Annabeth POV
It all happened so fast. That even my brain took seconds to realize what was going on.
That idiot Matt, Percy's stupid bully ever since elementary school, actually tried to punch him! But at least everyone stopped staring at us when Matt growled at them as he scampered away.
Knowing Percy, I knew that he wouldn't do anything. None of us could actually since we weren't allowed to hit anyone or risk getting expelled.
The principle didn't seem to care about Matt vicious acts since Matt's father paid him off. Trust me, it doesn't take a genius to know that with all the things Matt did plus the stack of money in the principle's safe.
For gods sake there was a bulky envelope marked "For Matt's trouble." every single damn day.
It was a blur when someone suddenly rammed their fist up Matt's face then lifted him up with ease.
Based on my observation from the backside of the guy, I could tell that he was a swimmer.
Percy walked up to the guy saying "I think you are strangling him."
And just like that the guy said sorry and let go of Matt who scampered away like the rat pervert he was. The bell rang and the cafeteria was empty only leaving my friends and Ben.
If it was me, I would have kicked Mat where the sun never shines before letting him go. But when is life ever fair, especially as a demigod.
I tried to engross myself in my Biology book to prevent myself from killing a certain mortal. Since we didn't have fourth period, the lunch ladies let us stay at the cafeteria till school was finished.
"Hey guys this is Ben!" Percy said with a grin. "He is a friend I made during swimming."
"Hi."
When I turned around to see Ben I only froze in shock. He reminded me of Beckendorf so much that tears threatened to spill from my eyes.
For starters there was his appearance, he, like Beckendorf, had a buff body, but based on the previous outburst with Matt, would never used it to harm his friends.
He also had dark skin and calloused hands like Beckendorf.
Ben sat down at our table, it was obvious that he was nervous and uncomfortable. But within minutes it was as if he was a long lost friend, not just someone, with the exception of Percy, we just met minutes ago.
He also acted like him, all relaxed and kind. He even had his laugh.
Ben was so much like Beckendorf that it was scary, yet relieving at the same time.
We asked him if he had to go to class, but he told us that he was home schooled and only came for the swimming program. So he decided to stay with us till school ended and it made my heart feel even more happier and lighter.
"Doesn't he remind you of him?" I whispered.
"Who?" Percy perked up after laughing from one of Ben's cheesy attempt at a joke. Leo patted him on the back most likely telling him that "no one could take the place of the Jokester King."
Jason was about to reply but pouted when Leo said "shut it Sparky" which resulted in Piper punching him in the arm.
"Beckendorf. Doesn't he remind you of him." I clarified.
At this Percy stiffened, even after all this time he was still sensitive to the subject, just like me.
Suddenly he tensed even more, but this time it seemed to be out of embarrassment and anxiety.
"Percy?" I quirked an eyebrow at him as he began to rub his neck. Sensing that something was wrong everyone at the table turned to us.
"Umm after swimming practice, I forgot to tell you something really important…" Percy trailed off.
"What do you mean Percy?" I asked more quietly.
"Umm. Can we talk privately?" He asked sheeply. We walked out of the cafeteria's door near the lockers, where I am certain no one could hear us.
"So what is the deal?" I asked as the cafeteria's metal doors slammed shut.
"I might have forgotten to tell you a little something I realize about Ben during swimming."
"What about him?"
"I might have forgot to tell you that Ben might be a demigod." He muttered fast and quickly put up his hands to cover his face.
"WHAT?" I yelled out. Percy quickly ran back into the cafeteria. "Perseus Jackson! You better come back here."
Oh he was going down.