If it wasn't for Percy's quick thinking, the paparazzi would've gotten plenty more pictures.

Before any more cameras could be clicked, Percy slipped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him. I went crashing into his chest, and my first thought was, Weird timing for a hug.

Then I realized that my face was now hidden from the cameras and a burst of gratefulness bloomed in me for Percy's snappy reflexes.

After that, it was pandemonium. My senses were all confused—all I could see and smell was Percy's shirt. Shouting emitted from beside me, and I recognized Piper's voice.

"What are your guys' problems?" she yelled. Her voice moved, and I knew she had stepped in front of me. "Why are you saying 'Annabeth Chase'?" More quick thinking on her part.

Percy started walking away, and I kept my head buried in his shirt, terror pushing my heart to pound around my ribcage.

I felt hands grab at me—unfamiliar hands. But Percy kept walking, and he pushed the unwelcome palms off of me, bringing me somewhere. Shouted questions were being thrown at me mercilessly, and I pressed myself even farther into Percy, searching for that comfort his presence gave me.

"Hang on, Wise Girl," he told me. I could feel his mouth on my curls. "I'll get you home."

He sounded so calm—so in charge of the situation—that I believed him.

A few seconds later, another voice joined the maelstrom, and I recognized it as Percy. I couldn't exactly hear his words, but it sounded like he was asking a question.

For some reason, the paparazzi behind me seem to have faded, like they weren't as close. After a moment, a car door opened and Percy gently sat me down in a seat. I was detached from him, losing his warmth.

In an attempt to cover my face, I pressed my hands to my head. I peeked through my fingers, though, to see what was going on.

I was in a car—one that was foreign to me. It was a small car, with a McDonald's meal in the front cup holders and a car scent thing dangling from the rear view mirror. I wondered who's it was.

The door on the driver's side opened and I hid my face again, but I heard Percy instead of a reporter.

"It's okay, Annabeth," he said. He sat down and started the engine. His calm tone belied his panic, it seemed, for I was almost thrown into the dashboard as he backed up quickly.

Then he shifted gears, revving it before shooting onto a road.

"They're gone," he said.

I slowly lifted my head, taking my hands away. We were driving down through town, heading back home.

Home. It was weird, but whenever I thought of home, my mind brought me to the farmhouse in a small town of Colorado.

"Are you okay?" Percy asked me, taking me out of my musing.

I sniffled, wiping my face. It didn't help, seeing as though my face was coated in makeup. When I brought my sleeve away, I saw a myriad of tans, blacks, and pinks. I probably looked like a half-melted doll right now.

"I'm fine," I managed to say strongly.

But no. I wasn't. The paparazzi found me. They got at least one picture of me, and that could be enough. I could be recognized, and the next magazine would be about how Annabeth Chase is in a small, good-for-nothing town in Colorado, with nobody friends and is probably pregnant with one of the nobody's kids and that I was ending my career and becoming a saloon girl.

Utter rubbish. But that rubbish would ruin everything for me. My mother would be furious. She'd take me away from here, and practically put me in a dungeon—A.K.A. my house in San Francisco where I was bombarded with angry fans and eager reporters who were out to damage my life even more.

My mind paused on the "take me away from here" part. I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave Colorado, the big house on the hill I called home now, the horses, Porkpie especially, my new friends, and—Percy.

Oh, gods. Just thinking about leaving Percy and not seeing him again made nausea slither into my stomach and squeeze my heart painfully.

I glanced over at Percy. His knuckles were white, clenched tightly onto the steering wheel as he zoomed out of town at twice the speed limit. The jawline of his face stood out, it being clasped together in what looked like frustration. His eyes held anger, far worse than the anger in his eyes when he was yelling at Rachel.

And this was all because of me, I bet. I started all the bad fights between Rachel and him, and now I was going to have his hometown all over the news—and the reports about it probably won't be too nice. I've ruined his day as well, and also his whole summer. Maybe Rachel was right. I shouldn't have come here.

I don't belong here.

"I'm sorry, Percy," I muttered. I looked away right as his head whipped around to look at me. I didn't want to see the contempt and disappointment in his expression.

"You're sorry?" he asked. "Why are you sorry? I'm the one that should be saying sorry."

Now I did look at him, confusion scrunching my eyebrows. "What?"

