Hey guys! :) How are all of you? So I know I haven't updated in a little while and that's because Wrestling started Monday! So for the past week I've been pretty busy. But I've been writing ideas down for this story. I couldn't for the life of me decide on a name for the second part of the trilogy but someone reviewed and I liked the name!

TheOneThatSitsAndLISTENS came up with the name "When The Light Shines." and I loved it. In the summary of the next story you'll understand why. Thank you to all who reviewed names or just reviewed in general. You're the reason I continue to update. You're the reason I continue to write.

We did great on reviews so yay! So here's the dealio! I've been steadily working on chapters for all my stories (except Just Another Hollywood Romance...Weird) So I'll be updating them soon. Expect an update for:

Splattered Blood

The Next Generation

And The Music Plays On

after I update those i'll update Just Another Hollywood Romance. For so many stories I think I'm doing a pretty good job of updating. Wouldn't you all think so? Be sure to read and review those stories. Especially The Next Generation...It never gets any love. Well I'll stop babbling! Enjoy the story.

"The purpose of our lives is to be happy."

-Dalai Lama


"I love you."

We were both frozen. I dove off his lap and onto the carpeted floor. I quickly repositioned myself so I was on my butt instead of my face. I stared up at him mortified. He looked about as scared as I did.

"Aw fuck I messed it up." He mumbled to himself. He looked down at me. "Annabeth Baby I'm sorry. I was supposed to tell you when the moment was right. It was supposed to happen somewhere romantic not in the living room while I groped you."

My head was spinning and my lungs didn't seem to get enough air. I barely heard anything he was saying. My heart was beating to loudly and I felt my breathing quicken. I need to leave. I can't be here.

"You can't." I whispered harshly through my rapid breathing. He stopped saying whatever he was saying and stared down at me. I shook my head and gripped my ears.

He'll never love you.

No one will ever love you Annabeth. Especially not me.

In high school you never really know what love is.

I'm sure Percy's told all his past girlfriends those three little words. Kids your age don't know what they mean yet. He can't love you Annabeth; he simply doesn't know what love is.

I looked back at Percy to see him trying to get off the couch. He was trying to get to me. I hastily stood up; my pounding head shaking trying to make it all go away.

He's lying to us Annabeth. He can't love you. He doesn't love you. He's lying!

"You're lying." I repeated back. "You can't love me! You don't love me!"

"Annabeth? What- what are you talking about? Are you-"

"Stop!" I shouted; panic fueling my rapid beating heart.

He's too close. My breathing was getting worse. Are the walls closing in? I shook my head again and rushed to the door. Percy was shouting behind me as I ran out into the cold, dark night.

I felt a thousand eyes on me as I tried to run home. They're all judging me. He can't love me. He just can't!

0~0~0~0~0

No one saw me for two days. I only came out Sunday night because Alex tricked me; he used my love for Benny against me. Once I was out of my room he threw me over his shoulder and carried me down the stairs. Jason helped hold my flailing limbs as they carried me outside. Thalia and Piper were waiting in the front seat. They held me down as we drove.

"Stop!" I shouted as I tried to wiggle free. "Guys please don't bring me there! Please stop!"

Piper smiled at me sadly. She actually looked guilty and I hoped she set me free. Thalia flicked me in the head.

"He's been unbearable these past two days! And you've been cooped up in your room! No more hiding Annabeth; you need to face your fear. In this case your fear of commitment!"

I growled and kicked her in the shin. She winced but didn't let go. Damn. We were pulling into their driveway. I started to struggle harder.

"I'm not afraid of commitment!" I protested as the car came to a stop. "He doesn't get it! He can't love me! You're making it worse!"

They all ignored me; they used their combined strength to bring me into the house. If Percy didn't hear Thalia's call he definitely heard me screaming the entire trip up the stairs. I slumped against Alex's back when we reached Percy's door. I wasn't getting out of this. I heard the door creak open and I was thrown to the floor. Luckily there were pillows to catch my fall. I glared up at my twin; the traitor as he shut the door.

