ANNABETH'S P.O.V.
Annabeth couldn't do anything but stare at the face of her ex-boyfriend. Anger and hatred were building up in her, challenging her to oppose him.
"I-I told you not to call me that." She said, trying to look indifferent and determined.
"Oh, what's wrong Annie, do you want a glass of water?" He asked mockingly.
Annabeth's breath trembled; she wouldn't be able to this for much longer. "Why are you here?" She finally asked, ignoring him.
"Why to see you of course!" He exclaimed. "And to ask you whe-"
"Who's he, Annabeth?" Annabeth whipped her head around, thankful once more for her dear rescuers.
Behind her stood Piper with her arms crossed, looking ready to jump in a fight at the first opportunity.
"No one, come on, we have English, and we must not be late." Annabeth said, straightening up. She couldn't let herself look any more vulnerable.
"See you later then!" Luke managed to say, before they entered the school again.
When the glass doors clicked, closing, Annabeth needed to put all of her will in staying calm, but the tears were now dangerously threatening to fall. On her right, Piper was looking at her concerned. For as long as she knew Annabeth, she had never seen Annabeth so hurt and scared. Just as she was about to ask her what was wrong, Annabeth spoke up.
"I think I'll go home. Can you tell Hazel I said bye?" She asked, her voice was small and quiet.
"Of course, but are you okay? Do you want to talk?" Piper looked at her, her eyes filled with worry and suspicion.
"N-No, just go to class, I just need to take a walk and clear my mind a bit." Annabeth exhaled, looking up at Piper.
"Okay, but I'll call you after school, for an ice-cream or something, 'kay?" Piper tried once more.
"Sure." Annabeth answered swiftly, walking away, while giving Piper a small smile.
The chilly air outside the school was refreshing and it washed over Annabeth as a cold shower. Her blond hair was safely tucked under a cap she found in her locker, warming her up. She slowly walked through the school playground, her boots carefully stepping and avoiding small puddles. Her coat was buttoned up, her bag pounding on her right leg.
At first, she just wanted to go home and forget everything for some time, but then a great idea fell on her mind. A few blocks away, a small café lured her. In no time, she was on her way.
The café looked the same as she remembered. Blue curtains, now draw up to half, glass doors blurred due to humidity and fog. A second of doubt was soon replaced by the newfound excitement. She reached towards the door, but before her hand touched the handle, the doors opened.
"Hi again." Said, a well-known voice.
In front of Annabeth stood a black-haired boy she came here to see in the first place. She looked up and smiled. He still had that troubled smile and those sea green eyes she saw in the morning.
"Hey."
"What brings you here for the second time in a day?" He asked while she walked into the café. The air inside was much warmer and it made Annabeth feel nostalgic.
"I was bored, and I could definitely use one more cup of coffee." She said while letting Percy take of her coat.
"Sure, right this way." Percy said, walking towards the bar.
In a few minutes, she was sitting contrary to Percy, drinking her coffee.
"How is this place empty, coffee here is great!" She exclaimed at once.
"Well, I don't know. This is actually my mother's café, but I'm taking it more and more into my hands. She has other things to do, so I spend my free time around here."
"You're not going to any schools or universities?"
"Nah, I should be going to collage this year, but my family went through some rough time recently, so I skipped it for now." He answered with a far look in his eyes. "You?"
"I'm a senior this year, but since I just moved here a few months ago, I'm still trying to figure out my way around." She smiled at him.
"You're new to the city? I could show you around if you want sometime..." He offered.
"Sure, I'd be glad!" Annabeth answered quickly. This might be a chance to have some fun with someone except Piper and Hazel.
"Great! Should we meet here, at lets say, seven?" He asked, standing up.
"Yes, that's perfect!" Annabeth agreed happily. She stood up, walking towards the doors and putting on her coat.
"See you at seven then!" She heard Percy saying, holding the doors open for her.
"See ya." She confirmed, hurrying home.