Hello my lovely readers! Miss me? I sure missed you guys! This chapter should have been up two days ago but I couldn't quite finish the ending. I know I'm pretty bad at updating and that's why this weekend I'm going to make a schedule for myself. I really need something to follow and I need to set aside time for this site.
On a side note! I will start updating Falling all over again. I've had writers block but a very thoughtful person offered help with finishing. Next update on that story I'll explain more.
Review responses!
Morning and Eve: I laughed while writing Percy being jealous too. Haha :) I thought it was cute. It's pretty obvious Percy has a crush on Annabeth (even if he wont admit it) and who wouldn't feel awkward if your Aunt (legal guardian) was flirting with your best friends dad? That's pretty weird! Hope you enjoy the chapter!
GoddessOfArchitecture: Thank you I am pretty passionate about my writing. I adore writing. I love the freedom it brings me. I mean it's something I create myself you know? Something that I put time and effort into to make it something enjoyable. I'm glad you like it too. I hope you enjoy the chapter!
GreekPrincess3: Haha thank you! And we all wanted that almost kiss to happen! I'm glad you liked the chapter! And thank you I had a good birthday!
Wisegirl1480: I like writing Percabeth (obviously) and I like the name The Sirens' Shadow too.
yoitsyourstruly: No problem! I actually love doing this review responses. It's nice to see what people think! And just saying when I read your review I couldn't help but laugh. I'm glad someone had a little fangirl moment over the forehead kiss! And yea I'm sure most people are on Annabeth's and Emily's side. The flirting...That's awkward. And yes thankfully my grandma is doing much better. Thank you! I had a good birthday and it feels nice being older. And I do enjoy your rambling because it means I can ramble on the response! It's a win win! :)
aslongaswe'retogetherPA: Yep went with that name!
Guest: Yep! Haha people seemed to like that one.
AReaderReadingAnEReader: Yea I said them both out loud and realized that. Thanks!
Jedi1: Yea Sirens' Shadow defiantly won the vote!
TyberAurora: I'm glad you were able to find it again! And my goodness the Percabeth fanfics are a giant ocean of fluffiness! I know what you mean! And stubbornness and blond optimism defiantly helps doesn't it? And trust me in later chapters (I think later...not fully sure yet) You'll get Percabeth! I'm glad you like it. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
GoddessOfArchitecuture: Well I would use another word but I'm not sure which one to use! And if you were surrounded by something beautiful and adorable you would blush too!
Misslefly: Yea I liked that one too. I'm glad you like the story. I'm not a thousand percent sure what to do with the Aunt and Dad but it's not wrong! If they happen to fall in love what's wrong with that? How can love be wrong? But again I don't know yet.
afddicted2sweets105: First of all love the name! I'm an inside out fat girl so I would understand the sweet loving! :) I'm glad you love the story and the name!
MysticWishes: I'm glad you like the story. I love writing Percabeth and I am trying to make it slow paced but realistic. I hate reading stories where they meet and just instantly fall in love. I don't think that ever really happens. Thanks so much and I like the name too.
S: Yes yes...I have a plan for Annabeth's backstory. I wanted to get the band to certain point though. We're almost there and I'm sure it's going to be interesting. The entire chapter will be based on it so it should be a good read.
Violet Mia 13: That's a little weird that you weren't getting alerts but at least your back! I like the name too and here's a chapter! Hope you enjoy!
Wow...16 reviews...You guys made my day! I love you! You can expect another chapter this weekend if we keep this pace up! Read the bottom author's note please!
Disclaimer: Don't own Pjo or the song -_-
Annabeth:
I tried not to tug on my hair as I waited. Tonight we were performing in the school's gym for the dance. The past week has blown by pretty quickly. Even though Percy and Cody have been busy with their practices they were still able to come and record with us.
