A/N: Second chapter baby! And it's just as long. I like this chapter quite a lot as well and I hope you do too! Some of this stuff you've never seen before so be excited! I'm not going to keep going back in time and replaying all the events from a different person's POV don'y you worry your pretty little head about it. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter and don't forget to review!
ANNABETH
Clothes? Check. Toiletries? Check. Books? Check. Yankees Cap? Check.
I already know I have everything, probably because this was my fifth time going over my things. I'm just so exhilarated to finally go to University I was afraid I would accidentally leave something behind in my excitement.
I've always been a hard worker but these past four years of high school I've pushed my limits. There's no way in Hades that I would pass up the opportunity to go to THE Hestia's University. Not only is it the greatest school in all of North America, I've heard it has one of the greatest architecture programs in the world.
My name's Annabeth Chase. I live in San-Francisco with my Dad, Helen my Step-Mom, and my two little brothers Matthew and Bobby. I've never been popular at school despite my athletic body and natural tan.
Once everybody found out I was a "Brainiac" I was completely ignored. It didn't quite bother me because it helped me decipher who was a real friend and who was a fake looking for an easy girl.
"Annabeth?" Helen called "The taxi's here to take you to the airport." Much to my dismay, I squealed like a little girl and raced down the stairs with my bags in hand. I had butterflies in my stomach as my family stood there fussing over everything.
"Mom!" I complained exasperatedly.
"Sorry dear" She clucked as she pulled invisible lint off my shirt.
"Are you gonna be back soon Annie?" asked one of my little brothers Matthew. I pulled him and Bobby into a tight hug and promised to come back for thanksgiving.
I walked out the door and took one last look at my beautiful home, I made eye-contact with my dad and he whispered a sincere "good luck," tears shining in his eyes. I get into the cab and wave to my family until I'm out of sight. This. Is. It.
I had just taken my second taxi in as many days and I was getting sick of it. My ADHD really wasn't helping me, so I decided to play some good music on my phone rather than listen to the garbage that was playing on the radio station.
It was probably some stupid Taylor Swift song about another boy breaking her heart, not that I personally have anything against Taylor, but her music is nothing compared to some quality Bach, or Tchaikovsky. Those canons really amp up the mood.
I was finally nearing the university and I saw nobody standing outside the sleek mahogany doors. I wasn't surprised considering school didn't start for a couple of days but as I stepped out of the car, (thanks the gods) I realized I was trembling. The driver offered to help with my bags, but I kindly declined, I was determined to do this myself. I dumped my bags on the floor and paid the driver.
This is actually it, I thought, as I gazed at the doors. This really is beautiful architecture, I thought as well. The arches were beautiful and high, and the building had great foundations and support for the roof. I felt myself tearing up as I found my eyes sweeping over the intricate designs on the outside walls. Not now Annabeth, you're a strong, independent woman, get it together! I reached for my bags and half-carried, half-dragged them up the steps. I stopped at the double doors and braced myself. I know the inside is at least as beautiful as the outside if not more. A single tear rolled down my cheek, but I wasn't upset. I was overjoyed, and with that thought I pushed the doors open and stepped inside.
As soon as I stepped into the building, my breath escaped me. I stood as still as a statue devouring everything in sight. It was the most beautiful room I've ever seen that led into an equally beautiful and well-lit corridor. As I walked down the corridor my footsteps echoed but I couldn't care less. All of my attention was on the walls. I couldn't keep my eyes in one place. They were darting everywhere trying their best to take in everything they could before I emerged into a gloriously lit room that looked like a giant living area with a domed glass roof. Above the stone fireplace hung a humongous banner with the HU colors and their school motto "home is where the hearth is." I already loved this school but being a part of it made me love it even more.
I walked up to an annoyed looking receptionist reading the latest vogue magazine and listening to another blasted Taylor Swift song! I ignored my irrational anger and coughed to get her attention. She still didn't look but she asked me my name. "Annabeth Chase" I squeaked, I was way more nervous than I thought I was. She typed something in her computer with long manicured fingernails. I got lost in thought thinking, how does she live with such long nails, it looks like such a hass- She interrupted my thought process with a small cough, mimicking me from earlier.
I understood why she looked so annoyed. She gave me my room key, room 23, and I walked out without saying another word. Thankfully, room 23 was on the ground floor and quite close to the library and most of the classrooms. I let out a sigh of relief knowing that I'll barely have to worry about being late.
I slid the debit card resembling key through the look and it flashed green. I slipped the key into my wallet, took a deep breath and walked in. "Thank the gods" I whispered to myself as I surveyed the room. It wasn't extremely impressive which was truly a blessing because I don't think I could take anymore beauty.
As I was looking around the room I noticed that my roommate had already moved in and all of her stuff was organized and put away. There were two queen beds on either side of the room separated by full body mirrors in the middle. On either side of the room was a walk-in closet and next to the closet, tall windows overlooked the stunning grounds of HU.
The corridor led to a huge bathroom with two granite sinks and a giant mirror, so far it was empty. I turned to stand in the middle of the room when I heard the lock on the door click and in walked the most beautiful thing I've seen today.
She was a gorgeous Native-American girl with choppy brown hair and a beautiful feather braided in to match her outfit. She was tall, and athletic looking with the most dazzling smile and beautiful freckles, but the best part about her were her kaleidoscope eyes that seemed to dance in the light of the room. "You're. So. Gorgeous." We both said at the same time.
We fell into a fit of giggles and when we recovered we decided to introduce ourselves. "I'm Annabeth" I said as we hugged.
"I'm Piper, nice to meet you! I can already tell we're gonna be great friends. Why don't we go explore the school a little and I can point out the things I've already seen!"
