I'LL ADD IN THE REVIEWS/FOLLOWS/FAVOURITES LATER THIS WEEK, SO THIS IS 6000+ WORDS OF AN ACTUAL STORY! (I know the grammar is bad in this chapter, and I'll re-edit it when I add in everything.)
Shout-out to oracle987 who gave the idea of "Open this when...You start your new term in New York," except that it's phrased differently, in this chapter.
Summary of Chapter Thirty-Six: It's Percy's birthday, and there are so many people there, it's overwhelming. There was some half-hearted banter amongst Annabeth and friends, before everyone left to go do their own thing. Percy and Annabeth hung out for a bit, before Percy went to go welcome his acquaintances/friends, so Annabeth went to stay with Katie. After seeing Malcolm and Miranda kiss, Katie became heartbroken, and left the party. Annabeth was about to go after her, but Travis came along, and went instead. Not knowing what else to do, Annabeth texted everyone else saying that there was an emergency involving Katie, and that's where we left off.
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson. Rick Riordan does.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
(Annabeth's POV)
"What happened?"
"Is everything okay?"
"Is Katie alright?"
"Do we need to beat someone up?"
"Why the Hades are you taking a nap when Katie is gods know where?!"
I opened my eyes from the small rest I was having, and squinted up to look at all of my friends. They all came back from their own respective places at the same time, and were already bombarding me with loads of questions. "Shh," I put a finger to my lips, and thankfully, they all quieted down. "Sit down. One question at a time."
They obediently followed my directions, and after a couple of seconds of silence, Percy took it upon himself to ask the first question that was probably on everyone's mind. After all, my texts to them weren't very detailed. "What happened?"
I replayed the entire story back to them, and once I noted how sad Katie appeared to be, Silena cut me off by suddenly standing up. "I'm gonna hurt him."
"Katie like-liked someone?!" Connor exclaimed, his words mashing along with Silena's, and it was only then that I remembered that not everyone knew about her little crush. I nodded in his direction, and he still looked confused. "Whaaat?"
"Woah there, 'Lena," Beckendorf ignored Connor, and gently held and tugged Silena's arm. "We don't know the entire story, so please sit back down."
"I'll have to agree with Beck, on this one," Thalia added, which surprised me. "I mean, I'm all for beating someone up," I then absentmindedly nodded, because that was more Thalia-like, "but we should need more reasoning, yeah?"
Silena's eyes widened, and her fists clenched. "What more reasoning do we need, other than the fact that he hurt our best friend?! He has to pay!"
"Don't jump to conclusions, Silena," Beckendorf spoke softly, as he attempted to unclench her hands. "Did Malcolm even know that Katie liked him, in that way? Was he aware that he was hurting her?"
Her shoulders slumped in defeat, and her words were barely audible. "I don't know. Probably not."
"Exactly," Beckendorf said, managing to make Silena sit down, again. "From what I know of Malcolm, he's a good kid. He wouldn't intentionally hurt someone, if he could help it."
"I guess," Silena mumbled, while playing with her hands. Beckendorf then started talking to her in hushed tones, and I looked away, because I felt as though I were intruding on something private.
After an uncomfortable few seconds, Juniper asked me, with a small voice, "May you continue, please?" Silena and Beckendorf probably heard her, and politely stopped talking, in order to allow me to explain, so I did.
Once I finished relaying the entire story, without interruption, everyone was silent for a few seconds, probably taking the time to process my words.
"We need to go find her," Silena exclaimed. She seemed as though she were about to go off and find Katie herself, regardless of who else would follow her, but Beckendorf stopped her, once again.
"Just wait until we hear everyone's thoughts, okay 'Lena?" Beckendorf gently told her. She grumbled and pouted, but managed to stay silent.
"To be honest," Grover started, "I think that we should just let her be, and she can come back when she's ready." There were some mumbles of half-hearted agreements, and some nodding of heads.
"Besides," Juniper added, "she has Travis."
