Hey guys! Hope you had a good Valentine's Day (singles awareness day for me but my family gave me lots of candy so it's all good lol) I know it's been a while (blame it on college) but I've finally finished another chapter! It's been like 70% finished for weeks now but the last bit took me forever to write cause my schedule has been crazy with the new semester starting. My classes are so much harder this semester (they were hard enough last semester-RIP me) but I still write whenever I have time. I hope you guys like this update, it has a little bit of everything; both cute, serious, and emotional haha. Thanks for all the reviews! I'm working on a little something for you guys (no, it's not another story or anything lol) but I think you guys will love it! It'll be done soon-ish and that's all I'm gonna say! Enjoy this chapter!

Review Responses:

PrincessWiseGirl: Thank you so much! I love Sally and Annabeth's relationship as well (there just might be a little something in this chapter regarding them haha). Lol I die every time I write something about Percy and the whole ravioli thing. It's so random I don't even know how I thought of the idea but I love it. I love those stories! As for stories I would recommend you can look at my favorited stories on my page. I've reread my favorited fics countless times and I'd recommend them to anyone!

MCRisaliveright (Guest): Thanks! To be completely honest, I don't know how I get the inspiration for some of my scenes haha. I know at least for the milkshake/diner scene I was inspired a bit by the show Riverdale (that show is a guilty pleasure lol it's cheesy but I like it). Other than that I just kinda either get inspiration from songs, videos I watch, and just randomly think stuff up lol.

ana2217 (Guest): I know everyone probably gets tired of me saying this but seriously thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! You guys are awesome, I don't know what I'd do without you all! I try my very best to do justice to Percabeth because they will forever be my OTP. Oh my gods I would die if someone made fanart for my writing! I'm the least artistic person to exist on this earth (I mean besides the art of photography) so I can't draw my favorite couple much less anything for my stories so I relate.

Disclaimer: Don't own

Annabeth took her starting position, breathing in deeply as she waited for the music to sound from the speakers that would allow her to start her routine. She felt eyes on her from all around the ice arena. The crowd was waiting in anticipation to see her skate. This was it. The last time she would perform a routine for the rest of the season. She was at Nationals. The idea itself made her feel like she was in a dream.

She now had to perform a routine that her and Christina had choreographed in front of so many people. The event was being televised for Gods sake. It wasn't just the fact that so many people were watching her and she was being judged that was making her nervous though. It was the fact that her routine was the most personal one yet. She'd performed something like it before but that day something felt different. She was hesitant on picking the song she did in the first place but she knew the judges wanted to see that the figure skaters could connect with their skating closely, so she stuck with it. Now she was starting to wonder if she would be able to get through the whole routine without getting lost in her thoughts, without succumbing to the painful memories that she had related the song to.

She tried to shake herself out of it. Maybe picturing happy memories would help. She tried to remember her friends' words of encouragement before she was forced to separate from them for the competition. Before the start of the event, she'd received comforting hugs from everyone in her friend group. They had wished her well and with a last kiss for good luck from Percy, she'd left to wait with the other skaters. She knew they were watching her from somewhere in the stands.

She looked down at the skating outfit she was wearing for the performance and a small smile emerged on her face. She brushed the smooth grey material with her fingertips before tracing her hands over the silver gems on the skating dress. The memory of how she got the dress flashed in her mind.

Sally Jackson gasped, her hands coming up to her face excitedly.

"Oh Annabeth! You look beautiful dear." Ms. Jackson stated happily. Annabeth sent her a shy smile in return.

Sally motioned for her to spin around in the outfit and Annabeth complied. When she was facing the older woman again, she noticed that Sally's eyes had a slight shine to them as she watched her joyfully.

"Are you sure about this Sally? You really don't have to-" She was cut off a second later.

"I want to Annabeth. There's no one else I would want to wear one of my old figure skating dresses. Besides, they've just been sitting in my closet for years. It's about time they got worn again. I'll have to hem it a bit on the sides but other than that it's a perfect fit!" Sally clapped her hands in glee.

Annabeth smiled again and walked over to look at herself in the full-length mirror positioned on the back of Sally's bedroom door. The outfit really was stunning. She put her hair up in a messy bun to get an idea of what she would look like for Nationals.

That night had truly gone by in the blink of an eye. One minute she had been devouring the delicious penne rose pasta dish at the Jackson residence with Percy and his mom and the next she was suddenly looking through the various skating dresses Sally Jackson owned from her time as a figure skater. Annabeth had never seen such beautiful outfits. The detailing on them was incredible. Each vintage dress was unique in its own way. When Sally told her to pick one out to wear for Nationals Annabeth nearly died on the spot. After a few minutes of looking she'd found a gorgeous grey one.

