I do not own PJO nor HOO

Chapter 8

Annabeth

Percy, a son of Poseidon? I should've connected the pieces, like the bathroom episode and his eyes like the sea. But those same eyes distracted me… And now he was supposed to be my enemy. Poseidon and Athena do not get along. It's a rule.

So that is why I avoided Percy. I couldn't look at him without thinking how foolish I was to not only not connect the pieces, but to not connect the pieces because the kelp head distracted me. I felt bad about it, but he was supposed to be my rival. Meaning not my friend.

That is also why I accepted the next modeling gig, even though it was during camp. All I knew was I had to be gone for a week. That was enough time to sort out my thoughts about Percy, right?

That is also why I was surprised when, low and behold, Penny told me to pack for France. Paris, to be exact. What the heck?! How did Penny have connections in Paris?

Luckily for me, Piper was going too. Phew. For a second I was afraid I was going to be alone in the "City of Love." She was very excited to visit France. I was excited too, I hadn't been outside of the US before. My dream is to go to Greece someday and see the Parthenon.

I went home briefly to pack more for the trip. After all, this was Paris! I mean, I was only going to be 398.5 miles from Milan, the fashion capital. I couldn't wear my camp clothes!

Anyway, on this short visit home, my dad wanted to talk to me. I was hoping it would be about stopping modeling sometime soon. Although, if I was able to travel, it wasn't so bad…

"Annabeth, I'd like to discuss something with you," he started. We were sitting in his office, the same one where we had discussed my college finances those months ago.

"Yes?" I prompted when he didn't continue. He sighed.

"Well, you know how the modeling has been adding significantly to your college fund, and I support that, as long as you don't forcefully oppose it." He looked at me, waiting for me to protest. I didn't like modeling, but the money was worth it, at least for a while. Then I could be an architect. So I didn't protest. When I made no sound, he continued.

"But you will be going to Europe in two days, and I need to consider your safety more. Susan and Penny were right when they said you would travel, and, meet boys," he choked out the last part. "You are more exposed now that you are modeling, and we need to take some precautions. I've discussed this with your stepmom and Penny, and they agree."

Uh-oh. I hope I won't have to stay under hotel-arrest when traveling.

"We have decided to have you adopt a stage name, so to speak," he finally announced. Phew. Wait, what?!

"A stage name? You mean a fake name?" I sputtered.

"Yes." He shifted uncomfortably.

"What will my name be then? I like Annabeth Chase!"

"We feel it is up to you. But I don't want you gaining publicity in France as Annabeth Chase. Especially, with, well, monsters," he said, whispering the last word. I frowned.

"Dad, I don't think monsters can read," I pointed out.

"You never know," he said sagely. "They might be dyslexic too though." He gazed into space thoughtfully. I stared at him for a moment, and then we both started laughing.

"I'll think of something," I assured my dad.

"Good. As long as when you get off the plane at Charles de Gaulle Airport you aren't Annabeth anymore." He smiled as he started to rise out of his chair and I did the same.

~o0o~

I stumbled into the french terminal, bleary and nauseated. I think the airplane food and descending turbulence conspired against me. According to the overly-cheerful stewardess, it was 11:00 AM in beautiful Paris, France. It felt more like 11 PM. As you could guess, I hadn't gotten much sleep. It had been dark enough, sure, but we were in airplane seat, and it was stuffy. I'd been too hot, then too cold, asphyxiated and cramped… All in all, not much sleep.

Piper and I had also been discussing my stage name for a while. We had decided on Anna Hyde, and promptly told Penny. It was close enough to my real name that all my brain cells wouldn't have to work to recognize it as my name, and the last name was ironic. I was trying to not be Annabeth Chase, so how about going the opposite? And what's the opposite of chase? A logical answer could be hide, translated to Hyde, which is a perfect last name!

I stepped into the airplane an untravelled, alert, excited Annabeth Chase and had exited a slightly more travelled, tired, and still excited Anna Hyde.

I had a feeling this day was gonna be good.

~o0o~

A car was outside the airport, waiting for us. According to my research, the airport was about 20 miles from the outside of Paris and I slept the whole way. Once in the more urban area, Piper shook me awake. I gazed around in awe.

