THE WAY THEY'RE NOT:

Chapter Three:
Annabeth's P.O.V:

"Who is he?" Thalia asked.

"Percy Jackson."

"Hello Peruses," Octavian sneered with anger. "Haven't seen your group around here in a while." The man in front scowled. "It's Percy."

"This isn't your territory, Jackson!"

A part of me wanted to say that it couldn't possibly be the same Percy Jackson as the night before, but my weak excuses were conquered by logic. Did I ever think that I would see that arrogance man again?

No. Not a chance.

But after all that occurred in the past day, it looks like the odds seemed like they weren't in my favor this new school year. I gave a shaky, airy breath and slid my books into my beat-down, rusted locker trying to gain my composure back. Just like my neighborhood, Goode High wasn't exactly Ivy League material, despite my desperation to get into Harvard.

This couldn't be happening.

What had I done to deserve this?

My jaw set in frustration as I began to furiously jam books into my locker. Stupid, idiotic, arrogant, life-ruiner Percy Jackson. Did he seriously have to ruin my life? Things were finally getting better. I had an internship that was just about to rescue me from my shitty life. I was just about to break free of Helen and Ethan. I was about to break away from this life.

It's funny how things can change in an instant.

I was just about to slam my locker shut in a heap of rage when I noticed something tacked neatly at the bottom corner of it.

My lips pulled into a small, tiny smile as I saw a picture of my dad and me hanging sideways on the door to my locker. My irritation seemed to fly straight out the window as I recalled a happier time, a hopeful one.

We both wore bright smiles, but our blue and grey eyes were sad and painful. That was one year after Athena had left us. And four years before my father had married a spawn of the devil.

I stared at it, tears threatening to spill down my face.

No. Not going to cry, I mentally prepped myself as I squeezed my eyes tightly shut, and slammed my locker louder and sharper than I had originally intended.

When had everything gone so very wrong?

I rubbed my button nose in indignation, trying to soothe some of my ruined nerve endings.

"Annabeth!" Piper's voice echoed through the crowd, standing out like a sore thumb. I nearly flinched in surprise as I got an intense rush of abrupt familiarity through me. Most of last night had been blocked out from the numb shock, but I had remembered a key detail including the daughter of Aphrodite.

"What's the reason the boss is upset with you?" A threatening grin spread across his face. "Oh yes, that pretty girl named Piper?" Anger flared in Jason's eyes and his jaw clenched. Piper, I thought my blonde eyebrows crinkling together. Surely it wasn't the Piper that I know...

My heart began to pound against my ribcage. I blinked. I was unsure if I wanted to confront Piper about the blue-eyed man. She hadn't confessed to me if it was true, meaning that she wanted to keep this secret.

I respected her space, but could I really mark this off as a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection? Did I even want to spill what had happened last night to anyone?

I wasn't going to tell anyone, but now seeing Piper's innocent expression, I was having doubts. Flashes of images when we were kids flickered through my mind. I knew I could trust Piper with anything.

But it wasn't Piper that I was worried about.

She finally approached me, wearing flannel jeans and a frilly, white tank top, light makeup coating her cheeks and painted, glossy lips. Even with the makeup, there was an elated blush on her cheeks. She seemed happy.

Did I really want to ruin her happiness by bringing something up that I wasn't exactly sure was true?

She finally came up to me, flailing around a white sheet of paper, which I recognized as the yellow school schedule. I hadn't looked at mine yet, my mind had been preoccupied on something else. Something more important.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she analyzed my expression that was screaming different, riled emotions. "Hey, are you okay?"

My grey eyes widened slightly. I had masked most of my confusion and overwhelmeness, so how did she see through me? I was skilled at pulling off facades. I had years at mastering it, after all.

Her purple eyes flickered to the bandage on my cheek and I almost sighed with realization and relief. It did link me to last night, but she didn't know that anything was truly wrong with me mentally.

I knew then that I didn't want to tell Piper about the night before. The less people that know, the better.

