Title: Box of Crayons
Summary: Because of a box of crayons, Percy and Annabeth are best friends for life. They share their food, their secrets, and even each other's first kiss. All of a sudden, Percy's move causes their fairy tale friendship to splinter and rain clouds to appear. But when the green-eyed boy comes back, will everything remain back to the way it was?
Pairings: Percabeth, obviously. Little, well some hints of Tratie, Thalico and Jasper.
Warning: Swearing, dark themes at some parts; rarely. May be Out of Character, but when the story is AU (AH), it's bound to happen, though I try to keep them in character. For the sake of the book, the Stolls are twins in this, alright? Sorry if there are mistakes, I try my best. And thank you to my beta: BlueBerrySourStraps
Disclaimer: I don't own PJO or anything copyrighted mention here, however, I do own the plot and it would suck if someone just steals the plot I worked hard, stressfully planning. Please, don't.
Point of View (POV:) No one; Third Person + Annabeth's at the end
Shout Outs: Rory-9090-b (I appreciate everything you said. Really.), Lollypops101(Oh, thank you! Will change that ASAP.), AlexisFoy27 , Guest (Ah, my plans exactly ;) ), Rsblue1226, Lexie Daughter of Athena, greendaylover306 (Okay, cool, if you do howeve make a new account, I'd lvoe to PM you.), thestoryreader99 , The Demigod Gryffindor , YayPercabeth123 (Ah, read on, and thanks for the idea:) ), Guest, wattpadserena, Collab, Neko-chan2604, Guest, Swiftie, Shuby , moments with heroes, Howlsong13 (Oh my God, that's like, the best thing anyone has ever told me. I think you're obviously bluffing about the best story thing, but saying that reallytells me at least I'm doing something right when I think I'm not. Seriously, it means a lot for you to say that.), book-freak20 (I'll really try with the update thing, and I apologize if you feel I've been neglecting this story. I'll try my best, especially when I go back to school. Thank you, nonetheless for saying what you just said.), daughterofwisdomandwater22, BlueBerrySourStraps, Iceflight12787, ThaRandomGeek (omfg. You are an amazing person, really, I appreciate everything you said and seriously, I'm ready to send you a long speech proclaiming how wonderful you are. Thank you, I appreciate everything; it means a lot.), Athena's gray owl, August1999 , burning book (Ah, totally understand you. And I think you have it easy, my parents say when I'm in Uni, that's when I'm allowed, which to be honest, they are being such hypocrites. Anyway, aw, thank you, really.), Alexandra Jackson rocks Hades , Mila-is-a-bookworm-101 , Snowtiger (Aw, omfg. I'm really going to miss you. Seriously, you were like, an extremely loyal reviewer, you reviewed so many of my other stories I appreciate it. But hey, you can sneak to a library ;) I don't know whether or not you're reading this, I just want to say thank you for everything, you made my day plenty of times and I can't say how much that means to me when in fact, in means more), newfoundedfantasy (A stoner?Omfg. Okay, haha, best input EVER. Anyway, I start High School on Sept 3rd...so until then, I'm sane), Guest, MissSemi-Dependent (Omfg. YOU CRIED?! holy. Okay, seriously, I never expected anyone to cry! Aw, thank you though ;) ), Becc Paramore Lover , Percy's BFF, Guest, Happy Owl (Omfg. Sthap. You're making me blush. But seriously, THANK YOU.), NeonHedgehog (I'm glad someone like the speed, it really does reassure me), Daedricdragon , vampirediaries-damon , TweetyBaby , Flavster, Percabethlvrknowsall (Omfg. You cried?! Okay, that's beautiful. Thank you.)
Author's Note: Hey! Okay, this is the part folks. This is...wait for it...the percabeth reunion! It starts off a little shaky since I really had no idea how to write the beginning, however, I do know what I'm doing in the middle, haha. I tweaked up the layout a bit, and trust me, it's cliche, just saying, but I do adore the layout, which is pretty rare for me to do. Nonetheless, I hope you do stick with me throughout the journey:) You don't have to read the notes at the top, the author's note at the top is always me thanking you but at the end notes, I really do hope you read them.
The beginning may be a tad bit confusing, just a little warning.
I was actually satisfied and flustered at the comments I got for the last chapter. I seriously thought it wasn't written well, but your reviews really touched me. I think I teared up reading them. Seriously, thank you. I appreciate every single one of them, for taking the time to comment something lovely, and thank you those who are reading. This alone is worth a million bucks. Omfg. I AM THIS CLOSE TO 300 REVIEWS AND I AM FREAKING OUT. that means the world, to have this much reviews so early in the story. Seriously, WOW.
I'm actually pissed at myself for forgetting this, but I'd like to dedicate this to my beta: BlueBerrySourStraps and HappyOwl for helping me with things. Seriously, you guys both cleared my head and helped me think of ideas to this story, it really means a lot that you took the time to give me wonderful advices and encouragements. Thanks to YayPercabeth123 who gave me a marvelous idea.
The last song was Kids in Love by Mayday Parade (which is an awesome band that you need to listen to) Winners: Percabethlvrknowsall , SummerSpirit18 , HappyOwl , Shuby, moments with heroes , BlueBerrySourStraps, Lexie Daughter of Athena , thestoryreader99,
Btw, I made a one shot; Superman, and Changing the Devil trailer! Check it out, please?
