Annabeth didn't really know where her and Percy stood. They both admitted to having crushes on each other, and had kissed (a lot!), but when he dropped her off at Piper's there was no conversation about titles. Was she his girlfriend? Were they together?

Piper frowned at her as she remised on the date, eyes gleamed over in a trance, thinking about how perfect it was.

'Oh snap out of it!' Piper yelled, swatting Annabeth with a pillow.

'Hey!' Annabeth complained, feigning hurt and rubbing her arm. 'I just had the best date of my life okay? Im allowed to be sappy!'

Piper rolled her eyes and Hazel spoke up.

'I don't see what the issue is then? I mean, you both like each other right? So you're dating?'

They were having a girls night at Piper's, and were currently all sprawled out across the movie chairs, popcorn in hand and a Marvel film playing in the background.

Annabeth groaned and sunk into her chair dramatically.

'Thats the thing! I don't know! After he kissed me is when Piper text asking where i was, so we just got back into the car and he drove me here!'

Piper raised an eyebrow. 'Was it awkward?'

Annabeth shook her head firmly. 'Nope! Not at all! He was holding my hand and gave me another kiss as i got out, saying that he'd text me later.'

She glanced down at her phone, frustrated at the blank screen. She emitted another groan, causing the girls to laugh.

'Look!' Piper sat up, pointing at Annabeth, 'If you want to know what he's thinking, just text him! Trust me, that bot is crazy about you, He's just being a stupid boy and probably doesn't even realise you are freaking out right now. You should text him instead.'

Annabeths eyes darted worriedly to hers, picking up her phone nervously.

'You think? What if he thinks im desperate? Or some sort of slut because i moved on from Luke that quick!'

Hazel gasped gently and sat up, eyes narrowing on Annabeth.

'Do not say that about yourself. Annabeth, Luke cheated on you! He literally slept with someone whilst dating you. You really don't need to worry about how long you wait to get with someone else. Luke doesn't deserve it. And if you are worried about what people at school will think then don't, they know you aren't like that at all. Most importantly, Percy doesn't think that. He adores you! Piper is right, just message him.'

Annabeth smiled at her friends thankfully. She was so lucky to have them. With a breath of courage, she unlocked her phone and started drafting a message.

Piper rushed over eagerly from her seat, peering at the screen in excited.

'What are you saying?' She asked.

Annabeth finished typing before reading the message out loud.

'Hey, i had the best time today. Thank you for making it so perfect. Do you want to go on another date soon?'

Hazel smiled softly and nodded whilst Piper frowned.

'Hmm, let me see it for a minute.'

She grabbed the phone out of Annabeths hand, before typing something quickly. Before Annabeth could process what happened, a little ding signalling the text sending.

Piper smiled cheekily at Annabeth.

'Oh my god, what did you say!' Annabeth yelled, trying to grab her phone. Piper laughed and struggled for a minute, before giving in and releasing the mobile. Annabeths eyes frantically scanned over the message before widening at Piper.

'You added Love Annabeth? Piper!!'

Piper laughed and even Hazel let out a little giggle.

'What?' Piper shrugged. 'Its cute!'

Annabeth quickly tried deleting the message, letting out a frustrated groan as the tick changed colour, signalling that he read it.

Annabeth buried her face in the pillow, letting out a little scream.

'I hate my life!' She rose and glared at Piper. 'I've been on one date with the guy and you already texted him with L word! If he blocks me its fully your - Oh my god he answered.'

Everyone sat up in their seats and Annabeth took a couple steps from Piper as she read the message.

Her figure relaxed, and a smile overtook her features. She grinned as she read the text out loud.

'Hell yeah. You kissed me, theres no getting rid of me now. Love Percy.'

All the girls squealed in happiness.

'No fair!' Piper complained. 'Jason never says stuff like that!'

The girls laughed at her, Annabeth's heart pounding in her chest.

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Annabeth tried to close the door quietly, hoping not to draw attention to herself. She had saw the car on the drive way, and knew that her stepmom was home. Not in the mood for an argument, Annabeth slowly removed her shoes and cautiously walked passed the living room, making her way to her room.

'What, i don't even get a hi?'

Annabeth froze at the voice, spinning round to see Helen sat on the couch. She had a magazine in one hand, and was flipping through the tv channels with another. She looked like she had just come home from work, as she was still dressed in her business attire.

'Sorry,' Annabeth spoke, 'I didn't see you there. How was work?'

Helen sighed dramatically and motioned for Annabeth to sit down, which she did hesitantly, perching on the edge of the sofa.

'Save it. I know you don't really care. Where were you last night?'

Annabeth played with her hair nervously.

'I stayed at a friends house. Her names Piper. I let dad know.'

'Hmmm,' Helen interrupted. 'Well, i thought i should let you know another friend stopped by last night. Tall, blonde, had a weird scar on his lip. Said he really needed to talk to you but he would understand if you didn't want to.'

Annabeth froze as she felt her heart pounding in her chest. Tall, blonde, scar - Luke. Helen watched as Annabeth fidgeted uncomfortably, breathing quickening with every second.

'I- i dont know what to say. I - '

Helen frowned at the younger girl, peering at her through her glasses. Annabeth could be mistaken, but she thought she saw a glimpse of sympathy in her eyes.

'Don't worry. I sent him on his way. Told him that if he wants to contact you he should phone you, not show up at the house. He said you blocked him? Anyway, i said if she blocked you she clearly doesn't want to speak to you. And he left. He was a little weird to be honest. I didn't like him.'

Annabeth looked down at her thankfully, shock present on her features.

'Really? I mean, thank you. Honestly.'

Helen sat up on the sofa, removing her glasses and glancing at Annabeth. Annabeth never really noticed before, but her eyes were very pretty.

'Annabeth, i know we haven't always gotten on, but if you ever need anyone to talk to, i'll be around. Im assuming that man was an ex boyfriend, no?'

Helen continued when Annabeth remained silent.

'Ive had my share of bad ex's too. There are some horrible men out there. Us girls need to stay together. Okay?'

Annabeth nodded and before she could stop herself she leant down and embrace her stepmom in a hug. Annabeth couldn't remember the last time they hugged.

'Thank you, Helen.'

Helen hesitated slightly, shocked, then hugged Annabeth back.

Annabeth could feel her smiling into her shoulder, and thats how her dad found them five minutes later.

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