Epilogue

                                    

                                          
Epilogue—Graduation Day, Several Months Later
                          
The day after Annabeth returned flashed by in a blur. Everyday I went to school, Annabeth besides me. 
                          
It was a beautifully warm summer day and even though I hadn't gotten the best grades, I'd made it through. 
                          
Annabeth had, of course, made valedictorian despite missing over half of the year. Her speech was short yet amazing but I could barely pay attention as she was so intimidatingly beautiful. 
                          
Afterwards my mother insisted on inviting her over for my graduation party, which consisted of mainly my demigod friends and a few confused relatives. 
                          
My mother brought out embarrassing photos and stories, but it didn't matter as whenever she did, Annabeth would laugh and smile, which was the best thing in the world. 
                          
"Is that really you?!" Annabeth exclaimed as she held up a picture of me when I was super little taking a bath. 
                          
Thankfully, the bubbles were covering anything, but I quickly snatched the picture out of her hand. "Mom! You said you'd remove this one..."
                          
Annabeth only laughed as we continued going through the pictures, her face lit up with joy. 
                          
"Hey, let's get out of here," I whispered into Annabeth's ear as I slipped my hand into my pocket. 
                          
She peered up at me and smiled. "You can't leave your own party, silly." 
                          
"Just trust me." 
                          
"You just don't want me to see anymore embarrassing pictures of you!" 
                          
"No, please." 
                          
Annabeth allowed me to slickly lead her out of the party without anyone noticing and down the hall of my apartment. 
                          
We ended up on the streets of New York, which were packed as always. 
                          
"What did you need to tell me that involved us to come all the way out here?" she asked as she readjusted one of her heels which I'm certain she hated wearing. 
                          
I beamed at her as I looked her up and down. She's taken off her graduation gown and was wearing a light blue colored dress underneath. Her beautiful curls had been pinned back but were quickly falling out. 
                          
"You're beautiful." 
                          
"You took me all the way out here to say that?" she asked with a laugh. "I'm going back in—" 
                          
"No, wait!" I cried as I grabbed her wrist and pulled a box out of my pocket. "Annabeth, I love you. You're smart, beautiful, and perfect. These few months that we spent apart made me realize I never want to be away from you. Annabeth, will you marry me?"
                          
Annabeth instantly pulled me into a forceful hug and didn't let go. 
                          
"Is that a yes?" I teased as we pulled apart. She nodded as I placed the ring on her finger. "Let's go back in and share the happy news." 
                          
She smiled as she grabbed my hand and we slowly headed upstairs, but before we reentered my apartment she paused. 
                          
"Percy, I just want to tell you how happy you make me. When we were apart...you were the only thought keening me going. And now I'm so excited we get to live together in New Rome and start our lives together." 
                          
Before she could finish, I pulled her into my arms and held her tight. I breathed in her scent and grinned. I had her back, and I never wanted to lose her again.
                          
~
You have reached the end of this book! I hope you enjoyed it. I also really appreciate all your guy's votes, comments, and reads! I love you guys :) 
Anyways, I have a few other books that I'd love for you to check out. 
A few are finished like Aftermath and Unforgettable but I also have some unfinished ones like Famous Fate and Troubled I'd love if you guys could check those out. 
                          
Anyways, love you guys! 
Madeline ❤️