Hello again folks! Here's my next chapter. A long one, but I think it's build up to bigger, better, and more Godling type things! :D
ninjagirl2012: Thanks!
riml: Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you like it! I love the fluff in stories too and I'm glad to hear such a positive reaction from mine haha I appreciate your suggestion and I think you will be happy with what I've done for that ;D I liked your idea so I put a twist of that! And again, thank you. Hearing the complements makes this story much more worth while J
Polardog: I'm sorry! But I'm guessing this is a sign of you liking the story because you hate waiting :D But I will updating faster since school is out! Promises, especially for you!
Thank you to: Katur3, unoo, and very much to Hannibalrider for my very first author alert. :)
Annabeth:
The trip back to camp felt like forever. My nerves were getting the best of me. I couldn't wait to see everyone and continue my training. I didn't even finish the book I was reading. The stop finally came and I got out with a little jump. The taxi driver thought this was weird, being dropped off in the middle of a woodsy atmosphere. But I paid him and he left anyway. I walked down the dirt trail and thought about all the new things to train for. I thought about my new studies, my cabin being a complete mess, thanks to my half- brothers, and the idea of an amazing feast to finish the first night off. I finally made it towards the hill and I held my breath, waiting for the first glimpse of my home for the summer. I climbed it quickly and there it was…
Camp Half-Blood.
The trees surrounded the camp, in a circle like figure. All of the twelve cabins we have, different colors and sizes. Symbolizing the gods and goddesses. The arena we had to train in or even have our annual chariot races. And of course, the woods and forest where capture the flag takes place. Our lake was so blue this time of year and it made me think of my watery best friend again. I frowned to myself, but I knew I should push him out of my mind for now. I ran down the other side of the hill with a huge smile and walked inside the main hall. Chiron had to be back by now. I looked around and saw him sitting in his wheelchair writing a letter or something.
"Hey Chiron! I'm back." The smile just roared off my voice.
He looked up and smiled lightly. "Annabeth. Welcome back."
I went over and stood by him. "What are you writing?"
"I'm just writing the activities for the week." He put his pen down and turned towards me.
"So what is it that you want to tell me?"
My face turned confused. "What makes you think I have something to tell you?"
"I can read your emotions." He stated.
I sighed and decided to get it over with. "His mother knows."
He put his hand on his face. You know, in the way older men usually do when their thinking.
"I'm not surprised. As I'm more than sure she will keep his secret, with her life. She never liked the idea of this place after all."
I nodded. "I'm not sure why. I mean I know she wants him to be safe, and she understands this place is his best bet. So why the sudden need to keep him attached to the hip?"
"That exact reason. To keep him attached to her. She's never wanted him out of her sight."
I frowned. "Isn't that a little selfish?"
Chiron simply laughed. "Maybe. Or maybe we just don't understand the need for her to keep him around."
I thought about it, but I still came to the conclusion that she was making a horrible choice. Chiron never explained it and after awhile of catching up, he excused himself and went to prepare for this weeks plans.
I walked towards my cabin and as I walked in I saw all my half-siblings. We exchanged our hellos and how was your school year stuff, and I made my way to my bunk. The cabin smelled like lemon and cedar wood. My favorite scents ever. I put my bag on my bed and barely had the chance to sit down, when suddenly a voice yelled out.
"Annabeth! Annabeth your back!" The male voice shouted.
I got up and in front of me was this boy, who wasn't really a boy. He had orange-ish, but dark hair. His skin was olive but also a little dark. He wore our usual camp attire, which was a orange Camp Half-Blood t-shirt. He had regular pants on and his stuffed shoes to hid what his limb and crutches (when necessary) really meant. He was breathing really fast with excitement, his face full of anticipation. I finally smiled and hugged my old satyr friend.
Grover Underwood.
Percy:
I was heading back to my apartment after my swim. I was in a pretty good mood, aside from the fact that this blonde I knew was missing in action. For about 3 weeks now. It still felt weird not having her around, even though I was used to this in the summer.
