Hi you guys! I am so sorry that I am late on the update! So much has been going on lately and I have had another case of writers block! But don't fear because the amazing writer is here. See what I did there ;) Anyways since I was about two weeks late I gave you guys an extra 2,000 words. I know I'M AMAZING! But anyways I know where I want this story to go and you guys are going to love it! I can't waitJSo now on to the story…..
Disclaimer: I don't own the Percy Jackson series Rick Riordan does.
"I can't believe this right now" I thought as Mrs. Jackson exited the room!
I'm totally mind blown right now! When he said he thought I was beautiful earlier I thought he was lying, but now….whoa! Is this like some kind of joke? Is she going to pop back into the room and be like gotcha? This all feels like a dream! And it also it feels like my face is on FIRE! I'm sure I'm redder than red.
Percy stood up in front of me and started stuttering, his face still an adorable shade of red
"I, I d-didn't, I m-mean well I did….b-but she wasn't supposed to s-say-"
"I'm ready" Rachel said jumping between Percy and I. Dang it I was enjoying the view!
"Ready to go" she said talking to mainly Percy. Wow rude much? Percy looked down at the floor and said hastily
"Oh! Right studying, yup let's get to the studying, studying we shall do." Percy sat down and started taking out his books and avoided making eye contact with me. It was then I realized that I didn't have my books with me. I mean why would I? I came straight from work and I didn't have classes today. I turned towards Percy who was still shuffling through his backpack. I took a deep breath and said
"P-Percy?"
"Yeah"
"U-Um I d-don't have my b-books."
"Oh yeah…well we could do something else. Why don't I take you to like the pizzeria down the street or something? You know show you to the places you haven't seen around here." He suggested his eyes sparkling with joy, and all previous embarrassment he once felt gone. Oh he is so sweet! Changing his plans to please me!
"I would love to" Rachel said. Are you serious? He asked me and only me! Or did he? Percy looked at Rachel and asked
"Don't you go to the pizzeria every day after school? You already know where it is." I was laughing on the inside at her being caught, but Percy wasn't chastising her he was simply confused. Oh! My adorable clueless Percy. Wait! My Percy?
"N-No that's what I meant. I would love to show Annabel around too" Did she just call me-GRRRRR! I do NOT like nicknames.
"My name is Annabeth" I corrected her. Percy and Rachel turned to me sharply. What? Rachel said in shock and a little bit cruelly
"Wow. This is the first time she's said something without stuttering" I looked over at Percy in embarrassment and I could see his face getting red. He is probably ashamed to have brought me here. I'm so embarrassed, I can't believe this is the second time someone has mentioned my stuttering today. Luke also had an issue with my stuttering. One time he called me out on it in front of his friends and they all thought it was the funniest thing ever. Some of them teased me and told me to say different sentences, while the others sat back and laughed at my misery. Now here I am in the same situation about a year later only this time much more embarrassing. Why does this keep happening? It's like everywhere I go I'm always being judged.
I felt the tears build up in my eyes and to save myself the embarrassment, I pushed past Percy and Rachel and made my way out the apartment door. I had no idea where I was going, but I do know that I have to get out of this place.
I ran down flight after flight of stairs but it seemed as though I was getting nowhere. I stopped for a while to catch my breath and realized that I was in no condition to keep running. My head was pounding and my heart was beating out of my chest and when I looked over the railing I saw that I wasn't even halfway to the exit. Stairs, stairs, and more stairs filled my vision and I started to feel dizzier. I sat down on one of the stairs, put my head in my hands and tried to stop more tears from spilling. I mean what the heck is Rachel's problem. I didn't do anything to her and she just started acting like a total bitc-I mean female dog. The old Annabeth would have stood up for herself and called her a few colorful words, but the old Annabeth was a wreck. And so is the new one…
"It was just a statement!" a distant voice from above whines.
"It was a stupid statement, that shouldn't have been said." A voice snapped.
"Now get up and help me find her" I heard footsteps running down the stairs and then they stopped after a while.
"Why do we have to look for her anyway? She's the one that ran off, maybe it's best that we leave her alone. And what I said was the truth, it was the first time she didn't stutter and to be honest it was getting annoying."
