Counting the Days

by pointlesspadding

Annabeth has a twin sister who's completely spoiled and rotten in every possible way you can possibly imagine. But what happens when she rises to fame and gets even more spoiled and rotten as the days go by? And how come she happens to steal away he very thing that Annabeth likes?

11. Chapter 11

I managed to pull myself out of bed, ignoring the rowdy sheets and how sweaty I felt. It's been a difficult week, but I managed to catch up with Piper before she went back home. Thalia decided that she didn't want to go in between our friendship so I've only seen her pass by a few times, and at first it made me feel sad, but Piper promised me that she would text back and email as much as possible, even if email is out of date. I couldn't agree more and suddenly felt right at home, bright and cheery, and then the gloomy days were back. Visions of Molly and Percy and the... Obscure incident on the night of Jason's party. It was difficult to ignore that sort of situation, and it was even harder to pull back on attempting to smash Molly's face in.

My dad was on edge and still miffed that he hasn't met Molly's boyfriend, but that didn't mean Molly's left empty promises. Percy's been over here more times than I can count on all my fingers, twice, and each time they were either making out or... You know what, leave it up to your own imagination. That's really none of my business. But seriously, she couldn't go one day without seeing Percy? I was more pissed than ever, and I accidentally threw my shoes on the base of the stairs, alarming them I was there. To my disappointment, they didn't stop, and I was left once again sleeping on the floor of the library, blocking out the sounds of my ex-crush and mortal enemy of a sister. Could my life possibly get any worse?

It did two days before Molly and I turned seventeen.

Our dad swaggered into the kitchen, looking smug in his polo and khaki shorts.

"Good news girls!" He boomed loudly. "I'm throwing you a birthday party!"

Molly was immediately protesting the idea.

"Now, now," my dad silenced her, holding up his hand. "I know you two have... Issues amongst one another, but I hope you can temporarily forgive each other for this one special circumstance. Agreed?"

Molly gave me a dirty look. "Sorry daddy, I can't."

I crossed my arms over my chest, and Molly went on babbling.

"Besides, I was throwing a party anyway. Annabeth can do what she wants to do while I go out with my own friends," I gritted my teeth at her emphasis on the words "friends." "I mean come on daddy, this party thing isn't going to work. Annabeth may not even show up, being in her room all day."

"I am not in my room all day!" I exclaimed. "And I have friends!"

"Oh please," Molly flipped her perfect blond hair. "Two friends don't count."

"What about Jason?"

"Three friends doesn't count."

I slammed down my fork. "You never listen-"

"ENOUGH!"

Molly flinched at my dad's exclamation, but I stayed calm. He didn't scare me, he just was a money-grabbing man who always got what he wanted, and right now, things were not going his way.

"Sorry girls," he sighed and rested his hands on the kitchen island. "My sudden outburst was unnecessary I realize this, but given the events of your mother and I, I thought we could have a celebration to lighten the mood, you see."

"Huh." Was all I could say. Molly wouldn't look at me.

"You can invite your friends," Dad offered, and in retrospect I would have been offended if I didn't actually have any. "I won't permit you to invite anyone scandalous over-"

"Daddy!" Molly gasped.

Dad shook his head. "You should invite your boyfriend Molly. I could finally meet him, finally see if he's worthy of dating my daughter."

"I'm sure he is," I muttered under my breath.

Molly ignored my retort. "I guess I could invite him, but don't embarrass me Annabeth."

I pushed away my eggs, the aroma bothering me. "In front of your coworkers that you say are your friends?"

"Those two things aren't different from each other and you know that."

"I don't understand you right now."

"Girls," my dad warned. "Could you two please get along for once?"

Molly opened her mouth to respond, no doubt a jab at me, but dad held up a hand.

"Never mind. Who should I send out invitations to?"

"Invitations?" I wrinkled my nose. "Why don't we just ask people to come?"

Molly nodded, although she looked about ready to gauge her eyes out than agree with me. "She has a point dad."

"Fine," dad huffed. "Invite whomever you want."

Molly smiled, a cherub face. "Of course Daddy. Where will the party be?"

"Here," dad started walking to the back door. "I hope that won't be a problem."

"No." Molly said sweetly.

I wanted to gag.

"Annabeth?" Dad asked, stopping by the doors.

"It's not a problem." I say, although I'm not sure having a party in the first place is a good idea.

"One last thing," dad closed his eyes, fidgeting with the collar of his shirt. "I've invited guest of my own, if you two don't mind."

I blinked, dad never got this nervous when he talked, and he was usually a confident man.

"I don't mind." Molly was still a ray of sunshine.

And I still wanted to puke, but grudgingly agreed.

"Alright," dad straightened. "I invited your mother."

Oh hell no.

"What!?" I bolted up from my chair. "You could have mentioned that earlier before I agreed-"

"Annabeth," my dad said calmly. "I want you to know that our little family isn't as happy as we've always been, and with the divorce at hand I'm begging you, just this once, agree with me on my own terms."

I glared at him for what felt like an eternity, and adamantly looked toward Molly, who's face looked like an alteration of wanting my mom and Bobby and Matthew to come because she knew it would bug me, and dreading to invite them here. I could tell it would embarrass her, and for once I found a common ground with my sister.

This party would be a disaster if my mom were here, save the twins.

But the look on dad's face told me that he wanted this, all of us being happy as a family. It won't happen in the long run, not in twenty years, and it was obvious my dad wasn't going to say no."

