A/N Thanks to Alexandra June for reviewing! Thanks for the tips. I really didn't know how to respond to your review because those were the doubts I had when starting the story. I only hope it turns out right in the end. :D I also thank all of you who favoured and followed my story. I've never thought I would get a response at all.
The new cover was made by my BFF Reana (A.K.A Weena Beena!)!
Anyway, Athena might be OOC in this fic, you'll find out why in this chapter.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own PJO in ANY way. It belongs to Rick Riordan. :3
Thalia stared dumbfounded at my defiant look on my face.
"What? Do you want to do this?" I nodded earnestly as she shook her head in shock.
"Annabeth suing your mom for some birth control pills isn't the best solution. It's like using a sledgehammer to kill a tiny spider!" Thalia continued to gaze waiting for my reaction. I paled at the word spider.
"I'm being abused in every way and forced to join events. My life choices aren't choices anymore, I don't have a say in life," I say furious she would suggest such a thing, "I don't think a couple of pills are going to help me in this case."
She shrugged before answering, "Hey you're still a teen, you have hormones." I suddenly had a thought. "Why the hell am I even telling you this?" "Don't ask me," I couldn't help but grin a bit despite being uncomfortable. The store came into view, "Look we're here at the grocery store thanks!"
I attempted to escape while slightly embarrassed for admitting what I've been hiding for years but I was held back by Thalia's hand. "Here's Percy's number and mine, call me if you need help. I hope you're still not mad." I looked at the piece of paper and back at her. "I'm not mad and thanks," I walked away.
With a happier mood and a weight lifted off my chest, I patted my pocket which held the information I needed and entered the store.
It was 7:35 p.m when I got back. I knew I was late so I made sure no one was near the front door. I looked through the window, the coast was clear; I ran in and put down the groceries on the kitchen counter. I had found everything my mom put on the list. Unfortunately, I getting lost and my talk with Thalia made me about half an hour late.
I just had to get to my room without being caught but when I turned around my mom stood there, arms crossed and a scowl on her face. "Annabeth Chase," she ground out. Her whole body was tense and I swallowed nervously.
A repressed memory found its way into the present.
"Why didn't you win?" Dark eyes flashed with fury.
"Why are you so late?" She deepened her scowl.
"I tried my best. I'm sorry!" My insides curled at the thought of her being mad at me.
"I got lost on the way, I'm sorry." Please let me leave and just be done with this, it's pointless!
"Your best wasn't obviously perfect! You disappoint me!" She stepped forward threateningly as I shook in fear. I was only 6 that time.
"I give you a simple chore and you even mess this up! Why are you so stupid?" She stalked towards me as I backed away slowly.
She slapped me.
She slapped me.
A cry was heard as the ringing sound of flesh hit flesh.
I let out a choked gasp as her hand made contact.
Although, she had done worse before like punching and throwing things; each time they left a mark physically, it had a bigger impact mentally too. I've never understood why there was need for violence. She would also verbally abuse me. No child should go through this every single day. Suddenly anger rushed through me; I stood up sharply rubbing my cheek.
"I'm tired of being your 'perfect daughter'!" I exclaimed as I angrily walked closer to her. "I'm not going to be pushed anymore!" My eyes narrowed as I was now nose to nose with her. "I want to be able to make choices for myself and you need to stop abusing me!"
"Well if you don't like it here then leave," she smirked. It unnerved me how calm she could stay during these fights, as if she expected my replies. For every blow up we had, she had always given me opportunities to leave before but I never took them. It was about to change today though.
"Fine, I'm leaving right here, right now," I said as my mom quickly looked at me in shock.
"Wait, what? Are you serious?" her eyes were wild, I wonder if she cared if I left. Ha! Who am I kidding, the answer is obvious. No.
"Yes I'm serious. I'm leaving right now. I'm going to pack right after this." Why am I so calm? I'm about to leave everything I've known.
"Annabeth, no! I demand you stay here," she quickly ordered. Was that a hint of fear in her voice?
Its strange how one little thing can trigger your entire mental stability to just collapse. I've had this feeling many times mostly cause by Athena. I wonder if this was happening to her right now.
Instead of replying to her, I quickly gave my mom a withering look and sprinted upstairs. I heard Athena scream loudly. Everything else was a blur; I locked the door and took out my shoulder bag. It contained my two most precious things; my laptop which I won as a prize for 1st place and my favourite Yankees hat. The only gift my mom has ever given me other than educational supplies but they didn't count.
I also threw in an extra pair of clothes.
Under my bed were storage boxes full of books and supplies for my learning. Inside a small box behind some huge ones, there was a wad of money. For years, I had been collecting money for paying a lawyer.
