xxAnnabethxx
I flipped the page of the book I was currently engrossed in, flicking my eyes across the page as quickly as I could. I had to stop occasionally and stare hard at a word to fully comprehend it, but I was pleased by how few times I had to. Years of working hard to conquer my dyslexia had, for the most part, paid off. My spelling still wasn't perfect, but it was definitely much better than it would have been if I hadn't practiced almost every waking moment. And I could read relatively fast as well, which is a relief to me, as I loved to read.
I was curled up in my 'reading spot'; a nest of blankets in the corner of my closet. It may be a bit odd to most people to think about reading in a closet, but with two seven year old twin brothers on the loose, I had to find privacy somehow. And to this day, they still haven't discovered where I went to when I read, so it was a nice escape when I wanted to get away from them.
Bobby and Mathew were adorable and really sweet, but they could get… frustrating sometimes. Just like all siblings, I suppose. When my father had re-married Sue Kalusky when I was nine, I had suddenly found myself sharing my father with two little half-brothers. I hadn't liked them much, at first, as accustomed as I was to life as an only child, but eventually we had settled our differences. They were seven years old now, and too smart for their own good. But then again, so was I.
I sank deeper into the blankets, still lost in the world of the book. The thin rays of light seeping around the cracks of the closet door were just enough to read in. I felt myself getting more anxious; I was reaching the climax of the book. Any second now, and the villain would jump out at the heroine; I was sure of it. All the signs were there- the shadows looming around her, the scuffling in the shadows, everything. Any second now-
"Annabeth?"
I jumped out of my seat, dropping the book as the closet was flung open. Clutching a hand to my chest to help still my thumping heart, I turned to my amused-looking father with wide eyes.
"Dad!" I said indignantly. "You gave me a heart attack!"
"Sorry," he said, smiling down at me through his wire-rimmed glasses. "I was just checking up on you."
"I'm fine," I said, rolling my eyes as I reached for my book. Frowning, I set it in my lap, thumbing through the pages to look for the one I was on before my dad scared me to death.
"You've been in here all day, Annie," Dad said, frowning slightly. "You sure you don't want to get some air?"
"I'll get air later," I said, waving him off. "I'm at the best part of my book."
Dad shook his head fondly, but raised his eyebrows. "Get out of the closet, Annabeth; go for a walk or something. The book will be there when you finish."
"But Dad-" I exclaimed, sending him a sharp look.
"But nothing, Annabeth," Dad said. "You've been in the closet for three hours straight. Go get some sunlight; you're paler than a vampire."
"Am not!" I defended, glancing down at my very tanned skin. "Now you're just making things up!"
"Maybe I am," Dad shrugged. "Outside, Annabeth."
I let out an exasperated sigh. "Fine," I muttered, clambering to my feet. When I was standing, I stared at him resolutely, holding my book up. "But I'm bringing this with me."
"Annie-" Dad sighed.
"You said to go outside," I said with a sniff. "I'll be outside. You said nothing about reading there." I jutted my chin out in the air stubbornly and marched past him, flipping my blond hair over my shoulder as I went.
"At least walk around a bit!" Dad called after me as I turned onto the stairs. "Stretch your legs out!"
I stuck my tongue out at him, even though he couldn't see me. I know, I know- very mature of me. But I didn't really have much more of a response for him and his overprotective ways. Who cared if I spent a Sunday afternoon reading? It's not like I did it every day. And here I was, being forced to go take a walk. Well, I would. But I would read while I was doing it.
I grinned victoriously when I finally found the page I had been on before I had dropped the book. Skimming the paragraphs, I found my place and looked down, reading on.
My dad had always warned me not to walk and read, but it was a skill I had perfected over the years. I guided myself into the entrance hall and placed a hand on the doorknob, pushing the front door open.
The chilly air outside hit me as soon as I took my first step out of the house. The weather had still been hanging onto the last, fading strands of summer for the past few weeks, but now that it was late October the fall chill was setting in. Very soon the frost would start to set in, and we may even get a few flurries of snow in January. It was doubtful for this year, but definitely possible. I hoped it would, at least a little; I loved the snow. I always had.