He sighed, putting his eyes back on the road. "Gods, I messed up. I shouldn't have brought you here—I was even the one to suggest it in the first place. And Rachel—that's my fault too. I should've made sure she didn't do something like that." He had anger in his voice when he talked about her, and I almost felt bad for her for what she was going to get from Percy—but then I remembered everything that just happened. She was going to call the paparazzi, and she had known they were out the door. I bet she even called them there.

Percy continued. "This is all my fault. Now you could be recognized, and you might leave." His voice cracked on that word, and he coughed, clearing his throat. "I'm sorry."

We were quiet for a few moments, each chasing around our own thoughts.

Then I said, "Well, thank you. For . . . watching out for me."

He sighed. "If you're talking about Rachel—" he spat her name, "—then you don't have to worry about that. If anybody tries—or even thinks—about hurting you, they're going to have to answer to me. And trust me, it won't be pretty."

A flower of warmth opened in my chest at that. Protective Percy made me get all warm and gooey inside.

"Thanks anyways," I stated, shifting in my seat. The car smelled like greasy food, and it wasn't doing well with my stomach, which was already nauseous. "How did you know about—about everything?"

He bit his bottom lip, staring at the passing yellow lines on the road, glinting in the midday sun. "Well, there were a bunch of people gathering outside the shop, all carrying bags. I thought maybe it was a field trip or something, but I went inside to check on you girls. And—all that happened." He was quiet for a moment. "Then we came back out, and the reporters were there. Don't worry, we stopped them pretty fast. I saw a friend who was watching it all, and he let me use his car." He gestured to the vehicle we were in. "As I got you in the car, Piper, Jason, Leo, Hazel and Frank all held back the paparazzi for you, along with a few of the locals who knew something not right was happening."

That made me so grateful I couldn't even describe it. People from the town I didn't even know helping me out, and they had no clue what they were getting themselves into. Plus Hazel and Frank, who were probably so confused, but they helped me anyways.

"I wish I could thank them," I replied quietly.

"I'll tell them for you," he said. "But I hope you'll be able to yourself."

I nodded, and we lapsed into silence once more.

In about half the time that it took to drive to town, we were back at the ranch. Poseidon was standing outside, tapping his foot impatiently. I saw him frown when he saw the unfamiliar car, but then he saw the two kids inside and his face cleared up, only to be contorted with worry and anxiety once more.

When we pulled up next to him, Poseidon opened my door before Percy shut off the engine.

"Are you all right?" he asked frantically, tugging me out and holding me by the shoulders. He looked me up and down, like a worried parent searching for wounds. "Jason called and told me. He and the rest of the crew are on their way."

I nodded. "I'm totally fine," I lied.

"I don't know if the reporters were crazy enough to try to follow you two, but just in case, you better come into the house."

Percy nodded, coming around and placing an open hand on my back, guiding me into the house as if the paparazzi were still around.

Percy and Poseidon sat down at the kitchen counter, and Poseidon demanded to know the full story. As Percy recounted the details, I excused myself to the bathroom under the pretense that I wanted to get the gunk off of my face.

Well, that was true. But I also needed time to myself. I was absolutely terrified. My mom was going to be so mad. I probably just got Piper in major trouble too, since she was supposed to be looking after.

I scrubbed my tears and makeup away, watching as my true self came into view. Annabeth Chase.

I couldn't switch my face. I couldn't be someone other than who I was, no matter how hard I wished. The thoughts invading my brain depressed me, so I turned away from my reflection, slinging my hair up into a ponytail as I ditched my Yankees cap.

Before I could change into something more comfortable, I heard a car drive up. I leaned out the window and recognized Poseidon's truck and one other car. Piper and Jason got out of the truck, so I was assuming the rest of the clan was in the other car.

Bringing my head back in, I started towards the door, aiming to go downstairs.

Poseidon and his son were still at the counter, and they looked up as I came in. Then all of our eyes went to the door as it jiggled and opened, emitting six people. Everybody that had been in town with me.

Unfortunately, that included Rachel.

When Percy saw his girlfriend, he instantly shot up and headed over to me, a warning look in his eyes as he watched Rachel. She didn't look like she was going to do anything, though. Tear stains lined her cheeks, and she wouldn't meet anybody's gaze, she just stared dejectedly at the ground.

