Living with the Fear

Chapter 1

(Percy)

Fear. Its a funny thing. I mean the feeling that we can be so scared, terrified of something that it completely takes over. Its the only thing you think about, that horrible, sinking feeling of hopelessness and despair. You know what I find confusing? How people fear death more than pain. I mean it's strange, life hurts a lot more than death, its filled with more pain. Death is simple, all the pain and suffering you have faced is over. Its peaceful in fact.

I guess you could say I have a pretty good understanding of what pain is, being beaten by your step-father could do that to a person. But although my life is screwed up and frankly worthless, I still believe there's more for me out there. Away from this life of constant abuse and suffering, maybe I'll meet someone, maybe Gabe will suddenly vanish into thin air. All I know is; I'm 17, motherless, fatherless and as far away from happiness as someone could be.

I woke up to the familiar stench of alcohol and cigarettes. I'd become accustomed to Gabe's lazy ways. I rolled over and checked the time. Damn it! I had school in 30 minutes and I couldn't get another ring home saying I was late. Not after the last time!

I quickly rushed into the bathroom, hurriedly brushing my teeth and throwing in some jeans and a hoodie. I made my way through the living room and found Gabe, sprawled across the couch, snoring like a fire-breathing dragon with a head cold. Beer bottles littered the floor, Usually I would pick them up and clean up after him but today I was running late so I tiptoed past the couch and through the front door. I suppose I'll deal with whatever punishment Gabe felt I needed for that later.

I quickly ran to school, through the busy roads, and bustling people. Once I got there I immediately looked for my two best friends, Nico and Grover. I found them out on the field and made my way over to them.

"Hey guys" I said, shouldering my backpack which had slid down whilst I had been running.

"Yo man, why you so outta breath?" Nico replied, noticing my heavy breaths and panting. I hadnt told Nico or Grover about my... situation at home. I was embarrassed. They'd think I was weak and pathetic, not the strong, cocky assured Percy Jackson I pretended to be.

"Hey dude! You kinda spaced out there." Grover said, frowning at me and leaning on his crutches that he had due to some medical problem I've never really understood.

"Sorry I was just running late and practically had to run a marathon to school." I said, grinning putting on the fake personality I always used. Nico chuckled,

"Of course Percy Jackson can wake up whatever time he wants, he makes his own rules!" He said thumping me on the back. I cringed and just muttered "you know it", continuing the act. But that's what it was an act, not really who I was. I couldn't even be normal around my friends, Gabe had took that away. I'd let him and I hated myself for it.

(Annabeth)

As always I was the first one sat in our English lesson. I sat right at the front, wanting to pay actually pay attention to what the teacher was saying. Maybe that made me a geek, but I enjoyed learning, it was fascinating and interesting when I find out something I surprisingly hadn't known before.

Thalia, my best friend, came in and sat next to me. We were complete opposites. I had long blonde hair, she had short, dark spiky hair. She was hot hotted and wasn't afraid to speak her mind whereas I was more conserved and kept my cool.

She looked over and smiled at me, "Ready for another fun day of boredom and torture Annabeth?" She joked, leaning back on her chair. I laughed, shaking my head, Thalia was awesome and could really brighten up anyone's day. The fact that we were opposites just further strengthened our friendship. I admired her.

That's when I noticed the small group of 3 boys walking into the room. The two at the front, Nico and Grover were laughing at a joke Grover had just told. But what caught my attention was the boy at the back. He was walking unenthusiastically, head hung low making his dark, raven hair fall into his sea green eyes. He was obviously upset about something but no one else seemed to have noticed. I guess I was just too observant and a good reader of people but I knew that something was troubling him.

I knew who he was of course, his name's Percy Jackson. He'd been in my class forever but we hardly spoke, and if we did it was just a polite 'hello'. I wanted to know what was making him act that way but I guess I would never find out.

That was of course until the teacher stepped forward and announced,

"Right we're doing something different for the next two weeks. Call it a project if you will, but I'll be pairing you up with someone you don't usually work with and your task is to produce a small piece on how books can affect the actions we take and the things we do. The first pair will be... um lets see.. ah! Percy and Annabeth! I'm sure you'll make a great couple!"

The class sniggered and laughed at his last comment. I felt a blush creeping up my face and I couldn't help but whip around and stare, dumbfounded at Percy. He returned my gaze, looking bored and he still had that same look of hopelessness in his eyes.

I turned back around and found Thalia smirking at me, I glared at her and stared defiantly at the bored. I knew one thing. I was sure in for an interesting two weeks.

-A/N - So there it is! My very first chapter to my very first story, Wow. If you're reading this then thank you and please do keep reading I'm gonna be updating regularly as I have some really good ideas for where this story is going to go. LOVE A BIT OF PERCABETH! Let me know what you think to this story, all criticism is good criticism right? Oh no wait is that publicity?

Anyhow thanks, Abbie :)