[A/N: Here's chapter 6, readers! Thank you for all the positive reviews. Your encouragements are what inspire me. Keep the reviews coming! :D

By the way, what do you guys (and girls) think about the titles of the upcoming chapters? Let me know! :D

And oh, a new character is introduced in this chapter! Someone that will get in between Percy & Annabeth. :D

Again, I don't own the Percy Jackson & the Olympians.]

WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN
Chapter 6: THE TIES THAT BIND

PERCY

I woke up the next morning to the sound of Mom knocking on my door.

I rolled on my bed and my hand searched for Annabeth's warmth but found nothing. Instead, my hand landed on a piece of folded paper. Written in Annabeth's precise and neat handwriting were the words:

Duty calls. I'll call you. 'Love you.

-Annabeth

I smiled to myself. I would've preferred to wake up with her by my side but at least there was a phone call to look forward to. Fighting a yawn, I stood up and opened the door of my room to find myself looking at my Mom in her flowered apron, wearing an unreadable expression that simply said: Percy Jackson, you're in serious trouble.

Oh, boy.

"Breakfast is ready," she said and walked away.

I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes and changed. I knew Mom didn't appreciate my sleeping with Annabeth. She would ambush me while I was eating. Though even with the thought of having Mom yap at me, I couldn't help but smile at what happened last night. We got kicked out, yes, but what happened after that made up for us missing the dance. Add to that the fact that Annabeth and I slept together.

Mom and Paul were already seated at the table when I went down. I greeted them and helped myself to a heaping plate of eggs, bacons and hams. I was about to dig in when I noticed my parents looking at me. "What?" I asked.

"I was surprised with what I saw last night," Mom said. I swallowed. "You could imagine how worried I was when I saw you and Annabeth sleeping together." Mom took in a huge breath and looked in my eyes. I nearly cringed. "Percy, I know you're sixteen now and you're not a kid anymore. But, honey, you're still too young, both of you, to –"

"Mom," I interjected. "Relax. Annabeth and I haven't, um, done anything. And I don't think we would be anytime soon." Mom raised her eyebrows. I looked at Paul for help but he just shrugged at me. "We have talked about, uh, that thing and we both agreed not to do things we might regret, unless we're a hundred percent sure it is the right time for the both of us."

Mom didn't answer. She just looked at me. Whenever she does this, I'm always reminded of my friend, Rachel Elizabeth Dare, our Oracle at Camp and my personal friend. It wasn't the first time it happened. They both have this same talent of seeing right through the Mist. Rachel's gift was stronger than Mom's. My Dad once mentioned that this particular talent of hers was what attracted him to her.

"I'm sorry, Mom," I said. "We didn't mean to fall asleep together. It just happened."

She sighed. "I trust you. And Annabeth. If you said you'd be responsible, then I'll believe you."

I grinned in relief. After that, it was easier for us to move on to lighter topic. It appeared that Mom and Paul had somewhere else to go, which meant I would be left home alone. It would've been cool if Annabeth was with me.

My parents left an hour after dinner. I debated whether I would just stay home or go out and see my mortal friends. I decided to stay home for a while and wait for Annabeth to call me but . . . well, she didn't.

It was past lunch. I had been waiting for three hours for her to call but Annabeth just didn't. I guess she was just too busy with her project. It was kind of weird not having your girlfriend call you. The day was only halfway so I figured maybe she would call later but I didn't think I could wait for a few more hours.

These past few months had been amazing, having Annabeth as my girlfriend. During the times we were together, I found my feelings growing every day until I feel like if I don't see her for a few hours, I'd go out of my mind.

I sighed and decided to go out to hang out with some friends.

SAMANTHA

Percy Jackson.

It was funny how one simple name could send me in a state of panic. I pictured his grin, his always untidy jet-black hair, his bright sea green eyes and his playful voice. Along with that came the fantasy of him kissing me . . . of us going all the way.

I shook my head and stared at the photo I was holding. It was him. Percy Jackson. Actually, the picture was supposed to show the whole swim team of Goode High, including me, but I magnified it and focused it to Percy's face. I printed the picture, framed it and kept it under my pillow ever since. Every night, before I go to sleep, I always look at his photo, say a couple of things and kiss him. At least I got to do that, even in a picture.

My name's Samantha Reese Willard. My friends either call me Samantha or Reese. Only one person was allowed to call me Sam. It was Percy, of course. I was seventeen years old, a year older than Percy, because I had been held back for a year when I went into depression when my parents separated. I was seven back then.

My parents were well known in the business world. Anthony Willard and Julia Rodriguez. My father is American while my mother is Hispanic. The combination of their genes gave me dark hair, brown eyes, copper skin and slender figure. I guess the last one didn't really count. They were happily married for a year until I came. My birth had some complications on my mother's part. The doctors told her she wouldn't be able to get pregnant again.

