**I don't have any time to add reviews/follows/favourites right now, and I'm not sure if I will continue to add them in the future. :( Maybe one day I'll be able to, but it takes too long, and yeah. Sorry!**
Summary of Chapter Thirty-Seven: Annabeth and friends talked to each other about what to do with Katie, and eventually came to a collective agreement to just let her be. There was a campfire, Katie and Travis came back, and Percy opened Annabeth's birthday present (which was tickets for the Empire State Building, and a Nemo plush). There was also a time-skip to the day before school started, and Annabeth opened Percy's, "Open This When...You Attend Goode," letter. It consisted of advice, reassurance, a map of the school, and all that good stuff.
Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson. Rick Riordan does. I also don't own the Avengers.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
(Annabeth's POV)
"Hello?" Someone knocked on my bedroom door, and it cracked open a bit. I looked up from doing my math homework, and Bobby's head peeped out of the small opening. Matthew's face wasn't too far behind, either. "May we come in?"
I gave them a suspicious look, as my pencil fell from my fingers and landed on my notebook. "Yes," I said hesitantly. "Why are you being so polite? What do you want?"
They both stepped into my room, and batted their puppy-dog eyes at me. However, their seemingly innocent persona and baby-like faces contrasted greatly against their Halloween costumes. They both decided to not have matching costumes this year, and Matthew was dressed as Iron Man, whereas Bobby was Thor. "Nothin'," Matthew replied.
I continued giving them a skeptical look, but eventually let the topic drop, "So, what brings you to my room?"
"Mommy told us to tell you that we're going to go trick-or-treating, now," Bobby said.
I looked at the time, and my eyebrows furrowed, "It's already almost seven o'clock. Aren't you supposed to start trick-or-treating around five?"
He shrugged. "They were busy then, and only have time to bring us, now."
I attempted to not let my sympathy show, but I probably failed, "You could've always asked me. I would've taken you."
They looked at me with doubt written on their faces, and I tried to not feel that guilty. Am I really that bad of a big sister to them? "You were also busy."
I looked down at my homework, and tucked a strand of hair behind my ears, "I have the entire weekend to do my homework, and you only have one day per year for Trick-or-Treating." I glanced back at them, and offered a weak smile.
Matthew pursed his lips, "Besides, you have that Halloween dance-thing. "My mouth formed a small "o." I might've forgot to include that small fact.
"With Percy," Bobby added, slightly smirking.
I ran a finger through my hair, and let out a loud exhale. "Not Percy, no. He's going with someone else." Apparently, for this particular Halloween Dance, our friends didn't really intend to go as one group, and instead, wanted to go in two's or three's. Although, in the end, we'd probably end up grouping again after a few minutes.
"Who?" He cocked his head to the side.
"Rachel," I replied, trying to keep my voice normal and levelled.
"Who's Rachel?" Matthew asked.
"Some girl," I shrugged, and let no interest whatsoever show through my facial expressions.
"So who are you going with?" He questioned.
"Jake," I said, indifferently.
"Who's Jake?" They pestered.
I sighed. "Some guy," I answered, vaguely.
"Bobby! Matthew!" My dad yelled from somewhere in the house. I let out a small sigh of relief, and silently thanked the gods for giving my dad such great timing. Now Bobby and Matthew don't have to continue interrogating me. "We're ready to go!"
"Hold on!" Bobby yelled back, and I tried to not flinch at the sudden loudness. "I guess we have to go now," he told me, much quieter this time.
I bit my lip, and held out my arms. "Come here," I told them.
Their eyes widened in unison, and they took a few timid steps away, "Uh, no thank you."
"Come here," I persisted, keeping my arms open. "I don't bite."
Begrudgingly, they both walked up to me and I tightly hugged them, even though it was slightly awkward, since I was still sitting on my bed. "You guys look amazing, by the way" I muttered, kissing them on the forehead. "The Avengers are proud to have you on their team."
I let them go, and they both stepped away from me, scowling. "Ew, gross," Matthew said, but he was still fighting a smile.
"Have fun!" I said cheerfully, waving them goodbye.
They gave me one final smile, before leaving to go downstairs. I looked again at my work, and was about to give up and put it away, when I heard small footsteps heading towards my room. I turned my head to look back at the door, and saw Bobby enter inside once more. "You can always join us Trick or Treating. We don't bite," He said mockingly, while flashing me a small grin.
I smiled back at him, a bit sadly. "I'd love to, but..." I sighed. "I have that dance, and I can't just not go, you know?"
