This chapter is a little long, but it is extremely, extremely, extremely important to this story. Please read.
"I've come to make lunch," the lying fairy said as she walked into our dorm, without permission might I add. "I'll be posting it on my blog, so let's have a good time cooking together." But Sam, Jeremy, and I were relaxing on the couch, doing whatever. She had a huge bag of groceries that looked pretty disgusting.
"Go back!" I shout at her. "Can we even cook with you?"
"Come on, it'll be fun. Plus, we can bond." I snorted.
"Who would want to bond with you? Besides your little fan club. If you think that I want to, I suggest you go to the hospital because something is definitely wrong with you." I rolled my eyes as her face turned beet red, but returned to normal as she said her next sentence.
"Is it all right...even if I post about Andrew in my blog?" We all stopped what we were doing and looked up at her. That evil little...
We had no choice but to make some stupid lunch. All she wanted to do was post it on her idiotic website. I was chopping onions halfheartedly with only one hand, almost falling asleep while doing so. Sam was spinning around a spoon in a pot full of tomato sauce while he yawned and leaned over on the counter. Jeremy was peeling some lettuce, which we didn't need, but I think that he's just trying to avoid Rachel's demands.
"Hey, can't you try to look a little happier?" she asked.
"Unlike someone, we're very honest people." She walked over to Jeremy and slammed her hand on the counter, making him jump.
"Go cut some ingredients." He didn't budge. "Now!" And he left, running. She strut over to Sam and taste some of the tomato sauce he was 'trying so hard' to make. "Ew. This doesn't taste good." When she left, I could hear him whisper, "She's rotten."
She ran up behind me and wrapped her arm around me. "Do you want me to help?" she tried asking cutely, but I had a knife in my hand and held it up for her to see.
"I have a knife in my hand." She backed off.
When we finished, Jeremy set down the pasta that we had made in front of her.
"Please go ahead," he said, nonchalantly.
"Well, somehow it looks edible. Thanks for the food. Jeremy, take a picture of me eating it."
"Of course." Jeremy walked over to Sam and I and whispered, "I dumped a bunch of salt in there." He was grinning and Sam was too.
"Me too. I used mustard." I almost couldn't contain my laughter.
"Don't tell me, Percy put something in there too," Jeremy said, as the two turned to look at me, but I turned away, grinning evilly.
We watched hopefully as Rachel picked up the fork that was in the pasta and scooped up a heap of noodles. I was about to laugh when I heard something.
"I'm back!" It was Andrew. Silently cursing, I watch as Rachel put the fork back down in her dish and waited till Annabeth got there. Jeremy and Sam were very disappointed too, causing Jeremy to roll his eyes and Sam to put his hand up to his face.
"Rachel? Why are you here?" Annabeth asked. And I got a really bad feeling about something.
"We're making lunch together," she answered. "But for some reason, my stomach suddenly started to hurt." She got up and walked over to Annabeth. "Andrew, could you eat this for me?" Uh, oh.
No, no, no, no! I wanted to scream. Rachel must have figured it out! No!
All of us face her in horror as we watched Annabeth accept and sat down in front of the pasta.
"Thanks for the food!" And she lifted up her fork. I really wanted to do something, but what? I'm not going to eat that! What if Rachel doesn't know that it's poisoned? She'll be all like, 'What did you put in there?' Oh, gods.
But suddenly, Jeremy ran over and sat down next to Annabeth, quickly taking the fork away from her mouth.
"I'll eat it. I really like pasta." He took the fork and held it up, the pasta sitting nicely on it. His voice was shaking when he said that, like he was crying, and looked at Sam and I with a crying face on. The both of us looked away, shaking. Oh gods, that must taste nasty.
Then, he shot up and clutched his throat, falling back on the couch. His eyes directed towards me and he silently plead for help.
"Percy..." he begged. I bit my lip and turned behind a pillar to whisper to Sam. Taking out something from my pocket, I whispered, "I put in a whole tube of wasabi." Sam chuckled nervously.
"It's that bad?" Annabeth asked Jeremy, who was still cradling himself on the couch.
"Looks like it was a failure," he answered in a very soft voice. Sam and I bent down to comfort him. But the fake fairy had to ruin everything.