Piper rushed over to me, passing Percy. "Are you okay?" she asked. "Gods, I'm stupid. I should've been more careful."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm fine, but it's none of your guys' fault. You couldn't have known about the reporters."

Except for Rachel.

She seemed to hear my thought, and a wince ran through her.

Hazel and Frank were both staring wide-eyed at me, my face recognizable as the famous movie star without my makeup.

I frowned, about to ask a question, but Jason beat me with the answer.

"They know the whole story," Jason told me. Then he dipped his head in Rachel's direction. "I brought her. I don't know what to do."

He didn't sound very pleased.

Leo didn't either as he started talking. "If she had anything to do with this, I'm not gonna be a happy camper."

"Guys, it's fine," I mumbled, but they ignored me.

Percy had been silent, breathing deeply, but he spoke up. "I want to talk with Rachel."

The room became silent. I could slice the tension with my fingernail. Rachel took a shuddering breath, but made no other move.

Without saying anything else, Percy started walking to the living room. Jason pushed her slightly to make her follow him.

Before she disappeared around the corner, she snuck a look at me.

Her mascara was running down now, and I saw more tears brimming in her eyes. She had a haunted look about her.

Piper placed a hand on my shoulder, glaring at Rachel. The red-head hurried her steps, going into the living room.

We all got one more glance of Percy's eyes filled with rage before he slammed the french doors shut, cutting him and his girlfriend off from the rest of us. The resounding "boom" echoed across the hall to the kitchen.

Everybody still hadn't spoken a word.

Then I said, "Thank you all. For helping me."

A chorus of "No problem, Annabeth"s and "It's okay"s followed. I gave them smiles, which they returned.

But that didn't distract us from what was going on in the living room.

We could hear shouting—from both of them.

"This doesn't sound good, guys," Hazel said timidly, biting her nails. "I've never heard Percy get this mad."

"Was it Rachel's fault?" Frank asked then.

I sighed, but Piper said, "I think it was." She told them what she had heard, about how Rachel was threatening to call, and I got the phone away, and then she knew about the paparazzi outside.

"So yes," Piper concluded with anger. "It was Rachel's fault."

"Well," Leo said hesitantly. "Let's not be too hasty in blaming her. I mean, she hasn't done anything this mean before."

At that, Poseidon and I exchanged glances. As far as I knew, he and I were the only ones to know about Rachel's earlier cheating. A question lit in my eye, and Poseidon saw it.

He rubbed his forehead, exhaling deeply. "I probably shouldn't be the one to tell you all this, but you need to know. Story time, kids," he rumbled.

So as Rachel and Percy worked their stuff out, Poseidon launched into the story of how Rachel cheated on Percy. Except this time, he included the man Rachel had been unfaithful with.

"It was Octavian," Poseidon said. I remembered Octavian. Percy had pointed him out to me during the Fourth of July party. He had said things like he didn't like Octavian, and that Octavian wasn't very nice, but I hadn't taken it to heart.

Now I did.

There were mixed reactions at the news.

Leo and Frank both looked like they wanted to kill Octavian, saying, "I knew that piece of scum was good for nothing."

Hazel was more shocked that Rachel had cheated. Piper just frowned, listening intently.

Jason appeared hurt. "He was cheated on? By Rachel? He never told me." He looked down at his feet, his face anguished. "Gods, I acted so stupid sometimes, saying that he needed to stay with Rachel, because she hasn't done anything to him." He looked like he was cursing himself in his head, self-hatred evident in the lines of his expression.

Piper placed a hand on his arm, to which he looked at gratefully.

"It's not your fault, Jason," I said to him. "Percy was just being Percy, keeping Rachel's reputation safe and staying loyal to her."

"Well, she doesn't really deserve that now," Leo said, crossing his arms. His brown curls bounced in his face as he shook his head.

I was about to answer when the living room door flew open. Everybody pivoted, watching as Percy came stomping out, looking like he was going to murder someone.

"Rachel needs to talk to you," he said shortly, looking at me.

My eyebrows drew together, and Piper made a move to resist Percy's words, but he just said reassuringly, "Don't worry. She's not going to do anything other than apologize for her actions."

I swallowed, not really wanting to go see Rachel, but I knew I had better. So with reluctance, I pushed myself over to the living room door, which was hanging open.

