CHAPTER 1

Percy's POV

Percy sat against a tree in his backyard, Annabeth sat at his side with her head on his shoulder. He watched the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. For a moment they just sat there in comfortable silence. Annabeth spoke softly, "you don't have to go, you know".

He had been trying not to think about camp. His step-dad was forcing him to go to some… what had he called it... Program? Percy decided awhile ago that he would call it a camp it sounded a lot less… vicious. He honestly just didn't want to leave, Annabeth. He glanced over at her. Annabeth was just his friend but, in the moonlight he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looked. Her eyes were closed, her head was still resting on his shoulder and her blonde hair fell into her face. She had ran away from her own home a couple months ago. Percy didn't know why she had left but, he knew better than to press her. Percy's mom had happily let her stay with them… his step-dad on the other hand wasn't exactly a fan of that idea but, Percy's mom had managed to talk him into letting her stay. He couldn't believe it Jesse, his step-dad, was forcing him to go to some camp in Montréal. Montreal he thought. The other side of the country. His heart did a flip. He didn't know why.

"I have to." Percy put his head on hers and sighed. "My mom's tried everything. Jesse... its like he's determined to see me gone. Its only a month I'll be fine." He wasn't sure if he was reassuring Annabeth or himself. "But you, what will you…" He stopped. Annabeth had rested her hand on his. Something like a electric spark went through him. "Don't worry about me, Percy." She sat up to look him in the eyes. "I'll figure out something. Maybe my dad will…" She stopped. They both knew she wouldn't go to her dad for anything. "It's almost midnight. We should get some sleep." Percy nodded. Instead of walking to his room he simply put his head back on Annabeth's shoulder and closed his eyes. Their hands still touching.

Percy awoke. Jesse was dragging him into the back of his small SUV. Percy silently cursed himself for being such a heavy sleeper. He glanced at the clock on the car's dashboard. 3:27am. He was still half asleep but, he managed a quiet "w-wha?" Jesse shut the back door and climbed into the drivers seat. He smirked. "Wouldn't want you to miss your flight." That woke him up. Percy sat up and looked out the window. They were almost to the airport now. What was it called? LAX? Percy glanced to the passenger seat. "Dude, you packed for me? Must really want me gone." Jesse didn't answer which didn't exactly reassure Percy. The next thing he knew they were inside the airport. Jesse took his suitcase to the bag drop and came back with his boarding pass. "Don't try anything, Jackson" His step-dad warned, with that he turned and walked back towards the doors. Percy found the nearest table and sat down. He read his boarding pass. Apparently he was supposed to fly to Seattle, Washington first and then get on his flight to Montreal. He then made his way through security, found gate C-16 and sat down. 5 Minutes till boarding. No turning back now he thought. Percy went through his backpack Jesse had so gratefully packed for him. His Passport. His Wallet. His boarding Pass. He found the book he'd been reading. He pulled out the book mark and smiled. It was a picture or him and Ann.. How could he have forgotten. Percy bit back tears. She probably hated him, he didn't even say goodbye... a voice over the loudspeaker broke his thoughts "Now boarding flight 426 Service to Seattle." For once he was glad for the distraction he didn't want to start sobbing there, in the middle of the airport.

Percy grabbed his bag, let the attendant scan his boarding pass and found his seat. It was a small, crowded plane only two seats on each side. He got a window seat. A few tears rolled down his cheeks. Percy turned to look out the airplane window and held up his hand so no one could see that he was crying, harder now too. Percy wondered why he cared so much about the girl, why he… Percy didn't get to finish his thought. A very familiar voice came from behind him

"you didn't think I would let you leave without saying goodbye, did you?" He turned. There Annabeth stood. A smile spread across Percy's face. She looked… amazing. Percy didn't think amazing quite covered it though. Her hair was braided to one side with a blue bow. He wasn't thinking he just pulled her into the seat next to him. Which thankfully was empty but at this point that probably wouldn't have mattered to Percy. And he hugged Annabeth so tightly, they just stayed like that for awhile. He couldn't faintly hear the flight attendants giving them safety spiel he had heard a million times. "What are you doing here?" Percy asked, his voice breaking and unusually high. He realized he was still hugging Annabeth. The engine roared to life and the plane started to gain speed for take off. He pulled away from their embrace slightly. They sat there forehead to forehead their faces inches away. Before Annabeth could answer Percy, before he could even think, he pulled her in and kissed her. His heart leapt into his throat. For that moment nothing mattered. He pulled away. The plane was no longer on the ground. Annabeth's face went beet red. She opened her mouth like she was going to say something but she didn't, instead she grabbed Percy by the shirt and kissed him. "Welcome to Flight 426 non-stop service to Seattle" called the pilot over the speakers.