Hey guys! This would've been up much earlier, but I had to go a bunch of places today so I never got to finish the chapter. I finished it sitting in the parking lot of Wegmans. You can thank me for this extra-long chapter! It was lots of fun to write! Thanks to TR, SofiaRox, ME N NICO FOREVA, Tratieluver14-the girl on fire, BlackConverse24, klydo, PercabethFanatic, jamieeeeeee, and CUPCAKELORD. Responses to reviews are at the bottom for some reason!
Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or the songs I wrote in here.
Chapter 10: It's Good To Try New Things
I inwardly sighed. Everyone in the restaurant had their nosy little heads pointed in my direction.
Thalia looked at me, seeing how uncomfortable I was. She told them, "Go back to eating your food!" Then glared. The nosy people immediately went back to their business after Thalia's death glare. Thalia looked at me with an expression of pity.
"I messed up, Thals." I really did. Now I won't get to finish my revenge on Rachel(not that I want to during these circumstances.) and I lost a friend(Percy).
"Well, since it was your fault, you should fix it," Thalia supplied.
"It wasn't my fault!" I said. I honestly didn't mean to spill the water on her. I guess Percy would've found out about my scheming schemes(A/N: Lol.) anyway, though.
Thalia raised her eyebrows skeptically. She then said, "Yes, it was. Who was the mastermind behind those plots? Who was the one that spilled water on Rachel? Who was the one that-"
"Alright, I get it!" I interrupted her. "But who was the one that bought me the olive-green hair dye?" I gave her a taste of her own medicine.
Thalia smiled. "You pressured me into doing it! Notice that has the word you in it!" I laughed. Thalia's expression turned back to serious. "Really. All of it was your fault, and you know it." Wow. Nice friend I have there.
"Maybe if Rachel hadn't been such a bitch in high school things would've been different," I muttered, defending myself. There's always a group of nasty, lying, gossiping girls that rule the high school. Rachel didn't start off that way, in fact, she was my friend at first. My only friend. The friend who knew every secret about me. But she betrayed me sophomore year by hanging out with some of the people who think the world revolves around them, and she turned into one. She even started dating my all-time crush, Luke Castellan. I'm pretty sure she did that just to make me jealous, because she told me she liked some other football player before she moved to the dark side. Rachel even used my weaknesses against me in nasty pranks. I haven't forgiven her since. Anyways, my point is, Rachel was the one that triggered the schemes I've pulled.
"Rachel couldn't have been that torturous and selfish. I mean, look at her! She donates to the needy, volunteers at homeless shelters, and helps the SPCA!" Thalia said. "Percy really did score big time."
Thalia struck a nerve. Fuming, I said, "You really believe that crap? Rachel does nothing of the sort! She's lying! Learn the word, and if you don't know it, look in the freaking dictionary!" Thalia blankly stared at me, shaking her head. I suddenly felt a surge of guilt that I lashed out at her.
"You know, Percy was right. You really have changed. Make that two people who don't know you anymore." With that, she got up from the booth, walked to the grand doors up front, and left, slamming the doors on her way out.
I rested my head on my hands, until I heard someone clear their throat. I looked up, hoping it would be Thalia.
Unfortunately, it was just Tammi, the waitress, who carried four heaping plates of food. "Did you hear any of that?" I asked her. She just nodded her head, sadly, then set the food on the table. She asked me if I needed anything, also. When I politely told her no, she left. I really didn't feel like eating anymore, I lost my appetite.
I looked at all four plates of food. The meals were meant for two people each. How am I going to finish this eight-person meal, when I'm not even hungry? I guess I'll just eat as much as I can, until my stomach explodes. So, if I'm going to eat something, there's no point in wasting the expensive dish, so I decided to eat Rachel's Portobello Mushroom.
I took a nearby fork and stabbed the big mushroom. I then grabbed a knife and cut a piece of the mushroom, angrily shoving it into my mouth. I continued the routine until I ate all of Rachel's dish. I could practically feel my stomach protruding outward.
"Are you finished?" Tammi appeared in front of me.
"Yea. If I eat another bite I'll explode!" I responded. Tammi smiled.
"Would you like a bag for your leftovers?" she asked.
"Sure." Tammi left to get some Styrofoam containers. Maybe Thalia will like the extra food and forgive me. Huh. Things probably don't work that way.
Tammi walked back to the table and placed three Styrofoam containers(A/N: I forgot what those were called, sorry!)on the table.