Percy's whole body was still taut, tension bringing out his muscles at his shoulders and neck. As I passed him, I brushed my hand across his, trying to ease his discomfort. He relaxed slightly, inhaling largely.

I entered the living room, looking about the familiar couches and coffee table, the flat-screen on the wall holding my reflection.

Rachel stood at the window, looking outside at the horses grazing peacefully. Her long hair cascaded down her back, a red wave falling to her waist.

I stopped about five feet away, looking cautiously at her.

For a moment, she didn't say anything. Then she croaked, "I'm sorry."

I wanted to say in return, "It's okay." But I couldn't get it to come out with honesty, so I just didn't say anything.

Luckily for me, she continued through the silence. "I know you probably hate me, and you have a right to. But I want you to know that I am honestly sorry. And everything I said to you . . . well, it's not true. I was just jealous."

"Why were you jealous?" I finally spoke up. "You have nothing to be jealous of, because trust me, my life isn't worth being jealous about."

She now turned to look at me. Her makeup ran down her face, and there were still tears there. She was hugging her own body, as if she were trying to hold herself together. Overall, the picture of her was pitiful—she looked like a sorrowful, guilty mess. A mess that was turning me into a mess as well.

"I'm not jealous about your life," she said. "I'm jealous of you, and the way Percy looks at you."

What? My eyebrows shot up. "What are talking about?"

She scoffed, laughing humorlessly. "You are so oblivious. Both of you."

"I—," I tried to make my voice work, but it didn't happen for a little while. "I still don't know what you're talking about."

She sniffled, looking to her side at the picture frame on the stand. It had a baby Percy grinning up at the camera, his chubby cheeks showing dimples even at that age, his green eyes sparkling above them.

"Percy never said 'I love you' to me," she said.

That was random, so I just waited for her to elaborate.

And she did. "He never said it, and for the first year, I didn't let it bother me. I just thought he was waiting for the right moment, and I thought that was sweet. But as time went on, he made no move to say it, and I got restless. Doubt invaded my mind. I thought maybe he didn't like me anymore. So I—I cheated on him."

Her voice broke, and fresh tears started to fall. "I don't know why, I just acted so stupidly. I just wanted to feel . . . wanted. I wanted to feel loved. Of course, that just messed my life up more. It was the worst mistake I ever made, and after that, I knew I had just lost my full relationship with Percy, and I was never going to regain it. Sure, he stayed with me, but that's just because he's the sweetest person and he didn't want me to feel so bad.

"Then you came," she said. Her wet eyes met mine, but I didn't see hatred, I just saw curiosity. "The first time I saw you and Percy, I knew I had found trouble. From the start, Percy looked at you like you were the most special thing. He looked at you like you were a delicate flower, but also a strong and beautiful woman. I never really hated you, Annabeth, I just hated the way that you kind of stole Percy.

"Well, I guess I shouldn't say 'stole.' I never really had Percy from the start. I began to realize that he never said 'I love you' to me because he never felt that way—I wasn't the girl for him, and so he wasn't going to give me that commitment. But you . . . I was sure that someday, he would say that to you."

Surprise struck me speechless. He would say that to me someday? What? "I think you're mistaken—"

"No," she said urgently. "I'm not. He likes you, Annabeth. I knew that from when he was so protective over you, to the way he held you or helped you out. You can make him smile so easily. Every time you walk into the room, it's like his day brightens up. He watches your every movement like every little thing you do is his lifeline."

I stared at the carpet, soaking this all in. Surely she must be mistaking Percy for someone else. He couldn't be like that—he couldn't do all those things she just said.

He doesn't like me.

So why was such a big part of me inclined to believe Rachel? I wanted to believe Rachel.

"But—"

She cut me off again. "I can't tell the future like some oracle or something, but would bet millions of dollars on what I just said."

Taking a shaky breath, she kept admitting and talking. "And all that—that made me jealous. So that drove my actions, and I know they were horrible and unforgivable. I had called the paparazzi, my mind just overrun by envy and stupidity. Then I threatened to call them, but I already had. I just wanted to see your reaction. I was being sadistic. And I'm sorry. Percy broke up with me just now, and that's probably the best thing. I don't deserve someone like him. He deserves better—a lot better. He deserves someone that will make him happy, not let him down. Someone that will make him smile, not make him sad. Someone that will stay with him through thick and thin, not become disloyal. Someone like you, Annabeth."

