[A/N: Here's chapter 25, guys. It's mostly a filler chapter, but the scene in the end picks up where the last chapter left, so there's still something new in here. :D

blondee-boo: Oh. Sorry for making you wait. I hope this chapter satisfy you. Thanks again. :D

Annabethrulez120: I rated it M to be safe, you know, since it contains some intimate scenes. :D

DivergentForever: I don't know. I'm not that hooked in Divergent as much as in Percy Jackson and the Olympians, so maybe no. After this, I'd be writing a new story. Anyway, who knows? Maybe in the future? And thank you for liking my story. :D

Iamcrying: I apologize for making you cry.

ThreeBulletsAtTheDangerParad e: Well, if you're interested, maybe I can PM you my FaceBook address. Just tell me and I will. Anyway, I visited your profile out of curiosity. Guess what, we both like the song Arise. That's like one of my all time favorite. Plus, I also like Linkin Park. It appears we have more in common than we thought. :D

readwritereview: Yeah. I laughed because of that line also, which was kind of silly since I wrote it, but I guess Percy was in my head when I was doing that. And truth be told, I wasn't aware of the contradiction until you mentioned it. It's a writer thing, I guess. I'm usually not aware of anything until someone points it out. :D

CimFan: She's definitely worse than I am. :D

ilivetoride: I'm a boy. :D

This chapter's a bit short but I'm still hoping you'll like it. Don't forget to leave a review! :D

WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN

Chapter 25: THE MISTAKE I MADE

SAMANTHA

Things were a whole lot complicated now.

Percy and Annabeth were back together, something I should be happy about, and yes, I was, but it was bad timing, especially after what happened during my birthday party. Guilt and shame were two things I wasn't accustomed to dealing with.

I'd been trying to call Percy ever since that morning when he left my house, but to no success. He wasn't answering my texts, or my calls. I'd been losing sleep and wasn't eating anything, thinking that I'd destroyed the only thing in the world I was sure I treasured. My constant companies were tears and my pillows, and Percy's picture. I wanted to talk to him in person so bad, but I wasn't sure if I could stand the disappointed look I knew he'd throw my way.

Then Monday morning came. I wasn't expecting much or that day. I knew I won't be attending school. The ground kept on moving in waves beneath my feet. I had three bedroom doors, instead of one. My stomach won't settle and I felt like I would throw up any second. I knew it was a product of my missing every meal and not having a wink of sleep for the past two days. Maria came and ordered me to bed rest. She didn't leave until I'd eaten the food she brought and took the pills she bought.

When she left, my phone rang. I snatched it up and saw Percy's name being displayed. My heart beat faster and I started hyperventilating.

This is it, I thought. I was sure he was going to cut off any remaining connection he had with me.

I clicked answer and held the phone to my ear. "Hey, Perce," I greeted him.

"Hey," he whispered. I closed my eyes and had to strain my ear to believe it was really him. His voice was quiet and I knew he felt bad. I missed him so bad it hurt. Try stabbing yourself with a white hot piece of metal and you won't be close to what I was feeling right then.

I wanted to talk to him about it but I knew he'd hate me. I couldn't lose him. He was the only thing keeping me in one piece. If Percy left me, I wasn't sure what was going to happen to me . . .

"I'm so sorry, Sam," Percy said. Tears fell to my cheeks. Why was Percy sorry? I was the one who drugged him! I was the one who forced him into doing things I knew he wouldn't have done in the right state of mind. I wasn't proud of what I did. I would've sent myself to jail just to pay for my mistakes.

"No, Perce," I finally managed to get out. "It's me who has to say that." I bit my lips, forcing the words out. I knew I had to open it up, so we could talk about that night. "But listen, there's something – "

"Percy!" I heard a girl's voice yelling from the other line. A girl's voice that was unmistakably Annabeth's.

Does that mean they're back together now? I asked myself. I knew I should be happy. That was what I wanted, after all, but all I could feel was remorse. If they were back now, I couldn't even begin to imagine what Percy was feeling, what I put him through.

"I have to go," he said. "I'll talk to you later."

"But Perce – " I tried to say but he had already cut the call. I set my phone back down to my bedside table and gazed upwards. The effect of hearing Percy's voice was instant. I felt almost okay. That was if I ignored what I was feeling inside.

I wanted to go to school, to see him again, but I didn't trust myself enough to do so. And if Percy and Annabeth were back together like I thought they were, I didn't think my heart could take more pain.

So I stayed in my bed the whole day. I'd already sent Barry a text message to tell him I was sick. He replied and wished me to be better soon enough. I doubted that.

An hour after lunch, I received another call from Percy.

"Hey, Sam," he said, worry lacing his voice. After what I did, I didn't think I still deserved to have Percy as my friend. I betrayed his trust when I handed him that freaking punch. "Barry said you're sick. What happened?"

My eyes got warm again. The concern in his voice was genuine. I knew he cared what was happening to me, but I also knew that if I tell him the real reason, he would hate me and would never forgive me again. I couldn't take that.

"Nothing," I lied. "I was just a bit dizzy this morning. Maria told me to just rest. Don't worry about me, Perce, okay?"