A couple days ago I went into Mr. Chris's room and found Ben and Kate. Although they were surprised to see me they offered help. I told them about The Siren's Shadow (Ben commented, he enjoyed the name) and they agreed to record some of our songs for us. After explaining to my friends what the small freshman were doing with me we got right to work. For the dance tonight Ben and I worked together to have some backup sounds to play during the song from the speakers. Other than that the music will be from us.
After much debating we finally agreed on a name. The Siren's Shadow. We'll 'hypnosis' our audience with our Siren Song. And since I'm a shadow (according to Emily) we decided to add that onto it. I actually really like it. Cody even had a special sticker made for his drums with our name on it.
Emily and my Aunt have helped me throughout the week to write a song. I think it's pretty good for my first 'party song.' Hopefully the other kids will like it. Some of the lyrics are weird though but Emily promised me most songs have weird lyrics and it would be fine. I'm not sure how someone would dance to it but Emily would silence all my doubts with a shake of her head.
I did sing part of it for the kids at the orphanage and they seemed to like it. David even gave me some pointers. I've been spending a lot of time over there, especially on the weekends. I help Mrs. Cook make lunch and I babysit Anna when she has to go out. I've become friends with everyone there even David, though that took a little time. Once he realized that I wasn't some ditzy blonde and that I actually cared for the people he lived with he warmed up to me. My friends still don't know I go over there though. I doubt they even know the place exists.
My Aunt and Mr. McNeil went for a walk the other day after he dropped Emily off. Emily and I had our faces pressed against the glass watching until they were out of sight. When they came back twenty minutes later Emily and I were upstairs. When we heard the door open, we looked at each other than were practically shoving each other trying to get down the stairs first. The two adults acted if nothing happened and simply said goodnight to each other. When I asked my Aunt about it later she only said she wanted to be friends with my best friend's Dad. I'm sure it's more than that but I haven't mentioned it since then.
The dance was supposed to start in about ten minutes. Some students were already here, talking among themselves. No one knows that we're performing but the principle mentioned a surprise for the students attending…..So I guess we're just going to bound up on stage and say surprise? I'm not sure. All I know is that the curtains are closed in front of me Emily and Percy are tuning their guitars and Cody is getting ready to play the drums. Percy is playing the lead guitar and Emily will play the bass. There isn't a piano in this song so I'm center stage. I don't think I can do this.
And that's why I'm pacing back and forth and tugging my hair. I haven't told anyone how nervous I am for tonight, no one's really asked. I've actually been pretty quiet this week, and I know normally I'm almost mute but I've almost gone back to my old ways….barely saying anything to anyone unless I needed too.
I groaned lightly and sat down in Cody's drum seat. I feel like I'm going to have a panic attack. Percy glanced over at me and placed his guitar down. He crotched down in front of me and placed one of his hands on my knee.
"Hey you ok?"
I nodded slowly and placed a fake smile on my face. Percy frowned.
"You haven't said much this week."
I shrugged.
"Guess there wasn't much to say…."
"Annabeth…."
I stood up suddenly feeling suffocated. I pointed behind me.
"I'm uh going to go to the bathroom really quick ok?"
Percy nodded and I could feel his eyes on me as I quickly left the stage. I ran past the bathroom and went to the only place in this school that I feel comfortable.
Percy:
The dance started about three minutes ago. Which means Annabeth has been gone longer than ten minutes. Now I don't know much about girls and bathrooms but I don't think it takes them this long.
"Hey Emily can you go get Annabeth from the bathroom? She's been in there a while."
Kate ran over to us and gave us a thumbs up.
"Guys! Everything is all set up! We're ready whenever you are."
I gave her a high five.
"Great! Good work but we have to wait for Annabeth to get out of the bathroom."
The 14 year old girl shook her head and frowned at me.
"Annabeth's not in the bathroom? I was just in there."
Emily and Cody walked over. Cody ran a hand through his hair.
"Where would she be then?"
Emily and I shrugged and we all sighed.
"We better go look for her. She's probably terrified to sing."
We all agreed to split up and search but I stopped the two friends before we went anywhere.
