Hey! I'm back! I know it took me super long to update this time, but things were crazy! I'm not going to get into much detail because I don't want to bore you, but I can assure you I spent a lot of time on this chapter! I hope after reading this chapter you see the more human side of Annabeth…I'll just leave it at that. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Percy Jackson series Rick Riordon does.

Annabeth POV

I laid in bed that night, unable to fall asleep. I looked at the clock, then back at the white, plain ceiling. It was almost twelve o'clock. I was usually asleep by ten.

I tossed the covers off of me again, contemplating to get up or not before once again deciding to stay put. I need to go to sleep, I told myself for the hundredth time. The simple suggestion wasn't enough though. My mind was awake my own thoughts keeping me up.

Looking over my shoulder, to the nightstand, I sighed. I reached across and picked up my phone. Thalia had stopped texting and calling me awhile ago.

I opened it to play a game on my phone, when my brain stopped me again. I have to go to sleep, it reminded me and I clenched the bedsheets next to me.

I hated dwelling on these things. I hated how my brain was telling me to go to sleep, but keeping me awake at the same time. I hated how I had been through this before, but what I hated most was that it was the same person dragging me through the mud again. Of course I knew that Thalia and I would always come back together again, but that doesn't make the rumors any less annoying or the things we said to each other any less real. The damage has already been done.

"Things are going to be fine." I reassured myself putting my phone back down.

I tossed onto my other side a little less restless. Thalia and I have gone through many ups and downs, but at the end of the day she's like a sister to me. Plus it's only high school!

This is my last year and soon I'll be leaving all these horrid people to start my life. I'll become the successful architect that I know I can be and forget about these stupid rumors!

The thoughts comforted me and I felt my eyes become heavier. I closed them, pulling the covers over my shoulder. Thalia and I will be just fine, I thought before falling asleep.

Time Skip

I checked myself in the mirror again, making sure I had everything I needed. It was six-thirty and I was already dressed. Mom was driving me to school today. She thinks it's because I'm going into extra help.

I glanced down at my outfit. Dark blue jeans with a light grey sweater, I checked before shrugging my shoulders. Simple enough.

I wore my curly blonde hair in a ponytail, a few stubborn curls falling out of the elastic rubber band. I ignored them deciding I looked good enough and grabbed my bag.

I walked down the stairs and to the dining room. My mom was already there, sitting down and staring intensely at some paper work. Her hair was up in her usual sophisticated bun, showing off her beautiful features. She was in a black business suit and had her black purse resting next to her on the table.

Maybe this was the first time I noticed it or maybe it was just today, but she seemed to be energized. She had this certain light radiating off of her, almost like a glow. Even with the slight frown, as she looked over paper work, she still had this happy aura to her.

"Morning mom." I smiled making my presence known. She glanced up at me before starting to put the paperwork away.

"Hey, hon. You ready to go?" She asked and I nodded my head. Getting out her car keys, mom took her bag and we headed for the door.

Once we were in the car, mom turned on the engine and we drove off. We sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the peacefulness of the early morning. I looked out my window and saw the warm pinkish glare of the sun, about to come up. I sighed content and mom looked over at me.

"So…" She started keeping her eyes on the road. "Your father told me some interesting things last night regarding you and a boy."

She didn't even try to ease the subject in, instead following her usual tactic of catching her victims off guard. I cleared my throat, the three chocolates at the bottom of my bag growing heavier.

I continued to look out the window.

"Oh really." I responded playing dumb.

"Yeah! He mentioned how you two seemed to be very cozy with each other…Is this the same boy I met Sunday?"

I nodded my head, trying to keep on my poker face.

"Mmm hmm!"

Mom honked at the small bird in the middle of the road. The beautiful little creature took off, flying away. How I wish I was that bird!

"What's his name?" She asked, making me envy that bird more.

"Percy." I answer clipped, but in the most respectful way possible.

"Percy…Interesting name. He's quite the looker, isn't he?"

I nodded my head, growing extremely uncomfortable with the present topic. Her grey eyes dart to me and the road a few times.

"Yes, he's also quite charming as well..." She hinted and I tried to conceal my blush.

"Well I wouldn't say that!" I rolled my eyes, remembering how he acted when we first met. If only she knew!

Mom gave me one last knowing smile, before having mercy on me. She turned on the radio, breaking the peaceful morning silence as the forecast for the day sounded through the car.

I slumped back in my seat, my nerves kicking off. There goes another person thinking I like Percy!

We were about to pass the bagel shop, a block away from my school when I stopped my mom.

"You can drop me off here mom! I wanted to get breakfast before I went to school, I'll just walk over after!"

Mom nodded her head, a careful expression on her face.

"Okay, I'll see you later."

I stared at her for a second, before frowning slightly.

"Okay…bye."

Slamming the car door shut, before she got the chance to respond, I made my way to the small shop. As I approached I heard the distant sound of the car window roll down.

"Have a nice day sweetie!" My mother yelled before driving off. I stared after her, the skid marks evident on the street, before shaking my head. They weren't exaggerating about those mood swings!

Looking around the shop there were few people, much to my relief. One kid, about fifteen was off to the side, listening to music. He was in his own little world fortunately not paying any attention to me as a slightly older girl was at a table peacefully sipping on some coffee. Pushing my shoulders back I walked pass them without a hitch.

I ordered a muffin before making my way out the door. The cool air hit my face as I let out a sigh of relief. God, I'm such a loser! The great Annabeth Chase afraid of being recognized by her peers! How the mighty have fallen!

I walked into school trying to hold my head high, reminding myself in a few hours it's all be over. A few teachers passed me on the to my locker, shooting me bright smiles. I attempted to mimic their enthusiasm, but found myself unable to in such a hell hole.