Connor agreed, "Even if I may not have much faith in my brother in general, I have no doubt, whatsoever, that he can't or won't take care of Katie."
"So, what?" Silena questioned, her wide eyes staring down each of us. "Are we just going to sit around and do nothing, while Travis has to do everything?!"
"We shouldn't overwhelm her, Silena," Percy said, playing with his fingers. "We need to give her space."
"So, what, then?" She crossed her arms, and looked at us expectantly. "What are we going to do?"
"Just do whatever," Thalia mumbled, already laying down on her back, with her hands over her eyes to block out the sun.
Silena looked over at Thalia with shock clearly written in her eyes, and she was about to retort, but I cut her off, "I agree with Thalia, even though that could've been phrased much better," I gave Thalia a pointed look, but it's not like she could see me with her closed eyes, anyways. "We should just wait until Travis and Katie come back whenever they're ready, and if they're not back in a couple of hours, or if we don't hear from them, then we'll go look for them, alright?"
Everyone said their agreements, and after a few seconds of thinking about it, Silena eventually agreed, albeit begrudgingly. Our conversation lulled after that, and some people even left to go back to whatever they were originally doing, before I sent them that text. The only people who stayed were Thalia—who was probably already deep asleep by now—and Percy, for unknown reasons. When I asked about why he stayed instead of going back to his friends, he just winked at me, and left it at that.
It was only a few minutes before I felt my phone vibrate, indicating a text. I took it out of my pocket, and noticed that Percy did the same. It was a text from Travis that he sent to the Group Chat, that all eleven of our friends were joined to.
Travis: Katie's ok, btw
I breathed a sigh of relief, and was about to send a reply, but Silena beat me to it.
Silena: WHERE R U?
Silena: DID U KNO THAT WE WERE WORRIED SICK!
Percy pinched the bridge of his nose, and I tried not to laugh. "Silena, Silena, Silena..." he exasperatedly muttered, as I typed a response.
Annabeth: Don't play the guilt card, Silena.
Travis: Srry guys
Percy: Theres no need to apollogize, Travy
I snorted at that, and turned to look at Percy. "Travy?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
He flushed, and turned back to look at his phone again. "Shut up," he mumbled, and I laughed.
Connor: Travy?
Grover: Travy? Really, Perce?
Nico: I am disappointed, Percy.
I covered my mouth to stifle my laughter, and looked back at Percy. He was currently holding his face in his hands in shame, and was mumbling incoherent things to himself.
Percy: Travis* Darn autocorrect.
"That wasn't autocorrect, though, was it?" I questioned him, fighting a smile.
"Shut up," he muttered, again.
Beckendorf: It's too late now, Perce.
Connor: We saw it, and we'll remember it 4ever.
I was snorting at the texts that kept coming, and everyone seemingly put off the conversation about Katie, for now.
Travis: Aww! We're already moving onto pet names now, Percy-boo?
Travis: Luv u too, bby.
He added a little kissy face next to his last text, and I had to actually put down my phone, because my laughing was getting out of control. Percy's face was as red as a cherry right now, and I could tell that he wanted to crawl into a hole, and stay there for all of eternity, right now.
"Aww," I cooed, pinching his cheeks. "Is 'wittle Percy-boo embarrassed?" I asked in a baby-voice.
He swatted my hands away from his face, and once again said, "Shut up." Although, he was laughing too, and probably didn't mean it, at all. I smiled contentedly, and looked back at the conversation that already moved onto the topic.
Silena: Ok, but srsly. Where r u? When r u coming back?
Travis: ...Katie still needs time, I think.
Travis: We'll be back in time 4 the campfire. Maybe sooner
Grover: THAT'S LIKE 7 HRS AWAY, THOUGH!
Grover: Juniper here, btw. hiiii!
Connor: What r u guys doing for 7 hours?
Travis: ...
Travis: I think we're gonna go to the movies
Travis: Maybe the arcade after
Percy: Isn't the theatre kinda far away, tho?
