When It Feels Like This

by ME3Free

How can I resist when it feels like this? My whole life I have been taught and prepared for the unexpected, but when he stumbled right into it, I couldn't hold any defense. What do you do when someone you've been told to stay away from finds ways to make you laugh? To hold my hand? How do you stay away when it feels like this? Rated T for some swearing, adult topics, and themes.

1. Dear Reader

When It Feels Like This

Written by ME3Free

Dear Reader,

I wanted to share with you a story that has been running around in my brain for what feels like years. The concept isn't new or perhaps has been told numerous times, however, I wanted to share with you my version. The idea to write this series, which will hopefully turn into a six-story installment, came from listening to Maisie Peters song Feels Like This endlessly in my bedroom when I should be studying for midterms. The story wouldn't leave my mind, though, nor would the song stop playing repeatedly. I knew I had to write it. That I had to share it.

Annabeth Chase is without a doubt my favorite character in the Percy Jackson series. I am currently in my twenties and have been reading this series since it first came out in 2005. I have been reading this series for over a decade. I feel old … but my love for this story has never faded and I don't think it ever will.

Annabeth, to me, is a complex character that has gone through some shit in her life. All the characters, I feel, have some baggage. Annabeth, to me, just stood out more because she never really played with that baggage. She accepted it and moved on. I, having such similar problems with Annabeth, was very moved by that. I felt that strength and decided that I needed to find my own if I was ever going to let it go. I did and have never felt freer. So, I thank you, Rick, for writing such an amazing character that little preteen like me could make a difference in my life.

This story is about Annabeth. I wanted to explore more about Annabeth, her struggles with her identity, her relationships, and just her growing up in a complicated world. This isn't some kid version; I'm going to make it as real as possible with real shit that happens. This is not kid friendly. Notice my swearing, so I'm going to say it again: THIS IS NOT KID FRIENDLY. I am going to talk about real world topics such as racism, drugs, attempted sexual assuaslt, asshats, bullying, drinking, depression, etc. This is a coming of age story, really. Annabeth, in the beginning, is fifteen-year-old girl trying to find her place in the world. I'm not really going to explain much about the story because I want to keep some things as a surprise. I just want you to enjoy my version of things, to read a story.

I do not own this world Rick has created nor will I ever lay claim to it. If you enjoy the story, leave a review. If you didn't enjoy it, leave a review. If you want to comment that this is nothing like Percy Jackson and I have done a shitty job, you can leave a review, but don't you think it is a little odd to be commenting on the fact this isn't like Percy Jackson? I'm not Rick. I am me. Also, just putting it out there, yes, I know they are twelve in the start. I have read this book for over a decade; I know the series well. Perhaps some facts do get mixed up or I just make up my own. Oh well. This is my version I am sharing; I am just borrowing the lovely world Rick has created.

Sincerely,

ME3Free

P.S. I am hoping to get the first chapter or preface (haven't decided) up either tomorrow or this week. I am hoping to update this story weekly, like every Sunday, but sometimes life happens. I won't be making promises if I cannot keep them. I look forward to going on this journey with you!