Percys Pov
I really don't want to do these stupid interviews. That was my biggest concern after the game, having to deal with local media. It was only our first game for gods sake, but being new I assumed they thought I was, "story worthy". As the cameras approached me I took off my helmet as I tried to think of things to say. Just stay positive, I thought to my self, say a couple things that are nice and leave.
"Jackson", a girl with red hair was staring at me as she spoke. She had green eyes like me, and didn't have a camera man with her. So I went to her first. As I got closer I realized she was rather attractive. Her red hair was curly and crazy, but she gave off a friendly vibe, making me a lot more comfortable.
"Hey", I said giving her a warm smile, "Do you work for the school or something?"
She returned the smile, a playful glint seemed to reflect in her eyes. Maybe she was a trouble maker or something, a prankster? I decided that I wouldn't know just from this conversation, so I dropped my curiosity to focus on what she was saying.
"Yeah I work for the school paper, great game by the way. What's your favorite color?" She stepped forward as she spoke, making the other reporters a little aggravated. I was taken aback at how fast she spoke and the question she asked.
"Um thanks, and definitely blue". I replied nodding my head as if to confirm to myself more than her.
"Not that yankee blue right? I know how you New Yorkers love them, but cmon be more interesting." , She laughed as she wrote something down in a plain brown notebook.
"Hey!" I said slightly offended, "We aren't that stereotypical! And I was talking about like normal blue." I grumbled to her as I crossed my arms, pretending to pout. She just laughed at my actions,
"Okay superstar, go talk to the actual news. I'll finish the interview later". She gave me a wink as she walked away. I was confused to say the least, all she did was ask me my favorite color? I don't even think she'd use that in her paper. Who knows she seemed to be an interesting person, so I couldn't really put it past her. Doesn't matter right now, I'll just deal with these local news people, shower, and then stuff my face with as much food as possible. I turned to the rest of the reporters to speak as quickly as I could. I gave them short generic answers, to imply that I didn't want to be doing this. Stuff like, how do you like the new school, answer, good, and so on. When I decided that the generic questions were good enough I quickly said goodbye and that I had to join my team for the after game meal. Which wasn't a lie, I haven't been able to eat all day, and I barely ate yesterday. I would've stolen from the cafeteria but the principle gave me strict rules, one slip up in anyway and I was gone. It was kind of frustrating, just because of my past I had more restrictions to deal with. I couldn't be too mad though, because I was just planning to take food without paying for it. So like, in a way he was right, but it's just annoying. If my dad gave me money like he said he would, I could at least be-able to eat. I've received no help, or any words from him and I've been here for weeks now. Maybe I'll get a job, I thought to myself as I walked toward the locker room. That would hurt my schedule even more, hopefully I don't fall behind in school, but I need to eat. That's the first priority, then start saving up for some furniture, my little mattress in the living room isn't too ideal. I was deep in thought as I heard some of the fans yell at me as I passed the gates to go back to the locker room. I just raised my hand up as a half hearted wave, not even looking at them. I was too stressed out to care about their feelings or excitement right now. I missed my old friends and my mom, I'd have to call her when I got home.
As I stepped into the locker room I could feel and hear the excitement my team had from the in today. They were all chattering loudly about their plans tonight, and how good we would be this year. I ran in and quickly grabbed my book bag and started to leave to go to the normal gym locker room to shower. When a hand grabbed my shoulder pad,
"Great game today Percy!", I turned to see Jason smiling. He was actually a really nice kid, the first practice just left some unresolved tension between us.
"Thanks man", I said giving him a fist bump, "you played great yourself". I turned to leave, but someone else joined in on the conversation.
"You going to Drews tonight with us?" Leo asked as he slung his arm around me. "You know, I'm sure all the ladies would love to me the big super star."
I chuckled, shaking my head. "I might find my way there, I'll let you guys know".
"Aww, Cmon Percy" Jason said, "Even Nicos going".
I raised my eyebrow at this statement. No way Nico would go, or maybe it was just like a mandatory first win thing? I scanned the locker room to spot Nico, who was in the middle of putting on his fresh socks.
"This true Nico?" I yelled over everyone so he could hear, "You're going to the party?" Everyone seemed to laugh at this, but I'm not sure why. Nico even chuckled, shaking his head.
"Yeah, I didn't have much of a choice though. So that means you're going too." Hmm, this wouldn't be too bad. I'll go, make an appearance and leave. Hopefully Drew has snacks.
"Where is her house?" I asked, turning to Jason. "I'll go too, team bonding and all."
