Piper POV

I sat on the edge of a cliff. My eyes gazing at the beautiful, multi-colored sun set. The sound of the waves crashing a shore far below me was soothing. I was almost at peace. Almost. I was only sitting out here to get away from Jason. Yes, Jason.

Flashback…

It was just me and Jason here in my dad's lake house. Annabeth and Percy were out on the beach. Time to make my move. I plopped on the seat next to him; he extended his arm, wrapping it around my shoulders, pulling me closer. I nuzzled my head in the side of his neck. He smelled like spice and mint. Hmmm… I could sit here all day curled up to him. I then sat up and looked at him. He was still looking at the TV silently watching a show of some sort. I watched his mouth curve up into a smile.

"Yes?" He said with a sly smile on his face.

I blushed some. Gods I was nervous. Jason was… well Jason and I didn't want to ruin what we have. I was finally his girlfriend and we finally had time together, but… "Jason, I-" the words stuck in my throat. I turned away from him, embarrassed for not getting the words out.

He took his free hand and took my chin in it. He guided my head gently back towards him looking me straight in the eyes. When I looked at him I got butterflies, making me more nervous.

"Don't shy away from me, Pipes. What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, per se. I just wanted to tell you…" My voice trailed off.

"What is it?" He said curiously.

"Jason, I- I love you." I said quickly. A pause. His hand dropped.

"Pipes…" He stopped. Another pause. He turned away and walked out.

End Flashback…

I pulled my knees up to my chest and hugged them, hiding my head. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Oh great now I'm crying. Stupid Jason being all… Jason. I wiped my tears on my jacket sleeve.

"Well well well, what do we got here?" a voice said behind me.

I stood up and turned around in one swift motion. Three guys, all stumbling, were walking towards me. I took a step back, but my foot hitting the edge of the cliff. What seemed to be the "pack leader" had a beer in hand walked towards me as the others kept a save couple feet distance. He got dangerously close, so close I could smell the beer on his breath which was revolting.

"man you're pretty. Wanna come with me back to my condo and we can have some fun, " he said winking while he twirled my hair.

I made a disgusted noise and pushed his hand away, "Get your hands off of me, jerk off."

"Ouhh feisty! Just the way I like 'em." He started to close the distance between us again, grabbing my arms by my biceps. I tried to move away, but my foot hit a rock that tumbled down the side, giving me a friendly reminder of the huge drop behind me.

"Screw you." I said trying to pull away.

"I'm just trying to be nice."

"yet you're hurting me!"

A guy behind him says, "I don't think she appreciates your courtesy."

"Don't worry, we'll teach you how to use that mouth right." He said.

"Hey!" I heard a familiar voice say. "Leave her alone, ya lowlife!" They turned to see Annabeth and Percy to my rescue. I gave a sigh of relief.

"we're just trying to be nice and invite her to our party, but she started to cause trouble."

"I doubt that's true, but why don't you just let her go before you do something you'll regret." Percy said calmly.

"How about my friends and I will go with her and if you throw in Blondie over there we'll go quietly and there won't be any trouble." The guy gripping my arms said. I heard a low growl come from Percy. He stepped in front of Annabeth protectively.

"You touch her and you won't live long enough to cry for your mommy." Percy said angrily.

"Ha!" He turns to his friends and laughs. "You hear him? Cry to my mommy. Oh that's a good joke."

For a split second, while he was distracted, I felt his grip loosen. I took the chance to break free. I kneed him in the chest and he doubled over, his grip loosening even more. "You little!" I pulled away slightly, but he reached for me again. I backed too far away, and my foot slipped off the edge of the cliff. The guy tried to reach for me, but he was too far. All I remember was falling, then the cold, hard fall and everything went black….