Lost

44

The next few days were filled with lots of laughter, hand holding, and talking as Chiron had allowed all the demigods to stay at camp s little longer before returning to school.

Annabeth was forced into the infirmary by Will, who claimed her wrist wasn't healing properly.

It didn't really matter where she was, though, as everyday I would spent my time at her beside and every night she'd sneak out to the Poseidon cabin with her cap of invisibility.

Everyday Annabeth and I would talk about what we'd missed in our months of separation. We discussed anything from my quests to find her from what we'd eaten for breakfast some days.

"I wish I could get this stupid cast off," Annabeth grumbled as I held her free hand. "And it doesn't help that you practically wrote your whole name over it."

Her cast was a plain white one and, I admit, had a big signature on it in my messy handwriting. And when I say it was big, I mean bigger than John Hancock singing the Declaration of Independence big.

"Yeah, sorry about that," I apologized. "You'll get it off soon, I'm sure of it. And it doesn't hurt anymore even, does it?"

Annabeth shook her head as she spitefully peered over at Will, who was chatting with Nico. "He's just keeping me here to be 'careful.' He's being too careful if you ask me. He's acting as if I was dropped out of the sky!"

"Ooh, yeah, that sucks," I commented nonchalantly.

Annabeth laughed lightly. "Because you would know."

I furrowed my eyebrows as I realized that I forgot to mention that detail to Annabeth. "Uh, yes, Zephyros dropped me."

"Wait, Zephyros just dropped you?!" Annabeth asked in shock as a laugh escaped her lips. "I can't believe it!"

I shrugged as a smile appeared on my face. "It's true, I swear! And he was just so...chill. It was somewhat unnerving!"

As Annabeth and I laughed, the infirmary doors swung open and Chiron wheeled in. He'd visited Annabeth a few times, too, so this sight was no unfamiliar.

"Hey, Chiron!" greeted Annabeth warmly. "What brings you here today?"

Chiron's expression remained emotionless as he wheeled closer to us. "Percy, actually. Could I speak with you?"

I glanced at Annabeth, who just ushered for me to leave. I smiled at her nervously as Chiron led me out of the infirmary and towards the Big House.

"Let me guess, this has something to do with school?" I asked as we arrived at the Big House and sat down on the porch.

Chiron sighed. "It's inevitable, Percy. It's your senior year, and even Annabeth wants to return to school. I think it's time."

I shrugged as I watched snow lightly fall onto the ground outside the border. "Yeah, whatever. I guess you're right. So, when should Annabeth and I leave?"

"You will be returning to school tomorrow," Chiron said strictly.

"What about Annabeth?" I questioned, worry creeping into my voice. "She's gotta come with me."

Chiron shook his head and stared down at the table. "Mr.Solace has denied that request and wants to keep her in the infirmary until the state of her wrist improves."

"I'm not going without Annabeth."

"Percy, I know I can't force you to go anywhere, but your mother called. She's worried about you and wants you to go back to school. You've been absent for over a month," Chiron explained.

My heart sunk at the mention of my mother. "Okay, fine. But can I come see Annabeth after school?"

"Weekends."

"Can I call daily?"

"When you're not in class."

"And she's coming to my high school eventually, right?"

Chiron nodded. "Annabeth and I have talked and have come to the conclusion that she should finish the rest of her senior year with you at Goode High School. I may have convinced the principal there that she has attended all year long, so there are no worries there."

I sighed as I reluctantly nodded in agreement. "I better go pack. And see Annabeth. Does she know?"

"Not definitely," Chiron responded. "Go see her. I'll have Argus drive you into the city tomorrow, alright?"

And although I wanted to argue, I agreed and left to go say my goodbyes to friends and, most importantly, to Annabeth.