And besides that, what if Camp Jupiter came back for me? The thought had prodded into my mind so many times that I was unable to push it away. I couldn't be sure if I was being paranoid or just being silly, putting ludicrous thoughts into my mind.

Still...for some strange reason the feeling of fear had edged.

Only I knew the reason wasn't as peculiar as I let on.

It was because Percy Jackson had transferred over to Goode High School. I wasn't afraid of him. I could see it in his emerald eyes that he would do me no harm. Not only that, I had seen the way he reacted when they had hurt me. Peruses Jackson wanted to keep me out of harm's way.

The question was, why?

Why did a gang leader, out of all the people in New York City Manhattan wanted to keep some random, female pedestrian safe?

Did that have to do with Anastasia?

I suppose that's something that would unlock itself- with time.

"Yeah, I tripped." I lied lamely, internally groaning at my pathetic excuse, and I could tell that she was unconvinced; her eyebrows raised. Piper looked like she wanted to pry some more, but the meaningful look on my face silenced her just as she opened her mouth. So instead, Piper gave a slight shake of her head, waving off the matter, a soft smile forming across her face.

"I got my schedule. Want to compare classes?" I nodded, not trusting my voice to crack with lies. I wasn't familiar with lying. I was decent at it, when needed, but I allowed my emotions to take over most of the time.

"Do not let your emotions get in the way, Annabeth." My father had instructed me once. "You must always be prepared. For whatever happens."

I rolled my eyes as he bent down to my height so our eyes locked. I was a child at the time, but had plenty of attitude and maturity already. "Listen to me, Annabeth Rose Chase." I wanted to look away or eye roll again, but there was no where to look but at my father. Mom had just left, and selfishly, I was blaming it on him. I knew the only reason I was pinning the guilt on him was because it was too much to deal with for me.

Mom had left because of me.

Perhaps that's where our family problems had started- they didn't want me. Fredrick and Athena had told me countless times that I was an 'accident', but the best accident that she ever could've wished for. Was she lying?

"You can't let any emotion get in the way of saving yourself. May it be hate, anger, sadness, relief, happiness, humor, or love. You push it all to the side, or else you'll lose everything."

There was only one word that stood out to me. "Love? What does love have to do with self defense and fighting?" It was ridiculous. Love had nothing to do with punching and kicking.

My dad's jaw hardened as he stood up straight, gazing lingeringly out the window. "It has to do with everything, Annabeth. I let my love for your mother get in the way of common sense."

"So what?" I replied in a snarky tone, hands on my hips, blonde curls laced with grime. "I'm never going to fall in love with anyone. And besides, boys have cooties."

What? They did.

This caused Fredrick to let out a chuckle, patting me on the shoulder lovingly. "That's my girl. No boys for you."

I couldn't help but give him a toothy grin back, proud to have pleased him so. Things haven't been the same since Athena left, including him. I looked into his light, blue eyes so unlike my own. Sometimes I wonder if I'm adopted. I don't look like mom, and I don't look like dad. So who am I really? Where do I fit in?

I would never fit in anywhere, would I? I would never find a place where I truly belonged.

Finally, I spoke. "I won't let my emotions take over, dad." I hesitated, wanting to change the subject quickly." Can you demonstrate that block again?"

"Don't make promises you can't keep," he whispered under his breath, but turned to face me. (I didn't know it now, but he was right.)

He nodded curtly, gently grabbing my foot and bending it out. "Turn your foot more inwards towards your thigh. It'll give you perspicuous balance."

I bended my leg closer to my thigh, exhaling. "Like that?"

"Perfection, Annabeth." He praised. "Now, let's move onto punching techniques."

. . .

The picture of my dad and I was stuck inside my head, apparently. I blinked, trying to wave the flashback away. It wasn't good to remember happy thoughts if life wasn't elated. It just made me sad remembering a time when things weren't so screwed up. It made me sorrowful to remember.

Piper grabbed my schedule away before I could even respond.

"Well, someone's snatchy today." I taunted cheekily.

She laughed at that and stared at them both, comparing them with a thoughtful look on her face. A pleased smile formed.

