Hello, readers! Sorry that I took so long to update. I'd planned to upload this chapter days ago, but was busy with school and had been sick for a few days. But I'm feeling much better now and finished the chapter for you guys.

This chapter doesn't have a Percy vs. Annabeth brawl because I wanted to a) show that Annabeth does indeed have a heart and b) to strengthen Percy and Mr. Chase's bond. But don't worry, there will be plenty of shouts, door slams, insults, and...payback next chapter. ;)

Thank you all so much for the reviews. They made me smile. :) So enough of my blabbing and on to the chapter!

Chapter 2

Annabeth's Pov

Terrible. That's how I feel right now. Absolutely, 100% terrible. Never had I intended to hurt Percy. I'd only planned on pushing him away. Because when you push people away, it hurts far less when they walk out of your life, sometimes for good. I know from personal experience; its happened countless times. When I'd become famous my number one moral was to not turn out like all those other bad apples, the arrogant snobs who think everyone loves them and anyone who didn't, they'd destroy every hope and dream they had. And I'd just broken it. The look on poor Percy's face when I'd taken his living nightmare that occurred just days ago and thrown it back in his face was when my biggest fear was confirmed. I'd become one of those celebrities, I'd become one of those fire-breathing monsters that seek out good things and set them aflame.

And I hated it.

I sat, unmoving, in the same spot as when Percy had run off, staring aimlessly into space in self-loathing. Not once in my life had I hated myself more than I had at this moment. The boy had just lost his mom, his whole world was flipped around; if anyone understood that, I did. And here I was being an inconsiderate jerk who'd just tore open the wound, the wound Percy was trying so hard to heal from. Not that I'd known of his situation at the time when I'd spoken those words, but I could have prevented everything that's occurred tonight. If only I hadn't locked myself in my room and went downstairs to greet him like my brothers, maybe even had a conversation, and then, maybe I would've known about his mother. Maybe I could've spared him the pain I'd just caused.

I wanted to go after him and apologize, make him see how truly sorry I am, but I knew it was better this way. Better for him to believe me as cruel and selfish. If I don't get attached, I won't get hurt. I won't be hurt when he leaves like the others. Like Malcom, Thalia, Grover, Nico… But I suppose I can only blame myself. I'm the reason they don't come around anymore. I'm to blame.

"Dinner!" Hermes Castellan bellowed. Whenever the Castellans throw a party, they insist they prepare a feast for all the guests held in the dining hall. They claim it's common courtesy, but I have a theory May Castellan only wants everyone to compliment her food.

Rising from the rocking chair, I made my way to the dining hall through the house that I'd practically grown up in. You see, Hermes's son, Luke, was my best friend growing up. We'd met in kindergarten and immediately hit it off. Which may seem kind of odd considering we both had differing personalities. I was the quiet, smart, goody goody one while he was the outgoing, mischievous prankster, placing thumb tacks on the teacher's chair when she wasn't looking. But you know what they say, opposites attract.

Entering the dining hall, I settled into a seat at the left side of the long, rectangular table, my father on my left and Bobby on my right with Mr. Castellan at the head. I scanned all the faces crowded around the table, but came up short. The person I was searching for didn't appear to be eating tonight. Everyone found a seat and chattered quietly among themselves before the waiters emerged from the kitchen doors that swayed as they exited, carrying platter after platter of Mrs. Castellan's delicacies which they placed carefully on the shiny wood. And left as fast as they'd come.

"May, everything looks divine." Said a brunette woman whose name I couldn't recall.

"Indeed it does," Hermes replied, flashing his wife a blinding smile. "But the real reason we're here isn't for the food, but to help Percy, the boy living with Mr. Chase, here," Hermes gestured to my dad before continuing, "feel more welcome."

Glancing around, his expression confused, Hermes asked:

"Speaking of Percy, where is he?"

