I am literally the worst and best high vaulter ever. So it was sports day and I was supposed to jump over the pole and on the cushion. So I jumped WAY to far and landed on the grass,the cushion far behind me. Literally,all the teachers were whistling and clapping lol.

To all you lovely cheeseballs who tried the contest,let me tell you the answers;

1. Hades or Hermes (Though Ares is a VERY close one guys)

ElsniharElduran: Man,you were so close,but Penny does NOT hate Hades,but still,I give you credit!

For BONUS

3. My opinion? Penny can be like Reyna,Nico,Jason and Sally all at once. But I choose Reyna and Nico.

Next contest will probably be more easier,but I luv u all for trying! :) ;)

SHOUTOUTS IN NEXT CHAPPIE!

Okay,so I don't have a single idea about what season or month it is now,so lets just assume it's...I dunno...in the middle of Fall?


I knew that look Dylan's face when I refused to come with him. As much as I wanted to stay around and talk with Apollo,Dylan has a tracking device me,which he checks 24\7. It's impossible to win. And if you're thinking that I should leave my phone at home,are you stupid? Now,I'm not the average teen girl who thinks that not owning a phone means you should be disowned,but hey,I can't leave it behind.

Making up some lame excuse to Piper,Annabeth and Thalia,I slunk back and waited near the football grounds,sitting on the cold benches and watched the guys practise football. Among all of them,one of them was Dylan. Of course,this gave me time to dread about Homecoming. Gods,just thinking about the dress that Dylan would get me was enough for me to puke.

"Penny?" a voice asked,jabbing me to the present. I turned to see Jason Grace in his football uniform. His forehead was beaded with sweat,and his hair was tangled with helmet hair. For a moment,I thought he was Apollo,and suddenly I was disappointed to find out that I was wrong.

"Oh...hi." I said breathlessly,wrapping my coat around me a bit more tightly "Didn't see you there."

I scooted a little,giving him permission for him to sit. He looked a bit surprised,but gratefully sat down next to me.

"Why aren't you playing out there with them?" I asked. He shrugged.

"Practise ended twenty minutes ago. Dylan's waiting for you."

"Yeah well...not interested in calling him out of his game."

A tiny smile danced on his lips. "Going to Homecoming with him?"

I shrugged "I honestly don't want to go,with him or not. I'm kind of anti social."

He raised an eyebrow,as if I was playing a joke on him "You're kidding right? Penny Jackson,anti social? The only anti social person I know is Nico."

"I guessed." I said casually. I've seen Nico a lot of times. He rarely talks,but from what I've heard,he seems nice. I think.

"So...you won't go to Homecoming?" he asked lightly. I chewed on my lip.

"I-I don't know...between you and me,I hate being anywhere with Dylan."

"Between you and me,join the club."

We both laughed,and for a moment as I looked in his eyes,I could see Apollo next to me,smiling and laughing. Then in a flash,I could see him,his glossy black hair rustling in the wind,his eyes gazing at me...to my horror,I felt a lump rise in my throat. My smile faded at once,but I don't think Jason noticed.

"So anyways,do you-Penny? Are you okay?"

"I-" It didn't help that the wind was blowing,stinging my eyes even more,but I hid behind my hair the best I could "Yeah..just..just the wind. Something went in my eye."

He didn't look convinced,so I turned away,feeling the lump rising even more. I tried to force the tears down,but I couldn't.

"Has..has Percy ever told you..why he hates me?" I asked calmly,keeping the tone in my voice straight. Only it didn't work. I turned towards Jason,who frowned,looking at me with concern.

"Penny-"

"Grace!"

I looked straight and my smile wiped off my face at once. A husky football player,who was obviously Dylan,was jogging up to us. He took off his helmet, revealing helmet hair and a sweaty forehead. I silently gagged. He stunk more than a Skunk living in a garbage truck.

"Is there something you need from my girlfriend?" He asked,his eyes wide and frightening,giving Jason a look which meant,I'm going to pulverise you.

"We were just talking Dylan." I said,trying hard to wipe my tears away. He gave me a look which told me to shut up,then turned back to Jason,who looked calm,but was staring at me with concern. Behind Dylan's shoulder,I could see the other footballers jogging towards us. Oh boy.

"'Sup Jackson? You just keep coming back for more don't you?" Matt Smolder grinned,while the other footballers laughed and started slapping Dylan on the back,while Dylan was grinning naughtily.

"What?" I asked. Dylan turned towards everyone,standing next to me. He reeks like smelly smocks.

"Now guys,come on,I told you not to mention anything about our little scandal last night." He said savagely. I blinked.

"Last night?"

"Look at her,acting all innocent!" Another guy laughed. Matt cat-called,and the guys were laughing stupidly like they were sharing some joke. Dylan put his huge arm around me,which was hard,considering his uniform.

