SUPER IMPORTANT!: This chapter is a redo of chapter 19. If you didn't ever read the old chapter 19, then ignore this message and keep reading. If you, however, read the old chapter (which I just deleted), I only redid the ending. I decided to change as little as possible. You could start reading from when Percy and Annabeth start arguing in the car right after the hardware store and you wouldn't miss anything. Sorry for any confusion.

It looks like another day of insufferable tension for me, I thought as I tried to find the strength to get out of bed.

I decided to lay in bed for a few more minutes. However, that's a dangerous thing to say when you're half asleep, because a few minutes turns into a few hours.

That happened to me.

I thought I heard a few knocks and my name being called, but my sleepy mind just thought of it as a dream.

However, a minute later, a hand shook my shoulder gently.

"Annabeth?"

I mumbled something incoherent, rolling over and hoping to chase down that sleep that suddenly had flown away.

"Annabeth, you slept in," the familiar voice said. At least, I think it said that. Being half-asleep does weird things to your brain.

I took a deep breath, struggling to remain conscious.

Gentle fingers suddenly drifted across my cheek, pulling a strand of hair away from my face and tucking it soothingly behind my hair. But it returned to my cheek, as if it couldn't leave. The soft caressing just made me want to go back to bed. Then it stopped.

Wait, I slept in?

With a start, I shot up to a sitting position, looking around wildly.

Nobody was in my room. I could've sworn someone waking me up was real.

I quickly got out of bed, checking the clock. Bright, glowing green numbers read: "11:48".

Cursing under my breath, I headed for my closet, changing in record time before skidding out of my doorway and raging down the hallway.

I did not just sleep in! I basically missed half the day! There were chores to be done, horses to be groomed and ridden, and I had been sleeping.

My frantic footsteps shot down the stairs. I was almost at the bottom when someone turned a corner right into my path.

I collided with the person, a yelp emitting from my mouth. We were both sent tumbling to the ground.

The person landed on his back, and I landed right on top of him, making him grunt at the weight.

"Oh, my gods. I'm so sorry," I hastily said.

Percy groaned under me. His arm had come around my waist, attempting to cushion my fall, and it didn't move.

"'S okay," he said, his chest rising and falling with each heavy breath. Why was he breathing so heavily? Had he just been doing chores? Running maybe?

Then I realized I was breathing just as heavily. And I knew why.

It was probably because I was laying over him, our bodies touching, our legs tangled between each other. His arm stayed stoically snaked around my side, the warmth from it like a fire.

But it wasn't as hot as my cheeks felt.

"Um—" I started, but a booming voice interrupted me.

"Percy, we were—Oh." The voice stopped as four people rounded the corner.

Jason, Leo, Hazel, and Frank all stopped in unison, their eyes flashing with different emotions as they took in our compromising position.

Jason merely rolled his eyes, though I thought I saw a hint of a smile dancing around his lips. Frank was the same. Leo's maniac smirk was filled with amusement.

But Hazel's eyes just widened. "Oh, my."

Percy and I scrambled to get up, each of us muttering defensive statements.

"What are you guys doing here?" Percy managed to say clearly, straightening his already straight shirt.

"We told Annabeth we were coming over today when we had that whole deal with the paparazzi," Jason replied.

My hand smacked my forehead slightly. "Gods, I totally forgot. Sorry. These past few days have been—uh, busy."

I felt Percy's sharp glance, but they disappeared from my sight just a second later as he looked away.

"Oh, okay. Well, we're here." Leo sent us a smile after the statement. "We were wondering if we could go on a ride. You two don't have to come, you could finish whatever business you'd been up to."

My cheeks, if possible, got even hotter. I had a feeling Percy's were the same, but I didn't dare look at him.

"That wasn't anything. She just accidentally—" Percy said.

I finished for him. "Ran into him as I was going down the stairs."

Leo's grin grew wider. "It's cute how you finish each other's sentences like that."

Gods, how red could cheeks get?

"Anyway," Frank rumbled, saving us. "We'll go get the horses ready. But your dad wanted to talk to you Percy."

Percy nodded briskly, then practically jogged to the front door, heading out with an eagerness as if he were going to get some of Sally's blue pancakes.

"Let's go," Leo stated, turning to follow Percy's footsteps. Hazel sent me a smile wave, which I returned, then linked hands with Frank and walked to the exit. My heart twisted at the goo-goo eyes they sent towards each other, obviously head-over-heels for one another. I tore my gaze away, meeting Jason's sky blue eyes.