Before too many buildings crowded my view, I could see the tip of the Eiffel Tower in the distance to my right. Then I saw picturesque and modern buildings mixed together. Cobblestone streets could be seen away from the main thoroughfares, and parks with benches, trees, and flowers were scattered around.

People were everywhere. Hey, this is Paris during the summer! It was considerably hot, but not too warm, as it was still morning.

The driver called our attention to the fact that we were crossing Champs Élysées. Piper gushed like a true (maybe) Aphrodite girl while I craned my neck to get a look at the Arc de Triomphe. Beautiful architecture, but based off the Romans. It would have been smarter of Napoleon to make something Greek. I still liked the arch though.

"Oh my god, did you see that?!" Piper exclaimed.

"Yes, I did, it was absolutely magnificent!" I responded, captivated by the arch.

"I could spend hours there, just looking," Piper oogled, leaving me surprised. I had no idea she was such an architecture enthusiast.

"I totally agree. The architects did a very good job. It's a more modern take on the Roman Arch of Titus, but the architect Jean-François Chalgrin did away with the columns and widened it. He wasn't the only architect, but he was a great one, since he was…" I trailed off, realizing I'd almost said that Chalgrin was a son of Athena, when the flame of Western Civilization was over France. It was then I noticed Piper looking at me weirdly.

"I was talking about the shopping…"

"Oh." I looked down. "I thought you meant the arch." She laughed.

"It's okay. I didn't know you liked architecture so much."

"Oh, I always have. I want to be an architect," Iinformed her.
"Why?" she asked simply. Oh dear. How am I going to say this without revealing my mom?

"Well, I've always been interested in more intellectual things, and architecture was one of them," I answered carefully. She nodded her head then looked back out the window. By now we had gone over a bridge to cross the River Seine and had turned a bit. According to our itinerary, our hotel was in the Latin Quarter.

Once we arrived, some nice men took our luggage from us and placed it on a trolley. Once we checked in they followed us to our rooms, where they deposited our bags. Piper and I were sharing a room, and Penny had one to herself.

The rooms were nicely decorated, with walls the color of eggshells and detailed crown molding. Large, luscious drapes were secured to the sides of traditional-styled windows. When I walked closer, I could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance, so our room must be facing west. Maybe we'll be able to see the sun sinking behind the Eiffel Tower.

I was shaken out of my observations by a large plop coming from behind me. I turned around to see Piper's bag emptied out next to one of the beds and her lying facedown on the bed, limbs to all sides.

"I'm so tired," she moaned into the blankets.

"I take it you want that bed," I commented. She laughed and rolled over.

"Yes, yes I do, and there is nothing you can do about it," she said defiantly. I actually didn't want that bed; the other bed was closer to the desk, but I couldn't let that challenge go unanswered.

"Oh yeah? Well what about this?" I ran over and grabbed her ankles, pulling her off the bed. She flopped to the ground and just stayed there, staring at the ceiling. "Um, Piper? Are you gonna take the bed back?" I inquired, confused at her lack of motion and usual spirit.

"No."

"Um...why?" I asked again. She shrugged, her shoulders rubbing against the the clothes she'd dumped on the ground.

"I decided it was too much effort. If you want the bed, have it. I'll sleep here." She then curled up on the ground. I was dumbfounded. She was giving up? My chocolate-haired friend was often contradictory, and this was completely out of character.

"Piper, I actually want the other bed. Get up and sleep on the bed, it was invented for a reason." When she started to lift herself up, I fell onto the other bed and closed my eyes.

~o0o~

I was woken up by incessant knocking. I opened my eyes, looking for the familiar grey walls of my room. Funny, my dad must have painted my walls while I was asleep, 'cause they were beige-colored. Oh, and Susan probably bought me new covers too…

Then I sat up, as quickly as prairie dog. The knocking continued, and I looked around my room, the hotel room, to see Piper out of bed and the bathroom door closed.

I rolled out of bed and opened the door to see an impatient-looking Penny.

"Oh good, Annabeth, you're awake," she said as she stepped into the room. "I was afraid I was going to have to resort to asking for an extra key."

"Oh, no, I'm awake now," I replied, closing the door and yawning.