"It wasn't annoying! It was cute…..And what is your problem? She's done nothing to you. Just help me find her!" When I hear the footsteps getting closer I will myself to get up and start to wipe my wet face. I face the staircase just in time to see Percy running down.
"Annabeth" he said and pulled me into a tight embrace. Sparks of electricity ran through my body and when he pulled away he looked into my eyes and said
"I am so sorry Annabeth, I really am. I'm sorry about what happened with Rachel, I really don't know what is going on with her, I mean she never acts like this and I know you probably feel really bad because I was an IDIOT and brought it up earlier, but I think your stuttering is really cute and I don't want you to feel bad about it. I'm just really sorry about this whole day Annabeth" I could tell he was truly sorry, but the witch scowling over his shoulder definitely was not. Careful not to stutter I say
"Its fine" I still try to avoid eye contact with him because I am still drowning in embarrassment. Suddenly Percy takes my hand and leads me down the stairs.
"W-Where are we g-going?"
"We are going to get some ice cream and pizza to cheer you up. My treat" I started to protest but he cut me off.
"No buts, this was a sucky day for you and I am going to make it better…..Are you okay?" It felt as if it was a hundred degrees in here and I felt very sick.
"It's just really hot in here" And of course Rachel just has to jump down my throat and say
"Are you crazy? It's not hot, if anything it's cold" To my pleasure Percy ignored and said to me
"I don't know Annabeth, you look very pale. Actually a little green too! Maybe we should go back up and have my mom check you out." We start to head back up the stairs and by the time I go up the third step I am already starting to feel dizzy. I start to fall backwards, but luckily Percy caught me.
"Whoa! Okay you are really out of it. Don't worry I got you. You don't have to lift a finger."
With that he lifted me up the stairs and carried me the rest of the way. It feels so comfortable being in his arms. That's when I remember what he said before about him carrying up the steps from the car. I feel my cheeks heat up at the thought and almost as if he was reading my mind Percy looks down at me and jokes
"Seems familiar?" I start to blush even more and avoid making eye contact with him. He throws his head back laughing and I can't help but smile too. He just looks so carefree and happy when he laughs. Like a cute child.
We get back to his apartment and he yells
"Mom!" I visibly wince and he smiles apologetically.
"Sorry" He lays me down on the couch and says
"I'll be right back" And places his soft lips on my forehead. Tingles flow through my entire body starting from my head and ends at my toes. I see a faint blush on his cheeks as he leaves the room. Did that just happen? He kissed me! He kissed me! It was only on the forehead, but still! Wait let me calm down and think things logically. He probably didn't mean anything by it, I mean we just met. We hardly know each other….Oh, but boy do I want to know him! I touch my tenderly touched my forehead, trying to relive the feeling of his lips on it. I hear a scoff coming from the corner and look to see the she devil. Rachel! I forgot she was even in the room. She was about to say something when in walked Sally and Percy. Remembering my last encounter with Sally I glace at Percy and see he is looking down at his shoes.
"Hello dear! Percy here tells me you haven't been feeling very well" Mrs. Jackson says warmly. "Tell me what's wrong"
"I-It's nothing. I just felt a little dizzy. That's all"
"A little dizzy?" Percy butted in "Mom she almost fell down the stairs. That's not healthy mom! Go and do the magic thing you mothers do!" He looked so worried….worried for me.
"Percy calm down it's not like she's dying" Mrs. Jackson scolded. Percy pulled his face into an adorable frown and started grumbling under his. I cover my mouth to stifle a giggle creeping out of my mouth. Percy noticed me and pouted even more
"You're laughing at me." he whined "You're supposed to be on my side."
"Sorry" I said giggling.
"No you're not! You know what I'm starting to regret this friendship. And after all I've done for you" he said shedding a fake tear.
"Well maybe I don't want this friendship" I fired back. This was fun!
"That hurt Annabeth" he said pointing to his chest.
"That hurt right here" At the end we were both grinning from ear to ear, just looking at each other.
