AUTHOR'S NOTE: HELLO EVERYONE! :) THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOUR REVIEWS.

READ AND REVIEW, PEOPLE! :) HOW HARD IS IT TO REVIEW? :)) JUST PUT A SMILEY, IT WOULD DO. :)

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

CHAPTER EIGHT

BY: IRONCOW

The whole class was forced to audition for each role. For the boys, we recited a line that needed great emotion. The girls, on the other hand, recited a different line. Mrs. Norm said that due to a unanimous decision, A Walk to Remember was chosen for our room. She also said that the other rooms will be acting a Nicholas Sparks' novel as well.

Personally, I have never had any major roles when it comes to school plays; maybe because I didn't know how to act. One time, in third grade, I have been assigned as a tree. It was simple. I stand still and sway, easy as that. But now that I have been chosen by Mrs. Norm to be Landon Carter of A Walk to Remember, standing still and swaying wasn't enough to please the audience.

And what's even worse is that Annabeth gets to play as my leading lady: Jamie Sullivan. Grover ended up as an extra. I would exchange places with him, if that was possible. Mrs. Norm told us that we all had potential, but she has chosen students that were a little better and suitable for the roles. I think she said that to everybody, so they wouldn't feel bad. Frankly, I still couldn't believe how I got the leading role. She advised all of us to read the book at the library.

"Even if you're not part of the cast, I would very much like it if you would all read the novel. Class dismissed!" After dismissing us, Mrs. Norm pulled out a mirror from her bag and started examining her reflection.

And then it hit me.

I told Annabeth and Grover to go ahead without me, and that I'd just catch up. After they left, I approached Mrs. Norm from the teacher's table.

"Why did I just notice you now, Aphrodite?" I said.

Despite Aphrodite's cover as an old married teacher, she was still beautiful. There were no signs of wrinkles or crow's feet on her face. Her hair was curled beautifully in a cascade of ringlets. And she still showed that dazzling smile that I grew to love. Teacher's had uniforms, but she still managed to pull it off with a use of light make-up and accessories such as bracelets and necklaces.

"What are you talking about, Mr. Jackson? Why are you referring to me as Aphrodite: goddess of love, beauty and sexuality?" She said while fixing her lipstick.

"First of all, that mirror you're holding is a big give away. This isn't the first time I saw you look at yourself, okay? Now, what are you doing at Goode High School? And why are you posing as my dramatics teacher?" I stared at Aphrodite who was shocked.

"I told you already, haven't I? It's been ages since we've had a good tragic love story." Aphrodite smiled, making me stare at her even more.

"What?"

"Actually, this is pretty good. You're turning sixteen in less than two weeks. You have a lot in your plate right now. The prophecy, Luke, Annabeth… I can see that you're nervous. I can't blame you. To tell you the truth, I don't even know if you'll live. And I am so sorry for that," Aphrodite stood up from where she was sitting and walked towards me. "Just promise me one thing," Her eyes were pleading and I just nodded. "I know that you're not supposed to tell anyone about Kronos' troops, even to Annabeth. I know you like her. So, just have fun, okay? A lot can happen in two weeks."

After our last subject, Annabeth pulled me to the library, so we could read the novel. Grover didn't come with us because he said that he had to take care of something. I am assuming that it has something to do with my birthday party.

"Excuse me, where could we find the books of Nicholas Sparks?" Annabeth asked to the librarian.

"Around the corner, turn to the left and on the third shelf, you'll find his books." The librarian said.

"Thank you,"

Annabeth followed the librarian's instructions and spotted what she was looking for. She got two copies, one for her, and one for me. We sat down on the children's section where there were a lot of pillows. There were around five people with us. I figured that they were also freshmen who had to perform a play, because they were reading a Sparks novel as well.

Although Annabeth and I was dyslexic, we were still able to read the book. I started reading it and realized why this was chosen for our room. The story was alike to what I was experiencing right now. It was ironic. Like Jamie, I was lacking time; dying. I might not die of leukemia, but I may die with a sword stabbed through my chest. The story was very enlightening. I realized that life was too short, and that we must make the most out of it. I don't want to die and regret not telling Annabeth on how I feel.

"Percy?" I heard Annabeth say, so I looked at her. "Do you have any news about Luke?"

"No. I'm sorry." I looked down on the book and hid my face. Obviously, I was hurt.

"Oh, okay. Well, it's getting pretty late. We should borrow these books and head home." I looked around and noticed that we were the only ones inside the library.

After walking out of the library, we sat down under a tree and waited for our ride home. Neither of us spoke a word. Apparently, Luke was still a touchy subject, so I didn't plan on talking about him.

I took the liberty of breaking the silence and said, "It's unbelievable that I got the leading role. How strange is that? I'm a terrible actor!" I tried to lighten up the mood but she just smiled. "What's wrong, Annabeth?"

"Nothing. I'm just really tired. Listen, do you want to rehearse with me tomorrow, after school? We need to practice for the play."

"Okay. I guess I'll be able to finish this book by tonight. Grover can read it to me until I fall asleep." I laughed and nudged her.

"Good. Well, I have to go now. Bye Percy." She hugged me and walked away.

After Annabeth left, I was shocked to find Aphrodite beside me.

"Di immortales!" I shouted.

"Quiet, son of Poseidon," Aphrodite said. "So, what are you planning?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." I shrugged my shoulders and looked away.

"What will you do for Annabeth?"

"Like I said, I don't know. She likes Luke better than me. Do you have any ideas?"

"I do. But it's a little crazy. Think you can handle it?" I nodded and she explained what she had on her mind.

FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, PERCY AND APHRODITE WORK TOGETHER IN ORDER TO MAKE ANNABETH NOTICE PERCY.

READ AND REVIEW! THANK YOU AGAIN!

-IRONCOW