Hey guys! So I got 20 reviews which is three more then I wanted so thanks! Luckily I'm able to update this story because I've had a couple of chapters already written up! This weekend my brother is graduating but I'll have time to update Music Will Save You and CWI. I've already started on CWI.
Disclaimer: I don't own PJO.
I'm looking forward to the future
And feeling grateful for the past.
-Mike Rowe
My eyes snapped open when the loud song blasted through our home speakers. I groaned to myself but the music only got louder. The clock read 6:30. I hate Mondays! But…I do love this song. I smiled to myself as I rolled out of bed. See instead of just calming waking us up in the morning my Dad blasts songs through our speakers. We each have one in our rooms. Even me! Mines small and in a small corner of my room.
"Morning! Today's forecast calls for blue skies!"
I ran my hand through my hair as the beat started. My door was opened a little and I could hear Nick and Nathan's complaints flood through the halls. I giggled and walked over to my closet. Hmm…First day of wrestling. What to wear? I shrugged and grabbed my favorite light blue jeans. The thighs were almost white. I danced a little as I searched for a shirt to wear. Obviously it had to be wrestling related. I sighed and grabbed my slightly dirty green T-shirt. It said 'Oh yeah? Let's take it to the mat!" On it in our school colors. Green and white. Kinda dull if you ask me.
The song continued playing as I brushed through my curls. I decided to leave them down but put a ponytail on my wrist just in case. Since I have to take off my shoes to wash the mat I put on my awesome I heart Wrestling socks. (I have some…they're badass guys) I checked my look in the mirror and nodded. I looked okay. There was a small zit on my forehead but I grabbed my concealer stick and rubbed it on.
I don't wear makeup almost ever. If it wasn't for Piper I wouldn't know how to even apply it. But when I have zits I like to cover them up. If I don't my brothers tease the crap out of me. After I was pleased with my appearance I carefully walked down the attic stairs. When I got to the upstairs I smiled when I saw Nick and Nathan were finally getting dressed. Alex wasn't in his room so he must be downstairs.
"Mr. Blue Sky. Please tell us why you had to hide away for soo long!"
I laughed when I saw my adorkable Dad dancing as he finished making our breakfast. It's now 6:45. Alex looked exhausted as he slumped in the kitchen chairs. I danced over to him. I sang along. I pointed at him.
"Hey you with the pretty face!
Welcome to the human race!"
Then my Dad joined in making Alex smile.
"A celebration!
Mister Blue Sky's up there waiting
And today.
Is the day we've waited for!"
After we hit that note Nick and Nathan came down and my Dad dimmed the music.
"Good you guys are up! Here a big breakfast for my big wrestlers! Today's the day guys!" The boys and I all shared a smile at my Dad's excitement. Jay ran by to grab his keys. Someone was late for work.
"Hey good luck today guys! I'll see you later!" We all called a goodbye and soon the door shut. We talked and ate slowly. My brothers were basically talking about weights and who was coming back to the team and who wasn't 'man enough' for it.
"Yeah David's gonna play basketball this year. Can you believe it? He left wrestling for basketball!" Something else about my brothers. They really don't enjoy basketball. Maybe it's because the boys basketball players take up half of our practice gym. Or maybe it's because people enjoy watching basketball better then wrestling. I'm not fully sure.
"Come on guys. They guys on the basketball team aren't evil or anything. They have a love for a sport just like we do. Let's go we need to leave….Shot gun!" Nathan groaned. It's Nick's turn to drive. Nick grabbed the keys as I walked upstairs to brush my teeth.
"Guys we're losing her to basketball again." I rolled my eyes and yelled behind me.
"I played when I was 6 dude! It's not a bad sport!" Ignoring them I brushed my teeth and checked everything one more time before heading downstairs and grabbing my backpack. I gave my Dad a kiss on the head and went out to the car.
0~0~0~0~0
I sighed as I opened the car door. Jason and my brothers immediately started talking about, you guessed it, wrestling practice. Thalia and Piper rolled their eyes before following behind them. I stayed back a bit and watched them walk away.
I jumped when I felt a gentle hand touched my shoulder. Turning to my left I saw Percy standing next to me. I haven't talked to him since he watched as I fed the horses. Thalia left after she got her juice and he went with her. I gulped a little when I saw his striking green eyes.