I made it up to my place and my mom was washing the dishes, while Gabe was watching TV. I kissed my mom on the cheek and started to help her dry dishes. She stopped suddenly and walked towards the front door. She picked something up and handed it me when she made her way back to the sink. I looked down at an envelope that said:
From: Annabeth, Hope you like the view!
I opened it, set the envelope on the table, and inside was a picture of a beautiful lake. It was behind this cabin and there was a lot of trees in the background. The lake looked really refreshing and the back of the photo had a handwritten trident on the back. I smiled to myself and picked up the envelope to put it back in. There was no address on it, which made me a little disappointed. But there was this weird writing, where Annabeth's message had been. It looked like someone spelled something terribly wrong. But then I remembered that my dyslexia made everything look that way, and that I can't read anything right. I completely disregarded that when I read her message perfectly. Also that I could always read all of her messages, ever. Maybe I had an off switch to this annoying disadvantage. Or maybe Annabeth had figured out some way to help me read.
Annabeth:
I was in need of a real shower after the long day of sword play. As I walked up to the cabins, Grover kept a steady pace beside me.
"So you haven't told me all about New York. What's it like living there?" He asked.
I looked over at him. "You've been there before Grover. Many times."
"Well yes. But I wanted to know about it from your point of view."
"Meaning you want to know all about Percy." I accused.
His face turned guilty. "Is that okay?"
"Yeah sure. You want to know it all, here it is. He's the son of Poseidon, likes to swim, and has messy hair. The end." I giggled.
He lightly pushed me. "There's more than that and you know it. Aren't you guys like together or whatever?"
My jaw dropped. "Since when was being best friends with a guy against all friendship physics? No we are not dating!" I said firmly.
"Well you do spend an awful lot of time with him. Swimming and going to arcades, and all that." Grover said innocently.
"Because he's my best friend. And it sounds like you really don't need me to tell much more. You've already got your inside source." My tone and face extremely annoyed.
Grover shrugged with more guilt. "Sorry. I just wanted to know when he was coming to the camp."
"He's not."
Grover stopped walking. "What do you mean he's not! He has too!" His face full of worry.
I looked back towards him. "Well he can't. Not yet."
"But how are you supposed to keep him safe for much longer? He's bound to find out any day. With the very little protection he has."
"Thanks for the support." I snubbed.
"Sorry." More guilty goat faces.
"It's okay goat boy. I tell you whatever you want to hear after dinner."
A smile grew below his facial hair.
Grover was half-human, half-goat. He's also one of my oldest friends. He was the reason I made it to the camp when I was young. Long story, but he was my protector at the time. He was really in charge of finding Half-Bloods out in the world. He found Percy when Percy was 9 or 10 years old. I guess he made a scene at a children's playground and his mother took him away before people asked questions. We never knew about the whole "son of the sea god" thing until I found out. Chiron never thought it was necessary to pursue Percy. My thoughts for that led to Sally. But after Grover heard about him moving back to New York, Chiron sent me. Without an actual meaning, but I knew better. Of course, I never realized the obvious until getting to know him. After that, I've endured plenty of monsters and weird things following him. More kudos to me for making Percy think he just had too much caffeine in his system. He never asked questions. Sadly, I think Percy would rather believe he was seeing things.
After my refreshing shower, I headed to the feast anxious to fill my stomach. The food was great like always and we heard all the activities for this week. Of course Grover found me as soon I finished eating.
"So is he nice?"
I scoffed. "No, I'm just the type of person to be friends with a jerk. That's totally like me, right?"
He bleated. "Will you stopping pulling my tail and tell me about him."
I giggled. It was funny to hear him make that sound again. "Percy's a great person." I said matter-of-factly. "Friendly, strong, funny, just all around amazing actually." I sighed with a laugh. I missed him so much.
Grover rose his eyebrows. "Amazing huh?"
I ignored him. "Definitely the son of the Sea God." I sighed. "But it's nothing we can't handle."
"Your just saying that because of the prophecy, aren't you?"
