Annabeth stared dreamily at the box in her arms. She couldn't believe (honestly, she could) that Percy had used up his own money to buy her it. It was so unimportant, yet he did it without hesitation. She saw him grin at her expression, and she felt slightly embarrassed, even though she was sure Percy didn't care. 

  "You sure you want to walk me home?" He asked her, again.

  She rolled her eyes. "I already told you. Yes. Plus, we're already halfway to your house."

  Percy shrugged, but she couldn't help but notice he looked slightly disappointed. She contemplated changing her mind and telling him, Hey, you can walk me home, just so she could see the change in his mood. But they were already so close to his house, it would be useless to turn around now, for more traffic would be building up. And Mrs. Jackson had wanted to see her afterwards, and she had said it would be no problem. Most of that came from her curiosity of what she wanted to tell her, though. 

  They turned the corner onto Percy's street and stopped in front of the door of his apartment as he rummaged through his pockets.

  "I was sure I had my keys," he muttered. Annabeth laughed and knocked on the door, Percy huffing in frustration behind her. 

  The door opened and Sally smiled at them. 

  "Well, you two were out late! Have fun?" She asked them as they entered the house.

  "Yes, the movie was...good," Annabeth replied with a smile.

  "Hey mom, I think I lost my keys," Percy said.

  "That's the second time this month! Go to your room and see if they're there. They aren't free to duplicate, Percy," Sally scolded. Her son sighed and ran up the stairs.

  Annabeth laughed, and Sally smiled at her.

  "He really enjoys hanging out with you," she said softly.

  Annabeth stiffened slightly. So this is what she wanted to tell her. She nodded, unsure what to say.

  "He wouldn't stop going on and on about tonight. The entire week he was set on seeing you. He's sad he won't be able to until this summer." She sighed, looking in the direction of Percy's room.

  "Well, uh..." Annabeth started, but didn't know why she even opened her mouth, because now Sally was looking expectantly at her, and she had no idea how to get out of it.

  "I really enjoyed tonight," was all she could think of saying. It didn't matter, though, because Mrs. Jackson looked so pleased at this that Annabeth was sure something was running through her mind. Thankfully, Percy saved her any kind of lecture by bursting out of his room, sighing with relief and dangling a shiny key.

  "Found it," he said, grinning. But his smile faded when he saw Annabeth's expression. He frowned at his mom, sure she had something to do with it, but Mrs. Jackson smiled and said, "I guess you should be getting home, dear. You sure you don't want to stay for dinner?" 

  "Oh, no thank you," Annabeth said. 

  "Well then, can I at least drive you home? It's not really safe to be out so late. I'm not sure why Percy didn't walk you home-"

  "She didn't want me too!" Percy protested, and Annabeth laughed.

  "Sure, Mrs. Jackson, if it doesn't cause any trouble, you can drive me home."

  Sally nodded and grabbed her car keys, walking out the door. Annabeth and Percy following behind her.