"Can we just hurry up and get this over with" Rachel said rudely interrupting our moment. UGH! She is so annoying! I turned my attention back to Mrs. Jackson who was looking at me and Percy strangely. Percy clears his throat and says
"So what's wrong with her mom?"
"Oh right! Well….I don't know. Honey how long has it been since you've eaten"
"I didn't have time" I said defensively looking at Percy. His eyes widen in shock.
"What do you mean you didn't have time? Everyone has time to eat! Annabeth how long has it been since you've eaten"
"Not very long" I said more to myself than Percy.
"Annabeth, how long has it been since you've eaten sweetie"
"Um…s-since about um…last night"
"What!" Percy exploded. Crap! He looks really mad! I cower away from him and his eyes soften.
"Annabeth that's not healthy. You've been working all day and you need to eat. Mom, do we have anymore lasagna from last night."
"Yes we do honey. Annabeth you just stay here and take it easy" Mrs. Jackson exits the room.
Percy sits down next to me on the couch. He sighs
"I'm sorry Annabeth, I didn't mean to snap at you. I'm just in a really crappy mood about knocking you down, and the whole stuttering comments and I'm just…It's just been a really long day" A moment of silence passes between us until I say
"I'm really sorry about forgetting my key. I didn't mean to cause you, your mom and….. Rachel trouble."
"You have nothing to be sorry for-"
"Is this a whole sorry fest or something?" Rachel said. "I thought we were going to get pizza" Percy looked at her like she was crazy.
"We can't go until Annabeth feels better. She could barely make it up the steps! There is no way she is going out until she is literally back on her feet!"
"Then why don't you and I go instead?"
"I'm not leaving Annabeth" he stated. I felt my stomach flutter, something it has never done before. I guess that's the effect Percy has on me.
"If you want pizza so bad why don't you go?" Percy suggested. Oh he is so nice. And so oblivious! Rachel's face fell for a second before she quickly masked it into a plastic smile.
"Actually" Rachel said. "I think I'll just go, I mean our moms should be done talking by now." Mrs. Jackson walks in with a plate filled with…..blue lasagna? I watch as she rests the place on the counter in front of me. My face probably showed my emotions because both Percy and Mrs. Jackson started laughing.
"It's okay dear! We promise we're not trying to poison you" That sends them into another fit of laughter.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you I just never had an entire plate of something so colorful."
"It's a family joke" Percy explains to me. "Mom always makes blue food, just wait until you try the cookies!"
"Well we'll be on our way" Rachel's mom says as she enters the room collecting her bag.
"Ok" Mrs. Jackson says showing her and her demented daughter out.
"It was great seeing you guys! Take care!" she says and closes the door. Mrs. Jackson turned back to me and Percy, but this time she had a mischievous look in her eye. Uh oh!
"So you two have fun! I'll just be in the kitchen if you need me" She then speed walked into the kitchen and we were left in silence.
"Let me get you something to drink" Percy said standing up.
"Is water okay?"
"Yeah" Percy exits into the kitchen. When he is completely out of site I dig into the lasagna. In the first bite I moan silently to myself. This is the best lasagna I have ever tasted! And I was so hungry! I quickly try to eat as much lasagna as I can before Percy comes back. I don't want him to see me eat and become disgusted by me. Luke always had a problem with that and I try my best to avoid people from seeing me eat…. But enough of this sad stuff! I need to finish this lasagna! I just finished shoving a piece down my throat when I heard whispering coming from the kitchen. It was Percy and his mom. They sounded like they were having an argument. I hope everything is okay….. The whispering stops and I know I only have a short amount of time before Percy comes back. I quickly down the last piece of lasagna just in time before Percy comes in. He looks pink and his hair is even more disheveled. He still looks hot in an angry frustrated sort of way, but I wonder what's got him so stressed out.
"Here's your water" he says and lays it next to the now empty plate of lasagna. Percy's eyes widen in shock.
"Wow! You must have been really hungry!" I feel my face turn pink and I look down at my hands. Great! By trying not to embarrass myself in front of him I make myself look like a pig instead! This time instead of going through with the embarrassment I try to change the subject.
"Why were you so pink when you came in?" Seriously when did I become so bold?
