Thalia surveyed the rows and stacks of sports equipment, set on finding the perfect gift, but failing to even understand the grasp of how sports work, or even a grasp of what sports are, which is weird because I would have never pegged her as the type of girl who lacked in knowledge of this sort of thing, but that's why she brought me along, after prodding me to get out of my bed - which I was in for a couple of days getting into that summer depression - she finally had the nerve to ring the doorbell. Luckily Melinda was there to answer the door, and not my Dad or Molly. Not like Molly would open the door voluntarily anyway.

But that's why I'm here at Dick's sporting goods, because according to Thalia I have a vast knowledge of sports, which I guess you could say was right in some ways, but I had too much on my mind. Molly and Percy. My mom and dad and their divorce. My summer was taking a tragic turn, and the only bright spots were Thalia. If it weren't for here I'd be lying in bed feeling sorry for myself. I was a pro at that anyway, and suddenly I was reminded of Piper and how my best friend never responds to my emails or even my text messages. It's like suddenly she's a ghost, a mirage that I only dreamed of. I kept having to remind myself to ask Jason about Piper, and I suppose when I get back to Thalia's house I should do that. She asked me to sleep over and I agreed.

I don't think I could stand being in that house anymore.

"We should get Jason a penis protector." Thalia laughed.

All I could muster up was a smile. "That. Is disgusting."

"Or a..." Thalia paused. "Annabeth help me out here, you have brothers right?"

I internally cringed. Now that she's mentioned my brothers, I had to think of my Mother. Could this day get any worse?

I diverted the conversation away from that topic. "I think Jason would like whatever you're going to give him."

"Well that's helpful," Thalia put her hands on her hips. Today she sounded up her black hair, which made her look even more terrifying than before. "B shoots it up again."

I grimaced. "I'm sorry, you know this is hard for me. After I graduate there's no way in hell in staying in California."

Thalia raised an eyebrow. "Where would you go?"

I shrugged. "New York or maybe Florida. I know everyone wants to move to those two states, but it's always been a dream of mine to just travel. Just get away from all the bullshit."

Thalia nodded. We paused at the kayak section and detoured for the field hockey sticks. I was about o mention to Thalia that guys don't play Field Hockey, then I remembered that's where the original sport came from.

"You've ever been to Florida or New York?" Thalia abruptly asked. She wasn't lingering on the sports equipment anymore, her attention was solely focused on me.

I nodded. "My family, we all packed up and went to New York City back when we weren't messed up, you know. And we went to Naples too, but I can't remember either them as well as I wished." I sighed. "It's stupid."

Thalia punched me playfully in the arm. "It's not stupid. Look, after what you told me about how well you do in school and that you're life-long dream is to get the hell out of here, I think we can all agree you'll do it. And maybe you'll find someone to share those adventures with too."

It was so corny that I almost died on the spot. But then I thought of Percy. Have I gone completely insane? There is no future for me a Percy, there can't be.

Thalia didn't buy Jason his birthday present that day.

When I came home the following day, Molly ambushed me.

"I'm having a party," she looked terrible, her eyes smeared with makeup and her hair frizzy. "So stay out of the way."

I stood there, caught between wanting to laugh and ring her neck. "A party for what? For your friends on the movie set who know you clearly don't have an English accent?"

Molly crossed her arms. "Do you even care that mom and dad are getting a divorce?"

I stiffened. "I don't care for my abuser, if that's what you're asking."

"Don't be stupid Annabeth," Molly snapped. "I can't believe you've been ungrateful to both Mom and Dad. If you didn't have such good grades you'd be nothing."

I resisted the urge to wrap my fingers around her neck, and suck the goddamn life at her. I've never been a violent person, but Molly's always brought out a nasty side of me, something like a caged animal being pocked at all day by sticky kids. There was a point you needed to snap, and I haven't reached it, yet.

"Whatever Molly," I said. "Thanks for letting me borrow your pads, but that's the only thanks you're getting from me. Is that clear?"

Molly clenched her teeth. "You can't tell me what to do."