"We're not letting you out until you two talk things through!" He shouted through the door. I groaned.

"We already taken both your cell phones and Annabeth your Mom thinks you're with me." Piper chimed in. My fist clenched and I refused to look back at Percy. I know he was sitting on his bed; I could feel his eyes on me.

I continued to glare at the door though the four traitors were long gone. Percy began to throw a stuffed basketball into the air, catching it lazily when it came back down. I propped myself up on my elbows.

"Glaring at the door won't make them come back." He said dryly. I didn't look at him.

"Neither will throwing a stupid basketball around." I snapped. I only glanced back at him when I heard the bed move. He sat up and held his hands up defensively. I continued to look back at the door.

"They're not coming back Annabeth." He muttered. I rolled my eyes.

"I'm aware."

"Then talk to me; we're stuck in here anyway."

I mentally sighed. I laid back against the pillows and covered my tired eyes with my hands. A huge wave of exhaustion washed over me and before I knew it I was shutting my eyes and drifting to sleep.

0~0~0~0~0

I was warm when I woke up; really warm. I mumbled to myself before rolling around. I could tell instantly I was in Percy's bed instead of on the floor. My eyes opened slowly but shut right after when I saw Percy at the end of his bed. He was sitting sideways, his back against the wall flipping through an old comic book.

"I know you're awake." He mumbled. I sighed and opened my eyes to look over at him. I sat up and pulled his comforter to my neck.

"Why'd you put me in your bed?" I whispered. My gaze fell to the floor.

"Why wouldn't I put you on the bed? You fell asleep on the floor Annabeth. I wasn't going to leave you there."

I shrugged.

"You should have." I argued. "I don't deserve for you to be nice to me."

Guilt started to seep through me. I've spent the last two days confused and angry when in reality I should feel guilty. And I do. He doesn't know I can't accept it. He doesn't know what it's like to hear those words and have someone whisper in your ear that their lies. It isn't fair but I shouldn't have reacted the way I did.

Percy smiled sadly. The warm blanket fell from my shoulders to my lap. I played with my fingers until Percy reached over to intertwine his with mine.

"I'll always be nice to you and you'll always deserve it; I love you."

I flinched and he frowned. My shoulders slumped further. I admit I was wrong to run but it doesn't make it better to hear the words that helped cause the problem. I'm confused.

"You shouldn't."

Percy maneuvered himself. He pulled me to his side and I wrapped my arm around his stomach as his arms wrapped around my shoulder and waist. I rested my head on his shoulder.

"But I do…" He whispered, his warm voice filled the room. I shut my eyes and tried to take calming breaths.

"Annabeth why can't you say it? I know you feel something for me."

"How can you say it so easily?" I shot back. I lifted my head from his shoulder to stare at him, my hand resting on his chest to help hold me back.

"Percy-"

"You don't have to say it right away!" He told me hurriedly. "I just wanted you to know how I feel..."

He looked so sad and I sighed in shame. I ran my hand through his hair; his eyes were glued to mine until they fluttered shut in pleasure.

"Don't feel hurt I'm not rejecting you." I soothed. "I just don't know how I feel. I mean look at my mom and dad… they were in love and then they weren't. They were fooling themselves."

"I'm not your dad though…" He muttered softly. His eyes opening again to stare at me.

"No I know I just...how am I supposed to believe in love if the two people who represented it for me aren't in love anymore? Love….Love leads to hurt and I can't be hurt again. Percy love isn't logical and it's risky. I can't…I'm…"

A short sob cut off my explanation. I wiped the tears away before they could leave my eyes. I looked away so Percy couldn't see. He did anyway and his hands gently cupped my cheeks making me stare at him again.

"It's okay to be afraid of it… but it's not okay to not let yourself feel it."

I opened my mouth to protest but Percy covered it with his hand. He kissed my forehead.

"I was scared too Annabeth. I've known you three months and I'm in love with you. That wasn't supposed to happen so quickly; but it did. Maybe for a reason. We're not your parents Annabeth. I know I'm in love with you; instead of trying to ignore how I felt I embraced it and told you. Granted in a completely unromantic way but I still feel it. I won't take it back and I'll continue to tell you."

