I'm really excited for these next few chapters now. I know you guys will be pretty excited too.*wink wink.*

By noon the next day, Piper, Percy and I had piled into the truck and were headed out to town. I was practically bouncing up and down on my seat, excited that I finally got to get out of the house.

"How much longer?" I complained, shifting the Yankees cap on my head so it stayed on.

Percy glanced at me, a half-grin on his face. "How old are you? Three?"

I shot him a look to which he chuckled at. He refocused his eye on the road curving between two walls of trees, and I did the same.

It was a pretty road. The sun shone down on the asphalt, making heat waves appear in the July midday. It was almost deserted, Poseidon's truck being the only one driving. I checked my reflection in the rear-view mirror. Piper had done a good job, it was hard to see the Annabeth Chase behind the disguise of Minerva Jackson. I hated the name Minerva, but Piper had suggested it and Percy had agreed with a wicked smile.

"We're here," he announced from beside me. "See, patience pays off, young grasshopper."

I looked around us at the small town that had appeared out of nowhere.

It was, in my words, adorable. Little towns always made me think that.

Buildings lined cute streets, awnings creeping out and providing shade for passerby. Boards with names of shops and restaurants stood colorfully around, each with their own sense of style. The town was like that-a mix-match of all sorts of colors thrown together, but they worked somehow. People were walking about, greeting neighbors down the road, kids were recognizing friends and shouting hello, and grandparents were being closely looked after by caring families.

I guess it was true. In a small town, pretty much everybody did know each other.

Percy drove down the street, stopping at the one stop sign before pulling into a parking spot in front of "Demeter's Cafe."

He got out, then hurried around to open both the front and back door for Piper and I.

Piper hopped down, thanking him politely before looking around. I grabbed Percy's outstretched hand, smiling at him as he helped me out.

"Why, thank you, sir," I said in a fake accent.

He took a sweeping bow. "You're most delightfully welcomed, m'lady."

I giggled as he straightened up, winking. Piper rolled her eyes, tromping over to the cafe where we were scheduled to meet all the others.

We entered the small cafe and immediately heard, "Piper!"

Turning to the source of the voice, I found a grinning Jason. Just seeing Piper made him smile that big.

As Piper went over to greet Jason, Percy and I exchanged glances.

"They're getting married," he affirmed. I threw back my head and laughed, high and clear, before heading into the cafe.

Jason and Piper had already walked over to a large round table in the corner of the restaurant, the light green tablecloth matching the walls. Three people were sitting beside them.

"Minerva," Percy said, and I could hear the snicker in his voice as he said that. I resisted the urge to glare at him as he kept talking. "That's Hazel and Frank. You know Leo."

Hazel and Frank were sitting side by side, looking like complete opposites. Frank was a big, young, Asian man. Not fat, but just muscular and big-boned. He had close-cropped, military style black hair. There was a warmth in his eyes that made me like him almost instantly. He reminded me of a teddy bear, even with his somewhat intimidating appearance.

Hazel, on the other hand, was a petite, young African American with beautiful curls flaring out from her head. Intense golden eyes latched with mine, squinting as she smiled a welcome.

As they say, though, opposites attract-and these two proved it. They were most definitely a couple, what with the way Frank always glanced protectively down at her, and the adoring looks she sent him.

"Hey, Minerva!" Hazel said brightly, standing up to offer me a hand. "We've heard a lot about you. But I have to say, you two look nothing alike."

Percy and I exchanged a look, holding back chuckles. "Funny thing," I stated, shaking Frank's hand as well, accepting his polite greeting.

They both greeted Piper, introduced by Jason, before we all sat down around the table. Piper and Percy were on both of my sides, though I was ignored by one of them. Piper just chatted with Jason the whole time.

"So, how long are you here for, Minerva?" Frank asked, entangling his hand with Hazel's. His big fingers made Hazel's hand disappear under his grip.

