I woke up. A second time. My eyes flutter open to see that I'm in my own bed again. I turn towards a soft noise off to my left, but I felt a tremendous ache.
"Mr. McKenzie?" I say quietly. He was flipping through the pictures that me and Sam had drew.
"Oh, hey. How are you feeling?"
"I..." I didn't know what to say. I felt dizzy, sick, forgetful, and pained. But I just couldn't say that for some reason.
"You were lying on the ground when I came to pick you up. White as a ghost. I was shocked!" He put the drawings back on the table. "Your fever seems to have gone down. I think you overworked yourself a bit." I overworked myself? Suddenly I realized it.
"I have to go to the orphanage!" I yell as I shot up from my bed. I was about to jump off when Mr. McKenzie came and grabbed me by the shoulders, trying to keep me on.
"You don't have to go anymore," he said. Wait, what?
"What? Why?" He took a deep breath. I knew that this wasn't going to turn out all right. Somehow, I knew what had happened.
"The concert was canceled" I sat up a little straighter, hoping that he was just joking. "But that principal said he wouldn't write any bad comments on the internet. He acknowledged your efforts. You did great!" While he said this, I stared blankly at the floor.
"No," I say very meekly.
"What?"
"No! This isn't right! It's meaningless that way!" I shout.
"Annabeth," was all that came out of his mouth.
"It's meaningless like that!" I yell again. I got up as fast as I could, hoping that he wasn't going to hold me down.
"Hey! Hey!" he tried shouting. But I grabbed my pictures and ran out the door in a hurry. "Hey,, Annabeth! Hey!"
I ran through the park that was on the way to the orphanage. I ran through gardens, streets, and even ran through someone's picnic. But I had to get there. It would be so meaningless if I worked this hard for the kids and just let it all go like that.
I ran as fast as I could and burst through the orphanage doors. Once I got in, I saw the principal sitting on his chair, drinking a cup of coffee. I made my way towards him as fast as I could.
"I'm sorry for being so late!" I apologized loudly. He seemed very startled to see me for some reason. He stood up and looked at me in surprise like he wasn't expecting me. 'Of course he wasn't. Mr. Allen probably told him about me falling unconscious,' I say in my brain. But then, I heard soft music coming from the empty room that we used to paint the benches. It took my attention away. Someone was singing in there.
I will promise you to live with only you in my two eyes
I will promise you to live with only you in my two arms
From the time I open my eyes and till I sleep I will only yearn for you
I love you don't forget these words I Love You Forever
I walk into the room to find Percy singing to the kids on his guitar. The children were all swaying around, matching the beat of the song. It was a great sight to see. They seemed to enjoy themselves so much. The principal came up from behind.
"The kids are smiling very happily," he said. "It's frustrating, but I can't make them smile like that." There was a pause. "So this is a job that gives people dreams. You really did great." I turn to him. "I'm sorry for being so stubborn. I was just worried the children would get hurt. And I couldn't trust your feelings of sincerity. But I was the one who didn't understand anything." He nodded.
I will become the shade in the hot summer
I will become your umbrella when it rains
I will become the small chair when you become tired from walking
So that your happiness will be doubled, I will laugh with you
I will become the towel when you cry to wipe your tears
"So then...?" I was hoping for the right answer. He nodded once more.
I will promise you to live with only you in my two eyes
I will promise you to live with only you in my two arms
From the time I open my eyes and till I sleep I will only yearn for you
"Please give them a good concert." I smiled happily. I can't believe that this is happening! You get to do a concert for them! It's going to be an awesome one too!
"Yes!" I say to him. He smiled, knowing that I have succeeded in showing sincerity.
I love you don't forget these words I Love You Forever
And then, the song ended. All the kids were clapping happily. It really made them happy seeing Percy perform. But also, Percy smiled. He actually smiled. A genuine one. I walked in, clapping along with the other kids. Percy turned to see me. The children were still clapping and he looked back at them and they stopped. His scowl came back.
"My voice is totally wasted in a room with bad acoustics like this," he said. What the heck? You're not supposed to say that! Now all the kids will think that you don't like them! Idiot.
All the kids were completely silent. I wanted to yell at him, but he kept going.
"I'll sing at the concert later on." There were a bunch of 'Eh?s' and 'What?s' and 'YEAH!s' from the kids. Maybe he isn't always as harsh as I though. He does have a warm side.
"Percy..." came out of my mouth. The principal stepped in and started to talk to the kids.
"Everybody listen up... A.J will hold a concert for you!" At once, all the children shot up and screamed in happiness. I was a beautiful thing to see. They were jumping around, hugging each other. I couldn't help but feel like this is what it feels like to do something for someone that admires you. The principal and I started to laugh at the sight of the kids. Percy smiled once again, then, got up from his chair. I smiled happily. Tears were nearly coming to my eyes. It's a wonderful thing to see this. It surely is.
I ran out the doors, trying to catch up with Percy.
"Percy!" I yell as he crosses the park. He stops, but doesn't turn around. I came up to him. I still had the pictures in my hands.
