Hey everyone! Happy Good Friday! I can't believe this is chapter 15! I honestly never knew I'd get this far in my story! I hope everyone is having a lovely break and I hope these updates make it even better! Thank you to all those who reviewed, followed and favorited it means a lot! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Percy Jackson series Rick Riordan does.
Annabeth's POV
Percy stared at the phone in complete shock as he reread the message over and over again. Silence filled the car and I looked at him desperately.
"S-Say something Percy! What am I gonna do?" He muttered something I didn't catch.
"What?" I asked. Percy blinked running a hand through his black hair. He looked up sharply staring, me down.
"Do you trust me?" The question threw me off guard and I hesitated. I've known this guy for less than a week and it seems crazy but…I do trust him, more than I've trusted anyone before.
"Yeah."
I blushed as his intense eyes stared at me, watching my every move. I felt bare. Like he could see past all my barriers with a simple glance. Like he knew all of my deepest darkest secrets. The thought unnerved me.
"Good. I need you to go to that interview tomorrow-"
"What?!" I exclaimed eyes wide.
"But I don't want to-"
"Hey! You trust me right?" I nodded my head. Percy started the car again and drove off.
"Then trust me on this." He pleaded, sea green eyes filled with desperation. It warmed my heart to see him this eager to help me, but I was still confused on why he wanted me to go to this interview. I don't want to work for my demented mother!
I also couldn't help but feel like I was becoming a burden. If it wasn't for me he'd probably be chilling with his friends right now or eating blue foods with his mom, but he can't do any of that now…because of me. I realized then how selfish I was being.
"Percy-"
"Don't say it Annabeth! Don't even think about apologizing right now because none of this is your fault!" I was too shocked to speak. How did he know I was going to apologize? Do I really do it that often...
"O-Okay."
"Do you have any clothes for the interview?" Percy asked. Little did he know I had an entire wardrobe of designer clothes in my closet.
"Yeah, but what are yo-" Percy cut me off again.
"Just trust me okay? You're gonna go to your dorm and you're gonna text your mom that you'll be at the interview. I'll pick you up at sround eight o'clock tomorrow and take you there."
"But-"
"I have to go, but I promise I'll tell you everything…soon." I didn't even realize he drove me all the way back to my dorm. He wanted to get rid of me that fast?
The look of hurt must have been evident on my face because Percy quickly explained
"I'll come by later tonight, I just need to meet up with a friend. Believe me when I say I'd much rather spend the rest of the day with you!" I tried to hide my blush as I quickly got out of his car. I was about to walk away when he called
"Don't forget to take your medicine and call me if anything happens!" I nodded my head blushing. I walked over to my dorm and opened the door with my key. Turning back, I saw Percy's car still there and him staring at me. I waved him goodbye and I saw him smile. He looked down for a few seconds and I heard my phone ping. I looked down in fear that it was my mother, but was relieved to see it was a text from Percy. I smiled as I read it
Don't forget to lock your door!
I rolled my eyes and another one soon followed.
Don't roll your eyes!
I laughed as I typed back
How could u even see me?
I have good eye sight ;) He texted back. I waved at him again before going inside smiling. It's amazing how he could make me smile even in the worst situations!
I made sure to lock my door and walked to my room. I closed all the blinds before changing into some house clothes. Climbing onto the bed I stared at my phone. I knew she couldn't see me, but the thought of even communicating with her made me nauseous. Clicking on her contact I typed in the simple word and turned my phone off.
Ok
Time skip
I was on the edge all day. I couldn't stop thinking about my mom and…Percy. They plagued my mind and my headache started to become even worse. Every time I thought about my mom and her evil ways I thought of Percy and how nice he is to help me. And then I started thinking of some other things about Percy…
I spent the rest of the day doing as much research on Hermes Inc. as I possibly could. I found out it was a huge company that only had the best of the best working for them. How my mom managed to get me an interview is beyond me!
The founder of the company was Hermes Castellan. He was a tall man with brown hair and brown eyes. He looked to be in his late thirties based on his picture, but I wasn't sure. Something about him looked oddly familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it! According to his bio he had no kids and was not married. You'd think someone as successful as him would have a wife and a few kids but apparently not!
I searched up the address of the place and my mouth watered at the amazing architectural structure of the building. It was truly spectacular! I'll have to tell Percy about it when he comes over tonight I thought excitedly before I scolded myself. Percy doesn't care about boring architecture! He doesn't want to hear about my stupid blue prints or which way certain beams should be angled!
There was a knock on the door and I looked out the peep hole to see Thalia waiting impatiently with bags in her hands. I opened the door and she smiled.
"Hey, can you put these somewhere?" She dumped the brown plastic bags in my arms and walked away. I blinked. Okay…
I went into the kitchen arms full and set the bags on the table. Thalia walked in seconds later and started rummaging through the bags.