"Shh, Frank," Hazel whispered, loudly enough for me to hear. "Don't be too forward. Remember, she's shy."

Percy choked on his drink in front of him, and I finally sent him a glower. I had forgotten he told everybody that I was his shy, mental little cousin. Stupid Seaweed Brain.

"It's fine, I've gotten a lot better," I commented, and the couple turned to smile at me.

"Yeah," Leo said, grinning maniacally. "She used to be so antisocial and shy, she would scream whenever I came into view."

I sent him a withering look. "Yes, Leo. You're face is just that scary." He stuck his tongue out at me, and I did the same. Percy coughed, concealing the word "immature" in between his coughs. I kicked him under the table, causing him to laugh even more.

"Anyways, I'm here for just a little visit. I came earlier this summer, but I left during the beginning of July," I said.

"Oh, yeah," said Frank. "I remember you not being there at the party."

"Too bad. You missed out," Hazel said with a small smile. "So did you, Percy. I would've never guessed you to miss the party. I thought you'd stay out despite being sick."

He shrugged, flashing them a crooked smile. "Yeah, but I was fine. It wasn't horrible inside."

I blushed, hiding it behind my drink as I chugged the water, almost choking on an ice cube. Smooth, huh?

Suddenly, the cafeteria door chimed, signaling someone's entrance.

From behind us came a sickeningly familiar voice. "Sorry I'm late guys, I got held up."

Rachel took a seat on the opposite side of Percy, squeezing between him and Leo. She had a bright smile, but that disappeared once her eyes landed on me. I knew she recognized me, for the hatred protruding from her green orbs showed that.

"What's she doing here?" she asked.

Hazel raised an eyebrow at her rudeness, but she answered her. "That's Minerva, Percy's cousin. It's a bit last minute, but she could make it here with her friend, Piper. Minerva and Piper, that's Rachel."

Piper's eyes had narrowed as she studied the famous girlfriend of Percy. Her glance she sent fleetingly toward me told me that she was skeptical of her. I bit back laughter, loving how if you hated someone, it almost always made your best friend hate the person too, even if they knew nothing about them.

"I've met An-," Rachel paused, and I sent her a warning glare, tipping down my cap just in case she slipped up and the two in front of us wanted a closer look. "Minerva," she fixed shortly.

"Oh, okay," Hazel said confusedly. "Um, so we were thinking we could take a walk downtown to show Annabeth and Piper around."

They all agreed, and we got up, heading out the cafe. Rachel appeared to be glued to Percy's side, and she sent me a little sneer as she walked with Percy. I watched with jealousy as they clasped hands, swinging them casually from side to side.

Percy didn't seem to be not enjoying it, but he didn't look like he was totally focusing on his girlfriend either. He was caught in conversation with Leo about food or something. I trailed a few feet behind them, in front of Jason and Piper, who were chatting. Hazel and Frank were leading the way on the sidewalk.

People passed and greeted us, some even calling my friends by their name. Many "Percy"s could be heard-apparently he was a popular figure around here.

For a couple blocks, I just looked about the small town, not having anybody to talk to. My inside cheek was chewed raw from watching the nasty looks sent at me from Rachel and the triumphant, possessive ones she sent towards Percy. So I just didn't look at them.

However, not too far into our walk, I felt a presence slide into the space beside me. "How's West Burge?"

I turned to look at Percy, smiling. "It's so cool. I love these small towns, and how everybody seems to know everybody."

As if to prove my point, a childish voice squeaked out, "Percy!"

A second later, a small, brown-haired girl flung herself at Percy, who caught her and spun her around, laughing.

"Hey, Julia," he said, once he had settled down and was now holding the girl in his arms. She grinned at him, showing him a row of missing teeth.

"Look! I lost another tooth!" she said excitedly, pointing at her mouth.

Percy grinned. "So I see. Let's hope they grow back in, so you don't look like a hillbilly farmer."