"Are you sure?" he asked. "Annabeth and I agreed to visit you after school."

"No need to!" I quickly said. Seeing them back together? I'd crumble. I knew I convinced Percy that I'd be okay but those were just empty promises. I wouldn't be, as long as they were together, but I also knew that Percy and I were only just friends – a fact I had to accept. "I'm sorry," I apologized. "I didn't mean to sound rude but I'm okay, really."

"If you say so," Percy said. He was quiet for some time and I just listened to the sound of his breathing. "And Sam, I don't mean to hurt you, but I guess I owe you the truth." I held my breath, knowing what was coming. "Annabeth and I . . . we're, um . . ."

I tried to smile, but my heart was shattering. Tears fell from my eyes and I wiped them away. Enough crying, I told myself. It's not going to change anything. "I'm happy for you, Perce. At least you have Annabeth back now."

"Yeah, well, what about you?" he asked. "I mean, I don't . . ."

"It's okay, Perce," I said, fighting to keep my voice steady. "Really. Don't mind me."

"That's not possible, Sam," he said. "You're my friend and – "

"Exactly," I said, cutting him off. "I'm your friend so just trust me on this one okay? I'm okay, or I will be."

"Okay."

"But, Perce, before anything else, I think we should talk about . . . about my party."

Percy didn't answer for a while. When he did, his voice was shaking and I scolded myself for opening it up. "I know, Sam. But I think that's something we need to talk about in person."

"Perce . . ."

" – besides, my next class is about to start so I have to go." I sighed. "You'd be here tomorrow, right? I mean, so we can talk?"

"Yeah, sure. So see you."

"Okay. I'll see you." My mouth moved on its own and said the following words, "I love you, Perce."

There was no response from the other line for some time. I heard the professor calling the class into order. I thought Percy wasn't going to reply. I was about to end the call when, in a very quiet voice, he said, "I know. And I'm sorry."

Then the call was cut.

I settled back on my bed and stared out the window until I fell asleep. Percy's voice gave me a little peace of mind. And his promise we'd talk tomorrow. I knew that tomorrow, I might end up losing him, but I knew I couldn't keep on putting this off. I had to face it.

No matter what the consequences might be.

Percy and Annabeth were extra sweet the next day.

They'd always been like that, but I noticed that they seemed to be sweeter to each other. Especially Annabeth. She kept of fussing about Percy's hair which was covering most of his neck now.

"You really should get a haircut," she said, combing her fingers through Percy's hair. He was blushing since most of the class was watching the tow of them, but he looked pleased with the attention.

"Maybe you can give me one," he suggested.

"Sure," Annabeth said, smiling. "That is if you want to end up bald."

"Um, no. Thank you."

Annabeth laughed and leaned across her tabled to place her chin on Percy's shoulder. He smiled at her and she smiled back. Even I, the girl who was crazy for Percy Jackson, couldn't help but admit that they looked perfect together. The way they looked at each other, the way Percy held Annabeth's hand, the way she sometimes touched his face lovingly . . . no one could doubt their love for each other.

Then I noticed Annabeth's ring.

I recognized it, of course. Percy picked it up with my help. I wondered how he gave it to her.

Mr. Blofis came in and started the class, but I wasn't paying attention to him. My eyes were glued to Percy's face. From my seat, I could see him holding Annabeth's hand under the table.

I had to endure seeing them like this for the entire period.

Lunch came and Barry asked Percy about his neck and wrist. I noticed the gauze he had and almost asked him what happened, except an idea came into my mind. I didn't think I could take the answer.

Percy and Annabeth both blushed. Chuck asked them, too, but Percy wasn't sharing.

Then Pete said, "Wait a second. I'd been noticing Annabeth. She's been red in the face since lunch started. Does she have anything to do with these?" The blushes on the couple's faces deepened.

That's when I stood up, stammering my goodbye.

After dumping my lunch tray, I went to the comfort room and locked myself inside of the stalls and stayed there until the bell signaling the end of lunch hour rang. I went out and nearly went back inside when I saw Amber grinning evilly at me.

"Hello, Little Ms. Best friend."

I glared at her. "You know this is your fault, right? You forced me to make Percy drink that punch!"

Amber smirked. "My fault? Do I need to remind you who handed Percy the drink, or have you forgotten it was you? And now you're telling me it's on me."

"It is!" I insisted. "If you didn't convince me to do that, I wouldn't have done it!"

"Don't pretend like you didn't take part in getting him drunk, little miss perfect." Amber picked up her bag and slung it on her shoulder. "And, Sammy, get ready because I'm about to rock your world." She gave me a sisterly kiss before going out, laughing evilly.

I wondered what she meant. Could she know about what happened that night? She should, as she was the one who initiated it. When I went down to follow Percy that morning, she looked confused. "What's wrong with Percy?" she asked. "He seemed upset."

I didn't answer her.

"Dang," she cursed. "I can't remember anything. I was so wasted. What happened?"

I left her and went back to my room.

I had no idea what Amber meant but I could assume that it wasn't anything good.

Percy didn't participate during P.E. I thought I knew why.