"I know," I said, and for some reason those words comforted me. "Just tell me what day you're having your party and I'll stay out of your way."

"How do I know you'll pull some crazy prank on me?"

"Why would I do something like that? I'm not you?"

That's when I realized the swelling in her face went down. I guess she wasn't as allergic to fish so severely than when we were younger.

Molly have a hoarse laugh. "A party for my co-stars obviously. And my agent and producer-"

"And?"

"And like I said before I don't want you embarrassing me," Molly's voice became dangerous. Suddenly we switched roles and she became the dangerous caged animal. "I mean it Annabeth."

Her jolts only reminded me of mom. "So when is it?"

I really was curious to know the date of Molly's party, partly because a side of me was tingling with jealousy. She got to throw lavish parties back at home and I stayed in my room, under the comforters and wishing the pounding music would stop at an abrupt halt. It never did, ranging until the early hours of the morning. I wondered what my dad thought of Molly's parties. There had to be a few to come soon, you didn't need to see into the future to know that.

"July first." Molly simply said.

Oh right, Jason's birthday was on that day. I remember Thalia mentioning to me that Jason was having a small party, and that I should come over, even if he didn't invite me. This would be a great time to show Molly up.

"Lucky you. I have a party to go to that night also."

Molly laughed, doubtful of my story. "You? I've only ever seen you with that Goth girl! You don't have any friends!"

"Well Jason is my friend," I fired back. "And you should remember him since you were all over him back at school!"

"I don't believe it," Molly sneered. "Your lying is terrible Annabeth."

"I'm done talking to you," I said, stomping away. I didn't know where I was going, but I knew I wanted to get as far away from Molly as possible.

"Run little baby!" Molly mocked, and that only made me angrier.

My dad had a secluded library that was pushed off to the side of the house. I could tell nobody ever went in here from the dust and cobwebs on the books, but I needed a place to vent to myself, and what better place than a library?

I paced and fumed and eventually ended up slouched near a bookshelf almost to tears, but I wouldn't let myself cry. I was more pissed, and if Molly was going to call me a baby I wouldn't let her feel the satisfaction of me actually turning into one. I ended up scanning the bookshelves, and they were all classics. I shuddered. I absolutely hated classics.

When I was done fuming I stomped back up the stairs, a million thoughts swimming threw my head. I should go to Jason's party, maybe Piper will be there. Maybe I'll feel better if I go. Maybe I won't cry. Maybe I won't have to see Molly if I avoid her for the rest of my life.

"Calm down Annabeth," I whispered to myself. If someone saw me right now they're probably think I was crazy.

I cringed thinking about walking past Molly's room, but suddenly stopped from the sound of her talking to someone... Or maybe herself? I couldn't tell, but they weren't silent whispers, it was Molly's boisterous voice, and her door was cracked open the slightest, and I took that as a right of permission to sneak a peek inside her room.

At first I really thought Molly was talking to herself, I could only see the back of her head, bobbing back and forth for the amount of speech she was articulating. I frowned. Was she going crazy? The amount of stress that was put on her was unbelievable, but when you think about it, was she really doing all the work? I shrugged and moved plaintively to see well. Was she on the phone? No, her hands were moving freely beside her in wide gestures, and I couldn't see earphones plugged into her phone either.

"I was going to have a big party and you're defiantly invited," she spoke, and that's what she's been drawling on about for the last couple of minutes. "It's a huge deal, you know? I finally have a huge dream come true and I thought maybe I could spend a couple of days with you before it preparing and then... If you're not doing anything you could maybe come to the party? At first it was exclusive, just people I worked with, but now when I really think about it, that would be sort of boring, you know?"

I deadpanned. Oh boy, there was defiantly someone in her room. Where though? And why wasn't that person responding?

Two seconds later Molly's bathroom door was thrown open rather harshly, and out stepped the one guy I defiantly did not expect to see here.

Percy.

I gulped and ducked out of there, but not fast enough for me to hear him say, "Sure Molly. What time is it?"