When I reached the sidewalk, I turned right, focused on my book. One trip around the block would be enough to appease my dad for now. And in that time, I could probably get through another entire chapter, and thus so be nearly done with the book. I felt a flutter of excitement, but also disappointment, the emotions I always felt when I finished a good story. Disappointment because it was over, and excitement because I could move on to my next book.
I wasn't really sure why I liked reading so much. Maybe it was the lure of escaping into someone else's world, experiencing their thoughts and feelings, that I enjoyed. Perhaps I liked reading about other peoples' problems rather than dealing with my own for a change. Or maybe it was because I liked to get lost in the story, a story that will be so much more interesting than mine will ever be.
I strolled along the sidewalk, head lost in my book. I let a brief triumphant smile slide onto my face as I read; the villain had indeed been lurking in the shadows. Predictable, but necessary to the plot. Now for the climax- she would make a choice that would either save the world or destroy it. I was leaning towards the 'destroy' part- that would be an interesting twist, wouldn't it?- but of course she would save it. That's what heroes and heroines do. They always had a happy ending. If only that were true in real life.
"How do you- I don't- oh, shoot-!" someone cursed.
Suddenly, I let out a loud gasp. Someone rammed into me, sending me tumbling back. My book flew out of my hands, and I landed hard on the pavement, flat on my back. I felt my attacker fall as well, flying in the opposite direction.
I laid there for a moment, struggling to draw breath into my lungs. The wind had been completely knocked out of me, and I found myself struggling for air. Eyes wide, I clenched my fists, floundering for a few seconds.
"Oh, crap," I heard a voice mutter. A grunt sounded in front of me, and suddenly I was staring straight into the deepest pair of green eyes I had ever seen. "You're not dead, are you?"
My chest expanded again, and I drew in a shuddering breath. Coughing loudly, I sat up, pushing the guy who had been leaning over me out of the way. "No I'm not dead," I snapped at him hoarsely, wincing as I massaged my chest.
The guy sat back, looking relieved. "Oh, good. I don't even want to imagine how much trouble I would get into for that." He turned to glare at me. "What were you doing, not paying attention like that? You could have hurt me!"
I stared at him incredulously. "Me, hurt you?" I asked in disbelief. I noticed a skateboard lying a few feet away, the wheels still spinning. "Maybe you should learn how to skateboard!"
"I'm trying, alright?" the guy snapped at me. He rolled his eyes. "Everyone's a critic," he mumbled, gently massaging his head.
I took the chance to quickly size him up. He looked to be about sixteen, my age, with deeply tanned skin. His shaggy jet black hair was cut choppily and was so long it fell into insanely bright green eyes- I mean, honestly, eyes weren't supposed to be that bright. He was admittedly attractive, but I felt automatically wary of him; his face seemed set into a permanent scowl and any bonus points he would have gotten for those eyes were withdrawn when I saw how coldthey were. They were tough and suspicious and unfeeling. I knew immediately that this was not a guy I wanted to get involved with.
As if to prove my point the guy scowled at me again before clambering to his feet. "Hasn't anyone ever taught you not to walk and read?" he shot at me.
I felt myself stiffen. "Hasn't anyone ever taught you manners?" I snarled at him, standing up. I wobbled a bit, but after a few seconds I was able to get my footing down and glared hard at him, crossing my arms.
He rolled his eyes. "Oh, I'm so scared," he said sarcastically.
I was liking his boy less and less. "Just get out of here!" I snapped at him, looking around for my book. I found it lying in the gutter. Thankfully, it was dry, so my book was spared the bath it would otherwise have received. Bending over, I picked it up, carefully dusting the dirt and gravel off of it.
For some reason, my words just seemed to amuse the idiot. "Actually, I can't, seeing as we're standing in front of my house," he said superiorly.
Confused, I glanced up the walk at the house we were in front of; my neighbor's house, Poseidon Jackson. This boy didn't live here. Turning back to him, I smiled sweetly.
"Sorry, kid, but I happen to know my own neighbor," I said mockingly. "And you are not him."