The grey dress she had picked out was a long sleeve one that hugged her body in all the right places. The sheer sleeves came down past her wrists to wrap around her finger. The top of the dress had several silver sequins leading towards the bottom skirt part of the dress that was flowy. The only thing she was unsure about was the plunging neckline aspect of the dress, but Sally had assured her it covered everything and after trying it on she could see that Ms. Jackson had been right.

The older woman came up behind her in the mirror, squeezing her shoulder gently and grinning. Annabeth grabbed her hand and turned around to face her.

"Thank you Sally. I love it. Really…I can't thank you enough." She said.

"It's my pleasure Annabeth. You know…you remind me a lot of myself when I was your age. I know you'll do great at Nationals. I've already made arrangements be there Saturday."

"You're coming?"

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world." Sally replied sweetly.

Not knowing what else to say, Annabeth simply leaned forward to give her a hug. Probably the tenth hug of the night but she didn't care. It was practically impossible not to love Sally Jackson. She hugged back just as tightly. They were interrupted a moment later.

"Alright mom, dishes are done now can I please have my girlfriend bac–wow." Percy trailed off upon entering his mother's bedroom.

Sally pulled away from Annabeth upon hearing her son's voice, smiling knowingly as the male laid eyes on the grey-eyed girl. His pupils widened as he took in her appearance. Sally laughed at his shocked expression before deciding to make herself scarce. She headed towards the doorway, stopping once she was next to Percy.

"Close your mouth son, it's not a very attractive look on you." She muttered close to his ear teasingly. Percy came out of his daze long enough to give his mother a menacing glare as she patted his shoulder and left the room.

The entire time Annabeth had been trying to bite back a smile and failing. When they were alone a full ten seconds of Percy staring at her went by before Annabeth spoke.

"Penny for your thoughts?" She asked quietly.

Percy shook himself out of it, blinking several times before voicing his opinion. "I-uh…you-um…you look…wow…I mean uh…wow."

Annabeth laughed at his inability to speak while blushing like crazy. He grinned shyly back, his hand coming up to ruffle his hair nervously. His cheeks were dusted pink. He looked adorable.

She figured her boyfriend had experienced enough teasing that night so instead of coming up with a witty comeback, Annabeth took a few steps forward until she was standing right in front of him. She placed her right hand on his shoulder before leaning up to place a soft kiss on his cheek. She pulled back a moment later to see a wide smile on his face.

"Thank you" She whispered.

Annabeth was brought back to the present when she heard the first few notes of the song she'd picked for her routine start to play. She took another deep breath, focusing all her attention on the ice and her performance as she began to glide swiftly down the rink and spread her arms gracefully in different movements.

Don't You Remember-Adele

When will I see you again?
You left with no goodbye, not a single word was said
No final kiss to seal anything
I had no idea of the state we were in

Annabeth skated smoothly along the ice, crossing her white skates over each other as she slowly moved with the rhythm of the song. She tried not to listen to the meaning behind the lyrics and get lost in her thoughts, but it was proving to be hard.

I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness
And a wandering eye, and a heaviness in my head

The last few lines forced her to picture her father and the smile left her face as she got lost in the lyrics. She could relate to the words on such a personal level. She knew she wasn't always the perfect daughter growing up no matter how hard her mother tried to make her be, but it was her father, Fredrick Chase that always made her feel loved and safe despite her rough edges. She launched into a triple Lutz, nailing it head on and barely registering the claps from the audience.

But don't you remember, don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before
Baby please remember me once more

The chorus of the song hit her even harder. As she performed a double axel, a toe loop and another Lutz all she could think about was her father. Why did he leave? There had to be a reason why all of the sudden he'd just abandoned her. It was frustrating and heartbreaking all at once.

When was the last time you thought of me?
Or have you completely erased me from your memories?
I often think about where I went wrong
The more I do, the less I know

Did her dad even think about her anymore? What was he doing with is life now? Did he have another family? The questions popped up in her mind one after another and she couldn't stop it. What had gone wrong? All she wanted to know was why?

But I know I have a fickle heart and a bitterness
And a wandering eye, and a heaviness in my head
But don't you remember, don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before
Baby please remember me once more

Annabeth felt her skate crunch the ice beneath her as she came down from another jump before spinning in fast circles on the spot repeatedly. Halfway through she realized a single tear was falling down her cheek. She highly doubted anyone could see it, but it was there. Sniffling quietly, she blinked more tears back. She needed to finish her routine and stay focused. It was a miracle she hadn't fallen.