Oh god. Who knew who she was? He knew that wasn't me? That two timing little... I finally caught my breath as I carefully closed my door, terrified if Molly heard me.

That night I didn't sob for person. I sobbed for my old life.

"No fucking way."

I gripped the phone, wanting to crush it in my hands. "Way. And in my house!"

"Your dad's house."

"Thalia, shut up for five seconds. How could he do this? He didn't seem like a big jerk when I met him."

Thalia laughed on the other line. "Big jerk? That's the biggest insult you could come up with?"

I exhales a long breath. "I should go in there right now and yank out Molly's extensions."

"She wears extensions?"

"Well... No. But I have a pretty big imagination."

"Mm," Thalia didn't sounds convinced. "So Molly is having a party the same day as Jason? I don't see what the big deal is, other than the Percy thing obviously."

I gnashed my teeth. "It's a huge deal. I've been saying this to people for years, but Molly's pretty much stolen everything from me."

Thalia took a deep breath. "I know you don't want to hear this from me Annabeth, but maybe Molly doesn't know that you know Percy? Ever thought of that?"

"The thought has crossed my mind," I slumped my shoulders. "I'd rather blame it on her. Or both of them, whichever works."

"Oh please Annabeth you're so much better than that. And don't blame yourself for their shitty actions too, I won't have any of that nonsense in my house."

I frowned. "I don't blame myself, I blame the poor parenting skills of my absent parents. And Molly of course."

"What did I just tell you?"

"I didn't blame myself for blaming them or... Wait or was it the other way around? Help me out here."

I could almost picture Thalia rolling her eyes. "Whatever Annabeth, just tell me if you're coming to Jason's party or not. And that's a demand."

Somethings suddenly popped into my mind. "Hey, will Piper be there?"

"Jason's girlfriend? I hope so. Why?"

"She was my good friend back at school," I trailed off, thinking of the unanswered messages and barren phone calls. "Never mind, I was just wondering if she was coming."

"It's not going to be a very big party Annabeth, don't worry?

I snorted. "I'm not socially inept you know."

"I know you can talk to people, but I also know you don't want to. Big difference."

"Thanks, and don't worry, I'll be there. It's not like I want I want to hide in my room while Molly throws her party anyway."

"Good," Thalia sounded relaxed. "I'll see you at four, okay? And Annabeth?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell your sister I'm not Goth."

"Welcome to the party, banana Annabeth."

"What?" I stumbled onto Thalia's front porch, and before I could even ring the doorbell, the door swung open to Thalia's Cheshire cat grin.

"Those don't rhyme." I said dimly, not waiting to be let in.

Thalia scowled, shutting the door with her foot. "You're early, you know? Like an hour early?"

I shyly looked at the floor. "Kind of needed an escape from Molly. She's being extra bitchy today. Don't know what her deal is, and I don't care."

I thrust Jason's present in front of Thalia before she could respond. She takes it like it's a bomb about to set off. She studies the cracks in the wrapping and shakes it to get a good grasp of what the present must be, and then she gives me a long look.

"You didn't have to get him anything."

"Well it's too late now I already did."

"True," Thalia tucked the present underneath her arm. "Have you seen Collie in a while?"

I grin, remembering the ever-so happy dog. "No, but maybe I should?"

Thalia rolled her shoulders back. "Well B, you're in luck. After we have our little chat about Percy, I'll be out of your hair for the next couple of hours."

I stiffen. "We talked about him on the phone. He's obviously not worth talking about."

"Maybe," Thalia tapped her chin. "But I see your liking in him is far beyond what you're telling."

I don't bother to respond, instead traveling up the familiar staircase to Thalia's, secretly hoping not to run into Jason before the party. There was something strange about the presence of the party's star guest the made my stomach squeamish, or maybe it was just Jason.

And then I was reminded of Piper and her not being there for me with the Percy and Molly and Dad thing and my legs collapsed as I headed face first into Thalia's bed. I heard her grown in agony behind, but I didn't lift my head.

"That really bothers me Annabeth. I had to mess up that bed all by myself."

"Mm."

