Annabeth didn't understand why her blood was boiling so much. Of course, Piper's theory of her being jealous was utterly ridiculous, considering she couldn't give two damns about what girls Percy Jackson chose to talk to.
Obviously she didn't care. There must be a rational explanation for why she wanted to throttle the red head that was currently flirting with him.
God, she could hear her fake laughter all the way from the bleachers where she sat. She had been dragged along by a few of her friends to see Jackson's first swim meet this year, and despite her complaints, here she was sweating by the side of the pool waiting for his turn to race.
But seriously, why was that girl so close to him. Surely they weren't dating? He would've told her if he had a girlfriend.
Not that he needed to, of course, considering that A, they were just friends, and B, she didn't even like him.
She grimaced as he met her eyes across the room and sent her a wink, wide grin on his face.
Huffing at his cockiness, she averted her gaze back down to her science book resting in her lap. Might as well do something productive if she was stuck here.
She got so lost in her reading, she didn't even hear the footsteps approach her until it was too late.
'Annabeth?'
Her eyes shot up and narrowed instantly. The red head girl from earlier was smiling down at her.
'Yes? Can i help you?'
She couldn't help wince at her unfriendly tone.
The other girl's grin widened as she squeezed herself next to the blonde in the stands.
'He was right, you do have a temper.'
Annabeth raised her eyebrows in shock as she glared at the girl next to her.
'Excuse me?'
The red head laughed and held out her hand.
'Rachel Dare. Official best friend of Percy Jackson. He talks a lot about you you know.'
Annabeth hesitantly shook her hand. Best friends? She had never seen this girl round school before.
At seeing her puzzled expression, Rachel continued.
'I don't go to Goode. Me and Percy used to go to middle school together until i left to go to the all girls private school up in Long island. I'm just here to see his first meet.'
Annabeth pursed her lips and nodded slightly, trying to ignore the pang in her chest at those words.
'Well, how lovely, i'm sure he loves having you here.'
Rachel smiled knowingly at the girl, which she hated. It was like the red head knew something she didn't, and Annabeth hated not knowing.
'You know, i think he has a bit of a crush on you.'
Annabeth choked on her own saliva in shock. Rachel's grin grew as she watched the flustered girl try and compose herself, patting her new friends back slightly.
Annabeth shook her head firmly.
'Oh please. He does not. Sure he flirts all the time, but he's only joking!'
Rachel opened her mouth to answer, but both girls were interrupted by the sound of splashing. Annabeth watched as Percy dove into the water and swam effortlessly, metres ahead of any opponents. She found herself standing up and eagerly watching, biting her lip anxiously as he inched towards the finish line.
'Oh cmon seaweed brain, you got this.' She muttered to herself.
The room erupted in loud cheers as he soared ahead of everyone, reaching the end and jumping out - winning the race easily.
She squealed and hugged Rachel in happiness before she knew what she was doing, and once again she found herself meeting Percy Jackson's eyes across the room. He sent her the biggest smile she'd ever seen, and pointed at her.
Oh my god. Her mind raced with thoughts as he dedicated his win to her, in front of crowds of people. She sat back down in shock as his teammates hauled him off for celebrations, ignoring Rachels smirk as the girl placed a supportive hand on her shoulder.
'You still think he's joking?'