I'd like to say she took the news well and spent her time raising me but no; my mother had always been weak. When she found out about her condition, she turned to alcohol and even resorted to drugs. Dad put up with her for a couple more years to watch over me until he had too much and left her. The last word I got from him was that he had a new girlfriend.

When my Mom found out about that, she was devastated, spending most of her times drunk. I was seven and had no idea how to fend for myself. Luckily, one of the few good things my Dad did before he left was hire Maria. She had been my personal nanny from the moment I was born. As I was growing up, I grew closer to her. Now I could say she was my mother figure.

So yeah, I had my fair share of hardships in life.

One thing I didn't like about me was that my family's rich. Some people think that when you have money, you can have everything. They're wrong. When you're rich, it seems like everything around you is fake. My friends only like me because I have money. Guys courted me not because they were interested in me but with what's inside my pockets.

My Mom kept on sending me to an exclusive private school with monthly tuition fee that could feed a family of four for a year. I hated throwing away money so I decided to take matters in my own hands. I transferred to Goode High.

On my first day, I made an experiment. I didn't want to be the rich kid anymore, who didn't have any real friend of her own. I went to school wearing tattered jeans, faded shirt, torn sneakers and tucked my hair in an old baseball cap.

I was immediately ambushed by Amber and her crew. See Amber thinks she's the hottest and most popular girl at school. Well maybe she was, considering she had slept with all of the guys, including our janitor. All guys with the exception of Percy Jackson.

"You're new," she said when I passed by her and her friends at the hallway. They looked at me like I was a piece of meat. "Damn girl, hasn't anybody told you you're supposed to wear clothes in school not rugs?"

I didn't answer. I wasn't used to this kind of treatment. Back in my old school, the students, even the faculty members treated me like I was made of gold. I didn't like that, either.

"Okay, let me break it down to you, as long as you stay out of our way, maybe you'll survive until senior year. Maybe." Her friends laughed, giving me the evil eyes. I wanted to use my karate skills on them but stopped myself. I didn't want to get thrown out on my first day. "And stay away from the swim team co-captain; he's mine." As if. I was sure the swim team co-captain was another snob and jerk of a jock.

With that, she bumped into my shoulders and I went sprawling on the floor. None of the students dared to help me. Some of them were even laughing. My eyes teared up and I clenched my teeth, forcing the tears back.

I was picking my books when a hand appeared from nowhere and stacked my things in a neat pile in front of me. Then the hand was thrust to my face, clearly offering help. When I look up, I was greeted with the most gorgeous pair of green eyes. He was looking at me, his face worried. "Are you okay?"

I nodded and took his hand. Then I felt someone grabbing my shoulder. I turned around and saw Amber glaring at me. "What did I say about staying away from the swim team co-captain?"

I was confused. The guy who helped me wasn't anywhere close to what I expected. For once his face was kind but I knew instantly that he wasn't someone you'd want to cross.

He stepped in front of me and faced Amber. "Amber," he said. I took a deep breath when I heard his voice. It was a bit husky, deep and beautiful. "You will not talk to the new girl like that. You don't even know her."

Amber was shocked. I was, too. Why would someone like him, a popular student of the school, stand up for someone like me? I was sure my appearance contributed to how Amber treated me but him . . . he was different. He didn't care if I was dressed up like a beggar. He still protected me.

Amber smiled afterwards. "Of course. Whatever you say, baby." She ran her finger down his chest up to his stomach and I saw him shudder. She glared at me one last time before walking away.

The guy shook his head and turned to me. His scowl turned into a cute smile and I found myself blushing. "Hi," he said, extending his hand. "My name's Percy Jackson. What's yours?"

For the second time that day, I held his hand and he shook it. "Samantha Willard."

Percy frowned. Shoot, I should've invented a different name. But he smiled at me again and carried my books for me. He went and showed me around, with girls throwing glares my way. I had no idea whether Percy was aware of them or if he just didn't pay any attention.

He led me to my first class and introduced me to the professor. Before he left, he gave me another shy smile and I knew, from that moment, I was a goner.

Soft knocks on my door brought me back to the present. I hid Percy's picture under my pillows, smoothed out my clothes and opened the door. It was Maria, as I'd expected. "Samantha," she said. Even her, the closest person in the planet didn't call me Sam. That one was reserved for one person only. "A boy is waiting for you downstairs."

I groaned. Surely another suitor. I had some boyfriends before but they weren't serious with me, just interested in sex and money. Since then, I don't entertain suitors anymore. "Tell him I'm not feeling well," I said.

