When December Ends

2

Disclaimer- I don't own PJO

A/N- This is a tribute to the Sandy Hook tragedy that happened on December 14th. I don't take this event lightly or any school shooting/tragedy. This is a dedication for my friend whose cousin was in Sandy Hook at the time.

Let's just say that my weekend wasn't the most enjoyable. I had done what I expected: Curl up in bed and sulk. On top of that, my step-mom got all teary too. She tried hugging me and she was so upset. I don't hate my step-mom but she isn't my favorite. I mean, she's pretty nice and makes good food but I still never got along with her.

Now it was 7:45 and I was leaving for school. I usually walked because I lived only two blocks down and it gave me time to think. I grabbed my black and white striped backpack and flung it over my shoulder. I snagged a piece of toast from the toaster and went for the door.

"Have a good day, Sweetie!" My step-mom yelled after me.

"Yeah, Yeah." I muttered before rushing out to the sidewalk.

Honestly, the only thing I was actually looking forward too was to see Percy Jackson. You see, I thought about him a lot over the weekend and I actually searched for any news clips that he might've been in. I know that sounds stalker-ish, but I was genuinely interested. I didn't find much other than a kid who had died in the shooting. His name was Tyson Jackson. At first, I thought that it might've been Percy's brother. But then I realized that Sandy Hook was out of district. Also, he looked nothing like Percy.

However, I knew it was wrong to jump to assumptions. I didn't know Percy. I didn't know why he had been at the school. But I planned on chaining that.

"HEY!"

I almost jumped out of my skin when there was a yell behind me. I spun on my heel to see Thalia and Jason running up. I slowed down so they could catch up.

"Hey," I greeted. "Whats got you two running late?"

"Thals wouldn't get up," Jason said. "Making a whole- Ouch!"

Thalia had punched him right in the arm. "Don't call me Thals."

I couldn't help but laugh. We kept on walking, chatting about random things. Thalia seemed quite normal wearing her favorite Green-Day shirt, skinny jeans, and her hair spiked up in all directions. She didn't seem strange like when I had mentioned Percy Jackson earlier. That was what really concerned me. When I mentioned Jackson at all yesterday, she'd either pale or try to change the subject.

"Hey guys," I started as we approached the school. "I'll meet up with you in History."

With that, I scurried off to the front doors. The school's hallways were crowded and busting with activity. I maneuvered my way through the sea of students. Honestly, I wasn't too sure what I was doing but I had a feeling. I found my way at the library and I ran in. My heart almost stopped.

Percy Jackson was sitting at a table. He was twisting the same pen he had been on Friday. He looked to be deep in thought before situating in his sea and dragging the pen along a piece of paper. His strokes were long and choppy and I realized he was drawing something. I wasn't sure if I wanted to interrupt him but I did anyway.

I walked over to his table and sat down across from him. I was careful to avoid his leg that was sticking out underneath the table. His head darted up to meet my eyes. My breath caught in my throat. He was so stunning up close. His eyes, still haunted, looked even more green. His features were flawless.

I didn't realize I was staring until he talked. "Uh, You okay?"

I shook my head and I felt my face burn up. I was blushing! Crud! I scolded myself and turned back to him.

"Yeah, Sorry." I murmured. "I just wanted to talk to you."

"What about?" He asked, putting the pen down.

I peeked slightly at the notebook that he had been drawing in. On the page was a drawing of a beach setting. The sun was coming down on the horizon and someone was sitting on the sand. It was an amazing drawing, especially if it was just drawn in ballpoint pen.

"Nice drawing," I commented without thinking.

"Thanks," he muttered without a smile.

"Listen, do you mind if I sit with you at lunch?" I asked, messing with my hair that was pulled back in a pony tail.

"Uh, sure." He said before closing his notebook and grabbing his backpack.

"I'm Annabeth, by the way." I said, standing up with him.

"Percy Jackson," He said, stretching out his hand.

"Yeah, I know." I muttered before shaking his hand.