"Yes. I came to wake you both up to go sight seeing! I figured since we will be starting the shoot tomorrow morning you'd like some time to view Paris," my manager explained.

"Oh! That sounds good. What time is it though?" I felt like I had slept hours, and I was still tired. How could Penny be so awake?

"It's about three. I figured we could do some sightseeing and then go to dinner. I managed to get a reservation at a marvelous place," she answered as she sat on a chair.

"Sounds fantaaastic," I yawned. "Just let me get ready."

~o0o~

Half and hour later, all three of us were walking on the streets of Paris. Accordion music wafted through the air, as tacky as it seems. Tourists were flocking to picture spots, and the leaves on the trees contrasted magnificently with the slightly overcast sky.

Piper and I both had cameras at the ready. Piper stopped to take many pictures of views, especially picturesque ones, like the wall coated in blooming bougainvillea surrounding a window with dark green shutters. I never would have noticed it to begin with, but Piper did. I could see how artistic she was.

By the time we reached the Jardin des Plantes, the main botanical garden in Paris, I think her memory card was full. We entered (it was free) and I was astounded by the diversity of plants. The greenery was intense, arranged artfully around the main building. Paths meandered through the planters and people strolled by. The music of fountains added a peaceful soundtrack to the whole scene. I could have stayed there forever.

Just then, Penny's phone started to ring like crazy. I darted my head to the sound and she fumbled with her purse to check the caller ID.

"Oh, I must get this," she sighed. She hit the answer button. "You two look around. I'll meet you here in a bit. Oh Alonso! How lovely to hear from you." Her voice faded as she walked away, and the serenity was restored.

I looked at Piper and she rolled her eyes. I laughed quietly, not wanting to disturb the tranquility. We linked arms and followed a path to the left. We wandered a bit, never straying too far from other people. We found ourselves walking down a promenade lined with tall trees. The most prominent color was green, and while other shades appeared, I could only imagine what this botanical sanctuary must look like in the spring.

Next we reached a labyrinth. My mind flashed to Daedalus' labyrinth, the one that was supposed to be growing under America. I quickly pushed it out of my mind and focused on the tall walls of shrubs before us.

"Race you to the middle!" Piper called as she sprinted away. I smirked and sprinted after her. It wasn't a hard labyrinth, more decorative than confusing. We reached the middle at the same time, laughing and out of breath.

We circled back around. The gardens were too extensive to see "in a bit," but we saw a lot as we walked. I saw a path leading to what looked like a little zoo. There also seemed to be a lot of different climate areas, like Australia and Mexico.

Finally we made it back to the beginning, where Penny was sitting looking at her phone. She looked up when we were near.

"Oh lovely, I was just going to look for you girls. I planned to go to the Louvre next," she stated, putting her cellular device away.

"Sounds fantastic," I said, excited to see the famous museum. Piper nodded, eyes shining.

We exited the gardens and caught a taxi to the Louvre. My mind was blown. I looked around, barely processing what I saw. And this was only the outside! The glass pyramid and old building went strangely well together, but it reminded me of how old Paris really is. I mean, America has a history, but Europe discovered America in the 14th century. Europe has been populated since BCE. There was so much history, empires, cultures, whole civilizations. It made the US seem like a kid.

By the time we purchased tickets and entered the museum, I swear my neck was going to snap. I was trying to look at everything. There was so much! We toured through room after room, style after style of art, and I think we only scratched the surface.

The funniest thing was a painting of a Dutch sailor. He looked exactly like my dad! It was scary. I snapped a picture and continued walking.

Pretty soon we converged with many other people in a white hall. Guards and rails were conducting traffic, and cameras were in hand. We had made it to the Mona Lisa!

Piper and I politely elbowed our way to the front rows. Wow. A bit of a disappointment. The painting was actually quite small, only 30 x 21 inches. I expected something bigger. But no matter. I took some pictures then stared.

Painting was not my forte, though I could sketch. I marveled at how the individual brush strokes came together to form a cohesive whole, not one line misplaced. That black splotch? A faint shadow under the eye. The bit of pink? A rosy complexion, my friend. Leonardo da Vinci, the artist, was a true genius. Another son of Athena, when Western Civilization was in Italy. If the Renaissance wasn't the flame, then what is?