Percy pulled his hand away and I bit my lip. I shrugged unsure of what to say. Percy smiled at me and I couldn't help it. My lips twitched upwards somewhat sadly.

"I don't know." I told him honestly. "I just…I don't know. It isn't logical and I told you. I'm a logic and reasoning kind of girl."

Percy kissed my nose.

"You're my girl."

I smiled and pulled him closer so I could hug him. It was a little awkward considering we were sitting on his bed but I didn't care. I hugged him tightly to me and nuzzled my face into his neck.

"I don't deserve you." I whispered into his ear. He just squeezed me tighter.

"It's the other way around." He whispered back. "I'm so glad you're mine."

0~0~0~0~0

Jay and Sophie were talking quietly on the couch. His hand was rested on her stomach and he was peppering her hair with kisses. The twins and I were smiling at them from the kitchen. I pulled out some water bottles from the fridge.

"I'm glad everything worked out for them." I said quietly. The twins nodded in agreement. We all took sips of our water until Nick nudged me.

"So how'd you get back at Alex?" He asked excitedly. I managed a small chuckle and shrugged indifferently.

"Well after you two 'rescued' me I found him here at the house and put him in an arm bar until he agreed never to do anything like that again."

Nathan high fived me.

"Well if we would've known that they were doing something like that we would've stopped them before they even reached the bottom of the stairs."

I rolled my eyes again and we fell into a comfortable silence. When the twins found out what Alex and our friends had done they rushed over to Thalia's house and practically broke down Percy's door. Of course since they're idiots they assumed we were having sex. I admit we did get a little heated but when my brothers opened the door Percy and I were playing poker; I'm proud to say I still haven't lost my poker face.

Benny whined at my feet and she rubbed up against my legs like a cat. I crouched down and rubbed her ears before placing a kiss on her head.

"I know girl, I'm sorry I've been so busy." I gave her a loving scratch. "I promise this week you and I will do something awesome together okay?"

She barked in agreement and I laughed as she rushed out of the kitchen. The twins were smiling when I looked back at them. I gave them a weird look.

"What?"

"We're just happy you're happy again." Nick told me sweetly.

"It's nice to hear you laughing again." Nick finished.

I smiled softly and pulled them both in for a hug. They allowed it for about three seconds before pulling away and trying to put me in different wrestling positions. Nick tried to double leg me in the middle of the kitchen. Of course since it was two against one I ended up on the floor. I rolled my eyes as I felt a bruise forming. My crazy wrestlers.

0~0~0~0~0

Monday:

I really hadn't expected to see Connor when I shut my locker door at the end of the day. School had literally just gotten out. Kids were still coming out of classrooms when he walked up to me. Kids were stopping to stare at the exchange and I found my leg to be wiggling a little. I nervously glanced around praying Percy would show up. He's in the other building so I know it's going to take him a few minutes.

"Annabeth!" Connor called out excitedly. When he pulled me in for a tight hug I shut my eyes. I could hear her heels clicking down the hall; she's heading right towards us.

"Oh no…" I whispered. Connor pulled away and glanced behind him. He turned back towards me when he didn't see who I was staring at.

"What? What's wrong?" He glanced around again. "I'm not afraid to punch a bitch!" He joked. It fell upon my deaf ears. She smirked when she was finally in front of us.

"Connor meet Bitchney." I snapped as rudely as I could. She seemed unfazed.

"Oh…I don't think I can punch her." He whispered. Despite the need to look strong I broke and sent him a small smile.

"It's Brittany." She corrected sweetly before turning to me. "I see you're bringing your sloppy seconds around here now. "

Connor looked over at her in surprise before turning to me for clarification. I continued to glare. I hummed lightly before glancing down at her feet. Her toes looked a little red from the shoes being to small.

"Hmm it looks like you were able to fit your freakish man feet into those heels." I quipped. "You should be able to save most of your toes."

She scoffed girlishly and looked down at her feet. When she noticed the redness in her toes she blushed and tried to cover it up with another glare.

