Words can't express how sorry I am, guys. Life's been super busy, which is why I tried to make up for it by making a chapter that has exactly 3,765 words (one of my longest). I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. I read every single review, and I'm delighted when I receive them, which is why I'd really appreciate a review, but I understand if you don't want to.

Disclaimer: I don't own PJO.

Chapter 18: Dirty Little Secrets

I dropped my new, sea-green camera on the floor. I could almost see it falling in slow-mo like they'd have in some dramatic movie.

Just when I was beginning to think Rachel was changing into a better person, she goes and blows it. In fact, I no longer thought highly of her (not that I ever really did) after what she did. How could she do something like that? Cheat on her fiancée, I mean. Percy's not just any fiancée, though. I could tell he really cared about her; after all, he listened to her and believed everything she said. He was beyond great.

He was perfect.

I shook those thoughts out of my head, switching back to reality. Now's not the time to fantasize about Percy.

"Get out!" Rachel screeched, pointing a manicured bright pink finger at me. The same finger she got manicured with Silena and me earlier. When I thought we were friends.

"I can't believe this," I muttered. "Rachel, how could you do this to Percy?" I was devastated. I don't want to be the one to tell Percy, but who else is going to. Rachel? I think not.

"Um, I better be going," the man that Rachel was making out with grumbled awkwardly. He grabbed his shirt from the ground and made a run for the door. I moved out of his way.

"I can explain," Rachel said under her breath, clutching the blanket to the bed. She looked exhausted and unhappy. A tear slid down her perfectly flawless face. Soon, more joined that lone tear.

"I don't think you have to." I picked my camera up from the ground and ran out the door. I was running so fast down the stairs I almost slipped.

"You're a bitch, you know that?!" Rachel screeched from upstairs. "I never liked you! You're just jealous that I have Percy and you don't!" I'm pretty sure she's not going to 'have' Percy for much longer. "That's it, you envy me! You've done nothing but try to split Percy and me up! Ever since you got here, you have tried RUINED my love life with Percy!" I grabbed my coat and slipped my sneakers on, smirking.

"You've ruined it on your own, Rachel." I grabbed the door behind me and shut it. My bike was the only thing in the driveway, which meant that the car that was there earlier had left. It must've been that man's car. I hopped on the seat of my bike and began to drive away.

"Bye bye, Rachel. Hope you like your solitude from now on, because I'm positive you'll be alone by tomorrow," I whispered, waving my arm at Percy's house.

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The ride home was relaxing. I would've enjoyed it more if Rachel weren't on my mind for the whole ride. I was the only one that saw through her – the one that realized she was fake. I'm surprised Percy hasn't figured it out by now. I've got to admit, he's pretty obtuse.

I pulled into Thalia's tan driveway. I opened her garage door, entering the key code. The doors slowly opened. With each waking second, I began to feel guilty and guiltier. I know I did nothing wrong, but for some reason, I just felt…guilt. I really thought Rachel was my friend again, and it feels wrong to go against her like this. The tears that slid down her face made it look like she was genuinely sorry…

But I have to tell; it must be done. She was the one that caused this, anyway.

I parked the bike in Thalia's driveway, closed the garage doors, and walked into Thalia's house. I locked the door behind me.

"Thalia!" I shouted, wondering if Thalia was home yet. I walked to the front of the stairs. "You there?"

No answer. Guess she's still at Nico's. Sighing, I plopped down on the couch, ready to collect my thoughts. I began to wonder when I should call Percy and drop the bomb. I don't want to call him tonight, because Rachel said he went out. He's probably having a good time with his friends. I don't want to ruin it for him.

I finally decided on telling him tomorrow. That'd be best, considering I haven't even gotten to tell Thalia yet. I know it seems wrong that I'd tell my best friend a secret concerning Percy's fiancée before actually telling Percy, but I think Thalia can help me figure out how to tell Percy.

My stomach grumbled hungrily. I checked the time on the wall-clock. 7:04 PM. Rachel said we'd eat at her house at the sleepover, so I specifically didn't eat anything. I opened the fridge door. A cold blast of air slapped me in the face. There was a jar of pickles, milk, cheese, bread, jelly, lettuce, eggs, and different sorts of fruits. I opened her pantry, only to find cereal, peanut butter, chips, and some granola bars. I opened up the milk and poured it into a bowl. I grabbed a box of Raisin Nut Bran and poured it into the milk. Cereal doesn't really seem like dinner, but I honestly don't feel like making anything to eat. I'm not really in the mood, in case you haven't guessed.

