Trouble at Goode

Character used within the plot belong to Rick Riordan

Chapter 2

ANNABETH POV

As I was witnessing the commotion that was happening between Percy and another group of jocks it came to mind rather quickly that a fight was about to breakout. I asked to myself why? Don't all jocks get along together? Guess not. I quickly went to a teacher nearby and told them of the commotion that was happening between Percy and others. They hurriedly pushed through the crowd of students that no doubt were trying to record the fight that was about to happen. They escorted Percy and his pals with the other jocks to the principal's office. It was later announced that Percy and his friends were sent home over the intercom in our classes.

From the moment I saw Percy Jackson I could already tell he was a troublemaker. At first I thought he was going to be the stereotypical stupid and sex driven jock. I was wrong but that still didn't mean I wasn't careful with him whenever we did speak. I put on a façade that I was apathetic towards him. But in reality I was somewhat attracted to him. I liked his jet black hair, his sarcastic smile, how funny was, his muscled yet slender frame, and his face was just the definition of hot and attractive. But most of all I loved his deep sea green eyes. They were my favorite shade of green. But that didn't really matter because I don't need any more trouble in my life.

I was thinking this while I was in my Art class. I didn't choose my classes, the school did. I'm a transfer student from San Francisco and moved due to certain issues at my previous high school. However, Goode wasn't much different. There were still fights (Percy and friends.), hardcore drugs was a still an issue, nonstop bullying, and of course there always is a social hierarchy. At my previous high school I was not at the bottom but I wasn't exactly popular either. I decided it was time for a change I wanted tryout for cheerleading, gymnastics, and volleyball. One reason I wanted to try out for extracurricular activities is also to avoid my family as much as possible. I can only handle so much arguing.

"What's on your mind?" The girl who sat beside me broke me out of my thoughts. She had chocolate brown skin with curly brown hair to her shoulders. Her eyes were a combination of amber and gold colored. To sum it all up she was very pretty.

"Nothing. I was just wondering what I should draw." But unlike Percy I looked at her when I talked. I recognized her. She was one of Percy's friends.

"Why was Percy about to fight those popular jocks? Isn't he one himself?" I asked. She smiled. But her eyes showed a hint of sadness.

"Everyone assumes Percy and my boyfriend Frank are like all the other jocks that are assholes." She gave a humorless laugh. "Yes Percy and Frank are popular jocks but they're different. In specific, Percy and Luke have history. All he said was that Luke betrayed him but he never told us exactly how."

I wasn't much to like gossip but the curiosity got the best of me. "So they were going to fight over bad history? Why was your boyfriend involved if it's Percy's fight?

She smiled. "That's how Frank is, he always has his friends back. Same for Percy. Plus 5v1 isn't exactly fair." She did raise a good point. We've been having a conversation that we forgot to introduce ourselves.

"By the way my name is Annabeth Chase I'm a transfer student." She smiled and offered her hand. I accepted and shook her hand.

"Hi Annabeth nice to meet you. My name is Hazel Levesque" We both laughed because that's how our conversation should've started.

We decided to focus on our art work. I had no idea what I was drawing. So I kept at it. By the end of the class period the body of an owl was complete. I would have to complete the rest of it another day when I came back to art. I waved Hazel goodbye as I headed to the bathroom. Inside the bathroom there were I was guessing the cheerleaders. They had way too much makeup on. In all honesty they looked like clowns. I don't really wear makeup so I guess I couldn't relate with these girls on why I should wear some.

Since I was planning on trying out for the cheerleading squad I decided to ask them when they held it. I walked up to one of the cheerleading girls. She was very pretty. In summary she had choppy brown hair that was braided beautifully. I couldn't tell the color of her eyes it was if they changed color based on what color you liked best. At first they were brown, they then changed to blue, then to my favorite which was green. I could tell she was mixed maybe half white and half Native American? I hate to assume but that was my best guess.

"Hi I was interested in trying out for the cheerleading squad I was wondering when they held them?" She looked at me. She seemed different from the other cheerleaders. She was calm and collected. She didn't squeal like the other dumb cheerleaders.

