Chapter 2

I left Sports and Society, still shaking off the tension. Percy- oh Percy, I barely know him but something about him sets me on edge, and Luke- my childhood friend, who suddenly seems like he could be so much more. Both in the same proximity, with me in the middle, Can you spell trouble?

I know I couldn't today. I spent the whole morning squinting at my papers. I'm not struggling enough to get special help though, that's how it always is, the guidance counselor takes one look at my test scores decides my dyslexia's just minor, and doesn't even consider how long I spend squinting at paper, wishing the words would stop spinning. That's public high school for you.

"Um… so where am I going?" Percy asks, snapping me out of my bitter reverie.

"Oh… what's your next class?" I ask him, determined to not lose focus even when Luke walks by me and smiles that really, really heartwarming smile that makes me melt every time. I remember the other day when he leant me his jacket, how amazingly sweet he was... "Annabeth… Annabeth!" Percy snaps and I realize that I'm drooling.

"Nothing!" I blurt then take his schedule. After quickly directing him to his American History class, I head to gym, not optimistic about the outcome.

…

I sit down at my lunch table, feeling like beaten dog. Before long, Grover Underwood plops himself down: across the table from me.

"What's up?" He asks and glances around nervously. Grover's not exactly normal, by anyone's standards. He's jittery, like he's expecting to be hit all the time and when he looks around brown hair bounces everywhere. He's probably about 5'9'' or so but he has this little goatee that I've never understood the thought process behind.

I'm about to answer Grover when someone unexpected sits down next to me.

"Hey, hope you don't mind… I don't really know anyone else, here" Percy blurts, blushing.

"No you can't sit here, we hate you." My brother Malcolm, says, his tone serious but his expression comical. Percy studies him for a minute but it's only when Grover and I start laughing that he finally decides Malcolm's joking.

"Very funny," He smirks and smiles at me.

"So how do you like good old Remington High?" Grover asks. I look skeptically at the horrible blue paint job and crappy lunch tables in our cafeteria. Why anyone would like it here is a mystery to me.

"It's… different…" Percy replies diplomatically. His eyes linger on the chipped paint and his "chicken" sandwich.

"What was your old school like?" Malcolm asks, eyeing him, Percy doesn't seem like much, tattered jeans, rumpled hair, wiry frame and a Knicks Jersey.

"Well, I'm from NYC so small town life is weird." He grimaces and shakes his head.

"Small?" I protest. Seriously, Remington is huge, like a million people. He just smiles at me.

"By NYC standards, this place is tiny." He grins, a really, really attractive grin. I'm pretty sure I heard a hundred girls swoon. "But I'm also kind–of used to Private Schools." He shrugs and blushes, like he can sense the way we're all studying him more carefully. Well, Malcolm and I, are studying him; Grover's too busy munching on his own home made enchiladas.

Percy's eyes flick between me and Malcolm, the blond hair, the grey eyes, athletic figure… "Are you two siblings?" He asks, the resemblance dawns on him. I smile.

"Half-siblings" Malcolm corrects and risks a bite of his school approved sandwich. Percy raises an eyebrow, obviously expecting an explanation, no one gives him one.

…

Percy

Annabeth and Grover direct me to my Chemistry class, talking animatedly the whole time. They seem determined to make me forget about the awkward silence at the mention of Malcolm and Annabeth being half siblings. Annabeth quickly points to the Chemistry Lab and with a shy smile continues down the hallway. I'm about to turn away when I notice Annabeth stop. Luke has his hand on her arm and he pulls her to the side out of traffic.

"Excuse me" Someone sneers and pushes past me to get into class. I ignore her and just step out of the way without taking my eyes off of Annabeth and Luke. He says something quietly in her ear. She frowns and shakes her head sadly. He pulls her into a hug before walking away. She takes a deep breath and blinks a few times before leaving. I head into class, wondering what the hell just happened.