I sat down at the kitchen table and began to dig into the cereal. I hadn't realized how hungry I was until my stomach began to growl. I guess I was thinking about Rachel so much that I didn't realize I needed food.

I finished the bowl of Raisin Nut Bran within ten minutes. I can be a slow eater sometimes. I'm feeling sort of sluggish now, which is why everything I'm doing has been the opposite of quick.

I washed my bowl in the sink and left it there. I trudged up the stairs, walking into the guest bedroom Thalia let me sleep in. I stood there, glancing at everything. I hadn't really taken a good look of where I was practically living for the next month. The walls were light green, the carpet white. There was a queen size bed with a pretty brown tree pattern on the covers. Three pictures were scattered throughout the room – one had a beautiful picture of the ocean, another one had a picture of a skyscraper. The last one was a picture of Thalia when she was younger. She looked almost the same. There was a dresser across from the bed and a full-length mirror sitting next to it. I glanced at my reflection. I almost had this crazed look in my eyes. My hair was sticking up a bit in the back, and my pants were somehow ripped on the bottom. I didn't even notice that happened. It probably happened when I was riding Thalia's bike.

I plopped down on the comfortable bed. I was dreading the future – I really wasn't eager to tell Thalia and Percy the news.

But, as stated earlier, someone has to do it. And that person has to be me.

With that thought on my mind, I closed my eyes. I'd had a long day, and I could definitely use some sleep. I know it's only 7:15 PM, but I woke up pretty early today since it was Thalia's first day back at work. Which reminds me, Thalia should be getting home soon. She has work tomorrow morning and has to be at the office at 7:30.

I let my thoughts wander to anything but Rachel, Percy, and Thalia. I can't fall asleep feelings stressed out.

Eventually, my body went numb, and I began to dream of the past. I dreamed about Thalia and Percy when they were younger. I dreamed about the time Rachel was nice to me in high school. Then I dreamed about us staying friends and attending the same college.

Of course, that didn't happen.

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I woke up at 6:00 in the morning. It was still dark outside, but I didn't care. I hopped out of bed and rushed to the bathroom. I got ready for the morning; I brushed my teeth, washed my face, and hopped into the shower. The warm water felt nice against my back. I washed my hair with shampoo and conditioner and then washed my body. Finally, when I was clean, I jumped out of the shower and put on a white cami and a teal off-the-shoulder shirt over that. I matched it with white jeans and a matching teal headband.

I walked down the stairs, expecting Thalia to be up. It's 6:45 right now. She has to be at work at 7:30.

Thalia wasn't there, though. I searched for a note, checking if she'd left me anything concerning her absence. Worried, I rushed upstairs to check if she was in her bedroom. That seemed like the most logical thing to do since she wasn't upstairs. However, she wasn't in her room, either.

I ran downstairs and checked the phone for any missed calls to see if Thalia had called to tell me what happened. Sure enough, there was one missed call from her cell phone.

"Hey, Annabeth. If you get this message, I'd just like you to know that I'm staying at Nico's house tonight. He's too tired to drive me home, and since you stole my freaking car, there's no other option." Actually, there is, you could call a cab. But I'm not complaining; you stay there as long as you want, Thalia. ;) "So, yea. Later." I heard her hang up. I sighed happily. Finally, her relationship with Nico was taking off. I'm so happy Silena and I managed to convince Nico to actually ask her out. If he refused, we would've attempted to try Thalia. I don't think she would've gone for that, though. I could picture her saying, "Boys chase me; I don't chase them."

I walked to the fridge, snickering. I opened the box of eggs in Thalia's refrigerator, pulled out a frying pan, and began to cook some sunny-side up eggs. I managed to pop some whole wheat bread in the toaster while doing so. I'm quite the multi-tasker. I sat down at Thalia's kitchen table and ate my eggs as a sandwich on bread. That's the way my dad used to make them. Oh, how I miss him. I should probably give him a call soon.

I rinsed my plate off in the sink and set it in the dishwasher. I figured it's the least I could do for Thalia – washing the dishes. I rinsed off each item and then carefully placed them in Thalia's fancy dishwasher. Then I put in some detergent and turned it on. The dishwasher began to hum quietly.

I ended up standing there for a few minutes, pondering what I should do next. I don't really feel like going on a walk since it's still dark outside (It's 7:00 AM). I've watched too much television these past few days. I checked that off my mental list of what to do. I can't play a board game because I have no one to play it with…

Then it hit me. I should call Percy and reveal Rachel's secret.