I shook my head. "No, it's true. It'll all work out. It has too." I said to myself.
Grover frowned. "I hope so. But knowing m…"
"Don't even think it." I stopped him.
He looked at my sensitive expression and nodded.
He cleared his throat. "So how about the high school? What's that like?"
I shrugged. "We don't start till August. Why?"
Grover's face became confused by my repsonse. "Oh I didn't tell you…did I?"
I squinted my face. "No…? What?"
He smiled slightly.
"I'm coming back with you."
Percy:
The whole summer had finally passed. It felt like forever sometimes, but when I was out with friends it went faster. I wasn't too excited for the fact that school was coming back around the corner. But high school might be something else. Something better. I hoped for this at least.
I had to pick up Annabeth in the next 10 minutes or so and I was pretty excited. As soon as she was back we were heading to the beach. It took my mom forever to convince Gabe, but eventually the "chimney" agreed.
My mom let me take Gabe's car without his permission because he was "asleep". It really took all my emotional bearings to not run into a tree. It felt good to be able to drive with my permit for the first time, since a got it a couple of weeks ago. My mom wasn't with me, but I'm a good driver, so I doubt I would get caught. Annabeth would really be surprised and I kind of wanted to impress her. It was a free feeling, even though New York was the worse place to do it. Eventually I got past the city part and was able to hit the gas a lot harder in the open area. As I made it to the bus station I waited in the car until her bus pulled up. I thought about what I would even say to her and even if I looked okay. I felt like an idiot. A big one.
Her bus finally pulled up and I got out of the car. I walked over to the unloading area, leaned against the wall, with my hands in my pockets. I watched as all the people came off and finally there she was. Her blonde hair pulled back, wearing an orange polo and some shorts. She looked plain and comfortable, and I liked her like that. She looked around everywhere, searching for me. I laughed to myself, it was cute to see how desperate she was. I walked towards her, my hands still my pockets, and stopped about 5 feet away from the front of her. She finally looked towards me, and instead of running up to me, she lost her smile and just gazed. She did this for at least 10 seconds. I rose my eyebrows, wondering if I really did have something wrong with me. But eventually she found her smile again and ran up to me with lighting speed. I caught her and laughed.
"Jezz, your getting heavier." I joked. She was very light.
She let go and punched my shoulder.
"Am not. I don't look any different."
I did the half and half gesture with my right hand. "Yes and no. You got taller." I squeezed her arm. "And is that a bicep?" I said with a slick smirk.
She looked down at herself. "Really?" She laughed and then shrugged. "Maybe…?" She shook her head. "I don't think so. It hasn't been that long."
"It's been 2 months." I said with scoff.
"Yeah don't remind me. I feel the same. You on the other hand…" She laughed roughly.
I was taken aback, but amused by her look of being impressed. "What?"
She giggled. "You actually got taller and just…you don't look like the Percy I remember from 6th grade." She shook her head slowly.
I laughed. "Okay…? Should I be worried?"
She smiled lightly. "No. I like this new Percy. He's gonna be a lady killer. Super handsome." She smiled sweetly.
Wow! Okay. I smiled with pride. "Thanks. Not so bad yourself wise girl." I winked.
Before she could counter-argue, I hugged her again. Tightly. She exhaled with a laugh of surprise. I missed her so much. And as soon as she got here she was already being the sweet girl I knew. I didn't let go for awhile. She smelt really good and none of my summer memories really meant much without her. I really didn't understand where all this thoughts were coming from.
We finally let go of each other with another smile, even though I could tell this one had some awkward thoughts behind it.
I helped her get her bags. "Feel good to be home?" I asked.
Annabeth laughed again, without an answer. She just put her arm through my arm. "I'm ready for the beach. How 'bout you?"
I looked at her curiously but then grinned. "Definitely."