"Come on guys,I told you not to mention it,but I can tell you that she's a beast in bed-"

A cold fist erupted around my insides,squeezing me tight. They all cat called even louder,shoving each other roughly. I was to scream,I wanted to shout,I wanted to cry all at once. I couldn't bear to look at Jason,who from the corner of my eye,was staring at me. Anger seeped inside of me,and I shoved Dylan violently away from me.

"Get away from me you creep!" I yelled,storming away. The other guys continued whistling and laughing, cat calling at me.

"She really is a beast Venti!" Someone roared. I screwed up my face and felt my eyes burn. When I was sure nobody was watching,I burst into tears.

I was nothing but a figure,some kind of prostitute to be gazed and disobeyed with. My whole life,I've been gawked at,being missused with. I fell in love with a guy I couldn't have,had to leave home to stay with a brother who hates me,fell in love with Dylan Venti,the kind,thoughtful and sweet guy who showed his true colors only after we got together. I felt tears descend from my eyes,rolling down my face. I pulled up my hoodie in attempt to hiding my face. Leaving the school campus as quickly as possible,I wandered on the sidewalk,where the hustle of the city kept me from falling down and crying.

Feeling weak,I sat on a bench where an elderly women was sitting,near a bus stand,hugging myself. I wiped my face furiously,wondering how much I could take anymore,when I heard someone speak;

"Are you okay honey? You seem upset."

I turned. The elderly women was looking at me with concern. She had pale skin and brown hair which was curly. Her eyes were a subtle shade of Amber. I smiled at her

"Fine." I nodded,brushing my hair aside "just..frustrated."

She studied my face and sat forward,tilting her head. For some reason,I liked her at once.

"You seem awfully familiar dear."

"I-I don't know. I haven't really seen you around ma'am."

"Oh please, call me Kelly. What's your name dear?"

"Penny. Penny Jackson."

"A lovely name" her eyes twinkling "but tell me,why are you upset? I won't tell a soul!" She finished in a cheerful low whisper that made me chuckle. As much as I wanted to keep quiet,I just...couldn't.

"Well,I'm having trouble with..with my boyfriend." I admitted. She tutted.

"Why what's the matter honey?"

"I-well,he doesn't appreciate me. He even looks at other girls,and I'm too soft to tell him off."

That wasn't the entire truth,but hey,gotta say something. She frowned. "Curse the boy. I know it's silly dear,to take the opinion of someone else, especially an elderly,but there are plenty of fish out there,and I'm sure that there's someone who will truly love you."

Raven black hair and dark brown eyes struck my mind,but for once,I pushed them aside. I couldn't afford to dwell on them now.

"It's not just that. I-I keep thinking of someone else."

Flashbacks of the night where I was held safe and sound in someone else's arms flashed through my mind. For a few moments,I had felt safe and sound,as if I had escaped from every thought and frightening vision I always had. It's strange,because I've known him for only a day,and I couldn't stop thinking about him.

She chuckled "Well,if he's better than the current rotten fish dear,then I say he's the best. Remember this dear,if this new fight you're thinking about is better than the rotten one,that's fate. Fate has ways to change your perspective."

I let that sink inside of me. I heard rumbling and saw the bus making its way to the stop in front of us. As it slowed down,people started descending and ascending.

"I hope to see you some other time dear." She said,smiling warmly at me "it's been a pleasure to speak to you."

"You too ma-Kelly." I said hastily. She gave me one last smile before tottering away towards the bus. I hesitated for a moment before walking away,feeling older and lighter than before. I made a quick turn across the street,and walked up the Coffee Store. As I pushed the door open,the aura of coffee blanketed me,making me feel light. I realised that there were dry and still tears etched on my face,and I hurriedly wiped them away.

"Penny!" Will's voice greeted me. He was wiping a table with a cloth,smiling at me. I smiled back. Honestly,I was half hoping that his brother might be here (I don't like him like that okay?!)

"Hey Will. Got something strong?"

"Yeah,be right back."

As he disappeared behind the counter and out of sight,I strummed my fingers on the counter table,taking in what happened. I was going to give Dylan a piece of my mind. Okay well,I'll try,because I'm literally under his control...

"Here you go! No decaf." He said handing me the warm coffee cup,which I gladly took. I rummaged through my pocket,but he put his hands up.

"No need. Take it free."

"What? So you're giving coffee to her for free,but not for me?" A new voice exclaimed at once. Someone jumped up from behind the counter,and I leaped up a bit. Apollo was looking furiously furious at his brother,who was grinning sheepishly. I blinked for a few seconds,than started laughing.

"Why,hello Apollo." I said,stifling my giggles. He stared at me,his mouth a bit open until Will nudged him in the ribs.

"Uh...hi." He muttered,flushing a bit. Will stuffed his fist in his mouth to stop laughing.

"And may I ask what were you doing hiding behind the counter?" I asked politely. He moistened his lip.

"Uh...hiding?" He suggested,shrugging. This time me and Will started laughing. This guy was adorable. Wait,no,I didn't just-ah,never mind.