"But wait, let's say we get her back here how will we get her to sing?"
Cody shrugged.
"We could always just grab her and throw her up on stage."
I growled in frustration.
"No you idiot! That would make it worse!"
Emily stepped in between the two of us.
"Ok! Hey calm down! Let's just pretend Cody didn't say that. Now we're would she go?"
"I'm not sure but Cody go check the lunchroom then glance around outside. Emily check the library, she might be hiding out in there. I'll check around."
They nodded and we separated. I walked through the empty halls. Where would Annabeth go? I face palmed. Duh where else would she go?
I sped through the halls until I came face to face with the music room doors. I slowly opened it and sure enough there was Annabeth, sitting on the piano stool writing in her journal.
"Hey there you are."
She jumped at the sound of my voice and I bit back a light laugh. All traces of a smile faded from my face when I saw her. She was pale and her eyes were glassy. I slowly walked over to her.
"Hey….you okay?"
She looked up at me with her sad eyes then shook her head.
"I'm terrified…"
I walked over and sat down next to her. She closed her journal and looked down at it.
"Well…Hey it's okay to be afraid to sing in front of people! We all-"
She quickly shook her head.
"No! Although I am terrified to sing in front of people…I just feel better knowing you guys are up there with me…That's not why I'm scared."
"Then… what is it?"
She sighed and started to play with her fingers.
"When I was little….I used to perform little shows for my family. I was really young then but I always dreamed about what it would be like to actually get up on a stage and sing for a crowd….and now that I'm here…..I just don't think I can do it."
I frowned and gently turned her so she was facing me. I tilted my head down and she eventually looked up at me. I smiled softly.
"Why not Annabeth?"
"What if….What if it isn't everything I expect it to be? What if I get booed off stage? What if they hate the song and then hate us. What if I'm not good enough!"
She closed her eyes and I could see tears building up ready to slide down her beautiful face.
"Hey hey…."
I moved closer to her. I slowly wiped away a small tear that slid down her right cheek. She slowly opened her eyes. I smiled down at her comfortingly.
"Annabeth of course you're good enough! My gods you wrote this song, taught us how to play it and you're singing it. You're so talented and I'm a little sad that it's being wasted in a gym but hey as long as these people know how good you are then that's all that matters. Annabeth your way better than good enough. You're probably going to outshine all of us."
She smiled and sniffed. She rubbed her eyes and looked up at me hopefully.
"…So you guys would still be my friends even if I mess up?"
I nodded and nudged her.
"Of course we would! Annabeth I wanted to be your friend since I first met you. Now that I am why would I give that up?"
"You wanted to be my friend when you first saw me?"
"No I wanted to know your name when I first saw you. I wanted to be your friend after our first conversation. Though it was mostly one sided, I thought you were interesting and wanted to get to know you. And man for a Seaweed Brain I really hit the nail on the head. You are interesting!"
I looked at the clock and saw we needed to leave. I stood up and offered my hand to Annabeth.
"C'mon. Let's go show everyone how beautiful that voice of yours is."
Annabeth smiled and placed her hand in mine. I started to lead her to the door but she tugged on my hand and pulled me to her. We were practically chest to chest. She smiled up at me then stood on her toes. She placed her lips on my cheek gently. I stood there jaw to the floor when she pulled away. She placed her hand on my chest and mumbled.
"Thank you…"
I nodded my head still stunned from how soft her lips felt on my skin. I snapped out of it when Annabeth tugged my hand again and we started to walk to the door.
Emily:
I ran to the library and opened the door. No one was in there and most of the lights were off. I scanned around and didn't see Annabeth. I looked through all the rows of books trying to find her. When I didn't I sighed and sat down.
"Oh no….What are we gonna do?"
My words seemed to bounce off the walls and back at me. I winced when they seemed to smack me in the face. The door opened again and Cody walked in. He shook his head. Guess Percy is our only hope.
"Hey. She's not in here is she?"
I shook my head and stood up.