"What'd you buy?" I asked shyly still not quite use to her yet. Thalia grinned as she took out a bag of cheese puffs.
"I bought all junk food known to mankind!" As she started to unload the bag I realized she was right. There was chips, soda, ice cream, juice, popcorn and even fluff! My grey eyes widened at the sight.
"How could even afford all of this?!" I asked as she opened up a cart of chocolate ice cream. She grabbed two bowls and two spoon from the cabinet and handed me one of each.
"Let's just say my family has no problem's financial wise. Now eat up!" She took several spoonful's out of the cart and put them in her bowl expecting me to do the same. I shyly took out two scoops, thanking her before walking into the living room. I quickly ate hoping she wouldn't follow me. I didn't like to eat around people and I had no idea why I asked Percy to go to the pizzeria with me. I must've been out of my mind!
I was in the middle of lifting the delicious ice cream to my lips when Thalia walled in. I immediately put the spoon down and stared at her. She sat down next to me and I shifted uncomfortably. Her piercing blue eyes made me nervous when directed at me.
"So…" She trailed off with a troubling smirk. I didn't like the look in her eyes one bit.
"I didn't know you and my cousin had a little thing going on." My face suddenly felt very hot and I tripped over my words.
"N-No thing! T-There's no thing, going on!" I looked down at my hands but I could practically feel Thalia's smirk widen.
"Really?" She asked mixing her ice cream.
"That's not what he told me this morning-"
"Really! What'd he say?!" I asked excited, cutting her off.
"He said that you really gullible!" She laughed. I frowned. Why would he say that about me? I wasn't gullible!
"Why would he say tha-" I stopped mid-sentence as realization dawned on me.
"That's not funny Thalia." I grumbled in embarrassment as she laughed her head off.
"I can't believe you fell for that!" She snorted. I waited for her to stop laughing and I can't say I wasn't relieved that Percy didn't really say that.
"Oh god, you should've seen your face…So tell me what's going on with you and Percy?" I gulped and fiddled with my hands nervously.
"Nothing really. He's just really nice and we're friends!" Thalia scoffed.
"You do realize you told me you had a crush on him the first day we met right? You said you met him two days ago and you had a 'small' crush on him and on that same day, Percy pops up and says he met you two days ago. It's not rocket science Annabeth! I know you have a crush on my cousin!"
"Okay, fine! I have a crush on him, but please don't tell him-"
"Relax Annabeth I won't! I just wanted you to admit it!" She laughed. I looked down at my unfinished ice cream.
"So you're not mad?" Thalia rolled her crystal blue eyes.
"Why would I be mad? A little creeped out, but not mad!" I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. The last thing I needed to worry about is an angry roommate!
"But why Percy? Who in their right mind would be attracted to my cousin? He's so…Percy!" I frowned not liking the way she was talking about him.
"That's why I like him! He's so sweet and he makes me forget about all the chaos in my life and he's just…amazing!" Thalia looked at me like I was from another planet.
"Are we talking about the same pers-" The doorbell rang cutting her off. I was about to get up to get it, but Thalia beat me to it.
"I got it." She said standing up. I waited for her to come back and when she did she had a smirk on her face.
"Everything ok-Percy!" I stood up. There stood Percy in all his glory behind Thalia.
I didn't know he'd be here so early? Percy walked in front of me and instead of greeting me he grabbed my hand.
"Can I talk to you privately?" He asked in a low voice. His eyes looked serious as they bored into mine.
"Y-Yeah sure!" I couldn't think straight with his warm hand in mine. Thalia shot me a wink before we went into my room. I closed the door looking at Percy. He had an uneasy look on his face.
"What's wrong Percy? You're acting weird." Percy wiped his hands on his jeans.
"I know…" He sighed trailing off.
"But I want you to just promise me you'll safe! That means no going out late at night, I don't want a repeat of yesterday." I did a fake salute.
"Yes sir." Percy cracked a smile.
"I mean it Annabeth. Promise me." He said taking out his pinky. I laughed at his childishness, but still intertwined our pinkies.
"Promise."
"Good! Now are you all set for the interview?" He asked and just like that my nerves returned.
"I think so but…" I sat down on my bed.
"What if I mess up and he doesn't hire me or he thinks I'm not good enough for the job-"
"You'll do fine Annabeth! You're a smart girl and I'm sure you'll do great."
"And why am I doing this again?" I asked. Percy avoided eye contact with me when he explained
"I have a plan that I can't tell you, but please trust me on this. I'd never do anything to purposely put you in harm's way."
"Okay, but-" Percy's phone pinged cutting me off. He gave me a shy apologetic smile.
"Sorry!" The room was silent as he looked at his phone. After reading the message he looks back up at me and says
"I have to go." I stood up.
"Right now? But you just got here." I said disappointed.