"Yeah,I can see that." I snorted. He blinked,then grinned sheepishly.

"I'll be right back." Will muttered,then dashed inside,leaving me and Apollo alone. It was a bit awkward,standing alone with him.

"So..are you going for Homecoming?" I asked stupidly. He blinked,and then shrugged.

"Wha-oh,right. Honestly I don't know. Uh..Daphne-Daphne Rose asked me out but...I don't know. She said she'd meet me here in a few minutes."

"Oh,cool."

There was a tone in my voice that was not a tone I recognised.

"And you?"

"I..honestly don't know. I don't really want to go,especially with Dylan." I admitted. He seemed to take it in. It was as if we both were waiting for each other to ask the question. The one question about Homecoming. He suddenly frowned.

"Are-are you okay?"

"Uh yeah. Why?"

"Nothing..it..were you crying?" He asked lightly. I took a deep breath,wiping my eyes a bit more.

"I-I'm fine now,don't worry." I said,trying for a smile. I nodded slowly.

"So..how's Dylan?" He asked in a light tone. I hugged myself.

"Well...same as usual. I left him at his football practice. He was al paranoid because I was talking to Jason." I said,not exactly truthful. But it didn't matter,because one way or another he would fine out after Jason tells him.

"So um..there's..something I need to ask you.." He muttered,not looking at me. My eyes widened at once,but I tried to act casual. But inside,I was screaming.

"Yeah?" I said calmly. He moistened his lips.

"Um..I was..wondering..if-if you wanted to-"

Suddenly the door opened,the bells ringing cheerfully,and we both jumped. I didn't realise how quiet it was until that moment. Daphne dusted herself off and smiled at me. Oh,I meant at Apollo.

"Apollo! Oh,and hi Penny." She said in a cheery tone. I blinked.

"Uh...hi?"

She walked behind the counter and stood on her tip toes,planting a kiss on Apollo's cheek. For some reason,I couldn't smile at all. Apollo looked flustered,and Daphne gave me this weird smile that I forced myself to return back.

"So anyways,how's Dylan? I heard things were a bit rough between you two." Daphne asked. I swallowed.

"Oh yeah,we both are good." I said,my eyes wide and staring at her. Just at this moment,Will walked in,and when he saw Daphne,his smile faded a bit.

"Oh..hey Daphne. I didn't expect you to be here." He said swiftly. Daphne raised an eyebrow.

"Really? I thought that Apollo must've told you that my family and I are coming over for dinner,and also the fact that I'm wearing a red dress for Homecoming,so it'd be cool if Apollo would wear a red tie."

Excuse me?

Will's eyebrows arched "Wait what? You both are-"

"Here's the money Will." I said hastily. I didn't want to know Apollo's answer. Something dark was rising inside of me,and I didn't want to burst. I slapped someone money on the table and turned to leave without looking at their faces,but Daphne called me;

"Hey Penny,what tie will Dylan be wearing? I mean,it's obviously going to match your dress."

I turned to see Will staring at me in surprise,Apollo looking in another direction and Daphne looking at me innocently. I gave her a dry smile.

"Well I couldn't tell you,because I'm definitely not going." I said,and without another word,I pushed the door open,stepping outside,the aroma of coffee fading in the atmosphere. I strides away,holding my coffee gingerly. Why was I feeling so angry at the moment? I don't get it.

Was Apollo Solace literally about to ask me out to Homecoming? Well,I don't care. I'm staying at home,with popcorn and Netflix,and maybe my mom's blue cookies.

I don't know how it happened,but pretty soon I was walking inside my apartment,greeted by the smell of freshly baked cookies and my mom's smile."Hi mom." I smiled at her. It was worth smiling over your cloud of troubles just to see Saly Jackson happy.

"How was school Sweetheart?" She asked,kissing my forehead. I wanted to tell her everything,but I shrugged.

"The usual. So um...is Percy home?" I asked casually. She shook her head.

"No dear. But it isn't like me to be hiding something like this from him."

Oh. My mom's boyfriend is coming over for dinner. I nearly forgot."He'll understand mom. I know he will. So..what's his name?" I asked,grinning. She smiled to herself,pretending to adjust the chairs.

"You'll know soon enough." She said mysteriously "now wash up!"

Grinning,I went inside my room when I felt my phone buzz. A text from Apollo.

We aren't going to Homecoming

I pursed my lips and typed, I never asked

After a pause,I typed, sorry,that sounded rude

Its fine,but really we aren't dating or anything. She's normally not like that

Yeah it's cool

So..u really aren't going for Homecoming?

u no I said that just to shake Rose off. I don't think I'll be going,and definitely not with Dylan.

what if someone else asked u?

I couldn't help but smile a bit.

If the right person asked me,I just might :)


NOTE: The dress Penny mentioned,the one which Dylan got and was too revealing will be up on my Instagram soon,so check it out!

P.S from now on,every important dress or something will be up on my account so u guys have a good idea of how it looks like