"They're today right after school. I don't think you have to worry if you're going to make it or not. I'm Piper Mclean by the way. I'll see you at tryouts, I'm kind of in a hurry." With that she winked and left the bathroom. I quickly headed to the gymnasium for P.E. I dreaded P.E I loved doing sports and all but most of the jocks were in my P.E class which meant it was not going to be fun. Most of the jocks were probably ball hogs and liked to start fights if they lost. Thankfully the P.E teacher Coach Hedge gave everyone free time since it was after all, the first day of school.

I really wasn't in the mood to do anything physical today so I decided to sit on the gym bleachers and wait it out till the end of the period. As I was sitting I took around my surroundings. Goode's gymnasium was huge. I heard they get a lot of donations from very rich corporate partners. Not that it mattered. Everyone was doing their own thing but mostly everyone was gossiping or talking to each other.

"Hey beautiful what are you doing here all by yourself?" As I turned out around to see who it was. I realized it was the leader of the group that was trying to fight Percy. I deduced his name was Luke, the one Hazel was talking about. I decided to ignore him. I could already tell what type of individual he was. Troublemaker, sex driven, cocky, and no doubt a womanizer like most guys at this school.

He kept trying to talk to me but I continued ignoring him. He was getting unbearable he tried to touch me but I shoved his filthy hands off me every time he attempted to. After constantly shoving him away I couldn't bear it any longer I was about to get up and walk away but he grabbed my waist.

"Where do you think you're going missy?" He pulled me towards him and I slapped him as hard as I could. How dare he try to something without my permission? I guess he wasn't used to getting slapped or denied by females because his face was full of shock.

"Stay the fuck away from me you fuck boy!" I realized I had yelled at him as my voice echoed around the gym. Everyone began to look at our direction. Suddenly the gym was quiet and all the attention was on us. People began creeping a little closer to see what the situation was. But before it could escalate. Hazel and some of her friends pulled me out of the situation.

From behind I could hear Luke's voice. "You made a big mistake. You'll regret it. I'm going to make you suffer!" Everyone dispersed when coach Hedge entered the gymnasium wondering what all the shouting was. He began yelling and told everyone to change in the locker rooms. Hazel and I quickly went to the girl's locker room. Hazel and her friends asked me what happened. As I recounted what happened with Luke trying to hit on me and proceeded to try to touch me, they all shook their heads as if this was common around the school.

"Good for you Annabeth. You stood up to that creep. Many of the girls just let him do it because they're scared of him." I felt good, but at the same time I was afraid. Now I had a target on my back because I didn't let him have what he wanted. I was afraid he would come after me when no one was around, which in all honesty makes me an easier target because I don't have a lot of friends.

"Don't worry Annabeth we're here for you. We won't let Luke do anything to you. I imagine Percy won't either. He hates him. Especially when he tries to molest females." I felt a little better but Percy didn't know me. Why would he try to protect me?

Hazel's friends introduced themselves as Juniper and Rachel. As I introduced myself to them Piper the girl I met in the bathroom came into the locker rooms.

"Hey you ready for cheerleading tryouts? It's going to be in the gymnasium I wouldn't change because they're happening as soon as last period P.E clears out. She waved at Hazel and friends and they waved back. They seemed to recognize each other but I guess they weren't close friends. Piper left to go stretch while I sat in the locker rooms trying to forget what happened today. Hazel, Rachel, and Juniper had finished changing but before leaving they gave me their phone numbers so I could text them if I needed anything.

"You should come to Percy's meeting today. It's at the local park. It's about fighting back against Luke. You should go considering…since you know what happened today. The meeting is around 7:00P.M." It was Juniper who recommended me to go. It was odd because she was the most quiet from the trio. I nodded and told them I would try to go. They seemed satisfied with my response and left to go home.

I sat in the locker room for a few more minutes. I composed myself. Pushed what had happened in P.E aside and went out to the gymnasium. There were a lot of girls trying out for the cheerleading squad but only a select few are going to be chosen. From the distance I could see a girl who I assumed was the cheerleading captain. From the way she screamed at the girls trying out, I could tell she was a bitch.

"You guys suck, you're doing everything wrong. Why are you even at this school? You have no talent!"

"Drew calm down they don't know the moves yet they're trying." It was Piper who was trying to calm Drew down. But by the way Piper eyed Drew she hated Drew with a passion.

"Shut up Piper I'm the captain you're not so stay out. Unless you want to be kicked of the cheerleading squad?" Piper reluctantly stayed quiet. But I could tell she was pissed.

