Hi guys! I am so sorry for not updating these past few days. I was busy preparing for school next year. Thanks for reading my previous chapters and reviewing. You guys are great! Read on!

-Girl Who Believes

Percy's POV

Ouch. That was the first thing I could think of when I came to. My head was throbbing and my whole body ached. What in the world had happened? I tried turning my head to look around but then a wave of nausea and grogginess instantly hit me, so I just closed my eyes and tried to recall what had happened instead. It was fuzzy but I remembered the crying, two bright lights, the screeching, the pain, the blackout and then…Annabeth.

Before I could think further, I heard footsteps and my eyes shot open, surprisingly glad for the interruption. I didn't want to think any further in that direction. My mom came into view and immediately, relief and warmth flooded through me. You see, my mom could do that to me-make all my worries and troubles disappear. Her lovely features were etched with worry and weariness and I knew immediately that she had not slept well.

"Mom?" I croaked. "Oh my dear, how do you feel? Do you need me to call the doctor?" My mom asked, the way she would when she was anxious or worried. But I could tell that she was relieved as her whole body had relaxed visibly. I smiled weakly at her and replied, "I am fine, Mom. Where am I? What happened?" She frowned slightly and answered my questions. I was in the hospital because I had been in a car accident. What the heck? A car accident? And I had been in a comatose state for two days. Woah. I had blacked out for two days? She's got to be kidding. But the look on her face told me that she wasn't.

And as days passed, I was getting better and better. Every day, my mom and Paul would come and visit me at the hospital. Just them, no one else. No Annabeth. It has been what, two weeks? I wasn't sure, it was hard to keep track of days there. And there was not a single sight of her, she didn't come, not even once. I missed her-there I've said it-I missed her, and I wanted to see her badly. I would be lying if I said that I didn't. Every day, my heart would sink lower and lower, and finally, I got it-she would never come. And I had no intention to go look for her either. She's probably out somewhere enjoying herself with her boyfriend. That thought made me feel bitter, I could almost taste it in my mouth.

Finally, the doctor allowed me to be discharged from the hospital. I was really glad, as it was extremely boring in the hospital. But you can't blame me, I have ADHD for god's sake. Lying on bed all day with nothing to do isn't exactly what my thing. And then, I had another trouble-going back to school. It was the last thing I ever wanted to do then, no matter how much I wanted to see her and talk to her. But then again, she's no longer my best friend.

When I got home, I asked my mom something that had been nagging me at the back of my brain for a long time: did Annabeth come visit me when I was in coma? Her answer, if possible, made my heart sink even lower. Seeing my face fall noticeably, she asked me what was going on between Annabeth and me. I hesitated, before answering her and telling her all that had happened. It felt good to talk to someone and let everything out.

My mom was a good listener and she kept very quiet the whole time I was talking. When I was done, she asked me a question I would never expect to hear from her, and before I knew it, I had already said "Yes".

My mom had actually asked if I wanted to go over and stay with my dad in California. Woahh. It was a good opportunity for me, I could start afresh there, and also keep my word. Annabeth would never ever see me again…

So for the next few days, there was a flurry of events as I made preparations to move to California. And before I knew it, it was all done. I was ready to go. I contemplated whether I should go see her and you know, bid her goodbye and all, but her words rang in my mind and I decided not to. "I hate you!" – those three words were etched in my mind. She hates me. And they were also a constant reminder to me that she was no longer my best friend. Just thinking that made my heart wrench.

Finally, the day came. After all the teary good-byes and reassurances that I would come visit often, I was off. So here I am again, on my way to a fresh start. I want to become everything that I wasn't last time. And forget about her. Even as I say it now, I know that it is impossible. I would never forget Annabeth, even if she might forget me. I will always remember her, how her beautiful grey eyes would twinkle whenever she smiles, how she would scrunch up her eyebrows when she's deep in thought, or how her wavy, blonde hair would billow behind her when she runs.

I sighed, turning my head to look out of the side window. Just before I can pull on my headphones and distract myself with loud, thumping beats, I hear an announcement, one that immediately made me buzz with excitement. We will be reaching California in 15 minutes. Hmm…this is it. Goodbye New York and hello California.

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PS. I have a surprise for you guys in the next chapter!

-Girl Who Believes