Fear isn't an emotion that Annabeth usually associates with the ones she loves. She thinks about how happy they make her, and how she loves spending time with them.

But right now, all she can think about is how scared she is. She is terrified, as her small family shrinks even more, divorce papers and court dates looming over them like a thunderstorm.

Her father has become more distant, and she feels weak without him. He spends most his time in the office, and although he tells her he's okay, she can hear his muffled sobs through the door. Annabeth is only 8, but she never heard him cry before.

The newfound vulnerability of being alone keeps her awake at night, and she has to tell herself over and over the same thing.

You're better off without her. You're better off without her.

If she says it enough, she might be able to convince herself.

A new start is what they need, her father says. He doesn't even try to hide his tears as he loads up the car, the family home becoming a distant memory as the car bumps down the road.

She stares at the fields as they pass, admiring the flowers which are beginning to sprout, and thinks to herself, if only it was that easy to flourish.

———————

Annabeth had heard the term 'imposter syndrome' before, but had never understood it until now.

She felt herself fading further into the curtains as Helen grinned at her dad, leaning forward to kiss him. The whole room cheered and clapped for the newly weds, following the pair further into the courtyard leaving only Annabeth in the remains.

Glancing up at the dark clouds, she wished for it to rain. She longed to feel the cold droplets cover her body.

How is it, you can feel claustrophobic in an empty place?

Her breathing quickened as the voices got louder, tearing apart any rational thought and clawing at her mind. She felt her throat closing, and squeezed her eyes shut as she felt a tear escape.

Do not cry. Your dad deserves this. Don't you dare cry.

She stared down dejectedly at her bouquet, and she decided in that moment that she really hated flowers.

——————

She could see the pained looks her father sent her, her appearance reminding him of a woman he longed to forget. It made her despise her reflection, and she often cried that she could do nothing to change it. She would forever have a tie to her mother, despite the girls desperate efforts to block her out. It eventually created a barrier between her and her father, and her heart ached as she felt them grow more distant.

It got worse as she got older, and at the age 16 he paid for her first flat. As much as she wanted to view it as a loving gesture, she knew deep down he was trying to get rid of her.

She stuck out like a sore thumb, ruining the image of a perfect little family. The problem only became worse after the birth of the twins, and Annabeth found herself becoming less and less close from the ones she loved.

Staring bitterly at the 'Welcome to your new home!' cards and flowers on the table, she turned to glance out the window, the skyline of New York making the perfect backdrop for her living room.

She scoffed as she picked up the flowers, throwing them in the garbage.

———————-

Annabeth had been going to Goode high for just over a month now, because it was closer than her old school. She remembers how optimistic she was when she joined, movie like scenarios running through her mind of potential friends and love interests.

Of course, none of that happened. She spent her first day, and every day since, avoiding the crowds and being shoved into lockers. She could count on one hand how many people spoke to her, and she wouldn't class any of them as friends. Brief conversations about school work with her desk neighbour, or asking someone where a classroom was.

It was really lonely.

Unfortunately, thats what the bullies preyed on. It took less than a week for them to sniff her out, grinning widely at her vulnerability. She was terrified of the walk between classes now, knowing there was a good chance that Drew and her minions would corner her, spewing insults with the intention of breaking the girl down.

She never did though, she would hold her head high and push back the tears, forcing her way through the laughing girls and waited until she was home, opening the flood gates causing the tears to pour out.

Unsurprisingly, she doesn't talk much to her dad anymore. He texts her once in a blue moon, and sadly, she has gotten used to it. She remembers his smile as she looked blankly at her new flat key, grinning like he had gifted her the best present of all time. Annabeth smiled forcibly, expressing appreciation, whilst her mind screamed he was only doing this to get rid of her.

She cursed herself as she felt a tear drop. She glanced up and down the hallway, thankfully Drew was nowhere to be seen (she would have a field day if she caught Annabeth crying), and as the final bell rang she quickly opened her locker and grabbed her stuff.

She rushed towards the parking lot eager for no one to see her upset, completely oblivious of the burning green eyes following her movements. They softened as they noticed her tears, and promised that they would do anything it took to make sure she never cried again.