"Even though you spent so much time on it. What a pity." Okay, I was ready to punch this girl. She's really annoying the Hades out of me. I shot her a glare and Sam whispered, "We should do something to honor Jeremy for his sacrifice."
"Let's try once more. This time, something not disgusting." Annabeth shot up from her seat, idea in mind.
"Then, to get rid of the taste, I'll make something." She walked into the kitchen to get the supplies to make...pancakes? During the afternoon? Isn't that a little strange?
"Are you serious?" I asked her. She nodded, pouring the batter into the pan.
"It was my dad's special pancakes. They taste delicious and will wash out the taste of whatever you guys made." I pursed my lips, eyes looking annoyed. Well, this has got to be good.
Sam's POV
Poor Jeremy. I can't believe that he'd sacrifice his taste buds to stop Annabeth from eating that horrible and disgusting dish. Good thing she was able to rid the taste with something she's making. At least, that's what she says.
I watch as she carefully looks at the bottom on the pan, spatula in one hand. Then, she flipped it over.
"Whoa! Andrew's good at it!" Jeremy exclaimed. She smiled, but Percy seemed unimpressed.
"What's with that self-satisfied look.?Anyone can do that." She put her hands on her hips gesturing Percy to come over and gave him the spatula.
"Then you come and try it." He stood up high and mighty, rolling up his sleeves.
"That's easy. I'll show you how it's done." He then walked over to the pan and breathed out. "Right." Then, carefully put the spatula under the pancake. And flipped it up high into the air. "AH!" he shouted as it flew backwards.
But before it was able to hit the ground, Jeremy had a plate and it happened to land right on that. Suddenly, Annabeth started to laugh.
"Percy's so cool!"
"It's the spatula's fault, the spatula!" he yelled, embarrassed
"Then buy a new spatula, Percy," Jeremy teased. I looked at them, full of envy. Her smiling face. I don't think I've ever seen it like that when she was with me...
Rachel's POV
I sat down on the couch, watching them in the kitchen. What does she think she's doing, trying to ruin our lunch. But that's when I saw Sam's sad expression.
He was staring at them. His eyes were sad and he didn't smile like he usually does.
"I see." And then, the best idea popped up in my head. That magazine that I saw was in my purse and I took it out. With a bad intention, I walk over.
"Sam, I read the new article." He immediately looked surprised and everyone stopped what they were doing. "The part about your dates was so real and interesting. Why don't you start dating for real?" All of their faces turned grim and I knew I reached a touchy subject. But I'm the Rachel Elizabeth Dare. No one, I mean no one, can tell me what to do. "The 2 of you are well-matched too." Sam's head was turned away while I received a glare from Percy. But that's Percy's glare. I'm use to it, so it doesn't have an effect on me. I actually kind of like it. It's hot.
"Rachel, please stop that," Andrew asked. "Sam already has someone he likes." Everyone's eyes darted to him as he whipped his head upward. "Right?"
"Eh?" I ask with fake enthusiasm. "Really?" We all turned to him and he shifted uncomfortably. Then, he made up an excuse.
"I bought some really delicious tea. I'll go and get it." And he quickly left, leaving everyone there confused and worried.
They all looked down the hall to see if he was all right, but me...I just smiled. This is working perfectly.
Sam's POV
I hate her. I officially hate her. Can't she just stop bugging us? I've never disliked someone as much as her before. Never.
Opening my car door, I look at all the stuff that was in there while I searched for the teas. A bass, bags, stands. The usual. And as I got the tea, I notice a bag right next to it. I took out what was inside of it and it turned out to be a shoe box. And inside that box was wrapping paper. Along with the pair of gladiator sandals that I had bought Annabeth.
I could remember that day like it happened yesterday. It was so long ago, though, but it's still so vivid.
"How cute..." she had said over the phone on mistake. And when I went to take a look at what she was looking at, inside a glass display, was a pair of silver gladiator sandals.
That day, it had hurt me. A lot. But I decided not to look back, especially when Rachel knows.
"Sam."
Rachel's POV
I decided to take a look on Sam. I mean, there has to be a reason on why he left in such a hurry. Too bad that I already know why. I'm checking up on him for another reason.
I walk over to the entrance to the dorms and found his car parked there, with him looking through the contents. But he picked something up. A silver gladiator sandal. Ah, I see...
