Chapter 14

OMFJ (oh my fladoodling Jesus) I CAN'T BELIEVE I HAVEN'T UPDATED IN MONTHS I AM SO SORRY! I was trying to update at least once a month, but I just made the drastic and dramatic transfer from middle to HIGH SCHOOL! So now, I can write some of this from experience. Like my new bff (let's call her NeNe), she laughs SOOOOOOOOOO too much (yes, I realize that sentence was grammatically incorrect. Just deal with it ). She just can't shut up, but she's already had 4 guys ask her out, one guy just admit he likes her, and 2 boyfriends. School started 2 months ago! But this matters not, because what truly, truly matters, is the replies I got from you guys in your comments over the past few months despite my inability to post actual substance-full chapters (does that make sense? I hope so cause it made sense to me). So here you go. This is what you've asked for me to put in this story. I added at least 2 new characters, so look for yours! WARNING: CHARACTERS MAY BE MODIFIED TO FIT MY STORY'S NEEDS. In one of my last "chapters" I already asked one person if I could edit their character to use and they agreed (thanks GLEEKPJOFREAK!). So you will be seeing Mikaela Henderson in this chapter; the blonde mortal ex-girlfriend of…of whom? Well, you'll find out. And since this took me so long to write, I'm gonna make it extra long, just for you guys! Plus, our school gave us laptops and nooks so now I can type and read fanfiction almost anywhere so I'll get a lot more done and post more often, which is great for people who are actually interested in this story! So here you go! The Mall: Part 2!

Annabeth's POV

Percy got closer and closer until our noses were touching. Then he leaned in got rid of the space between us. His lips were moving slowly against mine in the perfect kiss. He was so gentle and so wanting at the same time, it was like magic. But something was wrong. I couldn't figure out what since my brain was totally focused on Percy's sweet lips, but then I felt a vibration in my pocket.

I removed myself from Percy, who I had subconsciously and thoroughly pushed myself up against. I took my phone from the silky teal pocket and saw that Silena had just called. I looked up at Percy with his sleek black hair in his face and his soft pink lips. I took a step back and looked him in the eyes; his dark green glossy eyes that looked more like jewels than pupils.

"What…what was that?" I asked. I did very much enjoy kissing him, but I was also very, very confused. Percy shook his hair out of his face and looked at the floor for a second. When he looked back up, his eyes were full of guilt.

"I'm sorry, really, I'm incredibly sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It's just….." He looked at the ceiling for a second and took a deep breath. "It's just, I really like you Annabeth. I know, that was player-ish and I should've just asked you out. I'm really bad at asking girls out; I get all douche-baggy and just hit on them like a sick jerk. I can't believe I just did that. I really didn't mean to, I was just planning on asking you to the Back to School Dance. You know what? You can do whatever you want right now. Slap me, step on my foot, whatever. Go ahead, I'm ready."

He closed his eyes and stood perfectly still, waiting for me to slap him, or step on his foot, or whatever. Instead, I totally cleared my mind; something I don't do often. I let myself act on impulse. And instead of slapping him, or stepping on his foot, or whatever, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He opened his eyes in uncertainty, searching my face for craftiness or deception. When he found none, he blinked in surprise. I smiled a bit, and he smiled back. Then I couldn't see his smiling lips anymore because they were under my nose, kissing mine.

Piper's POV

I was standing in front of Journey's with my new Converse boots (you know, the lace up ones that are like converse that go up to the knees) in the bag on my arm, waiting for Jason. We had been doing this thing for a few weeks now. Going someone together, hanging out and having the time of our lives. The only thing that could make it better is if he would just ask me out already! We'd do something fun like go to the mall or hang out in the park (again, just the two of us), then Jason would walk me home or he'd get a ride from Thalia (he failed his driving test 3 times in 2 months! Can you believe that!), but when we go to say goodbye I'd wait for him to ask me out or kiss me or something, but it's just this awkward silence before we say "Bye." "Bye." and then we leave! I'm dying for him to ask me out. Jason is so cute and funny and cute and nice and cute. He's also very, very cute. I've liked him ever since my first day at Goode when I tripped and he caught me. It was so sweet of him. The guys at my old school would've let me fall and stepped on my stuff, too.