—————————————————————

Annabeth let out a breath of relief as she turned the corner and saw her locker, shifting the heavy books in her hand. She dropped them down onto the floor in-front, and pulled on her jeans before entering the combination and opening the locker. She sighed and knelt down, picking the books up a couple at a time and throwing them on the top shelf.

She really needed to clean this out, she thought to herself, as masses of crumpled paper were collecting on the bottom. She smiled to herself, satisfied once all the book were in placed, but freezing when her eyes drifted down to the shelve below.

She had a letter.

She glanced up and down the hallway, scared it was some sort of prank, but the room was completely empty.

Hesitantly, she picked up the red envelope, closing her locker and sliding down to sit in front of it.

She stared at it blankly. Who would write her a letter?

She glanced at the time of her phone, noticing she only had ten minutes of free period left before the hallways would be packed once more, so she made a rash decision.

She quickly tore open the envelope, heart racing when she saw a couple pages drop onto her lap.

It was handwritten messily, and the ink was smudged. But it had her name on it.

She took a deep breath, and unfolded the paper, beginning to read.

Dear Annabeth,

Hi! Hey? Im not too sure how to start this. Im looking at the Dear Annabeth and it looks so formal but i dont know what to say. Sorry, im overthinking, i tend to do that a lot.

You're probably thinking, who the hell is this creepy guy that left me a letter in my locker? I promise im not a weird stalker or anything, im just a guy that really likes you.

Seriously beth, when you joined the school last month and i saw you for the first time i swear my heart stopped. You were so gorgeous, and my friends made fun of me because they said i was a simp ( they arent wrong i guess :) ). But anyway, the longer you were here, i realised you werent just gorgeous, but you are also amazingly smart, and funny, and as beautiful on the inside as out (i know thats cringe, but its true!)

I hate the way that Drew and her friends treat you. They are disgusting, and it breaks me to see you getting upset because of the stupid things that they say. I promise, none of it is true, they are just jealous of you. They know they arent as beautiful as you.

I wish i could just talk to you in person. You probably think im such a coward (and to be honest, i am) but you are just too perfect and im scared you'll reject me or think I'm not good enough or - well i dont really know. I just dont deserve you one bit. You are so perfect, and im - well - not.

I promise this isnt a joke, i just really really like you. I promise i'll let you know who i am one day. Im just too scared right now.

Love, Your secret admirer.

Annabeth's eyes were wide as she finished reading. He had a crush on her? She re read it a few times, heart racing with an unfamiliar feeling.

It didnt seem fake, it seemed too raw with emotion for Drew or someone to do.

A small smile took over her face and it grew as she re read it once more. Someone at school has a crush on her. He called her beautiful, and said that one day he'll reveal himself.

The school bell rang breaking her out of her thoughts and she stood up quickly, shoving the letter in her bag and walking quickly away.

Maybe her life was turning out more movie - like than she thought.

—————————————————————

Another month passed, and he kept writing to her. It was never as long as the first one, but every few days her heart would soar when seeing the folded piece on paper lying in her locker.

You looked beautiful today, well, everyday you do.

I heard you telling Drew to fuck off earlier, honestly you made me laugh so hard, I'm still smiling.

I really like you, a lot.

I hope you like cookies because my mom makes the best blue ones you'll ever have.

Im sorry i haven't said who i am yet, trust me im working on it.

I still really like you, a lot.

The whole thing was really sweet. Annabeth found herself gaining a crush on this mysterious locker boy, and no matter how much she tried to convince herself she can't like someone she doesn't know, every time she gets a new letter that rationale is thrown straight out the window.

The bullying still happens, but it has gotten a lot better, and she suspected that it was locker boy's doings.

She had even made a new friend! A boy named Will Solace joined her class, and claimed they were now besties because 'everyone else in this place is annoyingly stupid.'

They spend most evenings hanging out at Annabeth's place, and she had even opened up to him about locker boy.

'That is so romantic! We need to find out who he is!'