"Sam," I call for him. He quickly put the contents back into the box, but I could see it, no matter how hard he tries to cover it up. I continue on with what I was saying. "Andrew is really dense. It's quite astounding." I knew that I had hit him with the wrong words because he stopped what he was doing for a second. "If you leave it like this, Andrew and Percy may really get closer to each other." He shut the door behind him, about to leave, until I said that. He didn't look at me straight in the eye, but I could tell he was listening. "Being the good guy to the end...That's the saddest way to end a story."
He glared at me, stone hard, but I just kept smiling. It's not intimidating me at all. And he left without another word.
Annabeth's POV
I was just putting the finishing touches on the pancakes when my phone starts to ring. I carefully set down the plates and took the phone out of my pocket. It's Rachel.
"Yes?"
"Could you come here for a second?"
Sam's POV
I smiled as Jeremy dug into the pancake that Annabeth had made.
"This is so good!" he yelled. Percy was eating too and I could see the small smile form on the corner of his lips. That's good. But that's when I hear multiple feet come in.
"Wait, what's this?" Annabeth asked Rachel as she dragged her into the living room. I turned around, not expecting much, but that's when I see Annabeth's feet. She is wearing the silver gladiator sandals. I immediately shot up from the couch and look at the both of them in horror. Rachel grinned.
"The shoes were in Sam's car. They fit Andrew perfectly. Why don't you show him with the shoes on, Andrew?" I clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. I could feel the anger boil inside of me. They were all staring at me. Everyone.
"I'm so sorry, Sam!" Annabeth yelled. "I didn't know! I'll take them off right now." And she began to take them off her feet.
"Sam, tell me, whose are these?" Rachel asked. Percy was right. She is as horrible on the outside as she is on the inside.
I kept staring at the floor. Why would Rachel do something like this?
My blinking was rapid and my whole body was shaking.
"I'm sorry, Sam," Annabeth repeated again. Jeremy walked up to me. Still, I didn't move.
"Are you alright, Sam?"
I whispered in a quivering voice, "I should've thrown them away earlier. Annabeth, please throw them away." And I stormed off.
"Sam!" I could hear her run after me.
Percy's POV
I could see how shaken up Sam was. And that was the last straw.
"Get out! Now!" I yell at Rachel. I threw her her bag and she stumbled. "Don't come here again! Never!" She stood up and straightened out her blouse.
"Is it all right for you to speak like this? I will tell the truth about Andrew-" But I cut her off.
"Do as you like! It'll expose your true nature as well. I don't care anymore. Just leave. Leave and never come back." She bit her lip, scared that I had refused her threat. "No matter what happens to A.J, I'll do anything to protect it." And I stormed over to her and grabbed her wrist, pulling her outside with me.
"Let's go!"
"Wait! Let go of me!"
Jeremy's POV
"To protect Annabeth, I will also do anything." I look at the shoes that were left on the ground. "Those shoes must have been a present for the girl Sam likes." My gaze fell back to where Percy and Rachel exited. "That Rachel is the worst!"
Sam's POV
I walked as fast as I could to my car, opened the door, and got in. But I couldn't find myself to turn on the engine and just drive away. That's running away. I don't want to do that.
I didn't have to because a few seconds later, Annabeth appeared by the window tapped it. She opened the door to talk to me. "I'm sorry, Sam. Is there anything I can do?" I thought about it, taking a few seconds before I could ask her something.
"Will you come with me, just for a while?" She nodded.\
"Okay."
Percy's POV
I kept a firm grasp on Rachel's wrist as I lead her out of the dorms. But when we finally reached my car, I saw another one passing by. Inside, was Sam and Annabeth.
I watched carefully as the two of them drove off. Rachel brought me out of my thoughts about what happened.
"Something might really happen between the 2 of them." I gulped and tsked. Then, left, leaving Rachel by herself.
Rachel's POV
When he left, I couldn't see why he cares.
"What is this? Everyone's going, 'Andrew, Andrew'."
When Percy was fully out of my point of view, my countenance softened.
"Why...can't it be me?"
Percy's POV
I stormed in angrily into the kitchen and stopped because I saw the magazine article that Rachel had with her. I picked it up and started to read it. There were a few things that popped out.