She giggled. My lips tugged into a smile watching them interact. It was cute, how so many of these little kids loved Percy and he loved them right back. Piper and Jason had walked around us, so all of our friends were walking ahead while we had paused.

"Julia, this is Minerva, my cousin," he explained, gesturing to me. "She's visiting for a little while."

Julia looked at me with big brown eyes. "She's really pretty."

I laughed, but Percy just said with twinkling eyes, "She is, isn't she?"

Cue the red cheeks from me.

Someone cleared their throat ahead of us, and all three of us turned to see Rachel, waiting impatiently on the sidewalk. I was about to wonder if she had heard what Percy had said, but when I saw the deadly look in her gaze, I knew the answer.

Percy bit his lip, looking at his girlfriend's expression. "It was good to see you, Julia. You should go find your mommy, though, okay?"

"Okay. Goodbye, Percy! Goodbye, Merva!" she said happily, saying my fake name wrong as Percy let her down on the ground. She turned and was about to run to find her mom when she pivoted and came back to Percy. She gave his legs a bear-hug, as that was the only place she could reach. My heart practically melted.

Percy chuckled. "Goodbye to you too, Julia." She smiled, content with this, then took off down the street, vanishing from view.

Rachel looked at Percy, her eyes hard. Then without saying anything else, she turned and stalked off towards our friends retreating backs.

Percy exhaled resignedly, running a hand through his messy hair. He stuck his fingers back in his pocket, continuing to walk. I stumbled to catch up to him, and we caught up to the group together in silence.

For the better part of a couple hours, we all walked around, window-shopping and greeting more friends. I met a countless number of people, all of them extremely polite. It was a nice change, a lot different from the aloof crowd of Hollywood.

We were now in a small clothing shop, and I laughed and hung out with Piper and Hazel. Hazel grew onto me fast, and I knew we'd be great friends. I just wish I could tell her the truth, but I couldn't risk it. The magazines were already searching continuously for the absent Annabeth Chase. At any little notice, they'd surround that place, looking for me.

"I think this looks like you," Piper said, handing a teal dress to Hazel.

Hazel pursed her lips. "I love it, but it's so expensive."

I bit my lip, looking away. I could easily buy it, but she didn't know that. I wanted to get it for her, however, I didn't want that to raise questions.

It was weird to think I knew a few people who could probably purchase this entire town. What Percy had said all those nights ago, about how the celebrities and the everyday people living in different lives-that made sense to me now.

"Hey, guys," Rachel said suddenly as she slid into our group. I glanced at her, then did a double-take.

She was smiling at me.

Actually smiling.

That instantly made me beyond suspicious, and I caught Piper sending her a cautious look, too. Hazel just greeted her before looking through the clothes again.

"So, Minerva, what were you saying about where you lived?" Rachel asked, her voice friendly. I raised an eyebrow.

"I wasn't saying anything about it," I countered. "But I live in Iowa."

"Hm," she said, peering thoughtfully at an awful beige colored skirt. "Interesting place. Have you ever met any celebrities?"

Hazel frowned, glancing up at her friend. "Celebrities? That was random."

"Just curious," Rachel mused, moving to another article of clothing.

Alarm bells were going off in my head. She was acting friendly, which was enough to make me wary. But these questions were sending me warning signals.

"Hey, actually, I wanted to see if you could come look at this, Rachel," I said to her, my voice as nice as hers. "I'll be right back." I sent Piper a discreet look, asking her to keep Hazel here, and she nodded once before talking to Hazel once more.

I turned and walked to the other side of the store, where it was deserted. As we passed the front of the shop, I could see the boys conversing outside, them having chosen to stay away from us girls shopping. Smart choice.

I stopped in front a huge shelf of t-shirts, pretending to look at them and showing one to Rachel.

"What are you doing?" I said to her. My facial expression looked casual, but my tone was ice cold.

"Nothing," she said. "Just asking questions."

"Then stop."

She scoffed. "You can't tell me what to do, even if you're some popular movie star, Annabeth."