Annabeth:
As I got off the bus I saw this guy I barely recognized. It was my Percy, or just Percy, but he was different. Like older, maybe. No, it's more like matured. We'd been apart for a few months, and it wasn't too drastic, but I guess I had to be away for awhile to realize that he'd changed since middle school. Physical and mentally. He was more easy going these days. He still hated school and his home life was never a fun experience, but he was becoming very mature. He helped me with my bags and opened my door. I mean he was always friendly, but this Percy was becoming a man. And I really liked it. He was no longer the thin, loner kid who ran in the door really fast that day. He was a taller, handsomer, and gentlemen-like version of my best friend. It was good to be home.
We drove along the city, heading back to the apartments. I had to get some clothes for the trip and then Percy and I were meeting his mom at city limit, to head to the beach. I looked out the window as we drove by.
"So what are we going to do at the beach?" I wondered.
"Whatever you want." He said.
I looked over at him. "Really? Why?"
He chuckled. "I've been there before. You haven't. So that means you're the guest of honor. Like always." He teased.
I shoved his shoulder, which didn't even effect his driving. He just grinned.
"So what did you do at camp?" He asked.
"Oh…umm. You know, swimming and made things, and had campfires." I lied.
His expression turned confused, but amused at the same time.
"Sounds cool." He finally said after a slow nod.
I watched the way he made different expressions and the structure of his face. It was entertaining. His shoulders were also broader. I would say it was swimming that did it, but maybe there was more to it. He was becoming built. Like the way most guys did at camp. After training and all that. As I stared at him for awhile, he looked over at me with raised eyebrows and a smirk.
"What are you looking at?" He chuckled.
I snapped out of it. "Nothing, just surprised to see you driving!" I giggled.
He shook his head with another laugh.
We made it to the apartments and my "family" was out. As I got my clothes I couldn't get my mind off of Percy. I don't know why, but he was in my every thought since I got back. I mean he is my best friend and all, but this was different. It was just because I was back and he's the only person I've seen. Yeah that's what it was. I don't know why I was letting this bother me.
The ride to the beach was pretty long, but totally worth it when we got there. The dark night made the water look spectacular. It glistened and sparkled as the waves moved to the shore. We walked up to the cabin and it may have been dusty and dirty looking, but it was so nice. It had a homey feeling and it was so warm. I found a bunk and set my stuff down. I turned to Percy and smiled.
"You like it?" He asked. His mom stood behind him waiting for the same answer.
I nodded. "It's great. Make so much sense why you guys love it here."
Sally laughed. "I've taken Percy here ever since he was born. He loves it too much. He use to make sand pies."
I giggled at the baby memory and Percy rolled his eyes. "Come Annabeth, let's go for a walk along the beach. My mom's cooking dinner."
"Sure. Sounds good."
We walked along the shore line and I held my shoes so I could feel the water with my feet. It was cold, but I'd probably swim in it anyway. Because Percy would make me. I looked out into the ocean and Percy nudged my shoulder. I turned towards him, curious. He tilted his head to have me follow him to the side of the beach shore.
"Come on. I want to show you something."
Percy lead me to this area by the shore that was closed off. He helped get by the gate and we walked to this cave like thing. It wasn't an actual cave, but it was hidden away from the beach, by a rock or large dirt. It was dark but lit by the moon. There were tons of writings and markings. He walked over to a side of it and there was a carving. He pointed to it with an attempt to smile. The carving had his mother's initials, his father's, and his own. His father's was just a P. I don't think Percy every mentioned his father's name. I didn't know if he even knew it. He looked towards me and sighed. His attempt to smile, when obviously sad, made my heart ache. He try's so hard to be strong when he doesn't have to be.
"One known family heirloom." He laughed roughly and short.
I smiled lightly and remained silent. He stared at the marks and eventually sighed again. He finally leaned against the wall and closed his eyes. I loved when he did that too, he always looked so at ease.
"It's cool in here isn't? Not just the looks, but the tempearture remains the same too."
I leaned back too, right next to him.
"Yeah it really is." I watched him again. He laid back farther and his breathing was normal. His shirt and thin jacket moved along with the beat.
I laughed lightly to myself. He didn't open his eyes, but his face changed.
"What is it?"