First Kiss
What I like about Sam
My face cringed.
Sam's POV
I brought her over to a bridge and leaned on the railing. The horizon was beautiful today and the sky was a nice reddish-orangery color. Annabeth stood next to me.
"Those shoes were very important...I'm sorry." I decided to forgive her though.
"No...I'm just ashamed for keeping them and not giving them to the girl I like."
"You shouldn't feel that. I...think it's a wonderful thing."
"Hm?" She stared out into the sunset, with intelligence in her eyes.
"In this whole wide world, being able to meet someone whom you cherish and fall in love with...Even if it becomes...something painful..." I turned to face her. "That's why...I can't explain it well. I think it will be good if you tell her how you feel." She gave me a huge smile. "Please find the courage to do so! If it's you, I'm sure it'll be fine." I chuckle and put my hand up to her head.
"That's right. I have to find the courage." And I put my hand pack to the side of my body, looking out at the sea. The small waves were glistening with the sun's brightness. It was like watching lights flashing threw precious gem stones. Absolutely beautiful. "Annabeth." She stared at me. "Actually, my parents are worried after reading the reports."
"I see."
"Mr. McKenzie and I will be going to meet them, and explain everything to them. Although it's a bit far away, will you come with us?" She nodded happily.
"Of course I will. If I can help you in this matter." I gave her a grin.
"Thank you."
"It's nothing." And we continued to watch the sunset together.
Percy's POV
Flipping through the article, I couldn't help but shout out things I mean to keep in. I also cringed throughout the whole thing, and that says a lot.
Reading out loud, it said, "I reserved a restaurant with a beautiful night view for the evening and we had dinner together." My foot started to shake in annoyance. I continued to read. "Our first kiss was at a park at night." My voice raised when I read that and I sat up, even more annoyed.
"Gods, it really sounds realistic." I scoff at the article and threw it on the ground. "What is this?" I let out a big breath that I didn't know I was holding in. "Come to think of it, where did those two go?" I took out my cell phone and began to dial Annabeth's number, but then, stopped.
"But it's annoying if she thinks I'm bothered by it too." So I put the cell phone back, only to find myself staring at it more. "Gods!" And I dialed her number.
I could hear a small ringing coming from the hall. It was in Annabeth's room. I crept in and found that her phone was at her bedpost, charging.
"Really, that fellow..." I was about to leave when something caught my eye. It was a red envelope with a picture inside. The picture was mostly covered so I couldn't see anything, but it was definitely a photograph. Peeking out into the hall to see if anyone was there, I went back in and picked it up. A feeling of dread washed over me as I did so. And so I slowly began taking the picture out of the envelope.
I was halfway there when I was startled by the sudden outburst made by Jeremy in the living room. As quickly as I could, I stuffed the picture back into the envelope, placed it on her desk, and ran out the door, but down the hall, were the rest of A.J. I took the door knob and as gently as possible, I closed it and tip toed across the hallway into my room.
Whoa. That was close.
Jeremy's POV
"Where have you guys been?" I asked the two when they finally got home.
"Sorry, "apologized Sam. "We went for a drive. Right?" Annabeth nodded.
"That's right."
"Oh, is that so?" I turned around so they couldn't see my talking to myself. "A drive with just the 2 of them? But then, Sam has someone he likes, so it's all right. Then, I have to do my best. Go for it, go for it!" I coughed, changing my voice to make it sound deeper and turned around, looking at the ground as tough as I could. "Annabeth, why don't we go out together next time? I'll take you on a grown-up date..." But when I looked back up, they were both gone.
Back to my normal voice. "She's not here!" I throw myself face first into the pillows on the couch. "It's hopeless."
Percy's POV
Annabeth crept into my room while I was working on the arrangement.
"Percy, it's late." I took a sip of my water bottle as she walked up to me and said, "Um, I will be going to Sam's family home tomorrow." And I just happen to choke on the water I was drinking. When I composed myself, I turned to face her.
"Sam's family home? Why?"
"We will be going with Mr. McKenzie to explain about the newspaper article." I tried to interfere.
"There's no need for you to go that far. Leave it to Mr. McKenzie." I turned back to continue my work.
"I can't do that. I was the cause of all these troubles." My face twisted.
"You don't get it at all."
"What do you mean?" I shot her a glare.
