(A/N) Hello! I bet you guys are really glad that I'm on break, because that means I end up updating out of boredom XD
I did edit the Sneak-Peek a little bit to fit with the rest of the chapter, but it's still pretty much the same.
The first part of the chapter was inspired by a picture. Yes, that's right, a picture. If you want to see it, I'll post a link on my profile. And no, I don't think the girl in the picture looks like Annabeth :P
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Annabeth POV
Luke. Luke. Luke. He was the one who hurt me in ways that words cannot explain.
His name fell into my mind with the same rhythm that the rain hit my window pane. All it took to bring on this montage of pain was to stumble upon that photo album… full of so many happy memories that are unreachable.
Everything seems so dreary when it rains. The droplets fall, looking suspiciously like tears as the gloom spreads over everyone and everything. From now on, I know that when I think of rain, I will think of Luke. Why? Because rain brings pain, and so does Luke.
Rain also brings joy, but that side is not seen as often. Dancing in the rain is for silly optimists, those who can somehow see through the bleakness that rain causes… in other words, rain is for the kind of person I wish I could be.
I turned, buried my head in the pillow and screamed. "It hurts so much!" I sobbed. This was the first time since it happened that I had any reaction, it was such a short time ago, only a month. At the funeral, I was stoic and solid because of the light they cast him in, the way they pointed out that everyone knew this was coming. Back then, I would see all the bad things they mentioned about him. It was easy to stay strong when I was angry at him.
I'm still angry at him, but the overwhelming sadness was more overpowering than the terrible fury. He ripped my heart out, and the only thing that could make me feel better wasn't something I could receive. All I needed was an apology.
Turning my body to the wall, I punched it as hard as I could. I relished the physical pain because it was the only way I knew that my body was still alive.
I sat there, unmoving. How could I move? The pain was immobilizing. My dad ran up and begged me to stop crying, but my mother told him to leave me alone, that I'd come out when I was ready.
Eventually, the rain did stop, but the pain never left. It was soothed a bit, but not completely erased. The sun peeped out, and a tiny bit of hope surged through me.
Impulsively, I grabbed my backpack and left the house, ignoring my dad's questions. Stiffly, I walked to the only place that could calm my roiling emotions. When I heard the waves lapping along the shore, I closed my eyes and smiled. The beach.
I kicked off my shoes and walked along the beach, my toes sinking into the sand. The hurt could almost be shoved into the back of my mind as I remembered the time when Luke, Thalia, Grover, and me were all here, splashing each other and laughing like some cheesy movie.
I noticed with irritation someone walking down the road. I did my best to ignore the fact that someone was about to invade my thoughts.
Glancing out at the ocean, I couldn't help but admire how calm the waters looked. The storm before the peace was over. Grinning almost insanely, I walked closer to the water. Some voice of reason was trying to convince me not to go, but I refused to listen. Annabeth, you aren't thinking clearly. You're hurt and upset… this is not a good idea. What if the storm starts again?
Ignoring my gut instinct, I slipped one foot into the water, followed by the other. I waded out into the sea, unaware of the darkening sky. Or maybe I did notice but wanted to ignore it because if the waters started to fall, I knew my misery would begin to start again.
Flipping onto my back, I closed my eyes. I allowed myself to drift farther out, laughing quietly. This is more like it… a nice relaxing sw-
Frowning, I opened my eyes as I noticed the waves growing choppier, no longer soothing. Glancing up, I saw gray cloud and a droplet of water fell onto my face.
That was when I heard the person screaming, "ANNABETH!" I jerked my head up and saw a blob of a person. I tried to touch my feet to the floor and began to panic slightly when I realized that I couldn't.
How could I be so stupid? I was just like Luke, throwing my life away with no concern for those that love me.
By now it was pouring and thunder was booming. I choked a bit as the wave smacked me in the face and I was pummeled under the surface. I was normally a strong swimmer, so I began to kick my legs viciously, trying to make it back to shore, refusing to follow in Luke's footsteps.
Another wave crashed on top of my head and I coughed, trying to get in a breath of air. When I realized it was useless, and that struggling would only prolong my death and not prevent it, I stopped. Luke will be so proud. You always did want to please him and be just like him, didn't you? That wry voice stated. "No, Annabeth! Don't give in!" The person shouted, sounding much closer.
Why? I asked silently. What's the point?
This was it. This was how I would die.
The storm was tossing me around like I was a broken rag doll. "Please, Annabeth." The person begged me, "We still need you." Just like I needed Luke.
I began to try and fight my way to the surface, a silent prayer going up to whatever gods might be real. Please. Save me. The water was starting to slow me down. My muscles and lungs ached and my eyes were starting to flutter shut.
I felt a sharp tug on my arm and my eyes flew open. The last thing I saw before I passed out from lack of oxygen was a pair of brilliant green eyes filled with determination.
Percy. Percy. Percy. He would be the one to save me.
(A/N) Look at the beginning and ending sentences ;P
By the way, out of curiosity, how old do you think I am?