"Whore."

"Bitch."

"Slut."

"Idiot."

Both Brittany and I turned to look at Connor in surprise. He leaned back against the locker and pointed a finger at the Brittany.

"You're rude." He stated matter-of-factly. "And clearly a bad person. I'd suggest leaving before I start making jokes about your weirdly shaped body."

Clearly outmatched and for once not sure of what to say she stomped her foot.

"He's not that cute." She conceded lamely. I rolled my eyes and watched her stomp down the hall. All the adrenaline I felt instantly left and I felt tired. I rubbed my eyes.

"I haven't….stood up to her in a while." I mumbled. Connor gave me another hug and high fived me as Percy came around the corner.

"You did awesome. We kicked her ass with words! Woo!" He teased. I playfully shoved him before waving Percy over. He barely grimaced when he saw Connor.

"Annabeth I was going to walk you to the gym. Your brothers are wondering where you are."

My eyes widened. Oh crap! The practices before State! Even though they don't qualify most of the wrestlers still show up to help out. We're heading to the dome this weekend to cheer on the twins and Cole and two of our other wrestlers. Alex didn't quite make it this year; he's vowed to work harder to make it next year.

"Oh right! Okay." I reached down to grab my bag but Connor stopped me. He grabbed it himself and handed it to me.

"Annabeth you said we'd practice this week for the talent show. It's Friday! Tyler and Derek are in the car waiting. C'mon we need to leave right now so we can be back on time to practice!"

Connor grabbed my hand and started to tug me in the direction where the doors were. My eyebrows furrowed. Percy grabbed my other hand and held me back. He gently started to pull me towards the hall leading to the gym.

"No. She needs to stay here and go to practice. She has responsibilities and the coach is expecting her there. Besides its Monday! She can't go to Summerton!"

Connor tugged again and my bag fell to the floor. I nervously glanced at both the boys and tried to interrupt their arguing but they ignored me.

"She can miss practice! The season is practically over anyway! But our talent show is in four days and we need to make sure she can harmonize with us!"

Another tug towards the door. They're trying to rip me in two.

"You know she can! Why can't you just find someone else?! There's like thirty people in your club! You can't keep persuading her. She needs to stay in Willow Valley! She's belongs here; she belongs with me and her family."

Another tug towards the gym. Percy's a little gentler. His glare is cold but his hand is warm. Connor scoffed.

"Right 'cause she's soo happy here! She's tormented! At least in Summerton she doesn't feel horrible about herself! She's happy! She should move in with her grandparents. She'd be better of there with them and me."

I grunted as Conner tugged me towards the door. His palm was soft but his fingers were callused. I could see the sun's rays shining through the glass door. It'd be nice to go outside instead of sitting in a gym.

"You think it's a good idea to move her away from her family? Her brothers, her Mom and her twin are here. Benny's here! Her boyfriend is here. She only likes Summerton because it's temporary! It's her break from home! But she always comes back because she knows she belongs here!"

Percy pulled hard enough that I stumbled further towards his side. He caught me when I crashed into him, my head bumping his shoulder. Conner let go of my other redding hand. I sniffed and was calmed by Percy's ocean smell. I distractedly cuddled into him as he wrapped his arm around me.

"Guys-" I tried.

"She's my girlfriend! I'm supposed to take care of her."

"Just because you have her doesn't mean no one else cares about her! I can take care of her too!"

"I really don't need-" I started again.

"That's what this is all about isn't it? Dude you're her friend. She's not going to suddenly fall for you because you sing with her."

"At least I do something to make her happy!You're too busy fighting with her or playing basketball to care about her. No wonder she comes to Summerton so often; she probably wants to get away from you!"

You can't live to lives.

How true. I know I can't but…I'm not ready to choose yet. I can still fight to have both.

I pinched Percy's hand and he yelped. I shuffled out of his arms and moved to stand in front of the two boys. I girlishly placed my hands on my hips and glared. They both shrunk a little under my angry gaze.

