Cinderbeth (A Percabeth Story)

I

"Annabeth? Look at these disgusting wrinkles! Iron them. And hurry up, already!" Drew said in her annoying voice. She threw her gown at me, and it hit my face.

Silently, I ironed it, then handed it to her. As usual, she didn't say thank you.

"Oh! And...what was it? Mother said you can't wear that necklace anymore. She said they make you dream too much. She doesn't want to see it once she comes back home. Do it soon, Beth, because I hate it when mother gets mad." Drew said. She smoothed out the gown she was wearing before walking towards the mirror to fix up her hair.

I just stood there, horrified. The only thing I had left was the necklace my mum gave me, the only piece of her that was left. It was an owl, gold with a touch of silver, and a hint of sea-green in it as well. I never took it off, and was never planning to.

I decided to wait and hear Gaea Tanaka say it herself. She was having a cup of tea with a neighbour, who she obviously is in love with.

She definitely trashed my dad already, I thought. To me, it didn't matter if he passed away or not. It just doesn't feel right for her to instantly fall for the first gentleman she meets.

But it was my fault that father went away that day and never came back.

I went on to the fireplace, and cleaned the cinders up, making the bricks almost gleam. If that was possible.

"Oh, hey Annie!" Piper walked by, looking gorgeous. She was meeting Lord Jason, who had a lot of riches and was very charming.

"Hey," I replied. "You look beautiful, Piper."

She smiled, then whispered, "Thank you."

I guess Piper was better than Drew and Gaea; she actually appreciated my work. But when it comes to picking sides, she supports her mother without hesitation. If you know what I mean.

"Oh, and help me with my hair! It's a mess! I tried to get it in a bun, but it ends up like a bee hive. Now? Please? And not with your dirty hands, mind you," Piper said, rolling her eyes.

After washing my hands, I opened the cabinet in the attic, where most of my things were, and took out a feather. Piper really deserved this. Then we went to her room, and I knew the perfect style.

Braiding her hair into three perfectly, I put it over her shoulder on one side and took the feather in my hand. Then I stuck it into one of the strands.

"I don't know what to say, Annie," Piper whispered, then stood up abruptly. "Now tighten up my gown. Hurry!"

I rolled my eyes before pulling on the strings, and she gasped. "Okay, that's enough. I have to go, now."

Then walked elegantly with her head held up high. A carriage with four majestic horses was waiting for her, with Jason inside.

I smiled as I closed the door.

When I returned to the dining area to prepare for lunch, Gaea was back, sitting with Drew and having a conversation.

Probably talking about him. I hated him, the first time I met Kronos. He had a greedy look in his eyes, and he was dressed in a very rich manner. Probably a bit too showy. He's charming and handsome alright, but definitely not good enough to replace my father.

"My dear, Annabeth! What's that on your face?" Gaea asked me, her tone suddenly strict and menacing.

I tentatively laid a finger on my cheek, and rubbed. When I looked at my finger, there was black soot. Overcome with dread, I realized that I forgot to wash off the dirt on my face after cleaning the fireplace.

"Dirty 'Beth," Drew muttered, and Gaea's head shot to her.

"What did you say, Drew dear?" she said, but with less hatred in her voice.

Drew's eyes widened. "Oh, mother, the usual. 'Beth is dirty. That is what I said. But I have an idea for her punishment!"

Gaea raised her eyebrows in response.

"Let's call her Dirtybeth for the rest of her life! That way, she'll learn!" Drew said, excited. "No. No! Cinderbeth. That fits well," she added, smirking in my direction.

"Very smart, my beautiful daughter. Very smart," Gaea said, laughing. "Cinderbeth, that will be your punishment."

I slumped my shoulders. "Yes, Lady Gaea. You shall call me Cinderbeth as you wish," I said, then walked away to the restroom.

"One more thing, Cinderbeth?" Gaea added. "Take off that filthy necklace. I'm surprised you kept it on after Drew told you not to."

When I poured cold water onto my face, I went up to the attic and jumped onto the bed, face down, and with my arms covering my face.

Then I felt tears fall out of my eyes, soaking my hands.

~❤︎~

Author's Note:

All credit goes to Rick Riordan, and Disney. The characters and the plot are all not mine. :)