Chapter 3: Annabeth

I was laying in my bed at my mom's house scrolling through Instagram. There were so many pretty girls, I hated it. I never feel like I can compare to gorgeous girls like Selina and Drew. Sure, Piper was gorgeous, but I never felt insecure around her. I've known her too long to feel bad about myself.

But after at a bikini picture of Drew at the beach with her skinny stomach and beautiful face, I sighed and turned my phone off, resisting the urge to throw my phone across the room. Why did all the stupid people have to be so pretty. I looked around my room for something to do. My room was boring; white walls, grey bedspread, wood desk and dresser. My mom had an interior designer do it, so it was cute I guess, but very little to do. I like it simple, so it's harder to be distracted. All my homework was already done, it was only the third day of school after break.

I continued to lay there and feel sorry for myself, when my phone buzzed. I almost didn't look at the text, it was probably Thalia being mad at me for not going to some party with her. I didn't want to party in the middle of the week, and decided that I hate being hung over too much. But I decided to pick it up anyway, and was instantly filled with anticipation and excitement. It was from Percy.

Hey Annabeth! I hope this is still your number. I have my first essay due Monday, so could we tutor after sports tomorrow? 6:00ish?

I read the text 3 times before I started typing.

Yes, still my number. That sounds great! Meet at the library?

I waited a minute before he replied.

Perfect!

I wanted to jump up and down. Finally, he texted me! I waited all week for his name to pop up on my screen. God, I sound desperate. I just got out of a relationship, why do I want to get back in one so bad? And he has a girlfriend! The perfect girlfriend who doesn't post bikini pictures because she thinks they will make people feel bad, and who volunteers everyday, and is beautiful and funny and perfect. Ugh, I wish I was her.

Lacrosse was tiring, and when I went into the library, I smelled like sweat and grass. The library was huge, two stories tall and filled with endless books. People who didn't go to our school would often come here to read and check out books. It also had a bunch of really nice computers and desks for studying and tutoring. The librarian was the nicest lady on earth, and often would sneak me candy when I came here during lunch.

Percy was already there, wearing workout shorts and an old soccer jersey. Damn it! I wanted to get there first to make sure I had everything. He waved at me and pulled out a chair for me. What a gentleman.

"Hey!" He said as I walked closer. "Thanks so much for helping me!"

"Oh no problem!" I sat down and started unpacking my computer and text books. "I actually really like tutoring. Piper thinks there's something wrong with me."

"Oh I bet she does. She almost hates school as much as me. When my mom found out you were tutored me she almost died of excitement. She LOVES you. She kept telling me about how amazing you were and how much she misses you"

Another great thing about Percy Jackson was his mother. Sally Jackson was the best human being on earth. Whenever I would come over to hang out, she would make my favorite foods, leave me with little gifts, and listen to all my problems.

"I miss Sally so much!" I said, blushing. "Tell her that!"

"Sounds like a plan. So...how's Luke" He said casually.

"Don't worry, I broke up with him. I know you hated him. Now, we hate him equally."

He looked apologetic. "Sorry, I didn't know."

I laughed, "It's fine! He was a dick." Percy nodded in agreement but before he could say

anything else, I changed the subject. "So! What's the essay about?"

Percy noticed the change in subject, I could tell because he did that thing where he

raises his eyes and purses his lips, but didn't say anything. "Um, Mcbeth. I hate Shakespear. Why Mcbeth knowing the future changed the future. I already wrote a really rough draft. Like really rough."

"Oh, I did this last semester. You can look at mine for ideas." I opened it on my computer. "I'll read your really, really rough draft and you read mine."

I had to admit, it was really really rough.

"Okay," I started "Your overall idea is really really good. Just your points and arguments aren't as strong. But once you have an idea, the rest is easy."

"Yours is amazing. How are you so smart?" Percy looked in awe. I started blushing like crazy.

"My mom is obsessed over grades. You're lucky your parents are so chill."

"Yeah," He had a strange look on his face. "Chill."

What was that? I thought his mom was this amazing lady and I knew how much Percy

loved her. His dad was this marine guy that was super rich and super nice. Way more involved in Percy's life than my parents in mine. Was there something happening at home? No, no way! Percy had the best home life ever. I mean, his parents were divorced and he had a step-dad...oh. But again, whenever I met Gabe when we were little, he was always nice, if not a little quiet. So maybe I am overthinking it.

"Um," I said losing my train of thought. "We should be done by 7:00, it's not gonna be that hard."

As we got to it, I realized how easy it was talking to Percy. I forgot about how nice and friendly he was. That's why he was one of the most popular kids at school. When he walked down the hallway people waved at him and he waved back. He was invited to every party, every sports game, every little get together. I doubt he went to even half of them though. He was always with Rachel.

We were done by 6:50, Percy helped me the whole time. Normally when I tutor people they just let me do the work and I end up getting super annoyed. But Percy asked questions and gave feedback on what he thought we should write.

We stayed talking though. It was nice. Even though we won't ever date, I really would like to be friends with him again. He was genuinely interested in me.

"Hows lacrosse going?" Percy asked.

"Exhausting. Coach Nike has us working our butts off for sections. It's not even for a month. What about soccer?"

"It's fun, but I'm not into it like swimming. I'll get somewhere in swim, not soccer. Only problem with swim is that practice is at 4:00 in the morning every other day while I have school sports." He glanced at the time. "Speaking of, I have to wake up early tomorrow so I should head home. Where are you parked?"

"The main parking lot." I didn't have to be anywhere but there was no point in staying if Percy was leaving.

"Same. Let's walk together." My stomach had butterflies. We got up and started packing. The librarian waved goodbye to me. "Hey, are you going to the Stolls party on Saturday?"

"I was invited. I wasn't sure if I wanted to go. Don't really feel like getting drunk."

"Just be the Designated Driver." We started walking towards the parking lot. "I'm going to be. You should come. Thalia keeps telling me how you're not going anywhere fun with her."

"I guess I will. Is Rachel coming?" Rachel was great and nice and all, but if I wanted to hang out with Percy I couldn't do it with her. They only had eyes for each other when they were together.

"Yeah, but she wants to get really drunk. Her dad is being a jerk. She says if she comes home drunk, her act of defiance will make him regret all of his life choices. I'm not so sure about that." He laughed. "So we probably won't hang out much."

Rachel drunk is not a thing I thought would ever happen. She doesn't seem the type. Then again, I don't think I'm the type either. "That doesn't seem like her. I figured she was just nice all the time."

"I mean to most people. Not her dad." Percy and I approached my car. "So, go! We'll hang out. I've missed hanging out with you."

"Okay, Seaweed Brain." Oh. I used our old nickname. Oops. It just came so naturally. He grinned. "Wow. I can't believe you remembered, Wise Girl. Well bye!

"Bye. Good luck with your grade."

"I'm getting an A, for sure thanks to you."

I rolled my eyes and started my car. Waving bye, I pulled out of my spot and started the drive home.

When I got home I got a text from Percy.

My mom says hi, and that she wants you to come over and make cookies with her.