"Be serious for a second, I need to ask you a question."

I was only interested for a split second. "A question?"

"Yes," Thalia said, exasperated. "Please get up, lazy lump."

With my best effort I managed to rise on both elbows, positioning myself to face Thalia, sitting right beside on the side of the bed.

"If this is about Percy-"

Thalia rolled her eyes. "Of course it is. But these are questions I haven't asked you yet. About him anyway."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical of Thalia's sudden seriousness with Percy. "You've alder enough questions."

"These ones are serious, I swear."

"Don't swear when you can't promise me anything."

Thalia held out her hand. "Pinky promise than, and you can go back to your depressing state. Although I don't see why you bother."

Thalia's pinky was warm against my, and I took that as a sign that she wasn't cold or heartless, and that there are people out there that I could trust, that I could confide in. It was sort of a breath of fresh air.

Thalia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her piercings reflecting the light of her lamp. "Percy must be the first guy you've ever really liked, am I right?"

I tilted my head up. "Sure. But I never said I was dead serious about him-"

"I know. Not grow up and have babies serious, but more wanting something that wasn't really yours in the first place."

The room suddenly became very hot. "Percy isn't a thing."

Thalia put both elbows on her thighs. "No, he isn't. When you meet him he was a great guy, at least that's what you told me. I can't understand why a guy would go behind your back and date your sister though. Especially when he knows it's your sister."

"So do want me to like, ask him why?"

"You don't have his number."

"I was being sarcastic Thalia."

The corners of Thalia's mouth curved up into a smile. "I think you should confront him."

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Thalia took a deep breath. "Not tonight, but if he's ever at your house again. Just walk right in the room and be like "hey Percy, remember when you drove me home because I feel asleep intoxicated in your care?" I mean, that's what I would do anyway."

I didn't seem necessary, but I laughed. "I don't even know if they're serious. I hope they aren't."

"Then catch him off guard," Thalia stood, her blue eyes twinkling. "Guys hate that."

I don't remember much of Jason's party, which is a shame because I never would have bought the big fellow into being the type to only have twenty people invited, and that was just a small group of people. I could deny that my mind was on other things that night, but really I just wanted to go into a confined space and read a good book, until Thalia dragged me out and made me talk to everyone. Sometimes she's the worst friend ever, but other times I can't deny that if it wasn't for her, I really would be going into a state of depression that would be a risk to my own health.

So I put on a bright smile and rolled my shoulders back, tempting to laugh and smile and have pleasant with whoever Jason intended to invite. That also brought up the question if Piper was here, and if she was here, would she want to talk to me? Would she be jealous that I made a new friend so quickly after we parted ways, being that it is her sister's brother, and that may be a little weird? If she was here tonight I'd have to ask her about all the unanswered texts. She couldn't ignore that question if she tried, a best friend who wasn't even acting like a friend in general. I would be beyond furious, but I didn't know what was going on with her life, so I decided to stick it out for as long as I could.

When Thalia and I arrived downstairs, I was thrown into the open arms of a stranger.

"I've heard so much about you!" The girl beamed. "Nothing but good news!"

I looked at Thalia for an explanation, she shrugged. "This is Juniper, cousin on my mom's side. Bit of a dramatic case."

Juniper's eyes flashed with something I could only gather as anger, but it quickly went away in a stifle of a giggle. "Well I have to be a dramatic if I want to get in the acting biz."

"You're an actor?" I asked, taking in the girl's large green eyes and brown hair.

Juniper nodded excitingly. "Yes! And a part time singer, but don't my mom that, she'll kill me if she finds out."

"Oh," I didn't know how to respond.

"And I also meet your sister too, Annabeth," Juniper said, and my eyes widened. "You're not much like her, are you?

My eyes darted to Thalia. Couldn't I go one day without the mention of Molly? This girl was really starting to get on my nerves. Thalia just gave me an apologetic pat on the shoulder.

"I'm nothing like Molly," I said, trying to keep my voice calm. "When did you meet her anyway?"