"Oh hey Percy." He gave me a slightly confused smile but greeted me. We fell into step with each other as I walked with him to the office.
"So welcome to Goode! It's uh…an interesting school." Percy looked down at his new class schedule and slowly nodded.
"Yeah seems like it. Hey what do you have for first?"
"I'm a TA for Mr. Loran." Percy smiled in relief and showed me his classes. Hmm he has Mr. Loran for math first period. I noticed that I also have lunch and 5th period with him.
"Oh cool c'mon I'll show you where his room is. Maybe he'll let me show you your other classes." Percy raised an eyebrow as he followed me down the hall.
"You're being nicer to me. What gives?" I chuckled and looked over at him.
"Would you rather have me be a jerk to you?" He shook his head and smiled charmingly over at me.
"Nah I like nice Annabeth. I was just wondering what made her appear today." I shrugged.
"Wrestling starts today. I'm in a pretty good mood." Percy nodded slowly and glanced at all our sports posters.
"What other sports are happening right now?"
"Boys basketball." Percy smiled as we turned a corner.
"Sweet! I love basketball. You think I could get onto the team?" I shrugged and led him down the hall.
"How should I know? I've never seen you play. I didn't even know you liked basketball."
"Yep. Swimming and basketball. Jason is football and wrestling. Weird right?" I nodded. It was a little weird but hey it's okay to like different sports. I stopped outside of Mr. Loran's room and Percy held the door open as I walked in.
"Hey Mr. Loran! You got fresh meat!" The man smiled at me before nodding at Percy. They got introduced and Mr. Loran agreed to let us see Percy's other classes as long as we were back before class ended. We headed to the office first to get Percy a basketball form. I chuckled to myself. My brothers would hit me if they knew I was helping a basketball player!
"Oh you're Percy Jackson right? Your paperwork is already turned in." Percy gave me a look and I shook my head. I'm not sure how that's possible.
"I don't know." Mrs. Ivy smiled and showed him the green packet.
"You're all ready to go. Your Mom and cousins helped you out." I smiled and Percy did too. We walked out of the office and I started to show him his second period.
"That was nice of Jason and Thalia. Now you can just go straight to practice after school." Percy nodded and was quiet for a minute before he not so secretly moved a little closer to me. He was looking at his schedule but I could tell he was giving me all his attention.
"Yeah… So where does wrestling practice take place?" I rolled my eyes and playfully shoved him away from me.
"You're a dork but yeah the wrestlers and basketball players share a gym." Percy smiled and moved back to stand next to me. I showed him where his second period would be and then led him to his third. On our way to his fourth I ran into Alex and Rachel. They both had large piles of papers in their hands.
"Hey guys. What's with the papers?" Rachel was struggling to hold all of hers so I grabbed a handful and she smiled gratefully at me.
"Oh we're just turning these into the president. It's just essays students did on what they are thankful for. To celebrate thanksgiving we're hanging em around the school." I nodded and smiled at Percy as he grabbed a handful of papers from Alex.
"Oh that's cool. Want us to go with you?" Alex nodded and he and Percy started walking ahead of Rachel and I. The red head nudged me.
"So what are you and Mr. Greek God doing out of class?" I rolled my eyes. Sure he's attractive but greek god? Well….okay maybe he could pass for one.
"He's new remember? I TA for his first period and was showing him around." Rachel smiled and made a mock understanding look.
"Mmhmm sure." I gave her an 'are you serious' look.
"Seriously! I was just showing him the school."
"Well if I was in your position I would show him the corner of the C wing." I gave her a weird look.
"What why? He doesn't have any classes in that wing. Besides couples go there all the time to-" I gagged and flicked her in the head.
"Gross Rach. I've known the guy for three days. I'm not gonna make out with him." Rachel shrugged in a 'your loss' kind of way.
"Okay that's fine. I'm not saying I wouldn't though." I opened the office doors and awkwardly followed her. Sure Rachel was my friend but she was acting weird…I guess I was too because I had this tight feeling in my stomach and for some reason Rachel was annoying me. I felt like I needed to hit her…but why?
I felt the papers being taken out of my hands and I snapped out of my little Annabeth thought bubble. Percy was chuckling, his hands slightly grazing mine as he took the papers.
