Hey, so I'm back from my vacation to France and I'm temporarily cured for my case of one-shot-itus, so by request I'm updating this one first of my chapter stories.
Also, I've decided that I will be dedicating every chapter of this story to someone (the whole 'best friends' theme inspired me).
This chapter's dedication goes to Jordan, who was actually the one who requested that I update this story first. She also has supported my writing for a while now by making a point to review and favorite everything I write. She also sends me numerous hilarious PM's when I'm in France telling me just how bored she is. Thanks so much Jordan, it really means a lot and I greatly appreciate it all!
"Percy," my cousin, Thalia said, sighing, "Your place would be so nice if you would just clean it up every once and a while."
"I could do that," I replied, "But then I would be exerting energy that I wouldn't have to be using otherwise."
"You don't exercise enough." Thalia decided.
"Uh, yes I do. I go to the gym."
"And when was the last time you went?"
"About two weeks ago," I said. She began to smirk, like her point was just proven, "But that is besides the point. I've been really busy lately." I said, crossing my arms.
Thalia grabbed her sweater that was previously lying on the couch and began to pull it on. We were going out to lunch together. She was in town for a Green Day concert, and decided to visit me in the process. She normally lives in Washington DC with her boyfriend (who I'm not particularly fond of), Luke.
"With what, pouring beer?" she asked, putting on her sunglasses.
"No," I replied, dragging out the 'o' sound in 'no', "Actually, I've been writing."
"Really? What's the plot?" she asked, amazed. For the first time in the past five minutes, she wasn't mocking me about my lack of success in the life department.
"I don't quite have one yet," I admitted, "I've been working on building the characters."
"Uh huh. I'll believe it when I see it."
"You do that. When I'm totally famous, I'll just point and laugh." I defended, "Speaking of success, how has the botany thing been going? Find any new trees lately?"
From when Thalia was about 14 to around when she turned 16, she began to have a newfound obsession with trees. One time the family joked that she turned into a tree after she didn't come to dinner at one of our summer family barbecues. Today, she's been working for one of the botanical gardens there, studying different species of trees.
"Fine." she grumbled. While we loved each other (like the family we are), we always managed to bicker about one thing or another. "Oh wait, I have to go and grab my purse."
"Okay, I'll meet you in the hallway." I walked out the door, just as another door down the hall slammed shut. It was none other than Annabeth.
"Uh," I said, unsure of what I should say at first, "Hey, Annabeth."
"Hi Percy, what's up?" She asked, locking her door. This was the first time that I'd ever exited my apartment at the same time she did. She was carrying a messenger bag, inside was god knows what (book worms seem to carry so much).
"The ceiling?" I suggested. I always used to play this game with my friends back in middle school, thinking of new, creative ways to answer the boring old question.
"Very funny." she said, sarcastically.
"Okay, Percy, I found my bag. Why again do I carry such a large bag? It's been getting so heavy." Thalia said, walking out of the apartment. The second she saw Annabeth; she stopped dead in her tracks.
"Annabeth?" Thalia asked, after what felt like an eternity of silence.
"Thalia?" Annabeth returned, thus making everything so much more complicated for my brain.
"Wait, what's going on here?" I asked, genuinely lost in a sea of confusion.
"We know each other." Thalia explained.
"From where?" I asked, incredulously, "You're my neighbor," I gestured towards Annabeth, "And you're my cousin." this time I gestured towards Thalia, "How on earth do you two know each other?"
"Remember three years ago, the first time I went to Luke's hometown?" Thalia asked.
"I think." I answered, trying to think back to a better time and place in my life. My cousins and I were in college and it was all paid for. Ah, the good years.
"Well, anyway, Luke said that his best friend from when he was growing up was in town from college, and we went to visit her. That person was none other than Annabeth."
Annabeth merely nodded in agreement throughout the whole explanation. "Wait, let me get this correct. So you two knew each other for three years before you ever met me?" I asked, this time to Annabeth specifically.
"I guess, but we haven't talked in, like, two years," she replied, "Anyways, it's was nice seeing you Thalia! We really need to catch up some point soon; it's been way too long. I'll call you soon. This would be the time when I get out of your guys' hair and leave you to have a nice lunch." she began to walk off, but Thalia stopped her.
"Join us for lunch." Thalia demanded; she always had a way of doing that. Sometimes it annoyed and embarrassed me, but this was Annabeth. I've been embarrassed in front of her enough times by now not to care.
"I have to be somewhere." Annabeth said, trying to duck past Thalia. She just always seemed to be in the way.
"I'm only in town for a short while, and we haven't seen or heard from each other in two years. Would you please join us for lunch?" Thalia begged, again.
"I really can't…." Annabeth said, still trying to move past Thalia without pushing her.
"C'mon, it can be quick. Besides, I need you to save me from him." I just love how she puts major emphasis on the word 'him'.
Annabeth 's face melted into a grin, "Fine, but only because you'll need to be saved or protected from him. He has a tendency to spill drinks." She shot me a glare.
"I'm right here, you know." I said, "And that was only once!"
"Yeah, and what's your point?" Thalia asked, putting arm around Annabeth's shoulder and leading her off down my hallway.
Enter head desk here.
I'm sorry that this chapter was on the shorter side, guys. I promise the next one will be longer; it's when they all go to lunch! Hilarity is promised. Please review, it means a lot!