CHAPTER 3

BAD DAYS

-Annabeth-

The last words my mother said to me were, "I'll be right back, I love you."

Half of that was true, but the other half was pure crap.

Sometimes, I think that fate has a funny way of working. It's weird; my mom never knew that was going to be the last time she would see me, vice versa. Destiny is too unpredictable. You never know what's going to happen, so how are you supposed to plan for it?

I think of this in class today because in Social Studies, we were reading about Ancient Greek tragedies. All those demigods never knew what hit them. Like Hercules, for example. He was always known as the 'hero' in greek myths. But, really, he had a lot of hard stuff to deal with before he got that big 'hero' label.

Sometimes, I think I can relate to those greek stories.

While I was wallowing in my self-pity, I didn't really listen to anything the teacher said, except when he called me, "Miss Chase?"

I wasn't paying attention, so I looked up and said, stupidly, "Huh?"

Mr. Rolland raised an eyebrow, "Are you quite alright, Annabeth?"

"Yeah, just tired."

Today was a bad day.

I was zoning out in all my classes, and I wasn't paying attention at all. I got asked to stay back after class 3 times. I don't know why, though. Was it a coincidence, or was there a reason?

Except in my life, there's no such thing as coincidences.

It was just before lunch that I realized that there was a reason. In exactly 7 days, it's the 3rd anniversary of my mom's death. That's why I was so moody today, that's why I kept thinking about her, that's why I kept daydreaming in class. It all makes sense now.

But that thought didn't make me feel anywhere near better.

3 years. 3 years since my life changed forever. Why do things have to change? Why can' they stay the same? I think about my life before the death. We were one big, happy family. Mom, Dad, Bobby, Mathew, and me. I hate change.

I take a deep breath and slam my locker. Apparently, I was standing by my locker for a couple of minutes, thinking about this.

At least it was finally lunch. The only period of the day where no one bothers me, and I can eat in peace.

Boy, was I wrong.

"Annie!" Thalia yelled. Which was really unnecessary because her locker is right next to mine.

"What?" I said, irritated.

"I've been talking to you for 5 minutes!" She exclaimed. "What's wrong with you? You've been out of it the whole day. "

I sighed, "It's just been a long day, Thals, okay?"

"No. Not okay." Thalia got in front of me and blocked me from walking any further. "What happened? Did someone say something?"

"No, no one said anything. Besides, I can take care of myself." I replied, defensibly.

"Then, what?"

I just shook my head. "Nothing."

Thalia looked me straight in the eye, but I tried to avoid her deadly stare. She is freakishly good at reading people's emotions and stuff. She literally knows everything about me.

"Fine." Thalia huffed, "I will find out eventually, though."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever. Let's get to lunch, already. I'm starving."

At this, Thalia grins. "So am I. I heard the caf is serving pizza today."

My mouth was watering just thinking about it. "Great, let's go."

As we headed to the cafeteria, we saw Percy and some of his friends hanging out by the lockers.

I never really thought about Percy that much. I don't know a lot about him, except his dad got arrested a couple of years ago for some unknown reason. I remember I saw him break down one time; he was crying like crazy at the beach my mom and I go to, our special place. He was sitting by the ocean, his head between his knees, and he was balling his eyes out. I came there that day because I just wanted to be alone, since it was only a day after my mother's death. I thought I was alone, but there I saw Percy. I just stood there and watched. I didn't move or speak. Just stood there and stared at Percy crying over his dad. We both lost someone important to us, that's the only thing that we have in common.

I guess other girls would think Percy is attractive or handsome or good-looking. He has perfect black wind blown hair that looks like he just rolled out of bed. And he's pretty toned and muscled. And his beautiful sea green eyes are filled with life and humor.

I shook my head, and reminded myself: But he's a jerk.

When Thalia and I walked past them to the lunch line, I heard Percy say, "'Hey Annie! What's up?"

I clenched my fists and turned around. "Don't call me that."

Percy smirked his usual jock type smirk, "Aw, you know you love that name."

"Shut up."

He had the nerve to chuckle, "Anyway, Annie-"

"Don't call me that!"

He just smiled. How does he have perfectly white and straight teeth? Damn, I hate him more now.

I rolled my eyes, and Thalia and I grabbed a lunch tray and filled it with food. Thankfully, there was pizza. I found the biggest slice and snatched it up. I got a cookie and some apple juice, too.

When we were out of the line, I noticed that Percy was still behind us.

"What do you want?" Thalia sneered.

Percy shrugged, "Do I have to want something?" He asked innocently.

"Being you, yes."

Once again, he smirked. I'm getting tire of that. "I just want to hang out with my dear cousin, and her lovely friend."

"Don't you have your own friends, Jackson?" I retorted.

"Yes." He answered simply. "You 2."

I made an exasperated sigh, "What about your red-headed girlfriend? I'm sure she'd love to see you."

"Rachel. Right." Percy said. I heard something in his voice I couldn't interpret. Was it regret? Bitterness? I don't know.

Me and Thalia walked away to sit at our usual table, when someone grabbed my arm. I was holding my lunch tray with that hand so the most embarrassing thing happened: my tray got dumped all over me. That's right; pizza sauce on my shirt and apple juice that spilled on my clothes.

I could feel many eyes on me, I felt uncomfortable. I didn't like being the center of attention, especially for something like this.

I slowly turned around to find out what kind of son of a bitch would do this. And there, staring at me with wide eyes, was Percy.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" I said in low, angry voice.

"I, um, I didn't mean, to, uh, do that." Percy stuttered. "I just wanted to-"

"Save it." I snapped.

I was about to walk away to the bathroom to dry myself, when I couldn't contain myself.

I grabbed a milk carton, and dumped it all over Percy.

I could hear gasps in the room. But Percy just stood there, looking shocked and dripping wet with chocolate milk.

I didn't feel guilt or anything because he deserved it. Why would he do that? Why couldn't he just tap my shoulder or call my name like a normal person?

Finally, I walked away to the hallway. While I was going towards the bathroom, I could feel the apple juice getting sticky.

Yep. It's official. Today was a bad day.

HEY GUYS! I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS CHAPTER!

THANKS TO:

Alison daughter of Poseidon, bestbooks88 , Fanfic lover, pjofanforever, dragon fier 20, May Salome Love, bookfreaklol, and guests.

ALSO, THANK YOU FOR ALL THOSE WHO HAVE FOLLOWED AND FAVORITED!

I GOT THIS ONE QUESTION ASKING IF ANNABETH KNEW THAT PERCY'S DAD KILLED HER MOM. THE ANSWER IS NO. NOBODY KNOWS THE PERCY'S DAD KILLED ANNABETH'S MOM EXCEPT PERCY AND HIS MOTHER. ANNABETH DOES NOT KNOW.

NEXT CHAPTER COMING UP!