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Percy Jackson pulled into the designated pick up zone, his music blasting so hard his seats vibrated. His fingers tapped along to the beat against the steering wheel, head bobbing aimlessly. The time on the dashboard blinked 14:59 and as the song ended the clock struck the hour.
Little kids, dressed in all manor of outfits came pouring out of the school, throwing basketballs and strapping on bike helmets. He watched as a little boy in a lobster costume attempted to mount his bicycle, falling three times before he got frustrated enough to yank the costume down. Percy, and probably every parent in the vicinity, was grateful the little guy had a vest and shorts on underneath.
Another little boy looked on the verge of tears as he handed a broken pair of wings to his mom. She gave him a kiss and a chocolate and the kid beamed so hard the sun got a little jealous. He immediately turned to the little girl next to him and offered her some of his sugary contraband.
Damn Percy loved Halloween.
Speaking of which, where on earth was Estelle? She had been buzzing about the Halloween sleepover all week and now she was going to be late.
He checked the clock to find five minutes had gone by with no sign of his little sister. The front area was beginning to clear as little kids hopped on the school bus or into a parent’s car. He gave it one more, impatient minute before getting out and stalking towards the schools entrance. His eyes wide and frantically searching through all the little bobbles and capes and various types of bugs. What was it with little kids and insects? Still there was no sign of a bright green tail or red hair clips.
Percy was starting to panic. He pushed the double doors of the school open, “Estelle? Estelle? Elle? Ellie? Elephant?”
His shouts echoed in the empty hallways but there was no response.
“Princess Ariel? Come on Elle this isn’t funny.” His voice shook with nerves as he peered into empty classrooms and around abandoned corners.
“Elle if you come out now I’ll get you icecream on the way home.” Bribing always worked.
“Come one Estelle, please,” He could hear the panic in his voice now.
“Can I help you?” A voice from behind him asked.
He whipped around, stumbling as he caught sight of the stranger.
She was, wow. She looked like a princess from one of Estelle fairytales. Golden curls, and bright grey eyes. And a soft, expectant smile.
Expectant…. expactant. Shit. She was waiting for him.
He cleared his throat, “Uh yes hi I’m looking for my little sister. She didn’t come out after school and I’m panicking just a little.”
“Oh alright,” She motioned for him to follow her before disappearing behind a door, “Can you tell me her name and who her teacher is?”
“Sure yea, her name is Estelle Blofis and her teacher is Miss Dare.”
“Oh yes they had swim class for the last hour of the day. Come on I’ll take you to the pool. Maybe she’s still there.”
“Thank you so much,” He gave her a grateful look, “I’m Percy by the way, Percy Jackson.”
“Annabeth Chase,” Her tone was open but her answer was blunt.
Percy was confused and a little worried, and wow she was pretty.
“So you been working here long?”
She gave him a weird look and he realized it was probably a stupid question but before he could back track she was shrugging her shoulders.
“About two years.”
“Must really love children huh?” He chuckled, “I think I’d go crazy if I had to look after a bunch of six year olds all day.”
She looked at him then, grey eyes piercing into his.
“It started out as a backup plan while I waited to get into postgrad and kind of just became a thing.”
“Well I’m sure you’re great at it.”
She laughed softly, pushing open the doors to the pool, “I’m great at everything Mr Jackson.”
“Percy!” A small weight crashed into his legs.
“Hello Elle, where have you been?” He crouched down to look his little sister in the eye, “I’ve been worried sick about you.”
“I’m sorry Pers,” She gave him that puppydog stare, “We were having so much fun in the pool Miss Dare said we could stay in for a little extra. I didn’t think you’d mind since you like to listen to your loud music.” Her little button nose scrunched in distaste before she bounded away to change and grab her things.
Percy heard a soft snickering from behind him and stood up to see Annabeth covering her mouth, grey eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Someone’s not a fan of your taste.”
He scowled at her, “She doesn’t count. Her favourite song is” Kiss the Girl" from Ariel.“
"That’s a great song,” The blonde arched a perfect brow.
“Maybe when you’re a kindergarten teacher,” He teased, “I listen to real music like Led Zeppelin and Bon Jovi.”
“Who said that’s real music, Seaweed Brain?” She said pointing to his t-shirt that read Marine Biologists: seaweeds with brains.
“Haha,” Percy rolled his eyes, “Well what do you consider good music?”
She opened her mouth to respond but Estelle beat her to it.
“Okay Percy I’m ready. Are we gonna get icecream on our way home?”
“What are you gonna give me in return?” They started waking back into the school.
“We can watch any movie you want tomorrow.” She declared.
“Any movie?” He narrowed his eyes at her.
“Any movie. Oh except toy story. I don’t like watching Andy give all his toys away. And that mean pink bear scares me.”
“So we can watch Frozen?” He picked her up to look straight at her.
“Yes!” She giggled, “But you can’t sing along to every word. I like Elsa and Anna’s voice.”
He pouted at her and glared at Annabeth who had been silent until this moment, when she had hurriedly tried to cover up her laugh with a cough.
“Why don’t you run to the car, little one,” He put Estelle down, “If you can get there in under thirty seconds I’ll let you have two scoops of ice-cream.”
The little girl didn’t so much as blink before she was racing down the hall.
“So Frozen huh?” Annabeth smirked, “Guess that’s also considered good music?”
“I’ll have you know Elsa and Anna are queens and icons of this generation.”
“Personally I think Nani and Lilo are better role models but whatever you say,” She grinned at him.
“How about we settle this debate over coffee? Friday next week?”
“I hope you know I was captain of the debate team in college so you’re definitely going down.”
“All I’m hearing is that you accepted to go on a date with me,” It was his turn to smirk.
She laughed as he wiggled his eyebrows. He knew he looked ridiculous but her laugh was buttery and warm and he’d do most anything to keep hearing it.
“It’s a date Percy Jackson.”
His smile was bright and unrestrained as they waved goodbye.
“See you then Annabeth Chase.”