"Now, now Drew you seriously need to calm down." It was a girl who was coming from the hallway entrances. She looked like a model. She was insanely beautiful, she had black hair and blue eyes. Her body was perfect. Slim waist and was curvy like no other. Her face spotless which radiated beauty, she didn't need any makeup. Tt was all natural beauty. I was kind of jealous. If she wasn't wearing her Cheerleading uniform I would've mistaken her for a model.

"You're not captain yet Drew. I'm still captain I haven't graduated yet." She gave Drew a mocking smirk.

"I know, I know Silena you don't have to remind me" Drew rolled her eyes and got of the way. This chick Drew loved power she wanted power. What a loser I thought to myself. She realized I was glaring at her and gave me a sinister smile.

"Alright girls show me what you've got!" Silena showcased the moves we had to perform. I think I did relatively well which in all fairness should be rated as great because most of the girls had absolutely no coordination or flexibility.

As Silena was announcing the names of the girls who made the cheerleading squad a lot of groans and squealing was happening. Groans from those who didn't make it and squealing from the girls who did.

"Annabeth Chase, Congrats you've made the squad. Welcome to the Goode High School Cheerleading squad." I smiled so wide that my cheeks hurt. They gave me the gear for the cheerleading squad. I got a varsity jacket similar to the guys except of course smaller size and the girl's jacket had a hoodie embedded which the guy's jacket didn't have. I got the Goode cheerleading uniform. Some apparel, some Goode shorts, sweatpants, T shirts, long sleeves, sweatshirts, and lastly the Good High duffel bag. I loved the bag out of everything.

"Hey Annabeth we're going to this Café nearby do you want to come?" Piper looked at me with defiance as if daring me to say no. I nodded and decided to go with them. But I told them before we left if I could change from my gym clothes into the Goode High apparel. They smiled and agreed to let me change. I decided to change into the Goode long sleeve and shorts. Since it was the beginning of fall it wasn't exactly cold yet and it wasn't hot. It was just the right temperature to wear long sleeves and shorts.

When I came out Silena and Piper where whistling and cat calling me. All I did was laugh and told them I was ready to go to the Café. Silena and Piper told Drew to take a hike and lied to her telling her we were going to a boring place. We went through the front doors of the school and headed to the parking lot. Silena was the one driving and of course Piper called shotgun. We put our bags in the trunk of her Jeep. As we got in I couldn't help but notice how Piper and Silena talked to each other, with such ease almost like they were sisters. We talked about our first day of school during the drive. Which teacher we hated, the daily gossip, and boys… I was silent for majority of the talk about which boys they thought were cute, who was the best athlete, which guy and girl would be a good couple etc. It wasn't until Silena talked that I decided to perk up.

"We're here, alright let's get some coffee. I'm not really hungry. How about you girls?" Silena asked us. Piper and I shook our heads. I wasn't really hungry but I was in the mood for some coffee. I needed the caffeine, I didn't show it physically but mentally I was drained. As we ordered our coffee I was about to pay when Silena shook her head and gave the cashier her card. Wow Silena was really nice. I thanked her and she smiled. They of course were still talking about which guys they thought were attractive. As I checked my phone it was already nearing 6:30 P.M. I was debating whether to attend Percy's "war gathering". Before I could say anything Silena interrupted me.

"Shit it's almost 7:00 P.M we better hurry and drink our coffee I don't want to be late for Percy's meeting." Piper nodded and began to drink her coffee as quickly as she could even though it was probably still hot.

"Wait you guys know Percy?" I asked. They started laughing at me. Did I say something funny? Or do I have something on my face?

"Duh. Everyone knows Percy he's a popular jock. He's a good athlete, he's extremely attractive, has a nice smile, he's cool, and he's nice unlike most jocks" Silena said. Silena spoke very highly of Percy. In all honesty with my encounters with him or brief conversations he has been pretty nice and he's like the only guy who hasn't hit on me yet.

"You guys sound like you know him like he's been you friend for years. How come none of you guys are dating him if he's one of the few nice guys around Goode?" Piper and Silena once again smiled at each other like if they were once again connecting on inside joke I wasn't aware of. Silena finally spoke up.

