Chapter 5: ANNABETH POV

I could not stop the tears streaming down my face as I walked towards my cabin. Percy, how could you? I scream in my head. I shove the door open and shut it behind me as I walk towards my bunk. I threw all my notes to the floor, which I spent a great deal of time writing and sorting them and almost smashed Daedalus' laptop in my rage and bitterness. Get a grip, Annabeth! I took a few deep breaths, put my laptop on my desk, and laid in bed. I waited for the tears to start flowing but all I felt was numbness, which is torture. Every part of me aches for Percy but he had the nerve to mention dating Rachel in front of me. The hours stretched on forever and I began to wonder where my cabin mates were but this solitude is better. Better enjoy the little time I have before... No. I refused to think of Percy dating Rachel. I can't believe all those years, fighting beside him, saving his sorry butt, was for nothing but to lose him to some puny damned mortal?

"Why me?" I sobbed into my pillow.

I think a few more hours passed, but every minute felt like eternity to me. My stomach growled for my attention and I realized I was starving. I went into the bathroom and examined myself. I looked...well, bad. My tears left stains and my hair was a mess. Even my stormy grey eyes lacked its fierce, calculating gaze. I washed my face and did my hair to make myself look presentable. I headed out the door into the cool night. Did I miss dinner? I hope not because I could eat a Minotaur in one go.

"Annabeth, dinner was just starting" Malcolm told me when he passed by.

"Oh, thanks. I'm starving" I attempted to smile but I failed miserably. Malcom just smiled and nodded before he left me. I could almost hear Athena lecturing me to get it together but I couldn't care less.

I walked up to the Athena table, ignoring the snickers from the Aphrodite table.

"Someone just lost her night time teddy"

"Nerds never stand a chance"

I muted out these comments, afraid they will break my weak barrier of confidence.

"Lay off her" Percy snapped from his table. I was surprised to see him there because wasn't he supposed to be on Olympus? Or in his daddy's underwater palace? Wherever he needs to be because he doesn't deserve to be at camp. All my thoughts were interrupted when Chiron started talking about our bravery in the war, how we defeated and won the Titan War blah blah and the new Oracle. The Oracle. Didn't Apollo say that they can't date? The realization hit me with pleasure and I think I would have smiled if not for my broken heart. Uh, my thoughts are messed up.

"...and to Perseus, a camper who became a god by saving Olympus. To Perseus!" he said kind of half heartedly and I couldn't blame him. Percy has no idea how many people he has hurt because of his greed. You're no better, I reminded myself. I snorted in disgust and raised my glass for a toast.

Dinner flew by swiftly. Before I knew it, our plates were whisked away by harpies and we started clearing out of the pavilion. I just sat there, watching the stars that gleamed brightly even if it was a terrible day. The pavilion cleared out quickly and I was the only one left except for...Percy. I ignored him and sat there with a blank expression on my face, while he walked towards me and stood there awkwardly.

A few minutes passed and I was getting uncomfortable. I stood up to leave when Percy grabbed my wrist unexpectedly. I tried to pull my hand free but it wouldn't budge.

"Let me go, Percy" I said through gritted teeth, my voice shaky.

"Annabeth I want to talk to you. Please. It's not what you think it is" I turned around, finding his sea green orbs trained on mine. His eyes were pleading and I wanted to take his face in my hands and tell him everything is alright but I can't. My vehemence towards him is greater and I refused to show weakness.

"What is not what I think it is, Percy? You wanting to date Rachel?"

He sighs in frustration and said, "I don't want to date Rachel, gods dammit! Annabeth, Rachel is just a friend, someone who I had time to spend with in the mortal world! I am so sick of your jealousy, Annabeth." He realizes what he said, and tries to say," I didn't mean-"

But that is enough for me.

"So you do think that I'm sick. Then why are you trying to make amends with me? I am so sick of this game" I shout at him.

"Annabeth, why don't you see that I don't want to date Rachel? Why do I need her when I have you?" He's back to yelling again.

"Oh yeah? And what makes you think that you have me? It's so damn obvious that you prefer Rachel over me! What are you hiding Percy? What are you hiding?" I demand.

"I'm not hiding anything"

"My dead grandma can lie better than that, Percy" I snorted.

He looks down for a long moment and said, "Yeah, I'm hiding" I raised a brow.

"I can't tell you"

"Then you can't have me"

I turned to leave, but he caught my hand and pulled my towards him, connecting his lips to mine.

"Percy..." I groan.

He pulls away and pressed his forehead onto mine.

"I love you Wise Girl"

"I love you too, Seaweed Brain." I said before I could stop myself.

[Sorry for the short one. I'm really sick today so I cant stare at the computer for long. I hope you all are enjoying the story so far and thanks for the 400+ views in like, within a day! Tomorrow I will be back with a hopefully longer update. ILY all! Stay safe, stay home.]

GirlItsCalledWierd