"Nope. Maybe Percy already found her and there back in the gym?"
"Maybe."
I started to walk to the door but Cody gently grabbed my hand. I gasped and looked at him. He smiled at me.
"Hey…since we're alone and I know it'll be too crazy later to tell you…I-"
Percy burst in the door with a smiling Annabeth in tow.
"Guys I found her! She's ready so let's do this!"
I nodded numbly and smiled when I saw their intertwined fingers. Annabeth rolled her eyes then looked at Cody then me with her eyebrows raised. Her eyes widened slightly and she shot me a look that said 'I'm sorry' I smiled softly at her.
"Um yea ok let's do this. Glad we've got our Wallflower back."
I watched Percy and Annabeth walked back to the gym and I turned back to Cody.
"So what were you saying?"
"….I wanted to say I'm proud of you and I hope we have a good show."
"Are you su-"
He brushed by me and started to walk to the gym. I sighed and followed.
Annabeth:
Percy was leading me down the hall to the gym. I felt the confidence Percy gave me in the music room slowly melt away with each step. Suddenly I couldn't hear the loud music or Percy's excited voice. I couldn't hear our footsteps against the cold hallway floor. I could hear my heart beating and my uneven quick breaths. I could feel Percy's large hand wrapped around my small one.
When we reached the back doors to the gym, that would lead us to stairs that led us to the stage Percy stopped. He frowned as he looked at me. I could see his lips moving but I couldn't hear what he was saying. I felt Cody and Emily come up behind me. I didn't notice Cody's slightly irritated expression but I did notice Emily's concerned face, mostly because it was right in front of mine. She was waving her hand in my face and mouthing words. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. After a couple more I could finally hear what they were saying.
"-wrong with her?" Emily placed her hands on my shoulders and stared at me. Cody looked over at Percy and shrugged.
"Maybe she's in shock?" Emily ignored them, her focus still on me.
"Annabeth…? Are you ok? Can you hear me?" I nodded slowly and everyone sighed in relief. Our principle Mr. Frame came down the small stairs and over to us.
"Guys if you want to do this you have to do it now." Emily nodded and signaled to give us a minute. Percy and Cody walked with Mr. Frame to the stage.
"Annabeth I need you to listen to me. I know you're scared, I'm scared too but you need to snap out of it. We all have been very patient with you and we completely understand how nervous you are. You will do great Annabeth I promise but please get your head on so we can do this. We couldn't do any of this without you, we need you. You'll be okay."
She gave my shoulders a squeeze before she looked over the shoulder. We could hear Percy tuning the guitar and Mr. Frame's foot tapping against the floor.
"We'll give you a minute to collect yourself. But only a minute. When the time's up I expect to see you up there rocking out on stage okay Annabeth?"
I nodded and watched as she slowly climbed the stairs. When she was out of sight I closed my eyes and sighed. I can do this. I kept repeating this over and over. I heard so many voices swirling around in my head. Percy's, Emily's, my own…and Mom's.
"Don't be shy. Let your heart sing and the world will sing along!"
I opened my eyes when I heard Mr. Frame's voice over the speakers. I started to walked towards the steps. My foot was on the first.
"Ladies and gentleman I hope you're enjoying the dance so far but the best has yet to come!"
Slowly, I started to climb up. I'm four steps away.
"They're new but truly amazing…"
Two steps…
"Please give a round of applause to…"
I climbed up the last step and stood on the far corner of the stage. The curtain was still closed but everyone was ready. Percy smiled over at me and nodded towards center stage. Cody nodded at me and Emily smiled encouragingly. I could see Ben and Kate on the right side of the stage. They had all this equipment in front of them. Ben gave me a thumbs up.
"Don't be shy. Let your heart sing and they world will sing along!"
I grabbed the microphone and stood center stage. The curtain rose and I shielded my face from the blinding light. I blinked a couple of times before my eyes were able to adjust. Mr. Frame pointed at us and happily exclaimed,
"The Siren's Shadow!"