"Piper! Hey Piper!" I look to my right and see Jason jogging up to Journey's, his now unshorn blonde hair billowing behind him. I've been telling him to get it cut cause he's starting to look a lot like Shaggy from Scooby Doo with his long blonde hair and gangly build. He runs up to me and says something extremely ironic.

"Hey, you, know how you've been telling me to get my hair cut?" I am in shock.

"Yeah, actually I was just thinking about how much you look like Shaggy," I say giggling. He rolls his eyes playfully and grabs one of my hands, holding it to his chest.

"Yeah, well, I was thinking that I, right now, will cut my hair-"

"YES!" I cut him off. Realizing my rudeness I blushed and covered my mouth with the hand he wasn't holding. "Sorry. Please continue."

"As I was saying, I'll cut my hair, if you, will go to the Back to School Dance with me." He says this with a determined look in his eye, his thumb running over my fingers in his palm. I search his face for any lack in confidence that I constantly see when Jason does things on impulse, but I find nothing. I can't do anything but smile.

"Yeah, yeah yes. Jason I'd love to go to the dance with you. That would be great." Jason smiles and looks me in the eyes, leaning closer. When our foreheads are practically touching, he looks behind me and stops.

"Well?" I ask. "You gonna kiss me or not?" (A/N: I just LOVE this song! I'm from Raleigh, NC and my friend Sarah goes to school with Scotty McCreery and I see him sometimes I just LOVE this song!)

I hear a squeal behind me and turn around to find this blonde bimbo looking girl in a dark purple (Jason's favorite color) sleeveless turtleneck minidress and purple gladiator shoes (my FAV kind!). She has black sunglasses on her head and in her little purple purse is her superficial idiotic purse dog with its purple collar with black studs. Everything the same shade of purple, she looks like an eggplant Barbie.

"Oh my god Jason! It's me! Mikki! Wow I haven't seen you since the school fair last year!" I turned towards Jason who had a startled look on his face. "Jason, c'mon don't be like that! C'mere and give Mikki a squeeze!" She croons, extending her arms and alternatively clenching her fists. Jason looks absolutely white.

"Uh, Mikki, hi. I thought you moved to California at the end of freshman year."

"Yeah, I did, but I'm back to see Jazmyn and Rachel. In fact, they're around here somewhere. They're trying to convince me to go to Goode High's Back to School Dance next Friday. I guess I will, that is, if someone's willing to ask me." Her eyelids batted flirtily and I could feel my nails digging into my palm. "Now Jason, don't be rude. Introduce me to your little…..friend." At this point, I was ready to take this girl to a boxing ring and show her just how friendly I could be.

"It's Piper," I said as I stuck my hand out. Mikki looked at it like it was dog crap and shook it with the tips of her fingers, which only made my anger rise. "I'm going to the Back to School Dance with Jason next Friday." Mikki blinked in what looked like surprise, but I couldn't tell under all that thick purple eye shadow and black liner.

"Oh. Well, isn't that …..cute. Well I've just got to go find Jen and Rach; we're supposed to be at the spa in half an hour and if we don't leave now Helga will give someone else our spot. I'll see you around Jason. Piper." And with that, she walked away. I turned to the still pallor boy behind me.

"So. Mikki's quite a character, isn't she?" I asked. Jason looked a bit scared, actually, he looked truly terrified, to answer my question.

"Piper, let me tell you the whole story. Mikki and I went out in the beginning of freshman year, BEFORE you transferred to Goode. We were starting to get really close, but then her dad had this job exchange; some new program at his firm where two of the top executives switches with one from across the country, it's some leaning thing. Anyways, Mikki and I figured we couldn't do the long term thing because she had tried it before and it was too difficult, but we didn't want to break up before we had to.