"Thank you!" I yell from the distance. He was a few feet in front of me. He finally turned around.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I didn't do it for you. I did it, because A.J is the kind of band that gives kids a dream." I smile and chuckle.
"Yes."
"Shouldn't you show the kids..." He looked at my drawings, causing me to look down as well. "these ugly drawings?" he jokes. Then, he turned around, and left. My face was blank.
It's the day of the concert. We're located outside of the orphanage, this huge area full of ground. We decided to build a small stage to put the everyone and the drums on. Rows of chairs were lined up in front of it, listening to the sweet music that A.J are singing. All the kids were wearing the wings that I had made them.
I love you forever.
And then, Sam starts to rap.
Yes A.J's here I will promise Just do it Girl
I love you, what more do I need?
My thumping left heart will answer you
One step two step three and four I will slowly move closer to you
I can't tell you to wait for me because I will take you.
Then, it was back to Percy singing.
I will promise you that wherever I am I will only remember you
I will promise you that whatever I am doing I will remember you
'Mother Superior,' I say to myself, 'A.J is really a great band!' Everyone behind me was jumping to the upbeat music. Posters of wings were held up. I start to jump as well, not noticing a pin from the cloth on my chest come off.
Forever I will love with this new path in my life
I love you don't forget the words I Love You Forever
When the song ended, everyone was applauding. It was very loud, but everyone loved it! It was a huge success. The kids were jumping for joy. Even the adults that were there were.
I couldn't help but yell, "A.J is the best!" Mr. Allen, Mr. McKenzie, and the principal all clapped and gave us a thumbs up. It was so cool! "You're so cool!"
"Andrew," said on of the little girls, "you should go up there was well!"
"Yeah!" a boy agreed. "You're an A.J member too!" All at once, the kids started to tell me to go up on stage. Then, they started to chant.
"Andrew, Andrew, Andrew, Andrew..." and so on.
"Andrew!" one particular voice shouted. I turned to find the president looking at me. "Hurry up on stage!" he shouted in a smile. I felt very embarrassed and I couldn't move, but the kids started to grab my arm and dragged me up on the stage.
I got up on stage, standing next to Jeremy and Percy. Sam was on the other side of Jeremy. I looked at him. He smiled. And so did Sam. Then, I turned to Percy. I didn't expect a smile. But he grinned. Percy actually grinned!
"Thank you for today!" he shouted in the microphone. Everyone in the audience applauded. I waved to them, showing them thanks. But what I got back was probably the best thing ever.
One row at a time, everyone held up a sign. They were decorated with things saying, 'I Love You Andrew!' or 'Andrew You're Awesome!' and even 'A.J is the BEST!' It was a significant sight. Then, the all shouted, "Andrew, WE LOVE YOU!"
A quick flashback took place as I stared at the beautiful posters.
"There will be no concert. They are a bunch of liars!" It was the principal before he had a change of heart.
"A.J are no liars!" It was me. "We won't do anything to betray the children. I will definitely prove it to you! In return...when you're convinced of our sincerity, please let us do the concert!" Another one of the time the kids were hiding their artworks. "What'cha doing?" They all ran.
"Don't look, it's a secret! You are not allowed to look!" Now I know what they were doing. They were making this masterpiece. The one that I'm staring at right now.
"Thank you, Andrew! I love you, Andrew!"they kept shouting. Tears of joy filled my eyes. I was speechless. I chuckled. Then, an enormous banner started to unfold. It covered all the rows of people. Pictures of Percy, Sam, Jeremy, and I were on it. It said, 'Thank You, A.J!' I'm most likely the most happiest person in the world right now.
"Thank you!" I shout out to the crowd.
Percy's POV
I returned to my hotel suite. Yesterday was the big charity concert. I hate to admit it, but it was so much fun. All those kids were great. Even Andrew did a great job. Wait, I-I'm not praising him or anything. It just means that he did a good job.
Picking up a bottle of water, I unscrew the cap and took a sip. For some reason, I feel rather good right now. Suddenly, a beep came from my laptop. I walk over to the couch and sat down. Then, I turned on the screen to see the president's face pop up. I was startled, but he started to talk.
"Percy, you've made your peace with Andrew, haven't you? Then move back to the house. That's an order from your president. Begin packing in front of my eyes, right now!" I sat back on my couch.
"Yeah, alright." Then, his cell phone started to ring.
"Silena...what is it?"he answered. There were a few seconds of pause. "Alright. I'll come over right now." He started to get up from his chair when he pointed at me and said, "Hurry up." Then, he left right after.
Of course, being the big idiot that he is, he left his computer camera on, allowing me to see everything that was going on in his room. But there wasn't anything strange. Yet.
I got up from the couch to start packing. But then, I heard a voice from the laptop.
"Yeah, that's right. In the front." I stopped suddenly and turned my head over my shoulder. "Yes...I'll count on you...yeees." I looked back for a second with a bewildered countenance plastered on my face. Silena, our stylist was in the president's office. Then, Andrew came into view.
"Andrew?" I whisper to myself.
Silena whispered, "Nobody will come here. So hurry up before the president comes back."