"Great!" He said as he handed me his phone. "Don't worry about it, just text your number off your phone and I'll come grab you later."
"Alright, bet". I grabbed his phone, quickly texting myself. I still had to shower, and my stomach was close to eating itself. I handed him back his phone and gave him a nod, before quickly leaving. I made my way to the gym locker room and started pulling my pads off. This was getting annoying, I thought to myself as I made my way to the showers. Eventually I'll start changing and showering with the rest of the team, I just didn't have the energy to answer any questions right now. Especially after a game, it's annoying getting attention. Food continued to fill my mind as I washed myself, trying to be as fast but as thorough as possible. After I dried myself off, I changed and gathered my equipment to put back in the football locker room. After dumping that off I ran to the cafeteria, hoping I didn't take to long. But when I opened the doors the room was empty, I must've been deeper in my own thoughts than I realized. Probably took a long shower and missed the one chance I had for food. I felt my eyes beginning to sting as Unshed tears threatened their way out, I was just so frustrated I didn't know what to do. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket and I looked to see an unknown number, send me your address. I'll get you at 8:45. I quickly sent my response back, I guess I'd just have to ask Drew or someone their to make me something. Pretend to be drunk maybe? And ask for food to sober up? My thoughts continued to race as I left the school.
Jason did not lie about being at my house at 8:45, in fact he got there pretty early. I received multiple texts from him but I didn't even bother to check. It was only 8:30 for gods sake, I don't know why he's rushing me. I laughed to myself as I put on my shoes, when me and my old teammates made plans we would always be a half hour or more later then originally planned. I thought back to the one time the store we were planning on going to closed because we were all late to meet at the one kid house. I checked my phone as I put on my cologne and silver chain, and I was right, the texts were from Jason. I rolled my eyes and laughed before locking my phone and leaving the house/appt. My house was like a big split house, one half belonged to someone else and the one half belonged to me. It looked like a normal house, but with 2 front doors, one on the right one on the left. My house would be actually really nice if I had furniture, I thought as I made my way to the silver car in the driveway. As I got closer I realized there was two girls in the front, in the passenger the girl had black short hair. She looked familiar to me, put I couldn't really place a name to her face. I almost stopped walking when I saw who was actually driving the car, her princess curls seemed to shine even in the night time.
"Hey guys", I said as I opened the back door and got in.
"Took you long enough!" The girl in the passenger seat sneered.
"Don't blame me!" I whined back, "Jason told me 8:45!" Jason slapped my arm, his eyes growing wide.
"Oh he did?" The girl said as she turned to look at Jason. They had the same electric blue eyes, which I found kind of weird.
"I thought you said 8:45 earlier, I'm sorry Thals." He said as he seemed to shrink under her gaze. She just rolled her eyes in response.
"Sorry if you had to wait long, I was getting ready and wasn't checking my phone" I said, rubbing the back of my head.
"It's okay", Annabeths eyes met mine through the rear view mirror, "it wasn't too long." I just nodded in response, an uncomfortable silence seemed to linger in the car.
"I don't think we've officially met, I'm Percy." I said, tapping the shoulder of, 'Thals'.
She turned to look at me, eyeing the hand I put out for her to shake, I was unsure if she was going to shake it or stab it.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Thalia, Jason's older sister." She said, finally shaking my hand. Their qualities did not really resemble each other. Like I said before,their eyes were the same color, but other then that they looked completely different.
"I'm sorry about that then," I said giving her a smile, "at least you're easier on the eyes than he is". I laughed as I hit Jason's shoulder. I swear I saw a small blush rush to both of their faces.
"Hey! I resent that!" He said sitting up straighter, as I just laughed.
"Don't worry I'm just playing," I said, as I winked at Thalia, hoping she would get the message. She must've , because she smiled back before looking at Jason.
"Yeah Jason, you aren't that ugly. Don't listen to him." I laughed again, she was pretty funny.
"I don't think I like the two of you being friends". He said as he looked out the window.
"That's to bad, because now we all are going to be inseparable. Bonding over the best ways to make fun of you." I said giving Jason a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Annabeth laughed again, at our antics as silence consumed the car again, but this time it wasn't uncomfortable.