She rolled her eyes and flopped down onto the couch next to him, passing him a coke. They were currently dressed in pjs with fluffy socks adorning their feet, the chamber of secrets lighting up the room from the tv. Will had taken it upon himself to claim her spare room, and ended up staying there most often than not.

It was nice having someone to talk to. She grew to love waking up in the morning and seeing Will in her kitchen, wearing an apron and cooking up some pancakes. He'd always grin at her and yell 'order up!', before sliding a plate with food across the counter which she'd have to run and catch before it shattered on the floor.

She remembers when her older brother Malcolm met him for the first time, freezing as he opened the door to witness his little sister wrapped up in a blanket with a boy on the couch. She watched as his expression changed from shock to protectiveness, but it only took one sentence from Will to put a stop to his thoughts.

'Oh darling, shes not exactly my type,' followed by a wink causing Malcolm to blush, and Annabeth to shove her friend yelling how gross it was he was flirting with her brother.

It was really nice having Will. She couldn't remember the last time she felt this happy.

However, Will presence was not exactly met with the kindest reception from others. Specifically, locker boy.

Earlier today she had trudged to her locker, worn out from the day and eager to go home when her eyes fluttered down to the folded piece of paper.

She smiled softly and picked it up, heart already racing at the idea of him writing to her again.

She unfolded the paper and scanned the page, smile fading when taking it in. One sentence. No smileys, or 'love, your secret admirer.'

Are you and Will dating?

She stood frozen in place for a couple minutes, shocked. Did letter boy really think she went and got a boyfriend despite all the romantic things he's been doing? Is it not obvious that she is completely obsessed with him? Most importantly, is it not pretty obvious that Will is gay? Last week he got a detention for trying to seduce Mr Preston for a higher grade in math!

She snapped back into the present.

'I guess. I don't know. I just wish i knew who he was.'

Will nodded in agreement and opened his bottle.

'Well, i don't think that he'll manage to keep his cover for much longer. After that last note I wouldn't be surprised if he ran up to us in the canteen and ripped you from my arms - declaring his love for you in front of everyone!'

She grinned at his playful tone but couldnt ignore the panic that was seeping into her mind.

'What if he stops writing me because he thinks we are a thing?'

Will opened his mouth to make a sarcastic comment, but stopped abruptly when seeing the genuine concern on his friends face. He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and smiled.

'Look, this guy seems obsessed with you. I doubt he would just stop because he's threatened by me. And anyway, i have my eyes on that cute emo kid from English, so I'm pretty sure he'll get the message if i start dating that guy.'

Despite her worry, she smiled at the boy.

'Are you on about Nico? Jason Grace and Percy Jackson's cousin? Will he's the complete opposite of you!'

He grinned and leaned back into the couch.

'Opposites attract and all that jazz, no?'

Annabeth laughed and shoved him slightly.

'You know, i see him looking at you all the time in the canteen. You should message him.'

Will grinned at his best friend.

'You know what,' he said as he pulled out his phone,' i just might.'

——————————————————————

Annabeth was never really fond of birthdays, it usually consisted of her parents arguing about money or just forgetting about it completely. She preferred to just pretend the day didn't exist, and that was what she was planning on doing today.

Clearly Will had a different idea, and thats why shes currently standing in the kitchen covered head to toe with streamers glaring at a grinning Will, cake in his hand.

'Go on then Birthday girl! Blow them out!'

She rolled her eyes fondly at the boy and tried to ignore the small smile creeping on her face.

She took a step closer ready to blow them out but Will gasped causing her to look up at the boy in question.

His grin never faltered, and he pointed at her with his free hand.

'You need to make a wish!'

She laughed and opened her mouth.

'Okay! Umm, i wish for -'

'No! I cant know what it is, then it won't come true you muppet! Do it in your head!'

She resisted the urge to take the cake and smash it on his head, but closed her eyes as she thought.

She smiled, and then blew all 18 candles out.

Will smiled at her.

'So, Cake for breakfast?'

The girl laughed and grabbed two forks, and the pair dug in.

He side eyed her and smiled.

'I hope your wish comes true.'

She smiled back at him as a small smile graced her face, thoughts of her locker boy infecting her mind.