Travis: There's one that isn't too far. Maybe half an hour of walking? Idk
Silena: R u sure? U can always come back...
Travis: We're sure.
Travis: And we're leavin now, so bye!
Silena: Wait
Silena: Where were u now?
Silena: Helllllllooooooooo?
Connor: Silena, leave the poor guy alone
Silena: I AM STANDING RITE NEXT TO U!
Connor: And?
Silena: U CAN AT LEAST SPEAK TO MY FACE!
Connor: Now who's teh one 2 speak ovr text?
I shook my head at their antics, and put the conversation on mute for now. I really didn't need push notifications alerting me every couple seconds of a conversation that isn't relevant to me, at all.
"So..." Percy started, and I looked at him. He flashed me a small grin, and asked, "What now?"
The next few hours passed by in a blur, and before I knew it, it was already time for the campfire. Everyone was already long gone by now, except for our group, Paul, and Sally. Beckendorf and Paul were already starting the fire, while everyone else was sitting at a respectable distance away from it. Blankets were shared in twos or threes, and I was sharing mine with Percy.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Percy whispered, in reference to the sunset.
"Yeah," I replied, just as quietly. I looked past everyone else who were in their own little worlds, and focused on the gentle waves that were lapping over each other, as a soft orange glow reflected off of the waters.
"Success!" Beckendorf exclaimed, as the fire grew from a small spark, to a larger flame.
I tucked my knees to my chest, and wrapped my arms around my legs. "When do you think that Katie and Travis will be back?" I asked Percy, in a soft voice.
I saw him shrug out of the corner of my eye. "I don't—"
"Hey everybody!" Someone yelled. I looked in the direction of the voice, and smiled when I saw two figures walking towards us. "Miss us?"
In the blink of an eye, Silena was already up and running towards the pair, who were only a few metres away, now. She engulfed them in a bear hug, and Katie awkwardly patted her back. I couldn't hear what they were saying, and it was probably a private moment anyways, so I awkwardly looked away.
It was only a little while more, before Silena eventually let go of them, and they all walked back to where everyone was. Silena retook her seat right next to her boyfriend, and Katie and Travis sat down on an empty blanket, that was reserved especially for them. Katie hugged this plush teddy bear—that I only noticed now—as her and Travis were talking quietly amongst themselves. They seemed like they were in their own little bubble, and I averted my eyes to respect their privacy. However, I couldn't deny how much better Katie seemed now, and how happy they both looked.
"Hey," Percy gently elbowed my arm, and I looked at him, "What did you get me for my birthday?"
I pursed my lips, in order to fight down a smile. "Why don't you go open it and find out, yourself?"
He dramatically sighed, "But it's so far away. Besides, I'd want to open everyone's gift at the same time."
"That's your problem, then," I grinned, mischievously.
He pouted, "You hate me, don't you?"
My eyebrows scrunched, "Was it that obvious?" I asked, innocently.
He fake-glared at me, and crossed his arms, "Be that way. I hate you, too."
"Aww," I cooed, and placed my hands over my heart. "I'm so glad that we got to this point in our lives, where we can accept our mutual hatred for each other. This is a big step in our rivalry, and I'm not sure if I'm okay with this sudden development."
"Next thing you know we'll get matching shirts, announcing to the world how much we hate each other," Percy grumbled, playing with the sand.
"Not that they don't already know," I added, resting my chin on my knees. "Now I know what to get you for Christmas."
"Really? I'm so honoured!" Percy wiped a fake tear from his eye, and sniffled. "It means so much."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," I looked around the campfire, and noticed how everyone was just chatting with each other, in small groups. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed that Katie and Travis were sitting closer than before, and she was laughing at a corny joke that he probably made. I smiled, subconsciously, at their happiness. "Are we going to do anything in this campfire, by the way?"
Percy shrugged, and continued moving some more sand around. "I'm not sure. Maybe we'd do the typical ghost stories, and roast marshmallows, or something. Maybe I can sneakily open some presents, too, when no one's looking."