"Um, Percy isn't hun-" I began, making an excuse for Percy's absence, when I was interrupted by the clanking of soled shoes hitting the sparkling tile floor. Turning my head toward the noise, my eyes met sea green ones and I inwardly sighed a breath of relief. Phew. Thank you, Percy, you just helped me dodge a bullet.

Without speaking, he strode forward and sat himself in the only unoccupied seat remaining, furthest away from me. I couldn't blame him; after everything that went down, I'd want to be far away from me, too.

"Ah, there you are. Glad to see that you joined us." Hermes exclaimed. "Now, let us eat the first course." He clapped his hands twice and the waiters reappeared, bringing steaming bowls of soup and setting them before each and every person, careful not to spill a single drop.

The guests lifted their spoons, sipping the soup gracefully after gently blowing on the liquid to cool. Conversation picked up all around, jumbling into a series of uncomprehendable words, difficult for the human ear to make out. I only managed to catch a few words that rang louder than the others: "Red Carpet", "New album", "Annabeth". Random words and names from random conversations. People thoroughly enjoyed the festivitities at these feasts even Percy seemed to be content, chatting enthusiastically about an unknown topic with Rachel Dare, a famous artist with work not even Van Gough could compete with, creating masterpieces with such precision and beauty that they could bring even Ares to tears.

I felt genuinely happy for Percy. He'd finally found someone his own age who'd been remotely nice to him. As I ate, I felt unusually lighter, like all the dread of seeing Percy evaporated off my shoulders into thin air, until-

Slurp!

The table grew silent as the guests stared appalled, eyes directed at Percy who sat confused, looking back and forth like a lost little puppy.

Soft murmurs broke out of the quiet:

"Was he raised in a barn?"

"Does he not know that you sip, not slurp? Disgusting."

"Absolutely sickening."

He'd made his first error. An error I knew these people would find repulsive, but seemed like a minor mistake to me. So he slurped the soup, big deal. I don't really see why that's of any concern to them.

"It was an honest mistake so will all of you just drop it and go back to whatever you were doing." I stood up for him, I had to. I couldn't let these inconsiderate people make him feel anymore different than he felt already.

They hushed their judgemental whispers and conversations were resumed like it had never happened.

I looked back and Percy who mouthed a silent "thank you". Smiling in return, I proceeded eating dinner, which fortunately, concluded without a hitch.

We'd arrived home later that night, drained from the long day, especially Percy who passed out on the couch not two minutes after we'd returned home. He was lucky he could sleep because I, on the other hand, couldn't get an ounce of it. My mind was swimming with thoughts, most of which were embarrassingly about Percy. There's something about him that makes him seem unforgettable. Maybe it's his tousled, jet-black hair, or his beautiful green eyes, or his handsome fa- Wait, wait. Back up. Beautiful? Handsome? I used to think my brothers were crazy, but maybe I'm the one who's short a few marbles. Because I don't think Percy is either of those things. Or so I tried to tell myself. But every time I repeated it in my mind, I believed it less and less until I came to the startling realization that I indeed found Percy Jackson undoubtedly…attractive.

Oh, man, just what I need. Another distraction from my song writing.

Wish me luck, people, because I'm gonna need it.

Percy's Pov

2 weeks later

A lot has happened in so little time. I was enrolled into a private school known as Yancy Academy. At first, I hated it, but then, I made some new friends, Grover, Nico, and Thalia, who help make the day less heinous. I'd also brought my once-failing grades up to above average, thanks to Grover, of course. Mr. Chase had insisted on constructing a memorial in the backyard for my mom which I talk to daily like she's there listening. Bobby and Matthew think it's insane, but I find it soothing like one of her comforting hugs. For my seventeenth birthday, I'd gotton a car. It wasn't super fancy like Annabeth's, but I didn't want it to be. I was happy with it; its simplicity made me feel like a normal teenage boy who didn't live with gazillionaires. Annabeth never formally apologized for what she said, but I knew she was beating herself up for it and I forgave her. We haven't talked or even become close to friends, but we're at peace…for now. Especially because we haven't exactly had time to fight; Annabeth's been so busy with her new album that she barely has time to brush her hair anymore.