"That's what I mean. You're so full of yourself even though you don't understand anything." Her expression maddened.
"I'm not full of myself. I'm just worried for Sam." I shot up from my chair.
"I said that's none of your business! You busybody!" I ran over to pick up the magazine article on the ground and brought it over to her. "First of all, what's with this happy article? Are you an idiot? Even your first kiss..." My eyes narrowed. "Talking about kissing, did you..."
"That was because the question was asked, so Sam gave a suitable answer." I look at her angrily and unfolded the article, reading something with a fake, girly voice.
" 'What I like about Sam is that he's kind and he seems to be able to grant all my wishes.'"
"I didn't say it like that! But it's true that Sam really is kind." I went back to the article and read in my normal voice:
" 'I want to see the biggest star in the universe.' This wish by Annabeth will also definitely be fulfilled someday."
"That's..." I scoffed.
"You even told him something like that?"
"We had a conversation about something like "What if your wish can come true?... Sam remembered it..."
"I really dislike frivolous people! Don't forget that you're Andrew!" I knew that I had hit a bad spot because her face became angry and red.
"Even if you don't remind me, I won't forget!" I crumpled up the article and threw it into the trash.
"I'm going to sleep. Get out."
Annabeth's POV
I stormed out of Percy's room and sat down in mine. I could still remember what Percy had said a while ago.
"It's okay for you to like me. You have my permission." He had said that. He said that it was okay if I like him. I'm allowed to.
'Mother Superior, I was wrong in thinking that I had gotten a little closer to the star called Percy. Even though I knew it couldn't have been so easy. I also have a secret from Percy.' I looked over to the red envelope on my desk. This is the worst day ever.
Percy's POV
I click on the box and it appeared on my screen.
100 points!
Sam's POV
We grabbed our luggage and followed Mr. McKenzie into the airport the next day. While we were in the parking lot, he stopped all of a sudden.
"Sorry, I suddenly received some work that I can't get away from." We both looked at him in surprise. "I'm sorry. The 2 of you go ahead. Here, the tickets." He handed me the two tickets to our destination. "Then, I'll leave it to you." Mr. McKenzie walked away. I looked at Annabeth, the both of us confused, but began to make our ways to the terminal.
Percy's POV
I kept working on the 'Miss You' arrangement and glanced at the clock. Those two should be heading off by now. Something outside the recording studio caught my eye. It's Mr. McKenzie.
I quickly hurried out to meet him.
"Hey! Why are you here? You didn't go to Sam's family home?" He shook his head.
"You don't get it, kiddo." I'm confused. "I let Annabeth and Sam go by themselves. This is an adult's discretion."
Oh my gods.
I sat down in one of the chairs in the hallway of the studio. My hands were folded and my head lowered.
"She can do as she pleases. It has nothing to do with me." Rachel's words echoed in my head.
"Something might really happen between the 2 of them." I rubbed my hands together.
"No. Is this really okay?" And then, that memory of Luke came back to me.
"Percy!" Turning, I see Luke running up to me. His face was stern, but gradually turned into a playful smile. I look at him, confused with why he's smiling like that.
He placed one of his hands on my shoulder and looked at me, straight in the eye. Then, told me something that I will not forget.
"If you don't hold onto the angel tightly, she will fly away." He left without saying another word.
That sentence. That one sentence encouraged me to do something that I will never forget about. And so I shot up from my seat and ran out the building.
Sam's POV
The both of us sat down by the entrance to our plane. Annabeth seemed a little sullen and dazed, sighing heavily.
"What's wrong, Annabeth?" I ask her. "You look down."
"That's not true. I'm fine." But I already knew something that had to do with it.
"Did something happen with Percy?" She shook her head.
"Nothing." I smile and look straight.
"It's okay. You don't have to pretend in front of me." She still didn't say anything. Something popped into my head. It's one question I'm not so sure about. "Annabeth."
"Yes?" I breath out.
"Why don't we date for real?" She looked alarmed and quickly sat up.
"But we both have someone else we like..."
"Annabeth, the person you like...Does he really understand you? Does he cherish you?" She didn't say anything, which probably meant that something did happen yesterday. "If it were me, I'd cherish you...more than anyone else. What if we start over?"
"Start over?"