The car ride didn't last too long, probably around 15 minutes. We pulled up to a street that was already filled with cars, making it difficult to find a parking spot for the large house. I don't know what a mansion looks like, but it can't be far off from this house. It was huge and had kids piling in the front door, I was expecting some people, but this was a lot. We finally found a spot that wasn't too far away from the house and we all climbed out of the car. Thalia was a little shorter than Annabeth, and had on all black. She kind of reminded me of Nico, the outfit and the personality. Annabeth had on a simple grey shirt and leggings, I assumed she was dragged here just as much as I was. Jason was wearing a white shirt like me, but his had a blue pocket on it, he kind of reminded me of Fred from scooby-do. As we were making our way toward the house I quickly googled a picture of Fred and nudged Thalia, who looked at me confused and a little angry, further putting her and Nico into the same category in my head. She then finally realized I was trying to show he something on my phone, she squinted her eyes to adjust from the bright light it was giving off in the dark. Suddenly her eyes went wide as she burst into laughter,
"Oh my gods that is great!" She said, slapping my arm.
"What are you two laughing at now?" Annabeth said as she looked back at us confused. I couldn't hold my laughter any more as Thalia continued to laugh from besides me.
"It's a mystery" I said between laughs, "what do you think we should do Jason?" Thalia lost it smacking my arm again. Which made me laugh even harder, I bumped her shoulder with mine.
"What are you talking about?" Jason said, looking just as confused as Annabeth.
"Maybe we should split up to figure it out." Thalia said breathlessly, before going into another fit of laughter.
"Thalia that's great!" I exclaimed stopping to rest my head on the ginormous brick covered mailbox, dying of laughter. I felt Thalia slapping my back, unable to control her own laughter.
We started hitting each other back and forth as we both made silent jokes with our hands, not being able to form words. I pretended to fix the tie handkerchief thing around Fred's neck in the show on my own body. Thalia got the joke right away, and the onslaught of laughter continued. It was the kind of laughter were your stomach hurt and you were so breathless that you couldn't speak. After we finally calmed down Thalia wiped tears from her cheeks,
"Oh gods that was funny" she said as she began to walk again.
"What was that?" Annabeth asked still confused, Jason nodded his head besides her. I just let out a small smile as I showed them the picture.
"I regret having you two meet" Jason said as he rolled his eyes. But I could see a small smile starting to form. Annabeth on the other hand didn't look all that happy.
"Hey! I'm the one that told him he should wear it!" She said seeming more offended than Jason. I just let out another laugh as we were reaching the door.
"Hear that Jason? She's trying to set you up!" I said shaking my head. Annabeth just punched my shoulder, seemingly unfazed at the small dig to her fashion choices.
"You guys are violent." I declared as I opened the door for them waiting for them to pass.
"Oh my what a gentleman we have" Thalia said as she wiggled her eyebrows up and down, giving Annabeth a look.
"Oh shut up." I said, flicking her arm. "I don't know anyone and I can be nice". Jason just laughed as he passed by hitting my arm.
"Cmon let's go" he said as he entered the crowded house.
I reluctantly followed them inside, becoming immediately hot with all the bodies crammed in the big house. Maybe I just wasn't as used to the California heat as I thought, and with all these people it obviously wasn't helping. We made or way toward the kitchen were we met up with most of the guys from the team. I gave them all a nod and handshakes before making my way to the counter for a red solo cup. I didn't really like drinking, it always left me reminded of Gabe, but assuming they'd make me try something if I didn't have anything in my hand I got a cup and filled it with water. I then promised the guys that I would meet them in a little bit, I wanted to see if Nico actually showed up to this place. I like the rest of the team just fine, and Jason was becoming a friend. Nico was just the first friend I met so I was more comfortable with talking with him, and I know he's probably just as uncomfortable as I am. Making my way through the crowd I became to feel dizzy, I was still rather hot too. Taking the last sip of water from my cup I began to see stars in my vision, fuck this is bad I thought. As I made my way toward the door, I had to leave and get some fresh air. I quickly pushed passed people as I saw the front door, finally making it outside. The temperature in my body felt relieved almost immediately, but I was still seeing black dots dance in my vision. So I made my way back to the car, hoping to just sit by it and out of the view of the people coming in and out of the large house. I stumbled my way trying to control my breathing and thoughts as much as I could.
"Percy are you okay?" It was Annabeth, she must've seen me make a beeline toward the door.