Thank you for all the support I've been getting, they mean everything to me.
[~ Guess the song OR the band and you'll get a sneak peak:) ]
"If I could just find the time, then I would never let another day go by.
I'm over, getting old...Maybe it's not my weekend, But it's gonna be my year.
And I'm so sick of watching while the minutes pass as I go nowhere.
And this is my reaction to everything I fear. 'Cause I've been going crazy,
I don't want to waste another minute here"
Chapter Seven: "If he heard you talking about his war toys, he'd pulverize you with his toy cannon balls."
Age Thirteen.
Annabeth was sitting on the couch, fully smothered in pure boredom. Just 3 weeks ago, her best friend left her. She was alone, despite the fact that her friends are always there for her. But they aren't Percy. Everyday, as cliché as this sounds, she thought of Percy. I mean, her life is basically a cheesy romance novel, which makes Annabeth wince at the thought.
"But there's no such thing as a happy ending," Annabeth muttered to herself, attempting to convince herself her life isn't a fairytale.
She was a wreck. To tell you the truth, she was a living corpse. Annabeth still remembers every concerned faces everyone gave her, which she just assumed was plastic sympathy.
She sighed, yanked out the textbooks out of her backpack and flipped open the History textbook to the chapter of Rome's Fall. Her eyes analyzed every single word, making it burn in the process. Before you know it, the sun was replaced by the moon and Annabeth was still drowning herself in work. She finished reading her History textbook, made advance notes and was 6 chapters ahead in Science. She finished all the assignments which was assigned just yesterday, and she'll have you know, those were 5 assignments completed. She pulled an all-nighter, hoping it would erase the memories of Percy.
"Annabeth," Her father's footsteps alarmed Annabeth who looked at him for a mere second before locking her eyes again to her textbook "It's 5 in the morning. Have you not slept yet?! Go to sleep, sweetie."
Annabeth shook her head, which caused her father to groan in frustration who just gave up, seeing it was pointless arguing with her.
Annabeth had a smug smile on her face before studying again. The same old routine repeated for days, weeks, which made all of Annabeth's loved ones grow concern. She buried herself alive with the extra work she had requested her teachers. She lost focus on her life and just isolated herself.
Her friends and family would show her sympathy every time she looks at them, knowing her behavior was caused by Percy's move.
Though, that's where Annabeth was wrong. The looks, she was constantly peeved at ,she was receiving from her friends weren't pity or sympathy.
No, it was empathy.
Percy was the awkward turtle in his community. He was lonely, that was sure. He missed his best friend mournfully, just like any once close now separated people would be. Though, he often tried to mask the pain. He masked it every time he's at school. He made the mistake of mourning over his miss for Annabeth which he quickly regretted from the boys in his class' constant accusation of Percy making Annabeth up.
He sat by himself at lunch, never raised his hand. He made no contact with his fellow classmates, the only person he talked to was Annabeth who sneaked off just to talk to him during classes.
Percy was pleased that Annabeth would take the risk, knowing she would kill him for suggesting the idea if he was still there.
He kept quiet, his heart aching every day. It sounds cliché, yes, but he was attached to Annabeth, knowing her since he was four.
Percy sometimes wondered what it was like down there. How were his friends and the teachers who hated him with such a strong passion, they even considered throwing him a 'Leave me alone: Good Riddance!' party, though Percy wouldn't mind. There's cake after all.
As of now, Percy's on his laptop, typing away. He was currently blogging, a secret passion of his.
Hey. Percy here.
Okaaaay, Florida. You're not leaving a good impression on me, or is it the other way around? Whatever. I'm just tired and lonely- don't mock-, and yes, just like those movies where a new kid moves, I have no friends. The only difference is, is that I won't have a girlfriend with a killer bod, I won't discover I'm a superhero, or will I ever be a millionaire. Eh, I guess New York is home, where this place is just alien to me. Whatever, I'll try making the best of it. Besides, the beaches are epic!
-Percy
Age Fourteen.
"Hahaha, yeah! Anyway, how's it down there?" Percy pondered as he talked through the phone. Percy could practically feel Annabeth's hesitating self over the phone and he couldn't help himself and ended up smirking.
"Eh," Annabeth shrugged as she held on the phone, her head feeling the blood loss from sitting upside down from the couch. "The usual. Grade Nine is pretty simple, no biggie. Though, this one teacher hates me."
Percy chuckled as he took a bite of his brownie. "He or she probably hates your guts, you probably corrected them or something."
Percy could imagine the look on Annabeth's face switch to defensive mode and a frown fitting on her lips. It was surreal and quite peculiar imagining the expressions of the person you're talking to, rather than seeing them yourself. It is as if you're guessing an answer on a multiple choice test. "Not exactly. I mean, it's not that hard to calculate circumference, much less use Pythagorean's theorem."
Annabeth can practically hear Percy snapping his finger as a grin moulded his lips. "Oh! So that's how it's pronounced..."
Annabeth rolled her eyes as she tried to imagine what Percy had originally pronounced it before, and drummed her fingers on her chin. "Anyway!" Annabeth dragged her words, attempting to switch the subject from her to her best friend. "What about you?"
"Well..."Percy began and Annabeth can tell just then, it's story time "I told you about Frank and Hazel, right?"
"Yeah, the chinese baby man and his girlfriend?" Annabeth responded, with a curiosity twang edging on her voice. She pressed the phone closer to her ear, trying to absorb every word Percy is telling her.