I adverted my eyes from the crowd. I could hear their clapping but I heard the murmuring around me. I closed my eyes. Cody whispered.
"One two three four…."
Then he started to play the drums. I opened my eyes and I could see Ben pressing a few buttons before a slow memorizing sound was filling through the speakers. I turned to look at the audience when they started to clap their hands. My eyes widened and I turned to Percy. Emily and Percy were already strumming their guitars. He smiled at me and winked.
"Don't be shy. Let your heart sing and the world will sing along!"
I just want to be good enough. I looked up at the ceiling before turning back to the crowd. I took a shaky breath and began to sing.
"Woke up in London yesterday
Found myself in the city near Piccadilly
Don't know how I got here
I got some pictures on my phone"
I winced slightly when I heard I was off key slightly. I took a breath, blamed it on nervousness then continued again. C'mon Annabeth you can do this.
"New names and numbers that I don't know
Address to places like Abbey Road
Day turns to night, night turns to whatever we want
We're young enough to say.
Oh this has gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life."
Better…It sounds better. I stood unmoving singing into this microphone with my eyes slightly closed. I could feel Percy and Emily moving slightly behind me. Do I need to move around? I opened my eyes fully and I could see a couple of kids dancing. The other ones were just staring at us. Some mouth opened, some murmuring, Every one confused.
"Say oh, got this feeling you can't fight
Like the city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life.
To my friends in New York I say hello
My friends in LA they don't know
Where I've been for the past few years or so
Paris to China to Colorado.
I remember laughing while writing this with Emily. Ha Me having friends anywhere but here…..I started to move slightly to the right. I pulled the microphone from its stand and held it. I started to bob my head nervously. I glanced back at Percy who smiled at me encouragingly. I nodded and started to move around a bit more.
"Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out
Sometimes there's bull crap that don't work now
We all got our stories but please tell me-e-e-e
What there is to complain about?"
At the last line someone from the crowd cheered and others started to clap. More people started to move to the music. I could feel my confidence growing but I could still nervousness seep through me. The original word was bullshit but of course the school wouldn't allow that.
"When you're happy like a fool
Let it take you over
When everything it out
You gotta take it in
Oh this has gotta be the good life'
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
Say oh! Got this feeling that you can't fight
Like the city is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life."
By now almost everyone was dancing. I could see Mrs. Elms in the back smiling happily and dancing. Mr. Frame was nodding his head in approval. I could see Hannah and Sarah near the front. Sarah was nodding to the beat and Hannah was staring at Emily. She had a slight scowl on her face. That's right you can be jealous! I smiled to myself.
"Hopelessly
I feel like there might be something that I'll miss
Hopelessly
I feel like the window closes oh so quick
Hopelessly
I'm taking a mental picture of you now
'Cause hopelessly
The hope is we have so much to feel good about."
I gestured to the audience to sing along. I smiled and began to dance a little.
"Oh this had gotta be the good life
This has gotta be the good life
This could really be a good life, good life
Say oh! Got this feeling that you can't fight
Like this is on fire tonight
This could really be a good life
A good, good life
Oh yeah…
Good, good life
Good life
Ohh."
The audience sang the chorus with me and I felt a sudden energy run through me. I started to dance around Percy then Emily. I pointed at Cody who winked at me in return then turned back to the audience.
"Listen
My friends in New York, I say hello
My friends in LA they don't know
Where I've been for the past fear years or so
Paris to China to Colorado
Sometimes there's airplanes I can't jump out
Sometimes there's bull crap that don't work now
We all got our stories but please tell me-e-e-e
What's there to complain about?"
I pulled the microphone away from my mouth and tried to catch my breath. I haven't sang like that in a while. I could hear Cody begin to slow down, along with Emily and Percy.
"Don't be shy! Let your heart sing and the world will sing along!"
