Chapter 3

I need a six-month holiday, twice a year

Percy POV

I cruised down the road in Blackjack, Taylor Swift blasting from my speakers. Don't laugh, okay. My phone lit up, and I looked over. David was calling, probably for the movie. I tapped the call button and pressed my phone to my ear. "Sup David."

"Morning Percy,"

"What's up?"

"Well, we've decided on who will play Julia."

"That's great!" I said, "Who've you chosen?"

"Calypso, you've met her right?" He replied, "You met her at the Oscars."

"Oh! Now I remember. When do I get to meet her?"

"Well, she's not in California yet, her flight is in about two days."

"Where is she now?"

"New York, just wrapping up a movie." David said, "So you can meet her in three days time."

"Great. When do we start shooting?"

"We've got the cast settled, but we just need to handle the music producers, so I'd say we can start shooting in about a week."

"Awesome."

"See you soon, Percy."

As soon as he hung up, my mind started to wander. First to blue pancakes, then to the movie and finally, to Annabeth. She was so... different. I was usually a guy who'd go for flashy girls. But Annabeth was different. Maybe it's her eyes. They were so unique. Grey, but not just a dull grey. Swirling clouds of mystery. As if she was analyzing your every move, just waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Suddenly, a honk snapped me back into reality. I swerved madly to dodge the car, and got some angry shouts. What are you doing to me Annabeth? You're going to be the death of me.

I turned into the parking lot for the mall. After I parked, I walked into the mall. I was waiting for Jason. We were mates back in high school and after we graduated decided to go to Stanford, so I barely got to see him nowadays. My mind started to wander again as I aimlessly walked through the mall.

I started remembering about my high school. There was me, the sporty one. I was captain of the swim team, and football team. Then there was Jason, the smart one. He was the golden boy. A+ in all subjects, member of the student council. Nico, well he didn't really have a label. He was average I guess, but he went through a massive stage when one of the popular chicks dumped him. After that all the girls had sort of a soft spot for him, and when he openly announced that he was gay, it was like he suddenly became Channing Tatum. More girls would talk to him than ever. It didn't really bother me, but it was funny as hell seeing Leo trying to hit on all those girls. You gotta have a prankster in each group, and Leo was ours. He got more detentions than all of us in total, had a record for the number of teachers that hated him and hit on the most girls. We were, you could say, the popular group. I tried to ask my mom about why was it only us that were popular, because in my opinion, this thing is just ridiculous. She said it was probably because we all were good at sports. I was swim captain and football captain, Jason did basketball and football. Nico did swimming and football. Leo did track.

"No Piper, I'm not going to buy those!" I heard a familiar voice say, I turned my head and looked at who it was. Annabeth. Of course. She was outside Victoria's Secret, arguing with a friend. It seemed that her friend won, because she just got dragged inside again. I smirked, and walked towards Victoria's Secret.

As I strolled past the bras and underwear, I got ogles from different ladies. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that I'm an actor because there have times I have forgotten why people ask for my autograph. Stupid, I know. I spotted Annabeth looking very red, standing next to her friend outside of the fitting rooms. Her friend was animatedly chatting and admiring the bras, whilst Annabeth just blushed and nodded at what ever she said. I chuckled to myself, and started to walk over, but I got stopped by an attendant. She was pretty, you could say, but had a little bit too much makeup. "Um, hi." She said blushing, and holding out a pen and paper "Could I get your autograph?". I stared at her for a second, forgetting that I was a famous Hollywood actor. I probably looked like an idiot there, looking at her. But my senses came back to me before I could look like a complete twat. "Oh!" I said, "Yeah, sure." I scribbled on the piece of paper and handed it back to her.

She walked to her friend and they squealed. I inwardly cringed. I've never said anything about it, but all the screaming fan girls are flattering, but fucking scary. I almost had a panic attack once, when a girl tried to kiss me, and only Nico knows about this, so he's always using it against me.

I shook those thoughts off and sneaked up behind Annabeth. I grabbed her shoulders, "Boo!". She turned around and karate flipped me over her shoulder, and slamming me onto the floor. People started to stare. I groaned at the impact, and when she saw that it was me, she turned so red that she could be compared to a tomato. "Oh my gods Percy!" She stammered, "Oh gods, are you okay?" She helped me up.

"Oww..."

"Oh my gods, I'm so sorry Percy."

"It's okay,"

"No really I'm so sorry."

"Anna-"

"Oh my gods, are you hurt?"

"No really it-"

"I'm so sorry, Percy it's just tha-" I silenced her with my hand.

"Shut it, Wise girl." I said, "It's fine, really. I'm a big boy."

"Annabeth, you're friends with Percy Jackson?" Her friend next to her said, eyes wide.

"Piper," Annabeth replied, embarrassed.

"I'm Percy." I said, holding out my hand

"Oh, I know who you are," the girl - Piper - said, taking my hand

"So what are you doing here Annabeth?" I smirked, turning to Annabeth, "I didn't know that you shopped in Victoria's Secret." If its even possible, she turned even redder.