Speaking of her hair, I wonder if it's as soft as it looks. I rested my head on my forearms and sleep came upon me. My dream was rather...odd. A beautiful blonde, who I immediately recognized as Annabeth, stood beside me. But she was different, she spoke to me gently, kindly, which was a major shock to my system. I dreamed were both on a beautiful beach, the blue water crystal clear, the sun's rays shining brightly, but not blindingly, warming us from head to toe, the silky soft sand squishing beneath our toes. A soft breezed drifted by, blowing Annabeth's hair behind her as she gazed at the horizon, transfixed by its beauty, before throwing a loving glance my way. Her gray orbs sparkled will love and compassion, a look no different was mirrored in my own eyes. She turned her body so she faced me and her mouth stretched into a mischievous smile before she leaned forward for a kiss. Our lips were millimeters apart when-

Whack!

Jerking awake and back to reality, I noticed Ms. Dodds, scowl on her face, arms crossed, a ruler clutched in her hand, staring at me expectantly.

"Mr. Jackson, now that you've finally stopped acting like a pucker fish, will you or will you not answer the question?"

"Umm…question?" Pucker fish? I glanced around and noticed the other students making kissy faces at me and I realized when dream Annabeth went to kiss me, I embarrassingly puckered up my lips. And the entire class was there to see it. I blushed a deep red.

"Yes, the one on the board," She rolled her eyes like she couldn't believe I'd just said that. "Solve the problem using the quadratic formula." The way she spoke gave me the impression she thought I was an idiot. She held out her left hand which was holding a dry erase marker and placed it in my own. I rose from my desk, approached the board, and paused, having no clue how to solve the equation. My dyslexia did nothing but make the problem unsolvable for me, the letters and numbers jumbling together, switching them around until the former problem was unrecognizable.

When she saw my hesitation, Ms. Dodds chuckled humorously to herself, openly mocking me in front of the rest of the class.

Minutes ticked by one by one, my mind as blank as the sheets of paper in notebook, no clue how to even begin the equation.

"I'm sorry, but I don't know how to solve the problem." My voice was eerily calm as I barely managed to bite back the words I so desperately wanted to shout at her.

"Pity," She said, sounding more amused than sorry for me. Ms. Dodds angled her body toward the class, gesturing to me. "Class, I couldn't honestly care less about your academic futures, but god forbid you turn out like him. Poor boy doesn't even know how to read let alone solve a simple equation. Although the majority of you will kill most of your brain cells by being unbelievably stupid, at least try to have more than this boy, which shouldn't be too hard considering he's probably close to the negatives." She wiped away an imaginary tear before a huge smile lit up her face.

That's when I snapped. And by snapped I mean, exploded. All my anger burst out of me and into the sharp words that left my lips.

"How dare you say that to me! Granted, I'm not super mega smart like some of the other kids and that's not my fault. I have dyslexia, the words flip around and I can't make them out. But at least, I'm not some old hag who probably banged the professor to get her teaching degree. Because there is no way in hell they'd give you one otherwise. So you can take your dumb, little, math problem and shove it and this marker right up your fat ass." I threw the mark down and sucked in a breath, releasing it slowly through my nose in an attempt to calm myself.

Ms. Dodds scowling face took on a snarl and reddened until she was the color of tomato. A gutteral growl erupted from deep in her throat and she lunged for me, fisting her wrinkling, crooked fingers in the front of my school uniform, which was an ugly shade of maroon. We were nose to nose and I could smell the stench of her stale breath, see the glint of hatred in her eyes as she fixed them so they locked on to mine.

"Not only am I going to fail you, Mr. Jackson, but I'm also going to recommend you for expulsion. So you can kiss your grade, your school, and the pride your "family" has for you goodbye. Now go down to the office and get out of my sight." She hissed at me, her voice only a whisper, but was just as menacing as if she'd been screaming at the top of her lungs.

