Hey ya'll!

I'll update every Wednesday.

This chapter is a little slow, but things will kickstart soon.

Please read & review!

Disclaimer: All rights belong to Uncle Rick

And now , on with the story!

I'm handed my hot chocolate relatively quickly, despite the Christmas rush. "Have a great day," the cashier says sweetly, before quickly rushing me on, "Number 66!" I walk into a deserted alleyway, to sip in peace.

"Hey beautiful," a blond boy flashes a smirk at me, "How about we catch a movie sometime, eh?"

I shake my head, my red curls falling in a frizzy mess. I raise an eyebrow, "I'm not interested, kay?"

"Aw," he smiles craftily, "Don't say that babe, I'm sure I'll convince you otherwise."

I shoot him one of my famous glares, my emerald-green eyes flashing in anger. "Look, I'm trained in martial arts, so I won't hesitate to whoop your butt. Do you think I'm one of those stupid princesses who needs a "knight" to save her?"

He grabs my hand, and I don't hesitate. Like I said, I'm trained in martial arts. My hand curls into a fist, and I prepare myself for the impact, but I never get there.

The blond guy is struck down, like he was overcome by a wave. I'm face to face with a tall male who offers me a cheeky smile. "I'm Percy," he says, nervously running a hand through his messy, black hair. His sea-green eyes meet mine, and all my anger washes away (including my very emotional feminist speech).

It was so obvious that he just wanted to help, so I smile and say, "I'm Rachel. I didn't really need your help, but… thanks anyway."

An awkward silence ensues, as I struggle with a conversation starter.

"Do you go to Goode High?" he suddenly blurts out, "I'm starting there right after break."

"No," I shake my head ruefully, "I go to Clarion Academy, a boarding school. I'm just here for Christmas."

He nods, and his eyes fall on my hoodie. A grin stretches across his face as he reads the lettering. "I'm guessing you don't really like your boarding school, huh?"

I look down at the maroon hoodie with Clarion Academy in fancy lettering and Sucks! scrawled in Sharpie (credits to me), and roll my eyes.

"Just about every girl there is a prissy princess who cares about hair, and makeup, and being a lady," I groan, "If my dad didn't force me to go there, I'd be living at Goode."

Percy snickers, but quickly offers me a sympathetic look. "Wanna head to my house," he asks, "We haven't unpacked yet, but there should be some space, probably."

We walk to his house, a modest but comfortable place. It might not have been too big, but it feels so homey, I long to live here. My father may have been the owner of Dare Enterprises, automatically making me "rich", but our mansion often felt cold and lonely.

"Hey honey," a woman welcomes me warmly, "I'm Sally." My first thought is that she doesn't look like Percy with her gentle features and brown hair, but they both have that dimple on the side of their cheek and a mischievous smirk.

Sally kisses Percy's cheek, and hugs me tight. "Sweetie," she teases, "It's only been one day and you're already bringing girls over!" She shoots Percy a wink and he flushes pink. I'm sure I looked the same way, blending with my red hair perfectly.

She chuckles, and smiles, "Well, I'll leave you to it. And Percy,-"

"Mom!"

"It was great meeting you Rachel," she shakes her head playfully, "I guess I'm not welcome anymore."

As she leaves, Percy looks at me, "So, uh, what do you do? I mean, I swim, I've won a couple championships, but it's no big deal."

"I paint," I say simply, and it's true. Almost every article of clothing I own is splattered with paint, and some people say I was born with a paintbrush in my hands.

"Paint me," he says seriously, quickly handing me a couple supplies, his sea-green eyes meeting mine.

I set to drawing him, and with every line I draw, I can't help but think he is more perfect. His jawline is chiseled, and his face so perfectly sculpted it's scary. I drew his eyes looking off into the distance so that you can't help but wonder what he's looking at.

This might sound pathetic, but I really hope it's me. Me, that he cares about so much. I haven't known Percy long, but I can tell he would do anything for those he loves.

"Are you done," he says impatiently, bouncing on the bed like a rabbit who drank Red Bull.

"I've been drawing for 5 minutes," I snap, "Just chill!"

"Sorry," he mutters, looking down, "I have ADHD, can't focus too well."

I soften, and splash the colors on the canvas as fast as I can. I'm relatively pleased with the result, but Percy's jaw has literally dropped.

"I had no idea," he whispers breathlessly, "Rachel, you're an artist."

I shrug, not used to people complimenting me. My parents weren't the lovey-dovey type after all. "It's not great," I shrug offhandedly, "But it is my best work."

Glancing out the window, I notice the sun setting and realized it was getting late. As soon as I told Percy I ought to be getting home, he said that he would walk me home.

"What kind of friend would I be if I didn't walk you home," he asked, raising an eyebrow.

The sunset was so beautiful, a palette of colors stretched across the sky. Strings of cotton candy clouds raced across the sky, against the calm indigo and purple backdrop.

A chilly gust of wind ripped through the alleyway, causing me to shiver. A cute expression of concern crossed Percy's face, and he removed his jacket, slinging it on me.

I protested, but he interjected by saying it was cold and he already had a sweatshirt underneath. I hid a smile, his worry for me was endearing.

Unfortunately, I was pretty sure he saw us as nothing more than friends. I mean, the guy had just met me right?

It wasn't like I was his soulmate just because he lent me his stupid jacket (even if I hoped).

Still, despite everything, a girl is allowed to dream the impossible, right?

We reached my house and his eyes follow the tall building as if deciding where it might end. His mouth forms an o, and he laughs, "Who are you, Rachel?"

"A lot of things apparently, artist, girl, friend, redhead," I answer earnestly, "By the way, here's your jacket. Thanks."

"Keep it Redhead," his grin stretches wide, and our eyes meet, "I've a feeling we'll meet again, and don't worry. I'll collect payment someday."

"Oh yeah," I snicker, but I truly hope he is correct.

"Percy Jackson never forgets a debt," his voice echoes off the building. He winks at me, his lips curling into a smile.

When he walks away, my heart took matters into its own hands.

I would forever love Percy Jackson.

Just to be clear, this chapter and the rest are flashbacks.

Rachel is reliving her highschool days!

Happy Wednesday!