"You okay there Annabeth?" I shook my head a little and smiled sheepishly. Before I could reply Alex popped his head out from around the corner.
"She's fine. She was just in her Annabeth thought bubble." I pointed to Alex and nodded as if to say 'he got it' Percy smirked and mouthed 'Annabeth thought bubble?'
"What? I think all the time. That's how I function. I'm a logic and reasoning type of girl." Percy handed the papers to Alex. Rachel was staring at us.
"So…a nerd?" I gasped and punched Percy's shoulder. He winced and he should have. I don't punch softly. I could see Alex smile.
"No! I'm not a nerd! It's called being a logical thinker!" Alex shook his head.
"Annabeth you're a nerd."
"Well so are you!" Percy and Alex started laughing and Rachel walked over to us smiling. She patted my shoulder.
"It's okay Annabeth I love you and your nerdyness." I laughed and she gave me a hug. That tightening feeling in my stomach went away. Rachel's weird but she's one of my best friends.
"At least somebody loves me!" Rachel nodded and we high fived. Which soon just turned into a hand hug. When Alex was done putting the papers away we left the office. Percy and I said our goodbyes and I started to lead him back to Mr. Loran.
"After fourth you'll have lunch-I have that with you- then we'll walk to fifth period together. I'll show you your sixth period after that." Percy nodded and we fell silent until we reached the classroom. I took my seat at my TA desk and Percy sat towards the front as Mr. Loran continued his lesson. I clicked my pen and got grading.
0~0~0~0~0
I sighed as I sat down at our normal lunch table. Jason had his arm around Piper and Thalia was copying some notes for her next class. Two wrestlers, Jared and Steve were talking about a certain boss on Dark Souls two. It's kind of funny but most of the wrestlers are huge gamer nerds. It's adorable. I noticed Percy wasn't here yet but I thought better then to ask where he was. Thalia would get the wrong idea.
As soon as I sat down I regretted it.
"Crap I forgot my journal in my locker." Thalia sniffed and shrugged, never taking her eyes off the notes she was copying.
"Okay go get it then. I'll save your seat." I thanked her and got up quickly. I needed my journal to write down what I did in school today. I also need to make a note to myself that I have to study for the big bone test I have in two days. I rounded the corner to get to my locker but froze. Percy was leaning against some lockers, mine included while talking to three cheerleaders. They were already in their uniforms for today.
During the first thirty minutes of sixth period we're gonna have an assembly. Cheerleaders do their little whore dances then we move on to actual school business. To make matters worse, Percy wasn't just talking to any cheerleaders. He was talking to Brittany and her followers. Gods its annoying how cliché it is. Bitchy cheerleaders. Most of them aren't bad, just normal girls but these three…..Gods these three take things to seriously.
Let's start with the followers. Nicole and Jessica. Jessica is a simple girl. She's a beautiful red head, her green eyes are bright…but her mind could use some sharpening. She could tell you what the new color of the season was but not what two plus two equals. It's sometimes frustrating trying to have a conversation with her. She follows Brittany around constantly. It's almost like Brittany does her thinking for her. I feel bad for Jessica sometimes.
Nicole too is beautiful. I don't understand how the gods gave these three undeserving girls great looks when their insides couldn't be uglier. She has dirty blonde hair and light brown eyes. I don't know how she does it but the girl manages to constantly have her hair perfect….It's annoying. Nicole is smart. She knows Brittany is a terrible person. She knows that being a bitchy cheerleader is going to earn her enemies and she knows she's a follower. She could be the leader but I think she's too afraid of Brittany to try.
Brittany Sanders is the Queen Bee of the squad and the leader of her little posse. Blessed with black hair and blue eyes, she's beautiful on the outside. Cold, rotten and spoiled on the inside. Her Dad's rich and she makes sure everybody knows it. She's awful to everybody. On Friday she pushed a small freshman girl down just because she looked at her the 'wrong way' During Nathan's junior year he dated her for three months, one of his longest records, but broke up with her after he saw how rude she is to me. I swear the girl hates me. It just added fire to the flames when she found out 'the love of her life' dumped her because of me. My brother was and never will be the love of her life. One can only pray a girl like Brittany even has a chance at love.
Instead of watching as Brittany's hand slowly crept up Percy's chest I walked over to them and coughed to make my presence known. Brittany turned to glare at me and rolled her eyes.