Sending her a glare I hoped displayed how much I loathed her, I turned and grasped the siver handle of the door, yanking it open and slamming it shut as I left the room.

I was angry. No, furious that she could treat someone like that and get away with it like no one could touch her, but at the same time, I felt an indescribable satisfaction. Despite the fact I was most likely going to get kicked out of Yancy, I was glad I'd said what I did, someone need to say it and I'd been the one who had the guts to do it. Mr. Chase would no doubt be angry with me-he's pretty strict when it comes to school-, but right at the moment, I didn't care. Ms. Dodds had blown up like a bomb and I'd been the one who'd lit the match. And I was proud of it.

I made the last turn down the hallway and came to the dark wooden door with the words Principal's office etched in black lettering on the surface of the rectangular window cut into the door. Twisting the knob, I stepped into the threshold and let the door close behind me.

"Mr. D?" I called, settling myself down in a wooden chair in front of his desk, glancing around the room until my eyes landed on a leopard head hung on the wall. I stood and examined the head, tracing my index finger along it's razor sharp teeth that were bared and exposed by its mouth, which was opened mid-roar.

"What do you think you're doing?"A booming voice rang from behind me, causing me to jump and accidently knock the leopard head off the wall. I spun around toward the person who'd spoken and was met with our rather….odd looking principal.

I'd never seen the principle before, I'd never needed to, but I'm pretty sure I don't want to see him again. He was a pudgy, middle-aged man with dark black hair so curly it would put anyone's curls to shame. Except maybe for Annabeth's. His big, glossy eyes were sunken and rimmed with red. His chubby cheeks were a vibrant red, almost like he'd gotten a really bad sunburn or applied way too much blush this morning. And I'm not going to lie, he kind of looked like an alcoholic going through withdrawls.

"If you could pick up Seymour and put him back, it would be much appreciated." I picked up the head and placed it back on the hook that jutted out of the wall. "Anyway, I'm assuming you're Perry Johnson."

"Actually, it's Percy Jackson, sir." I corrected.

"Well, Perry, I heard about what happened and I contacted a Mr. Fredrick Chase. He's on his way; he should be here any mome-"

"He's here." Mr. Chase said as he strode into the room and sat himself down in the seat where I'd plopped into before the whole Seymour issue.

Mr. D sank heavily into his leather, swivel chair and looked at me expectantly. I took a seat and waited for him to speak.

"Your…erm….responsibility was caught verbally assaulting his math teacher, Ms. Dodds. The poor, old woman said she was simply trying to teach her class when the boy shot from his seat and began shouting at her. She said he was relentless and not only insulted her, but also made a mockery of her class. She plans to fail the boy and wishes for him to be expelled from Yancy." He stated matter of factly, a small smile lifting the corner of his mouth as if he thoroughly enjoyed expelling innocent students.

"I didn't do that! She's making that stuff up; she mocked and insulted me, not the other way around. Ms. Dodds is just acting like a helpless, little, old lady so she doesn't get fired." I was quick to defend myself because one: that's not what happened at all, and two: I'm not going to sit here and get labeled as the guy who bullies old ladies.

"And I should believe you, why exactly?" Mr. D asked, his tone bored, rolling his eyes.

"Because it's true. I'd never say those things without a good reason and there was. She was making fun of me because I have dyslexia and couldn't solve her damn math problem."

Mr. D laughed at that, clearly disbelieving that that "sweet, old woman" had anything to do with that.

"You believe me, don't you?" I asked Mr. Chase, my eyes pleading for him to trust me on this.

He was quiet for so long that I thought he didn't even hear me, but eventually, he spoke, loud and proud.

"Yes. Yes, I do." I smiled and he returned it before turning to Mr. D. "If Percy says he didn't do it, then he didn't."

"Well, then, that settles it. Perry Johnson will be expelled from Yancy Academy."

"How does that settle anything?"

