Percy rose from his bed and rubbed a closed eye, while the other- with the same intense green-, focused on the roaring alarm clock. It read six a.m., and his eyes widened with sudden realization. Today was the first day of school, coming back from summer break. He was starting his junior year, and was pretty excited for what was going to happen this year. Then he scrambled out of bed; his black and blue boxers being the only thing he was wearing.

As he stood up with a yawn he looked out the window and noticed it was still pretty dark outside. There was only a hint of dim sunlight over the horizon.

Then he glanced back at his disheveled sheets and sighed loudly. He didn't have enough time to make his bed, but if he didn't….his mom would freak. As he started to make the bed he bent his head low and an ebony lock fell over his eyes.

Soon enough the bed was made and he opened his dresser drawer for clothes; pulling out a pair of faded jeans he wore a yesterday.

He grabbed a shirt out of his closet hastily, smelling it to make sure it was clean. It smelled of salt and cookies, but he was running too late to look for a clean one

He looked at the digital clock and cursed under his breath. He'd promised Annabeth he'd meet her at Starbucks before school started. It was too late now. She'd be ticked at him for sure

Slinging his backpack over his shoulder suavely, he walked out of his bedroom and into the living room of the aprtment he and his mom shared.

The cool thing about the apartment was that everything in it was a different or same shade of blue. The carpet, the chairs, the couch, the stained glass which made up their table were all a mix of blue hues. Although, it smelled like smoke and beer which really disgusted him at times the apartment was his immediate image of home.

Closing the door quietly behind him, he turned to find a bloodhound coming from the kitchen. She had large glassy eyes and the softest ears in the whole world. With her chestnut brown color and thin fur, she was truly beautiful and unique in a way that really pulled Percy towards her. When she stood up on her hind legs, she was surely over six feet; towering over the teenage boy barely and knocking him down easily.

"C'mere girl," he called as she trotted over to him with a human-like grin. Then he squatted and pet the dog on the head as the she licked his face lovingly.

It was time to go to school, so he had to get out of here. Grabbing a slice of pizza that was left on the counter overnight he rushed out of the house into the cold breeze.

"Where is that guy? I sware, if he is late one more time, his face will be mashed to bits," Annabeth muttered, checking her cell phone screen and sighing when no messages from Percy showed up on the screen.

"Cool down," Thalia said, her eyes narrowing. "Besides Clarisse is here so…"

"I'll smash him in for you," Clarisse said with a raspy laugh while her small black eyes were full of amusement.

"Oh, we know you would," Silena said while Annabeth laughed.

Annabeth's gray eyes, looking bluer today, were skimming over the high school's campus apprehensively. The sky was clear now and they sun clear, showing a beautiful picture…like a good omen for everyone. Cars were parked around the school and students lingered around. Beeping noises and laughing could be heard from all students; all of them happy to be back at school. Sunny smiles were on everyone's face except the loners who had frowns pretty prominent on their faces. Annabeth and her friends were standing on the sidewalk leading into the school even though the security guard kept glaring at them every now and then.

Two minutes, there was still no sign of Percy.

"Hey Charlie! Lee! Grover! Get your fat asses down here!" Thalia yelled with at a group of guys accompanied by a small smile.

Thalia's dyed; short black hair was in a high stub of a ponytail on her head. She wore thick, black eyeliner around her eyes. Some called her Goth although she was more of a punk style. With her olive skin, and lean figure…she was highly resented at times because of her naturally beautiful looks.

Soon enough three boys were walking towards the girls with smiles on their faces. Charlie, with his tall, dark, and muscular builds; and shortly cropped hair, had his gaze on Silena. Grover tight curls that had grown longer over the summer were bouncing up and down as he skipped a little in his step. Finally, a goofy guy was following short behind them. Lee.

"Hey! What's up juniors?" Charlie asked, grinning at them mockingly. "Wanna word of advice? Stay out of drama. It circulates real bad in this school."