"When you think that no one's looking," I corrected. "You aren't exactly good at hiding these type of things."
"That's only because you're sitting right beside me," he grumbled, giving up on the sand, and ended up playing with his fingers, again. "You notice anything and everything."
"Maybe I'm just perceptive," I muttered, hugging myself tighter.
"Of course you are," he said, just as quietly. "Can I just go open your present, now?"
I rose an eyebrow at him. "Why the sudden interest, and where did your motivation to move come from?"
He shrugged. "I'm bored, and I don't think that we're going to be doing anything, anytime soon."
"Are you sure you're not just curious and impatient?" I asked, my mouth twitching into a barely visible smile. "I mean, I do give pretty amazing gifts."
He waved his hand in the air, dismissingly. "Whatever feeds you ego."
I gaped at him, "I do not have an ego." He gave me a pointed look, and I sputtered, "Maybe I'm just a bit prideful, but I'm definitely not egotistical."
"Same thing," he mumbled.
"They are definitely not the same thing. Egotistical is being conceited and self-absorbed, whereas pride is more like—"
Percy cut me off, "I get it. I don't need an English lesson during summer vacation. I don't want to learn."
I huffed, and turned my nose up at him, "Why not?"
His eyebrows knitted. "Didn't we already discuss this?" Before I had a chance to respond, he said, "Never mind. I'm just going to go get your present now, and open it."
One side of my mouth tilted up, into a small smirk, "Just mine, huh?"
He exasperatedly looked at me, and started to stand up, "Maybe I'll get a couple more, just so you don't feel too special."
My jaw dropped. "Rude," I told him, as I smacked his leg.
He walked a couple steps away, until he was out of arms-range. "No hitting," he scolded me, as if I was a toddler. "Hitting is bad."
I made a big deal of crossing my arms, and snarling at him. "It's acceptable under certain circumstances."
"And this isn't one of them," Percy sent me a smug smile, and dramatically walked away.
I turned back to watching the sunset, and only just realized that the sun has almost fully set, and most of the sky was already a dark, navy blue. Paul was walking around to give each person an already sanitized stick, with Sally following close behind to provide a small pack of marshmallows for each pair to share. It didn't take long for them to eventually come to me, and when Sally noted Percy's absence, she just rose an eyebrow, and left it at that. Paul left a stick for Percy on the blanket, and I took my own respective one, settling it on my lap. I only just started opening the bag of marshmallows, when Percy came back with his arms full of presents.
"Ooh!" Percy exclaimed. "Marshmallows." He clumsily dumped the gifts on the blanket, and sat down.
"You came back at a convenient time," I mumbled, managing to successfully open the bag, and then took a marshmallow out of it. I placed it on my stick, and got up to stand closer to the fire. I just started roasting my little delicacy along with some other people who joined me, when the heat from the fire started getting uncomfortably warm on my skin. The stick I had was slightly too short, and I had to stand too close to the fire, so I went to sit back down before the heat became unbearable.
"You're back early," Percy noted, fiddling with a decorated box in his hands. "Is this your present?" He had a playful smirk in his face, and acted as though he were a magician asking 'Is this your card?'
I smiled against my will, and gently blew on my marshmallow. "Try again." It took him a couple more tries before he eventually picked up a box covered in sea-themed wrapping paper, with a grey bow on top. He rose an eyebrow at me, and I nodded.
"Finally," he muttered. "I should've known. It's actually quite obvious that this would've been yours."
I softly laughed, as I took an experimental bite out of my spongy treat. "I was beginning to think that you didn't bring mine, at all."
"How embarrassing would that have been?" He said, rhetorically. "Can I have a bite?" He asked, in reference to my marshmallow.
I exasperatedly looked at him, "Why don't you go make your own?" Nonetheless, I offered him my stick, but he just expectantly opened his mouth, instead. "I have to feed you now, huh?" I questioned, pushing down a smile. He nodded, and only because it was his birthday, I obliged. "Spoiled child," I muttered.