"You two need to stop." I stressed. "I care about you both but this little 'rivalry' needs to end right now. I get that you both want what's best for me but only I can decided that. I'm capable of making my own decisions."

I grabbed Percy's hand.

"You need to get to practice. I'll be in the gym in a few minutes."

Connor looked almost betrayed when I turned to him.

"Bring Tyler and Derek inside. We'll practice singing out in the hall and can use the music room to play the piano. As long as we don't break anything we'll be okay."

I cracked both my knuckles and smiled to myself. I miss the feeling of people being a little afraid of me. Lately I'm scared of everything. I need to be stronger; for myself. Percy stood up a little straighter so he'd be taller than Connor. I rolled my eyes but squeezed his hand affectionately.

"Please you guys. Please try to get along. I need my boyfriend and best friend to be civil towards each other."

"You can't live two lives Annabeth." Percy reminded me.

"Eventually small changes won't work. You'll need to choose." Connor added.

I held up my hands defensively and smiled jokingly.

"Okay I didn't expect you to start so early; and ganging up on me? Not fair." I teased lightly.

Percy's frown melted into a loving smile and he looked over at me adoringly. I smiled at him softly, enjoying his look. When I turned to smile at Connor he had a similar look on. I shook my head thinking I was seeing things. I pulled my hand away from Percy's so I could clap my hands.

"Okay you-" I pointed to Percy. "-need to get to practice. I'll meet you in there in a minute."

He nodded and took a quick glance at Connor. Before I could turn to Connor Percy pulled me flush against him and placed a passionate kiss on my lips. I kissed him back a little gentler, my hand fisting in his hair. When he pulled away he was smirking and I was breathless. His eyes were teasing but I could see the loving gaze underneath.

"After you're done practicing you and I are going to dinner." It didn't sound like a question. I nodded a little numbly and he kissed me again; just a small peak.

"I love you." He whispered quietly. I waited for Luke to tell me he was lying but my mind was silent. My lips twitched upwards.

"I know." I whispered back.

Percy was practically glowing with smugness as he walked away. I wiped the corner of my mouth when I turned to Connor. He was glaring at my boyfriend's back and I was smiling sheepishly.

"Sorry." I mumbled. Connor rolled his eyes but smiled at me.

"No you're not."

"Yeah not really. That was really awesome."

He snorted and gestured behind him.

"I'm gonna grab the boys and we'll meet you in the gym. I remember where it is."

I nodded and turned on my heel. I was so late. Let's just hope Jeff doesn't order another dog pile.

0~0~0~0~0

"Ugh. C'mon Jeff we're supposed to be buddies." I complained as I tried to wipe the gross off my body. The wrestlers were smirking as they climbed off of me.

"Don't know where you heard that!" He grinned. "You're late to clean my mats and you get dog piled. You know this Little Chase."

I grumbled under my breath but rushed to try and finish moping the last mat. Cole smirked at me while trying to contain his laughter. I rolled my eyes and flicked his forehead.

"You're lucky you have to be unharmed for this weekend."

He just smiled and threw his arm over my shoulder.

"Aw c'mon Annabeth. My 'man jewels' weren't that close to your face."

I shoved him away from me with a smile and tossed him the mop. Smiling at the unspoken request he put them away. I waved as Percy ran past. He winked at me and whispered 'good luck' in my ear. Letting the memories come back I smiled. I was feeling normal today; I was feeling happy.

0~0~0~0~0

I was panting slightly when the last note ended. Tyler looked up from the piano keys and grinned. Connor wiggled for a second before shooting out from behind the piano and fist pumping.

"Yes!" He hissed excitedly. Derek gave me a high five. I remembered some of the notes he hit.

"You're good." I complimented.

"You're better." He shot back. I laughed breathlessly and placed my hands on my waist and tried to even my breathing. It only took a couple of seconds. I turned to Connor.

"Feel better now?" I asked teasingly. He grinned and nodded.

"Yeah; this is gonna be awesome."

My phone buzzed with a message from Percy. I read it as Connor went over some key notes with Tyler.