Maria smiled. "I think you'd make an exception for this one. He's – how do you youngsters say it? – yes, a cutie? Green eyes, black hair and –"

"Wait," I said, my heart thumping. "Did he say what his name is?"

"Yes. He said he's Percy Jackson and that he's your friend."

My knees turned to jelly. Percy's actually here? At my house? Why?

"Why are you all red?" asked Maria. Then she smiled teasingly at me. "You like this boy, huh?"

"Shh!" I whispered to her. "Can you tell him I'll be right down?"

"Sure."

I went back into my room and changed into a shirt and pants. The first time I invited Percy and the rest of the swim team at my house, they were stunned when they found out I was actually from a well-to-do family. I thought Percy would get mad at me for lying to him but he just smirked and said "Wow! Pizza and barbecue!" when he saw the food at the table.

I guess I haven't mentioned it was him who made an exception and had the swim team accept me. We were the only sophomores in. Usually juniors and seniors were the only ones accepted but Percy was really good. Beyond good, actually. The first time I saw him swimming was . . . wow. I was speechless. Or maybe that's because I saw him in his swim trunks for the first time.

When he saw me swimming, he dragged me to a guy named Barry and convinced him to let me join the team. After some tryouts, he'd eventually let me in. That's when I found a family and friends . . . and a potential future boyfriend? Barry, however, told me that Percy already has a girlfriend. I was sad but whenever he talks about a girl named Annabeth – the way his eyes light up and his lips stretch into a grin – I knew I could never compete with the mystery girl.

I had been tempted to tell Percy the truth about my feelings. The rest of the swim team knew it. I didn't tell them. They claimed it was very obvious, though. I wondered, if it was so obvious, how come Percy was the only one who couldn't see it?

I kept my feelings buried inside. I didn't want to make things weird between us. I didn't want to lose him.

Percy was sitting at our couch when I went down, a glass of orange juice on his hands. He looked up and grinned at me. I almost missed a step and went rolling down the stairs.

"Hey," he greeted.

"What's up?" I asked, sitting in front of him. I wanted to be beside him but stopped myself.

"Nothing much. You?"

I shrugged. "What brought you here?"

"I was alone at home and bored," he explained. "I went to Barry and the guys but they were all busy with their girlfriends so I figured maybe you won't mind hanging out with me today."

I raised my eyebrows. "Where's Annabeth?"

"Oh, she's busy with some projects." He set down the glass and looked at me. I felt my face burning. "Do you have something to do today?"

"I actually have to go to the grocery," I said.

"Cool. I'll come with you."

"Really?"

"Yeah. I guess you could use some muscles bringing stuffs."

"I definitely could."

"So what time are you going?"

I thought for a moment. "How about now?"

"Okay."

Percy stood up and was about to pick his jacket but I was faster than him. I snatched it up and held it out to him. He grinned and I helped him getting back into it. It's all I could do not to wrap my hands around his waist or breathe in his scent.

"Thanks, Sam," he said as he playfully tapped my chin with a finger. "I have my car with me. Wanna ride? I promise not to get us killed."

I laughed. "Right."

I spotted Maria looking at us, a smile lighting up her face. I waved at her as we went outside.

I have my own car. Two of them actually. It was the BMW I usually take to school. Students were shocked when they saw the supposedly poor girl driving that car. I guess Amber would've been nice to me now that they know who I really was but since I was close to the guy she was fantasizing about, she disliked me even more.

But my BMW could never compete with Percy's Corvette Stingray. It wasn't the car itself but the driver. Percy was a really friendly guy and it wasn't a surprise when I learned that most girls at school have a crush on him. It was easy to be around him. He was the only one who could make me laugh until my stomach cramps with his unintentionally goofball antics. He was the only one who could turn the saddest day into a fun one. He's the only one . . .

Oh, God.

It was actually Percy who did the shopping. I handed him the list and busied myself by staring at him. At one point, he looked at me, his eyebrows raised, waiting for my response. "I'm sorry what?"

He laughed and threw an arm around my shoulder. "Am I that boring that you actually tuned me out?"

"No, of course not," I answered quickly. "I just got a lot on my mind."

"What were you thinking?"

You, doofus, I thought. "School works," I said simply.

He groaned. "Ugh. Sam, seriously? Can we please set the school works aside and just enjoy the day?"

"That won't be hard, as long as I'm with you," I whispered under my breath.

He looked up from choosing pasta. "What?"

"Nothing," I said and went off to look for tomato sauce.

An idea came into my mind when Percy was walking to where I was. "Hey," I said. "You want to have dinner with me?"

He frowned. "You're asking me on a date?"

I wished I had the courage. "No, dummy. I'll cook for you if you want."

"You can cook?"

"The surprise on your face is very discouraging, Mr. Jackson," I said.

