Annabeth sat in the chair at the dinner table, frowned and picking at her food. Her parents were going on with their usual banter, though didn't seem to understand what was up with Annabeth.

Should I have really decided to be his friend?

It was what she wanted to know the most. Was it really such a good idea. How could she know this wasn't some part of a maniacal plan? But, really, the suspicion was more fantastical to even be considered.

But you could never be too sure, is what Annabeth had thought when she realized how dumb her thought really was. Suddenly, she was jerked back to here-and-now.

"Annabeth, dear, are you okay?" It was her father. Annabeth looked up. "Oh, yeah, I'm fine. I'm just thinking of my new friend. I'm not sure about him." Her mother merely frowned as she ate a spoonful of peas. "Why?" Annabeth picked at her food once again. "Well, his name is Percy Jackson. He's sorta the poorest kid in school and has one friend. Me and him.. weren't exactly on good terms. In fact, he's sorta been getting back at me this week for being such a jerk to him."

"Jerk? Annabeth, were you bullying him?" Athena suddenly snapped. Annabeth flinched. "Anyways, like I was saying, he was making week terrible before I was diagnosed. Today, he found me drowning in my tears in a storage closet and we became friends. But... I'm not sure if I did the right or wrong thing."

Frederick looked thoughtful for a moment before shrugging. "You'll find out soon enough."

So much for advice. I hurriedly finished dinner and the stairs to my bedroom, pushing open the door and changing. She swung the door open once more. "Going to sleep! G'night!" she called. "Already? It's only 7:29!" she heard her father reply. "I've gotta get up earlier than usual!"

Annabeth didn't bother waiting for an answer. She shut her door and flopped on her bed, pulling the covers over her. Almost immediately, darkness washed over her.

Annabeth woke up at three the next day. She breathed out in relief and dressed herself, sneaking into the bathroom. She brushed her teeth and pulled her hair back into a ponytail. She slipped on some socks and put on her converse, lacing them up and heading out the front door.

Annabeth jogged down the street heading for Thalia's house. As to why Thalia wanted her there so freaking early, she didn't know. As she arrived, she held up her hand to knock, but immediately, the door swung open and she was pulled inside.

"Finally!" Thalia said. She didn't watch how loud she was. She lived on her own, though her father helped support her financially, so she wouldn't be evicted. Oh, her father is Zeus Grace, a millionaire, so he had money to spare.

"It's three in the damn morning, what do you want?" Annabeth asked, irritated. She was always cranky when she was tired.

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "Geez. I needed help. I'm having a party tonight and I need help setting everything up." Annabeth groaned. "Seriously, Thals? Wake me up at three in the morning so you can get help decorating for a party?" Thalia gave her a sheepish smile. "Please?"

Annabeth sighed in defeat. "Fine. But don't expect me to come. I have plans today." Thalia scowled. "You need to be there! What plans? Luke's coming!" Annabeth felt herself wishing she could go.

"I have important plans tonight. My history book is taking me on a study date."

Thalia scoffed. "Wow. I've never heard that excuse before!" she exclaimed, sounding rather impressed.

Annabeth smirked triumphantly. "Ha."

"Come on! Your history book can accept a reign-check, right?"

"No. The test is tomorrow."

"Annie!"

"Don't call me Annie!"

"Oh, whatever Annie!"

"Thals."

"Yes Annie?"

The next thing she knew, Annabeth leaped at Thalia, a playful grin on her face. Thalia blinked in surprise, but caught her best-friend.

The momentum brought them both down.

Annabeth pinned Thalia and smirked. "Ha. That shows you to call me Annie!"

"Exactly, Annie." Annabeth pressed her lips together in frustration. "Just shut up." she muttered. "Ah, but 'shut' doesn't 'up'!" The blonde-girl sighed in irritation.

"Where is the stuff?"

Annabeth and Thalia had decorated everything in the house, apart from bedrooms and bathrooms. Who was going in there for a party? Especially the bathrooms. What, were they going to dance with their feet in a toilet?

Thalia thanked Annabeth for the help and they both went to school with each other. Thalia had given her a ride.

"You're coming to my party. No excuses!" Thalia said and exited her car quickly, before Annabeth could protest. She let out an incoherent obscenity and opened the door, slamming it gently, so she wouldn't break the car or something.

The day passed by slowly. Finally, it was lunchtime. Being Annabeth was mad at Thalia, for now, she didn't sit at her usual table. Instead, she walked around until she found Percy, sitting with Grover Underwood. They seemed to be talking about anything and everything. Annabeth didn't hesitate when she sat down, a short distance from Percy and Grover. "Mind if I join?"

Grover looked absolutely stunned, and his pupils over to Percy, raising a questioning eyebrow. Percy merely shrugged, a ghost of a smirk on his lips. "Well, you've already sat down, right?" he said.

Annabeth shrugged. "Yes, I have." Grover seemed really surprised. "When did you get, I don't know, friendly?" Annabeth blinked at his words. "Would you like me to be a jerk?" she replied simply. Grover shook his head no. "Um, yeah, I'm good."

"Thanks for the offer though," Percy added, grinning. Annabeth raised her own eyebrow at the raven-haired boy.

"So, why are you over here, hm?" Percy asked. "I'm mad at Thalia." Percy nodded. "Okay. Makes sense. You know, if you're still mad at her later, we could always hang out."

Annabeth sighed. "I would say tonight, but I have to go to Thalia's stupid pa-" She froze, a smirk curling her lips.

"Nope. Wait, looks like my schedule has just cleared."

Percy tilted his head, as did Grover. "My parents aren't letting me out on a school night. And we have company over today," she explained, smirking, clearing her throat. They seemed to get it.

"Oh!"