"Mhhm, that's them," Percy reassured Annabeth before continuing his tale "So, we had our annual camp thing right. So Frank, Hazel, and me were in the same group for it. We had to find some eagle thing and we bumped into these giants."
Annabeth raised an eyebrow though she knew Percy wouldn't notice. "Giants?" She questioned with a hint of amusement at Percy's little nicknames.
"Yes Wisegirl! Giants, you wouldn't imagine the buttload of mess we did." Percy chuckled through the line as if reminiscing a memory, once again causing Annabeth to roll her eyes.
"I don't think I want to know..." Annabeth's voice wavered at the thought of Percy back in Florida. She couldn't help but feel jealous of his other friends there, although frowned, knowing she was being irrational. But it was just an automatic reaction, thinking Percy would replace her in any second. Hell, he talks about them heaps, it wouldn't be much of a surprise for Annabeth.
Percy chuckled on the other line. "Anyway, your birthday is next week right?"
Annabeth knitted her eyebrows and pursed her lips, eager to know where Percy is getting. "Yeah, how'd you know?"
Percy rolled his eyes as he swiveled the his chair around. "When we were six, you practically drilled that date in my head when I forgot it."
"You're point," Annabeth said peevishly, with a frown settling on her lips.
"Don't be a downer Annie," Percy teased as he can practically feel Annabeth grit her teeth on the other line. To save himself from any possible smart aleck remark, he continued further on with his story, though you can feel the edge, sadness and tension brewed in his voice. "I don't think I can make it for your birthday party..."
Annabeth frowned, frustration and anger clouding her eyes. She stood silent through the other line, allowing the tears to flow down her cheeks. This was the third time Percy bailed on Annabeth and on her Fifteenth Birthday of all days. The thing is, Percy didn't just say yes to coming to the party, he promised, and Annabeth hated it when people break their promises, which often reminded her of the promise her parents made: their commitment to each other. Annabeth could feel her and Percy drifting further and further apart from one another. She didn't know whether to feel sadden at the news Percy has given her or angry and furious at him for ditching her again. But she does know one feeling she can comprehend; disappointment.
Annabeth could hear Percy stuttering on the other line, and she can only imagine him opening and closing his mouth, mimicking fish, to which earned him the title: Seaweed Brain, that and his dad was named after a Greek God which made the name much more fitting. "I really am sorry. Flight there was too expensive and my dad can't drive me there since he has work. I really do want to be there Annabeth, I really do."
Annabeth could hear Percy's pleading tone on the other line and the desperation as well as the need leaking on his words. "Annabeth?" Percy worriedly asked, though Annabeth doesn't know why.
'Big whoop. He can't come back, it's not like this is the first time I heard this.' Annabeth thought to herself bitterly and as much as she tried to be angry at him, she just couldn't.
She hitched a breath, wiping the pathetic tears ghostly sitting on her cheeks off before speaking. "Yeah?" She spoke half heartedly.
She could hear Percy let out a breath of relief. "I seriously thought you ditched me."
'The irony.' Annabeth mused to herself.
"No, it's cool," Her voice wavered a bit, letting the news affect her a tad bit.
'No, no. Annabeth be strong! Not again, you promised.' Annabeth thought to herself, replaying those words for good measures; 4 minutes.
"Don't think I'm leaving you empty handed, Wise girl." Percy scoffed and Annabeth quickly had a smile on her face. She knows that as of now, she's bi-polar when it comes to Percy. He changes her mood quickly to anger, but at the same time, he makes her switch to a cheery mood in matter of minutes.
Annabeth can practically hear Percy smirking on the other line. "Please do elaborate." Annabeth joked, but she was practically on the edge of her seat, itching to know what Percy's talking about.
"Relax," Percy cooed, obviously satisfied at Annabeth's eagerness " Your present will come in the mail, darlin'."
"Don't ever call me that." Annabeth warned, once again switching her mood from gleefully to defensive.
"Note to self, don't call Annie: darlin'." Percy spoke robotically, and Annabeth couldn't help but crack a smile with the matching eye roll to complete the ensemble.
Before Annabeth can taunt Percy again as well as correcting him for his mistake, Percy broke her train of upcoming words. "Annie, Darlin'" Percy smirked on the other line "I have to go now. I'm sleepy."
Annabeth rolled her eyes, still peeved at Percy's comment. "Yeah, yeah, night. Watch out Jackson, I can appear in your dreams any moment, and I most certainly won't make it happy go lucky."
"Naw, you're always in my dreams, Chase. Night!" Percy murmured, his voice dazed as a grin fitted on his lips.
Annabeth flushed, not knowing whether Percy was joking and mocking her or if that was a legitimate statement.
Annabeth coughed awkwardly. "Talk to you tomorrow." But she knows she was talking to a dead line.
Age Fifteen.
"Hello?" Annabeth spoke through the other line softly.
"Yes?" A deep voice with a slight cockney accent radiated on the other line.
Annabeth furrowed her eyebrows, trying to think of where she has heard that voice from. She drilled into her head, scouring for a mental picture to whom this voice may belong to.
"G' Afternoon, this is Annabeth. Is Percy around?" Annabeth quickly pulled out her polite voice, knowing she is speaking to an adult.
