Previously on Started When It Happens:

"I want food, let's go." Thalia said, walking over, pinching me in the process.

"You pay, I'm in." I retorted. She rolled her eyes before reluctantly nodding at me.

I jumped up from the bench, pulling my clothes on over my spandex and sports bra.

"Food here I come."

"Best. Food. Ever." I said, mouth full of lasagna. "No doubt."

"Considering it's coasting me thirty dollars, it better be pretty fucking amazing." Thalia grumbled, stabbing her salad.

"Whoa, what did the poor little salad ever do to little 'ol you?" When she glared at me, I turned away to hide my laugh. "You want some?" I asked, shoving the pasta in her face. Before she could eat any though, I shoved it in my mouth.

"You BITCH!" Thalia screamed loudly, as she leaned over the table and slapped me in the head. I shushed her after getting a few selective stares from people at the surrounding tables.

"Please remind me why I chose you as my friend in the first place?" I asked, irritated, rubbing my head.

"Because I'm fucking amazingly fabulous." Thalia replied, flipping her uneven, shoulder length, blue streaked, hair. "But the real question is, who are you going to the Winter Ball with?"

I scowled at her. After knowing her practically my entire life, she still had to ask.

"Thalia, last year I went to the dance with someone shorter than me. I couldn't wear heels like I somewhat wanted to. Anyway, he left me after you laughed at him." I reminded her. "Besides, I'm don't think any guy wants to go to the dance with a six-foot-one monster."

She had the decency to laugh at me. Very loudly. Crescendo. Increasing her volume. No decrescendo. Nope, none at all. "I remember that! it was the best part of the dance." She smiled. "Ah, memories."

I smiled humorlessly. "Good for you, maybe, but it sucked for me."

"Oh, little Annie. You didn't miss out on much. Ever since Mrs. Snufflestix banned pop music and grinding, its been pretty boring. Besides, you looked like you were having a great time with the fruit and chocolate fountain. Pretty cozy to me at least." Thalia looked at me with fake pity on her face, before bursting into a fit of laughter.

It was true at though-our school was one of those preppy, happy-go-lucky, prissy, private schools in Manhattan. During our school functions, we were not allowed to wear dresses above our knees.

It was similar to a debute ball except less grand.

"Back to the main point, who are you going to the dance with?" Thalia pestered.

I thought about Percy. The dance was in two weeks. I could ask him (if he'd even call me after yesterday). My insides tingled happily as I wondered if he was going to call soon.

"I may have someone in mind," I told her, "and he's taller than me."

I began describing my encounter with Percy, and how amazing it was. I described what he looked like, and how I met him. Thalia listened eagerly, gushing at all the right moments. When I was done, she grabbed my wrist tightly.

"We can go dress shopping together! I want to meet this Percy character as well, he sounds amazing." She gushed, "I'm so proud of you, Beth. I knew you were going to find Mr. Perfect someday."

"We're just friends," I reminded her, smiling awkwardly.

"If he's taller than you, your gonna have to go for him. Immediately." Thalia instructed, strictly. "Don't let him slip through your fingers, or your going to live in regret for the rest of your some what interesting life."

I rolled my eyes. Sometimes she's just too over dramatic. " I've only known him for a day."

She snorted dismissively and waved her hand. "Like I said about three seconds ago. If he's extremely tall, just like you, he's a keeper. Grab him. Kidnap him from his house. DO SOMETHING! Just make sure you don't loose him. Can you imagine your children, though? They're gonna be giants."

"No. Don't even go there." I covered my ears, like a child. "I'm going to the bathroom. You can forget about Percy and Me."

I left quickly and strolled to the bathroom, trying to ignore the stares of the other people. After peeing, I looked at myself in the mirror while washing my hands. What would Percy ever see in me anyway? Even though I knew I wasn't considered ugly, I couldn't compare to the other girls- the girls that were in the same league as Percy.