From: My Cute Neighbor Boy :)

Waiting for you out front. You done?

Yep! Coming.

I put my phone back in my pocket and poked Connor before reaching down to grab my bag.

"I gotta go; Percy's waiting. I'll see you at seven on Friday night."

He smiled and reached over to give me a hug. When we pulled away he placed a kiss on my forehead and I stiffened. He pretended not to notice and sent me another smile expecting me to leave. I stared at him another minute then turned on my heel and walked out the door.

0~0~0~0~0

"Does this count as a date?" I asked jokingly. Percy turned his car radio down and shrugged before grabbing another piece of chicken. He shrugged.

"Well I bought us food and we're eating it together, alone in my truck so…Yeah I guess."

I rolled my eyes and leaned over to kiss his cheek. He smiled when I sat back down. I popped a fry into my mouth and chewed happily.

"You seem happy today." He commented distractedly, more concerned with the food in front of him. I shrugged.

"Why wouldn't I be? I stood up to Brittany, Luke hasn't said anything…I got to sing with Connor and see my brothers wrestle. And now I'm here with you. Today's been awesome. I can't feel anything other than happy!"

When he saw my genuine smile he laughed. When he reached over to cup the back of my head my hand gripped his wrist. He pulled me towards him and kissed me sweetly, my stomach was doing flips and my skin felt warmer. I hummed against his lips when we parted. I bit my lip a little teasingly.

Percy smiled again but it slowly faded and he looked at me seriously. I could see what it was in his eyes and I sighed before slumping in my seat.

"C'mon Percy we were having fun. Don't bring it up now; I know I can't live two lives and I know someday I can't just drive back and forth."

"Then why not decide now?"

I sighed irritated and turned in my seat to fully face him. I tuck my feet underneath me to be a little more comfortable.

"Is this another jealousy thing?" I asked with a sigh. "You don't want me to choose between Summerton and Willow Valley; you want me to choose between you and Connor."

When he stayed silent I smiled sadly; I was right. I placed my hand over his and squeezed.

"I've kinda already made my choice didn't I?"

Percy took a minute to think. I waited patiently, settling for playing with his warm fingers. When they tightened around mine I looked back up at him.

"I'm sorry for being insecure…" He took a breath and looked at me seriously. "I'll apologize to Connor if you want me too. I know he's your friend and I let jealously blind me. I'm sorry."

"Percy-"

"I'm still a little confused by your feelings is all. I mean I've told you I love you a couple times now and the most positive thing you've said is 'I know'…It's easy to feel insecure when you're unsure."

I squeezed his hand. His eyes were a little glazed over and I sighed before moving the food so I could sit next to him. I placed my head on his shoulder and nuzzled closer. I rubbed my chin into his shoulder so he'd look at me.

"I'm still a little…uneasy about my feelings. I'm not sure what they mean…I'm worried I guess." I finished quietly. Percy looked over at me confused and I smiled slightly to ease his worry.

"Do you know how much power you give someone when you tell them you love them? Love is giving someone the ability to destroy you but trusting them not to…. How am I supposed to be sure that you won't destroy me once I tell you how I feel? How am I supposed to protect myself from hurt?"

"You can't." He answered bluntly. My gaze fell to my hands. "Love is unsure and…yeah it can hurt like a bitch but when you feel it it's a wonderful feeling. Annabeth we could be happier than we are now if you'd just admit it."

I opened my mouth to try and say something but I couldn't. My mind kept flashing back to my Mom and how distraught she was when she found out. She's still broken; and unable to fully be fixed. I can't fix myself if Percy broke me. I couldn't. I slowly shook my head and shrugged. Small tears had gathered but luckily they didn't fall.

"I can't." I whispered dejectedly. Percy smiled sadly and reached over to grip my hand. He gave it a loving squeeze and lifted it so he could kiss my palm.

"I know; I'm not going to force you to say it. I just wish you would. I still love you."

I squeezed his hand, not really sure what to say. I could feel my choice backing up on me. I know eventually he'll stop waiting for an answer and demand one. I know eventually I'll have to choose who I care about more; Connor or Percy. And I know someday I'm going to have to choose what I really care about in this world. Love…or protecting myself.