"Annabeth!" The voice cheered, making Annabeth want to take a step back from the phone and try to comprehend all the noises around her. "Annabeth? Don't you know? It's me, Don!"
Realization dawned on Annabeth as her mouth open in recognition. "Oh! Don!" A smile landed on Annabeth's lips as she was talking to her second Father figure.
Don guffawed on the other line and Annabeth can tell he's sharing her smile. "Yes, I'm glad you remembered," He teased.
Annabeth rolled her eyes, swiveling her chair around. "Sorry 'bout that, Don. You just sound so different. You even picked up on an accent!"
Don chortled. "Eh. Business trips. No biggie. Enough 'bout me, what 'bout you? How old are you now?"
"Finally fifteen," Annabeth replied.
"Aaah, I remember those years," Annabeth rolled her eyes at Don reminiscing his 'glory days'. "Anyway, how's your parents?"
A moment of silence engulfed the two before Annabeth gained some courage to finally speak of the untouched subject.
Annabeth bit the bottom of her lip and hesitated a tad bit. "Well, mom and dad finally got a divorce..." Annabeth felt a twang of hurt talking about her parent's slip. The fight when she was thirteen was followed by numerous of fights that often had Annabeth sobbing with anxiety attacks from witnessing it.
"Darlin'," Annabeth smirked to herself, realizing where Percy got the habit from. " I'm really sorry 'bout that. Though, I'm pretty sure they still care for you despite your parent's terms. How's your mom?" Don apologized with sincerity.
Annabeth frowned. "I don't live with my mom. I haven't really talked to her in a while."
Don grimaced. "Oh Anne, I didn't know. I'm sorry. I could probably ask Athena to stop by your place for a visit if you'd like?"
Annabeth shook her head, sneering at thought. Floods of words her mother had blindly insulted her drowned Annabeth as she bitterly thought of it. "No, no, please don't. It's fine, Don." Annabeth tried to veil the harsh and acidic tone dying to leak out of her words.
Despite the harsh words Annabeth's mom had aimlessly spoken during her fights with Frederick, Annabeth knows that beneath the pure hatred and disappointment layer, she still loves her mother. There's that ounce of hope Annabeth posses about her parents getting back together to form the once happy family they had before.
"Okay," Don's voice sounded unconvinced but nonetheless decided not to push it. "How's Frederick?"
Annabeth willed a smile on her face before speaking "He's doing well, teaching at West Point as an American History Professor."
"I bet he has you playing with his toys," Poseidon joked around, earning Annabeth a genuine smile.
Annabeth snickered. "If he heard you talking about his war toys, he'd pulverize you with his toy cannon balls."
Don howled with laughter, making Annabeth's smile radiate brighter. "Well you better not cough me up or I'll take you out with my army."
Annabeth rolled her eyes but snorted nonetheless. "Alright, alright. Anyway, Don, I was wondering if Percy was home by any chance?" She ask hopefully.
Don sighed and Annabeth can practically hear him hesitating. "Sorry 'bout that Annabeth, he's off with some friends."
"Fourth time this week," Annabeth frowned as she builded castles in the air.
Annabeth shook her head. "No, No, Don, it's fine."
"I'll tell him you called when he comes back, and force him to call you." Poseidon teased, once again making Annabeth roll her eyes.
"Alright Don, whatever floats your boat." Annabeth drummed her fingers on her chin, as one free hand tapped her pen aimlessly on the table.
"Anyway, Annabeth, it was lovely talking to you again," Don spoke warmly towards Annabeth.
"It was too, likewise, Don. I really do miss you." Annabeth truthfully said to her father figure.
"Me too, Anne. Just remember, study well and if you have boy troubles. Don't be 'fraid to tell me. I'd gladly send some men to finish the business." Poseidon teased, yet you can hear the seriousness in his voice.
"Relax Don, I'll handle them," Annabeth smirked on the other line. "Say hi to Percy for me, and bye!"
Annabeth is fifteen and like any teenagers her age, has their own private issues. She hasn't talked to Percy in a while, much less hold a conversation with him. Sure, he picked up the phone at times but it just wasn't the same. Annabeth couldn't see his reaction to all the snarky remarks she throws at him or his facial reaction when he's explaining a passion. That's the worst part. During these phone calls, things just get awkwarder. There was nothing to talk about.
Percy would share his time at Florida, to which Annabeth shows an interest in hearing, but when he brings up little short stories about his experiences with his new friends, she feels left out. Her comments are very limited since she knows nothing about them. Sure, Percy gave her a clear understanding of them but it's not her opinion on them, but instead is a paradigm of what she thinks they are.
Short answers result into short responses. Everytime Percy tells Annabeth a lengthy story regarding his new friends, her answer consists of 2 sentences max. Annabeth then switches the tables and talks to Percy about her time over the past days or months, years even, but they can never hold up a conversation due to the awkward tension. There was nothing to talk about.
Don't get Annabeth wrong, she still cares for him, and still adores talking to him despite how long their once hour long phone calls turned to 10 minutes is.
When Percy left, Annabeth was a wreck. Sure, she was strong but she couldn't help but feel heartbroken that her best friend left. Wouldn't you? Everything would've been perfectly fine if he left schools but instead, he left to a different state.