The guy cocked an eyebrow coolly. "Think again, wise girl," he said. I narrowed my eyes at the petty name he had given me, but he ignored it. "I just moved here today," he went on, reaching over to pick up the skateboard. "With my dad." Straightening up, he smirked at me. "My name is Percy Jackson."
Alright. I was complete lost. "Mr. Jackson has a son?" I asked, bewildered.
Percy shrugged nonchalantly. "Kinda. He doesn't really care about me. I was sent here this year for 'probation'." He looked a bit too pleased with his achievements.
"What'd you do?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. "Rob a bank?"
Percy chuckled lowly, and I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up. This boy was dangerous. "Maybe," is all he said. "I didn't catch your name," he said, prompting me.
I clutched my book to my chest. "And you're not going to," I said flatly.
Percy rolled his eyes. "Ah, come on. You know my name, and if we're going to be neighbors, I at least want to be able to greet you by name."
"Fat chance, Jackson," I shot at him. Taking a few steps backwards, I kept my eyes suspiciously on him. "I'm going to walk away now. Get lost."
Percy sighed, setting the skateboard on the ground. "Ah, but getting lost is so lonely," he said, stepping on the board. Pushing off, he glided slowly towards me, examining me through his bangs. "I want some company."
I glowered at him. "Go away!" I shot at him. He was definitely rubbing me the wrong way, and I felt uneasy around him. I wasn't sure what it was, but I knew it would be better if he just left me alone.
"No," he said simply, narrowing his eyes at me as he slowly rolled along the sidewalk.
I kept backing up until I was right in front of my house. Raising an eyebrow at him, I turned abruptly and sprinted up my driveway. Behind me, I could hear him laughing his head off. I felt my cheeks flush indignantly; he had done this all on purpose! He had been trying to freak me out! That little…
I slammed the door shut behind me. I tossed my book down on the kitchen counter, scowling. It was funny, really, how one little meeting could sour my mood for the rest of the day. Not only had I met a complete jerk that wouldn't look out of place in a gang, I had learned he was my new neighbor. I didn't see how Poseidon could have a son like that; I had lived next to him pretty much my entire life, and found him to be a very pleasant man. How could he produce… that?
"Annabeth?"
I looked up to find my step-mother in the kitchen. Her black hair was tied up into a loose bun, and she was watching me closely, frowning slightly.
"Are you alright?" she asked worriedly.
"I'm fine," I said, shaking my hair back. "Just irritated. Did you know Mr. Jackson had a son?"
Sue looked surprised. "A son?" she asked, wiping her wet hands on a dish towel. "No, I didn't. Did you meet him?"
I snorted. "Unfortunately. His name is Percy, and he's some kind of juvenile delinquent. Really rude and obnoxious; major jerk."
"Really?" Sue asked, her frown deepening. "Poseidon's such a nice man. Maybe you just caught Percy on an off day."
I raised an eyebrow at her. "Mhmm," I said doubtfully.
I heard an electronic beeping on the kitchen counter. Surprised, I reached over for my cell phone, picking it up and pressing a button. "It's Thalia," I said, skimming the text. "She wants me to come over and study with her."
Sue stared at me. "Thalia wants to study?" she asked incredulously.
I laughed. "She's flunking history," I said, shooting her a quick reply. "I'm going to walk over to her house."
"Alright," Sue said, turning back to the sink. "Be back by five; we're having lasagna tonight."
"Got it," I said, walking over to the closet. Grabbing my backpack, I snatched up my book, dropped it in, and headed over to the front door, pulling it open. Peering outside, I saw with relief that Percy was gone. He must have gone inside. "Bye!" I called over my shoulder.
"Say hi to Thalia for me!" Sue yelled after me as I walked out and shut the door behind me.
"I'm boooored," Thalia moaned, leaning back on her bed.
"Thalia!" I scolded. "You called me over here to study!"
"We've been studying for ages!" Thalia complained.
"It's been fifteen minutes," I said dryly.
Thalia threw her hands in the air. "Exactly!" she exclaimed. "Break-time!"
I rolled my eyes as she shut her textbook. She caught my look and crossed her eyes at me.