But Percy doesn't usually get up until around 9:00 in the morning. He sleeps late. Plus, I was going to tell Thalia first, and I can't do that until she comes home. I decided I'd call my dad instead. He's a morning person just like me.

I dialed his number and listened to the phone ring. It seemed to go off endlessly, until someone picked up.

"Hello?" my dad asked.

"Hi, Dad, it's Annabeth," I greeted him.

"Annabeth! How are you? How's New York? Helen told me a bit about what you told her the other day. Are you having fun?"

I laughed, "One at a time, Dad." Gradually, I began to answer each of his questions. I told him everything, including what happened between Percy and Rachel. He's one of the few people I can really trust. I also told him all about Rachel and Percy's wedding. Well, I don't know if the wedding is still going to go on because of what Rachel did, but I still told my father anyway.

"…and now I'm staying at Thalia's house. She's been really welcoming, and her house is so cozy! I love it here," I gushed. That was one of the few things I told my father that was actually good about this trip.

"Well, that's a lot to take in," Dad said. "I'm glad you're doing well, sweetie."

"Thanks, Dad. I really appreciate you listening to my ranting."

"No problem. Isn't that what dad's are for?" Dad chuckled. "Anyway, I have to get going. Helen and I are attending a party that her friend is hosting. Call me again soon, okay?"

"All right-y," I told my dad, hanging up.

Time certainly flew by after that. I did a few chores around the house for Thalia and cleaned up the guest bedroom I was staying in. I wanted to make sure everything was squeaky clean for Thalia's arrival. It's always nice to come home to a clean house. I also did the laundry and cleaned the stove.

By the time I finished, it was 11:00. I'd been working for quite some time. I decided I'd take a break. I sat down on Thalia's recliner and played with my phone for a while. I was getting more anxious as time passed. Soon, Thalia would be home, which means it'd be time to tell her what happened. Then I'd have to tell Percy, and I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.

I stood up, contemplating what I'd tell Percy. "Hey, um, Perce? I called just to let you know your girlfriend is cheating on you-" No, scratch that. "Hi, Percy. I just thought I'd inform you-" No, sounds too formal.

That's how I spent the next thirty minutes. I later realized that was a waste of time. I'd tell Percy the truth and I'd get right to the point so I wouldn't have to suffer any longer.

Finally, it was 4:00. I waited for Thalia's arrival. And waited. And waited.

It's 4:30, and still no Thalia.

I sighed. She probably got stuck in traffic. I went upstairs and opened a book about Greek mythology. It was my favorite subject growing up. I remember loving to learn about all of the Greek gods and traditions. For a period of time, I began to say "Oh my gods" instead of "Oh my God or oh my gosh". Yea, I wash that obsessed. I even bought an Athena shirt (since she was my favorite goddess). I wore it one day and everybody called me a dork. I didn't care what others thought, though, as long as I was happy. I go by the saying "If you always do what interests you, at least one person is pleased."

I ended up getting lost in my book. Finally, I checked the time. It was 6:00 PM. I began to worry. Thalia still wasn't home.

I set my book down and walked down the stairs. I reached in my pocket for my cell and dialed Thalia's number. It kept ringing, until finally, it went to voicemail. "Hey, it's Thalia. Sorry for not answering the phone – oh, unless you're Annabeth. Then I'm not sorry." Then there was a beep. I quickly hung up the phone. Thalia sounded pretty pissed on that voicemail…but why? I did nothing to hurt her feelings…I wonder what caused the stick up her ass.

I tried calling again, but still no answer. Instead, I called Nico. He didn't answer his phone, either…but at least he didn't change his voicemail to something rude directed to me.

I decided to take a ride to Nico's house. Maybe Thalia would be there. I really wanted to find out what was going on with her.

I hopped in the rental car I rented. I drove over to Nico's, carefully abiding by the speed limit.

I nervously jumped out of the car and walked to the front door. I rang the doorbell and waited. No answer. I rang it again. Still no answer.

Then that answers my question. Thalia was probably at Percy's house. I don't know why, but I guess I won't know until I go there. I really don't want to face Rachel.

But I guess I'm going to have to.

I hopped in the car and drove to Percy's. This time, I got there in less than two minutes. I might've gone a bit over the speed limit. I just wanted to get it over with.

And so I did.

I ran to Percy's front door and rang the doorbell. Soon enough, somebody came to the door and look out through the little window to see who was waiting at the door. I then heard yelling, and I'm pretty sure I heard my name. Next, the same person that looked out to see who it was opened the door. He didn't look welcoming at all. He didn't open the door wide enough for me to walk in.