Oh, I gave you the space so you could breathe
I kept my distance so you would be free
In hope that you find the missing piece
To bring you back to me

She thought he might come back. Maybe he just needed a little time to figure things out but as weeks turned into months and months turned into years that last bit of hope she had in her disappeared. It had been almost 5 years. She had to accept that he wasn't coming back.

Why don't you remember, don't you remember?
The reason you loved me before
Baby please remember me once more

Did he remember all the good times they'd had together? They used to sneak into the kitchen some nights after Athena went to bed and eat heated up Oreos and other junk food. He used to come to every one of her skating events, every single one, and cheer her on until he lost his voice and then after that they would go out for some celebratory ice cream. Him leaving hurt her in more ways than she could've ever imagined. She thought he was happy but apparently, she'd been mistaken. Did he even love her anymore?

When will I see you again?

The last line of the song sounded through the speakers, voicing her exact thoughts. She landed one last jump before skating back towards the middle as the last few notes played. Another tear managed to slip down her face but no one could see it because her finishing stance involved her looking down at her skates.

There was a moment of silence that hung in the air for a good minute. Not one person spoke as the crowd stared at the figure skater before them. The whole audience could tell that the performance was clearly very emotional and personal to the blonde-haired girl. If one looked close enough they would see some people shedding a few tears similar to Annabeth, having had similar experiences they could relate the performance to. Annabeth skated off the ice slowly, wiping another stray tear from her cheek as she drifted towards the side where the other skaters were.

Throughout the whole performance Percy and the others watched Annabeth, captivated by her entire routine. It took only a few seconds to figure out that she was skating as if to send a message to her absent father wherever he was. Her last performance was also about her father but what she had just done was so raw and full of emotion. It was like everyone in the arena could feel how hurt she was deep inside. She wasn't just skating because it was some hobby she'd picked up. She was skating because it was a way for her to get out all her feelings of loneliness and pain. Figure skating was so much more than just a sport for her.

Annabeth Chase won first place in the National figure skating competition for the high school level that day.

She didn't remember much of what happened after she heard her name announced through the speakers. It was normal to her for the events following the competition to be a bit of a blur but usually it was as a result of her disbelief that she'd won. This time it was because of the fact that she felt absent from everything going on around her. She could vaguely recount cheers and applause from the audience, receiving a gold medal, and skating onto the ice with the second and third place skaters.

Before Annabeth knew it, the competition came to a close and everyone slowly got up to leave the arena in large groups. She changed into sweatpants and a t-shirt afterwards in the locker room, receiving a bearhug from her coach Christina on the way. The other figure skaters congratulated her as well and she half-heartedly thanked them. Once she removed her makeup and let her curly blond hair rest on her shoulders, she left the locker room, a feeling of dread filling her when she walked past the skate rental area of the high-end ice rink where the competition had taken place. She held her duffle bag securely on her shoulder, her medal resting in one of the side pockets.

As she predicted, her group of friends found her moments after she stepped foot outside the locker room. Once they saw her the grins that were already on their faces brightened. Annabeth smiled back at them forcefully, trying her best to make it convincing.

Percy was the first one to reach her, practically sprinting up to her before engulfing her in a tight embrace. He laughed joyfully in her ear, lifting her off the ground slightly. She wrapped her arms around him a second later, her hold on him tighter than usual. Percy didn't seem to notice.

"I'm so proud of you. You were absolutely mesmerizing Princess." He whispered whilst still hugging her. Annabeth barely registered his words.

His presence was so warm, so comforting, that she almost lost it right then and there. Tears prickled her eyes, but she held them back, forcing a smile on her face for the others. She wouldn't cry. She couldn't cry.

Once she separated from her boyfriend, Thalia practically tackled her into another hug. The same went for just about everyone in her group of friends as well as Ms. Jackson who had found the group of teenagers a short while later. They were all so happy for her and Annabeth wanted so badly to feel the way they did.

But the truth was she simply didn't feel that way.

The only thing that was on her mind was her father. Performing her routine unlocked something inside of her that she didn't know still existed. She felt confused, frustrated, helpless, alone; everything she shouldn't be feeling after receiving first place at the National figure skating competition.

It wasn't fair. She should be feeling over the moon. Getting to Nationals had been a dream of hers forever and getting first place…she should've been elated. Instead all she wanted to do was curl up into a ball and block out the rest of the world.

She felt like she was fourteen all over again, waiting for her dad to come home but slowly realizing that he was never coming back. She'd lost the one person who supported her skating career more than anyone. As if to prove her point, her mother Athena was nowhere to be seen. Annabeth had told her mother when and where the competition was like she always did but of course Athena must've been busy working like she always was. It wasn't a big deal to her, none of it was and it never would be.