The aftermath of Percy's departure was a broken Annabeth. She was unsocial and drowned herself in work. She barely talked to anyone and just had a monotone voice the whole ride. Her face was still as a stone and she didn't bother attempting to look decent. She isolated herself from everyone who cared for her, while in the meantime, they wore worried and concern faces every time they lock their eyes upon the ruined blonde. Annabeth was a walking zombie to say the least. She wasn't herself.
Eventually, realization dawned on her and she was absolutely disgusted by her actions. She couldn't believe how vulnerable she was. She was so weak and broken; everything she willed herself not to be. Annabeth quickly had a transformation to a more confident and mature self. She left the broken cocoon and grew to be a dauntless, level-headed, and assertive butterfly. She quickly brought herself back on track, not letting her best friend's move get to her. Although, that didn't stop all of Annabeth's loved ones to lessen their concern for her. They still felt protective of Annabeth, not wanting her to go back to that horrible state she abandoned. It was still an option.
Now, Annabeth was on her laptop; the one Nico gave her, internet surfing the place. Quickly, a talk bubble popped on her screen as a sign of her receiving a message.
Thalia: Hey Annie! Look what I found from your boyfriend.
Annabeth flushed, already imagining Thalia snicker behind her monitor. Nonetheless, she rolled her eyes and quickly clattered her fingers on the keyboard.
Annabeth: Don't call me that! And what boyfriend?!
A ding sound was made and Annabeth flitted her eyes towards the words her best friend wrote.
Thalia: Percy, you dipshit. Now, curious to say, open the damn link!
Annabeth rolled her eyes at Thalia's persistence. She didn't at all changed from her devious ways when she was four, but more like evolved. She learned words and became more cunning and twisting, but despite that, she was still the little girl who aced ballet class Annabeth knew. Nonetheless, she moved the mouse and clicked the link Thalia so badly wanted her to open.
Instantly, a new browser popped up and Annabeth's curiosity level crashed through the roof. Annabeth doesn't know why Thalia wanted Annabeth to see this, much less threaten her to open the link. Honestly, Annabeth could care less about Percy. She cared for him still, but if the news was so urgent, why couldn't he tell her through a phone call?
Annabeth sighed, her head arguing with herself once again. Her eyes scanned the newly opened browser. It was a blog.
Seaweed Brain.
Visitor: 23,067 people
That was the title of this blog and instantly, Annabeth felt her heart go warm. She was looking at Percy's blog. Quickly, Annabeth felt like an intruder walking over Percy's personal space like that. Although, it was up for public so Annabeth guessed it was okay.
Annabeth saw numerous pictures on the top of the browser, hanging as if it was a drawing hanged on a clothes-drying line. Annabeth smiled when she saw a picture of her and Percy back when they were seven. He was giving her a piggyback ride around the park while Annabeth -unsuccessfully tried to get off of him.
Little moments like this made Annabeth smile at memories.
Beside her picture, was numerous trailing behind it. One was a picture of Percy with his new friends, she suspected was Frank and Hazel.
Seeing Percy like this made Annabeth think it was a bittersweet moment; sweet because the whole picture of him happy was adorable, but bitter because she misses him and it wasn't her making him happy.
Annabeth's eyes flew across the screen, starting from one of the oldest entries he had.
Day One in South Florida.
Alright, I think I can do this, too. The beaches look nice, repels shark, at least I hope so. There's a huge difference between Florida and New York. One: It's hot here; insanely hot I feel like I can get a sunburn just from sticking a foot outside. So, a little side note: sunscreen is a must. Though, the hot weather is a pretty cool new change from the breeze back in NYC. I doubt I'll meet new people but hey, the fates can change their mind. It's pretty weird and hard switching states since you are so used to the old one. Heck, I miss my friends, especially my best friend, but I'm told I'll visit them so alls cool.
I feel like cookies so yeah, bye.
-Percy
Annabeth's eyes glimmered as a smile flew on her lips.
'He talked about me,' Annabeth cooed to herself, her heart lightening at the mere thought of Percy not abandoning her. Annabeth then shrugged considering it was just an ironic mention, no biggie.
She then looked down and at some of his comments at his entry.
Isabelle:Omg! You'll luv it in Florida! Trust me 3
Annabeth scrunched her eyebrows in disgust at how the girl sounded, definitely not someone she'd get along with.
Danny: There's some epic waves down here, man!
Drew: Well, welcome dude!
Amanda: OMG! U sound so adorbs && cute 3 U have a girlfriend? XX
Annabeth stifled a laugh, horrified yet amused at the girl's comment. She wondered how Percy reacted to that.
'Probably blushing and not knowing what she's talking about.' Annabeth mused to herself, as she already imagined his best friend's reaction.
Annabeth then scrolled down, scanning other entries absentmindedly, curious to why Thalia badly wanted Annabeth to see this. Instead, Annabeth opened Percy's newest entries.
Hey.
Percy here.
So, I've been here in Florida for, about 2-3 years.
The reason I came here was my dad requested to have me for at least three years to himself.
That was part of the divorce contract. My mom gets her turn soon.
I over heard something on the phone about how I'm moving back to New York next year.
Rumour has it? Yeah, so folks, it's a HUGE possibility I might move back to New York next year,
but my dad said something about work, so I'm thinking that they're catfighting over me.
I feel so loved.
In the meantime, check out the video below?
-Percy.
'Percy is coming back.' Annabeth had an alarmed facial expression. She didn't know what to think of this. Sure, she was glad to have her best friend back but she could sense the whole awkward tension between them. And so what? Percy did say he might not... He could be bluffing.