"Annabeth," Nico coldly addressed me. "Do you need anything?"

I was bewildered at this point. "Um, yea, I was wondering if Tha-" I got cut off by somebody else that appeared next to Nico.

"I'm here, but I wish you weren't," Thalia said next to Nico. I winced. That really hit me hard. I can't believe she'd say something like that…

But then again, I've found that I've been wrong a lot lately.

"Thalia, why are you so mad at me? What did I do to you?" I asked carefully, trying to avoid a fight.

But, of course, Thalia being Thalia, she turned it into a fight.

"You know what you did, Annabeth! That was just so un-classy, coming from you! I'd never expect you to do something like that, but I guess I was wrong." Her words really stung.

I was beginning to think Rachel had something to do with this.

"What'd she tell you?" I snarled. That. Little. Brat.

Thalia smirked. "Everything. She told me what you said to her last night, and what you did."

"What did I do, Thalia?! She made that all up! I did nothing last night, if anything, Rachel was the one that-"

"I've heard enough," Thalia said, on the verge of tears. So was I. "you don't need to explain what you did. We already know."

"Who's 'we'," I politely asked, gathering myself together. I wiped a tear from my cheek.

Thalia opened the door a bit more, only to reveal all three (excluding Rachel, of course) of my other friends standing there.

Silena, Beckendorf, Percy, Rachel, Nico, and Thalia all had looks of disappoint on their faces. Rachel appeared to be crying.

Of course.

"To think you'd do that, Annabeth. Just when we were becoming friends," Rachel choked. I've got to hand it to her, she's quite the actress.

"Yea, okay," I said sarcastically to her. "Blame it all on me. But you and I both know what actually happened last night. You were the one that-" Rachel began to sob louder, burying her head into Percy's shoulder.

"Make it stop," Rachel sobbed. Percy stepped outside.

"You guys can go back to what you were doing, I'll handle this," Percy said, sounding extremely disappointed.

That also stung.

He shut the door behind us so it was just us. I tried to suck up the tears, but failed. They rolled down my cheeks.

"She told me you called her names last night," Percy said softly. I rolled my eyes. That's honestly not that bad. Still, it was extremely rude of her to lie.

"Why is everyone acting like I killed someone? And I didn't even-"

Percy cut me off. "That's not all she said about you."

"Oh, yea? Well then why don't you enlighten me." I was beginning to feel tired of Rachel's actions. I didn't mean to come across as rude.

"She said you hurt her. Physically and emotionally. She even showed me the spot you hit her. It left a bruise, you know." Percy's voice was so low and emotional I almost started sobbing in front of him.
But I didn't. Instead, I thought one word: wow. So Rachel said I beat her, and everyone else believed it. Not only is she a good actress, but she must be a pretty good make-up artist as well.

"And you believed her? Percy, I'd never hurt anybody!" I began to raise my voice.

"I'm not sure if I can believe that anymore, Annabeth. You put green hair dye in the shampoo bottle at our house just to humiliate Rach in public. I don't know if I can trust you anymore - especially not after what you did yesterday. You've certainly changed. You're not the Annabeth I know. Or at least, used to know." And with that final word, Percy stepped back into the house, shutting the door in my face. He made sure to lock it.

I'm pretty sure my expression was dumbstruck. I didn't blink for a whole minute. I was still taking everything in.

"I didn't do it, I swear!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

But my voice only echoed in the distance. Nothing else happened.

As if in a trance, I began to walk towards my car. Tears kept rolling down my cheeks. I stepped on the gas and drove around aimlessly, unaware of where I was going.

That's when it happened. A car began speeding toward me, out of control.

I snapped out of it and quickly turned, evading the car. Thank the gods. I almost died.

I shook my head and walked out of the car, too scared to continue to drive. I'd parked near a park, anyway, so I figured I'd get some fresh air. I sat down on a pretty sky-blue park bench and hugged my knees, rocking back and forth.

And then I cried. I let it all out. I even managed to scream Rachel's name a few times at the top of my lungs. Good thing no one was at the park.

And the reason for my madness: Rachel. Sounds pretty obvious. She's the one that made up all the lies about me. What made me feel worse was that everyone actually believed her. They could see me doing something like that. That's what really got under my skin.

As expected from the beginning, Rachel's managed to turn everyone against me, just like high school. Thalia was wrong: some people don't change.

Thank you so much for reading! You guys don't know how much I appreciate it. I'm starting the next chapter now. I just wanted to get this one out so you don't have to wait any longer.

I'm not abandoning this story, no worries. Thank you guys for waiting.

-starglow13