Chapter dedicated to

PurplePirateofProcrastination: You'll just have to wait and see ;) and I will continue as long as you guys read all this, it means a lot :)

Also, thank you to the guest reviewer who let me know about he issues with previous chapter three! Hopefully it doesn't glitch this time ;)

Monday's meeting started off fine. The usual yelling and hitting ensued, as expected, but by the time everyone had calmed down we got a lot done.

"Okay, let's be serious. We need Luke's replacement to come, learn the songs, and get his or her part down in a month. That's a lot to handle." Piper said, as we all nodded in agreement. "First order of business; did everyone actually find a drummer?" We all laughed and confirmed. "Okay, all that's left to do is make your case for your candidate anonymously and we will choose among them. May I start?" She asked.

"Go ahead, ladies first." Leo said, making a gesture like let's-get-to-me-faster. Piper rolled her eyes and reclined in her folding chair.

"My drummer has been playing three years. They have a good hold on more classical elements, they know their rudiments and all, but he also is really personable. And cute." She added thoughtfully.

"Gag meeee," Thalia groaned from her perch on the workbench. "What music does he like? What does he play? Any additional instruments? How's his kit? When is he free? Those are important questions. I couldn't care less if he's cute." Thalia concluded with crossed arms. Piper looked like she was trying hard not to punch Thalia, but after a moment she regained her composure and started in.

"He listens to classic rock. Nothing too offbeat, just the classics-Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stomes, Beatles. That's what he plays best. He can't play anything else, but he has a pretty nice kit. It's not too fancy, but it works. We would need to move some stuff around to get him to rehearsal, he can make Tuesdays from 5-7 and Sunday afternoons." Piper explained, quieting down at the end.

"Nice. My turn!" Leo announced.

"So much for ladies first," I muttered.

"Actually, I should have gone first, because my nominee is a lady." Leo speculated, glancing at me and pushing the black curls out of his face. "She's awesome. Pretty good experience. she's best at not being the center of attention, but complimenting others. Great stylistic fills, awesome equipment, tons of dodads on her set. Likes softer rock and alternative, as well as R&B and Motown. And she's always free, 'cept Saturday." Leo concluded, and reclined with hands behind his head, as if he'd obviously won.

"You haven't won yet, buddy."

"Yes I have-"

"I don't care. My turn." I interrupted. "Multi instrumental, good drummer, decent kit. He likes alternative and newer stuff, not quite pop though. Free all the time. A little socially awkward, but it's endearing. I rest my case, I win."

"No you d-"

"Shut up Leo."

"Guys," Thalia started with a smirk. "I'm afraid I've already won." We all looked at her, confused. She merely looked at the ceiling and casually listed off, "Seven years experience, likes a variety of music, mostly rock though. He can adapt well. Both classically trained and experienced in a rock band setting. Pretty sweet kit, but he has to buy all his own equipment-so it's not a lot. But he's still a fantastic musician. Free all days but Thursday." She finished, and made eye contact with each of us individually, as if to say 'top that'.

We were all pretty impressed.

"Excluding my own guy, my first choice is Thalia's, then Leo's, then Piper's." I said.

"Thalia's, Annie's, Piper's."

"Annabeth's, Leo's, Pipers."

"Wait guys. I can't do this." Piper announced, looking flustered. "I really liked Luke. I think I may have had a shot with him. I mean, he texted me a few weeks ago saying that he only puts up with Annie because I was there too."

"Hey!"

"In any event, now I have no regular meetings with him. I've probably lost him to some other girl by now. And quite frankly, you guys told him to go, you're the reason why this happened. I'm not that upset, but I think I really have a chance with this guy. Please." Piper begged, looking at us for sympathy.

"Piper," I said softly, "I'm sorry. Your guy just doesn't seem cut out to be a band member. We can't all drop our schedules to accommodate his, and Thalia's person sounds so promising."

"I can't believe this-"

"Piper, this is a band. We have to think of the music first. And if this guy doesn't work out, then fine. We'll get your guy. And who knows," I smiled smugly at her, "maybe Thalia's pick is even hotter."

Piper smiled. "You better hope he's either Prince Charming or a horrible drummer so we can kick him out."

Finally Thalia came out of a shock I hadn't known she was in. "I can't believe this!" She said, covering her ears. "Eeeeew!"

"What?" I asked.

"My nominee... Percy Jackson... My cousin." She groaned, "Just hearing you call him hot is weird."

"Your cousin?" I laughed, "Interesting."

"Can I see a picture?" Piper said, probably still clinging to the idea that he was of godly beauty.

"Here," Thalia unlocked her phone and went to her contacts. "That's him."

The boy Thalia showed us looked nothing like her. In the picture of them next to each other, her cousin was even taller than her at 5'10, and his tan skin and bright smile contrasted her moderately pale skin and grimace at him resting his arm on her head. It was quite funny.

"Annieee!" Piper squealed happily, "He is sooooo hot, gods..." She drifted off for a few moments and then feigned sadness. "Fine, he can be part of the band." She looked dramatically upward, and melodramatically reached for the ceiling, "I'll never forget you, Jason!"

"Jason Grace? My brother? Do you like have a thing for my relatives or something, this is getting creepy." Thalia sounded disgusted.

"yeah..."

"DUDE-"

"So Percy it is, then?" Leo butted in.

"Yes. First Percy rehearsal, Wednesday. That kid better have his stuff together." I added, looking at Thalia like please-don't-let-this-kid-be-horrid.

"I wanted to add something." Thalia said, and turned to me. "You know why Luke got so mad when you criticized him, right?" I shook my head. "He had a massive crush on you. Massive. He acts like you're his girlfriend at school, and then gets all mad at practice because in reality, you aren't. But Piper was always there to break his ego's fall, so he warmed up to her. Idk but I think this isn't over between you and him. Dramatic speech over."

"I don't care at this point. At least for now, he's out of our lives. So, Wednesday?"

I arrived home around 8, just enough time to finish homework and studying. My parents are gone on some romantic getaway for the next week, so I am home alone for a few days. I can't say that I mind, less people to deal with. I can just go about my business without having to text my parents every two minutes. I manage to hack through history and conquer my calculus, and the rest I had done in class. I planned ahead for rehearsal.

I pulled out my phone and logged onto Instagram, searching "Percy Jackson". I'm fine with admitting to stalking, we all do it.

I found his account, knowing it was correct because it said "followed by ". Unless Thalia follows all Percy Jacksons on the Internet.

He had a considerable number of followers, and some nice pictures. Swimming, drumming, all that. A few with Thalia. What really confused my was his bio.

"just keep swimming -dory"

AN: So that's that! -Please read-

Guys pleeeeaasseee review it means the world and maybe I just set my hopes too high but I am shooting for 7 reviews before the next update. Feedback is VERY MUCH APPRECIATED! Shoutouts in next chappie.

In other news; we have gained a follower! Welcome to the fam.

Sorry if this is short or poorly written, I just wanted to do a few updates in a row to get people started in on this before they have too much catching up to do, if that makes sense...

Goodnight!

Love you all,

Lizzie

8/22/16