"What do you want Annableh?" Oh did I mention we have cute little nicknames for each other? I guess it just comes with the whole hating each other thing. I pointed to the locker she has Percy pressed against.
"Well…First off you're blocking my locker and secondly I don't think this poor soul wants you to dry hump him against said lockers. So why don't you just step off Bitchney." Brittany's glare intensified but I stood my ground. Her hand dropped from Percy's chest and she snapped her fingers.
"Girls let's go! It's getting to nerdy in this hallway." I rolled my eyes at the lame insult and she threw a kiss over her shoulder to Percy. He seemed paralyzed. His eyes were slightly wide and his breathing was slow. I puffed out my cheeks a little awkwardly. He's still in front of my locker….
"Um…" His green eyes snapped over to me and I looked downwards. I was a little nervous to make eye contact with him though I'm not sure why. He silently moved off my locker and I smiled slightly.
"Thanks." I gave him a sideways glance as I put in my combination.
"What for?" He gestured down the hall then grabbed his shirt where Brittany's hands were.
"For saving me or whatever. I just came over here to grab my lunch and boom! I'm pressed up against a locker with a random girl asking me what my weekend plans are." My locker opened and I grabbed my journal. When I saw my small whiteboard was a little smudged I erased the words and grabbed my marker. As I spoke I wrote what the week plans were.
"Well Brittany tends to come on too strong I guess. But seriously, if you ever date her you can throw away the idea of us being friends." I could see Percy out of the corner of my eye. He scoffed and shook his head, holding up his hands.
"Yeah no thanks. Sure she's hot but that was a little too much for me." I rolled my eyes and tossed my marker back into my locker before slamming it. I tucked my journal under my arm and gave Percy an annoyed look.
"Okay new rule. Never use the word 'hot' to describe Brittany unless your agreeing that she's a Satan spawn." I brushed past him and started to walk down the hall. I flipped to a new page in my journal as Percy appeared next to me.
"Um… Okay sure…But what was up witph you too? Seems like you guys hate each other."
"Maybe 'cause we do?" Percy nodded and poked my shoulder.
"Yeah but why?" I shrugged as we entered the lunchroom.
"I don't know she kind of hated me from the start but things really took off when Nathan broke up with her because she was constantly rude to me." Percy frowned as I sat down. I stole a pencil from Thalia and started to write down neatly the homework I had to do tonight. I organized it by classes. I circled test prep. I really need to pass that bones test.
"Yo Perce! Come meet some of the basketball guys!" Percy and I looked at each other. Jason was waving over at us trying to get Percy to get up. I smiled and tilted my head in Jason's direction, encouraging him to go. Percy rolled his lips but stood up anyway. Thalia looked over at me and smirked. I rolled my eyes and stole half of her sandwich.
0~0~0~0~0
I winced as Thalia and I walked into the crowded gym. It was time for the assembly. I scanned the crowd looking for a place to sit. Our bleachers were divided. One bleacher was for freshman and sophomores and the second one is for upper classman. I could see Nick and Nathan sitting with a couple of their friends on the senior side. I adjusted the strap of my shoulder bag and followed Thalia into the stands. Rachel and Piper were there. Jason was sitting with my brothers. I smiled at them as I sat down. I was next to Thalia and the stairs were to my right.
"Hey guys. You seen Alex?" Piper nodded and pointed behind me. I turned around and saw Alex, Percy and a tan guy with a small goatee talking excitedly about something. I think his name was Grover. Percy must have sensed my stare because he looked down at me and smiled. I blushed a little at being caught and quickly turned around.
"So wait what is this assembly for?" I shrugged and looked over at Thalia and Rachel. Nether were paying attention. Rachel was drawing and Thalia was reading one of her creepy death books.
"I don't know. I think it's just to talk about the sports coming up? Oh and the breaks." Piper nodded and I slowly leaned back into my backpack. Everyone was still talking, mostly the freshman so it took our principle a couple of minutes to get everyone to quiet down. Once he finally did he sighed into the microphone.
"Great thank you students. So as you all know before we officially start our assembly our wonderful Goode cheerleaders perform for us! So everyone give it up for the Goode cheerleaders!" I rolled my eyes as Brittany and all the peppy cheerleaders danced out to the middle of the gym. I really don't see the point in this. Percy, Alex and Grover by now had moved down to the bleacher right behind us. I leaned back against Alex's legs and he patted my head.