"Well for one we're both in relationships. Piper is dating Percy's cousin Jason and I'm dating another guy named Charlie Beckendorf. I only get to call him Charlie though. Both Jason and Charles are close to Percy and like him they're both cool, nice, handsome, and they know how to treat ladies. Plus the main reason we're going to Percy's meeting is because both our boyfriends are going to be there and we want to show support." I had no idea they had boyfriends. Much less that were actually nice jocks in the world. I was happy for them but one question still burned my mind.

"But… How come Percy is still single? Oh and can you guys take me to the meeting and then drop me back off at my house please?" They gave one of those sneaky grins when I asked about Percy. Fuck, why did I even asked about him in the first place? This time it was Piper who decided to answer.

"Well to answer your first question, Percy has been single since freshman year basically since I've known him. I'm pretty certain a lot of girls are after him but he doesn't really pay attention to that he's pretty obtuse when it comes to female feelings. You want to know how obtuse he is. The whole school knows that his close friend Rachel likes him more than a friend but he still considers her a sister or most likely can't tell the difference. Second question, of course, Silena doesn't mind dropping you off at home after the meeting." As I took it all in it did seem Percy was a little slow or perhaps dumb. But I knew it was a façade, he's deceivingly smart. I can tell because I've learned how to read people.

"Wow Piper you do know how to overcomplicate things. Basically to answer why Percy is single it's probably because he hasn't found someone he likes as more than friend. He likes to befriend a lot of people and 99.9% of his female friends stay in the friend zone." Percy is more innocent than I thought. I would've expected him to be a womanizer and perhaps the more modern term a fuck boy. Guess not.

"Shit we're late lets go girls we got to be there early. I don't want to be late." Piper and I nodded. We finished our coffee and hopped into her Jeep. Surprisingly there was still light outside. I would've expected it to be dark by now. The drive to the local park took less than five minutes. We were there in no time. I realized as we pulled into the parking lot there were quite a few people already present.

"Wow there's a lot of people." Both Piper and Silena nodded.

"Well Jason my boyfriend and Charles probably told other people to come to help Percy out on fighting back against Luke." People were actually taking things seriously about fighting back against Luke. I had some admiration for all these people they earned some of my respect.

Piper introduced me to her boyfriend Jason Grace. He was also sporting his Goode varsity Jacket. He was attractive he had blonde hair, blue eyes, muscle built frame, and a little scar at the corner of his lip. He shook my hand and gave me a smile with a casual hey. Next Silena introduced me to her boyfriend Charles Beckendorf. Charles Beckendorf had chocolate colored skin, huge muscled frame and arms, he was extremely tall that I had to look up at him. He like Jason Grace was wearing the Goode High jacket. I could tell why Piper and Silena liked their boyfriends, they were nice. Piper told me Jason played soccer as goalkeeper and was pitcher for the baseball team. Charles was no pushover either, he played football and was the star quarterback for Goode. He also played basketball and was trying to convince Goode to also get and fund a hockey team. He said it could happen as early as the end of first semester. He seemed excited.

"Where the fuck is Percy? He's always late I swear." Jason was right it was already nearing 7:30 P.M and Percy was a no show so far. Charles interrupted Jason.

"Speak of the devil there he is." I looked where Charles was pointing. I saw Percy with Frank and some other guys (They also were jocks) I didn't know. He said hey to everyone and thanked them for coming. He also apologized to everyone for being late. But he was eating dinner and that was the reason he was late.

"Alright enough of me apologizing, I came to discuss the real reason we are here and that's to fight back against Luke". I noticed that everyone was listening attentively. Everyone was focused on what Percy had to say. Percy continued his speech.

"What I propose is to create a group. A group in which everyone here present will have each other's back. If one of us gets attacked all of us get attacked. If you see one of our own getting jumped by the Backbiters help your fellow brother/sister out." People were taking Percy's words to heart. They were believing in what he was saying. Even I was beginning to agree with the stuff he was saying.

Percy continued. "I know some may be skeptical. What I'm proposing sounds like a gang. I can't sugar coat it. But we're not a gang. I know violence might not be inevitable against the Backbiters. But what makes us different is that we're fighting for those who can't fight back. Those who are afraid of them. We won't be dealing drugs or spreading fear in the student population. We're going to inspire courage that they aren't alone against the school bullies and the Backbiters."

I had to admit Percy had a way with words. The way he said them made him a natural leader. No doubt if his audience approved of his idea of creating the group he would be the leader.

