The Player's Proposal

17: The Knife

Percy POV

"I'm scared, Percy," the boy whimpered into the phone.

"Hey, it's gonna be okay. Bob, listen to me and think about the sun and the stars. Say hello to them in your mind. They'll calm you down," I replied. My feet moved on their own accord and rushed me out of the cafe.

"I'm on my way. Just keep hiding where you are."

"My sister is downstairs with him. All I hear is screaming and crashing-" Just then, another crash rang out of the phone. I nearly dropped it in surprise.

"I'm on my way, Bob. Just keep talking."

I quickly got into my car and turned the key. My beaten-down bug of a car roared to life as I set my phone on speaker mode. I knew that I should call 911, but I didn't want to leave Bob without anyone. He was terrified enough.

Before I could drive off, the passenger seat door opened. Annabeth rushed into the passenger seat with a determined expression.

"What the hell are you doing?" I asked in shock. Gods, I don't have time for this.

"I'm hiding," the little boy acknowledged.

"No, not you, Bob. Wise Girl, get out of the car. There is no chance that you're coming with me," I exclaimed

Her ponytail whirled around and almost slapped me. Her glare was very evident as she buckled her seat belt. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm coming with you, so don't waste your time. We have a little boy to save from whatever it is he's scared about."

"My dad. He's drunk, and he has a knife," Bob cried.

Annabeth's eyes locked onto mine as she mouthed, DRIVE. I groaned before speeding out of the parking lot. I was pretty much breaking the law right now by speeding.

Annabeth quickly called 911 before taking my phone. The police were on their way, but they were still several minutes out.

"Hello, Bob, my name is Annabeth. I need you to be strong, okay? The police are on the way, and we're coming to help you as well. Are you hurt?" Annabeth was calm and soothing. Hearing her voice helped me with my confidence. After all, I was driving towards a monster's mansion.

"No, I'm all right. Calypso told me to run upstairs and lock my door. I grabbed her phone because Percy is in her phone."

"HOW'S CALYPSO?" I shouted as I turned the corner.

Annabeth looked at me with raised brows. However, she was too occupied to ask any questions, and I was too busy to explain anything.

"She's downstairs with dad. They're fighting. I don't know."

"It's all right, Bob. Just keep thinking about the sun and the stars," I said firmly. I turned into the million-dollar neighborhood. They lived in house number 2022.

I parked in the Titan driveway. Annabeth and I rushed outside, but I immediately grabbed and pushed her against my car. She was leaning against the hood of my car, and I was leaning against her body. My voice turned low and deep.

"You're not coming inside. I'm not letting you."

Her storming eyes gazed into mine. She didn't back down.  "Shut up, Seaweed Brain. I can take care of myself. I know how to fight, and I'm smart and powerful. I can handle it. Just because I'm a girl-"

"It's not because you're a girl, it's because you're my Wise Girl. I'm not letting anything happen to you. I care too much," I said quickly.

"I'm coming with you. We're better off together than separated," she whispered harshly. I completely agreed, and I couldn't argue with her.