"Oh that! Well you know how mothers can be. Asking embarrassing questions all the time!" I had a feeling that there was more to it, but who am I to probe. Another moment of silence passed between us. I could still feel the charge of electricity between us especially with him sitting so close to me. After thirty very awkward seconds Percy coughs and says
"Pretty deep conversation we're having here am I right?" I crack a smile.
"Why don't we play twenty questions? I know like nothing about you." Seems like a good idea.
"Ok"
"One rule though" Percy says with a mischievous smirk.
"What?"
"You have to answer any questions asked. No backing out" What the hell did I just get myself into?
"You sure you want to do this" he said cockily. Oh so it's like that!
"Ok bring it on"
"Fine! You go first" Ok what should I ask him? Let's just start with the basics. I turned so I was facing Percy.
"What's your favorite color?"
"Easy blue. C'mon Annabeth I thought you could do better than that" He teased.
"What's the most embarrassing thing you have ever done?" I feel my cheeks heat up as I recall the memory.
"Do I have to" I whined. Percy laughed and said
"Yup! Unless you want to forfeit and I win" He was enjoying this. Grrrrrr!
"Fine" I said reluctantly giving in.
"Ok so, one day I was at school and-"
"I'm sorry what was that? I can't hear you" Percy said mockingly gesturing to his ear. I glared at him
"I said one day I was at school. Was that loud enough?" I said louder this time. Percy smirked and said
"Perfect! Continue" Before I started I stuck my tongue out at him. I know I'm so mature right? Percy stuck his out at me too. Copycat.
"I was at school one day and it was gym time and…after gym, I kinda, sorta….well um…walked into the boys locker room by accident."
Percy burst out laughing. I hid my face in my hands. Despite myself I was still smiling. I'm so embarrassed, but I can't help, but start to laugh at myself. I mean the sign for the boy's locker room was pretty clear. I was only laughing slightly, but Percy was rolling with laughter. He looked like a little kid being tickled by some invisible force. A couple minutes later Percy had finally calmed down and I pouted and said
"It wasn't that funny you know. It was embarrassing."
"Oh, but your face Annabeth! I've never seen a person so embarrassed simply by recalling a memory. Oh man I haven't laughed that hard in years! What happened next?" I shook my head and said
"Uh uh! You only get one question per turn. Plus you laughed at me, there is no way I'm telling you the rest of that dreadful story."
"Oh man please Annabeth." I shook my head again.
"Fine then you go" Percy grumbled. Ahhhh now it's time for sweet revenge!
"What is the most embarrassing thing your mom has ever done?" Percy's face turned beat red. Hah look who's laughing now. Suddenly Percy's face morphs into one of mischief.
"You really wanna know?"
"Actually with that look on your face I'm not really sure"
"Oh well that's too bad now isn't it? You already asked the question so I have to answer." Ok I'm starting to get scared now.
"The most embarrassing thing my mom has ever done. Where should I start?"
"From the beginning" I blurt out.
"Well, look who turned into a smart-alec. Fine let's start from the beginning shall we? One day I brought this really beautiful girl home. She was the most gorgeous women I had ever seen. I made the mistake of telling this to my mom." Percy winces at that part as he recalls the memory.
"Anyway that gorgeous lady woke up from her sleep and-" I couldn't hear anything after that. It took me awhile, but I finally realized what he was doing. I closed my eyes and covered my ears. My face must look like a strawberry now! I yelled
"Stop, stop! I get it, I get it" Percy laughed and said
"Oh I'm sorry do you think you know the girl I'm talking about. She looked a lot like you only a little less red right now."
I pushed Percy playfully ignoring the tingle sensation that passed through my arm.
"You're such a jerk"
"Wait a minute" he said seriously. "Don't move for a second." I froze. Percy went over to me and opened my mouth. He then went back to his spot and said
"That's exactly how she looked the moment my mom embarrassed me"
"Percy" I shouted as he ran out of the living room and into his bedroom. I got up and ran after him, which was not a good idea because I just ate, but who cares? This is the most fun I've had since the old Annabeth!
I go into the room expecting to find Percy, but instead I find an empty room. Where did he go?
I shriek as I feel two muscular arms wrap around me spin me around and then lift me up into the air.
