Misunderstandings

Hi! So this is slightly AU, gods are real but I'm taking some artistic license and the Great Prophecy and war aren't happening.

Disclaimer: I think we all agree that it is much more likely that Rick Riordan is working on Blood of Olympus than fanfiction about his own characters, so yeah. I don't own anything familiar from PJO or possibly HoO, I only own the ideas from my head.

Chapter One

Annabeth

I was done with dresses. I used to like them. I really did. But then my step-mother's friend had to come to brunch. And I had to be there to meet her. Susan, my stepmother, just thought I would adore Penny and see the value of real friendship. What she didn't mention was that Penny was a modeling agent that just loved to look for new talent, even when said talent was not looking for her.

As you might guess, she offered me a modeling job. She couldn't have had worse timing. Earlier that morning, my dad and I had been talking about college, and our less-than-ideal financial situation. I really wanted to be an architect. It has been my life-long dream. My family supports that, but we really don't have the money to put me through the rigorous training that that field requires.

The worst part is my dad though. He wants me to be an architect so badly. He really loves me, his only little girl. I like that, as much as I say, "Dad, I'm not little any more. I'm sixteen." And it just kills him to not be able to give me the education I crave.

You see, I'm a daughter of Athena. The Greek goddess and all that. Yeah, she and all the other Olympians are real. Their power moves with western civilization, and right now that's in America. So the gods are here, influencing mortal affairs and having children. There's even a camp for these children, Camp Half-Blood for demigods in Long Island. I go there every summer.

Anyway, it kills my dad to have to deny me that education, knowing how much it means to me and how much he wants me to succeed. We were discussing scholarships and such, when Penny arrived and we had to pause our conversation. So, with that fresh in our minds, Penny offers me a well-paid job.

The morning had started out well enough though. The doorbell rang, and Susan ran to get it, throwing open the door.

"Oh, Penny! It is so good to see you!" she exclaimed. Soon she was engulfed in a hug from the lady outside. After they stepped in, we were all introduced.

"Annabeth, Bobby, Matthew, Frederick, this is Penny!" my step-mother gushed at us.

"Oh my, what a lovely family!" Penny responded. She was a slight, petite woman in a dress that showed off her curves and slightly wavy brown hair framing her heart-shaped face.

"It's nice to meet such a good friend of my wife's," my dad said, smiling and shaking Penny's hand. "I'm Frederick. Bobby, Matthew, say hello to our guest."

My twin brothers shuffled forward and greeted the lady, then shuffled back behind our dad. Penny then turned to me.

"And you must be Annabeth!" she smiled, but there was something more than friendliness. She was looking over me, appraising me, it seemed. "I have heard so much about you, darling! I can't wait to get to know you."

"I look forward to it too," I said back politely. "I also have heard about you." I smiled at her. She seemed nice enough. Except for that look she had, I could tell she meant well and really cared about my mom. Hey, when you've spent your whole life training to read people, you know things.

We then entered the living room, where Susan and I had set out snacks and drinks earlier. We sat down and talked. Susan and Penny were always in the center of the conversation, bringing anything said back to their college days. It was sweet, to see Susan having so much fun with her friend. I've had trouble with Susan in the past, even ran away when I was seven. But things were starting to get better, and the gods know I wasn't going to hold it against the woman for having good friends.

Finally we reached the career part of every adult conversation. Bobby and Matthew had retreated to the family room, but I didn't have the ten year-old excuse, even if I was ADHD. So I sat patiently, not really having anything to contribute as they talked about my dad's job. I perked up when the talking turned to Penny though. I was curious to see what she did for a living.

"So, Penny, how are things with your job?" Susan asked.

"Oh, busy as ever!" Penny laughed. "I've been handling some new recruits and am positively swamped with shoots!" My dad and I just nodded politely and smiled, not sure what she was talking about.

"Oh my! Frederick, honey, Annabeth, Penny is a modeling agent," my step-mom put in. "So silly of me! I should have mentioned that."

"Ah, right. Modeling," my dad responded, looking only slightly less bewildered. I held in a laugh.

"Yes, modeling," Penny went on, unperturbed by my dad's expression. "Really, it gets such a bad rep, but it's such a nice business! I mean, what girl doesn't like to be gorgeous and get paid for it?" She was so into it, but I had heard this spiel from all the Aphrodite girls.

"What kind of photo shoots to you do?" I asked, because I was genuinely curious and I wanted to be polite. I shouldn't have bothered. Penny pounced on me like my question was the mouse finally emerging from its hole and she was the cat.

"Oh, all sorts of things. Whatever my clients prefer. From ball gowns to swimsuits!" she hurriedly exclaimed back.

"How nice," I offered, a bit wary of her mannerisms.

"Oh yes. Have you ever given modeling a thought, Annabeth dear? I sure you would love it!" Penny pitched at me. I understood now. That's what she'd been after all along, the appraising looks and excited promoting. She wanted to recruit me.

"Oh, um, not really. I'm more into books, and well, school."

"How unfortunate. With your looks and natural beauty, you would fit into so many shoots! And make quite a bit of money, too," she continued, obviously not giving up. She was laying on the flattery and persuasiveness pretty thick, and I could see Susan agreeing.

"Oh yes, Annabeth!" she jumped in. "This could be so much fun! Imagine all the outfits, and you could maybe travel and meet some boys…"

"Slow down here," Dad cut in. Finally! Help! I pictured a sea battle, my reinforcement ships finally arriving to help defend against the enemy. "I don't know about this. What about school? And 'boys'? Really, Susan, Annabeth is only sixteen."

"And is right here," I spoke up, raising my hand. "Like I said, I'm not really into modeling, but thanks for the offer."

"Thank you," my dad said.

"Wait, sweetie," Susan directed at me. Wow. She must really want this, to call me sweetie. "Think about it. You would still be able to go to school. It could be a side job. Right, Penny?" Penny nodded in affirmation. "So," she continued, "this could be a great opportunity. Experience some new things, earn some money. You could save for college! And you could go to that expensive one you want to go to!"

"Is this true?" I asked Penny. Once again, she nodded. "So how much could I make per shoot?"

Penny listed a digit way higher than I expected. (A/N: I have no idea how much modeling pays) I gaped slightly, surprised.

"That doesn't take out agent and handling fees, but per full body shoot, which I could get you, that is about right." Penny informed us. It was tempting, but I still wasn't fully on board.

"So you're saying…" my dad could be seen doing some quick math. "With about 10 shoots, she could earn her way through college?" (A/N: once again, no idea)

"Yes, it's quite an opportunity."

I played myself a defeat song, my mental ship sinking into the water as I could see all three adults agree. Betrayal. I was surrounded. I would never make it out alive. But even though I tried to channel my inner John Paul Jones, as all three of my brunch companions turned to me, I raised my white flag and the mast of my ship sank under the surface.

So, how was it? Please review & follow! Constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome :) I would love feedback, this is my first fanfic so please tell me what you think!