Our cheerleaders make a mix of the most popular songs that week and blend them together to dance too. It's pretty annoying because all the 'popular' songs are pop or rap. Now don't get me wrong some pop songs I can enjoy but I'm more into bands that have talent instead of auto tune. When the dance was finally over I sighed but clapped slowly. The principle cleared his throat a bit awkwardly before speaking into the mic.
"Er…Well okay. Thank you girls that was great. Now to move onto some important matters. So as you know Thanksgiving is coming up pretty soon. Due to our winter sports starting later then originally planned Wrestling and Basketball will have practice every day of the break except for Thanksgiving." There were a few groans but cheers from the senior side. Yep that's expected. This is some of these kids last year doing sports! Of course they would want to do it as much as possible.
"Right so since our Wrestling coaches can't be here doing the school day due to their jobs why don't we have a couple wrestlers come up to tell us this seasons expectations?" My brothers instantly stood up and I chuckled to myself. Alex was down there first but waited until Nick and Nathan caught up to grab the microphone. He gave me a smirk and my eyes widened.
"Well since Jay graduated a couple years ago you only have four Chases on this year's team. C'mon Annabeth we can't represent Wrestling without you!" I shook my head repeatedly and my hands to signal no but my brothers just got the crowd to egg me on. I really don't like a lot of attention. Eventually Thalia grabbed me by the arm and pushed me down the steps. I stumbled but slowly walked next to my brothers. I nervously tried to hide behind them. Nick took the microphone.
"Great now that she's down here we can tell you about how kick ass this year's season is going to be! We got great seniors who have been wrestling for years ready to place at state. We have juniors ready to prove to the seniors that they'll be able to handle things when we're gone. We also have the sophomores to practice and get ready for the next two years and we have freshman who….can fill up any empty weight classes!" The freshman booed but everyone else laughed or snickered. I shuffled in my spot and Alex poked Nick in the back. He jerked but smiled over at me.
"Now here's my sister Annabeth! She loves public speaking." I glared at him as he shoved the microphone into my hands. I wasn't sure what to say but when I laughed when I heard Thalia yell.
"C'mon Little Chase! Where's your awesome speech?" I rolled my eyes but cleared my throat before speaking.
"So um…I'm not used to this but uh…" Everyone was looking around not really paying attention. C'mon Annabeth. You're here so you're going to be heard. My voice no longer was shaky instead it was determined.
"Look everyone here knows my family history. You know I could tell you what move you should use if you only had a minute left in your match and you were down by three but I couldn't tell you what top would go with your jeans. I've known the coaches and most of the members on this team forever. I can promise you that we'll get to state, we'll place and we'll leave a mark on history. People will know who Goode High School is!" The crowd cheered and I smiled nervously before handing our Principle Master the microphone. I grabbed my backpack before they could start talking about basketball and left the gym in a hurry.
I was speed walking through the hall and towards my sixth period English class. I'm gonna have to be there in a few minutes anyway. The door was slightly open when I got there and I slowly walked in. I sat down at my desk and dropped my bag next to me. I sighed and sat there for a minute enjoying the quiet. I grabbed the needed materials for the class and waited.
After about two minutes the door slowly opened. A mob of black hair poked through and I resisted an urge to groan. Percy smiled over at me and walked over to the desk in front of mine. He sat down on top of it, his feet in the chair.
"Hey there Little Chase." I gave him a look and he chuckled.
"What are you doing here Percy?" He shrugged and started to play with a random pencil.
"I dunno. You just left the gym pretty quickly. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
"I'm fine and don't have a reason not to be." He didn't flinch when I snapped at him. He kept his amused look.
"Well that's good. But I think your lying-"
"What? No I'm not!"
"-and I think you don't really enjoy big crowds."
I sighed and placed my head on the desk.
"Yeah I'm not a fan. I'm not shy, I just don't like a lot of attention."
Percy nodded.
"Well if it means anything…I liked your speech. It was better than the basketball one…"
When I didn't say anything Percy just continued.
"And…I don't think you should feel embarrassed or anything. I think it's cool that you know more about Wrestling then being a girl." I looked up to glare up at him.
