Wow, guys. I'm really touched by your kind words. But seriously, if you guys thought that the last chapter was good, great, or even excellent, then I'm pretty sure you will think this is nowhere near that. I assure you now that this one sucks.
Before I proceed, I just want to comment. No one noticed what I intended in Percy's line regarding his thoughts on Annabeth. Remember he thought Whoa! then came the description and after that is him saying that his first thought was Princess curls. So, I wanted it to be something like Whoa! Princess curls. So, yeah. That's how it was supposed to be but no one got it. Too bad. I'm so bad in writing, for me not being able to pass that message.
Anyway, this chapter is actually just like an extension of the previous one. It's short and it's not even intended to be included in the story. I only made this chapter for two reasons. One, I wanted to adjust the ending of the last chapter. The other one is I'm having trouble in proceeding with the story and I need your help. And just to make sure I get your attention.
IMPORTANT NOTICE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. MUST READ!
Awesome one: Wow. I'm speechless. And that's coming from you. I mean, I'm your number one fan! I love your stories A Twist in Time and Growing Up Together. Seriously, I need your ideas. And I love that idea about the project! I never thought of it of them being forced to work together. Maybe something like their first quest together in the original series. Thank you!
Clara Fonteyn: Cool! If I have a hard time with Annabeth's character, I'm definitely running to you for help. Better be prepared. :D
percabeth777: Thank you for reviewing! You're like an awesome critic. And yeah, I was actually going for that. Percy describing Annabeth like in the book, but like you said, I guess it was too much indeed. It was sort of a carbon copy already. But I'm glad you still liked it.
everyoneisMISunderstood: You're right. I never thought of that. I'm really sorry. But what I meant for them were just purely descriptive. I hope I didn't offend anyone.
Jordan Williams: So I'm guessing that you're implying this is a good story. If it was what you meant, then thank you! And don't worry, I'll be finishing this one! But it will take a while. I'm planning to reach 50 chapters with this one! :D
WannaBeWisegirl: I can't believe you actually think it was still excellent. I mean, I really think I did a horrible job. Well, I think this chapter will get you to think that. And that part was meant to be that way! I'm glad you imagined the scene like how I wanted it to be. :D
RCT Enthusiast: I'm glad you like this, too. And I'm sorry about not updating The Falling Stars in a while. I kinda lost inspiration but don't worry, I just had the next chapter prepared and I'll probably put it up later this week. Again, I'm really sorry.
Nobody: I really think you're psychic. XD I'm glad I'm able to cheer you up some sort of way. Though I don't get why people think I'm any good with writing. I really think I suck. I actually do this to improve myself.
filmyfurry, fieryodyssey, BlissfulDude, Holy Zeus, Sweetcars12, You Know Who, The Fantasy Dreamer, Crazely Rejected, dearanonymous: Thank you for reviewing and keeping up with the story.
So, there. Wow. I think my AN is longer than the chapter itself. Well, I just really wanted to do this. For two reasons, again. One, with this sort of communication, maybe we can develop a relationship. A friendly one. Two, with the said development, we'll be able to communicate ideas better. Am I right? Or am I right? :D
Reminder: IMPORTANT NOTICE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE. MUST READ!
On with the story! Warning: Chapter Sucks!
Sophomore 3: Moving on.
Remember what I said about Annabeth not being annoying? Well, scratch that.
You see, she is definitely, undeniably, absolutely, for sure, no question about it, without doubt, utterly inconceivably, and any other word or phrase with that meaning very annoying.
Care to explain, you might ask. Well, let's backtrack.
"His first name is actually Dionysus. But it's mostly because he's a drunkard," I answered after Annabeth asked me why we called our principal Mr. D. Mr. D, get it? Mr. Drunkard? Never mind.
"More like an old sot," she scoffed and we laughed. I was walking her to our homeroom, and everything was going just fine. I found it very strange. I mean, a minute ago we were about to strangle each other to death. And now, we were practically getting along. Of course, I just had to mess up and ruin it.