"Oh really?" Silena said, challenging him with a perfect blonde brow cocking flirtatiously at him. "That's all you've got to say Mr. Quarterback?"

Charlie laughed and his eyes twinkled at the blonde flirt.

Then Grover turned to Thalia and Annabeth with a shy grin. "How has everything been going? It's a bummer I didn't get to see you guys at all during summer. Gardening camp was pretty legit though. But I did get to see a Jesse McCartney concert. "Even though it was no fun without you guys," he added hurriedly, peeking nervously at Thalia.

"You really are a sissy," Thalia remarked while poking him in the side; laughing when she heard him squeal. "No one, and I repeat NO ONE likes Jesse McCartney anymore. It's beent that way for, what? Ever?"

Grover sighed, though her comment hurt a bit.

"Have you heard from Percy?" Annabeth asked. Her eyes on Grover but her mind was elsewhere.

"No," Charlie spoke up, sticking a hand in his pocket. "Pretty Boys' been busy these past few days."

"Yeah, I can tell," Annabeth mumbled, tying her wavy hair in a ponytail. "That-"

"Hey it's Percy!" Grover yelled, while waving his hand around like a fool.

Grover was right. There he was. He was walking towards them with a big grin on his face. He high-fived a few people, and talked casually to them if only for a few seconds. His hair was flowing gently in the wind catching the eyes of a few girls looking interestedly at him. When he got to them, he couldn't stop grinning.

"Hey man," Charlie said, patting Percy on the back with a low chuckle. "We've been waiting for you. Especially your steaming girlfriend over there."

Percy laughed nervously, but his eyes latched on Annabeth's with serious intent.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I got sidetracked and other stupid excuses. Yeah…" he finished lamely, looking away and running a hand through his hair.

Annabeth smiled a little. It was cute that Percy was still a little awkward in their relationship after they've been dating for a few months.

Suddenly, a crackling noise was heard all over the campus, causing people to stop talking and listen. The speakers were on. Everyone turned towards the school, shielding their eyes from the bright glare of the sun.

"Welcome returning, and new students from Olympic High School. We hope this summer was full of new and inspiring adventures-"

Annabeth blushed.

"- But still educational," the voice added hopefully to the students who were rolling thier eyes, "Anyway, let's all give a loud cheer that school is back in session!"

No one gave a loud cheer.

A nervous giggled coursed through the speaker, making a high pitch which made people cover their ears. "Anyhow, let me inform you about today's' schedule. Ninth graders, if you will please head to the front desk area. Tenth graders, you will head to the commons. Eleventh graders go to the gym Seniors, ya'll stay out here."

You could hear cheering now.

Charlie waved goodbye, and jogged over to a few other football players and their cheerleader girlfriends.

Silena pursed her pink lips. "You know what? I think I'll try out for the cheerleading squad," and she walked away, dragging Clarisse with her.

"C'mon Pea Brain," Thalia said dangerously, while focusing her gaze on Grover. He lowered his head pitifully, and Lee patted his shoulder comfortingly as the three walked to the gym. Leaving Percy and Annabeth alone.

"So…" Annabeth prodded, walking over to him and lacing their fingers together. They looked at each other and Percy asked,

"I've been a dick haven't I?"

Annabeth smiled and walked closer to him; her other hand hanging lightly on his shoulder. Her stormy eyes met his grassy ones and he realized now wasn't the time for talking. He kept his gaze on her; they way her cheeks turned a deeper pink as his lips inched towards her awaiting ones. Their breath mingled, and she tightened her grip on his hand, encouraging him. Just as his lips were about to meet hers someone yelled,

"No PDA!"

Percy pulled away and cleared his throat while Annabeth's eyes fluttered open.

Then she said to him, "Sometimes, I just hate high school. Nice shirt by the way, Seaweed Brain," she added, adressing his plaid green shirt she had once complimented.

Percy grinned, and bent down to peck her lips quickly.

As they walked into the school, they felt this year would be better than the last.