I didn't know if I could talk without passing out so I just shook my head, continuing my way toward the car. She must've noticed where I was going as she continued to follow me I could see the lights turn on in the car, signaling that it was unlocked. I opened the door before throwing myself in the seat, not bothering to buckle my seat belt as I tried to focus on my breathing. Annabeth silently got into the car and started to drive at a decently fast speed. She kept giving me glances out of the side of her eyes, but I was to focused on staying awake to care. I was paying for not eating anything, especially after a game. Fuck I thought to myself, as I tried to stay awake. I just need food and more water, but I can't ask her to buy me anything. I might have one more pack of ramen noodles at the house, probably wishful thinking but who knows. She made the drive back to my house in record time before shutting the car off, getting out to help me. I wonder if she thinks I'm drunk or something, I thought as I wrapped an arm around her. I wasn't even at the party for 20 minutes so probably not, drugged maybe? Who knows what she thought about my current state. We made or way silently, and I almost tripped up the stairs as I was getting my key from my pocket. My head bagan you hurt from trying to keep my body awake, I just needed some type of energy. Annabeth seeing my struggle, grabbed the key from my hand. She unlocked the door and opened it, trying to walk in, oh shit.
"Wait" I managed to croak, "I'm fine you don't have to come in." I honestly just didn't want her seeing my living conditions. I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to walk in by myself.
"I just need some food," I said trying to move from her grasp. She tightened her arm around my side,
"If you think I'm leaving when you're like this, you're an idiot". She yelled at me as she began to walk inside.
Fuck it, I thought to myself. I just really hope I have food so she can leave. As we entered she turned the light on and gasped, seeing the state of my home. My single mattress and pillow was in the center or the living room, my clothes were folded on the floor next to my deodorant and second pair of shoes. It obviously did not give off a welcoming environment, no furniture or even proper sheets for a bed, just a normal blanket. I wasn't focused on her reaction as I tried to drag her to the kitchen. She silently helped, her arm became tighter around me as we made our way. When we finally made it to the kitchen I reached to open the cupboard, seeing one last packet of ramen. Thank gods, I thought as I reached for it, my hands were shaking. If I eat this I'll be able to at least be able to walk properly, I thought as I tried to open it. Annabeth must've have put two and two together because she started filling up a pot with water and placing it on the stove. I felt her eyes on me as I continued to struggle to open the bag of ramen, I was too shaky.
"Percy", she said softly. "When's the last time you ate something." Her voice was barely a whisper, making me feel even worse about her having to see this. I just shook my head in response, not being able to form words as I finally dumped the noodles in the water.
"Percy," she said again, turning me to face her. "After you eat this your coming to my house." Her eyes bore into mine, black dots still danced in my vision making it hard to make out her expression. I assumed it was one of concern or pity.
"I'm fine" I managed to speak, but like her it was barely above a whisper. I could feel my eyes beginning to burn again, I was so ashamed. I was going to this wealthy school filled with preppy kids who had all these expensive clothes, cars, and houses, while I was trying to figure out how to get my next meal. Annabeth was nice enough, but I didn't want to take advantage of her niceness, and I especially didn't want to feel like I owed her something. I just wasn't sure how or when I'd be able to pay her back, and I didn't want to put her or me in that situation. When the noodles were finally done I just poured most of the water out from the pot, not having a strainer. I didn't think putting the seasoning in the noodles would be that smart, in case I was dehydrated. So I just started eating them plain. I could feel Annabeths eyes on me, watching me intently. My stomach rumbled as I ate, asking for more and more. I felt a little better already, having finished the small pot of noodles in record time. I drank 2 glasses of water just as quick, before letting out a sigh.
"Thanks for the help Annabeth". I said trying to give her a smile, but I'm sure it didn't meet my eyes, because she continued to study my face.
"You're coming to my house." She said slowly but assertively. Grabbing my wrist to drag me away from the kitchen.
"Annabeth thats not necessary" I tried to stop her from dragging me, but I wasn't at my strongest at that moment.
"Percy shut up, I'm not asking you I'm telling you." She growled as she continued to make her way out of the house. I just silently walked, trying not to fall over, I was still feeling exhausted.
She opened the door to her car for me to get into, she basically threw me into the car and slammed the door shut. I groaned as I hit the seat, she was stronger then she looked, and I was kind of sore from the game. Annabeth started the car and sped down my driveway, I could hear her mumbling under her breathe but I couldn't focus on the words. We drove for a minute or two before we pulled into a house that was a couple streets over from mine. Huh, she lives close I thought, no wonder why they were so early today. She sent a message on her phone before leaving the car, I opened my door to follow her but she was already besides the door reaching for my wrist again.
"Won't your parents be mad at a stranger coming into your house?" I asked trying to change her mind at the last minute.
"No ones home so shut up and move it." She barked back at me. She was clearly not messing around, I thought to myself.