He was shuffling his feet, hesitating. "You coming out?"

I dipped my head. "Yeah, just let me grab a granola bar or something."

His head bobbed, but he still didn't leave.

Finally he took a deep breath, saying, "Annabeth, you remember a couple months ago, what I told you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "You might have to be a tad more specific."

"About Percy. You and Percy. I kind of warned you away."

My mind seized the memory and wrapped around it, letting the conversation we had had seep into remembrance. "Oh, yeah. I remember."

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that," he paused, mouth opening and closing as he searched for words. "That all I said wasn't true. I didn't know about Rachel and—and what she did."

"Jason, it's fine—"

"Just let me finish." He took another breath. "I was wrong. You guys could have a chance, and I'd be totally in favor of it."

"Jason—"

"You make Percy really happy. There were times he would sink into a quiet, depressed-like state, and then I didn't know why. Now I do. But ever since you came, he's never been like that. He seems the happiest I've ever seen him whenever your around."

"Jason—"

"And so if you two—"

"Jason!" I practically shouted, just to get him quiet. "Listen to me!"

He jerked to attention, as if he was realizing I wanted to talk.

"I—I may have ruined that all," I said, my voice dimming with each syllable.

He frowned, his blue eyes swimming with confusion. "What are you talking about."

"Well, I, uh. Um, I sorta . . . Kissed him?"

For a second he just stared at me, no emotion flashing over his face.

Then his eyes widened, and he managed to stutter out, "You—you what?"

The words started to spill out of my mouth. I didn't know why I chose Jason as the person I could confide in, but I guess he just seemed trustworthy, like a guy who could keep secret. He had that air about him—that strict Roman-like discipline.

The blond boy just listened, his jaw slowly falling farther until I thought he wouldn't be able to close it because it would be too stretched.

When I finally finished, his mouth closed with an audible "Pop".

We both stood in silence for a little until I pushed with, "Well? Say something!"

"Um . . ." he trailed off. After running a nervous hand through his hair, he said to me, "Well, I'm not that great on advice about . . . you know, the opposite genders and all. You could call Piper. Or I could."

I rolled my eyes at the dreamy look he got on his face at the mention of my best friend. "Oh, snap out of it. You two are so lovesick it's nasty."

He glared at me. "Like you aren't?"

I returned the glower, then said, "Just answer me please."

"I don't know," he concluded. "I think Percy was right in not pressing a relationship right after Rachel. He's moral like that. But I don't know why he's acting like this. I would think he'd act like nothing had happened, go back to being friends. But now that he's avoiding you and being somewhat harsh . . . I don't know what he's thinking. I could try and get something out of him."

"If you could, that'd be great, Jason," I said with gratitude. "Although I'm not sure I want to know what he's thinking." Despair crept up on me again, and I resisted the urge to stomp my foot like a toddler throwing a tantrum. "Gods, what if I messed everything up? What if Percy hates me now?"

"I don't think he hates you, Annabeth," Jason said soothingly. "I think he's just confused right now—his emotions in a mess. Just give him some time, things will go back to normal."

"Well, we can't prove that," I mumbled, playing with the tips of my hair. "But thanks."

Jason dipped his head, opening his mouth to say something. But he was cut off by Leo's voice.

"Yo, blondies! Mr. Jackson wants Annabeth," the curly haired boy said, flashing us a madman's grin.

"Okay, we're coming," Jason said, turning to go out the door with me following. Leo headed to the stables as Jason led me to wherever Poseidon was. I bit my lip, going over our conversation. Even if Percy's emotions were messed up because of what had happened, that still didn't make his words from yesterday any easier.

"Maybe you should just run back to your precious Luke and stupid movie try-outs. It sure as Hades would make my life a bit easier right now."

Just thinking about the words again made my heart clench painfully. Those words hurt. Did he mean them?

And shouldn't he be able to tell that I didn't care as much about my "precious Luke"? Gods, I basically wore my heart on my sleeve, showing him my feelings when I kissed him! I obviously liked Percy. My feelings for Luke were switching with each day, more and more, all going towards Percy.

"Good morning, Annabeth." Poseidon's voice jerked me out of my raging thoughts, my gaze snapping up to see Percy's dad standing by the garden, a shovel in his hand. Percy stood next to him, his hands in his pockets. I remembered the feeling of those hands running through my curls, his warm breath mingling with my own—

Stop. I swallowed, avoiding Percy's eyes.

"Or, good afternoon," Poseidon added with a small smile. "How was your sleep?"