"Thanks for bringing me here. You know, showing me something that means a lot to you…means a lot to me."
He opened his eyes and looked down at me, on his right side.
"Look who's being all mushy." He gave me a toothy grin.
"You should try it sometime. You'll get all the girls." I giggled.
He shook his head. "I don't want all the girls. I'm fine with just you around." He said lightly.
Oh gods…what does that mean? Here come those butterflies again.
"High school will be awesome. Just you and me. The two Special Ed kids who get to have it their way right?" He joked.
I laughed roughly. "Yeah. Sure I guess. But why the change of heart?"
"Well, I've been trying to be a good sport like you said. Besides at least I know you'll never let me down."
My heart froze.
He stood up straight and gave me a smirk. "Come on Annie. Dinner's gotta be ready by now."
He walked out and I followed him. I was the one person that would let him down. I was not sure if I was going to be able to handle high school with him after all. Not because of him, because of me.
Percy:
I was leaning against the complex. School was starting in an hour and I was listening to my iPod. The next thing I know hands are by my ears pulling my headphones out. I turn around to see Annabeth smiling.
"It's not safe listening to that in the middle of the city. What if some one attacked you?" She said sternly. I could still sense her lack of seriousness.
"What's going to attack me in the middle of the city?" I shrugged.
"You'd be surprised. Your pretty vulnerable seaweed brain." She said with a absolute seriousness now.
I scoffed. "Ready to go?" I finally asked.
"Nope." She teased as we walked to school.
We passed the streets, making are way to the buses. The only way to get to our high school. Remember that feeling of something following me, or the sense of being watched? I was feeling it again. I haven't felt it in awhile, and this was a strong one. I looked around and as we passed an alley, I saw something. It was big, sort of demon like. I did a double take and stopped, trying to figure out what it was. But as soon as I focused, it had disappeared in the darkness. Annabeth stopped with me and looked over in the alley.
"What is it?" She asked confused.
"I thought I saw something…" I tried to explain, but my words drifted off as I walked down the alley.
My gut was telling me two things at this point. One: Probably shouldn't go down an alley and get killed idiot. Two: Well I was filled with curiosity that wouldn't stop me from searching anyway. I was in a trance of some sort. I just kept going, looking for this thing, which I'm sure was probably waiting for me. As I walked down the alley, I could hear Annabeth yelling back.
"No Percy! It was nothing I'm sure…come back. Where are you going! Come back! PLEASE!" Her voice pleading and scared.
I wanted to know why she sounded that way. She was so scared, so I wanted to help her, but I could not stop walking. The next thing I know, Annabeth's tackling me to the side of the brick wall. She lands on me with a thud and we both groan in immense pain.
I open my eyes and see her trying to get up, while holding her stomach from the impact.
"OW, GOD!" I held my sore arm. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR!" I yelled with frustration.
"What do you mean, WHAT WAS THAT FOR? You were the lunatic walking down a dark alley!" She was breathing hard and sighed with some more pain. "Didn't you hear me yelling?"
I helped her get up. "Well yeah, but I saw something. It was weird."
She gave me her best "your crazy Percy" look ever. "So you try to follow it down an ALLEY!"
I lowered my shoulders and laughed a little. "I don't know why…I just…" I dropped the subject. "Forget it." I shook my head with confusion.
She exhaled. "Percy you can't just follow things like that. There way to big, and far to evil for you. It would've have killed you in a instant. I don't understand what you were doing, you were in like a trance of some sort..."
I nodded. I was going to explain that I had no idea why I did what I did, but then I stopped. What did she say? Big...evil?
"Wait…did you see it too?" I wondered.
Annabeth immediately froze like she always does when I caught her in something. "No, but you had say that you saw…"
"I never said it was big or anything." I said with a narrow tone. "Actually I didn't say what I say at all." I accused.
She looked around. "Well, it's obvious."
I gave her a look. "Annabeth what aren't you saying?"
She got angry then. For no reason. Other big way of telling Annabeth's lying, denial and instant angry.