"What's that supposed to mean?" His eyes widen and he quickly shook his hands.
"No wait I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that I think it's cool that you so passionate about a sport. And girly girls can annoy me." I nodded slowly. I don't care anymore.
"Okay…Uh thanks I guess." He slowly sank down in the seat in front of me and gave me a soft smile. Our eyes connected and found myself drowning in green. The bell rang loudly and I jumped at the sudden noise. Percy cleared his throat and stood up. He walked over to the door and paused.
"You know… I'm not the best at fashion or whatever…. but I think you did okay matching your top and jeans. Three points Chase. You might have won the game." He spoke softly. I chuckled and ran my finger over the desk.
"They're called matches, not games….But I wouldn't expect a basketball player like you to understand Jackson." I shot back with a bit of a teasing tone. He laughed and nodded.
"I'll keep that in mind. See you around Beth."
0~0~0~0~0
I smiled as I walked into the gym. Excitement was evident. All the guys in here were all in shorts and T- shirts. Their shoes depended on whether they were going to the mat or the gym floor. Nick and Nathan were tying their shoelaces when they smiled over at me. Alex was talking to one of the coaches. I excitedly looked around for Coach Jeff. He's the head coach and my best friend! Well… He's mine but I'm not his. I love to tease him and he loves to make fun of me. For an overweight guy he can really run! I learned that the hard way… I also can't start cleaning the mats until he gives me his keys to unlock the wrestling closet. The second head coach, Coach Russell handed me a clipboard. He gave me a warm smile.
"Nice to see you back Little Chase. Here's the attendance sheet." I nodded and fished a pen out of my backpack. When I got one out Piper walked through the gym doors and over to me. She had two smoothies in her hand. She handed me the strawberry banana one and smiled.
"Thanks Piper. You're the best. You sticking around today?" She shook her head sadly.
"No sorry. I just wanted to drop this off for you. Dad's waiting outside. I'm gonna go say bye to Jason though." I made a kissy face at her. She rolled her eyes before saying goodbye. I took a sip of my smoothie and started to check off names. There were at least ten freshman names that I didn't know but I just skipped those and marked off my brothers and my name. Well my name was Little Chase on the clipboard.
"Heads up midget!" My right head reached up to grab the keys that were flying towards my face. I smiled brightly when I saw Coach Jeff laughing in the doorway.
"One day Little Chase I promise. It's gonna nail ya right in the face." I nodded and set down the clipboard.
"So you've been saying. I'll go get the stuff." He nodded and walked onto the mat. I grabbed my smoothie and the keys. I got the med kit and the blood kit first then went back to grab the mop and cleaner. When I walked back into the gym I saw Percy talking to Alex and Nick. I slowly walked over and all three boys smiled.
"Hey Percy…Getting ready for basketball?" He nodded and looked up at the clock. It was 2:34 we had until 2:40 to get ready. He cracked his knuckles.
"Yeah. I'll see you guys later okay? I don't want to distract the lady from her wrestling duties!" I rolled my eyes but waved as he ran off. Nick was giving me a weird look as Alex walked away.
"What Nick?" He didn't say anything. He just gave me another weird look and turned his back to me and walked onto the mat. Okay whatever weirdo?I squealed as two hands poked my sides. I turned around and came face to face with one of my favorite wrestlers.
"Cole!" Cole is one of my brother's old friends. Jay convinced him to try wrestling and he fell in love with it. He's a senior this year along with the twins so sadly this will be my last year with him. Cole is pretty tall but he politely bends down to hug me. His dirty blond hair was falling into his sparking blue eyes. I leaned up to hug him but he had other ideas. He picked me up and spun me around, making my laugh echo through the gym. When he set me down I was in the middle of the mat, the coaches and wrestlers surrounding me. My eyes widened.
"Cole you traitor!" Coach Jeff smiled evilly. He snapped his fingers and the twins grabbed me. Alex and the rest of the team were laughing. A couple of the basketball boys stopped to see what was happening. Coach Jeff walked over to me.
"Well well well….What do we have here hmm? Big bad Annabeth Chase is in the middle of the mat. It's the beginning of the season. Do you know what this means Annabeth?" I shook my head almost pleadingly. I tried to get free from my brothers grasp but they were too strong.