All of a sudden, Annabeth felt hurt at the news. Hurt that Percy didn't tell her that, and she had to find it herself through the internet. That's what Thalia wanted to show her. Where did she even find this in the first place? Ah, bless her stalkerish ways, Annabeth wondered, questioning her Best Friend. That's what was so important. Annabeth knows that they've been protective of her since her emotional state when he left. Though, Annabeth is determined to not be in that state; never.
'No, no, he probably just forgot.' Annabeth tried to convince herself, but she couldn't. She knows that she's only lying to herself. Her eyes flitted to the date this entry was published.
3 weeks ago.
Annabeth later sighed, her eyes growing tears she never knew existed. She felt hurt that he didn't bother telling her a news this big. Did he not want her to know? Did he think it wouldn't matter to her? Did he intended not to tell her and hopefully just avoid her when he comes back? As she gained some courage, she moved her hands to the comment section.
She typed in her name and a response, her tears stinging, but confidence gaining at every letter she typed.
'Why didn't you tell me this?
~Annabeth'
Age 16.
Annabeth's POV
"So, are you guys sleeping over here?"Connor asked, his head on his bed with a dazy look spread on his face.
I switched my gaze towards him and locked my eyes in place. I noticed he was wearing the shirt I got him; a grey and white baseball shirt, and had ordinary pairs of khakis on. His cardboard coloured hair was tousled and looked untamed which gave me the impression that he had a little nap while Travis, Thalia and me were out getting food.
I twisted my lips as I fiddled with my fingers. "Yep, dad said it was fine,"
"Ah, thank gosh, you made it worth skipping classes," Thalia sighed, as a small smile tugged the corner of her lips.
"You still take Ballet, I thought you quit like 2 years ago?" Connor narrowed her eyes and at the sneering punk who had her teeth gritting at the mere thought of Ballet class. I stifled a laugh, but couldn't contain myself from shuddering.
"Hey, you surprised me from staying! Then again, you were top of the class..." I wondered out loud, which apparently made Thalia flustered, flushing and clearly pissed from my comment.
I smirked at her. "No," Thalia glared at both my cousin and I who had matching smug expressions "I meant hip-hop dance class. I was suppose to meet up my group today to practice for an upcoming gig. And enough about the ballet class, I thought we were over that!" Thalia corrected herself, which was followed by whining when she discussed her once guilty pleasure with us.
Connor and I shared smiles and laughter, both directing to the blue eyes fumbling girl, as Connor and I high fived each other.
Thalia then switched her gaze to Travis, who was the only one not apart of the little gang up activity we had on Thalia. I noticed Thalia give a look to Travis, and I smirked, knowing we got Thalia who was asking for help from my cousin. She gave him a message to back her up, and Travis couldn't refuse, knowing her, who had something against him.
"Great, 'bout you Thals?" Travis asked, making an attempt to stop the little teasing we did to Thalia, his fingers clattering on his phone with a grin plastered on his face which I assume was because of a text message. I rolled my eyes, seeing Thalia with a dryly smile on her face.
Travis slightly resembled his twin's outfit with a buttoned down green shirt and a pair of brown swim shorts which he didn't bother changing out of from out time at the beach earlier this afternoon. Over the past years, my cousins features differed apart from one another, making it a tad bit easier to tell which is which. Connor was a foot taller than Travis who was peeved at the constant teasing from yours truly. Travis had a mark free face while Connor shared the trade mark of his dad's side- my mom's side as well, with the splash of freckles lightly spread on his nose. I shared the same feature, but mine, however is dainty.
"Yeah, the 'rents said it was cool." Thalia said nonchalant as she was perched on a beanbag, with a comic book in her hands.
"Really? Your parents actually allowed you to sleepover here? At the twins?" I interrogated, my eyebrows raised and narrowed at the blue eyed girl.
Thalia shrugged, a smirk naturally on her lips. She opened her mouth a couple times and all that came out were chuckles. I arched a brow at this. She straightened herself from her seat, her grey tank top splashing on her legs which were revealed from her black shorts, studs running on the sides, ending mid thigh.
Normally, Thalia was allowed to sleepover at my house or any of the girls for that manner without asking, but when she asks to sleepover at the Stolls or anyone in our group, that's when they put the foot down. Despite that they won't try to make a move on her, I can't say much about Nico, though. Though, Thalia however, usually lied to her parents of sleeping over to my place rather than staying over at the Stolls, making this time the first she ever asked of sleeping over here.
"I told them the Stolls were gay," She said with ease, as if her lie didn't bother anyone, as her back was on the bean back and her legs sprawled on the walls.
When she said those words, an infinite mass of giggles bursted out of my lips as my sides started to ache. The Stolls both wore match incredulous expressions on their faces.
"YOU WHAT?!" They screamed simultaneously as glares waltzed in both their crystal blue eyes. I rolled off the seat as I bursted into fits of guffaws. Tears were forming in my eyes as Thalia joined me. The moment my eyes looked at my cousins for a mere second, I was a goner. My mouth let out fits of laughter and my stomach started to ache from it all. I stared at my blushing and pissed off cousins with amusement.
"What do you expect? They would've never let me stay over!" Thalia said in between her laugher, sneering at the blushing boys.
Travis groaned, her face automating for his arms. "Ugh, now Katie would never go out with me," He murmured, as his eyes blinked in embarrassment.