His grin faltered for a bit, and my heart dropped. "It's okay, Annie-Beth," he smiled again, and I didn't have the energy to correct him. "We know." He waved me goodbye, and I waved back, with a half-hearted smile. He then walked back to wherever my dad was, while closing my door on his way out.
"What'd she say?" I heard Matthew ask him, in a small voice. Their voices were muffled due to the thick walls, but I still managed to hear them.
"She's not coming," Bobby replied.
"Oh," Matthew said, and his voice cracked for a second. My heart panged in sympathy, and it took a whole lot of self-restraint to not go back out there, tell them I was lying, and that of course I'd join them. But, of course, I didn't do that. Why? I don't know. "That's okay, I guess. She's busy."
"Yeah," Bobby sighed, "I know." I heard them walk away from my door, with their voices getting quieter with every step they take, until I couldn't hear them at all, anymore. I tightly closed my eyes, and I tried to not let out a frustrated scream when I heard the front door of our house open and close, meaning that they already left.
After a while, my breathing finally regulated, and I opened my eyes again. I looked back at the time and decided to start getting ready, since Jake was going to pick me up in fifteen minutes, at 7:45 pm. I lazily dragged my feet to my closet, opened it, and looked at my clothes, with my hands on my hips. I debated what I should be this Halloween for another minute, before I lost all care, and decided to put on regular clothes. If anyone asked, I could just say that I'm a fictional character, or something.
I threw my phone, wallet, keys, earphones, and any other essentials I needed, into a small sling bag, and made my way to leave the house, after making sure that all of the lights were turned off. Once I closed and locked the door behind me, I took a seat on the garden swing chair that was just sitting on our patio, and I made myself comfortable.
I looked around at my neighbourhood for a little bit, and smiled when I saw families walking with their children, going house-to-house, and exclaiming the usual, "Trick or Treat." This moment suddenly reminded me of this same exact time last year, when I was going to the Halloween Dance back in California. My eyes started to burn at the memory of San Francisco, and of all of the friends that I have left behind, so before I took a long, nostalgic trip down memory lane, I shook my head, and took out my phone to read a story, since I had nothing better to do.
I've only read one chapter of the story, when I realized that it was already 7:50 pm, and Jake was not here, yet. My eyebrows knitted with confusion, as I double-checked my previous texts to see if he told me any changed plans, or something. When I noted that, indeed, nothing was changed, I just let his lateness slide for a little bit, and continued reading my story. Maybe he was just naturally late for everything, like Percy.
It was only when I've read a few more chapters, and it was already 8:10 pm, that I realized that, 'Hey, maybe he's just not going to come.' The dance already started at eight, and Jake was still nowhere to be found. I wasn't exactly heart-broken or disappointed, per se. I didn't even fully know how I felt, but what I did know is that the emotions I'm feeling right now aren't exactly strong.
After a few more minutes passed, I decided to go back to my room, and find something other than homework to do. Maybe I can even catch up with my family, if it isn't too late. At this point, I don't really care if Jake decides to show up, or not. Whatever happens, happens.
When I finally entered my bedroom, I threw myself down onto my bed, and it took a lot to just not fall asleep right then and there. With great difficulty, I rolled over onto my side, and the jewellery box that Percy gave me for my birthday caught my eye. While grunting with the effort, I got up into a sitting position, and brought the box onto my lap. After I unlocked the box, I started leafing through the letters, in an attempt to find any that I can read at this moment. It didn't take long before I found, "Open This If...You Get Stood Up," which I rose an eyebrow at, as I opened it. Why is it an "if," and not a "when?" Surely it would've been bound to happen sometime.
Dear Wise Girl,
Okay, first of all, I'd just like to get something off of my chest.
*clears throat*
WHO ARE THEY? WHO STOOD YOU UP? I WILL FIND THEM, I WILL TRACK THEM DOWN, AND I WILL HURT THEM!
I started laughing a bit, at his protectiveness. There's no need for that. I can handle myself. I appreciate the concern, though.
(Okay, maybe not. I will give them a good talking-to, though. I'll even get some of our friends to rant to them, and trust me. It won't be pretty.)
I smiled. Gee, thanks. Now I feel sorry for the poor kid. Whatever shred of sanity he had before will all be gone, once our friends talk to him.
THEY WILL REGRET HAVING EVER STOOD YOU UP! THEY WILL REGRET NOT TAKING THEIR CHANCE WHEN YOU BECOME ALL FAMOUS AND STUFF! WHO KNOWS? YOU TWO COULD'VE HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL, BUT NOOOO! THEY THREW ALL THAT OUT OF THE WINDOW, ONCE THEY LEFT YOU!