"Knock knock, anyone home Beth?" Nico said jokingly, looking straight at her as she stared off into space. The others laughed and Annabeth shook herself out of it, momentarily focusing on the pale boy with obsidian eyes.

"Huh?" She replied confusedly. Nico rolled his eyes.

"I asked if you felt like going out for pizza or sushi. We wanted to take you out for a celebratory dinner." He explained. The others nodded in response and Annabeth stuttered.

"Y-you guys don't have to really I-"

"Nonsense! You got first place Annabeth! You can't expect us not to celebrate that!" Will cut her off, an excited look plastered on his face.

Annabeth felt the stares of everyone on her. "Uh, well I guess…sushi sounds good." She stated half-heartedly.

Her friends seemed happy with her answer. They all nodded and smiled at her once more. In all honesty, Annabeth just wanted to go home but she wasn't about to tell them that because that would lead to questions and the last thing she needed was to relive the memories she thought she'd erased. Dealing with the pain and keeping up a façade in front of her friend group was proving to be hard enough.

"Well then! Off to the nearest sushi place it is!" Leo said dramatically, taking Calypso's hand and dragging her with him towards the doors. The others followed suit, Sally Jackson having left to get back to work a minute before after congratulating Annabeth once more.

Annabeth strayed back a bit and Percy noticed. He stopped in his tracks, moving back to walk next to the blonde with her duffle bag now resting on his shoulder. Annabeth didn't even remember giving it to him. The sea-green eyed boy noticed the way her smile wavered for a split second before reforming itself and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

He took hold of her hand, interlacing his fingers with hers as he pulled her to a stop while the others walked ahead of them. Annabeth turned to look at him with a puzzling expression. He noticed that she wouldn't meet his gaze. He gave her hand a squeeze and her eyes met his for only a second.

"Hey, you ok?" He asked in a hushed tone so their friends wouldn't hear.

Annabeth focused her gaze on a spot right behind him, intensely staring at it. She knew if she looked into those green eyes for a long enough time she would break. He sounded worried and she hated herself for lying to him, but she didn't want to talk about it. Maybe if she avoided discussing the topic it would go away on its own. At least that's what she wanted to believe.

"I'm great! I mean I just got first place!" She stated excitedly, lying straight through her teeth and still refusing to look at him directly. The concerned expression on Percy's face didn't waver.

"Well then why won't you look me in the eyes?" He asked lowly a moment later.

Annabeth stiffened. She should've known Percy would be the hardest one to convince. The boy had a talent for reading people. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and ever so slowly moved her gaze to his sea-green irises. His brow was furrowed, and his eyes stared questioningly towards her. It took everything in her to keep the grin on her lips and continue the eye contact.

"See? All good." She said lightly.

"Annabeth-" He started, still clearly concerned.

Before he could say anymore, Annabeth leaned up to capture his lips with hers. It was just a small peck and when she pulled away all she wanted to do was let Percy hug her and tell her everything was going to be ok, but she couldn't. She wouldn't let herself. Percy had dealt with so much, the last thing he needed was another burden to carry and that's exactly what she would be giving him. Instead she forced another smile and choked down her shaky voice before speaking.

"I'm fine Percy. Now come on, the others are going to leave without us!" She said, trying her best to sound light-hearted and cheerful before running ahead of her boyfriend and towards the doorway.

Percy stared at her retreating figure. Something wasn't right. He couldn't quite place what was wrong, but he knew something was slightly off about the way Annabeth was acting. It was similar to the way he would act when he was his old self, putting on a show for everyone in attempt to block out his real feelings. The look in her eyes when she finally met his gaze was guarded, she seemed almost scared and he needed to know why.

The others may not have seen it at first, but he did.

Chapter 38 complete! Figure skating competitions are over now :( But the roles have now reversed and Annabeth is the one putting on an act! Poor Percy he knows something's up. I love writing worried Percy he's adorable. Ok enough of that but what did you guys think? Things can't always be sunshine and rainbows you know? Annabeth's clearly very hurt and upset but what did you all think of her emotional performance? I know I wrote about her skating to another song about her dad but this one I wanted to write because it truly showcases her feelings towards him and I felt that it was right for her to perform it for Nationals. Also how can I forget that adorable Sally/Annabeth/Percy scene I love that flashback what about you guys? Let me know. I'll see you guys soon (hopefully college doesn't kill me before the next update) Love you all!

P.S: The ice skating outfit Annabeth was wearing was partly inspired by the blue dress from Ice Princess in the final performance (except Annabeth's was grey and looked more vintage-like if that makes sense lol.

REVIEW, REVIEW, AND REVIEW!

-M