I managed a tight smile. "Great, thanks."

He nodded. "I was wondering if you could do me a favor."

My eyebrow rose, and I beckoned for him to continue. Percy shifted on his feet, looking like he was waiting for someone.

"Well, Percy needs to go to town to get something from the hardware store for me. I was wondering if you could keep him company."

All three of the teenagers present dropped their jaws before reacting.

Jason's eyes bulged and he looked between me and Percy.

I made a sound in the back of my throat, shaking my head instantly and saying, "No—no, I can't—"

Meanwhile, Percy shot upright, eyes as wide as saucers, staring with horror at his dad. "What? Dad, no, I thought you said Jason was going with me!"

Poseidon just looked at me, then at Percy, his gaze narrowed as he analyzed us.

"Jason should stay here and go for a ride, he hasn't been with Tempest in a while," Poseidon said.

"Um, I can't go to town. I don't have a disguise," I added nervously.

The adult shrugged. "You don't have to get out of the car. Besides, the windows are tinted enough that people would have to look pretty closely to recognize you."

"Why can't I just go by myself?" Percy demanded.

"Company is always nice to have, Percy," Poseidon said sternly. "Don't be rude and refuse the presence of a nice lady."

"But—" I started, desperate to stop this.

"Nope, not buts," Poseidon said. He was countering all our excuses calmly and stoically. We wouldn't be able to change his mind. Percy and I exchanged a quick glance, helpless expressions mirroring in each other's eyes. "Go get the things from town. And here—" he fished in his pocket for his wallet, pulling it out and handing Percy some money. "Go get lunch while you're at it. Just pick up some food and eat it somewhere at a secluded park where nobody can see Annabeth."

"Dad, we're not going—" Percy started, but he was cut off swiftly by his dad.

"Son, I don't want to hear it," Poseidon said, his voice as hard as a rock. "You can't possibly think I'm oblivious to the tension between you two. I don't know why it's there, but I don't like it. So you two go to town, and work out whatever it is and that is final. No buts, no excuses. Now go. And I don't want you guys coming back and still avoiding each other like the plague, got it?"

Percy and I stared at Poseidon, worry and awkwardness laced in our eyes.

Then Percy dropped his gaze, muttering a curt, "Fine."

I just gulped, not answering. Poseidon dipped his head, satisfied, then turned back to the garden, continuing to dig up places for new plants. Percy turned on his heel and stalked off to the truck, pocketing the money in his hand.

Jason stared a little longer, then shrugged, turning to me with a small smile. "Hey, maybe this will fix everything."

"Oh, gods, this is will be absolutely horrible," I breathed out.

He gave me a little shove towards the vehicle that Percy was waiting at. "Go. Do what Poseidon said."

"I'll see you in Elysium," I groaned, my sigh foreboding.

"Nah, you're headed for the Underworld. Especially if you mess this up."

I glanced over my shoulder once to send Jason a scowl, sticking my tongue out at him. He just grinned, sending me a little flutter of his fingers in goodbye.

"Make sure you call Piper," I retorted, a small smirk appearing. "You two don't want to miss each other too much."

I could practically feel his grin vanish as a blush replace it. But I didn't turn around, just kept walking, my boots making dull thuds on the concrete.

My smirk, however, disappeared as I approached the truck. When I neared it, Percy—being the gentleman that he his, even with this awkwardness between us—grabbed the handle to the passenger door and opened it for me.

I offered him a tight smile, mumbling my thanks. He merely nodded, shutting it behind me and trudging to the driver's side. His black hair glinted in the sun, and I had to physically clench my fists to stop the wave of reminiscing about running my hands through the silky strands.

The door slammed shut on the driver's side. The engine spluttered to life, and we rumbled out of the driveway with neither of us talking.

I could already feel the suffocating tension testing my sanity,

"It's a nice day outside," I started, my voice cracking. I realized a moment later how pathetic that was, and my cheeks heated up slightly.

Percy nodded politely. "Yeah."

A faint memory of this morning drifted through my mind. "Did you wake me up this morning?" I asked, remembering the soft hand on my cheek.

Percy's hand tightened. "No."

My eyebrow rose, but I didn't say a word. It was quiet once more.

I puffed my cheeks out, letting the air flow through a crack in my lips as I gazed out the window. I wished so hard that we were back with Leo, Jason, Frank and Hazel, getting ready to go on a ride. I hated this silence between me and Percy, and my hatred only grew, added with despair, when I remembered that I was the cause of this.