Thalia rolled her eyes. "Eh, one way or another, she wasn't planning on it." She teased, her laughter going mute as mine decreased with hers.
I rolled my eyes, my mouth opening to reply but my phone's vibration beat me to it. Quickly, I dug through my pocket and tapped in my passcode; unlocking my lock screen.
Be home by Seven. The Jacksons are inviting us over for Dinner. There's someone ready to meet you.
-Dad
I frowned at the news, not knowing what he meant by visitor. Confused and frazzled to why the news was urgent, I sighed. "Change of plans, I have to leave at 6:30. I'll try and make a squeeze if I can come after though"
Thalia knitted her eyebrows, a scowl on her lips. "Wait, you're leaving me with the copies?"
"Hey! Offense taken!" Connor grumbled as he crossed his arms, a pout settled on his lips. He ran a hand his curly coffee stained hair as he narrowed his eyes at Thalia.
"Dad says I'm going to a Dinner with the Jacksons," I quoted from the text message I received earlier as I passed the phone to Thalia to read the message.
Thalia squinted her eyes, her shoulders growing tense as her eyes travelled from one letter to another. "Oh my God. Jackson is coming back?"
A wry expression waltzed on my face as I tilted my face in confusion. I turned to look at my cousins who wore matching frowns as they grimaced at the news. "What?" I demanded, slightly irritated that I didn't know what they were talking about.
"Annie, Percy's back." Travis muttered, his cerulean eyes has a protective twinkle sparkling in his eyes as a look of concern was the whole ensemble.
Floods of memories of my best friend rushed to me as well as hurricanes of emotions drowned me. I don't know what to feel to be honest. Automatically, my head rushed to the memory of the blog entry.
'I'm moving back to New York next year.'
Today is that year. Percy's back. I don't know what to feel by this sudden news. Should I feel happy that my best friend is back? Should I feel hurt for him not telling me this entire time? Should I feel sad that he might leave again? My body swiveled around, or so it seems, at the sudden rush of emotions my body had to undergo. The sensation of my best friend's arrival pinged me on the head as I sighed in the bliss of the moment.
My mouth gaped open as I stood paralyzed, my body going numb. "Percy's back."
Eventually, memories of my childhood came back to me and I smiled inwardly. The moments when we builded lego houses on the carpets and fighting over a feud of who gets the big cookies. But the memory was soon replaced by the one day he left and the events trailing after that.
"Annie," Connor started, his voice toning to a dangerously warning voice. "If he hurts you again-"
"-Connor stop. He didn't directly hurt me and you know that. Trust me, I won't go back there." I whispered, as my grey eyes had a startle expression.
Connor nodded grimly at me, his body slightly relaxing.
"Well, I guess, say hi to Percy for me, would you?" Thalia smiled, but her eyes told me the same story Connor's did.
Travis nodded, "Yeah, do me a favour? Take home some of the cookies from Sally."
I laughed, quickly leaving the state I was a couple minutes ago. "Will do Trav." I winked at him, catching the toss Thalia did as she gave me back my phone.
Percy's back.
I seriously cannot believe Percy's back. I mean, it's great having him back, he was my best friend after all. Every time I stopped by Sally's place, she wasn't the same. Her heart was broken that her son wasn't there, leaving her the only one living in that house. Having Percy back really benefits his mother.
I don't know what would happen after I see him again. would we still be friends? I wonder how is personality is. I hope he didn't change. I mean, I doubt he would since I've completely grown and used to the Percy he was but him not telling me about his arrival was out of character for him.
I looked at the time which read 6:50 PM.
I analyzed myself in the mirror, checking if I was decent enough for a Dinner. I wore a peach dress, with floral patterns scattered all over the dress. Little ruffles cones the neckline as well as the sleeves. My mom's silver locked perched on my neck as my hair was tied in a messy bun with strands leaking out, as it framed my face. I pulled on brown boots, the aglets of the laces looking deformed. I yanked a silver cardigan from my closet to complete the ensemble.
I twisted my lips as I looked at my appearance. I shrugged and raced down the stairs to meet face to face with my dad. My dad had a white button-down shirt and his black church pants. Instead of his his clear blonde hair, it was replace with a salt and pepper shaking to his blonde hair.
My dad started putting himself out on the dating market again, much to my displeasure. I didn't like the idea of him dating other women other than my mother, despite their split as well as the harsh comments she lashed at my father concerning me. I didn't bother asking who my father was dating, slightly hoping he notices my lack of interest towards that area and wishing he'd drop it, although, you can't always have what you want.
My father had a small smile on his face as nodded out the door, indicating for me to leave first. I twisted my lips and followed his order, stepping out the house. I walked out of the path and turned around to find Sally's house. Every step I made, the louder my heart pumped.
I don't understand why I'm acting like this. It's only Percy I'm seeing; the boy I spend most of my childhood with; the boy I bathed in the same tub; and the boy who's been my best friend my entire life.
Soon, the house that brought too many memories flashed in my eyes. I remember the apple tree Percy and I attempted to climb, but failed miserably. I still have the scar on my elbow to prove it.
"Ready?" My dad asked me, and I know he wasn't talking about the Dinner but the special guest waiting inside.
I hesitated. This was my chance. I can leave right now. It was a two way street.
I sighed and nodded grimly.