"Nothing Percy. I'm just angry cause you were putting yourself in danger." She grabbed my bag and forced it on my shoulder. "Can we go to school now?"
I gazed at her, trying to figuring why she was still lying to me. But eventually I nodded, like everything was okay, and we made our way to the buses.
She's been doing this a lot lately. Weird things would happen and she try to cover it up in the weirdest ways. The didn't have anything to do with her either. Little things like objects down the sreet that look like their watching me. Or if I heard noises of any sort. I was merely curious about what I was seeing or what exactly what was going, but she was going out of her way to cover it all up. To make it seem like I was being weird or she had no idea what I was talking about. It started to annoy me very much.
On the brighter side of things, freshman year wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Annabeth and I had most of the same classes because of our disabilities. The first few weeks were nice, and by the first months the routine had finally came. We made it to lunch and sat down at a table. No one usually sat with us, and we really liked it that way. Until today, a new kid came to sit with us.
"So how's your other classes going?" Annabeth wondered.
I shrugged. "There going."
She laughed. "Yeah, wish I could say different. But high school is so boring."
I stopped eating. "You think learning is boring?" I gasped. "Alert the media everyone! Annabeth Chase thinks high school is boring!" My voice went louder as I looked around to embarrass her.
She threw her napkin at me and stood up across the table to hit me. "Shut up Percy. I was kidding!" She laughed.
I joined her laughing as she shook her head at me. Her laugh was always good to hear and the smile was a plus. As we were doing this, that kid walked up. I stopped laughing and looked up at him. He was in my P.E. class. He was new and probably had no where to go. He also had crutches and facial hair.
"Mind if I sit with you?" He said quietly.
Annabeth looked up at him and her face went between two emotions really fast. Shocked and nervous. Her eyes hit the floor.
I smiled a little and gestured to the chair next to me. "Umm, sure. No problem."
The kid looked down at it and nodded in thanks. He started eating his lunch and remained quiet. I tried to strike a conversation. I knew how it felt to be the new, weird kid.
"I've seen you in my Phy. Ed. class right?"
He looked up and smiled. "Yeah. I'm new here. Don't know anyone, and you guys looked the friendliest, with all the laughing."
I smirked. "Yeah I guess that would come off as friendly. Welcome to the school outcast table." I winked at Annabeth which made her come out of her trance and giggle a little.
He laughed lightly and Annabeth finally spoke.
"Don't mind him, he's kind of a drag." She chuckled. "But yes welcome." She used her hands to gesture the whole table. "I'm Annabeth Chase and this is Perseus Jackson."
I coughed a little after sipping my juice. Not expecting her to use my full name. She never did, so why now? The new kid grew wide eyed with the sound of my not-so-well known full namesake. So I intervened.
"Whoa, Whoa. She's kidding. I mean she's not kidding but I go by…" I paused to laugh roughly. "It's Percy. Just Percy." I said flatly. I also gave Annabeth a scowl.
She put her hand by her face to cut me off from seeing her mouth. "He doesn't like his real name, but it's fun to tease him with it anyway." She whispered and looked up at my scowl with amusement.
I rolled my eyes. "What's the point of wasting breath on it." I laughed again. "Percy Jackson." I held out my hand to him, which he shook.
He took a bite of his sandwich. "I'm Grover. Grover Underwood." Annabeth dropped her eyes again.
"Nice to meet you. Where are you from?" I asked.
"Not too far. I just moved to the city."
That wasn't much of an explanation, but I let it go. We had a civil conversation for the rest of lunch. What do you like to do, do you like the school, etc. He was a really cool guy and I already got the feeling that he was going to be around us from now on. It just seemed to work that way sometimes. Especially at school when you had no where to go. I didn't mind, it'll be nice to have some guy company for once. If I told Annabeth that, she'd remove my arm.
Annabeth and I walked home after school and I asked about the new guy.
"So Grover seems pretty cool right?" I asked.
Annabeth nodded. "Yeah, really cool."