"But I do warn you guys and girls that if you're part of the group you will undoubtedly have a target on your back so choose wisely if you're in or out. Just know that those that do decide to join, the group will have your back. Now I want to see by the raise of your hands who wants to join." That was it. Everyone raised their hands up including me. Luke had too much power in school he needed to be stopped. School was supposed to be somewhere safe for students and Luke impeded that. Percy passed around a notebook to sign up to make sure we knew who was in the group. He did this specifically so no frauds said they were a part of the group without signing up.

"Unlike a gang we don't have an initiation. Once you sign up you're in. If you want to tell others about joining our safe group just tell them to text me and I'll let them sign up." I knew Percy was playing dumb when he was in school. Just by the way he thought out this process and how to run it shows everyone that he's pretty intelligent. While the notebook was being passed out Piper raised an intriguing but also important question.

"What's our group going to be called? If we want this to be successful we have to have an identity and the group has to have a name." The crowd was dead silent. No one offered a name. I guess that's one thing no one except Piper thought about.

Then I looked at Percy who had smile on his face as he said, "We're going to be called Riptide."

Everyone cheered including me. The name was catchy and everyone seemed to like it. But I decided to raise another important question. "How do we differentiate ourselves from the rest of the student population? We can't assume everyone is a Riptide because not everyone is." Everyone looked at me dumbfounded. Maybe because I was the new kid but some just nodded their heads in agreement to my question.

Surprisingly Percy asked me, "What do you think we should do to make it known who is in Riptide and who isn't?" It surprised me because I was a transfer student. I was the new kid. He could've asked anyone in the crowd or his closest friends but he asked me.

"Well what I was thinking is taking something out of the Backbiters book. By stitching our group name Riptide on our jackets like the Backbiters did to theirs." Everyone agreed they nodded their heads and everyone murmured to each other that it was the most logical option.

Percy smiled at me. A smile that meant more than his other smiles, it was deep it was a smile of affection. "Seems good to me. But if we're taking something out of the Backbiters book I think we need a symbol too don't you agree?" The crowd nodded. Everyone was all in for this. It was really happening the group was about to be officially created.

Percy once again gave a smile to the crowd as he said, "I think our symbol should be the sword." I nodded my head and everyone else did as well. IT was rare for everyone to agree on something but this was a special case.

Percy continued "There's a stitching shop near my house that we can go to now. They don't close till late. Good business for them and we also get to represent Riptide as soon as tomorrow. Let's go now"

The stitching shop according to Percy was only a few minutes away. Everyone decided to walk because it was a hassle for everyone to find parking just to get their jackets stitched. I was quiet the whole way there. Piper and Silena went ahead with their boyfriends Charles and Jason. I decided to be at the rear of the group. I wanted to be last one because I wanted to be out as long as possible before I got home. Percy then decided to walk side by side with me. He gave me one of his signature smiles but kept silent. Once we got to the shop he told everyone to go inside and get their jackets stitched. He told everyone he was going to be the last one to get his jackets stitched. It only took about two hours to get everyone's jacket stitched. The only jackets that weren't stitched yet was mine and Percy's. He told everyone to go home. I told Silena and Piper to wait for me at the park. They walked back with their boyfriends.

Percy motioned for me to get my jacket stitched and I did. I felt pride becoming a Riptide. The stitching the shop did was pure art. It looked like the stitching was part of the jacket all along. It was then Percy's turn to get his jacket stitched. His was the same as everyone else's. He was humble that way I guess. We got out of the shop a few minutes before the store closed.

"I'll walk you back to the park. Silena and Piper told me they were giving you a ride back home. It's the least I can do." He said with a smile. I couldn't help but just admire him. Since it was dark the temperature began to get cold and I began to start shivering.

He noticed this and took of his jacket and put it on me. "Here Annabeth don't freeze to death please?" I couldn't help but smile. I was enjoying this walk alone with him. The walk felt like only mere seconds. We were already at the park. Piper and Silena were staring at Percy and I. He walked me to the car and didn't leave till he made sure I was in the car.

I was about to give his varsity jacket back. But he shook his head. "You're cold. I'll see you tomorrow, you can give it back to me till then." He closed the door and walked the other direction presumably to his house.

A/N: I decided to do another chapter since I actually enjoyed writing the first one. Tell me what you think of it.