I counted the money each week, I had $1380.75. I know how expensive lawyers cost but I still have to try. Plus, it's way too late to back down now. I couldn't confront my mom while she's probably waiting outside my door right now. My only option was the window.
I ran up to it. I looked at my reflection; I had wet streaks running down my face. I didn't realize I've been sobbing until now. With a groan I hulled my shoulder bag on my shoulder and opened the window. The wind brushed on my cold cheeks. My cheek still felt sore after that slap; I winced at the pain.
I looked down; my room was on the second floor. There were vines if I maneuvered correctly I could make it down safely. In addition to being extremely smart, I was pretty athletic so I hoped all those workouts in the gym paid off.
I sent a last look around my room, my childhood memories were all made in here. With a deep breath, I slowly lowered myself out of my window and my feet grasped for a grip. My footing was precise exactly the way I planned all of it in my head. When I was about close enough to the ground I dropped down. Like in those action movies, I landed in a squatting position. I felt like James Bond but right now wasn't the time.
Staring at the large mansion behind me, I turned around and ran as far away as possible. When I finally stopped I was at the grocery store. I spotted a payphone not far away. I had change in my bag but who was I going to call?
Like those cheesy moments in films my eyes strayed to the pocket. I'll call Thalia! Hopefully she wouldn't mind. I took out the paper, it was a bit crumpled. I inserted a 25¢ and punched in the specific numbers. As it dialed, I examined my surroundings. The store was closed was dark, it was closed. Everything was silent except for the occasional traffic.
"Hello?"
"Hey Thalia, it's me Annabeth."
"Why'd ya call so late?"
"… umm well it's not good news."
"What did you do?"
"Well I kinda ran away from home. And now, my mom's kinda pissed at me."
"Oh my gods, why? Do you want me to pick you up?"
"I mean if you're allowed to. I hope I'm not being a burden. I'm at the grocery store."
"It's okay; I'll be there in 10 minutes."
"Thanks Thalia!"
"Yeah, you're welcome."
"Bye."
I wonder how my mom's feeling. No kidding she's angry. Maybe she's concerned? I really doubt that though. I slowly got lost in my thoughts. My mom would definitely call numbers; I had a spelling event to attend tomorrow. I just stayed there, against the wall; just thinking how easily things have changed.
Suddenly a honk interrupted my thoughts. It was Thalia's ride, I sprang up.
I was silent as I slid in. "What happened to your cheek?" "Uh, I hit myself accidentally," I gave probably the worst excuse ever in the whole world but honestly, I wasn't in the mood to deal with this. Even smart people need a break.
"That was the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Someone hit you right?" I just nodded numbly.
"You can crash at my place for tonight," she said, "My mom's out drinking." I immediately caught the bitter tone she used. "I'm sorry," I said understanding what it's like to have a messed up mom. "I don't like using my last name cause it reminds me of my mom," Thalia said not looking at me once. Her eyes stayed focused on the road. "It's Grace anyway."
I just nodded again.
"I can't say for sure you can stay tomorrow though," she added, "My mom's going to freak when she sees you so I'll find you a place you can stay."
"Thanks."
She smiled crookedly but it was dampened from the talk of her mom, "It's fine." We pulled up to a townhouse. It was average looking, nothing too special about it.
"Here I'll show you where you'll be sleeping," she opened the door and yelled, "Jason, I have a friend who's staying over tonight." A boy who had blonde hair, same electric blue eyes as Thalia ran in. "Sup," he said, "My name's Jason."
Thalia rolled her eyes and she pulled on my arm. I smiled softly as Thalia dragged me up the stairs. "Here you can sleep in the extra room."
The walls and carpet were a plain shade of grey. Just like my eyes. "It has its own bathroom, you'll find it." I nodded as I sat down on the bed. She left the room and I was alone. I decided sleep was probably the best cure for this messed up day. Hopefully, things would get better soon.
As I got ready, all I knew was that my life was going change, get lawyer, sue mom and win court case! Happy normal life without crazy mom! Well, I was most definitely wrong about that.
A/N Well, hope you enjoyed it. Next chapter PERCABETH is introduced. If you want any other couples included then just tell me. Unfortunately I don't think I can add Thalico (for obvious reasons). There will be T rated scenes in later chapters. Are the chapters too short or too long?
I'll probably update soon, maybe around next Wednesday or Thursday! If I don't by then, you have the right to eat all my brownies! Here, free brownie! [ : : ] If you don't take it, Hades will steal your underwear! (He has an underwear fetish)
Anyway ~ toodles ~ (Yes I say that, DON'T JUDGE ME)
-BurntBlack