"Eh? Here?" Andrew said, kind of shocked. I couldn't help but keep watching. The entered the president's bathroom, which was right behind them and both went into it.
"What are they doing?" I said out loud. From behind the door I could still hear their voices.
"Just do it. Hurry up and take off your shirt!" That really surprised Andrew because he let out a girlish shriek. And it surprised me too. I quickly sat back down on my couch.
"I'm not so sure if I can do it right." That is definitely Andrew's voice. My face inched closer to the screen.
"It's alright. Just leave it to me."
"Are they for real?" I almost yell. What are they up to?
"We have to stick it on your body after all. Secure it tightly, so it won't fall off." I quickly scanned my computer screen for a record button and found on at the top.
"Okay, I secured it real tight," said Andrew.
"It's alright since you're flat chested," said Silena. Flat chested?
They came out from the bathroom, right in the camera's viewpoint. Andrew started to walk weird. "Try jumping," Silena instructed. Andrew started to jump up and down like a boxer. A look of relief and pride came on Silena's face. "Alright! Now nobody would think you're a woman."
"Yeah!" Then, they exited. Those two are so stupid that they couldn't see my gigantic face right in front of them on the computer screen. But I turned back to look at it blankly. Then, the words came out.
"Woman?"
Annabeth's POV
We're back at the dancing studio. I've actually got all the moves down and all them right.
"It's done!" everyone shouts. I couldn't help but join them. Suddenly, the door opened. In, came a very scary Percy. Everyone made an aisle so that he could get through. He walked right up to me. Everyone, including Mr. McKenzie, Silena, Sam, and Jeremy were watching. They were just staring at us. Percy looked down on me with one of his signature scowls. Except this time, it was filled with more hatred. Everyone looked as confused as I was.
Suddenly, his left hand pushed me from the back, while his right hand was rested around the back of my neck. He pushed himself closer to me. It took me a while, but I figured out that Percy, the Percy Jackson, was hugging me. Everyone in the room was silent. They were all staring. My eyes filled with shock, not knowing how this happened. Then, he let go.
"You?" he said. I looked at the floor then, at him. I didn't know what he was talking bout, but the atmosphere was very scary. The president barged into the room.
"Congrats on succeeding in your dance routine, everyone!" We all cheered and took a few pictures. Percy was placed next to me. I smiled and so did the rest of the members, except Percy. He just looked at me like I was the biggest mistake ever made. But I didn't care. Nothing can stop this wonderful feeling. Or, so I thought.
Percy's POV
I stormed into the studio, ready to confirm my hunch. When I went in, everyone made an aisle for me to walk through. If you know me, you'll know that I'm not the best person to make an enemy of. I walked right up to where Andrew was standing. He didn't notice me till I was halfway through the room. Then, I stopped in front of him. Everything was silent. There wasn't a single noise.
My left arm stretched out behind him and pushed him towards me, while my right hand was behind his neck. I was hugging him.
I looked up. I was right. Everyone was speechless. I let go of Andrew quickly after a few seconds. He looked at the floor, then at me, then, back at the floor.
"You?" I say quietly. But I know that everyone could hear. But then, the president entered and congratulated everyone on their dancing. I was put next to that stupid Andrew guy, or girl, or whatever! I looked down on him in disgust. What's his reason for doing this? So I left right after reporter Jim had stopped taking pictures. I stormed back out and ran down the stairs. I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to see the president running down the stairs, going into his office. I took this moment to talk to him.
"There is something that we have to fix right now!" I shout at him as he ushered me down the stairs.
"Let's talk about this later. Reporter Jim is right there! If he sees me and you arguing, he'll know something is up." But that didn't keep me from being quiet.
"You have to remove Andrew Chase!"
"Percy!" he shouts at me. I flinch a little. That's the first time that I've seen the president like that.
"You don't know anything about him! He is-" I say once more, but was cut off by the annoying reporter.
"President Allen!" We turned towards him.
"Yes, yes, reporter Jim, I'll be there soon," he says with fake excitement. That's what he's always like. Then , he turns back to me. "Hey, he wants me to talk to him. I won't say anything bad about you and Andrew. So take it easy, okay? Understand?" But I didn't. I didn't understand anything. He left without another word. Just then, Andrew came running down the stairs, exstatic.
"You accepted me as a member just now, didn't you? Thank you! I will work hard from now on, so that I don't cause you any problems." Does she really think that?
"Don't cause any problems? That's really manly of you to say." She looked at me confused.
"What?" I smirked at her stupidity.
"I thought you were just a good-natured idiot. I didn't think you'd be such a big fat liar." She just stared at me blankly. So, I took out my phone.
Annabeth's POV
My blank face has taken over. I don't see where Percy's getting to. I thought that he was accepting me as a member. But I guess not.
He took out his phone from his pocket and clicked a few buttons. He put the screen up to my face.
"Alright. Now nobody would think you're a woman." It was Silena.
"Yeah!" I was horrified. That was me. Percy took the phone from my face. His face was filled with hatred.
"You are a woman...aren't you?"
Dun, Dun, Dun! Percy found out! And also, these are some of the lyrics to "Promise," by A.!