I closed my eyes and smiled. I finally heard the ending chords of the song. I kept my eyes closed until I heard the roaring applause of the crowd. I opened my eyes only to see most of our classmates smiling up at us, clapping excitedly. I turned around and saw Percy removing his guitar strap. Emily and Cody were hugging and I ran over to Percy. I crashed into him and gripped his shoulders tightly. He started to chuckle.
"Woah! Superstar! Let's not break the guitarist okay?"
I laughed happily and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed tightly. He then lifted me up and spun me around once. When he sent me back down he looked awkwardly at Mr. Frame. I blushed in embarrassment but couldn't stop smiling.
"Well let's give another bug round of applause to The Sirens' Shadow!"
Emily came up behind me and placed her hand on my shoulder. I smiled at her and gave her a quick hug. Cody came around to the other side of Emily. So now the band was standing in a line on the stage. We bowed and the curtain closed in front of us. I sighed then winced when I heard Emily's girly squeal.
"Ow! Geez Em could you not? How do girls even squeal that high?"
I giggled and turned back to Percy. I played with my fingers nervously.
"Well?"
He shook his head and hugged me again.
"You did amazing! My gods Annabeth! That was perfect!"
We all did another set of hugs and praises until Mr. Frame and Mrs. Elms came around the corner. They were both smiling.
"See I told you Richard! I told you they were going to be great!"
"Yes yes you were absolutely right."
They walked over to us and Mrs. Elms gave each one of us a quick hug.
"That was great guys!"
We thanked her and watched as she backed away and Mr. Frame came forward.
"Now…First I must say I had my doubts but you were all truly something. I'm proud to have such talented students! I sincerely congratulate you. Now I feel I should offer you a deal…..You all do fairly well in school and the other students seemed to really enjoy your music…I want to ask you to perform more here. Now we have dances in the future but I also mean talent shows and, if we have enough time, assemblies. I feel you could really help raise school spirit! Would you guys be interested in that?"
I nodded and shook his hand.
"Yes! Thank you very much!"
"Of course. We'll be touch. Seriously great job guys."
Mrs. Elms offered one last round of congratulations before following Mr. Frame. We all stood shell shocked for a moment before we burst. We all hugged each other happily and Cody even did a little happy dance! Ben and Kate came out and we thanked them for their amazing job. Ben handed me a CD that was titled 'First Performance' with a smiley face on it. I gave him a hug but he ran off after.
After we all calmed down we started to pack up. Cody's truck was out back waiting to have the drum set put in it. Emily was helping him load everything while Percy was packing up the guitars. I helped Kate put the sound stuff away then walked over to the microphone. I gently ran my hand over the stand and smiled. I can't believe I actually did that. I can't believe they actually liked it! Percy came over and tapped my shoulder.
"Hey you ready? Cody wants to take us out for ice cream. His treat."
I looked back at the closed curtain. There was a party on the other side of it. Kids were laughing and dancing and having a good time. I looked over at Percy's hopeful face and smiled. I could see Cody giving Emily a piggy back ride to the car, her laughter filling the hall. I extended my hand to Percy.
"Yep. Let's go."
He took it and intertwined our fingers. We walked over to the truck where our two friends were waiting. Emily was messing with the radio, ignoring Cody's complaints.
And that's how we spent the next hour. Laughing and singing to the radio then eating ice cream in an almost empty parlor. I smiled. I performed today, something I haven't done in a long time, and I had a good night out with my best friends. Life was good.
Too bad it doesn't always stay that way.
Too bad indeed...Hmm
Okay so first I want to say that I know Annabeth's performance was a little weird. I know that if you had bad stage fright that you couldn't get over it that easily but she's not completely over it so...And if you were singing and you heard all those cheers wouldn't you get a little pumped too?
I thought the song kinda fit Annabeth. She trys to think positive...It just...has to be a good life or what's the point right?
Anyway let's get those reviews again! :) I'm making a schedule soonish so that'll help updates. But if I get enough i'll update this weekend. Things should be picking up soon.
Hope you know I'm losing much needed sleep over this chapter but you guys are worth it! :)
Love you guys.