I covered my mouth to stifle my laughter. Woah there. Whoever said anything about a future? I probably would've never even talked to him again, after today. I barely even know him, and I don't even fully know why I agreed to come with him to this dance.
IT'S THEIR LOSS! PSSH. YOU DON'T NEED THEM. YOU ARE AN INDEPENDENT YOUNG LADY WHO DON'T NEED NO SIGNIFICANT OTHER!
I snorted again, and didn't bother to muffle it, this time. Thank you.
YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR ROMANTIC STATUS! JUST JOIN THE HAPPILY FOREVER-ALONE CLUB CONSISTING OF ME, CONNOR, AND THALIA!
I slightly smirked. You're forever-alone now, huh? What about Rachel? You two seem to get along really well.
IT COMES WITH FREE T-SHIRTS, BUTTONS, AND FOOD! WHAT DO YOU SAY? *nudges you with my elbow* ARE YOU IN?
I'd love to join, thank you very much. Who can say no to free things? Besides, the club sounds lovely.
I'LL TAKE THAT AS A YES! WE'RE GLAD YOU JOINED US! YOU WON'T REGRET IT, I PROMISE!
*coughs*
Okay, moving on!
Good.
Are you in emotional pain right now? You better not be, or else that person who stood you up is going to have an even worse time. Did you like-like the person?
Nah. We were just acquaintances, and I wasn't looking for anything more than that.
Because if they really hurt you...all Hades will break loose. I, personally, would feel hurt, on your behalf. I would actually feel all the emotions you will feel.
I don't even know how I'm feeling, so good luck with that.
I hope you're alright. Call me, okay? Or text me. Whichever is more convenient. You might need some comfort and reassurance at this time of need.
I would've rolled my eyes at how inaccurate he was at guessing how I feel at this moment, but I knew that he had good intentions, so a fond smile found its way onto my face. You are being such a good friend, and I don't deserve you.
Do you think that you'd need ice cream, movies, tissues, etc., etc.? I mean, that type of stuff was originally reserved for the, "Open This When...You Get Heart-Broken," letter, but I guess the situations are fairly similar? Besides, it's always ice-cream-and-movie-marathon-time.
You do have a point there. If I say yes to the ice cream, it's only because I want it, and not that I actually need it. I'm not at that stage of grief, right now.
I'll stay with you, alright? Even if it's way past midnight, or something. I'd be willing to sacrifice sleep, if you need me. Besides, I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind if I stayed over.
But my parents might. Although, that is if they even notice that you're here...
We can have a sleepover! It's been too long since we last had one.
I pursed my lips. It has been a long time, hasn't it? Even if I'm not thinking from the point of time of when you wrote this letter, it has still been a while, in present time. We really should plan another one, soon.
(I'm writing this a few months after you moved to California, so obviously it's been a long time since our last sleepover. It's been a long time since I've seen you in real life. I still miss you, by the way. Even if we just Skyped a few hours ago, it's still not the same.)
I half-heartedly rolled my eyes. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm sure I missed you, too.
Then we can stay up late, and have deliriously deep conversations at four am.
Yeah, and deal with your crazy, sleep-deprived self? I don't think so. We can go sleep at a normal time.
Okay, sure we'd be essentially dead inside the next day, but oh well! It's a risk I'm willing to take. Then you can forget all about what's-their-name at that particular moment, and instead, focus on whether or not ducks would rule the world better than humans.
We do not need to be debating such things, right now.
(I, personally, think that they would, but I'm sure we'd have great discussions regarding these issues.)
Any issue is a good and debatable one, when we're all delirious and whatnot.
This actually sounds really fun, and now I'm in the mood for a sleepover. *pouts* Why do you have to be all the way on the other side of the country, right now?! I miss our sleepovers.
You still have all of our other friends. I'm sure you can have some nice discussions with them.
Okay, I should move on from this topic before I get all nostalgic, and stuff.
ARE YOU SURE THAT I DON'T HAVE TO BEAT SOMEONE UP?
I'm 100% positive. If someone needed to be hurt, then I would do so, myself.
JUST KNOW THAT THE OFFER ALWAYS STANDS! I AM WILLING TO GET SUSPENDED, IF I MUST!
But are you willing to have to deal with the police? I don't want you to get in trouble, for my sake. Do you have any idea how guilty that would make me?
I MEAN, IT WON'T BE THE FIRST TIME! AND, I'M SURE MY MOM WON'T BE THAT MAD AT ME IF SHE UNDERSTOOD THE SITUATION!
She'd still be pretty mad, though. Or, well, more disappointed than actually mad. I'm not sure which one's worse.