"Sweet!" I had to crack a smile at that. Only Piper would announce 'sweet!' when things were good. "Thalia, you and I have homeroom together. Oh- and lunch! And a couple more. This is awesome." I smiled, without it being forced or strained. It was a very good thing. This hell-hole wouldn't be too bad with Piper and Thalia in most of my class periods as some form of amusement. Last year the only class we had together was drama and lunch, and it had taken a toll on me not to hear Thalia's pointed, judgmental smart alec jokes and Piper's common sense in persuasion.

I gripped my books in one hand and took back my schedule. "We better get to class."

Piper nodded, although her eyes looked sad. "Cheers to another year at school."

I nodded curtly in agreement and bumped her shoulder playfully in an attempt to lighten the mood, as we continued through the mob of delinquents and other jackasses.

All thoughts of the night before and Percy Jackson long forgotten. Maybe Drew was referring by another Percy Jackson by chance. Even if that was unlikely, you never know. The whole thing could just be my paranoia taking over.

I continued through the hallway, an unsettling feeling creeping over me. I looked around my shoulder, but caught glimpse of no one. I tugged on Piper's arm, desperate to get away from this area, my survival skills kicking in.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

Piper's eyebrows furrowed. "Why?"

I studied her question, lying through my teeth. "No reason. I just want to get to class early and pick good seats."

My grey eyes narrowed in at the empty hallway behind us.

Someone was watching me.

. . .

Third Person P.O.V.:

Percy leant over the hallway wall, Nico and Leo Valdez right beside him. "You're such a stalker." Percy sent Nico a lopsided grin as he returned his attention back to Anastasia. No, he meant Annabeth. The two looked so much alike that it was difficult to tell the difference.

"Am not," Percy protested as he watched her place her books in her locker angrily. She paused and seemed to be staring at the corner of her locker. Percy cringed when he saw how unwell she was. Her cheek was bandaged and her ankle looked swollen.

She could've accepted your help, a little evil voice in the back of his head added in.

Maybe so, but he still felt guilty as Hades about it. Ever since he saw her, he knew he had to protect Annabeth Chase. No matter what the odds.

He didn't know exactly why.

But that didn't really matter.

"Aw, you love Annabeth!" Leo said in the best baby voice he could do. "You love her, you want to kiss, her, you want to hold her- Ow! Okay, okay. I'm done." Percy smiled at his work as Leo rubbed his shoulder, but he couldn't dismiss the way that his heart quickened when he said her name.

"We better get to class," Nico added in, shuffling his Mythomagic cards, a popular Greek card game that he had recently become obsessed with.

"Ugh, school," Leo complained. "It's even worse than hanging around Percy." Percy shot him a glare, but he could tell that Leo was just joking. He was practically the jokester, other than the Stoll brothers.

"I hate to admit it, but Nico's right. We shouldn't be late on our first day, right?" Percy grinned, as they watched Annabeth grab Piper's arm and lead her off, looking over her shoulder every few seconds. "Smart girl," commented Percy, obviously impressed at her keen sense. "If she didn't have a normal life, she'd be a good addition to the team."

"Be careful what you wish for, Percy," Nico lectured.

...And he was right.

. . .

Annabeth's P.O.V:

"Welcome to homeroom and English class," a teacher greeted us with a scornful scowl across her face. She looked like she wanted this school year to end fast. Well, that makes two of us I guess. Not that I didn't enjoy learning. It's just that I don't like getting information from here.

Her brown, silver streaked hair was held and wrapped into a bun. Silver streaks laced in her hair, hinting that she was middle aged in her early fifties. Her entire outfit screamed OCD, which I didn't mind.

"My name is Mrs. Dodds. Please take a seat." Piper and I exchanged a nervous look as we dropped our stuff into two random desks next to each other. Mrs. Dodds began to scribble some more English phrases and terms, while I plopped down in the seat, Piper close behind me.

I heard the rustling of the chair next to me, and averted my attention away from the chalk board.

"She seems like a total bitch." A familiar voice stated, suddenly appearing next to me. I nodded, grinning at Thalia's words. I wasn't sure if I agreed with her yet, but her humor was as fresh and witty as ever.