0~0~0~0~0

I laughed as I pushed open my door. Percy smiled at his own joke and followed me into my house. I could hear voices in the kitchen and started walking towards them. Benny was barking happily and running towards me. I caught her with a smile and rubbed behind her ears before finishing my walk.

Sophie, my brothers and my Mom were all piled into the kitchen. They were cleaning up after their dinner. I waved at them as they greeted me. The sun was setting so it casted a warm glow through the windows. My smile widened as my mind took a mental picture. Everything slowed down for a second so I could process and enjoy it.

Mom was smiling and trying to hold in her laughter as she watched the twins. Their upper halves were covered in dish soap as they tried to wash the rest of the dishes. Alex was rolling his eyes and his hand was resting on Benny's head. Jay had his arm wrapped around Sophie tightly, his fingers spread out across her stomach protecting their unborn child. I felt Percy lean down to intertwine our fingers. My eyes started to water at the sight of my family. I could feel love throughout the room…and it wasn't hurting anyone.

People seem to forget the simplicity of family; the ones who stick by you through anything. I let my mind wander to my favorite memories of my brothers and I as I watched them all. I miss talking with them, laughing with them but I mostly miss just being around them. I've been locking myself in my room; locking myself away from them and the rest of the world. If I'm going to get through whatever sadness I feel I'm going to need them. I smiled again as Jay's eyes locked with mine.

"Hey Annabeth." He greeted. "Wanna watch a movie with us later?"

Everyone turned to look at me expectantly. Percy squeezed my hand lovingly and I smiled brighter. Alex was grinning too and I wondered if I had anything to do with it. Benny walked over to stand at my side and I nodded.

"Yeah but I promised my favorite girl I'd have some one on one time with her. We're gonna go play out back but in thirty minutes I'll be in the living room and waiting!"

I let go of Percy's hand and started to walk towards the back door. As a second thought I called out behind me.

"I call the recliner!"

Not even a second later Nathan shouted.

"I call- Dammit Annabeth!"

I smiled in victory. I patted my thigh so Benny would follow me and opened the door for her. Percy winked at me as I shut it behind me. I waved one last time through the glass before looking down at Benny. I held up her favorite toy; a plush duck that squeaks and looked at her expectantly. Her eyes instantly landed on the precious toy and I smiled.

I threw it out into the field and pointed my finger.

"Go get it girl!" I encouraged. She took off like a rocket and I watched slightly amazed as she brought it back at record time.

And that's how we spent the next thirty minutes. I would throw her toy and she would rush to bring it back to me. In between throws I'd rub behind her ears and she'd try to lick my face. It was wonderful and I forgot how much I love doing this with her.

When the sun was fully gone and the lights outside of the house automatically turned on I called her back. Benny sat next to me on the deck and I wrapped my arm around her. On instinct her head started to nuzzle into my neck; her wet nose tickling my soft skin. I laughed and nuzzled her back.

I felt like I needed to say something; something important to her. She probably couldn't understand what it was but I felt the moment. Something was telling me to tell her how special she is to me. She isn't just a dog.

"Hey I love you, you know?" I whispered in her furry neck. She responded by trying to lick my nose. I rolled my eyes and rubbed her head affectionately.

"You're my best friend." I said softly. She calm down for a second sensing my mood and I smiled. She leaned over to softly lick my cheek and I had never felt so much love in a single moment. It was amazing. I hugged her tightly as the back door opened. Percy poked his head out and pointed behind him.

"You up for that movie?" He asked quietly. I nodded and he helped me up. Benny raced into the house as I wrapped Percy's arm around my shoulder.

"Sure. You up for trying to share the recliner?"

He smirked.

"If I get a kiss I'll let you sit on my lap!"

He ended up sitting on the floor with a bruised shoulder.


:)

So you guys know the deal. Ten reviews and another update. I've written ahead so as soon as I get my reviews you get an update! Seriously only a few more chapters left. I think...Three? We'll see.