The drive to town was ridden in quietude. I wanted to say something, to try and fix this, but every time I opened my mouth to speak my eyes went to Percy and my resolve fell apart. Why was this so hard?

Soon enough we were in the petite town of West Burge. Percy took a left at the first stoplight, sliding smoothly into an empty parking space before switching the engine off.

"Wait here," he said, opening the door and heading out.

"Okay, then," I muttered as the door shut, leaving me alone. "I'll wait. Thanks."

It took longer than I expected. Soon I was beyond bored, tapping beats out on the car window, spying on people behind the tinted windows, and humming complete nonsense to myself. I almost shouted in joy when the hardware store door swung open, spitting out Percy. He was talking to one of the workers—a girl. She was obviously trying to flirt with him, what with the way she sent out a high-pitched giggle that I could hear inside the car. She attempted to casually put a hand on Percy's arm, and a grimace shot onto my face, urged on by the jealousy boiling in my veins.

Percy finally was able to leave the girl's annoying fake laughs and fluttering eyelashes, heading back to the truck.

As soon as he was seated and had latched his seat belt, throwing the plastic bag of purchases unto the floor by his feet, I said, "Who was that?"

I inwardly winced at the demanding tone in my words.

He sent me a glance, his green eyes narrowed by his frown. "That was Drew."

I pursed my lips, watching the town as Percy backed out. "Well, she seemed pretty friendly."

"Why do you care?"

My mouth dropped slightly at his statement, but I covered it up with a fumbled, "No reason. Gods, I wasn't being mean or anything."

"Your voice sounded like it," he snapped back.

"Well," I spat venomously, anger suddenly alighting upon me, "I didn't mean it to be that way, okay?"

"Fine."

"Fine."

Silence once more descended on us, and the frustrated huff I let out of my mouth sounded like a gust of wind.

This was going just swell.

As I watched our surroundings, I realized we were on our way home. "Aren't we going to eat something?"

"Why?" he responded shortly, not meeting my eyes.

I threw my hands up in the air. "Maybe because your dad told us to, and I'm kinda hungry since I haven't eaten anything, and it's the middle of the day."

"Well, maybe you shouldn't have slept in so late."

A small growl tore it's way out of my throat. "Fine! Do what you want, let's just go back to the house so you can start ignoring and hating me again."

His eyes flashed over to mine, but I tore my gaze away at the same time.

"What are you talking about?" he said, his voice hard.

"You know perfectly well what I'm talking about, Perseus," I said, using his full name. I'd learned that a few weeks back, and I also knew he hated it. "It's why your dad sent us, to get rid of this—this tension! But you're not helping at all by being a jerk!"

"I'm being a jerk?" He sounded indignant.

"Why are you so stupidly oblivious?" I practically yelled, my fingers tightening on the handle of the door until they turned white as snow. "Of course you are being a jerk! What, do you not remember telling me that you wanted me to go back to Hollywood, because that would make things easier for you?"

I crossed my arms, staring at the small red octagon we were approaching. It was for the gravel road that was perpendicular to us, and a large, jacked-up track was rolling up to it, probably preparing to stop to let us go past.

"Annabeth—"

"If you really want that, just say so, Percy," I interrupted bitterly. "After all, I do have my precious Luke to go back to."

He snapped his head over to glare at me. "Don't even use that card."

I groaned with the rage in me that was growing steadily. "Oh, you're one to talk! That's exactly what you said!"

"I didn't—Oh, my gods!" His voice, before filled with utter frustration and anger, was now laced with panic and fear.

I barely even had time to register that statement before Percy had flung a hand out towards me, pushing me back as the steering wheel jerked to the side, almost as if he were trying to avoid something.

I saw the absolute horror in Percy's sea green eyes as he cried my name, the way his foot fell on the brake pedal like a heavy rock was suddenly attached to his toes.

But even though time seemed to have slowed immensely, he still wasn't fast enough.

The screech of brakes invading my ears, the taste of bile corroding my taste buds, the warm arm slung across my stomach—these were the last things I registered before a deafening crash was heard, along with the harsh tinkling of shattering glass.

My consciousness jerked away from the world, leaving a black nothingness.

Guys, I literally started crying when I got all those reviews. You all were totally supportive of any choice I made, and you don't know how much that touched me. I was seriously beating myself up hard, thinking you all would hate me for messing it up.

Thank you. So. Much.

If there's any confusion, please ask in reviews, though I hope everything makes sense now.

Again thank you, and I love you all!