"Thanks," I told her. She just nodded and gave me the bill. I pushed the leftover food into a container and closed it shut. Once I finished, I filled out the bill, placed my credit card in the little pocket where the bill was being held, and left a five-dollar tip. Tammi appeared moments later to collect the bill.
I waited for Tammi to come back with my credit card, tapping my foot under the table. My thoughts wandered to Percy. The way he looked at me when he said, "Reason's aren't good enough. I didn't know you would stoop that low. I guess…I just don't know you anymore" was unforgettable. Those sad sea-green eyes, his frowning lips. The way his messy olive-green hair covered his eyes when he looked down. The way he escorted Rachel out of the restaurant, leaving Thalia and me.
"Miss?" Tammi said, snapping me out of my thoughts. She placed my credit card back onto the table.
"Thanks," I said.
"No problem," Tammi replied, smiling sweetly. I got up from the booth and checked my watch. 7:30. I'd been there for over two hours. I took the Styrofoam containers with the leftovers and walked to the grand front doors of the restaurant. I then left the restaurant, unaware of where to go. It would be a really long walk back to Thalia's house, considering it was 30 minutes by car to get here. I didn't see any taxi around…
I found myself walking forward, unaware of my destination. I looked both ways before I walked across the street. Maybe I could hitch hike…
I raised my thumb, waiting for some kind-hearted soul(Or some nasty old man who kidnaps young women). Unfortunately, the most I got was a man who looked at me, rolled down his car window, laughed(spitting in my face during that process), and gave me two thumbs up. Then he sped away, definitely exceeding the speed limit.
I probably stood there, dumfounded, for about three minutes, until someone tapped my shoulder. I slowly turned around. It was just a man with a long scraggly white beard, a balding head, and crooked teeth. He barely wore any clothes. Immediately, I knew the man was homeless.
"Got any food?" he asked me in a croaky voice. I looked down at my leftovers. Sighing, I handed all three containers to him.
He looked at me for a minute, then opened the containers. He dug into it with his dirty hands and fingernails.
I stood there, watching the man eat. He didn't even look grateful, and he didn't say thank you. After a couple of seconds standing there, I walked away, still unaware of where my feet were taking me.
I looked up at the night sky. The stars looked like they formed a big smiley face. I huffed.
It felt like hours until I finally reached a lit up building, although it was probably just one hour. There was a huge sign on the building that read 'Charcoal House'. The letters were lit up in red.
Seeing that there was no place else to go, I walked right into the Charcoal House. To my left, there was a bar, filled with empty stools. In front of me was a big stage with a microphone. Someone was singing We Will Rock You by Queen. To my right, there were tables with chairs, meaning that this was a restaurant, karaoke place, and a bar.
The place was downright hardcore, with everyone dancing and drinking.
"Can I help you?" a woman asked me. She had spiky black hair, big muscles, and tattoos on practically her whole body.
I shook my head and walked closer into the crowd of dancing people. When the person on stage finished singing We Will Rock You, someone bounced onto the stage. He was probably the host.
"That was amazing! Super job!" he praised the woman singing. Once she thanked him and left the stage, the host asked his next question. "Do we have any other takers that want to sing?" No one answered. They just shouted words at the host that I wouldn't like to repeat.
"I will!" a girl shouted from the crowd. She pushed past people to get to the stage. She had a drink in her hand when she walked up the stage.
"Great!" the host said. "What's your name?" He looked at the girl. I could barely see her from this distance. The only thing that stuck out was frizzy red hair…
"Rachel," the girl responded. I rushed to the front of the crowd, analyzing the girl. Frizzy red hair, short pink leopard printed dress, big golden hoop earrings, gold chains around her neck, and black boots. None other than Rachel Elizabeth Dare, my worst enemy. So this is where Percy took her after they ditched La Poivre.
"Okay, Rachel. What would you like to sing today?" the host asked.
Rachel finished the drink that she was holding with one swig and threw the empty glass into the crowd. It shattered against the floor. For some reason, this made the idiotic crowd go wild.
"Only Girl (In The World) by Rihanna!" Rachel shouted. Once again, the crowd cheered. The host left the stage, and a couple of seconds later, the music started playing. Rachel frizzed up her hair (Gosh, it's frizzy enough!) and grabbed the microphone.
"La la la la,
La la la la.
La la la la,
La la la la.
I want you to love me, like I'm a hot ride,
Keep thinkin' of me, doin' what you like.
So boy forget about the world cuz it's gon' be me and you tonight,
I wanna make your bed for ya, then imma make you swallow your pride.
Oh, want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world,
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love!
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart,
Only girl in the world…
Like I'm the only one that's in command,
Cuz I'm the only one who understands how to make you feel like a man. Yea!