I smiled so widely she already knew it was a yes. She threw her arms around me for a quick hug and then we set off to explore, plus, I can always unpack later.
As Piper and I walked back towards the fireplace, I was still trying to take everything in. The soaring arches, the cathedral like domes and even the smooth designs etched into the wall. As we were nearing the fireplace, I heard a loud angry voice and a familiar laugh. We rounded the corner and my heart skipped a beat. Standing there was my best friend of many years and… the most handsome guy I've ever seen.
He had wind-blown tousled hair and a large, perfect smile. He was tall and athletic, with a swimmer's body, but what really caught my attention were his eyes. They were a deep sea-green, swirling with emotion. We made eye contact for half-a-second before I averted my eyes and looked at Thalia instead. She smirked at me and gave a sly wink.
A blush crept into my cheeks as Piper waved and we made our way over. I could still feel those sea-green eyes on me, but I was too nervous to look back. I saw piper's eyes widen and then she smirked. I wonder what that was about, I thought.
Then I remembered that Thalia was standing right in front of me and much to my dismay, I squealed again, I can't let this become a habit. "Hi Thalia! It's been too long!" Then, I punch her in the arm "Don't you ever leave without saying anything again." She casually laughed it off, but I could see the pain in her eyes.
She decided to introduce me to her cousin Percy aka Kelp Head. Percy, I thought. A gorgeous name for a gorgeous guy. I chided myself. Come on Annabeth, I thought. This is not the time to be falling for guys, plus, he's way out of your league! That snapped me out of it.
I took one last look at him before Thalia started loudly whispering to me. "So, about Perc-" I hissed at her to shut up.
"He's standing right next to us by the way" I whispered to her.
She just chuckled and shrugged. "Fine, fine." She said. That calmed me down a little.
I glanced over at Percy and he was talking to Piper. He's cute when he's nervous, I thought. I smiled to myself and then my spirits dampened. He's talking to Piper, PIPER for hades sake! The prettiest girl I've ever seen! I was instantly jealous.
Of course she likes Percy, I thought. Who wouldn't? He's going to fall for her and there's nothing I could do about it. I sighed. She'll be the one getting lost in those sea-green eyes, she'll be the one who gets taken on romantic dinners and walks. I started tearing up but then snapped out of it when I heard Thalia and Percy arguing.
"Am not" he said.
"Are too" Thalia said.
"Stop bickering, you're both like little children!" I exclaimed.
Thalia laughed, and Percy pouted. He said something about getting away from us girls and stalked off. This is my chance, I thought. I can be with him alone. Then, of course, Piper follows him and my hopes of talking to him drop even lower.
Somebody like Piper has the best chance of getting with somebody like Percy. Thalia must have seen me pouting because she put a consoling arm around me. "Kelp Head?" she asked with a huge grin on her face. I pushed her off and shook my head. "You mean Percy?" I said defensively.
Thalia raised her eyebrows and looked at me. "Umm, Kelp Head? I don't even know him! I can't just like somebody I don't know, Thals. Plus, Piper's already moving in on him I don't even have a chance!" I realized my mistake when Thalia's huge grin returned.
"So you do have a crush on him!" she said excitedly. "Annabeth's got a crush, Annabeth's got a crush!" she chanted as she danced around me. My blush returned, and I couldn't help but laugh. Piper returned with Percy just in time to hear Thalia's chant. I looked up and Immediately turned bright red.
Thalia stopped so suddenly I thought she was turned to stone. Percy was also blushing fiercely, while Piper just smirked. Her eyes are twinkling more than usual, I thought. Why does she look so happy? Unless… It hit me. Piper managed to get Percy. I don't know if she scored a date or something else, but why else would she be so happy?
My stomach felt like lead and all I wanted was to lie down. Why did I feel like this? I barely know the kid yet knowing that I'll never be with him hurts like a dagger to my stomach. I hold back my tears and excuse myself from the group. I run towards my room without looking back.
"Knock, Knock?" Piper says as she slowly pushed open the bathroom door. I mumble something that even I can't understand so Piper enters. She doesn't say anything as she walks over to me. She sits herself next to me on the floor and pulls me in to a tight hug.
I can't hold back my emotions anymore and I let all of it out as I bury myself into piper's shoulder. My doubts, my heartache and everything else I'm feeling slowly drains away as piper rubs my back and whispers soothingly in my ear.
"Don't worry Annabeth" she whispers softly. "Everything's gonna be fine, you want to talk about it?" I slowly pull myself off of her.
"D-Do you like P-Percy?" I ask between hiccups.
"Of course not Annabeth, I want him to be with you! I would never hurt you like that, I've seen how you look at him." I smiled gratefully.
"You want me to get Thalia?" Piper asked softly.
"No, no" I said, "I'm already feeling better, I don't want her to see me like this."
I washed my face and collected myself. You're smart Annabeth, I thought. Don't listen to your heart. Use your brain, nothing can go wrong if you use your brain.
I took one final deep breath and walked out the door to see Piper and Percy having a conversation about movies while Thalia stood off to the side scowling and having quite an unpleasant time.
When I walked out her face lit up and she started walking to me. She was ready to crack a joke but once she saw me she just nodded her head and hugged me which is very unusual behavior for Thalia.
We decided to meet up again after school sometime tomorrow then went our separate ways. I didn't even try to talk to Percy before I left, I was so incredibly tired that I crashed instantly. I fell into a fitful sleep, relentless nightmares suffocating my brain until I woke up screaming.
I really, really hope you guys enjoyed that chapter! I'm starting the next one the same day I posted this but it's going to take me a few days to get it all done. butttttt, if you guys review, I may work a little harder and finish a little quicker if you get what I mean. Review, review, review! -Kylo :D
