled with bruises, probably from fighting with the other inmates.

I sat down in the seat and picked up the phone.

"Hello, Gabe. It looks like you're having a great time," I acknowledged. I didn't care that he was injured. It was nothing compared to what he's done to me.

After all, I almost died thanks to him.

Gabe's beady eyes scanned my face. Even though he was locked in prison, his attitude was no different. He was still the same monster.

"It seems that you're very happy. I'm surprised that you came back to talk to me," Gabe's voice resonated out of the phone.

"I came back to say goodbye. We're done," I said firmly.

"Of course, we're done. I'm trapped in prison for the rest of my life," Gabe snarled. He shrugged against the orange jumpsuit that he was wearing.

"You deserve what you got."

"I suppose you're right. Even so, how does it feel to put your step-father in jail? After everything that I've done for you and your mother."

"You've done nothing," I replied harshly. "Besides being a mule of money, you have done nothing for me and my mom. Even when I gave you a second chance, you still behaved like a terrible monster."

Gabe laughed cruelly. Evil glints sparkled in his devilish eyes.

"I just have one question. Why? Why did you hate me so much?" I asked.

This was the only question that I needed an answer to. This was what I needed to get closure so that I could permanently put Gabe in my past.

Gabe shrugged. I had no faith that he was going to tell me any truth. However, this was more for me than it was for him.

Any response would be enough to erase him from my mind. He'd always have a presence in my life, but he wouldn't influence my future.

"I didn't want you," Gabe said firmly.

"Just like my father didn't want me. It's not fun having a son that everyone adores. I needed to show you that you aren't the sun."

I digested his words. I wasn't expecting anything different. It was the classic tale of an abusive relationship. He had a horrible childhood, and he translated onto me. However, Gabe didn't have to. That was his choice, and there was no justification.

"You could've been better," I affirmed.

"How can I have been better? The apple doesn't fall from the tree," Gabe snapped. "If I deserved the pain, you did too."

"NO. I deserved none of what you did. Rather than choosing the good, you became a monster."

Gabe simply scratched his beard. He seemed bored, and I didn't care. I was done with him because I got what I came for. It was never about me. It was always about him. It was his choice and his issues that led to my pain.

Technically, I also experienced the pain of hatred and abuse from Gabe. However, I would never have made the choices that he made.

My kids would never experience pain as I did. I'd make sure of that.

"Goodbye, Gabe. Forever. I hope you rot in jail before going to hell," I expressed firmly. I set the phone down and walked away from him.

Hestia and Annabeth were waiting for me in the other room. Annabeth immediately took my hand, which I appreciated. Hestia patted my shoulder before we left the prison. I squeezed Annabeth's hand once we were in the car.

It was a reassuring squeeze. I wanted her to know that I was okay. Annabeth smiled at me while resting her head on my shoulder.

Gabe was out of my life forever. I wouldn't have to worry about him anymore. Yes, I still get nightmares and PTSD symptoms. However, he wouldn't control me any longer.

I was safe, and I'm surrounded by loved ones.

That's all that matters to me.

***

"Percy, we're all so glad that you are alive," Piper cheered. She raised a glass of tequila to give a toast. I simply rolled my eyes before telling everyone to carry on.

I had a glass of apple cider since he doesn't drink alcohol.

Everyone clinked glasses before the party started. It was sweet for everyone to have a party for me. I knew that my attack was very scary for everyone, but I'm fine now.

"All right, guys, before everyone divides into their own groups. I have an announcement," Calypso expressed. "Err, Leo and I both have an announcement."

Leo smiled sheepishly while taking Calypso's hand.

"We thought that it would be a good time for us to try again," Leo stammered. "We feel happy about it, and I hope that all of you are okay as well."

"ARE YOU KIDDING? THAT'S FANTASTIC," Piper exclaimed.

Everyone cheered Caleo at the top of their lungs. I couldn't stop laughing at the commotion. Frank has recently asked Hazel out on a date as well. Things were finally looking up for the two couples.

Caleo and Frazel had taken off.

The first step in engaging in a relationship is losing the fear. You had to be comfortable with your partner. You have to follow your feelings and go for it.

That's how Annabeth and I became a couple. We went for it.

Annabeth must've been thinking the same thing because she took my hand gently. I kissed the tops of her fingers.

Piper made a theme for the party tonight. She was going to go around the party and ask people questions. It was kind of like 20 questions but with our entire gang.

"Hey. Before Piper finds us, maybe we could get lost," I whispered.

"I'd love to take a stroll outside. The wind is fresh and the moonlight is quite romantic tonight."

"Yup. Let's go."

I pulled her towards the back door. Piper's home was located in a rich, gated community. It was a safe and peaceful neighborhood. We walked under the moonlight with intertwined fingers and grasping hands.

"Annabeth, I know that this is a bit random, but I do want kids in the future," I expressed.

I stopped in front of another person's house. They had a beautiful garden, and the flowers were just starting to bloom.

"Um, I don't mean now. I don't want to freak you out or anything. I just want you to know that I do think about a future with you. It's not a game. I'm not a player anymore."

"I know, Percy," she whispered. She leaned up and kissed me. "And, I think about a future with you as well. I dream about it."

"I see a darling little girl with black hair, and-"

"A younger boy with blonde hair and sea-green eyes," Annabeth finished. She placed her hand up to my cheek. "You're not the only one that has dreams of us."

"In our dreams, I know that we've only seen two kids, but we don't need to stop there," I smirked while wrapping my arms around her waist.

"How many did you have in mind?"

"Ten," I joked.

Annabeth laughed while embracing me tightly. "That many are way too many. I'm not putting my body through that. How about two, and then we'll see about another?"

"Deal. It's your body after all."

I spun her in the air. Her blonde hair glowed in the moonlight. Gods, she looked so beautiful tonight, and I was so in love with her. I was just so happy.

We walked and conversed for another hour before returning to the party.

Piper was waiting with crossed arms. She had an angry expression on her face, and Annabeth and I failed to sneak back into her house.

"Where have you guys been? Don't tell me you all were fooling around?"

"OH MY GOD," I laughed. "Where would we fool around in this neighborhood? It's so secure and formal."

"I don't know. How about in your car?" Thalia teased.

"DAM. I didn't even think of that. I'll save the idea for next time," I smirked while I laughed. Piper simply shook her head before pulling me away from the group.

"Okay, Mr. Jackson. I have a few questions for you. Piper sat me down in the dining room while everyone else was in the family room, watching a movie."

"What's the point of this, Piper?" I asked.

"Just answer the questions. What is your favorite thing about Annabeth? All the other couples answered, so you do too."

I stammered as I looked at Piper. These types of questions are impossible to answer. Why do I like Annabeth? What's my favorite about her?

"I have no answer to that, Pipes. Everything. I love everything about her," I replied. I smiled as I thought of Annabeth and everything we've been through.

"AWW, you're so cute. Fine, I'll accept the answer. My next question is about spring break. Do you have any fun ideas for the gang?"

I was hoping this would come up. I do have an awesome idea for spring break. It would be perfect if I can get everyone on board. Grover like the idea very much. But again, he's my best friend, so he has to agree with me.

"How about we all take a trip to Montauk Beach?"

"Sweet idea. We have to make this happen. Count everyone in," Piper cheered.

Piper and I high-fived and laughed. We went around the party asking and forcing everyone into my vacation idea.

THIS IS GONNA BE BLAST.