"So Mikki and I went out all through 9th grade, and at the end of every year at Goode there's a huge fair. So we went together, but near the end Mikki said she didn't want us to forget what we had. She wanted to get more physical. I know it sounds kind of cliché to say it, but I felt like I was taking advantage of her. I really didn't want to do it. So she said that was fine, she just didn't want me to forget her.

"A little later, I was looking for her because her dad had come to pick her up. I found her in the bounce house getting felt up by Connor Stoll. Connor apologized and we're cool now, but Mikki just said, "If you don't want to, I'll find someone else who does." That was the last time I saw her."

I stared at Jason, feeling a little sorry for him and a lot of anger for that slutty bimbo he dated.

"I guess I never really got over that. I barely hung out with anyone but guys and my sister all summer. I guess I still feel like someone's gonna hurt me like Mikki did."

I looked at his pale face, with his too-long hair and sky blue eyes. I put my arms around his neck and he looked at me.

"Jason. I will NEVER do anything like that to you, as long as there is breath in my body. I swear to the gods that is one thing that will never happen." Jason looked at me and now, I didn't see the broken hearted ninth grader whimpering over his cheating girlfriend. I saw the confident, positive, self-assured guy who was taking me to the BTS Dance.

Jason smiled at me and I couldn't help but smile back. Then he held my waist, leaned in and kissed me, long and slow. I could feel him smiling against my lips and I was just in heaven. We parted and I could see that cute little scar on his upper lip being stretched so much I thought it would re-open.

"C'mon," he said. "I need to go get a haircut." I smiled as we walked through the mall, hand in hand. I smiled that is, until I saw Mikki again; this time with some people I recognized.

Percy's POV

She kissed me. Instead of slapping me, or stepping on my foot or whatever, she kissed me. She removed her lips from mine and I could see her beautiful sly smile.

"So," she asks, using her hands to mess with the ends of my hair. "don't you have something you wanted to ask me?" I can't help but smile as I pull her in so our foreheads are touching.

"Annabeth Chase."

"Yes?"

"Will you go to Goode High's Back to School Dance with me?" Her hands came from behind my head and went to her cheeks.

"Oh my gods! You want me to go to the dance with you, Percy Jackson? Fastest swimmer, best ball player and unofficial hottest guy in school?" she asked sarcastically. I rolled my eyes teasingly.

"Yes, I really, truly do." She stood there rubbing her chin with her hand for a minute before clandestinely saying,

"I'm not sure. You might have to convince me some." I smirked and put my lips to hers again, savoring every moment with her.

I backed away, keeping my hands on her hips, and asked, "Is that enough persuasion?" She rubbed her hands over her chin like The Thinker before removing herself from me and plainly saying,

"I'll have to check my schedule."

And then she left and went into the dressing room, leaving me baffled and confused. I had kissed her, asked her to the dance, she kissed me, and then just left me here to look like an idiot with no brain cells to spare. She came out of the dressing room in her previous outfit with the gorgeous blue dress in her hands. She was pressing buttons and staring at the screen of her cell phone.

"Checking my schedule," she explained, without taking her eyes off the phone. Then she put it back in her pocket and turned to me. "Next Friday I'm free," she said with an erotic look in her eye. I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her waist.

"So, will you go to the dance with me?" I asked. She put her hands on my forearms and put her forehead to mine before saying,

"Yes." I could feel myself smiling as I leaned in to kiss her. But halfway through the kiss I heard a kind of cynical laughter behind us.

"Her? You're going out with HER? The fake California girl who's barely even popular? Her?" I turned to find Rachel and her best friend Jazmyn both dressed in the same minidress with black cardigans (I only know what they're called because of Hot Topic and Aeropostal catalogs and such; don't hate!) and gladiator shoes with their sunglasses on their heads and their dogs in their purses. The only difference was Rachel had a blue dress with short sleeves and Jazmyn had a green dress with long ones. Everything Rachel was wearing was black or blue, and everything Jazmyn had on was green or black. They looked like twins, minus Jazmyn's straight brown hair and Rachel's wavy red curls.