"Well, we have one year with her. Might as well try to like her."

Thalia glanced back at the teacher, then wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Nope, don't think that's humanly possible." Mentally, I compared Thalia and Mrs. Dodds. Total opposites, obviously. Piper rolled her eyes at Thalia's overused comment, but a small, amused smile formed on her plush lips.

"Well," I said, placing my pencils in an organized form. "I'll try and like her. Got to keep an open mind." Thalia gave me a questioning look, and then shook her head, a faint grin on her face.

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just you're such a goody-goody." My blonde eyebrows rose and my mouth dropped in disapproval.

"Goody-goody? I am not a goody-goody!" Piper stared at me her lips pursed. "What?" I said diverting my attention towards Piper who looked like she was trying to stifle her laughter and failing. "I am not!"

"Whatever you say, Annie." Thalia said, leaning back slightly in her chair, giving her that classy rebellious look. "Whatever you say."

My cheeks flushed at her implications and I stared down at my books, slightly embarrassed. I wasn't a goody girl. Was I?

I did do all my homework and never skip class, but that's only because I actually care about my education, unlike most of the students that attend Goode. I did read logical books, and listen to classical music, but did that make me a Goody-goody? No. Well maybe a little... No! I am not a goody-girl. But is that how other people see me? I winced mentally, as I stared at my pencils, which were lined up in rows. I quickly messed them out of order. I am not a good girl.

"Hey," Thalia touched my arm, noticing my paranoid expression. "I was just joking. Your pretty bad-ass if you ask me." I sent her a prideful smile, but knew she was only saying that to make me feel better.

I didn't need her pity.

I raised my hand, and Mrs. Dodds eyed me warily. I was pretty sure her eye twitched. "Yes?"

"Can I go to the bathroom?"

"Can you?" God, I hate when teachers do that. I sighed, undetected.

"May I?" She sent me a nod of approval and I walked to the door, glancing at the clock as I passed. Five minutes until homeroom. Plenty of time. I didn't actually have to use the restroom, but I wanted to get a good scope of the school. I had never been in this hallway before, and didn't want to get lost. I walked out of the door, stringing my tan purse over my shoulder. There were only few kids in the hallways now, taking their time, not wanting to get to their classes early.

I brushed back a blonde strand of hair that had become loose, and rounded the corner only to be crashed into. I stumble backwards, but caught myself just before falling and a throb of pain shot through my already sore ankle.

"Gods, watch where you're going will you?" A boy's voice said in disgust, as he began to pick up books that had fallen from his hands. I rolled my eyes, slightly annoyed. He was the one who crashed into me.

After a moment of thought, I let out a huff of air and began to collect his books that were sprawled out across the floor. Kill him with kindness, Annabeth, I prepped myself. Be the better person. I knelt down leaning half of my weight on my legs and picked up a few. That's when I realized something that sent a chill down my spine.

"Gods, watch where you're going will you?" He said Gods. Either he was a big mythology fan, or...

Oh, no.

You have got to be kidding me.

I saw the bright orange bandanna tied tightly to his wrist. Camp Half Blood. He climbed up from the floor, and I knew from the instant I saw the messy raven, empery black hair that it was the one and only, Percy Jackson.

Then he saw me, but he didn't see surprised.

My eyes narrowed. He crashed into me on purpose!

My heart began to pound against my ribcage. I didn't know it was from anger or fear.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't little miss Wise Girl." I crossed my arms tightly against my chest, ready to stand my ground. "Miss me?"


A/N: Not my best chapter, but forgive me. I've got a horrible cold and just went to school. Any time I'm sick my mom just says "power through the day" which I guess makes sense, but still! Okay, I'm going to stop or else this'll turn into a rant.

So sorry about the long wait for an update! School has been a pain in my behind. Did I mention how much I HATE MATH? Ugh, I'm failing right now. I HATE IT SO MUCH! It doesn't make any sense. What's the point of using Math if you have ?

Anyways, thank you guys for all your reviews and support! Always means so much! Until next time.