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Chapter 9: oh my god

Percy's pov

I grabbed my backpack and sped out of the school building, who cares if I miss the afternoon, Annabeth was more important to me. The first place I headed was the meadow I'd followed her to. I parted the bushes and scanned the luscious clearing. Nothing. I growled and hailed a cab to the apartment complex.

When the driver saw how young I was he raised his eyebrows at me "Shouldn't a laddy like you be in school?" he asked

"Shouldn't a driver mind his own business." I spat, okay that was rude but Annabeth could be in danger and I was worrying like crazy.

The cabby huffed and took my orders. When we reached the apartments I paid my fee and ran to the elevator. I pushed the 5th floor button and waited impatiently, tapping my foot. The lift dinged and I sprinted down the hall to Annabeth's door. I knocked on it frantically, hoping, praying she'd answer.

Minutes later a worn out, tired and pale Annabeth opened the door with a weak scowl. Realisation struck her, she unknitted her eyebrows and her expression turned exhausted.

"What do you want?" she asked trying to sound annoyed and angry.

Crap. What was I going to tell her. Oh well I've just basically had a heart attack when I couldn't find you at school or the meadow. Before I could reply she grabbed me and pulled me inside, slamming the door behind me.

As she reajusted her sleeves I caught glimpse of deep scars. Concerned I grabbed Annabeth's upper arm and lifted up the sleeve, she tried to stop me but she was too weak. What I saw next truly broke my heart. Covering her forearm were at least 20 cuts, scars and fresh gashes. That's why she's so pale, she lost too much blood.

Tears brimmed my eyes. Why? She looked up at me ashamed.

Annabeth's pov

I was laying on the couch trying not to pass out when I heard banging against my door. Shakily I stood and opened the door, I was scowling, or at least I was trying to. My eyebrows returned to normal when I saw it was Percy. Why is he here?

"What do you want?" I asked

Percy's face went blank, just as I was about to slam the door in his face a pair of familiar blue eyes caught my attention. Luke. What is he doing here? Has he moved? Instead of risking him seeing me I pulled Percy into my apartment. When I'd the door clicked shut I pulled down my t-shirt sleeve that had ridden up slightly. Percy must have caught sight of a cut or a scar because he pulled my arm towards him. I tried to get it back but he was stronger than me, even on my best days. He gasped and tears threatened to fall when he saw the warzone that was my arm. I looked up at him ashamed. Suddenly my vision started to blur and my legs buckled. Percy caught me before I could hit the floor.

"I'm taking you to the hospital." he mumbled.

"No. Please." I begged

He hesitated for a moment before carrying me to my bedroom and laying me on my bed. He turned to leave and I panicked for some reason.

"Stay." I said reaching my arm out for him.

Percy looked into my eyes, I could've sworn there was a very small wisp of happiness in his. He gave a smile, kicked off his shoes and climbed into my bed. Like I'd done it all my life, I nuzzled his chest and rested my head there. Percy then put an arm round my waist and pulled me closer. Enjoying the comfort and warmth, I soon fell asleep listening to the beat of Percy's heart.

Percy's pov

As I turned to leave Annabeth whispered "Stay." she extended her arm out to me. If I'm being truthful, I honestly felt like my heart exploded. She wanted me to stay. I smiled and got into bed next to her. Annabeth then proceeded to rub her face against my shirt and rest her head there. Aching for more contact with her soft skin, I wrapped my arm around her waist then pulled her as close as she could get. Annabeth fell asleep quickly and I followed soon after.

Later

Annabeth's pov

My eyes fluttered open to find Percy staring at me and playing with one of my curls. Panic surged through me. What happened? Suddenly all the events from earlier rushed into my mind and I calmed down. Stupid. Stupid. You showed weakness and want.

Percy broke my train of thought "Are you okay?"

I quickly thought of a question to ask "Why were you staring at me?"

Percy grinned "You really don't know how beautiful you are, do you?"

I blushed and looked down. He just called me beautiful, not hot or pretty or cute, beautiful. He lifted my chin with his hand, forcing my orbs to meet his own. Slowly he started to lean forward, without thinking about it I stared to help him close the gap between our faces. Our lips barely brushed before a shrill tone broke the blissful silence. We jumped apart. The second time we'd had a intimate moment ruined by his phone. Second time you've let yourself get close to him. Percy looked back at me and apologized for having to leave, I just shook my head I said it didn't matter. Percy slipped back on his shoes. He seemed to debate something for a minute. Then he kissed my cheek flashed me a grin an left the apartment. He just kissed my cheek and he was sober.

Percy's pov

I walked to my apartment with a huge goofy smile on. I unlocked the door and dumped myself in the sofa. Nico was the first to notice my unusually happy behaviour.

"What's up with your face?" he asked

"Nothing." I replied

Nico's eyes widened. "You kissed her, didn't you."

"Only on the cheek." I said stealing the remote from him.

"Hey, give that back." Nico yelled

"Uh. No."

Annabeth's pov

4:00pm

I sat on my bed reading, still trying to wake myself up. It must've been a dream. It had to be. I heard a light knock at my door. Expecting it go be Percy, I smoothed out my clothes and answered the door. I was disappointed, standing there were two girls. One had dirty blonde hair with green eyes with black rims, she looked about 17 or 18. The other girl had curly brown hair and eyes almost identical to mine. She seemed to be 15 or 16. Who were they?

The older looking one spoke "Hi, you must be Annabeth."

I nodded.

"We're Gracie and Kiara. We are you step sisters. Your dad married our mum. And he's dying."

There it is chapter 9. Don't you just love cliffhangers. Ha ha. I would love it if you reviewed. I am going to need 5 more reviews before I update the next chapter. So the more people review, the quicker you find out what happens next.

Toodles, I love you all~ Daughter of Sorrow