'Yeah, me too.'

An hour later Annabeth was in front of her locker, smiling politely at her peers as they brushed past her. She pulled it open and froze, seeing the gift that lay perfectly on the shelve, right next to a red envelope.

The grin that spread over her face was infectious. She eagerly took the little box and unwrapped it, vaguely aware of a few eyes on her from down the hallway.

She didn't care if people were staring at her. She was so excited, so doubted anything could ruin her mood.

She tore the paper off and stared down at the object in her hand.

A little box of blue cookies.

She could feel her heart melting as she looked down at the box. He mentioned before that his mom liked to bake blue cookies, and she could feel tears welling in her eyes at the idea of her making cookies specifically for Annabeth's birthday. Her own mother didn't even send her a text.

Sniffling slightly, she closed her locker and sat down in front of it, opening the letter.

Dear Annabeth,

Happy birthday! I hope you like the cookies, mom insisted on baking you some. You should've seen it, she was stressing so much about making them perfectly, and she yelled at me for stealing a few. I think she wanted to make a good first impression on you but i know you'll love each other (of course she'll love you, you're perfect).

Also, a little birdie told me that you and Will aren't dating, and i may or may not have punched the air because i was so excited. The idea of you with someone else broke me, but i know that its my fault because I'm too much of a coward to reveal myself to you.

Im working on it, i promise.

In the meantime, i really really like you, like a lot a lot, and i hope you have the best birthday. You deserve it.

Love, your secret admirer :)

And that is how Will found her ten minutes later, looking down lovely at a piece of paper, cookies resting in her lap. He looked down at her questioningly, before his eyes noticed the familiar handwriting and he rolled his eyes in understanding.

'Okay, cmon birthday girl, we're gonna be late for lunch!'

He dragged her up as she gushed to him about what a lovely guy locker boy is, and continued to spill her adoration until he sat her down in the canteen.

Will rolled his eyes once more, but she could see that he was secretly really happy for her.

They sat across from each other as they shared a sandwich, and Annabeth opened the cookies from locker boy and cautiously tried one, scared of what would happen if she didn't like them.

Her eyes lit up as she bit into it, and she shoved the box towards Will.

'You have to try these, they're so good.'

He grinned fondly and grabbed one of his own, biting into it.

'Holy shit you weren't joking! We need to find out who this guy is so we can ask him mom to make more!'

She laughed and looked round the canteen, stopping when she noticed an entire table were staring directly at her.

'Will,' she spoke quietly, pretending not to stare, 'That table is staring right at us.'

He raised an eyebrow and sat up straighter.

'Who? It's not Drew is it? I can't be bothered to fight her today.'

'Nope, over there, look. It's the table with Nico.'

Upon hearing his name, Will turned round so quickly he probably gave himself whiplash, and openly stared at the table.

'Oh god! You're being so obvious!' Annabeth shrieked quietly.

The table consisted of Jason, the quarterback, Piper, his girlfriend, Nico and his sister Hazel, then her boyfriend Frank and Percy Jackson.

She knew little about Percy Jackson, other than he was captain of the swim team, and in a few of her classes. Apparently he was super nice though, which explained why he was as popular as he was. Plus, he was incredibly good looking. She tried not to stare as his black locks brushed over his sea green eyes.

They all smiled sweetly at her and not so discreetly began whispering to one another. She smiled back cautiously as her eyes locked onto Percy's, and she couldn't help notice that he looked incredibly nervous. He smiled at her shyly and she returned it, before glancing back at Will.

The boy was still focused on Nico, stupidly grinning at him from across the room.

'Hey!' She whispered, shoving him. 'Snap out of it!'

Will frowned and spun back round to look at her. She could still feel the tables eyes on her.

'Hey! I was admiring him!'

Annabeth rolled her eyes.

'Was that not super weird to you?'

Will returned the eye roll. 'No? You're eating blue cookies, they probably think that they are mouldy or something, and think you are super weird.'

She wasn't fully convinced, but relaxed into her chair.

'Okay.'

--

Hope you enjoyed! Aiming to make this a two/three shot - so stay tuned! :)