Annabeth scowled at Rachel across the room. No matter how much she disliked her, she couldn't deny that Rachel was pretty. She had thick, curly orange-red hair and her eyes were only a couple shades lighter than Percy's. Freckles sprinkled across her cheeks just like the paint splatters on her jeans. In other words, Annabeth and Rachel were very different people. Annabeth sat with her back straight and hands folded politely in her lap. Her clothes were neat enough, and her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Rachel looked animated and happy when she talked to people, whereas Annabeth tended to look a tad too serious. Annabeth sighed bitterly, resting her head in her hand. She had known Percy forever, how could he just walk off with Rachel as if he enjoyed her company so much more? 'Maybe that's why,' she realized. Maybe Percy could relax and have fun when he was talking to Rachel. He wasn't having to constantly try to break through her tough exterior the way he was with Annabeth. She stole another glance at Rachel and Percy, who were laughing about gods knows what. Chiron had said that Rachel would be spending a few days at camp. He and Percy had sounded happy about this arrangement, but Annabeth wished it would be over. It wasn't that she hated Rachel as a person, she just resented the fact that Rachel was stealing her best friend. 'This is what always happens, isn't it?' she thought. Luke had left her for Kronos, Thalia for Artemis, and Percy was leaving her for Rachel. People thought it was rude how protective of her friends Annabeth was, but they never thought that it might be because she had lost so much, she was afraid to loose what little she had left. She glanced up, meeting Percy's concerned eyes across the room. She realized she had a scowl on her face and attempted to look impassive, though she was past caring what they thought of her. She arose and walked towards the door, shivering as she stepped out into the cool evening air. Time had no meaning as Annabeth sat by Thalia's tree. Thalia, one of the first and only true friends Annabeth has ever had. She leaned against the sturdy trunk. Peleus rubbed his scaly head against her hand, yearning for the affection he so rarely received. 'Peleus and I are a lot alike,' Annabeth mused. 'We both look fierce on the outside but on the inside we just want to be cared about.'
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