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DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS, OR ANY OF THE CHARACTERS.

CHAPTER TWO

BY: IRONCOW

Summer didn't really do any good for me. Most of the time, I was sulking, knowing that I wouldn't be able to see any of my friends, specifically Annabeth and Grover, but most especially Annabeth. I just sat in my room and thought about things. I'm pretty sure that every decision I made always mattered. I felt the pressure they put on me. Each day is a day closer to my birthday–the prophecy. It all comes down to me, when I turn sixteen. Why does it have to be me?

"Percy, are you ready for school? I'm just really excited! You're now a freshman! And what's more exciting is that you're in Goode High School. You and Paul can eat together at lunch and..." Mom ranted inside the car.

I couldn't help but smile at my mom. She and I have been good the whole summer. I was nice to Paul and I liked him. He was pretty cool and he also promised me that he would teach me how to drive. I can't wait for that.

I snapped out from my flash back and turned to our right window. I saw teenagers pass by our car. I sighed. A living hell, per say. High school will be very hard this year: Popular versus Loser. I really don't know where I fit in those two, but all I know is that I want to pass first year and go back to Camp Half-Blood as soon as possible. I got out of the car and took a deep breath.

"This will be really torturous," I said to myself as I walked by two fighting boys. Judging from their looks, I'd say that the one who is doing the beating is a senior and the other one is a fish–a freshman like me.

I quickly ran to my classroom to avoid getting involved. Upon arriving, I noticed that some students were already there. Most of them were talking, but I really didn't care. I scanned the room for any good seats. I've read once that students who sit in front are the "teacher's pet" and the "place of the nerds." Last thing I needed was to be called as the teacher's pet. So the front seats were out for me. The back was also another option, but I figured that the popular kids were the ones who always took hold of that part of the room. So I decided to settle down at the middle.

I was fixing my things in my backpack when someone suddenly tapped me on the back.

"Percy! How are you?" Grover asked as he settled beside me.

"Grover! I'm good. You?" I said back.

Grover and I talked and did some catching up, since we weren't able to see each other for the whole summer. The bell rang and students started to flood inside the classroom. I saw the freshman who was beaten up awhile ago. He looked pretty bad.

"Oh Percy, before I forget, did you know..." Grover trailed.

I looked up to see that the teacher was already inside and she was already writing her name. I tried to read it but I was dyslexic. But then Grover mouthed the words "Ms. Rollster."

"Hello, everyone! My name is Ms. Rollster." She said enthusiastically. "For our first activity, I would like all of you to stand up."

Everyone stood up groggily and listened for her next instructions. She gave all of us a blindfold and told us to wear it. There were whispers but we all followed her.

"Now, I want you all to go around the room slowly. Do not run to avoid accidents. If you ever come across with another student, get to know him or her. So basically, this activity is for introductions and connections." She ended. "Get ready to... Oh hello there. My name is Ms. Rollster."

There was a creak in the door and I heard someone talk. I couldn't hear it well but all I knew was that whoever walked inside was late.

"Here. Take this blindfold with you and sit at that vacant seat over there." Ms. Rollster whispered the instructions for the activity. "Get ready to walk now, everybody. Okay, start."

I bumped into my own chair and started to walk around the room. Some pushed me, and some also stepped on my shoe. I heard Grover screaming and scrambling, but I ignored him and tried to connect with others.

"Hello?" A feminine voice asked.

Whoever she was, she was tugging my shirt tightly, as if afraid that she'll get trampled on.

"Easy there! This is a new shirt." I said, flicking her hand away from my shirt.

"Sorry. Anyway, my name is Annabeth Chase."

I was shocked. Annabeth was here? I stifled my laughter. I couldn't believe Annabeth was here, in Goode High School.

"Hello. It's nice to meet you, Annabeth." I changed my voice so she wouldn't recognize that it's me, Seaweed Brain. I held out my hand and tried to shake her hand. I couldn't find it. That was stupid.

"Well, aren't you going to tell me your name?" Annabeth asked sarcastically.

"Oh. Forgive me. My name is Anxiel Manakeeshter, but you can call me Anxiel Manakeeshter for short."

"Great. Another weirdo comes along." Annabeth muttered under her breath.

"So, how was summer, Annabeth?"

"Well, I read books about architecture and history." I could sense that she was smiling. She loved talking about her interests.

"Is there anyone special in your life? Maybe a boy," I asked. How stupid can I get? Why did I say that?

"No offense, Anxiel Manakeeshter, but Anxiel Manakeeshter for short, I just met you today. I'm not really comfortable with talking to you." She said.

"Five more minutes, everyone. Be careful there!" Ms. Rollster screamed as I heard a loud noise.

I started fidgeting with my jacket. I didn't expect to meet Annabeth, again. I thought I'd be seeing her at camp, after this school year. I got intrigued and asked more questions.

"Was Goode High School your first choice to enroll to?" I asked nervously. I wasn't even sure if she was still there. I waited and sighed. She must have left me and thought that I was annoying.

"No, actually. It was sudden. My dad got a job in the city, so he and my mom decided to enroll me here. And besides, I was looking forward on seeing my friend..." Annabeth said.

"Oh. Did your friend enroll here?" I felt my face redden. I sure wish it was me that she was talking about.

"I haven't seen him, yet. But I'll try to look for him later. We have tons to talk about." She squealed.

Before I could answer, Ms. Rollster interrupted us. "Okay, everyone. Remove your blindfolds."

I quickly removed mine and looked to my side. Annabeth was there. She was more beautiful than the last time I saw her. She was still removing her blindfold, and I thought it would be great to surprise her. I went in front of her, and leaned close to her face, so when she's done removing her blindfold, I was there and she'll be surprised.

"Annabeth!" I whispered to her face.

I saw her smile a little. When she was done removing her blindfold, she blushed and gave me a hug.

"Percy! What are you doing here? I'd like you to meet Anxiel Manakeeshter. Anxiel Manakeeshter, meet Percy." She turned around and looked disappointed.

"Annabeth, I thought you were smart? I am Anxiel Manakeeshter." I said and grinned.

"Oh." Was all she said. She remembered our previous conversation and I could tell that she felt embarrassed.

"Grover is here, by the way." I said, changing the topic.

"Annabeth, hi! Percy, I forgot to tell you that Annabeth enrolled to Goode High School, too." Grover jumped in front of us. "I smell something. I smell aluminum cans. Can I see your lunch?"

"Sure Grover, help yourself." Annabeth responded.

I laughed and was glad that Annabeth and Grover were with me. Maybe this year wouldn't be so bad after all, I thought.

FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, PERCY IS STILL AT SCHOOL WITH ANNABETH AND GROVER.

PLEASE REVIEW! I HOPE I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE. ALSO, I'M SORRY FOR DISAPPOINTING YOU. I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR REVIEWS, AND STILL AM. THANK YOU. :)

-IRONCOW