"Piper forced me." She mumbled

"Rigghttt..." I drawled, enjoying her discomfort. I plucked the bras out of her hand and looked at them. The first one was a light blue, and I nodded my head, "Decent," I told her. The second one was dark purple and covered in lace, "Ooh, I like this one." I said, wiggling my eyebrows "Who are you going to wear it for?"

"I can tell you who I'm not going to wear it for." She shot back, "You, Jackson."

"Second names are we Chase?"

"That's right Jackson."

"Oh my gods!" Piper shouted, giving us both a shock, "You two are so cute together!"

"Piper stop..." Annabeth said, and we both sheepishly turned away. Suddenly, my phone started to ring and Jason's lovely photo popped up. (Notice the sarcasm.). "Hey Jason," I greeted, "Have you arrived yet?"

"Yup, I'm at Nandos," He replied

"I'll be there, pronto."

"Great,"

"Hey Jase," I paused, turning my attention to Piper and Annabeth,"Do you mind if I bring a friend or two?"

"Go ahead." He replied, "The more, the merrier."

"Thanks man, see you soon,"

"Bye." I turned off the phone, and asked the ladies if they wanted to join me. Annabeth was quite happy to get out of her situation, but had Piper pestering her constantly about going back later. We joked around, and played 20 questions with each other. It was nice, to be honest. With Jason and Leo gone, Nico was my only loyal companion. Most people wanted to be friends with me because I was rich and famous, not because of who I was. Of course, I had my celebrity friends, but some of them were way too snobbish for their own good.

We arrived at Nandos, and I immediately recognized Jason. Same old blonde guy with perfect teeth and blue eyes. As soon as he saw me, Jason stood up to give me a very manly bro hug, well at least that's what Annabeth calls it. We sat down together and exchanged introductions. "So Perce," He asked, "How's the film making?"

"Great, how's it in Stanford?" I said, "Got any girls yet?"

"Not yet, not yet." He replied, "Haven't found the one yet,"

"She'll come," I assured.

I noticed Piper acting very strange. She was blushing, and kept looking down whenever she caught Jason's eye. I nudged Annabeth with my foot and motioned my head towards Piper. Annabeth looked puzzled for a moment, but when she realized what was going on, and evil smirk found it's way to her lips. Her very soft looking lips. I never noticed how pink they were. What would it be like to kiss th- "Percy!"

"Wha- what?"

"Percy I've been calling your name for the last 10 seconds, Jason said,

"You were?" I asked,

"Yes Percy, I was," He sighed, "Your stupidity surprises me sometimes,"

"Hey, I'm not stupid!"

"You're right," Annabeth suddenly said, "You're worse." Everybody burst out laughing, well, except for me. I was just sitting there like a complete idiot trying to hide my embarrassment.

By the time we finished having lunch, it was four o clock. We chatted, ate and exchanged banter. As we left Nandos, Piper suddenly grabbed Annabeth's arm "We have to finish our shopping, I'm not staying another two hours in this mall!." She said

"Aw Piper, can we just do it another time. Please?" Annabeth whined back

"No!"

"Please Piper, I'd rather not,"

"We are going to finish off our shopping, and that is final." Piper said, crossing her arms. Annabeth looked like she'd rather die. I almost felt sorry for her. Key word: Almost. "Hey, Piper," I said, "Why don't I take Annabeth to shop, while you hang out with Jason?"

"Yes!" Annabeth shouted, "I mean, you liked him. Right?"

"Annabeth..." Piper said

"Right?!"

"Ugh, fine." Piper replied finally giving in, but I could see a small smile dancing on her lips. Annabeth pushed Piper towards Jason. A little bit too hard, as Piper tripped and went sprawling all over Jason. Me and Annabeth laughed our heads off, whereas Piper and Jason looked both shocked, and embarrassed. They were both blushing like mad.

Annabeth wanted to go somewhere other than Victoria's Secret, but I dragged her in nonetheless. "I do not need any more undergarments!" She shouted, trying to pry her wrist from my hand, "This is simply for your pleasure of looking at naked models!"

"Hey, I'm a hormonal boy." I replied, "You can't blame me."

"You're an adult!" Annabeth cried,

"I'm nineteen."

"You shouldn't have sexual thoughts at this age!" She argued,

"Shut up, Wise girl."

"Let go of me Seaweed Brain, you're going to yank my wrist off!" I loosened my grip, but still pulled her around and grabbed about every single bra in the shop. I pushed her to the changing room, and saw that there was no attendant on duty as there usually was. I opened the first door, and saw that it was a big changing room, with a curtain separating the room into half. I yanked her inside with me, and closed the door. "Percy, this is a changing room."

"Yes, I know that."

"For girls."

"I'm aware of that."

"In Victoria's Secret."

"Just because Jason said I'm stupid, doesn't mean I can't read signs."

"Percy, get out."

"There's a curtain, stop being such a pussy."

"I'm not going to strip."

"So change behind the curtain, and then show it to me."

"I'm not going to let you see me in a bra."

