Becoming a Father

Chapter 5

"So, how was school?" Frederick asked as he drove his daughter home.

Annabeth's smile widened even more, if that was possible.

"It was awesome! We got to paint pictures, and I made a picture of Athens. Also, we built block towers, and mine was the best! Then we had to have rest time, but I didn't go to sleep." she replied with as much enthusiasm possible. "I can't wait to back tomorrow."

Frederick chuckled. "Oh, and Annabeth?" he said, remembering something.

"Yes?" she asked, turning her head towards him.

"We have someone coming over for dinner tonight."

"Who?" questioned his daughter.

"Her name is Helen." he replied with a hint of a smile.

Annabeth seemed to take this into careful consideration.

"Is she your girlfriend? Because you aren't allowed to have a girlfriend."

"Why not?" he asked.

"Because I said so, and she's probably a mean old witch."

"Annabeth, you aren't supposed to call people mean old witches."

"Okay, fine." she responded. "Even if they are one?"

"Even if that."

"Daddy?" called Annabeth.

"Yes?" he replied.

"I learned a bad word at school today. Do you want to hear?"

"Who told you a bad word?"

"Meira did. The word is stupid."

Frederick couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" questioned Annabeth.

"Oh, nothing." he replied, smirking.

—

"So," said Annabeth, when they were settled at the dinner table with Helen. "Who wrote the Odyssey, and between what two years did they write it?"

"Homer, and between 750 and 650 BC." Frederick answered.

"You weren't supposed to answer!" Annabeth cried. "The question was for Helen!"

"I'm sorry Annabeth," her father replied. "But how would Helen know?"

Annabeth sighed. "Please pass the pasta." she said.

"So, Annabelle," said Helen. "How do you like school so far?"

"My name is not Annabelle. It's Annabeth. A- N- N- A- B- E- T- H." the said person replied, annunciating each syllable.

"I'm sorry." said Helen. "For mispronouncing your name."

Annabeth sighed dramatically. "It's okay, I guess. I like school, but they make us do English."

"Well, what's wrong with English?"

"Greek is better. When are you getting married?" Annabeth answered.

Helen choked on her water. Frederick turned red.

"Annabeth Cassiopeia Chase, that is enough!" he cried. "Go to your room!"

Annabeth looked perplexed. "I have a middle name?" she questioned.

"Yes! Now, your room!"

"Fine." she said, walking up the long path to her room.

Frederick sighed. "I'm sorry about that."

Helen raised an eyebrow. "Don't you think that's a little harsh?" she questioned. "Sending her to her room? She's five. That's normal five year old behavior."

"Believe me when I say that Annabeth is not a normal five year old."

"Oh? Why not?"

"Well, how many five year olds do you know who can speak and write in Ancient Greek?"

—-

Later that night, Frederick walked up to his daughter's room.

"Annabeth?" he called.

"I'm here." she answered.

"Why did you ask when we were getting married?"

"Because she's mean, and I didn't like her."

"So you asked when the marriage was?"

Annabeth shrugged.

"Good-night, Annabeth." her father called, kissing his daughter, and closing the door.

"Good-night." she called.

"I love you, sweetheart."

No reply.