She loves you, so who knows? Maybe she'd join our little army, who's duty is to protect you, at all costs. She can be our secret weapon.
Geez. Calm down, Percy. We're not going to go to war.
Hehehehe. They'll regret ever having messed with you. *maniacally laughs*
I smiled. There's no point in trying to change your mind now, is there? You seem pretty stubborn with the idea of defending me, and you're not going to let go anytime soon, huh? Well, either way, I appreciate how overprotective you are.
Okay...hmm...what else can I say? I already went through all the threatening, and care-treatments for you, so...
Right! How can I forget to ask this simple question?
How are you?
I'm perfectly fine. A bit tired, but whatever.
Are you sad? Disappointed? Heart-broken?
None of the above.
Well, you can't exactly answer me right now, so I'm just going to have to guess how you're feeling.
I fought down the urge to face-palm. Judging from your previous statements, you are incredibly wrong, and overreacting. Maybe I opened this letter at the wrong time...
If you're sad, just call/text me. Maybe I'll tell you a corny joke, or something.
Oh gods.
If you're really sad, then call/text me, and I'll come over, if the situation calls for it. I'll even give you a hug, if you want it. Hugs can work wonders.
I smiled against my will, and a small laugh escaped my lips. I'd appreciate one.
EITHER WAY, just call/text me. Writing things down ahead of time won't do this moment justice. Besides, I'd want to visit you, if it was possible. Then I can give you endless hugs, and I can try my best at comforting you, and whatnot. If you need it, that is.
I don't, but that doesn't mean that I won't refuse hanging out with you.
Okay, so, yeah. I'll just end the letter here. DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT ME! I DON'T CARE WHAT I'M DOING! YOU. ARE. PRIORITY. Besides, being with you is better than whatever I'd be doing. Which would most likely be homework.
I scoffed. Homework? Really?
Or, well, procrastinating with my homework with video games, or something.
I nodded. Yes, much more accurate.
So, yeah, bye!
Sincerely,
Your Seaweed Brain
PS. THE OFFER WILL ALWAYS STAND!
I smiled as I re-read the letter for the heck of it, before putting it back into the envelope. I then took out my phone from my bag, and my eyes widened when I saw many missed texts from Percy.
Percy: WHERE R U?
Percy: I CANT FIND U ANYWHERE!
Percy: I SEE JAKE, BUT WHERE R U?
Percy: IT'S BEEN 10 MINUTES, AND U ARENT ANYWHERE!
Percy: IT WOULD'VE BEEN 2 LONG 4 U TO BE IN THE WASHROOM, OR SMTHNG.
I continued scrolling through some more messages from him, which were all similar to each other, but my eyes widened as I got near the end.
Percy: Wait...
Percy: He didn't ditch you, did he?
Percy: Please tell me he didn't, and that I'm just blind.
Percy: Because if he did...I swear to the gods...
That was the most recent one he sent, and I quickly typed out a response before he did something irrational and illogical.
Annabeth: Well...you see...about that...
Percy: HE STOOD YOU UP, DIDN'T HE?
Percy: I WILL GO OVER TO HIM, IF YOU WANT!
Percy: HE'LL REGRET THIS DAY!
Annabeth: NO! STOP! IT'S OKAY!
Percy: WHAT DO YOU MEAN ITS OKAY? IT IS NOT OKAY!
Annabeth: Percy, just listen to me, alright?
Annabeth: I don't mind. It's okay. I'm not emotionally hurt, or anything.
Percy: ...why not? Are you sure? Are you lying?
I tried to not let out a frustrated scream, and instead, harshly bit my lip.
Annabeth: I am NOT lying! I just don't particularly care, at this moment.
Percy: ...where are you right now?
I rose an eyebrow. He better not do what I think he's going to do.
Annabeth: I'm at my house, but Percy...
Percy: I'm coming over.
I rolled my eyes. Of course he was going to do that.
Annabeth: I can't change your mind, can I?
Percy: Nope.
Annabeth: What about Rachel?
Percy: She's talking with one of her art-y friends right now, and they seem really into their conversation.
Percy: I don't think she'll notice if I left.
Annabeth: PERCY!
Percy: What?
Annabeth: You can't just abandon her!
Then you'd just be hypocritical.
Percy: Fine. I'll tell her that I'm leaving early. Happy?
Annabeth: Not really, but I can't really change your mind, so...
Percy: Good, because I'm already on my way.
My eyes widened.
Annabeth: SERIOUSLY?
Percy: Yes I'm serious.
Percy: Now be prepared to open the door, because I'll be there in ten.
I sighed exasperatedly.
