A Different Reality (Percy Jackson Fanfiction)

Chp 118 - Annabeth's POV

WEDNESDAY

P: Note to self - Mrs. O'Leary doesn't like baths.

A: Then why did you do it?

P: It's getting cold in the nights, so mom wants Mrs. O'Leary to sleep inside. And I took her for a walk. What she DOES like is mud baths.

A: Did she cause too much havoc?

P: I spent more than 2h to give her a bath and almost another two to clean the bathroom right after.

Annabeth chuckled at Percy's texts, while inserting her unlocking the door and entering her home. She was halfway up the stairs when Helga called her.

"Annie?"

Annabeth turned to look at the woman.

"Oh, hi, mom."

"I didn't hear you coming in."

"I just did."

"Hum."

Mom looks... odd.

Odd how?

I don't know, worried, I think.

You want me to ask, right?

Duh.

Annabeth sighed, but asked anyway.

"Is everything ok?"

Helga jumped a little at Annabeth's voice, like she had forgotten she was there.

"Hum? Oh, yes, it is."

Annabeth took a deep breath and insisted.

"Are you sure?"

Her stepmother bit her lip for some seconds, debating her answer.

"Well, my brother and my cousin are fighting again. The rest of the family is splitting up in sides."

"Which one are you taking?"

She scoffed.

"None. I won't let them drag me to such a childish fight."

"Hum. Okay."

Helga tapped her chin with her finger, thinking.

"Maybe we're going to spend the Christmas with your dad's side of the family. I should call your aunt. You don't mind, do you?"

"Mind what?"

"Christmas with them. Your uncle can be a little... it's just that I think my family won't be a good company this year."

I like them, what about you?

Yeah, I always had fun with Max, though he can be a bit annoying.

"No, that's okay, I don't mind. I'm going to study in my room, if that's okay...?"

"Oh, sure, go ahead."

"Thanks."

Helga's voice slowed her down after two steps.

"Want something to drink?"

Annabeth answered over her shoulder, resuming her previous action.

"That would be nice."

"I'll bring it to you. Oh, Annie? Have you called your mother yet?"

She stopped dead in her step.

Oh. I had forgot about it.

"What?"