Anyways, I admired the painting a bit longer before I was pushed to the back. I met both my companions in a side nook. Their faces mirrored the dreamy, impressed look I knew was on mine.

"Lovely, wasn't it girls?" Penny sighed, eyes still locked on the front of the crowd.

"Yeah," Piper breathed. "It's so… calm, yet so beautiful."

"And mysterious," I added. "They still aren't sure about the subject of the painting, though it is thought to be Lisa del Giocondo." Leave it to me to ruin a nice moment. Both the females looked at me, then seemed to accept it.

"Well, we should be going soon. Our dinner reservation is at 7:30, and it is almost 7," the oldest woman commented. Startled, I looked at my watch. We had spent about two hours at both stops. Wow.

We exited the museum at a leisurely pace then started walking. According to Penny, the restaurant was pretty near and the sun was only starting to sink. At precisely 7:25, we reached a quaint street with several restaurants and outdoor seating. It wasn't too crowded yet, so we walked right up to the hostess table. In lovely accented english a waiter led us to an outdoor table and we picked up the menus.

After ordering I looked at Piper and was quickly blinded. The sun formed a halo right behind her head and I could hardly see. I winced and grabbed sunglasses out of my bag.

Soon a nice bottle of sparkling water and some entreés arrived. Penny had gone to the bathroom and I was laughing at a joke Piper had made. Suddenly Piper went silent and I felt someone tap my shoulder. I expected it to be a waiter and I turned with a polite smile. To my surprise it was a tall, tan man with gelled back black hair. He had sunglasses and a royal blue polo shirt. He looked familiar but I frowned, unsure.

"You wouldn't happen to be a model, would you?" he asked brazenly. I nodded uncertainly. "Well, I'm one too."

I frowned more, not exactly charmed by his cocky attitude. I looked him up and down, trying to recognize him. I realized first that he was American. How on earth would I know an American male model? Right, that summer shoot thing.

"Blue?" I asked, surprised. He grinned.

"Yep! That's my name, don't wear it out. And I'm assuming since you know my name, that you are Sandwich Girl," he announced proudly. Piper spluttered a bit, but when I turned to look at her, she hid behind the dessert menu.

"Yeah," I responded.

"Fancy seeing you here in Paris, of all places."

"Oh, yeah, I'm here for a shoot," I explained, trying to find an easy level of conversation. I looked at Piper again, and she made a phone gesture with her hand. I mentally groaned, remembering that I'd told her I'd get his phone number.

"So am I," he said easily. He sat in Penny's vacant chair, completely at ease. I frowned again. What right did he have? He wasn't like this last time. "Actually, I'm at a shoot tomorrow morning. When are you shooting?" he inquired.

"Um, Penny said tomorrow morning as well."

"Penny?" he asked. I nodded. "Wavy brown hair, calls people darling?" I nodded again. He winced.

"What's wrong?"

"I may or may not have made her hate my guts by eating a prop sandwich," he muttered. I laughed at that.

"Were they as good as they looked?"

"Yep," he grinned. "But I better be going before she comes back. I'll see you tomorrow?" he asked, standing up.

"Maybe. Probably not. Penny has a tight schedule for us all morning." This was true, but I was unsure about seeing Blue again.

"Then maybe the afternoon?" he tried again. Piper was gesturing wildly, still hidden from Blue's view by the menu. I caught on.

"Sure, but how will we meet?" I noted. He bit his lip.

"You have a phone?" I nodded. "Here's my number. I'll text you tomorrow." He scrawled something on my napkin before walking away quickly.

Piper put down the menu and grinned at me. "Looks like you have a date."

A/N: Heyo. Sorry for the delay again, but I won't make excuses. This was a fun chapter to write, and I did a lot of research. Also, most of Annabeth's experiences in Paris are based off of mine :)

What did you think of her stage name?

CouplesAroundMeButME: Thank you soooo much! It really makes me happy to know that someone loves my writing this much.

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So many thanks to my reviewers, favoriteers, and followers. It is for YOU that I'm disappointed in myself for being a late updater. So please review? Pretty please? The more reviews, the faster the update.

Thanks for reading!