Want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world,
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love.
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart,
Only one…
Want you to take me like a thief in the night,
Hold me like a pillow, make me feel right.
Baby I'll tell you all my secrets that I'm keepin', you can come inside,
And when you enter, you ain't leavin', be my prisoner for the night.
Oh, want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world,
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love!
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart,
Only girl in the world…
Like I'm the only one that's in command,
Cuz I'm the only one who understands.
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart,
Only one…
Take me for a ride, ride,
Oh baby, take me high, high.
Let me make you first, first,
Make it last all night, night.
Take me for a ride, ride,
Oh baby, take me high, high.
Let me make you first, first,
Make it last all night.
Want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world,
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love.
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart,
Only girl in the world…
Like I'm the only one that's in command,
Cuz I'm the only one who understands how to make you feel like a man.
Only girl in the world…
Girl in the world…
Only girl in the world…
Girl in the world…" Rachel finished off. The crowd cheered loudly. I wonder if Percy was also in the crowd, cheering his fiancée on, like a good husband would do when he sees his wife singing Rihanna's songs when drinking.
Rachel wasn't totally bad, but some words were slurred. She did okay overall.
The host bounced back onto the stage, shouting, "Listen to the crowd go wild! Great job! Can anyone compete against that?" Basically, he wants another person to compete with Rachel. Everything was silent, you could hear a pin drop. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating.
I didn't think about what I did next. I just did it. "I'll go next," I said, loud enough for the host to hear. People parted the way so I could go through.
"We have our next competitor!" the host said, beaming. "What's your name little lady?"
I suppressed a laugh. "Annabeth," I said. Rachel's eyes were practically bugging out of their sockets. This'll show her who she's messing with.
Rachel stormed off the stage. The host said, "Alright Annabeth, what would you like to sing?"
I thought about this for a moment. Instead, I said, "Surprise me." The crowd went wild, just as they did when Rachel shattered her glass.
The host walked off the stage and started playing the music. I recognized the song as So What by Pink (Or P!nk).
I threw my jacket (A/N: Let's pretend she was wearing one) into the crowd, then grabbed the microphone like Rachel did.
"Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na
Na Na Na Na Na Na
I guess Ijust lost my husband,
I don't know where he went.
So I'm gonna drink my money,
I'm not gonna pay his rent (Nope).
I got a brand new attitude,
And i'm gonna wear it tonight.
I wanna get in trouble,
I wanna start a fight.
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na,
I wanna start a fight.
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na,
I wanna start a fight.
So, so what?
I'm still a rock star,
I got my rock moves.
And I don't need you,
And guess what?
I'm having more fun,
And now that we're done.
I'm gonna show you tonight,
I'm alright, I'm just fine.
And you're a tool,
So, so what?
I am a rockstar,
I got my rock moves.
And I don't want you tonight,
Uh, check my flow, uh.
The waiter just took my table,
And gave to Jessica Simps- Shit!
I guess I'll go sit with drum boy,
At least he'll know how to hit.
What if this song's on the radio,
Then somebody's gonna die.
I'm gonna get in trouble,
My ex will start a fight.
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na,
He's gonna start a fight.
Na Na Na Na Na Na Na,
We're all gonna get in a fight!
So, so what?
I'm still a rock star,
I got my rock moves.
And I don't need you,
And guess what?
I'm having more fun,
And now that we're done.
I'm gonna show you tonight,
I'm alright, I'm just fine.
And you're a tool,
So, so what?
I am a rock star,
I got my rock moves.
And I don't want you tonight.
You weren't there,
You never were.
You weren't all,
But that's not fair.
I gave you life,
I gave my all.
You weren't there,
You let me fall.
So, so what?
I'm still a rock star,
I got my rock moves.
And I don't need you,
And guess what?
I'm having more fun,
And now that we're done (we're done).
I'm gonna show you tonight,
I'm all right(I'm all right),I'm just fine (I'm just fine).
And you're a tool,
So, so what?
I am a rock star,
I got my rock moves.
And i don't want you tonight,
No No, No No.
I don't want you tonight,
You weren't there.
I'm gonna show you tonight,
I'm alright, I'm just fine.
And you're a tool,
So, so what?
I am a rock star,
I got my rock moves.
And I don't want you tonight,
Ba da da da da da, pft!" I finished the song. The crowd cheered wildly. Someone even threw me a rose!
"That's what I'm talkin' about!" the host shouted, running back onto the stage. "Both you girls are winners! This calls for a celebration!" Once he said 'celebration', everybody ran to the bar. I looked at Rachel. She seemed pretty pissed off.
