I walked along the brick path. Glaring to see ahead of me through the damp air of darkness, my only guidance the occasional lamp post. I had snuck out of my house at 10 pm and I was now walking toward Annabeths house. She lived just 5 minutes away from me, even then, I picked up my pace. My goal was Intel gathering, one might call it spying but its just doing a bit of reconnaissance.

The chilly night air made my hair stand on end, I wished that I'd gotten my hoodie.

Typically the people in this neighborhood left their back doors unlocked. It was harmless considering how safe this neighborhood is, I'm willing to bet that the same applies to Annabeth. As I approached the wall separating the path and her front yard, I rolled my wrists in preparation for the climb. It took a few tries but I managed it, I even made a smooth landing.

I creeped to the backdoor and tried opening it expecting it to be unlocked but to my surprise it wasn't.

It was bolted shut.

I didn't see that coming.

Before anything went wrong I climbed back over the wall and swiftly walked back into the direction of my house, I didn't get too far.

I bumped into a stranger.

~Celeste~

I was jogging toward Annabeths house when I bumped into someone. I quickly jumped back and balled my fists.

The darkness muddled my vision but I could vaguely distinguish a young boy around my age.

"Ethan?", I called as my eyes widened in disbelief.

"Celeste! Uh what are you doing here", he asked.

I contained the urge to laugh. Both of us were desperate, practically stalkers.

" I heard from Annabeth that Percy would be leaving tomorrow evening, so naturally I thought I'd visit... why? you have a problem", I answered while raising my eyebrows.

Ethans cheeks turned a deep shade of red as he denied my claim, "no!"

I smiled, "fine then. How about we just go together"

While we walked toward her house Ethan sprang up an unexpected question, "You like him don't you?"

I glanced toward him and nodded my head, an indication for him to continue.

He pouted, "I don't get what's so special about him... yeah he has green eyes but other than that... nothing to see"

It took me a while to form my reply.

Finally, I said, "there is more to a person than the way they look, besides I don't solely like him for his green eyes, he seems cute really...", I laughed nervously before continuing, "it's kinda refreshing to have a guy who doesn't like you, I'm the one chasing this time"

Ethan looked at me, evidently unsure of how he'd reply.

"We reached. You can close your mouth, Ethan"

He cleared his throat and murmured in agreement.

We rang the doorbell.

I heard the shuffle of footsteps from inside the house. I tried standing confidently but I felt like a desperate creep, my palms were sweaty and despite the chilled air I was feeling warm.

As Percy and Annabeth seemingly neared the door, I could vaguely latch on to a few words:

At this hour... late... you... riptide-

Both Percy an Annabeth opened the door simultaneously, Percy was sporting a blue t- shirt with black and red slacks. Possibly the worst color combination I'd ever seen in my life, but he was cute. His socks were mismatched and his right hand was stuffed into his pocket.

I heard Ethan let out a snort at his appearance.

Annabeth was right by his side, she was wearing a grey t shirt with matching pants. Boring as always; a plain Jane. When she saw us she sighed in relief but her expression immediately became suspicious, both her and Percy exchanged looks as they assumed a more casual stance.

Annabeth placed her hand over her hip as she said, " look at the time!"

She sighed, " what are you guys doing here at this hour"

Ethan quickly answered, "well, Percy is going to be leaving soon right??... we just wanted to-"

I complete his sentence, "spend some time with him"

Annabeth elbowed percy, "looks like you're a big hit, kelp head"

Percys ears turned red. He rubbed his neck in embarrassment.

I smiled politely as I urged, "aren't you guys going to let us in? It's chilly outside"

"Yeah come on in"

I grinned as I grabbed ethans arm and waltzed in, Ethan had a nervous look on his face... weird . It wasn't like him to be a scaredy-cat.

I nudged him, "cheer up"

He looked at me and said, "it's not that... if my parents figure out I've snuck out of my house ..."

I snickered.

Annabeth and Percy were both in the middle of a game of snakes and ladder, they looked miffed that they were interrupted.

"Mind if we joined the game", Ethan asked.

"Not like you're giving us much of a choice here", Percy murmured under his breath.

I glanced at Ethan, who seemed to be biting his tongue and ignoring Percy.

We all ended up playing snakes and ladder, while talking simultaneously.

"So Percy... where do you stay? Maybe I could visit sometime", I finally managed to spring up the question.

Annabeths eyes darted toward me.

"Umm", Percy glimpsed at Annabeth before continuing, "I live in the upper east side of Manhattan... not sure if you can come"

"Oh...ok", I nodded my head and attempts sad, pouty look.

" what school do you go to?", I continued.

"Meriwether college prep"

His answers were short.

"You said you change schools a lot right?? Why??", Ethan asked.

I nudged Ethan and whispered, "don't be rude"

Ethan glared at Percy who shifted uncomfortably in his place, " why are you even so interested?"

"Annabeths my best friend, I want to make sure that you are good enough for her"

" I doubt Annabeth and asked for it and besides what would you say if you knew... it's not my fault I've been getting kicked out of every school I go to"

~Ethan~

I snorted, so he was just some stupid delinquent... Annabeth probably felt pity for him.

"your mom must be real proud of you huh", I snorted. What a loser this dude was.

Percys eyes flared and he got up and grabbed me by the collar of my shirt.

"What did you say to me!!??"

I gulped, his grip was strong, but I reassured myself, he wouldn't do anything to me.

"And violent too", I added.

Percy let go, " are you always this manipulative?"

Annabeth stood up," Ethan I think you should apologize... and then you and Celeste can leave"

Celeste had a murderous look in her eyes, except they were directed toward me. I stared at her in disbelief, she was on their side.

Celeste took a deep inhale and then exhaled, "yeah we'll get going... Ethan... have anything to say"

"Sorry", I mumbled.

Just before I exited the front gate I called out to Percy, " you say you can swim? Me. You. Competition, just name the date"

While me and Celeste walked back dejectedly, not a single word was uttered until finally she spoke.

"What's wrong with you Ethan, is it like you to get jealous this easily"

I stayed quiet, both of us parted our ways, I felt sort of guilty but she was so self centered. She didn't even think about my feelings.

I climbed into my window and snuggled into my bed, I'd save all my worries for tomorrow.

Authors note- hey guys it's been a while, I had exams so I stopped for a while... not that it did anything, I still failed... I just don't have the motivation to study or doanything it's so tiring, either ways ig I'm doing fine.

Oh I know this chapter wasn't a lot but I'll upload the next one shortly so yay :D

Ohhave any of you seen the new attack on titan episodes?

Ok moving on to the reviews:

Ayathedoggo, as always thank you for checking up on me... may think that your reviews meant nothing however when I felt as if no one ever bothered to check up on me I went back to your review so thank you for that :)