"Can't you love me? I will love you. Because the one I like...is you. Annabeth." She whipped around to face me.
"What?"
"There isn't anyone else whom I like. Actually, I wanted to tell you how I felt at that restaurant...But I wasn't able to." I stood up with my luggage. "I'm not asking you to answer me right now. If you're willing to give me a little of your heart, it'll be a start. I have already started. Can you try...liking me?" She was too speechless to say anything, so I said it for her. "I'll go first. If you want to start with me, please come. If you accept my feelings...I will wait for you."
I gave her her ticket and walked off, toward the plane. Alone...again.
Annabeth's POV
I had no idea. I really had no idea. But watching Sam walk off was...painful. It was really painful. He had given me part of his heart, but I had no idea.
I looked back down at my ticket and recollect all those things that Sam has done for me. The pictures for the orphanage, when I got a cut, when he showed me his secrets, the time where he hid those tears away from everyone else. He's always been so kind to me.
'Mother Superior, my heart hurts. Percy is a faraway star that's out of my reach. But Sam...he has always been by my side.' This is agonizing. Then, the PA announced, "Passengers taking the 1:55 pm flight, flight number 25, to Minnesota, this is the last boarding call. Please proceed immediately to gate B5." My eyes were closed, but they fluttered open.
"I've made my decision." But before I could leave, I heard something else over the PA.
"Attention, please. Pig-Rabbit, Pig-Rabbit." Pig-Rabbit? "Please look at the sky from the nearest window." There was a huge glass window behind me, where I could see people looking up, confused with the message. But I go it.
Running over to the window, I stare up at the bright, blue sky. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Until I caught a plane drawing a single line with its smoke. The another. And more. The all connected, piece by piece.
My mouth dropped open when I figured out what it was. In the sky, was a star.
" 'I want to see the biggest star in the universe.' This wish by Annabeth will also definitely be fulfilled someday." And I looked out the window.
"Percy."
Sam's POV
I walk towards my gate and hand a lady my ticket. Then, I hear footsteps behind me, running. Excitedly, I turned around.
Maybe, just maybe, she did come this time. She might actually see me this time.
Percy's POV
Standing in the parking lot, I stare up at the sky. I had asked one pilot that I knew if he was able to draw a star for me in the sky. And there it was.
But the wind was slowly pushing it away, dwindling by the second. Then, it was gone.
I chuckle bitterly and nervously. "Did she still leave?" And I turned to walk towards my car. I knew not to push my luck. It didn't work. She's probably already on the plane with Sam.
"Percy!" I stopped right where I was, eyes wide and heart fluttering. My mind was racing and I couldn't control this one feeling. When I turned around, running across the parking lot, with a huge smile on her face, was none other than Annabeth.
"Annabeth..."
Sam's POV
I turned around. But my heart sank when I realize that it wasn't Annabeth.
"It's time for the plane to leave," the attendant said. I tried to smile.
"I understand." And walked into the plane.
I should have known. She didn't come. She didn't meet me. Just like the last time.
Percy's POV
I stand still, still too shocked to realize that Annabeth was running my way. When she reached me, a huge smile plastered onto her face.
"The biggest star in the universe. I'm really, really happy!" I chuckle.
"But it disappeared almost immediately." She shook her head.
"But in my heart, it will never disappear." I held my head up high and smiled, pursing my lips.
"After all, I did get 100 points, didn't I?" She was speechless.
"How do you-" But I had already began to walk toward her. When I was right in front of her, I open up my arms wide and pulled her in for a big hug, wrapping my arms around her waist. I couldn't hide a giant smile from forming on my mouth. My lips were right next to her ear, making whispering really easy.
"Annabeth. I give you 100 points too. Listen carefully, because I'll only say this once." My heart was beating loud and clear, but I didn't care. I finally have the courage to say what I've wanted to. I can now say it because of her instead of constantly hiding it. I've learned to trust my heart.
I slowly lift my head a little upward. My nose was by her hair and my lips right next to her ear. And I whispered those three, soft words that I didn't know I've been holding in.
"I like you."
A confession! Please review! It took me a long time to type this chapter, but I'll do it for you guys because I know that you're awesome! Thanks for reading! Next chapter is important. Pretty much all the ones after this are. Sorry, changed my username once again...