Percy laughed, as he took a large bite. "Thanks," he mumbled, with the food clearly visible in his mouth.
I scrunched my nose, and looked at him and my treat in disgust. "Great. You laughed on my marshmallow, and now your germs are all over it."
"I'll take the entire thing, then," he shrugged. "I don't mind."
"No!" I said, eating what was left before Percy would steal it. "Don't be rude."
"Love you, too," he winked, and made a heart with his hands.
I rolled my eyes, and playfully shoved him. "Gods, you're cheesy."
"Of course I am. I practically ooze cheese," Percy looked at my present, and turned it over in his hands. "I'm going to go open this, now."
"Go for it," I said, taking a marshmallow out of the bag, and eating it.
"I will." Percy recklessly tore off the wrapping paper, and dumped it somewhere on the blanket.
"You're cleaning up whatever mess you cause. You know that, right?" I asked, cautiously eyeing his mess. I tried to not let it bother me too much, and instead, watched as Percy opened the cardboard box, while softly nodding.
His hands covered his mouth in shock, and his eyes glowed. "You didn't." He took the Nemo plush out of the box, and hugged it. "It's so adorable."
"I probably should stop giving you plush toys as presents..." I trailed off, and smiled from Percy's reaction.
"Don't," Percy's voice was muffled from rubbing his face against the toy. I laughed a bit at him, while giving him an odd look. "I love stuffed animals."
"You aren't getting too old for them?" I asked, teasingly, already knowing his answer.
"Never," he mumbled. "I'm going to love them forever."
"Forever's a long time," I noted.
"And I will love them for a long time," he finally took the plush out of his face, and settled with tightly hugging it. "I'll pass them down onto my children, and any future generations, and they will love my stuffed animals when I can't."
I laughed. "Good luck with that. There's still a second part to your gift, by the way," I revealed when he seemed to just disregard the box, and didn't bother to check if there were anything else.
His eyes widened. "What? There's more? What could possibly be better?"
I tilted my head to the side, with a soft smile on my face. "Why don't you check?"
With Nemo tucked under one of his arms, Percy reached into the box, and pulled out an envelope. He opened it, and took out two rectangular pieces of paper. "No. Way," he said, slowly.
"You like it?" I asked, biting my lip from nerves.
"Like it?" He questioned, with wide eyes. "I freaking love it! I've always wanted to go to the Empire State Building!" He attacked me with a hug, and I automatically wrapped my arms around his back.
I was shocked by his reaction. "Even if you only get to go up to the 86th floor?"
Percy finally pulled away, but he still held on to my shoulders, and looked me square in the eye. "It's still the Empire State Building, is it not?"
I smiled. "Are you willing to have me as your second person, then?"
He rolled his eyes, and let his arms fall. "Uh, duh. Who else would I bring?"
I laughed in relief, and ignored his question. "You never told me you were interested in going there."
He shrugged, and scooted back to his original spot. "I didn't know, either. It just seems like it'd be a good experience, you know?"
I nodded. "I know. Sorry I couldn't get the dinner option, though. It would've been too expensive."
"It's fine, Wise Girl," he sent me a grin, that suddenly faltered after a second. "Wait. How much did this cost exactly?"
I bit the inside of my cheek, and looked everywhere except his face. "Uh, not that much."
"How. Much?" He questioned, cupping my cheek to turn my head, and I made direct eye contact with him.
"Only $68," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. He bit his lip, and opened his mouth to say something, but I interrupted him. "Don't you dare tell me to not waste any money on you, when you spent gods' know how much on my fourteenth birthday. You are so lucky I didn't buy the dinner."
He pursed his lips, and let his hands fall from my face. "Fine." I sighed in relief. "But, it's my treat for wherever we'd go afterwards."
I tried to not let my frustration clearly show, "Percyyy." I complained, drawling out his name.
He grinned at me cheekily, "You're welcome."
I glared at him, and crossed my arms, "I hate you."