"Oh, lighten up, Annabeth. It's still the weekend," she said, shoving her textbook off the bed. It landed with a thud on the ground, and I scowled, reaching over to pick it back up.
"We have a test on Tuesday," I reminded her.
"So I start studying Tuesday morning," Thalia shrugged.
"And you wonder why you're failing," I muttered.
We were currently lounging in Thalia's room, attempting to study. Out of all the students at Goode High School, we were the most unlikely pair of friends out there. With her short, choppy black hair, electric blue eyes, and nose piercing, she cast off a definite punk rock aura. She was a year older than me, having been held back a year, but acted as though she were still twelve most of the time. And she didn't put much effort into her schoolwork. Don't get me wrong, she was smart; she just didn't know how to apply herself and focus on her work. Compared to my no-nonsense preppy attitude, it was quite an achievement for us to even get along. But I loved Thalia; when she wasn't infuriating me, at least.
"Let's talk," Thalia said, pretending not to have heard my last comment. She jumped back on the bed, putting her hands behind her head and shutting her eyes.
"About what?" I asked resignedly, setting aside my study guide and hopping up to sit cross-legged on her bed.
"I don't know. Life?" Thalia asked, smirking at me.
I rolled my eyes. "Wow, that really narrows it down."
Thalia laughed a little. "No, seriously, what's up with you?" she asked, cracking open an eye to look at me. Her eyes always made me shiver. They were nearly identical to her brother Jason's eyes, although hers were slightly darker; but they both seemed to crackle with some hidden electricity, and could look extremely dangerous when they were angry.
I sighed, leaning my chin on my fist. "I have a new neighbor," I said, my irritated mood returning as I recalled my meeting with Percy earlier.
"Did someone move out?" Thalia asked, surprised.
"No, it's Mr. Jackson's son," I said, sighing.
Thalia stared at me in confusion. "Since when does that guy have a son?"
I shrugged. "Since now, I guess."
"How old is he?" Thalia asked, curious.
"He seemed about our age."
A smirk fell across Thalia's face. "Is he hot?" she asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.
I wrinkled my nose. "Ew, no," I lied. "He's a delinquent. His mom shipped him here on 'probation'," I said, making air quotes around the word.
Thalia frowned. "Probation for what?"
"I don't know," I said. "I asked him if he robbed a bank, but he just said 'maybe'." I frowned down at my lap, thinking hard. "He seemed so cold, as if he had no emotions whatsoever. And he was totally rude."
"Well," Thalia said, grinning at me, "if he is our age, I'll knock him down to size at school. A couple of punches here, a slap there, and he'll be straightened out soon enough!"
I laughed quietly, but it was half-hearted. "I would feel better if you left him alone," I admitted.
Thalia narrowed her eyes at me. "Why? Don't think I could take him?" she asked, her voice slightly heated.
"No, no," I said quickly. "I would just prefer it if he stayed out of my life as much as possible. And that means you don't get to beat him up," I said sternly, giving her the evil eye.
"You're his neighbor," Thalia pointed out. "I think you're going to see him, at least a little. Especially if he goes to our school."
"Please, I'm an expert at avoiding people," I said proudly, smirking at her. "He'll never run into me."
"Yeah, you'll just hide in your closet," Thalia snorted. "With a pile of books and math homework and-"
"Shut up, Thalia," I snapped, irritated.
Thalia laughed at my expense, ignoring the glare I was shooting her.
"Besides," I went on, trying to ignore her, "he might not even go to our school. There are like, reformatories around here, right? Maybe he goes to one of those! Or… or prison!"
"I think you're getting ahead of yourself, Annabeth," Thalia said wryly, cocking an eyebrow at me.
I shrugged. "But there are dozens of schools in New York. What are the chances he'll go to ours?"
Thalia just grinned at me. "I don't know, Annabeth," she said. "We'll just have to see tomorrow, won't we?"
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews last chapter! I'm glad so many people read this story!
I know this was a quick update, but I just wanted to get this story moving. From here on out, expect updates maybe once a week or so, or every few days. It won't be this fast from now on, don't worry.
Thanks for reading; please leave a review if you enjoyed it and want me to continue!
Xoxo,
Kayla
