Chapter 7

Annabeth sat around a table full of Valdez's. Sammy sat next to her, picking at a roll. Sammy seemed like a cute and funny kid, full of little jokes and surprises. Annabeth watched him intently as he put honey butter on his bread, a delicacy that Annabeth was new to but loved. Mrs. Valdez could seriously cook, Annabeth found it interesting that she was a mother of four and looked so young. But Mrs. Valdez had just blushed and said "I'm twenty five," Annabeth had laughed and stirred the sauce.

Leo and Calypso Valdez were the sweetest couple she'd ever met. They'd invited her to eat with them, Calypso gave her little tips for cooking at motherly things, which Annabeth had blushed at, and dined it happening any time soon. Calypso just told a sweet story about meeting Leo, falling in love, getting married and then having Esperanza, their oldest girl.

"You'd be very surprised how fast something like that can happen. Your whole life can change in the blink of an eye." If only she'd known how right she was.

So Annabeth sat next to Sammy, listening to him talk about his first day of school, his family, and his friends. "My best friend is probably Collin Grace, he's the same age as me, and his little sister is friends with mine." Sammy ranted on about how great Collin was, how they liked the same games and movies.

"Collin seems great, but what about anyone else, maybe a girlfriend?" Sammy blushed at the question.

"I'm four!" he protested quickly and loudly, making the entire table jump. Annabeth raised her eyebrows, giving him a pointed look.

"But you're not denying it, so who's the lucky lady?" all eyes were on Sammy now, and Annabeth felt bad for putting him in the spotlight, but she couldn't help but smile. Sammy went even redder.

"There isn't anyone… right now." Sammy stuffed the roll in his mouth, and ignored everyone else. Annabeth could tell there was more, but she didn't pressure. Sammy swallowed, shooting her the evil eye. Annabeth grinned, and took a spoonful of soup.

After the meal, Annabeth was refreshed. The family gathered around her at the door, giving away goodbye hugs. Sammy wasn't mad anymore, and she crouched down to his level. "You can keep the bell Aunt Annabeth." He whispered as he hugged her. Annabeth laughed, and was taken aback at becoming an Aunt figure so fast.

"Come back any time Annabeth," Calypso smiled, giving her a bone crushing hug. Annabeth laughed, giving one last look before pulling up her umbrella and walking out the door. She'd only gotten about ten feet away from the old brick building, when she bumped straight into someone.

Percy Jackson.

A/N: I know I know, not really a cliff hanger, but I wanted a little more Sammy and a lot more suspense. So yay! Oh, and I'm very busy so no review responses, but I appreciate all of them and I hope for more! Also be sure to FAV and FOLLOW!

MUCH OBLIGED!