I gnawed at my lip as I anxiously waited for the school library to open. If I could stay there before first period, I'd be fine-

"Annabeth?" A husky voice asked and I stopped staring into space. I turned my head to come face to face with Percy.

I froze for a second. What was he doing here? Crap! Crap! Crap!

"Hey Percy." I forced a smile and he raised an eyebrow at me. My heart was pounding and my stomach was in knots as he stopped in front of me.

"Are you okay?" He asked his bright green eyes never leaving my face. I held his stare for a few seconds before subtly looking down at my feet.

"Yeah, I'm fine…What are you doing here this early?" I ask and he sighs sliding his back against the wall. Following his actions I take a seat on the ground next to him.

"I have to write this short response for English and their printer doesn't work so…" He said referring to the Grace household.

I nodded my head in understanding not saying anything. Percy continued to stare at my face, scanning me for something. Trying to appear happy I gave him a small forced smile.

"Are you sure you're okay?" He asked concerned. It felt like he could see right through me. That no matter what I say, he's always going to know the truth.

"I'm fine Percy." I lie but he's not buying it.

His lips pull down into a tiny frown as he shakes his head.

"You can tell me Annabeth! I won't judge-"

"I know." I say, before we fall into a dead silence. I didn't want to be rude and glancing back at Percy I could see the slight hurt in his eyes. It was impossible to not notice the sudden darkening of his green eyes and I bit my lip.

"I'm just a little nervous…that's all." I answered hoping to wash away any damage I may have caused.

Percy looks me straight in the eyes and I shift uncomfortably.

"Why?" He asked, but his tone was different. He already knew why. He wasn't dumb, despite popular belief.

"Because I don't want to deal with these idiots." I deadpan.

Percy laughed at my response causing some tension to lift. As weird as it sounded, I could smell him. The little space between us made his scent extremely present and I wanted to sniff him all day.

"I should've expected that response from you!" He chuckles leaning his head against the wall. I stop sniffing him. It surprises me how genuine my smile is now.

We sit in silence for awhile, neither of us saying anything. I looked out into the empty hall way that would soon be filled with hormone raging boys and superficial girls. The thought was enough to make one curl into a ball and cry but luckily for me and society, there was hope. Every now and then there were teenagers like me who were just a little bit sane.

Before we knew it the click clack of heels sounded on the ground. A lady appeared in front of us. I recognized her as the librarian. She shot Percy and I a bright smile, happy that there were some kids who wanted to learn, before opening the library doors. I think she too knows the ratio of idiotic teens to sane ones as well.

Once we were inside Percy headed towards the computers and I followed him. The computers were about four years old, but still working. They got the job done, but the slowness could sometimes get unbearable.

"Need any help?" I asked and Percy smiled.

"I actually do!" He replied taking out a crumbled up piece of paper from his book bag. He handed it to me and I gave him a look.

"Sorry…" He apologized sheepishly. "I'm not the neatest person."

Shaking my head I straighten out the peace of paper. On it was unsurprisingly sloppy handwriting, but as I read over it I saw that it was a pretty good paragraph.

"Can you read this to me, while I type?" He asked scratching the back of his neck. His face was turning red for some reason and I quirked an eyebrow at him.

"Sure…Are you okay?"

Percy nodded his head, but I could see the hesitation in his eyes. I stared at him expectantly, not moving forward until I got some answers.

Taking in my expression for a few moments, Percy suddenly moved his hand to my face. I looked into his eyes trying to mask my surprise as he gently pushed a curl out of my face. His finger tips brushed against my face as he slowly pulled the curl behind my ear, leaving a trace of tingles behind.

"Thanks…" I say as he gives me a small smile. I clear my throat turning my attention back to his paper, ignoring the butterflies in my stomach.

"Why don't we get started?" I suggested though it came out more as a question.

Percy nodded his head and logged into the computer. I started reading to him. He paused between every word as he typed and I didn't know if it was because of his dyslexia or if he just didn't know how to type. Either way I ended up kicking him out of the seat, us switching roles. I typed while he read to me, his dyslexia not acting up due to the fact that he could recall the gist of what he wrote.

By the time we were done people had started to fill in. I was just about to leave when Percy stops me. I look at him to see his face has turned serious.

"You know I wouldn't take things personal if you decide you don't want to you know…" He trails off and I frown.

"What?"

His eyes dart to all the people in the room.

"If you don't want to be seen with me. Some of these kids can be real idiots and I understand if you don't want to deal with them because of me."

I'm not going to lie. I did contemplate his offer for a second, but once I saw the fleeting look of hurt sweep over his eyes I knew I couldn't do it. Not only for him, but for myself. I can't let people's opinion's stop me from doing what I want to do. And what I want to do, is be with Percy…not like romantically but you know in a friendship sort of way-gah! You know what I mean!

I took a step forward having to look slightly up to meet his eyes. We were face to face and that funny electricity was in the air again. I smirked a little when his face started to turn a little pink and he took a step back. I took a step forward not breaking eye contact.

"I think," I breathed staring into his beautiful eyes. "I want you to walk me to class."

He raised his eyebrows in shock before smiling back at me.

"I think I'd like that." He replied smoothly. I tried to suppress the shiver that ran down my spin.

"Good."

Things are getting good! Wasn't that just super cute! We have reached over 200 FOLLOWERS! That is freaking amazing and I know the number will only increase as we enter the new year! I can't wait until next chapter I know you guys will love it! Don't forget to follow, fav, and review! PERCABETH IS AMAZNG LIKE OUR 210 FOLLOWERS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! See ya!