"Oh my god," exclaimed Jazmyn, "he's dating that SanFran flop? Are you serious? I would've thought he'd ask out THALIA before dating that dumpster girl." She and Rachel started laughing and I could feel Annabeth trembling in my arms. I turned to her and saw her cheeks were bright red, and down her face ran a few tears. She crossed her arms and turned her head toward the floor. She tried to twist her way out of my arms but I only held on tighter.

"Percy stop; let me go." I could see her tears hitting the floor.

"My god, Percy freaking Jackson is holding her and she wants him to let her go!" laughed Jazmyn.

"I know! I thought she was supposed to be the smart one!" They kept laughing until this girl with blonde hair came up in the same outfit as they had; only hers was purple and she had no sleeves.

"Hey Rach, Jazy! What's so funny it couldn't wait for me to get over here?"

"Oh my god Mikki, Percy Jackson, is going out with the Californian critter who talks more about structure beams than boys!"

"Who, that Anna girl you told me about?"

"Yeah," laughed Jazmyn "that's the one!" Mikki had a look of surprise on her face and turned to us. Then she blinked and her face showed complete shock.

"Annabeth? Annabeth Chase is that you? With Percy?" Annabeth looked up and blinked for a second, clearing her eyes.

"Mikki? Mikaela Henderson? Oh my gods I didn't think I'd ever see YOU again!" Annabeth and Mikki went up and hugged each other, Mikki drying the tears from Annabeth's face as the girls exchanged "Oh my god"s and "How are you"s. I stood there completely confused.

"Okay," I said bemused "am I the only one who is totally baffled right now?" Annabeth sniffled the last of her tears and said quietly

"Mikki and I were roommates in the transfer center over the summer. Our dads kind of took each other's jobs."

"Yeah, Annabeth and I only hung out during the summer I haven't even since her since! Oh my god can you believe this?" They were talking about people they both knew in California when Jason and Piper came up.

"Hey," Jason said cautiously "so you guys like, know each other?"

"Yeah, Mikki and I kind of lived together last summer. YOU guys know each other?" Piper's eyes narrowed and I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who heard her murmur "Can't go five minutes without seeing this witch, can I?" She and Jason were holding hands, which I figured would happen sooner or later.

"Well, I just HATE to ruin such a touching moment," Rachel crooned sarcastically "but we have just got to go or we'll be late for our spa date. Toodleoo," and with that, the three of them walked out the door. But Mikki came immediately back, handed Annabeth a slip of paper, hugged her one last time and ran/skipped out the door to meet the devil girls she calls her friends.

"So, what are you guys doing here?" Annabeth asked Piper and Jason.

"Oh, nothing. You know, shopping for next Friday's dance, getting Jason a haircut."

"THANK GOD!" We heard a familiar voice say. We turned to see Silena and Grover dressed in psychedelic tye-dye spiral shits and faded blue jeans. Silena had an over the shoulder tye-dye that was tied at the bottom and frayed jean shorts while Grover had a normal t-shirt and his jeans went to his ankles. They both wore Birkenstocks and leather necklaces with pink-lens fake glasses. Silena held 2 bags in each hand, and used Grover as a pack mule, having him handle at least 20 for each inch of skin.

"I have been trying to get this boy to cut his freaking MANE forever! Oh, and look you two are holding hands! Does that mean Jason finally grew a pair and asked you out, or did I just make this more awkward for everyone?"

Piper laughed for a minute before saying, "No, he asked me out; just a few minutes ago in front of Journey's. He kind of bribed me though. He said if I went to the dance with him he'd cut his hair.

"Piper doll, you got the sweet end of the deal," Silena winked at Piper and Grover fell on the ground due to the weight of Silena's bags.

"My gods, Grover!" Silena screamed. She helped him up and he removed half the bags on his back. I picked some up and Grover took the rest.

"I'll help you take these to Silena's car, Grove." I turned to Annabeth. "You want me to drive you home after I get back from the parking lot?" I asked. She smiled at me warmly.

"Yeah, that would be great." I leaned in and kissed her for a second before hefting the bags higher up on my back.