Annabeth: Fine.
He never replied after that, so I just sighed again, and decided to just go downstairs to wait for him. It took five minutes for the doorbell to start ringing, and I hurried to go greet Percy, before he would keep ringing the doorbell, and start to drive me crazy.
"Hi," I muttered, opening the door to a panting Percy. His hair was more dishevelled than usual, and he was bent over with his hands on his knees. "Are you okay?" I asked, gesturing for him to get inside, so that I could close the door before the cold of the outside seeps in.
"I'm fine," he managed to get out, after struggling with his breath for a bit. "I totally didn't just run here, or anything."
My mouth twitched into a small smile, "You know, for one of the best people on the swim team, you'd think that you'd have a better stamina. I appreciate your dedication to coming here, though."
"Speaking of which," he straightened his back, with obvious difficulty, and pulled me into a tight hug. My arms stayed unmoving at my side, and he gently rubbed circles on my back. His familiar scent of salt water and blue chocolate chip cookies helped me relax, when I never even knew that I was tense in the first place. "There, there. Everything's okay."
"Uh, what?" I wanted to turn my head to properly look at him as we were talking, but then our faces would've only been inches apart, and I didn't need this moment to turn incredibly awkward. I already felt my cheeks start to warm at that thought, and his close proximity wasn't exactly helping, either.
"Are you alright? The offer still stands, you know." Percy asked softly, and everything started to click in my mind. "I can talk to Jake, if you want."
Despite how serious he was acting, I couldn't help but fight a smile. Before I knew it, I was already full blown out laughing, and Percy broke apart our hug, as he looked on at me in confusion. "Why are you laughing?" He asked, with his eyebrows furrowed.
Once I managed to control my laughter, I looked him in the eyes, and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm not mad, Percy," I said, suppressing the urge to laugh again. "No one needs beating up. It's okay. Everything's alright."
"Are you sure?" He insisted, seeming to not believe for a second that I'm not heart-broken by Jake ditching me.
"Positive," I replied with a smile.
"Okay..." Percy trailed off, still very unsure. He bit his lip, and it was only now that I fully took in his appearance. For once, he wasn't a "hero" for Halloween, but instead, decided to be a vampire. Why? I don't know. Students didn't really dress up during the school day, but instead, decided to go all-out for the dance. Hence, why I'm surprised at his costume; it's because we weren't that dressed up earlier today. I don't understand the logic behind that, but oh well. However, I couldn't deny that he actually looked good as a vampire. Like, really good.
I rolled my eyes, both at him and my thoughts, and tried to change the subject. "Why are you a vampire, by the way?" I asked, tilting my head to the side. "Is a superhero too overrated for you, now?"
He scoffed at me, and crossed his arms, "No one said that vampires can't be heroes." I gave him a pointed look, and he eventually relented. "Okay, fine. Rachel just wanted to paint on my face. Happy?"
I smirked, and ignored the feeling of my throat closing up, and I suddenly found it difficult to breathe. "Really, now?" I questioned.
He groaned, and hid his face with his hands. "Besides, the theme today was supposed to be 'scary,' and heroes aren't exactly scary."
"You could've always been the villain." I pinched his cheeks, and felt extremely relieved when there was no white face paint rubbed off onto my fingers. "Besides, you don't exactly look scary."
Percy pouted, "Of course I'm scary. I'm the scariest monster around."
I patted his shoulder sympathetically, "Sure you are."
He scowled at me, and shrugged off my hand, "What are you, then? You don't look scary."
I turned my nose up at him, "I'm a fictional character." And, of course, it was only now that I realized how lame that might sound to a non-reader.
He shook his head, and clucked his tongue, "No, no, no. That just won't do."
I scoffed. "Are you my fairy godmother now, or something?"
Percy exasperatedly sighed, and looked at me disappointedly. "You really need to brush up on your fairytales, but we can do that another day. Right now, we need to get you a better costume."
I rolled my eyes. "What's the point? It's not like we're going to do anything today."
He winked at me, and started to open the front door. "That's what you think," he said, over his shoulder, while walking outside. "Now, are you coming or what?"
I silently trailed after him, because why not? It's not like I had anything better to do. "Ugh, fine. You're really annoying. You know that, right?"
I could practically hear the cheeky grin on his face, "You'll thank me later. No need to worry."
I'm so going to regret this decision later.
I would like to say thank you to everyone who reviewed/followed/favourited. You guys are amazing, and I'm so, so, so sorry for everything.
PS. I don't condone violence as a means to respond to these type of situations. Don't go beating other people up, because they ditched you/your friend. :p