"You love me," he popped another marshmallow in his mouth.
I rolled my eyes, "You wish."
Dear Wise Girl,
It was the day before I was going to start my sophomore year at Goode High School, and I was notready or prepared, at all. The stress and nerves of starting a new term at a new school were finally catching up at me, and I fought the urge to throw something across the room. But, of course, I just had to procrastinate even more, by reading Percy's "Open This When...You Attend Goode," letter. It helped me relax by giving a break, at least.
You're back in New York, I'm guessing? And you're going to attend Goode?
No duh.
That's great! I'm glad that your parents didn't separate you from us, and make you attend this prestigious and private high school, that will only give you the best education possible. You know, the type where you'd have this sophisticated uniform, and scoff down on us peasants.
My nose scrunched with distaste. Thank the gods that they didn't do that. Otherwise I'd have to argue and fight with them, which I really don't have the energy to do. Besides, if I turned into the type of person that would think that they were better than everyone else, just because they have a higher education, then feel free to slap some sense into me.
I know you wouldn't do that, but still. It can very much happen.
You would love Goode, by the way. It's a pretty okay school. (Although, I can't really say much, since I hate school in general, but...it's alright, I guess.) Some people are really nice, some are annoying, and a lot of them are just there. Like, there's nothing bad about them, but you just don't happen to get close to them. It's weird to explain.
I felt my nerves calm down, a bit. That's good, I thought. And, yeah. I get what you mean.
It's usually like that everywhere, though, but oh well. The teachers I had were fairly nice, but I can't really say much for every single teacher. Apparently some are not that great, but I don't know. I've heard things, and I hope that I'll never be in their class.
I found myself slowly start to worry again. What if the teachers hate me? What if I do horrible in their classes? What if they're horribly strict, and give so much homework that I can't even finish? What if I fail? What if I'd have to redo the entire grade, again? What if—
You'd do fine, so stop worrying. Don't be illogical, now.
I tried to not immediately throw the letter somewhere far away, or burn it. It's starting to get quite scary at how well Percy knows me and my antics.
The teachers would love you (as always), and the people would either like you, or just not care. (I don't mean this in a rude way. I just mean that people are so caught up in their own lives and their own group of friends, that they don't really bother with anyone else. They're still decent people, though, who are polite enough.)
Well, okay then. That's good, I guess. It's better than everyone being rude, obnoxious, and self-centered.
By the way, there aren't any of those typical "shoving weaklings into lockers," or "everyone stopping what they were doing to stare at the popular people, who, themselves, are already a walking, talking cliché," scenarios that people usually think happen in high school. (Thank the gods for that. Otherwise, I would've gone insane by now, and probably would've gotten expelled.)
I slowly let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Thankfully, the school back in San Francisco wasn't horribly like a movie, too, so it's relieving to know that Goode is similar. Just like Percy, and probably everyone else, I most likely would've severely hurt someone.
I don't even know if there's a "popular group," too? Like, sure there are the people that pretty much everyone knows, but they aren't conceited and spoiled, or anything? They're actually quite nice, and they're really smart? It's weird.
Weird, but good. I don't know if I could handle the schools in movies and shows. They seem really frustrating and shallow, and I wouldn't fit in, at all.
There aren't really any cliques, too? Like, there's no group that you just know are "geeks" and "nerds," and that one other group classified as "goths," or something? Everyone's just hanging out with their own cluster of friends, and they aren't all grouped under one stereotype? I'm actually really surprised, and relieved. Maybe we're evolving as a community. Or maybe the movies inaccurately portrayed school. Or maybe our school's just different. Either way, I was—and still am—extremely thankful.
Me too. I worried so much before freshmen year started, and all of that was for nothing.
People also don't really care about new people, by the way. Maybe it's because they're not sure if it's just someone who's never been in their class before, or maybe they just don't care. Either way, no one would pick on you for being new, and no teacher would force you to introduce yourself in front of everyone, unless the entire class did it, or something.