"Don't do this Jeff. Think of the good times! We can have those times again Jeff! C'mon we're buddies! You don't wanna do this do you?" He pretended to think about it for a minute before he glanced at the coaches and team. Everyone was nodding. I groaned and Jeff whistled.
Soon a large team of forty wrestlers were piled on top of me. I could faintly hear Jeff yelling 'dog pile' before I was jumped. Someone's elbow was in the back of my knee and somebody else's balls were a little too close to my face.
"Jeff! Someone's man jewels are too close to the money maker!" I tried wiggling under everyone but it didn't work well. I could hear Nathan's hearty chuckle.
"Sorry Annabeth. I thought you would be used to my man jewels by now." My eyes widened and I screamed, though it was slightly muffled. Jeff finally called everyone off and slowly the light was seeping through. When everyone was off of me I glared at Jeff.
"Uncalled for!" He shrugged and smiled at me. I smelt myself and frowned when I smelt nothing but sweat, cheap deodorant and tears….though the last one might have been from me. I took off my shoes and handed Cole the cleaner for him to spray the mat with. He gave me a sheepish smile and I glared at him.
"You have lost my trust Cole." He smiled and began to spray the mat as the other wrestlers began to run around the gym for laps. The basketball boys were passing me to get to the gym doors leading outside. Percy was last and smiled at me. Though I probably looked awful now I smiled back. When he passed he whispered good luck in my ear making me chuckle.
I readied the mop and followed Cole as he sprayed. He gave me a small smile.
"So who's the boy toy whispering in your ear? Do your brothers and I need to go kick his ass?" I shook my head and continued pushing the large mat forward.
"No you do not! And don't call him a boy toy. I met the guy three days ago. He's Thalia and Jason's cousin. He's moving down here." Cole nodded and gave me a big grin.
"He'll be your boy toy soon enough. He's got the hots for ya. Oh by the way happy birthday!" I smiled and rolled my eyes as we finished the last mat.
"Shut up Cole. And thanks, though you're a little late." He shrugged and held up a finger.
"Maybe but its better late than never. One sec let me go get your present." I nodded and he ran into the locker room. I put the mop and cleaner away and walked back into the gym. The wrestlers were almost done with their warm up. Cole normally helps me wash the mat so he warms up beforehand. Cole came running back out and handed me a large paper wrapped box. He kissed my head. He's pretty much the only guy who's not related to me allowed to do that.
"Happy late birthday! I gotta get to practice but open it." I nodded and smiled as he ran off. I sat down on the gym floor, my back to the wall as I slowly unwrapped the gift. My smile widened when I saw the two connected photo frames. One the left was a picture from when Nick, Nathan and Cole were just going into middle school wrestling. Jay, Alex and I were in the picture too though. We all looked so young! Cole was giving Alex bunny ears, the twins had their backs against one another's and were holding out their fingers, pretending they were guns. I was standing in front of Jay with his arms wrapped around me. I remember when I was younger Jay was my hero. Maybe it was because he's five years older or because he was just so cool back then.
On the right side of the frame was a picture from last year. We're standing outside the large dome where our state events take place. Behind us was a large banner that said 2012- 2013 Wrestling. The twins got into state though they didn't place. Cole got 8th in state last year for the 195 weight class. In this picture you could see Cole's medal on his chest. He was giving me a piggy back ride. Jay had his arm around Alex and the twins were giving each other bunny ears, cause they're dorks. We were all smiling happily at the camera. At the top of the frames it said.
"Always remember where you've been. It'll help guide you to where you're going."
So what do you guys think so far? So I know annabethchase999 does this (She has awesome stories.) I'm gonna start asking three questions at the end of each chapter. It's supposed to see how well you guys pay attention! ;) If you get the answers write I'll give you a shout out!
1)What song was playing when Annabeth woke up?
2) What does Jay do for a living?
3) Who's 'man jewels' were in Annabeth's face during the dog pile?
:) So let's see who can get those right! Anyway I also wanted to say that this story is going to be picking up soon. It's happy now which is good but I have a plan for this story. And just like my life did this story is going to instantly turn and Annabeth's life is going to be flipped around. This story is mostly about how Annabeth deals with everything. The drama and angst and just ugh is going to be starting within the next couple of chapters.
Be prepared.