She dropped the subject then. That was another thing at lunch. She was completely willing to talk to Grover, but not to me about it. She had this certain vibe. Like the fact he was there set her on edge. We said our goodbyes and that was it. Yet another one of those moments were she was keeping things from me. I never realized how much it would start to bother me, until my pulse raced at the idea of what she was thinking. This was getting old.
Annabeth:
I knew Grover was coming to New York, but the school thing was definitely a bombshell. I was trying my best to keep these things from Percy, but the more I tired, the closer he got to trying to figure things out. When I became secretive, Percy got mad. He tired not to show it but I knew him too well.
I wish I could say that Grover came and went. Like he pretending to be a student for a day, to see Percy and then went on his merry way. However he stuck around and was always with us. I loved Grover a lot, but I was not sure this was the way to keep an eye on Percy. It wasn't too bad after awhile though. Percy and Grover became best pals. They do a lot of stuff together that Percy can't do with me. It doesn't bother me, I just don't have any girl friends to do things with here. So I let Grover and Percy have their guy time, and...I grit my teeth with jealously. But that would be my brat side again. It's not like Percy abandoned me, he didn't by any means, I'm still his best friend. We were always together. Grover's in the mix of course, but I'm never left out. Still, I wish I could kick Grover where it hurts, when he invades on Percy and Annabeth time.
"I need water or some food before I pass out!" Grover exclaimed. He was looking through Percy's cabinets for a glass. Sally was at work and Gabe was gone bowling. So we hung out here until Gabe burst back in.
Percy laughed. "You eat all the time, G-Man. Give your stomach a rest." He sat down next to me on the couch. "Besides, I'm sure Gabe took everything anyway. Just grab some water and relax."
Grover sighed loudly and closed the fridge.
Percy looked over at me and smiled lightly. I was reading my book and looked out of the corner of my eye. I smiled brightly back at him, as usual.
"I'm going to use the bathroom." Grover said leaving the kitchen. I went back to reading my book and Percy watched me.
He finally spoke up. "Hey, ya wanna to come over and watch the Blair Witch Project on Saturday? Best scary movie this side of the late 90's." I looked up with a gleam.
He looked to the side with a sneer. "Well, not the best scary movie..., but it'll do some damage on your scary scale." My gleam went to a scowl. Which made him smirk more.
"So what'd ya say?" Percy said with a begging-like smirk. His tone very persuasive.
I jumped at the opportunity. "Yeah that sounds great! Not the biggest fan of scary movies." I said with some regret of what I might have to indure. "But I'll watch it for you." I smiled happily.
He laughed. "Don't worry, Grover and I will protect you."
My throat locked up and I slouched back down on the couch. "Grover and I…?" I sighed softly to myself.
Percy heard that one. "What's wrong?"
I didn't want to be stupid about this. Percy could think I'm being weird. "Nothing. Sounds great." I replied half-heartedly.
Percy knew better and I always hated him for that. "What? You were excited before…?"
I sighed. "You really don't want to hear this."
He chuckled. "Try me." Poking my arm a couple of times.
"Okay…" I paused. "I don't want really want Grover there. I was looking forward to it being just...you and me."
"But you love Grover." He laughed with a shrug.
"Yes of course I do." I shook my head with assurance. "But I haven't had you too myself for a long time."
I sounded like a jealous girlfriend. Gross, right?
Percy narrowed his eyebrows slightly. "Oh. Umm…" He seemed to be a little embarassed by my choice of words..
I sighed again. "Told you it was not worth hearing. Forget I said anything." I smiled…sort of. "What time Saturday?"
He looked at me, not answering my question. I tried to break his glare.
"Percy…what time?" I asked again waving my hand by his face.
He looked around with thought. "If you don't want Grover to come, I could tell him not too." He offered politely.
"No that's rude and sort of weird, I think. It's no big deal." I laughed.
He shrugged with defeat. "Uh, 5:00 should be okay." His tone still weary with confusion.
"Great." I smiled and went back to reading.
He cleared his throat. "Is there something you want to tell me?"
I shook my head. "Nope."