"So what brings you here?" I asked her once I exited the stage.
She looked aggravated and didn't say anything.
"Where's Percy?" I asked her.
She looked even more annoyed and spat, "I don't have to do everything with him. He's not here." She then left to go to the bar. Wonder what's her problem.
I was about to leave the place when someone grabbed my arm. I turned around. It was a muscular man with tattoos and spiky black hair (like the woman up front).
"Before you go, let me buy you a drink," he said.
"No thanks, I don't drink," I said. I only tried the stuff once and it tasted bitter.
"Come on! Just try it! It's good to try new things!" the man dragged me to the bar. KIDNAPPING! HELP!
I gave up. I sat next to Rachel (ironically) on one of the stools.
"Look who came crawling back to me," Rachel said with a smirk.
"Actually, I'm getting a drink," I said. Once again, her eyes looked like they were about to bug out of their sockets.
"You? Annabeth Chase? Goody two-shoes? Drinking? Those words don't go together." God, Rachel's acting as if the world's going to end!
"Yup. And this here man is going to buy me one," I smirked.
"You pressured him into buying you one?" Rachel asked.
"No, he offered to." She looked like she was going to explode.
"Impossible!" she shouted, gesturing towards me. "You're you!"
"Believe what you want," I said, then swiveled the chair towards the bartender.
"What do you want?" the man that offered to buy me a drink asked.
Since I wasn't really educated with alcohol, I told him to surprise me, just like I did for the karaoke. I looked around. People dancing crazily, someone singing off key, and people drinking at the bar.
A couple of moments later, the bartender gave me my drink, and I thanked him and the man that bought me it. Slowly, I pressed the glass to my lips and sipped it.
One word describes it: Ew! I spit it out, left the drink there, and just as I was about to leave, Rachel stopped me.
"Looks like somebody couldn't handle it," she says. Ugh. She caught me.
"I don't like ruining my body at such a young age, so why don't you drink the shit?" I said, shaking her from her grasp. I then walked out of the Charcoal House, still unaware of where to go.
Walking in these heels hurt like hell. Every step I took felt like sharp needles were being impaled into my feet. Groaning, I took the shoes off and held them in my hand. I ran my fingers through my hair.
I finally came to an intersection. I decided to go left.
I spotted a yellow cab a few blocks down. Yes! A taxi! I ran as fast as my sore and blistered feet could take me.
Finally, I reached the taxi.
"Taxi! Taxi!" I shouted, but the driver didn't hear me. She kept driving, picking up the speed. I continued to run. Once I was right next to her window, I banged on it. She looked at me for a moment, then rolled the window down.
"What?" she asked, irritated.
"Could you take me to my friend's house?" I asked her.
"That depends where your friend's house is!" she said, still annoyed. I told her the address. "Miss, that's an hour away. It'll be costly."
"It's fine, I really need to get there," I said, opening the cab door and sitting down.
The last thing I remembered was how pretty New York City looked from a distance until I dozed off.
Songs used: So what by P!nk, and Only Girl (In the World) by Rihanna.
Thanks! One more thing: Percabeth forever! This is not a Perachel story!
RESPONSES TO REVIEWS:
TR: Yup, I might do that later on.
SofiaRox: Thanks! Love your honesty, I'm still happy, lol!
ME N NICO FOREVA: Thanks so much! Percy will learn eventually…
Tratieluver14-the girl on fire: Paul's awesome, I know! It was a surprise. Thanks! By the way, for your penname, the part when it says 'the girl on fire' is that from the Hunger Games? I just reread the whole series, even though I read it already.
BlackConverse24: We all hate Rachel! Thanks!
Klydo: I know, right? Thanks for reviewing.
PercabethFanatic: Yup! She'll realize she likes him soon enough!
Jamieeeeeee: I literally had to count the e's in your penname. Thanks!
CUPCAKELORD: LOL, you totally seem hyper! I loved the Justin Beiber(is it I before e?) comments too! Thumbs up for the Beiber haters! Sadly, most of my friends love Beiber…the only decent person that hates him is my sister, and that's sad. So glad you can join us! He's all over my school, too! On lockers, on shirts, on bodies! EVEN GAY DUDES HAVE HIS HAIR STYLE! I just reread the Hunger Games trilogy (don't ask why I reread it). PEETA AND KATNISS FOREVER! Don't worry, President Snow gets a taste of his medicine… I might do the Annabeth-Rachel thing! LOL! I laughed when you said 'I never get tired of the squiggle'.
~ PEACE OUT!