Annabeths house was just like mine only it wasn't a split house, it only had the singular front door. I became self conscious at my living situation again, I just didn't want her to feel bad for me. I don't mind living here honestly, but I'd rather not have to deal with peoples judgements. I looked at Annabeth as she dragged me to her front door, she didn't seem to be pitying me. If anything she was deep in thought and looked rather upset. Did I make her mad? She was probably mad that she had to drive me all over, and put her in an uncomfortable position. She probably wanted to feed me because she felt as though she had to. I didn't want her to feel obligated to help, I just needed a ride home.
"Hey, I'm sorry about this. I'm really okay." I tried to put as much conviction in the words as I could. She just threw the door open in response, tugging on my arm harder. She began to mumble to herself again as she sat me down on a kitchen chair. She then turned and opened the fridge, the light illuminated on her, giving her an even more angelic look than normal. As she was rummaging around in the fridge I looked around, her house was nice. It wasn't as over the top as the house the party was at, but it was still nice. It seemed as though they care about the layout of the house, it almost seemed as someone articulated and planned the placement of the furniture to give off a nice, but cozy environment. It reflected Annabeth perfectly, on the outside she seemed to give off an aura of nobility. However, once you got to know her she was actually extremely caring and thoughtful. I continued to think about this as she set a plethora of food in front of me. There was a sandwich, some chicken, Mac and cheese, and pizza. I felt my mouth water as I looked at the food before looking back up at her. She gave me a look that seemed to say, 'shut up and eat'. So I nodded my head and did just that. It was hard to not inhale the food, but I knew I had to eat slow, I didn't want to get an upset stomach and just throw it up. We sat in silence as she watched me eat, I didn't want to make eye contact with her. The embarrassment began to form in my body again, I didn't like it. Annabeths not a judgmental person I tried to argue to myself, she wouldn't say anything to anyone. I knew she wouldn't, but I still couldn't help to feel ashamed of having her help me.
"I'm sorry Annabeth", I said finally meeting her gaze. "I didn't mean for you to have to help". I wasn't expecting her to say anything and she didn't. She just slapped me instead.
"Ow what the fuck was that for!" I said putting my hand of my stinging cheek. "I said I was sorry!"
"You don't have to apologize! You should have told me earlier!" Her eyes were filled in anger. "I should have figured it out sooner. You never eat at lunch, and you've progressively have gotten more tired." I wasn't sure if she was mad or me or not.
"Are you yelling at me, or yourself?" I asked confused.
"You!" She went to smack me again. "You don't think I would have helped?!"
I turned to look back at the food infront of me, there was only half a sandwich left. So I quickly finished it, thinking about how to word my next sentence. I've had help from other people before, but they were from my old school. We would do favors for eachother, with no judgement. It was a more comfortable environment asking for help though, because we often had the same issues or problems.
"It wasn't like I just didn't think you wouldn't help." I said slowly still trying to express what I was feeling, "I just didn't feel comfortable asking for things like this." I finished, turning to look back at her. I could see the gears practically turning in her head.
"Percy", she said in a much softer tone, "where is your father?"
I just shrugged, "I don't know he's rich but he travels a lot. He just bought a house for me to stay at and said he'd give me some money, but I just haven't gotten any yet. I'll probably just try to get a job or something, no big deal."
"Percy, it's a big deal, you don't even have a proper blanket for gods sake." She said slapping her hands on the table.
"Annabeth it's fine, trust me. I'm okay, and you've helped out a lot so thanks. But I'll be fine don't worry about it." I said trying to put her at ease. It didn't work she just rolled her eyes and grabbed the dishes to put in the sink.
"I'm grabbing you a real blanket, and then I'm taking you home" she said it, like she was just talking to herself.
I didn't even try to argue. Knowing that she'd get more mad at me. So I just helped her clean the dishes and when we were done she ran to get a blanket from upstairs. I stood in the kitchen thinking to myself about tonight. What would she tell Thalia and Jason? They were definitely wondering where we went, I assume the guys were wondering where I went off to as well. This is going to be messy, I can just say I was sick or dehydrated. Hopefully Annabeth would be smart enough to come up with something, or at least go along with it. I had a feeling she already thought of these problems, she was the smart one after all. She came back downstairs with a blanket and a bag, but I didn't even question it as she handed me the blanket. No need to start an argument, especially after she practically saved me. The drive back to my house was silent, we were both to deep in our own thoughts to even try to start a conversation. When we pulled into the house she just gave me the bag and blanket.
"I won't tell anyone," she said seeing my internal struggle. "Just as long as you let me help."
All I could do was nod.