He nodded in recognition and gathered his stuff. Without another word, he limped out of the library. I sighed and tightened my pony tail. I got up to leave when the bell rang but I looked back at the table. Sitting on it's top was a black composition book. It was Percy's. I backed up to the table and grabbed it. It wasn't like I was going to read it or anything…

It was third period, History. Mr. Jones, our teacher, assigned us to do pages 59-64 in our workbooks. I was currently on page 62 and the questions were so easy. Everyone was chatting to their neighbors except for me. Thalia and Jason were seated in the front of the room and I was in the middle left. I never got to talk to them during that class. I didn't look up from my work when the door opened. I figured it was another trouble maker, late again.

When I heard the voice though, I glanced up.

"Ah, You must be Percy Jackson," Mr. Jones said. "Do you have your note?"

Percy just nodded and handed him a purple slip. I recognized it as a class change note. My heart stopped for what felt like the 30th time. Mr. Jones took the slip and motioned to a table. To my surprise, the seat he was motioning to was the empty desk right next to me. I smiled at him as he limped to the seat. He didn't smile back.

"Hey," I said.

His head snapped to me, making his floppy black hair fall in his eyes. Gosh, I just wanted to run my hands through it. Is that weird? Oh well.

"Oh," he whispered. "Hi."

I couldn't help but smile. He was so cute and shy. What can I say? I was a sucker for that stuff. He shrugged his shoulders and pulled out a textbook from his backpack. It was torn on the bottom and had scuff marks all over it. It must've been old.

He started to write on a sheet of clean paper. He looked over to the book and he squinted. Rubbing his eyes, Percy kept staring at the book. It looked like he was having difficulty reading. I tilted my head to the side and tapped his shoulder. He turned to me.

"Having trouble?"

"Uh," he whispered. "Yeah. I'm dyslexic."

I could almost hear my heart break in two. Not only was he super shy, an outcast, and a witness to a horrible school shooting. But he was dyslexic too. Didn't this guy get a break.

"Oh," I said. "That's terrible."

"Yeah…" he mumbled.

I averted my attention back to my work and finished up. I closed my book and glanced up at the clock. It was five minutes until class ended. I looked over to Percy and saw him not making much progress. I frowned.

I opened my mouth to say something but was interrupted by the bell. It blare through the school and my classmates all rushed out. Thalia and Jason waited for me by the door. However, instead of rushing out like I usually would've done. I helped Percy get his backpack together and I moved a desk over so he could get up easier. He flashed me a weak smile. I found myself at loss for breath. It was the first time I saw him smile and it made my heart flutter. Even though it was half—hearted, it was probably the cutest and most dazzling smile I've seen.

I handed him his backpack and i walked with him out of the classroom. Percy threw a glance at Thalia who just buried her face into her arm, pretending to sneeze. Jason greeted him with a smile but Percy just nodded. With a last glance at Thalia, he limped down the hall to his next class.

I glared at Thalia who was shifting on her feet and Jason looked confused as well.

"What was that all about?" Jason asked.

"Forget it," Thalia excused, going to walk away.

"Nu-uh, you tell me now," I ordered. "Something is going on."

"It's nothing!"

"Thalia Rose Grace!" I barked. "Tell me right now."

I kept a firm grip on her arm to prevent her from running away. She sneered at the use of her full name.

"Tell. Me. Now." I ordered. Jason crossed his arms as if to prove the urgency.

"Fine," Thalia sneered. She ripped her arm out of my grip. "Percy's my cousin."

Done! I know its short, but I didn't have much time to right it and I wanted to get it up! Wow, this story kind of blew up! Thats probably the most reviews I've gotten in one night! Thanks to all of you and here are responses to the reviews-

DragonClan- Thanks :) and I love your name 3

Son of Erebus god of Shadows- I didn't do it on purpose xD But I do love Kellin Quinn!

Yukibrooke- Aw, I'm sorry you cried and thank you so much! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!