"I don't believe either of you, Mr. Chase. Perry, here, has been quite the troublemaker these past few weeks and I wouldn't be surprised if he'd done this."

"His name is Percy. Per-cy, not Per-ry. Hear the difference?" Uh oh. Fredrick's getting mad. His voice was raised, his hands clenched open and closed at his sides, his face turning an angry shade of red. Despite the storm that was going to unfold, I felt happy that Mr. Chase had stood up for me when no one else would. It made me feel like he really did care about me and I wasn't just some charity project. "Were you there watching as Percy did what you said he'd done? Hmm? Were you there?" Mr. D remaind silent and once Mr. Chase was sure he wasn't going to answer he continued. "Didn't think so. Now if you weren't there, how do know that Percy had done that? Are you sure he's not telling the truth?" Mr. D nodded his head, up and down. "Don't you dare lie to me. My wife, Athena, had built this school for you when she was alive, it's in my name, therefore, it's my school; I sign your checks and if you don't change your judgement, they might just stop coming in the mail."

"Alright, alright. I didn't see him do it. Hell, I didn't even know he was in Ms. Dodds's class. I'm sorry, okay? Percy will be allowed to continue attending school at Yancy. Once again, I am very sorry, sir." Mr. D's words intermingling as he rushed the words out of his mouth as fast as he could.

"Ahh, so now you sing a different tune. Mr. D, thank you for seeing reason." Fredrick said. "It was a pleasure meeting you." He added sarcastically, rolling his eyes before rising from his chair and leading me out of the office, to the parking lot, to his car. We climbed into the blue Ferrari and drove off.

We rode in silence, not used to being the only two in the car. Normally, when Mr. Chase and I are together, the rest of the family is with us, making it hard for us to converse just between the two of us. We weren't close, not really, and we hardly ever talked about just everyday things, man to man. But I'm hoping I can change that because I wanted him to be the dad I'd always wanted, the dad I'd always dreamed of having, the dad I'd always hoped for, the dad who didn't make my mother cry whenever he barged into our apartment, demanding custody of me. I wanted that, I wanted Mr. Chase to be the man my dead beat dad hadn't.

"Thank you, Mr Cha-I mean, Fredrick. What you did back there, I really appreciate it." I said not only to thank him, but to break the ice and maybe start a conversation.

"Your welcome, Percy. That principal you've got is an excuse for a man. Honestly, no heart at all. Here you are begging for him to trust you and he completely ignores the obvious truth. I could see it in your eyes, Percy, I could see the honesty there, and I know Dionysus saw it, too. A person can lie with their mouth all they want, but they can't lie with their eyes, the eyes tell the truth. And no matter how hard a person tries to change that, it will never work. The eyes are windows to the soul, they show your fears, insecurities, joy… If your ever not sure if someone's lying to you, Percy, just look into their eyes. Look and you shall find the answer."

His advice was good and would no doubt come in handy for me some day and I wanted to tell him that, but thought it would be better to try to break the serious air that had just been released into the small confines of his car.

"Woah, Fredrick, that's really deep." I said jokingly, smiling slightly to show that despite my jab at a joke, that he didn't just waste his breath telling me that.

"About as deep as a kiddie pool." He replied, a deep rumbling chuckle sounded throughout the car.

We'd joked and laughed all the way back to the house, telling patheticly cheesy jokes, ranging from knock knock jokes to Yo Mama jokes.

And that, my friends, is how I'd broken the ice between Mr. Chase and I, shattered the awkward barrier that'd become a shell around the both of us, and for just a moment, I forgot that Mr. Chase was only a man I'd met two weeks ago, for just a moment he'd felt like a dad, my dad, the fatherly figure I'd always dreamed of.

And that's all I could ever ask for.

So that's it! Hope you liked it and leave a review and let me know what you think! How 'bout we go for 14 reviews for this story. We need 7 more.

Anyway, prepare yourself for next chapter. That's when things get interesting. ;)

~TwistedTrident~