"Shut up!" I hissed, glancing around quickly. "Don't let anybody hear you!"

"Because you want to keep this all a secret?" she said, rounding on me. I actually took a step back at the sudden fury in her eyes. "Just like you and Percy are keeping a secret behind my back?"

I furrowed my eyebrows, replying indignantly, "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, just stop pretending! Maybe you think you can act, but I know you like him!"

"You've said that before."

"And now I'm saying it again, and you aren't protesting. I would bet you two are-are doing something behind my back!"

"Well, then you'd lose your money," I stated. "Because none of that is true."

"Don't mess with me," she said, her voice dangerously low.

I lost it. "You know, all this is stupid and hypocritical coming from you, seeing as you blew your relationship apart when you cheated on him!"

That probably didn't make the situation any better.

Rachel looked utterly shocked, and I watched as a symphony of emotions decorated we face, one by one. Surprise, anger, guilt, uncertainty, then anger again. She was mad.

"Shut up. You have no clue what happened, and my relationship is still fine!"

I took a deep breath, counting to ten. "Just get off my case, Rachel. Try acting nice, every once in a while."

"Excuse me?" she said, her voice rising. I didn't even care anymore who heard us, though. "'Try acting nice'? You're one to talk. Well, guess what-not everything can be perfect for you. You know why?"

I rolled my eyes, folding a t-shirt up slowly. "Oh, please. Try and make me mad, Rachel."

The next instant, a cell phone was thrust into my face, and I swore as it almost hit my nose unexpectedly. The t-shirt in my hands fell to the floor as I jerked back. "What are . . . ?"

But my words died as I saw a number on the screen, ready to call. She just had to press the green button.

"What is this?" I asked, pushing it away.

She had an evil smile on her face. "Oh, you know. Just a friend of mine that said to call me up if I ever saw Annabeth Chase. Him and his camera would be delighted to know you are here in this town."

Everything froze in my world. Even my own heartbeat, it seemed. "What?" I breathed, staring at her incredulously.

"What are you going to do about it?" Rachel said, her voice cracking. "I can just press this call button, and I can send you back to Hollywood with lots of rumors, where you can be with your sweet Luke. Percy will forget about you so soon, and you'll forget about him, because you two just weren't ever meant to be."

"Rachel," I tried to say calmly. My heart had picked up it's pace again, beating impossibly fast. I believed her-I had no doubt that the number on her phone was real. "Stop being stupid."

"No!" she said quickly, her eyes shining. "You need to stop intruding on our lives! You don't belong here!" Her thumb moved closer to the dreaded green button. I saw out of the corner of my eye Piper and Hazel looking over at us curiously, probably wondering about the yelling. Hopefully everybody outside that could hear this just thought it was a cat fight over some shirt on sale.

"Stop," I repeated, holding a hand out like I was reaching for an untamed and wild dog that was threatening to bite my hand off. "Just put the phone down, we'll talk this through, Rachel."

"No," she said, her voice dropping to an anxious whisper. "I have to do this, Annabeth. You have to understand. This is even better for you. You don't belong here-you need to go back to your home."

"Guys?" Piper's voice came from across the store.

Rachel glanced over momentarily, and I used the distraction to my advantage.

I lunged towards the red-haired girl, reaching for her phone. But she just yanked it out of my grasp, stumbling back. I advanced once more, grabbing at her t-shirt to get a better hold. Her hand took a fistful of my hair, yanking back in an attempt to get me off of her. Tears welled up at the pain, and I was glad the concussion was gone. Despite the pain, though, I didn't give up.

My hand flew to the side, and I swatted the phone. We both watched as it tumbled over, landing with a sharp crack on the hard ground. The screen shattered, and the case came off. The life in the device blinked off, and I felt a rush of relief overtake me.

But Rachel screeched in rage, and when I turned back to her, she had raised a hand. I didn't even have time to think about blocking it as her palm came towards my cheek. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing myself for the stinging slap coming.