(Besides, if anyone were to tease you, or make you uncomfortable, just tell us, and we'll beat them up. Thalia already has quite the reputation in the school, and Beckendorf is apparently intimidating. We got this, even if you can take care of yourself. You got this.)
I smiled, and felt this warm, fluttery feeling in my stomach. Thank you.
In addition, there are no couples practically swallowing each other's faces in the hallway, 24/7. Do you have any idea how relieved I was?
I let out a sigh of relief. Thank the gods. I don't know if I can handle any more excessive PDA.
Like, sure you'd see the occasional couple making out, but it doesn't happen as often? Or maybe I just so happen to be in the right place, at the right time, but EITHER WAY I am tremendously happy.
I would be, too.
There are still couples, though. (There's no avoiding those.) They just do mild things, like holding hands or hugging. (You do not want to be around Silena, when that happens. The huge grin she gets on her face is unsettling, sometimes, and if she sees some adorable promposal...oh gods. The squeal she lets out is deafening.
I visibly shuddered. I've experienced Silena in her fangirl-mode one too many times, and that's enough to scar someone for a lifetime.
Katie and Juniper can get just as bad, sometimes. [Some of the others also get hyped up on these type of things, but they just won't admit it. *cough* Grover, Connor, and Travis. *cough*])
I quietly laughed. I always knew that they were secret romantics, at heart.
Okay, before we delve too into this topic, let's move on.
Yes, please. That would be beneficial for our sanity.
I included a small map of the school in the envelope, by the way.
"What?" I whispered to myself.I double-checked the envelope, and sure enough, there was an extra piece of paper in there.
They usually give them on the first day of school to anyone who needs them, but I figured you'd want to examine the school before you go inside for the first time. (I would say that I kept mine all the way from the first day of school just to give to you now, but...we all know that that's a lie. To be honest, I took a spare one from the office.
...And asked Juniper to keep another one just in case...
[In the end, I had to use hers.
I smiled against my will, and fondly shook my head. Of course that would happen, but hey. It's the thought that counts. I still appreciate it, nonetheless.
I don't think you would've appreciate a crumpled piece of paper, with some parts missing, and mysterious stains appearing in random places.])
It would've been better than nothing, at least. Just as long as it's legible, and not entirely disgusting, then I'm good.
She wasn't too surprised when I asked her for the extra copy. I don't know how I'm supposed to feel about that.
Well, you were always known for losing things, and for just being horribly messy and disorganized in general, so...
Okay, yeah I get that I'm not exactly the neatest person around, but come on! It's not exactly the newest news, so... I'm just contradicting myself now, aren't I?
Yes.
Dam it. I should've known. This always happens. I'm well aware that I'm messy, but there's no need to actually agree with me!
Now you're just not making sense.
I mean...well...I actually don't know what I mean. It sounded much better in my mind, and it actually made sense. I don't know what happened in between the thought process, and actually putting it down onto paper, but I do know that something horrendous must've happened.
It happens with everyone, so it's okay. Ideas always sound much better when it's in the head.
Okay. You know what? I'll just accept the fact that I'm a really lazy person, who's always messy, and I'm proud of it!
You shouldn't be proud of that type of stuff, but it's something, at least.
(I'm really not proud of it, but shh... No one needs to know that... Maybe if I pretend that this type of behaviour is intentional, then nobody will be aware that I can't actually control my laziness, or fix it.
Then you'll just seem like a bad student, and an even worse person.
Like, it's not my fault I have ADHD, and can't sit still for more than a couple minutes! It's not my fault that I can't concentrate for long, and would end up daydreaming for who knows how long! It's not my fault I can't control what I'm going to say nine-tenths of the time! Sure some people can control their ADHD much better, and sure some people have it worse, but...yeah... Add in my dyslexia, and you have the recipe for one of the worse students ever.
Exactly. Teachers always think that you just don't care, when really, you just can't. They should try to actually understand the situation, instead of jumping to conclusions.