Juniper studied me. "The other day. She invited me to her party tonight, but it would be silly to show up, don't you think?"

I grinned, suddenly taking a liking to Juniper. "She's known for her parties."

Juniper nodded, and suddenly I was swept away by Thalia's grasp, her shouting over her shoulder "Sorry about that Juniper!" And leading me over to where Jason was lounging on the couch, talking to an Asian teenage boy who I recognized as a graduate in Jason's class and his best friend. And then my mouth almost dropped and Piper met my eyes, and they lit up. She bolted up from the couch and went to give me a bear hug, and I didn't hesitate to wrap my arms around her and squeeze, even though she's much shorter than I am, but that didn't stop me.

When Piper pulled away, I could see her kaleidoscope eyes still shinning, almost like she was about to cry. "Annabeth! I can't believe you're here!"

I nodded, and my anger for her evaporated, suddenly lost in thought. "Don't look so surprised Piper, I wasn't expecting you either."

She nodded, and suddenly we were aware of the audience we had. While not large, I was still eerie of them all.

Piper noticed my discomfort and grabbed my hand. "We should catch up, I've been super busy."

I cleared my throat. "Yeah, and um….. Happy Birthday Jason."

I felt bad for not acknowledging it earlier, but Jason just waved it off with a smile.

Piper tugged on my arm. "Let's talk in the kitchen."

Before leaving I said hi to Frank, and then I caught the look on Thalia's, mixed jealously and just wanting me to spend time with an old friend. I couldn't say I'd disagree with her, Piper's hand wrapped around mine and the stares from nearby party guests, and Piper was here. Finally, another person I could talk with. About Molly and Percy and the up and coming divorce of my parents, I wouldn't be alone in this.

I sat on a stool in the kitchen and listened to Piper talk about her life at home, about how her supermodel mom has finally found someone that Piper could marry in the future (I was horrified to hear that but Piper just kept laughing at how absurd it was) and how her dad, who's been living in Oklahoma for two years. Has finally returned home, much to Piper's mom's dismay.

"Wow," I breathed when she was finally done. "A lot of shit's gone down in the past couple of weeks. I'm still on your mom trying to marry you off like some medieval peasant."

Piper grimaced. "His name is Hercules."

I blinked. "You're joking. Like the Greek hero?"

Piper snorted. "That's not his real name, its Leonard, but if mom wants me to marry him, I'll move to the other side of the country. I heard Maryland isn't all that bad."

"Where are you getting your source material from?'

"Google"

"Oh geez," I grinned. "And I bet you can't wait to hear me tell you all about my adventures. I'm not sure which is worse though. Yours or mine."

Piper leaned forward. "I'm all ears Annabeth, shoot."

It was difficult at first, finding my voice and presenting it the best way possible, in words that even Piper would understand. I tried to put in every little detail, the house, Collie, how I almost lost my shit because I got my period, but realized what fun I was missing when I met Percy. Piper was grinning like mad when I told her about him, but all was lost with Molly. Molly this and Molly that, and Piper's fist clenched, her teeth gritted. My best friend was in rage, far beyond it, and I was close to it as well.

"Can I just say Molly is a bitch?" Piper lifted her fist in the air

"Yes," I set a hand on her fist. "I've been calling her that for years, haven't you noticed?"

"This Percy is even worse."

I flinched, but Piper didn't seem to notice. For some reason it hurt to see her talk ill of Percy, even if I was on the brisk on agreeing with her.

I sighed. "Let's get back to the party."

Piper nodded. "I'm sorry Annabeth."

"For what?"

Piper hopped off her stool "You deserve so much better than that."

I could hear Molly and Percy making out as I walked up the stairs.

I cringed, wishing my dad was here to stop it, but no. he was out for business, and my stomach couldn't take seeing Percy on top of Molly, on her bed, and the door was wide open-

I abruptly turned around. As quietly as I could I raced toward the library.

Molly's party must have been interesting.

I formally apologize for the lateness in this chapter, but you will get more of Percy in the next chapter, I can promise you that. Hope you liked it, please review.