However, it didn't land. Instead, Rachel let out a surprised yelp, making my eyes open again. I saw Percy right beside me, his hand wrapped around Rachel's wrist, stopping the motion. Her eyes widened, and I saw tears that reflected mine in them. I blinked rapidly, clearing my blurred vision as best as I could.

"What the hell, Rachel!" he yelled, releasing his hold on his girlfriend, but he pushed her away from me. I felt a hand lay on my shoulder and I turned to see Jason standing there, Piper at his side. I looked back to Percy and Rachel, seeing her cower in the corner as Percy stood over her. His shoulders were tense with anger, and his mouth was a tight line.

"Was giving her a concussion not enough?" he spat, his eyes full of rage.

She couldn't even talk, and Percy was about to say something else when Jason said, "Percy, stop."

Percy opened his mouth, but closed it. Then he whirled around, coming over to me and taking my hand. I opened my clenched palm, wrapping my fingers around his. Just being this close to him, I felt safe now. The sudden terror from Rachel's threat lessened, as if Percy was scaring it all away and letting me breathe.

"Come on," he said, tugging me away. I followed him, pushing the hair out of my face and looking back at Rachel, who still stood by the t-shirts. The shattered glass on the ground beside her looked like diamonds.

Piper and Jason came behind us, Jason's hand having transferred to Piper's back, steering her out.

"No!" Rachel's voice sounded from behind us, the tone frantic. "Don't go out there!"

Percy ignored her, his jaw taut as he headed outside.

"No!" she repeated, and I heard footsteps approaching us. Rachel appeared in front of me and Percy, stopping our journey towards the door. "You can't go out!"

Percy just pushed past her, bringing me with him. Rachel tried to grab at me, but I avoided her hand, giving her a disgusted look.

Heat hit me as Percy opened the door, leading me outside. Rachel tried to give us one more warning, and this time, her words made my heart pause for the second time that day.

"They're out there!"

Percy, not having heard our previous conversation, kept on walking. The corded muscles under his dark shirt moved with each step, and they tightened as I resisted following him for a moment.

"What?" he asked concernedly, looking back at me with those green eyes.

Before I could say anything, I heard a click, like a camera taking a picture, and then, "Annabeth Chase!"

My heart dropped as I turned and looked straight into a large camera, with at least five more pointing at me.

Muahaha. Cliffy.

Anywho, sorry for the fairly long wait. I'm regaining inspiration slowly, but a big thing that's taking my time is my new story on Wattpad.

WHAT WOULD MAKE ME SUPER GRATEFUL! is if some of my readers could go check out my new story on Wattpad. It's called "Little Lady." My username is "Sophia-Dee", and here's the description:

"The Little Lady.

Nobody but a select few know about it, but Little Lady is the sibling of Little Boy—the nuclear bomb that dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. However, Little Lady is much more powerful than that of it's sibling, and with it comes a much larger threat.

It's up to a seventeen-year-old, hard-headed and sarcastic girl, and the skilled and fierce young man she meets. Together, they face the world. Follow Izabelle and Holden as they travel through betrayals, trials, and hold-ups, each needing to be strong enough to get through to the end."

So what would make me really happy, and would give you guys a faster update, would be if you could give me some support on my new story... like, I would be ecstatic if at least four of you were able to check out and give me some feedback on Little Lady. Ecstatic enough to try extra hard for City Girl, Country Boy. :)

Thanks for reviewing! Q&A:

Sweet Cats: Don't worry about the Perachel . . . as you can see, Percy is not very happy with her. ;)

SwanDestiny: As I understand, lack of inspiration is where you just don't want to write, and writer's block is where you've reached a dead end in your story and you have no clue what to write next. I'd take lack of inspiration over writer's block. :)

Thanks guys, I love you all! PLEASE check out my new story, and support on that end would make a new update for this story come a lot faster. :) Love you.