Percy laughed. "All right. What do you have in mind to cook for me? I have to warn you, though, I'm hard to impress."

I know that, considering I've been trying for almost a year, I thought to myself. "What do you want to eat?"

"Hmm," he murmured, thinking hard. I laughed at his expression. "How about some barbecue and hamburgers?"

I punched his stomach. I was the one who got hurt by that one since his abs were, well, rock hard. "Give me some challenge, Perce," I said. He stiffened a bit when I said that but he smiled quickly when he saw me looking at him. "How about a orecchiette with ricotta and chard pan sauce? Want that?"

He pouted. "Sure. As long as you don't make me repeat the name."

I shook my head as I went off to find the ingredients.

When we were done, Percy grabbed my arm and pulled me back. I looked at him. He was grinning like crazy. "Race you to the counter?"

"Oh, you're on," I said as I sprinted to the nearest one. I made it to the cashier first, of course, as I left the push cart to Percy, who was pushing it and laughing like crazy. When he finally made it to where I was, I grabbed his arm to stop myself from rolling on the floor. This guy knew exactly how to make me happy.

"Not fair," he said, panting.

"You're just saying that because you lost."

The cashier was smiling at us. "You guys are a very cute couple," she said. My face grew hot, of course. I glanced at Percy and he was blushing, too. He was so cute I wanted to kiss him.

"Um, she's not my girlfriend," he said.

The cashier raised her eyebrows. "My apologies, then."

After paying up, Percy took the grocery bags and wouldn't let me carry even one. Funny, handsome, kind and a gentleman. I seriously fell hard for this guy.

His driving got a bit fast. I looked at him and asked, "What's the hurry?"

"The hurry is that my stomach is yelling at me; I'm starving," Percy said, patting himself.

I smiled and patted his stomach as well, saying," There, there. Just a couple of hours more." I was teasing him but when I checked his face, he was blushing again and I realized what I was doing was awkward for a guy. I pulled my hand back, muttering an apology.

Percy just cleared his throat but didn't reply. We drove the rest of the way in silence.

Maria helped us in unloading the groceries. I went up to my room and change clothes. When I went down, I caught Percy yawning. Is there anything this guy does that isn't cute? I asked myself.

"Up late last night?" I asked him.

"Not really," Percy said. "I was up early this morning, though."

"You want to sleep in my room?"

Percy looked shock. "Um, I'd like to sleep but I don't think it would be ideal if I do it in your room."

"Why is that?"

His face reddened. "Jeez, Sam. You don't have me."

I felt my ears getting arm. "Right. Sorry. How about in a guest room?"

"Don't you need help with cooking?"

"Do you even know how to?"

"Um, no," he admitted.

"Then just go and sleep."

I led him to one of our guest rooms. Percy was looking around awkwardly until I punched his arm. "Ow. What now?" he asked, rubbing his arm.

"Don't be shy. Just go sleep and I'll wake you up when food's ready."

He grinned and nodded. "Thanks."

"No prob," I said, closing the door.

I quickly went down to the kitchen after tying my hair in a ponytail. Maria was there, putting the groceries at the cupboard. She smiled when she saw me. I smiled back, ecstatic.

"He's something," Maria commented when I started preparing the ingredients. She was leaning against the counter and was watching me. It was because of her that I knew how to cook. I was determined to make this dish perfect. I was serving it to my special someone.

"He sure is," I agreed.

"Is he your boyfriend?"

"No," I said, barely containing the disappointment in my voice. "He has a girlfriend."

"Oh. That's unfortunate."

When I didn't reply, Maria left. She knew when I wanted to be alone. She knew me better than my parents, which was kind of sad, but I was used to it. At the thought of my Mom and Dad, I felt my eyes prickling. I shook my head and busied myself with preparing the food.

I wasn't aware of the time passing. When I checked the wall clock, it was already half-past five in the afternoon. I'd been working on the dinner for almost two hours and a half. Well, the cooking itself didn't took much time. That wasn't the only thing I did, however. I also set up the table for two and lit some candles. I smiled to myself, thinking about Percy and me sitting on this table together. It could be a date.

I shook my head. Stop it, I scolded myself. He has a girlfriend.

I made my way to the guest room where he was sleeping. I opened the door and nearly stepped back. Percy was stripped down to his boxers.

I should've knocked!

I was on my way to the door when I stopped and looked at him. He looked peaceful sleeping. His hair was messier than usual, his mouth slightly open. He looked so good it hurt. It was so unfair for someone to have such power over me. It was unfair to have Percy so close to me and yet still unreachable.

Before I knew it, I was standing at the side of the bed. I wasn't aware when the tears started falling. All I knew was that they fell to Percy's face when I leaned down and pressed my lips to his.