Chapter 11

What once had began so perfectly was starting to go so wrong.

As the months dragged by, Percy started to become more and more distant. When we were at work he seemed okay, probably because we were stuck together for eight hours, but our time together outside of work and school became shorter and shorter, texting less and less, until it stopped completely. I was so involved in my studies and college plans, as well as working I barely had time to sleep. I know once we graduated, Percy would be leaving to travel with his father to follow in his footsteps and set out to help better the world. I prayed every night that I got into a good school, as I was still hoping to become an Architect. My secret project lay in my desk drawer, untouched for several months. With everything going on, I never had a spare moment to peek at it.

I sighed, holding my head in my hands. Several applications for college were spread out in front of me, but I couldn't concentrate. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make my thoughts go away.

It's been several months now since Luke left. I never expected to hear from him, but I couldn't help but wonder where he was and if he was okay. If what he said was true, i hope he found someone who could help him. He was out there, fighting the beginning stages of a disease inherited by his mother all alone, while being hunted by drug dealers he owned money to.

I'll do this in the morning, I thought, shutting off my desk lamp. Sighing again, i fell into bed, marveling at the softness. I was asleep in a matter of minutes...

I was standing in snow. Ankle deep, but I didn't feel cold at all. It was as if it weren't even there. Suddenly I heard screaming, and turned. As if in slow motion, I watched as a familiar Prius skidded and spun off the road before finally slamming into a tree.

My heart crawled into my throat. I opened my mouth in a scream, but no sound came out. I looked around for someone to help, but the streets were deserted. It was too quiet, and New York was never quiet. I turned back to the Prius, and nearly jumped three feet into the air. Percy was standing in front of me. Like, right in front of me. Close enough to embrace me.

He raised his hands. "Don't be afraid," he murmured. "I'm sorry, Annabeth. So sorry."

What are you talking about, I tried to ask, but once again no sound came out.

I never got an answer.

Before Percy had the chance to speak again, I woke. Squinting my eyes at the blinding light peeking through my curtains, I glanced at my alarm clock. Seven-thirty. I lay there for a few more moments, contemplating going back to sleep before accepting defeat and pushing myself up into a sitting position.

I had to be at work in two hours, and working the same shift as Percy. While that once might have made my stomach flutter with happiness now filled me with dread, as it was only a constant reminder of his cold distance to me lately.

Well if that's how he wants to be, then fine. Just fine. I have my own life to live, it didn't revolve around him. While true, I still missed him terribly. I missed the way he'd smile just before he kissed me, and the way his hands naturally wrapped around my waist like they were meant to be there. I knew his distance was because of personal things he was dealing with, but...

It still hurt.

Lately it felt as if we weren't even a couple at all. Sometimes I wonder if we were. But despite how I felt, maybe patience would be my virtue.

I'd just have to not worry about it and leave things be. I could do that. I would do that.

My thoughts still churned as I showered and readied for work. I would be applying to Yale, Harvard...but why do I have constant dreams of Percy...oh and a few colleges here in New York so maybe I could stay close to my friends and family...but I have dreams about him almost every night, what did it mean...oh colleges in California, like my brother Malcolm...I don't think I've ever had constant dreams about someone like I do him, it is seriously freaky...

I blinked, and found myself in my car. I must have been on autopilot while deep in thought. Being ADHD, things like that happened a lot.

When I got to the coffee shop, Callie was waiting with my apron. I went to the back to clock in and and found Percy holding a box of coffee. He heard me approaching, and turned. Today he was wearing a blue T-shirt and jeans. My stomach didn't just flutter, it did cartwheels.

We both smiled at each other. Before I could say a word, he put down the box and wrapped his arms around me. When he kissed me I sighed in defeat, my arms automatically wrapping around his neck. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't emotionally detach myself. He was just too damn loveable.

Doing this at work was extremely risky, but kind of exciting. I was always a good kid. I made good grades, kept my head down and didn't get into trouble. The fact that someone could walk in at any moment crossed my mind but I didn't care. Right now, I just really didn't care.

We broke part. He picked up his box, gave me a quick kiss on the forehead and left.

"This isn't fair," I whispered, smiling. Yes, I wasn't fooling myself at all, no matter what ridiculous excuse I made. I couldn't walk away now, not without breaking my own heart. He was a part of me, an annoying part maybe, but a big part just the same.

Chapter 12 coming soon, sorry for the long absence. This chapter kind of represents what I'm going through right now and I don't know really what to do...promise the story will proceed next chapter