[Sorry for ranting, by the way.
It's okay. I always told you that I'd be here and would listen, if you ever want to rant about anything.
I know it's not really relevant to the purpose of this letter, but when is it ever?])
I softly smiled. Very true. It's to be expected, really.
Anyways! Should I explain to you the basics of Goode?
Sure?
I'll do so anyways, since I don't really know what your answer is. Mind you, I'm horrible at explaining, so don't expect much.
Okay, so, there are eight classes in a day, that usually last around 40–50 minutes each. You get your schedule in your homeroom class, and you find out your homeroom class from these lists that are posted somewhere. We'll show you.
My eyebrows knitted. That's different.
Everyone has the same lunch times, so you don't have to worry about sitting alone, or having to sit with strangers, or anything.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
If you don't happen to have one of our friends in the class you have before lunch, then someone would come find you. (Hopefully, at least one of us has a class with you before that, so they can meet up with you, or something.)
Okay. You're doing a fairly okay job at explaining so far, so that's good.
Besides, if anything, phones are always a thing, and we can call, text, or something. There's no need to worry.
I looked exasperatedly at the paper. I'm going to worry either way.
I think those are the basics. The other pieces of information aren't too important. Okay, now we're moving on to events!
Goode literally goes all out, when it comes to special holidays. Like, there's no limits to the decorations, and they would host a bunch of different activities on those days/weeks. For example, during Christmas, they'd put a tree in the atrium, and hang lights everywhere. On Halloween, they'd have a haunted house in the gym, and have fake creatures (ex. witches, skeletons, etc.) everywhere in the school. (Even during Valentine's Day, they go all out. *insert vomiting noise here* It's like Aphrodite's dream, during that week. I guess you can just find out the horror for yourself. *innocently, and yet cynically, smiles*)
I shuddered. If Percy's telling the truth, and not overreacting, then I am in severe trouble.
They also have "dances" on those days, and they would occasionally revolve around a theme. I'd estimate that there are around four to five dances a year that are available for all grades to attend, and some are for specific grades, only. I don't know how our school can afford for that many dances to occur, but they can. It's also weird because people actually want to go? Like, what? And they can sell out all of their tickets, and I've heard that the dances are actually quite nice?
I rose an eyebrow, not really believing him. Really? That's surprising. Usually high school dances are of horrible quality and not successful, at all. Sure some people would still want to go for the experience, but to always sellout?That's rare.
(If you haven't already guessed, I've never actually been to any of the dances. One time I was sick, another time I was too busy, and for all the others...well...I couldn't actually bother to go. I can be doing something much more better and productive than attending those things.
My eyebrow furrowed in pity. You're starting to turn into my old, bitter self. You used to be so enthusiastic...so full of life... What happened?
But I've heard good things from everyone else, though! So that should count for something.)
Also, the school would sell candy grams that you can buy for whoever you'd want to, and these people would deliver them during homeroom. (The candy grams actually taste good, which is shocking.
I smirked slightly. How would you know that? Did someone buy you some?
Before you go all Silena on me, I'll have you know that our FRIENDS were the ones who bought me candy grams. And I totally did not steal some from others, when they weren't looking. *innocently looks around the room* Not at all.)
I let out a soft exhale. Sure you didn't. Why am I not surprised?
*coughs* I should just end this letter off, right here. I shouldn't give away too much information now. You want some aspects of Goode to be a surprise, no?
Uh, no surprises would be ideal. You know I hate surprises, so why is that even a question?
Now you get to suffer being like a freshman, all over again.
Oh gods. Please, no.
Except, you know, you wouldn't have to worry about fitting in, or anything, because you have us! And now you just have to wait and see. ;) Good luck.
Sincerely,
Your Seaweed Brain
I actually know what I'll do for the next two chapters, so I'll try to get those up sooner. Sorry for the huge time skip, but the next chapter would be Halloween! Also, if you didn't see, I already added in the reviews for the previous chapter, so...yeah...