"I'll be back in a minute," I smiled. Grover and I jogged to Silena's car, behind us hearing only the sounds of Silena's "Did he just kiss you? And this happened WHEN exactly?" "Soooooooooooooo," Grover said while we were packing the bags in the car. "Any reason you're kissing our friends?" I laughed as I threw in a few more bags.

"Actually, I just asked Annabeth to the Back to School Dance and she said yes." Grover smiled at me and padded me on the back.

"Congrats, man! We've been wondering how long it would take you to ask her out. Silena wanted me to talk to you about it, but I'll shoot Zeus in the head before that happens." We heard lightning even though it was a perfectly blue sky day. "Sorry!" Grover said to the sky. Then he turned back to me. "Okay man, I think that's all. Let's go inside; your date is waiting for you to take her home."

Annabeth's POV

Percy and I were in Nico's Lamborghini on our way to my house, making fun of stupid Miley Cyrus songs on the radio; pretty much every Miley Cyrus song on the radio. My dress was in the back seat and I was feeling great about the dance. I got the perfect dress, the perfect fashion consultant, and of course, the perfect date. But something did NOT feel alright. It only happened when I kissed Percy. Every time it feels so good, but something else about it always feels wrong. I must've been thinking to myself for a while, because Percy looked up from the road to look at me.

"Hey, are you alright?" he asked. His eyebrows were all crushed together and his lower lip curled up in the sweetest way.

"You're cute when you're worried."

"Annabeth," he warned.

"I swear everything's hunky dory over here. I'm just fine." I assured him, but he didn't look very assured.

"Annabeth, if it's about those things Rachel and Jazmyn said-"

"It's not about them, I don't care about them," I cut him off. "It's just, I feel like I'm doing something wrong; like I'm letting someone down." Percy had a melancholy look in his eyes.

"Yeah, I've been feeling like that too; kind of like I'm betraying someone."

"You too? Well, I thought it was just me and I couldn't find an explanation. But if it's both of us, it might have something to do with our parents being enemies." Percy's expression was full of revelation.

"Oh my gods you're right. That must be it. I feel like I've been betraying my dad when I'm around you." I felt my heart sink in my chest.

"So…. Should we, end this now? Before this gets any worse?" Percy pulled up to my driveway and stopped the car.

"I don't know. I mean, nothing's even happened. It's not painful or anything, I just feel a little guilty. And it's not like we did anything wrong."

"Yeah, it's our parents fighting, not us."

"So…." He said as he walked me to the front door. "We're still on for next Friday?" he asked. I took the dress from his hands and looked him in the eye.

"Definitely." He smiled and leaned in to kiss me, but the door flung wide open and there was a blinding flash of light.

"Ha-ha this is perfect blackmail material!" I saw two blonde little boys, around 10 years old, standing in the doorway. One was holding a digital camera while the other was still holding the doorknob. "You will NEVER get past this one, Annie!" The two boys ran down the corridor leaving Percy and I standing in the doorway with blank faces.

"Ugh! I'm gonna get them for this. Sorry."

"It's no problem. I might not have a real younger brother, but I handle Nico when Bianca's not around and he's real chaos." I smiled and Percy leaned in to kiss me.

"Annabeth! Is that you at the door? Could you come in here your father is trapped in the storage closet again!" I broke the kiss and sighed.

"You just can't get a minute of peace in the Chase household. Well I'll see you at school, tomorrow."

"Yeah, I'll see you then." I smiled and pecked him on the cheek before going into my house and closing the door. I watched as Percy walked back to his car with a smile on his face, almost as wide as mine.

Piper's POV

Jason came out of the barber chair with his hair cute and close cropped with a little spike in the front. He looked at the mirror and ran his hand through it.

"I guess it's not so bad," he concluded grudgingly. I laughed and threw my arms around his neck.

"Well, I think guys with short hair are much cuter than guys with hippie heads." I leaned in to kiss him and held it for a long time. We broke apart and Jason looked at me.

"Yeah, well then maybe it's a lot better than not so bad." We smiled at each other and leaned in to kiss again.