"Percy" I yelled and started pounding on his back, so he could let me go.
"C'mon Annabeth! Let's take a tour of the apartment" he said laughing. With that he sprinted out of the room with me on his back. I screamed as he ran around the couch and to the kitchen twirling me around in the process. We were laughing and screaming the whole time and when we finally got into the kitchen we were both out of breath. Percy slid me off of his back so that we were standing face to face. His arms were around my waist and we were both grinning from ear to ear.
"Did you like the tour" he said smiling and still trying to catch his breath. I could feel his cool breath hitting me in the face and as gross as it sounds, I kinda like it.
"I hated it" I said playfully still smiling.
"Well I loved it. It was very amusing" Percy said. Wow we were so close right now! If I leaned in about 2 inches we would be kis-
"I liked it too" a voice from behind us said. Percy and I sprang apart for the second time that day and looked in the direction in which the voice came from. We see Mrs. Jackson sitting a chair with and amused look on her face. I blush in embarrassment realizing that she heard and saw everything that just happened.
"Oh don't stop on my account! I'll just be taking my leave! Just keep on flirting with each other" She said as she started to leave the room. Before she was completely out of sight she turned back and said to me
"Glad to see you're feeling better Annabeth" and then she left.
Instead of being embarrassed and completely mortified like me, Percy just glared at where she exited. Were we really flirting? Or did it just seem like we were? I don't even know how to flirt!
"I'm sorry about my mom. You know how they can get." Actually I don't, but that's a story for another day.
"Why don't we just finish the game" I suggest.
"What game?" Percy asks.
"The twenty questions game" I laugh.
"Oh yeah" he exclaims. We sit down at the table face to face and Percy starts off the next question.
"What is your favorite thing to do?" Oh no, I do not want to answer this question!
"I don't want to tell you"
"Why not? It's a simple question" He chuckles.
"You're going to think of me differently"
"No I won't! Unless your favorite thing to do is to murder things or steal I won't think of you differently."
"Okay fine…. My favorite thing to do is to read" I said quietly and looking down. When I found the courage to look up, I saw he wasn't criticizing me as expected. Instead he was just looking at me with curiosity.
"Ok" he started "Why is that so bad again? If it's what you like to do then who am I to judge you for it?"
"I need to use the bathroom" I blurted out.
Percy stared at me for a second and then said
"Um, yeah second room on your right." I left the kitchen in a hurry and quickly shut the bathroom door. What the hell is going on! There is no way that a guy could be this nice for NO reason. Nobody ever treats ME of all people this nicely!
I rinse my face in cold water and look at myself in the mirror. I start to expect my face and the longer I do, is the more I start to wonder what Percy and his mother see in me. My hair looks curly and unmanageable and my face is just so dull! Beautiful? Yeah right!
I open the door to go into the living room where Percy lied. He looked very deep in thought as he just stared at the blank TV screen. I slowly sat down next to him, trying not to interrupt his deep thought process. Despite my efforts Percy turned and faced me anyways.
"Did I say or do anything to upset you Annabeth? Cause if I did I didn't mean to." He thinks he did something wrong? And he is apologizing for something he didn't even do. Okay, what is his game?
"Why are you acting like this?" I say sharply. Percy looks at me startled. He must be surprised to see me this…..this ANGRY. I haven't let out my anger in a long time or even said what I wanted to say, but this time I won't back down!
"Like you actually care about what I think, or how I feel. Why don't you just drop the act!"
"Annabeth what are you-"
"I mean who's putting you up to it? Luke?"
"What! Who's-"
"Or was it one of his idiot friends? Maybe my mom too huh, since it's like everyone's out to get me!"
"Annabeth I really don't know what your-"
"Or was it just you? What you thought it would be fun to play with the geeks feelings? Well then your one twisted guy! And guess what? I'm not falling for it! Oh, I bet you and Rachel had a grand old time putting all this together, right-"
"Annabeth!" Percy yelled. His face was red and we were almost nose to nose. His eyes were darker and like a raging storm. He was furious, but so was I. He had no right to play with my feeling like that and has no right to be mad!
