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Chapter 19

Percy's POV

It was one of those days where my dreams were more of nightmares.

In my dream I was with Annabeth, but not the usual Annabeth. This Annabeth was horrifyingly upset, which was upsetting. I shuffled my feet while trying to avoid looking at the mess I made. As much as I wanted to explain things I had a feeling Annabeth wouldn't allow it. Explanations were something she had been avoiding since eighth grade.

The deadliness of Annabeth's glare frightened me and her disappointment pained me as well. Annabeth was angry. Really angry.

"I wish I'd known," Annabeth had said, "how much of an asshole you were."

I remained silent, hoping for kinder words. But I then heard a different voice calling my name – Mom's.

I woke with a start. "Mom!"

Mom shot me an impatient glance with her arms folded. She frowned. "If you don't get up now I'm afraid you'll make someone else angry as well, Perce."

Annabeth. We had a date today. Shit.

One more thing before I go – it was also one of those days where my dreams became reality.

Annabeth's POV

I was feeling nervous again.

I've been on dates with Percy. I've been getting extremely used to his emotion twisting tactics. But one thing I haven't gotten used to was his surprises.

Yes, I didn't know where we were going today and I didn't know what to expect.

"You'll be fine," Dad comforted, "I mean look at you, you're beautiful even in PJs!"

I forgot I was still in pink and embarrassing sleepwear. My cheeks turned the colour of my tank top. "You're teasing me!"

"Am not," he argued. "I'm aware that clothes don't matter if you're good looking."

He gestured to himself and beamed proudly. "You forgot all this attracted your mother!"

"It was because you liked planes, Dad."

Now his cheeks turned red, red with defeat. I smirked with triumph and started planning a good outfit in my head. Maybe I wasn't so nervous after all.

Central Park NY, Friday, 11:20 a.m.

"Fourth time you're late," Annabeth teased as she saw Percy approaching. He was desperately trying to neaten his hair, which was obviously a stupid idea while attempting to sprint towards her. The wind obviously made it worse.

"Fourth?" He asked between big breaths and scratched his head. "Not eighth?"

"Not yet," Annabeth replied coolly, "but I wouldn't be surprised if you hit eight."

She took a good look at Percy who was still trying to catch his breath and straightened his hasty looking shirt collar for him. "You look like a mess."

Percy watched the way she delicately and carefully straightened his collar and the way her smooth blonde curls fell onto her shoulders as she did it. He whispered into her ear. "I hope I still make a decent boyfriend."

She pulled away from him and cleared her throat awkwardly.

"Stop flirting," she scolded while trying to hide a smile. "Where are we going?"

Percy smoothly reached into his pocket for two crumpled and soggy tickets. He waved them confidently in front of Annabeth. "I know these are soggy but something told me you love animals."

Percy's POV

I stepped into Central Park Zoo today with only one intention in mind – to help Annabeth and spiders make friends.

Now I'm warning you, don't tell Annabeth. She doesn't know. She only thinks we're going to take pictures with squeaky otters and stuff. See Annabeth has an extreme but cute fear of spiders, something I learnt during the best yet worst date of my life (long story). So I've vowed to demolish this awkward fear today and I'm hoping nothing gets in my way.

"Percy did you bring the camera?" Annabeth called out from the penguin exhibit. "That penguin looks like you."

"Oh, uh, duh." I pulled out my iPhone and grinned nervously. "Here it is."

She whined. "I'm not overly fond of phone cameras."

I whined back. "And I'm not overly fond of being likened to birds."

I tickled her and then shuffled swiftly past her and used my phone to snap a picture of penguin Percy. She looked curiously over my shoulder at the picture and tried not to laugh but I retaliated with more tickling. Sometimes I wondered what the public thought of us.

Annabeth shook her head and studied the zoo map on her right. I knew immediately that this was my chance. "How about –"

"– Follow me." I took her hand and prayed to God it wasn't a wrong move. We were about to enter the Great Tarantula Exhibit and there was nothing I could do about it.

The Great Tarantula Exhibit wasn't really cooperating. The exhibit was isolated in an unfriendly corner and its entrance was shaped like the exterior of the cave with its insides looking cold and uninviting. I swear I almost heard it echo are you sure about this? I want my girlfriend to make friends with spiders and the exhibit looks like hell – almost as bad as being likened to a flying creature.

"It's dark Perce," Annabeth whispered. "Is this even Central Park Zoo anymore?"

"HI!" A voice called out. It was sweet and friendly but deceiving in the darkness of the exhibit.

"Agh!"

"Welcome welcome!"

"Where are you where are you?!" I responded.

When we saw light again there weren't spiders in sight yet, only a short, plump but friendly looking lady in uniform. Her face was scarcely dotted with pimples but her smile was sweet. I've probably never seen anyone with a sweeter smile. She had a badge on her uniform that read 'Jodie'.

"This is only the beginning of the finest tour in our zoo! Now follow me."

I raised my hand.

"Yes?" Jodie beamed. "I'm always open for questions!"

"Why is there no one here?"

Jodie's smile disappeared. "It is sad," Jodie explained, "but no one really appreciates Tarantulas. Not with the beautiful lions and penguins out there."

I felt a tight squeeze on my hand and then a little moisture. Annabeth let go and smiled. "Jodie, excuse us for a little."

She plastered me against a rocky wall which hurt my back. "Percy, take me out of here now. Please."

"We just got here," I coaxed, "cut the spiders some slack. And me."

"You know I hate –"

"– Is something wrong?" Jodie looked forlorn, like she lost a little of the energy I saw earlier.

Annabeth and I looked at each other, then at Jodie. One look and I knew we made a brave decision together.

Sorry I only updated in a week guys :(

I guess I can't keep up with the one day promise!

But other than that, I hope you've enjoyed that. Keep reading for more! Do remember to review, favourite and follow!

- Sharmaine