My dad walked ahead of me, and I trailed a few steps behind. Taking deep breathes each step of the way. He opened the door, no need for an entrance knock. The aroma of fresh food waltzed in my nose and I smiled at the scent.
My eyes settled on the kitchen I've been in so many times. I still remember the time Percy and I baked cookies, fighting over for Sally's attention. I smiled to myself fondly at the memory.
Out of the kitchen came out a women with the same, natural smile on her face. Sally didn't change much in personality, but in physical appearance, I can honestly say she's ageing. She had worry lines on her forehead, her hair leaking with few grey strands. Although, despite this, she's still looking as beautiful as I first saw her back when I was four.
"Sally!" A grin broke out on my face as I stepped towards Sally, my arms engulfing her in a warm hug.
Her head nuzzled in my neck and I can feel the smile growing on her face. "Annabeth, my oh my, look how much you've grown!"
I laughed fondly at her "You look beautiful as always Sally. Thank you for inviting us."
She nodded, as she dismissed my words. "You're both always welcome here,"
Dad laughed as he said his words of appreciation to Sally. The two parents both had their own private discussion as I stood there, the awkward third wheel, not bothering to interrupt their discussion. I let my eyes walk around the room absent mindedly.
I noticed the place cleaned up a bit as the living room was arranged differently as I remembered it was last week. I squinted my eyes, letting it wander around.
I heard some footsteps pacing around the room upstairs and my body grew tense. Unless it was a guess, I can take a wild guess it belonged to the douche shower nozzle himself. Eventually, those footsteps gradually grew louder as it travelled down the stairs. A tall, looming body swiveled around the stairs with ease. The body turned to face us and I mentally stabbed myself from the beating of my heart from nervousness.
I was face to face with my best friend for years with petrified eyes.
Okay. So hello! I am incredibly sorry for the long wait, I really didn't have time to update, after all, it was a vacation. Starting from now, updates will be in a consistent rate, hopefully school won't be a damper. Omfg. Johanna got her High School schedule and I didn't and we're going to the same school and I'm just having an anxiety attack because of that, omfg.
So, I just came back from New Jersey and New York, skip the next paragraph if you truly despise story time:
Anyway, my first stop was New York City. We took this bus to get there from Canada to US, and it took 12 hours + extra hours for stops. Now, the problem was, I have terrible motion sickness...you can only guess how many times I vomited and got dizzy. Bad stuff, plus, wi fi was very weak. It was cool, I went to the MET, Olympus, and I saw Rock of Ages which was awesome! Omg, seriously, the guy was amazing, and dayum...they sang most of my favourite songs! Saw Jennifer Aniston which was great since I'm a Friends fan. Subways annoy me, the bus annoys me more, and pigeons hates me. Like seriously, one subway car during rush hour is basically the entire population of my neighbourhood...two=my school. I went to the zoo, not fun. Like, I have this insane fear of peacocks since when I was seven, it tried to steal my cookie and in the process, it had to chase me. Yeah, well, I had a déjà vu moment, but with hamburgers instead. Like, the fuck? Why would they let them be free?! Seriously, I screamed bloody murder like, 4 times. Basically, what's up is: I said sorry to a wax figure, played American Idiot in America, had Tim Hortons in America, got chased by a peacock, screamed bloody murder at The Rock, got in trouble by the hotel for asking for toothbrushes. You don't know how many pictures I photo-bombed. SO MANY PEOPLE ASKED ME FOR DIRECTIONS AND I'M JUST THERE "OMFG. I'M CANADIAN..A TOURIST LIKE YOU. SWFJKDBKDB" I got lost, my parents tried to find a place to eat and my feet were aching and I think I worn down my metro pass, and my shoulders hurt from all the bumping, and my mouth was tired from all the swearing AND ALL I WANTED WAS A GODDAMN HAMBURGER. Atlantic City was fun...although, I legit thought it was actually Atlantis City...seriously, I was so disappointed. Shopping was fun, more importantly since I got like, 7 new pairs of Converse; for the last three days I went back to the store with a pair and must I say that was like Heaven to me. I had an argument with my mom since she wanted to throw my favourite pair of Converse out since it was worn down and the hotel now hates me and I hate it since I got lost. Seriously, what hotel has a freaking map?! And you know the best part in Atlantis, ahem, Atlantic City?! OUR HOTEL HAS A FUCKING COOKIE STORE. Yes...yes...Aint that gorgeous?
That was terrible, I know, the chapter I mean. It was absolutely cliché, I know. Trust me, I know how horribly written this chapter was, believe me, I know. I was contemplating whether or not to actually post this but I decided upon the fact to slightly revise how this chapter was, and trust me, it wasn't successful. The only part actually liked was them ganging up on Thals and the douche shower nozzle. I'm sorry if you're not satisfied, really.
But hey, Percy's back which is great:) I'm excited writing that part (actual reunion), I hope you're excited reading that part.
1.) I made a Thalico One-shot: Superman.
2.) I made this Tratie onshot that was incredibly proud of a while back: Impressions
3.) I made a Changing the Devil Trailer which is on my profile, in the links section. I'D LOVE it if you check it out.
4.) I've been co-writing lately. Check out the stories, yeah? They're on my profile.
5.) My friend and I made a story called Fanfiction Choice Awards...would love it if you check it out.
6.) Can we make it to 300, please?
R&R "I told them the Stolls were gay"
~Razel