"Why?" I asked, smirking, "Because you have small tits?"

"Shut up Jackson, I wear heels bigger than your dick."

"Ouch." I said, touching my chest, "That really hurt, Wise girl." I pushed the bras into her arms, and pulled the curtain across. She grumbled under her breath, something about doing stupid things that she'd regret later.

I waited patiently for her to finish changing. "Jackson I'm not blind, I can see you peeking through that curtain!" She hollered. Okay, maybe I wasn't waiting. When she pulled open the curtain, I whistled. "Jeez, Wise Girl, maybe I was wrong with you having small tits." She blushed a crimson red, and pulled back the curtain. "Hey!" I whined, "I barely got a second glance!"

"Go outside Percy, there are pictures of the models outside."

"Annabeth!" I whined, stomping my feet on the floor like a kid, "I want to see!"

Suddenly, a knock on the door stopped my whining, and a dark-haired woman peeked her head it. She glared at me in disgust when she saw that I was in the room "No men are permitted in the changing rooms, sir." She said, looking at me in a disapproving way.

"But I'm her boyfriend."

"No he isn't!" Annabeth shouted from behind the curtain

"She's a little stubborn."

"No I'm not!"

"She's on her period?" I pushed my luck some more.

"Why you little!" Annabeth growled whipping the curtain aside

"It's okay Annabeth," I acted, crushing her into a bear hug despite her muffled protests, "I'll get you some gummy bears later."

"Sir, if you don't leave now, I'm going to have to call security."

"There's really no need to-"

"SIR, I'm going to ask you for the last time to leave this young lady in the changing room by herself." The lady interrupted, raising her voice and looking more pissed by the second.

"Okay, I'm leaving." I gave in, raising my hands

The woman walked out, shaking her head and muttering something about teenagers. I turned to face Annabeth, but she pushed me out of the changing room. "You heard her," She said, smirking, "No men are permitted in the changing rooms." She shut the door. I groaned, and banged my head on the door twice. "Oh and by the way, I am not on my period!" Annabeth shouted from the inside of the room. I smirked. She was so on her period.

By the time we finished shopping, it was 7 o clock. I decided to take her out for dinner, in an Italian restaurant. Annabeth thought that I was going to drive her straight back home, so when I pulled up the restaurant, her face broke into a smile. Then she frowned, and smacked the back of my head. Then she smiled again, and hugged me, but pulled away almost half a second later. "Ow..." I grumbled, "What was that smack for?"

"I hate surprises, Seaweed brain."

"You never told me."

"Maybe I did. Maybe you just weren't listening." She laughed. Her laugh was melodic and pleasant. It warmed me from head to toe, and I wanted to make her laugh again. I parked, and opened the door for her, and she chuckled. "Such a gentlemen, Seaweed brain."

"Have to please my Wise girl," I teased back. Together, we walked to the restaurant. "Percy, I would've been fine with McDonald's." She said, "You didn't have to take me to an Italian restaurant."

"Don't argue, Wise girl, I know that you secretly think that this is the bestest day of your life."

"Bestest?"

"Yes, what's wrong with that?"

"Did you even go to school Seaweed brain?" Annabeth laughed

"Well..." I replied sheepishly

"You didn't?" She exclaimed in disbelief

"I dropped out, because of my acting career."

"That explains so much."

"Hey!" I argued. Annabeth chuckled, which made me smile. I really liked to make her smile, it gave me a sense of satisfaction.

"Okay Jackson, lesson one," She said, "Best, not bestest."

"Wise Girl, this is going to be the best day of your life,"

"See?" Annabeth replied, smiling, "That wasn't rocket science was it?"

"No, science is so much harder," I said, making a face at the memory, "I failed all my chemistry finals." Annabeth burst into laughter, and I fake pouted. But when I saw how happy she looked, a smile couldn't help but to find itself onto my mouth. Soon, we were both in fits of laughter.

After dinner, I offered to take Annabeth home. At first, she declined, saying that I had done enough for her, and that she could get a cab home. But I was in a good mood today, and I was having none of that. We both sang at the top of our lungs to the radio, getting some strange looks from people. But we didn't care. We were too caught up in the moment to give a crap. When I pulled up to her apartment, we finally quietened down. She smiled at me, "Thanks Percy for taking me for dinner, you really didn't have to do that."

"But I wanted to." I answered back cheekily. Annabeth rolled her eyes. She opened the door, but before climbing out, she turned to face me. "Bye, Seaweed brain." She said, and gave a a peck on my cheek before dashing out of my car and walking as fast as she could to her building.

I sat there like a fish, gaping at what she just did. It took me by surprise, but the weird thing was, I wasn't angry. Or embarrassed. Or disgusted. It was... what's the word... nice? When my brain finally started working again, I started smiling. Of course, I couldn't see my expression, but I was pretty sure that I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. I drove home in silence, for once. No Taylor Swift blasted from the speakers of my car. Instead, my mind was on Annabeth.

R&R guys! The next update will be next Saturday-Tuesday

Thegirlnextdoor4702