First fanfiction, constructive criticism appreciated. Thanks!
Ring. Ring.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hey Annabeth, what are you doing tonight?" Thalia excitedly replied.
"Nothing much, mom's out buying groceries and dad's in his office as usual."
"Okay, I'm coming over in 5. Prepare some food for me!" I could hear the laughter in her voice. "Bye."
I chuckled to myself at her childishness and looked through the kitchen to see what food we have left. I decided to call my mom to get some snacks for Thalia.
"Hey mom, where are you?"
"I'm on my way home, sweetie.," my mom answered in her smooth voice, "I'm driving, do you want anything?"
"Yeah, could you get some snacks on the way? Thalia's coming over and you know how she is with food." I said.
"Sure, honey. See you in a few," my mom curtly replied and hung up. I knew she hated talking on the phone while driving.
I made myself some hot chocolate since it was a cold night. The weather forecast predicted snow and rain-which meant slush, and I hated slush. I went back to the living room and curled up on the sofa waiting for mom and Thalia. Suddenly, I heard tires squeaking across the pavement and a loud crash. I jumped at the sound and looked out the window. It was dark, I couldn't see anything. However, I couldn't stop fidgeting, was there a car accident? Was it someone I know? One of my neighbors? I sat down on the sofa again and tried to calm my mind.
A few minutes later, police cars and ambulances started to drive past my house.
A few minutes more, someone knocked at my door and my dad came out to answer it. It was a police officer. I joined my dad at the door.
In less than ten minutes, my life changed.
"Hey Annie. Annabeth? Annabeth!" Thalia hissed, "Snap out of it."
I blinked. Rubbing my eyes, I realized I zoned out in class again. I looked at Thalia gratefully.
"Flashback again?" Thalia glanced at me. I nodded, not meeting her eyes. I know she was giving me the you-are-telling-me-about-it-later look.
I tried to absorb the information the teacher was giving us, but I kept thinking about my flashback. If I hadn't called my mom while she was driving at night, she would be still here. I wouldn't be the girl I am now. I felt my eyes sting and tried to blink back the tears. A single tear slid down my cheek and I wiped it away with the back of my hand and rubbed my eyes. I could feel Thalia staring at me. Before she could speak, the bell rang. I gathered my stuff quickly and walked out numbly without waiting for Thalia.
It's been two years since my mom's accident.
It's been two years since I fell into depression.
It's been two years since my dad remarried and completely cut me off from his life.
People say time heals everything, but the deep wound I got will leave a scar forever.
"ANNABETH CHASE." I heard Thalia before I saw her, with her heavy black boots stomping towards me.
I turned and saw her carrying her bag with a frustrated look on her face. I sighed and watched her walk up to me.
"Hey Thals." I greeted, pretending nothing's wrong.
"You. You have been avoiding me for the whole day. You know I'm going to come and ask you about what happened in class today. There's no point in dodging me." Thalia pointed an accusing finger at me.
I looked at my feet. "Sorry. I just had a lot on my mind", I said quietly. "It's been exactly two years you know."
Thalia's face softened, "I know Annabeth. Come on, let's go to my house and get your mind off things." Thalia took my arm and dragged me away from the school. We walked in silence. Thalia tried to distract me. She skipped and talked the whole way while I nodded and added little comments, barely paying attention. My mind was blank; I felt numb. I thought back to last year; I was even worse. I had shut myself in my for the entire day, barely eating anything. No one noticed of course, except Thalia. My dad is always away on business trips, my stepmother and the twins are always visiting some relative or out somewhere doing… something. The only person I have left is Thalia.
I was so lost in thought that I bumped into someone with my shoulder. I gasped as a hooded boy stumbled and grabbed the wall of the building beside him to regain his balance.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking!" I apologized, walking forward to help him.
"No, it's fine. I wasn't paying attention either." The boy answered in a deep voice. He waved his hand to reassure that he didn't need my help. He lifted his face for a second and quickly locked eyes with me. I saw a flash of sea green that had a sense of familiarity about them. The boy looked down and quickly left. I glanced at Thalia, who wore a confused expression.
"Have you seen him before?" I asked, since she knew this town better than I do, partly because I barely come out of my house anymore.
"Nope, not once." Thalia shook her head, "he must be new here, I wonder why though, since it's in the middle of the school year. I wonder why he moved here at this time of the year. I had to admit that I was quite curious about this new, mysterious boy.
Looking back towards him one last time, I noticed he was limping slightly. I frowned. I want to know more about him. I shook it off and caught up with Thalia, who was impatiently waiting for me in front of her house.
I hope I'll run into him again. There was just something familiar and unforgettable about those sea green eyes.
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