"You know, you're not so annoying after all," I smirked as we stopped in front of our room. And I meant it, though I think she took it the wrong way. What's wrong with "You're not so annoying after all"? It's a compliment!
Annabeth placed her hands on her hips and gave me a look that said 'you are so not starting this again'. "At least I'm not an obnoxious selfish jerk."
I frowned. Here we go again. "I'm not selfish. If I was, I wouldn't be here right now wasting my time with you."
"Oh, really? Tell me. Did you willingly volunteer yourself to show me to homeroom?" She raised an eyebrow, her eyes glinting with a sense of triumph. I hate this girl. Especially when she's right.
"I was willing enough to escort a know-it-all. That counts for something."
"Well, you know what, it doesn't count for anything. So next time, thanks, but no thanks."
"Well, you know what, I take back everything I said! No! I only take back about starting over! I meant what I said about you being an annoying know-it-all!" I shouted.
"Well, since I'm such a know-it-all, I'd like to inform you that I don't care!" she screamed at my face, her fists clenched in tight balls.
"Thank you for admitting that! And since you know everything, I don't need to tell you that I'm leaving you here!" By this time, we were both fuming and our faces were only a few inches apart. I could virtually count all her eyelashes.
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Fine!"
"Jackson!"
We both jumped in surprise. Now that's what you could call out of nowhere. We turned around to see Mr. Harper standing at the now-open door to our classroom. It was just then that I noticed that we were the only ones left in the halls.
"Classes have started minutes ago. What are you still doing out here?" he asked. Crap! We were too busy shouting, we must've missed the bell ringing. That will give you an idea on how loud we were yelling at each other.
"I think you should ask her, Mr. Harper." I pointed to Annabeth who was glaring at me. If looks could indeed kill, and supposedly I should be dead because of the first one, then let's just say I've resurrected and come back to life, then I would have dropped dead again right there.
"You must be Annabeth. It's wonderful to meet you," Mr. Harper started. Yeah, right! He has no idea how not wonderful meeting her is. And like she was reading my mind, she turned and glared at me. No point of telling you about me dropping dead and coming back to life, again.
"But you are not doing a good job on making an impression on your first day." I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at Annabeth, so I went with a smirk.
"As for you Mr. Jackson. You are not doing a good job yourself on being the year representative." I frowned and it was Annabeth's turn to smirk.
"And I have also noticed that you two are not getting along pretty well," he continued. "I know what will help. One hour detention this afternoon."
"What!?" Annabeth and I screamed in unison. Mr. Harper is actually a nice guy, and I don't get why he's giving us detention. I mean, sure, we were late and we were trying to bite each other's head off. But still...
"But sir..." I started and Mr. Harper frowned. "I mean, it's not my fault she's so annoying."
"Look who's talking," Annabeth put in, and so started another barrage of insults. I wasn't really paying attention to Mr. Harper but I noticed him rub his forehead like he was having a headache.
"Silence you two, unless you want detention for the rest of the week!" Mr. Harper began. He's the kind of guy who's not into shouting but he tried to be stern nonetheless. We both shut up as Mr. Harper continued. "That's better. Now, since homeroom is almost finished anyway, I think it would be better for the both of you to move on to your first class."
He smiled at us and entered back to the room, closing the door behind him and leaving us in the hallway.
So, here we are now, Annabeth and I, sitting at the back of our room waiting for our teacher and other classmates to arrive. So, yeah. Like I said, she's still very annoying. But after a simple conversation of "Thanks for getting me detention" and "I can get you one every single day if you want", we're back to getting along. Or at least trying to.
"Remind me again. Why do you hate me so much?" I asked. It actually intrigued me why we weren't getting along. We barely even know each other.
"How can I hate you when we've just met like about an hour ago," she replied with an irritated look. My point exactly.