"I know, but something really important just came up and I have to leave. I'll be here tomorrow though to drop you off at eight, remember!" Those were his last words before he hastily ran out of the room. A few seconds later Thalia popped her head in.
"So, what happened? Did you two kiss, cause that'd be disgusting! Tell me!" She asked eagerly. I put on a strained smile. Now, how am I gonna get out of this one?
Time skip
I barely got any sleep last night. I was too nervous for the interview and I spent all night thinking of the possible consequences if I failed. I wondered what would happen to Percy and his mom if my mom ever sent Gabe over there again… I shuddered at the thought.
I was wearing a grey suit with three-inch black designer heels. This was the first time I've worn heels since Luke and despite it only being three inches I almost tripped several times.
I put on a little red lipstick to look more professional and I was about to apply my usual makeup when I stopped. I went the entire day yesterday without any makeup and for some reason just the lipstick bothered me to no end. It didn't feel right when I glided the stick over my lips and it didn't feel right looking at the bag of makeup in my hands. I shook off the feeling and looked at the time. Crap, It's already seven fifty-five!
I forgot the makeup and ran out of the bathroom, which was very hard to do with heels on! I grabbed my purse making sure I had my resume and anything else I might need for the interview. Seeing that everything was okay I stepped outside to see Percy's car pull up.
I walked over to it and my heart warmed as Percy got out and opened the door for me. He looked extremely handsome as the sun light up the right side of his face, but his green eyes that were usually equally as lite up were dark and cloudy. I immediately knew something was wrong.
I thanked him as I got inside the passenger seat and he went around to the driver's seat. Before we started I asked him
"Is everything alright Percy?" Percy didn't look at me only nodding his head. I frowned at his silence.
"Are you sure cause you seem a little, upset. Is there anything I could do to hel-"
"Just drop it!" He snapped. Ouch.
I stared at him in shock, but he refused to meet my gaze. I lowered mine and stared at my palms. I shouldn't have pried so much. Why do I always have to ruin everything?
"S-Sorry." I apologized, but he didn't say anything.
It was completely silence as Percy drove off. The tension in the car was suffocating and I was so mad at myself for being the one to cause it. We had about an hour's drive ahead of us and I didn't want it to be filled with awkward silence.
Fifteen minutes into the drive and he still hasn't uttered a single word. I felt every single minute that passed by and each exit we passed only increased my nerves. I felt absolutely horrible!
We were at a stop light when Percy finally spoke
"I'm sorry Annabeth, I didn't mean to snap at you it's just…" He trailed off running a hand through his hair.
"I'm just really stressed, that's all!" I chose my next words wisely as I asked
"Well if you ever want to talk about it then…I'm right here. Is there anything I could do to help?" Percy opened and closed his mouth a few times before he admitted
"It's my mom again. She was super pissed at me yesterday and this morning she wanted to know where I was going, but I promised you I wouldn't say anything and…I just keep disappointing her over and over again!" Oh god, this was all my fault!
"I'm so sorry Percy, I shouldn't have dragged you into my problems! Why don't I talk to your mom and sort things out? I'm sure that will help!" Percy shook his head dejected.
"What's the point? I'll probably do something the next day to just screw everything up all over again."
"Don't say that! Stop talking about yourself like you're some type of screw up-"
"But I can't help, but feel like I am-"
"Well you're not! You're the most kind and good hearted person I've ever met!"
"I wasn't so kind when I snapped on you was I? She deserves better. You deserve better…"
"I really don't." I sighed to myself as Percy ended the conversation by turning the radio on. I looked out the window wondering how such an amazing guy could be so oblivious to how amazing he was. My little hours of sleep started to catch up with me and before I knew it I was knocked out.
Annabeth's Dream/Memory
I stood uncomfortably by Luke's side as he greeted the guest. I let out awkward smiles as each one of them greeted me, but didn't say a word.
"Can you at least look like your happy!" Luke secretly snapped at me and turned up the charm.
"Nice to meet you!" I said shaking a random stranger's hand. They were sweaty and gross! I was repulsed when I looked at the stranger and saw the forty something year-old man looking me up and down. He smiled flashing off his yellow teeth. He was a bald, fat man that had a dangerous glint in his eyes. Something about this guy just screamed crook!
I gulped and was shoved to the side by Luke who greeted the man.
"Hey dude, is the plan ready?"
"Yeah, everything's falling into place! We just need her daughter to agree and then it's smooth sailing…And who is this lovely lady?" Luke glanced at me before looking back at the man. He said in a bored tone
"Gabe meet Annabeth, Annabeth meet Gabe…"
DONE! That is, it for now and I hope I just drove all of you MAD with that cliffhanger! I'm so excited for next chapter! Tell me what you guys think and don't forget to follow, fav and review! PERCABETH IS BETTER THAN MY CLIFFHANGERS, SO THERE PRETTY DAMN GOOD!
See ya!