I didn't participate also, telling Coach Hark that I wasn't feeling okay, but the truth was that I thought I could talk to Percy while Annabeth was showering. Coach let me without a second word. So I settled myself at the opposite side of the pool and looked at Percy.

He sat on the side and watched us. Or maybe I should say he watched Annabeth. His eyes were trained on her since class began. Annabeth on the other hand seemed to be aware of her boyfriend and was uncomfortable of the attention.

When class was done, Annabeth headed to the shower room with the rest and I went to Percy. He looked up and gave me a sad smile. "Hey," he said.

It's all I could do not to wrap my arms around him.

"We need to talk," I said. Percy nodded and motioned for me to sit beside him. "Not here," I told him. I turned on my heels and walked. I heard Percy following me. I lead him to the laboratory since it was quiet in there. Percy went inside and I closed the door. "What really happened to your neck?" I asked. It wasn't what I wanted to tell him but I was scared.

Percy chuckled nervously. "I think you know."

I nodded. I did. I could see some angry red marks on his shoulder when Percy shifted and the collar of his shirt fell slightly to the right. "I'm happy for you. I hope you know that."

He looked up. "Are you?" he asked. "Sam, please don't play pretend with me. I know how you feel about this."

"Then you should know that I'm really happy because you are," I said. In a barely above whisper, I added, "I love you, Perce. That's why I'm doing this."

Percy looked pained. I mentally scolded myself for what I said. I took a deep breath and was about to tell him what I'd been wanting to but he surprised me when he hugged me. I hugged him back, breathing in the scent coming off of his skin.

"I'm sorry, Sam, for what I did on your birthday. I wasn't aware of anything," he said, rubbing my back in circles.

"About that, Perce. There's something you should know. Th – "

The door flew open and I pushed Percy away. Standing by the door, holding a camera and a furious expression on her face, was Annabeth.

Percy cursed under his breath. "Annabeth, I can explain."

"Please do, Percy," Annabeth said, tears streaming down her face. "Please tell me why you'd been lying to me all this time."

"What are you talking about?" he asked.

"What am I talking about, Jackson?" Annabeth nearly yelled. "I'm talking about the fact that you two slept together and you didn't tell me about it!"

Percy took a deep breath and stepped forward. "How . . .?"

"Did I know? Well, apparently you two aren't even trying to hide your indiscretion." She shoved the camera to Percy's chest and he looked down, checking the picture. I peeked over his shoulder and saw a picture of us sleeping together. My blood turned to ice.

Who took the photo?

Then I saw Amber outside, smiling and waving. Get ready because I'm about to rock your world, she said. So this was what she meant.

"How could you do this to me, Percy?" Annabeth asked, clutching her chest. Even she was my rival for Percy's affection, I felt sorry for her. I couldn't even begin to imagine the pain she was feeling right now. "Were you thinking about her while we were together last night? Were you?!"

"Please, Annabeth, let me explain," Percy said, his voice shaking.

Annabeth's hand flew and connected to the right side of Percy's face. I gasped in surprise. Percy stumbled backward, a red mark on his cheek. "I thought you're different," Annabeth said. "But you're just like all those guys who keep their heads in their pants."

"Annabeth, I'm so sorry, please . . ." I knew Percy was crying and my knees turned to jelly. This shouldn't be happening. I should tell them the truth but my tongue seemed to have been frozen.

Percy reached out to hug Annabeth but she pushed him away. "Stay away from me, you cheating bastard." Percy took in an airless breath. Annabeth turned to me. "I hope you're happy now, Samantha."

Her voice was so venomous I nearly cringed, but I didn't. Instead, I stepped forward. "Annabeth, please listen . . ."

She held up one hand and said, "I don't have it in me to hear any more lies from the two of you." I took a step back. I was scared, not of Annabeth but of what Percy would think with what I was about to say.

"Please. It wasn't Percy's fault."

Annabeth laughed sarcastically. "It wasn't? I'm not stupid, Samantha Willard. None of these would have happened if he didn't want it."

"Just give me a chance to explain, please," I pleaded. "Your boyfriend – "

"Correction," Ananbeth said, holding up a finger. "Ex- boyfriend." She then looked at Percy, her face contorted in anger. I thought she would say more but she didn't. She turned around and exited the room, pushing away the students who came to watch.

Percy slowly fell to his knees, tears on his face. Seeing him like this was worse than knowing he couldn't love me back. I knelt in front of him and took his hand. "Perce . . ."

"Annabeth," he whispered. "Oh, gods . . ."

I didn't like what I was seeing. My anxiety rose. "Perce, listen to me."

He suddenly stood up and I fell back on the floor. "I have to follow her. I have to talk to her." He was on his way out of the room when I bolted and took his hand in mine. "Sam, what are you doing? Let me go. I need to follow Annabeth."

"Perce, just listen, please."

"No!"

"Nothing happened!" I yelled. "Nothing happened between us that night!"

[Next - Chapter 26: EVEN THE SUN SETS

Got to words for you about the next chapter: PREPARE YOURSELVES.

I'm going to leave you at that. Don't stress yourself too much thinking about what I mean. Just wait. *grins evilly* :D]