"Could've fooled me," I said.
"Look... I just don't get along with boys," she put in simply while looking away. I'm not sure but it seemed like she was blushing.
"Yeah, I've noticed. I know you hate boys and all because you think they think-" I started.
"They?" She turned back to look at me with an amused look on her face.
"Okay. We. But that doesn't mean I'm like others who think of girls as things just to toy with," I finished. She didn't seem surprised by what I said though she seemed to be deep in thought.
"I know. You don't think the same as other men on the planet."
"So, remind me again. Why do you hate me so much?"
"Ugh!" she groaned and I couldn't help but chuckle. Her pain is my gain. Ooh. That's a good one. I should write that down.
After a few moments, Annabeth sighed and continued. "I don't know. I guess... it's because our personalities clash. It's just something we can't ignore and it will always be there. So, there you go."
"But that doesn't mean we can't be friends."
"You want to be friends with me?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. I honestly don't know why that came out of my mouth. But now that I think about it...
"Yeah. Why not?" I shrugged. "I mean, you and Thalia get along just fine. And I can see you're unlike other girls who make boys think females are just things to toy with. So, there you go."
"But that doesn't mean we'll get along." She crossed her arms, expectantly waiting for my answer. She had that look that said 'you have one chance, better not mess up'.
"I don't mind. I think we can handle killing each other from time to time," I grinned and she smiled back. And I suppose that settles that. No starting over again or cheesy comments. Just moving on.
At that moment, our English teacher entered the room.
"Oh." She stopped as soon as she saw us. "I didn't expect students to be in this early. Especially on the first day."
"Sorry, Miss Lilah. We kinda got late for homeroom," I reasoned.
"I see. Well, it's nice to see you in class early for a change, Mr. Jackson," she smiled. I felt my cheeks flare up as I scratched the back of my neck. Last year, there was no school day I wasn't late in. This year though, I have a responsibility. And like what she said, it's nice to be early for a change. Maybe this year will be different. It'll be nice to be different for a change.
"And who is this lovely young lady?" Miss Lilah asked, turning to smile at Annabeth. Lovely?
I smirked, and as if Annabeth was reading my mind, she threw me a glare before turning to Miss Lilah. "I'm a new student. Annabeth Chase."
"It's nice to meet you, Annabeth," Miss Lilah said kindly. "And you have a good choice in friends. Percy here will look out for you."
"He's been wonderful," Annabeth smiled, but I could see that it was a fake one, and I don't know how, but I somehow knew that she was inwardly swearing a million times a second. I should be freaking out right now on how it seemed we can read each other's mind. But by the way how things were going for me the past hour, I think I can expect more things far worse.
Ms. Lilah smiled at us once more before walking out, leaving her things on the table.
"Wonderful? You didn't mean that, did you?" I asked.
"Of course not," Annabeth smiled.
"Good. I prefer awesome," I smirked, leaning on my chair. Annabeth rolled her eyes before turning to her bag and bringing out a book. Hmm. Architecture.
AN: There! It sucks, right? And pretty pointless, too. But what I really wanted to adjust was that with the previous ending, Percy and Annabeth kinda ended up with a we're-getting-along-but-we're-not-friends kind of relationship and I wanted to change that into something like we're-friends-but-we-don't-get-along.
Oh, and did you guys like their conversation? I mean, sure the chapter sucks overall, but I think I did a good job on their conversation. I think it was cute. Exchanging words, and using each other's terms. :D
IMPORTANT NOTICE! MUST READ!
So, yeah. Like I said, I'm having trouble with continuing with the story. No, I'm not stopping. I'm having trouble with one of the characters so I want to know what you guys want. And seriously, even the random readers, I need you guys to tell me. Just one word will do. Here it is.
Do you guys want Rachel to be bitchy or to be in character like in the books? Tell me! I'll update as soon as I get enough opinions from you guys.