He nodded slightly, still unconvinced.
Percy got up and went to the kitchen. Mumbling something about me. He did that a lot for some reason.
Grover and I eventually went home and we walked to my apartment my arm linked in his. Talking about camp and what would happen within the next summer. Grover also decided to accused me of not being upfront with him.
"If you wanted to be alone with Percy. All you had to do is say so." He grinned.
I looked over at him, my mouth open. "I don't! I mean I do... But..how do you...?"
"Because he came up to me, asking if it was okay if I didn't come Saturday." He lifted his eyebrows.
I looked down and lowered my shoulders. "He...he did?" I muttered quietly.
"Yep. So enjoy your weekend I guess. Try not to make out or anything. Sally would have a field day, of happiness that is."
I pushed him into a wall. "Shut up goat boy!" I said through my teeth.
"Hey, I get it! Alone time for you and your best friend. Sorry."
"You're a huge jerk." I frowned and crossed my arms.
"Love you too Annabeth." He hugged me.
I couldn't help smiling and hugging him back. "Yeah sure."
On Saturday, Percy and I finished the movie and just sat there talking. It was my favorite thing to do.
"Did you know that the empire state building is 81 years old? That's older than most building in the United States. Europe wins by a long shot though."
Percy smiled at me, even though he could care less, he always listened to me. He was good that way.
"And I'm completely boring you." I laughed as he turned towards the window. "What do you want to talk about?" I asked.
He turned back. "No your not boring me, I'm just wondering what that noise is." He scrunched his face with curiosity.
I squinted my brow. "What noise?"
He pointed towards the window. "I hear a weird gargle out the window." He got up and I followed him. We looked out the window and as soon as I saw it, I freaked out, pushed Percy to the ground with all the force I had in me, and opened the window to throw something at it.
It was a monster of some sort. I couldn't really tell, but if Percy saw it, he'd go crazy. I hoped I scared it away. This was the second time in 2 weeks. I was becoming extremely scared.
I looked over at the ground with a sigh of relief. However Percy was on the ground with his face completely blank. It was the weirdest face he had ever made, and I still wonder how he was able to fit all these emotions into one structure.
I didn't really know what to do, so I helped him up. He stared at me with complete lost of sanity, lose of my sanity that is.
He struggled to speak, but when he did, it was an explosion.
"WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT ALL ABOUT!" His tone loud and stern, full of worry. It was scary and I did flinch.
I scrambled to make something up. "I…uhh…saw something out the window. It was pretty scary. I didn't want to freak out or anything." I laughed nervously.
Likely story Annabeth. Insert silently kicking myself here.
He sure didn't believe that one.
"Have you completely lost it?" His tone was so mad sounding. "You threw me to the ground because "something" was coming up the window? You thought I would be afraid...?" He scoffed. His face completely annoyed. "What kind of story is that?"
I shrugged. "A true one."
He waved his hands everywhere, completely bewildered. "You threw me to the ground, because I might've been afraid of something? That's your story...? Seriously?" He exclaimed.
I stared at him, lost for words. There was nothing I could explain to him. So I made my escape.
I walked to the couch quickly, avoiding his gaze. I grabbed my bag and made it to the door. "I'm sorry Percy, I have to go. I have some cleaning to do. Umm…thanks for the movie. I'll see you at school." I opened the door. I could her Percy yelling after.
"Annabeth wait…! What's going on?" He asked desperately.
But I was already down the hall. I was really going to have to explain for that one. Running away, being super stupid about it my explaination. Maybe I was losing it. He would never let this go. And so the beginning of Percy losing his trust in me begins.
Well there's the first long chapter of things sort of taking a turn for the worse. Confusing and all, but also I don't want you to worry, more Grover stuff invloved I promise! I thought if I put more, it would lead away from the problms. Hope you agree, but more to come. Pretty intense I hope! I mean maybe it's not too intense yet, but things seem to be moving fast. Hopefully it's an easy pace for you ;) Enjoy, review, favorite and all that good stuff!
Thanks as always!
*L.D