Oxygen was not coming to my throat in big enough drafts. I bet because my throat was clogged, omitting my voice.

"No," I muttered, my voice cracking from the emotions raging about in me. I felt weak and strong, happy and distraught. "I can't be that someone, Rachel. I don't belong here. I'm going to leave soon, especially if the reporters recognize me. My mom will be furious. It—it just won't work."

She flinched at the reporters part, and guilt shone from her eyes. However, she also had determination. "I think if you wanted it enough, you could make it work," she said honestly. "But . . . Percy might not be ready. He's been through something he never should have been through. You might have to wait. But don't let him go, Annabeth. He's totally worth it."

She had a blissful wist on her face as she said those words, but her composure also screamed sadness. She knew she lost him.

I took a huge breath, forcing oxygen into my lungs. "Rachel, what you did might be unforgivable, but—let's just try and forget all our past together. Let's just start over."

She looked slowly at me, her eyes narrowed as she tried to gauge my reaction. When she saw that I was telling the truth, that I was giving her a second chance with me, a tentative smile grew on her face.

"Annabeth, please forgive me for all I thought about you," she said. "You're the kindest person I've ever met, besides Percy."

I smiled in return. "Don't say that too soon. You don't know me too well. So, deal? Start over?"

I stuck my hand out, but instead of shaking it, she just ran forward and gave me a big hug.

I tensed up at first at the embrace, but then I relaxed into it. Then she leaned back, grinning. Sorrow tinged her mouth, but she looked like she was going to get through it all.

"Come on, let's get back outside," I said to my new friend.

Fear started to trace her expression, but I gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze, leading her out.

Everybody was in the kitchen, and they turned to look at me and Rachel as we entered.

For a moment, silence laid over the room, and shifted worriedly. They all watched us like hawks, but they seemed somewhat relieved when they saw that Rachel and I stood together in companionable silence, looking at ease with each other.

Then Rachel said, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done what I just did, and I know I've acted like an A—class bit-"

"Language," Leo reprimanded. Then he cracked a grin, saying, "But apology accepted, Red."

She looked stunned, then she ran up and gave him a huge hug. He laughed, hugging her back. One by one, they all forgave her. She grew happier by the minute. I knew they were true friends, because only the best of friends could forgive such horrible actions so quickly, looking past that all.

Then she reached Percy. We all became quiet again as they faced each other. Rachel was searching his face while he looked at the ground, hands in his pocket.

"Percy—"

"I'm sorry," he said. "But you and I wouldn't have worked anyway. I don't want to hurt you, but—"

"Percy," she repeated firmly. "It's okay. I know, you and I just weren't meant for each other. I'm just happy for the time I did get with you."

He smiled tightly, looking at her gratefully. With one last smile to everyone in the room, she headed towards the door, stepping out and disappearing from sight.

"Well, that was a day," Poseidon said. We all hummed in agreement, and Percy rubbed a hand over his head.

"You okay?" Jason asked his friend, looking at the black-haired boy.

Percy exhaled. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just gonna go to bed early."

With that, he started towards the stairs, ignoring my concerned gaze, and stepped up. It was only around five o'clock. That was pretty early for going to bed.

I felt guilt rise up in me again. I was one of the reasons he broke up his girlfriend, and I knew he wasn't taking everything well.

My mind flew back to what Rachel told me. If that was true, then I was beyond ecstatic.

But I respected her other words, saying that Percy might not be ready yet.

However, I wholeheartedly believed he was worth the wait.

Thanks for the support on Little Lady! I'm super excited for that story. :) The second chapter is up, btw.

Heey, I went to see Inside Out yesterday. It's hilarious. If you haven't seen it, I highly suggest it. I love the imaginary boyfriend, because it's so true. All girls dream up a perfect guy that would "die for you" XD Anyways, sorry. I'm rambling. :)

Q&A and chat

NeverBetAgainstGirls: Thanks so much for checking out Little Lady! It means a lot! :)

To all of you reviewers: You're reactions at last chapter's cliffhanger was priceless. So many of you were so mad, blaming Uncle Rick for putting a delight for cliffies in author's heads (it's true) or threatening to judo flip Rachel into a volcano. XD Seriously, they all made me laugh. :)