"What the hell is wrong with you? And what are you talking about?"
"Like you don't know" I scoffed. His eyes got even stormier when he said
"I don't know what the hell you're talking about! I never laughed at you or anything there's no scheme involved with me and Rachel and I don't know anyone named Luke"
"Then what's with the whole beautiful act and getting to know me stuff"
"Wow could it be because I actually find you beautiful and because I want to get to know you? Do you really think that low of me and yourself to think that I would just be messing around with you? Give me one reason to make you think that?"
"Because you're doing things that nobody has ever done to me before!" I explode
"What nobody has ever cared for you before? Well, I'm so sorry that I actually did!" he shot back.
"Oh, like you actually care?"
"I do! Don't you get it? Why is that so hard to believe?"
"Because you don't" I shouted as the tears finally started to fall. One after another other fell until I was full on sobbing.
"Nobody does" I whispered to myself as I let my emotions take over me. I curled up into a ball on the couch and covered my face while I sobbed.
I have nobody. Nobody who actually cares about me. And every time I get the opportunity to get someone to care I always ruin it. No wonder Luke did what he did and said what he said. Cause it's all true. I'll never be good enough. The thoughts make me cry even more.
I am so caught up in my emotions that I barely notice two arms wrap around me. I don't have to look up to know that it's Percy. I can feel it. I sink into his embrace and bury my face into his shirt. I turn part of his light blue T-shirt dark blue with my tears while Percy rubs my back and whispers reassuring words to me.
"It's okay, it's okay. Just let it out" The fact that I was so mean to him just seconds before and he is still comforting me makes me cry even harder. How could I have been so wrong about him! It's like all I ever do is ruin things!
"I'm sorry" I say through tears.
"It's okay Annabeth. Just let it all out. I'm here." I look up at him, not caring for once in two years how I look, and say
"I am so sorry" while starring into his eyes. I messed up big time.
"Annabeth don't worry about it." he said giving me a reassuring smile.
"I know that something terrible happened to you and you're still going through it, but I want you to know I'm here. Because for some reason I'm very fond of a certain blonde haired smart alec." He said jokingly. I cracked a watery smile at him before I started crying again. This time it wasn't out of sadness though. This time I was just relived.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I repeated as I tackled him in a hug.
"You're Welcome" he said laughing as he hugged me back. I pulled away as a pang of guilt stuck through me.
"You deserve to know why I said the things I said though! You can't just forgive me that easily."
"Relax Annabeth! Don't worry, we'll talk about it in the morning, but only if you are ready" In the morning?
"But I won't be here in the morning" I replied.
"Annabeth" Percy said in a serious tone. "You are not going out there this late at night. I was thinking about getting your stuff from the café when you were sleeping, but then you know who showed up and I was too busy hiding from her so I forgot. You can sleep here for the night and I will drive you into work tomorrow" Well I guess he already has everything figured out.
"Okay" I say looking down. Percy takes his finger and tilts my chin up.
"Hey don't worry about I. Everything is going to be ok. Okay?"
"Okay." I say. Percy's eyes flicker down and rest on my lower lip which I am currently chewing. A nervous habit I have developed over the years. He continues to stare at it until I let go of it which seems to snap him out of his daze.
"I'll go get you some clothes to sleep in" He says as leaves the living room and goes into his room. I sigh as I slump down into the couch. Today was a long day! It was also very liberating! I find myself scared and excited over what's to come tomorrow.
Percy was so nice letting me stay here! Maybe I should do something for him to show my appreciation. But what though? Maybe I could make breakfast tomorrow. If that's ok with him though! He might not want me rummaging around his kitchen or burning his food. I should run it by him first. I get up from the couch and make my way towards his room. I open the door and I am shocked to no end at what I find. OH MY GOD!
So that's it for now you guys! What do you think Annabeth finds? And boy was that an intense chapter! Annabeth definitely broke out of her shell a little more and will continue to do so as the story goes on. Towards the end you could see she started to stutter less and I hope you guys liked the cute Percabeth moments! I will probably update by the end of this week or the same time next week and I will try to make the chapters around this length or chapter fours length. PERCABETH RULES!
See ya!