Chp 7
Annabeth's POV

I shoved my clothes into my bag as I had just dressed again after PT and was getting ready for lunch. I was just double checking I had everything, when I heard the girls.

"Yeah, but seriously, I'm sure he won't walk again. If he showed up at the swimming in a wheelchair a month after the accident he surely won't be able to walk again." I heard the girl.

I, besides feeling angry that she was being so stupid to think major damage could be healed so quickly, I was angry that she was talking about Percy.

"Yeah, I mean, he was cool because he was not he swim team and was good looking. But now he's basically paralyzed. He wouldn't be blue to walk with you into the park, or dance with you and stuff." Wait, hold on - was that Rachael?

"Yeah, Rach is right, we should just forget him. He's not useful anymore." Another voice said. Okay, besides the fact that it was Rachael involved, what were they talking about? Useful for what?

"Yeah, but that just leaves Darrel as the next most popular guy, and we already hang out with him so at least if you start to date him we'll all be at the same status level." A girl said, sounding cheerful.

"Okay, we'll meet you usual place for lunch. Bye Rach!" The three other girls said, and left. Rachael came towards her locker on the other side from where she had been standing behind some other lockers, but froze when she saw me standing there with an angry expression.

"So that's what it was all about? Becoming popular?" I asked, beyond angry. Her face saddened and she came forward. "Annabeth, -" she started. "How could you be so heartless? You took advantage of him. What kind of person does that?" I asked, anger seething through my words.

"I never meant to hurt him. But you can't tell him about this." She said, her eyes looking glossy. "Why shouldn't I? He shouldn't have to have friends that are cheating him." I said.

"Please don't tell him. I just - he was popular and captain of a sports team and good looking and stuff, so I couldn't be seen as the weird arty girl again, I've gone eight years with people seeing me as a weirdo because of the little things. I just needed a new start."

"But then I found out that he was actually a good person, and he's so loyaly Annabeth. But I would hate for him to be mad at me, because he is such a nice person." She pleaded.

I swallowed, not sure what to say. I instead turned away from her, grabbed my bags and left for lunch. Should I tell him? Shouldn't I? Shouldn't I tell him but defend her? Did I want to defend her?

The day went by quickly and I found myself consciously walking towards Percy's place. As I neared his place, I decided I should probably nit interrupt them he had had physio the day before and probably was sore.

"Annabeth!" A voice called. I looked up and saw Paul driving in his Prius. "You want a lift to our place?" He asked. I gave a thankful smile but said, "No it's fine, I was just heading to my apartment. Have some work to do."

He frowned. I guess I hadn't not gone to see Percy recently. "He'll be upset." He said, making me doubt my decision. He sighed and said, "Okay, I'll tell him and Sally. You know where we are if you wanna come over."

I gave a smile and he drove off. I carried on walking. When I got to my place I had just put my bags down when my phone rang. I saw it was Percy so answered it. "Annabeth, come!" He whined.

I laughed and said, "Percy, I have work and exams to study for. I dunno if I'll get time later." He sighed. "Well I'll see you-?" He asked, waiting for an answer. "On Friday for your physio." I said, smiling to myself. "See you then. Bye!" I groaned and lay on my bed. Oh joy, now I have to keep a secret from my best friend and crush.