"Fine," Molly looked up at me in surprise. "I'm fine with it."

Molly looked from me to dad, and then her somber face lit up with angelic lights. "Of course daddy."

"And your boyfriend will be coming too." My dad confirmed. It wasn't a question, more like an order.

Molly was only taken aback for a split second before her face turned back into frustrated innocence. "Of course daddy."

She giggled and I had to swallow down my stomach. This party was going to be a disaster.

And then my dad asked the question that I couldn't bear.

"What's his name Molly?"

I didn't realize I was gripping my fork until Molly inhaled slowly, another giggle escaping from her lips. "Oh daddy, you'll find out at the party. Like I said before, nothing serious."

Dad didn't look satisfied, but he nodded anyway.

"Good to hear. If you two need me I'll be at work."

As soon as he was out of the room Molly turned to me, her nose wrinkled.

"Let me guess," I dropped my fork and plate into the sink. "You wanted your own party? Just for you?"

Molly laughed. "Don't be stupid Annabeth, I'm having my own party. I just don't want you to get in the way of my boyfriend."

The mention of Percy made me stiffen. "I can't make any promises."

"Yes you can."

I turned around to see Molly's hands on her hips. "And with you spying on us at night-"

"What!? I don't spy on you at night! You just leave your door open!"

Molly snarled. "Watch it Annabeth, or I could book you right out of here into military school?"

For a second I thought I misheard her. "What? Molly, I don't care what you and P-"

"Shut up!" She twirled on me. "You're better off at your goth girlfriend's house!"

"Is that supposed to offend me?" I said coldly.

"I'm wasting my time on you," she flicked her long blond hair so it was on a perfect best of her shoulder. "Don't bother trying to talk to me."

"What!?" I demanded.

She ignored my question and stomped out of the kitchen, just in time for my phone to ring.

At my first glimpse of the caller id, I sighed in relief.

"Hello?"

"Hey Annabeth," Thalia sounded flustered. "Hey, you mind coming over like... Right now?"

"Why?"

"I have a surprise for you."

"My birthdays in two days, you know that."

"Not that kind of surprise," Thalia said. "Just come over, or better yet, I'll pick you up."

"Okay?" I was nervous, I did not like surprises.

"Good," Thalia sounded relaxed. "Leaving right now."

"Okay," and then I stopped short, remembering something. "Thalia?"

"Yeah?"

"My sister called you goth again."

llllll

I wanted to be angry at Thalia, I really did. But there was something in me, and I wasn't sure what it was, that told me that she was just being my friend.

But what sort of crazy friend would buy concert tickets to her ex-crush's next performance.

"You're insane." I said. "You're bonkers. You... Need to take your crazy pills right now."

"It's just concert tickets B," Thalia plucked the two of them from my hand. "No need to get frazzled."

"I'm not," I shook my head. "Burn those right now."

"I knew you'd react like this."

"Don't I have a right?" I paced back and forth in her grandeur living room. "This better be some sick joke."

"It's isn't." And Thalia was surprisingly calm, lounging on the couch without a care. I wish I was like that, and suddenly I was back to square one with trying to explain to Thalia that, hello! My sister was dating Percy!

Instead I sat on the couch next to her, defeated. "I almost said his name in front of her."

Thalia didn't react. "Fighting over him again."

I almost gagged. "Not fighting, just yelling loudly at one another."

I wish I could go back and erase what I did that night, and this is the first time I really thought about it. I should have been more careful. I shouldn't have drunk that... Whatever that stuff was, and I definitely shouldn't have agreed to go to their concert in the first place. My greatest weakness is not being able to let things go, and here I am, willing myself to shut down and shut up, when really all I needed to do was talk. Even if Percy was a liability that doesn't mean I never had a crush on him. That doesn't mean he wasn't nice to me when he drove me home. He didn't have to do any of that stuff, and yet he did.

I took the tickets back from Thalia. "Never mind. You're coming to my party, right?"

Thalia slowly nodded. "Jason too. And Piper too. You know, I've only met her a few times."

I wasn't sure if she was disapproving of Piper, or maybe she really meant it, but I could hear the hint of jealously, and I've had enough drama in my life for one day.

"Sorry I left you at Jason's party-" I started, but Thalia held up her hand signaling me to stop.

"You haven't seen your friend in a while Annabeth, don't worry about it," she grinned. "Besides, you could finally reunite with Percy at his concert."

I swore at her loudly, probably loud enough to to make the neighbors hear, but she just laughed.

"I'm jealous of you Annabeth, really."

"My life is a joke and my mom's coming to my party-I mean my party and Molly's."

Thalia quirked an eyebrow. "Your mom is a demon, right?"

I nodded. "She won't like you, no offense. I mean she hates everyone, expect Molly and maybe my brothers. It doesn't help that my parents are getting a divorce either."

Thalia stood. "This is depressing. Can I show you something?"

I waved the concert tickets in her face. "It better not be another one of your horrible surprises. I don't think I'll ever recover from my Tweaker days."

Thalia flashed me a grin. "Just trust me. And no, it isn't a surprise. Now get up."

I obliged.

I could recall almost every inch of Thalia's house from days and days of visiting here, but I almost loathed her as I took in the grand library.

I sucked in a breath. "This is-"

"Nobody ever reads in my family," she pulls a book out from the shelf, dust collecting around it. "I guess that's why we're so dumb."

"Oh stop," I brushed my hand against the spine of the book. "I know plenty of stupid people that read."

"Okay than," Thalia clunked a book beside me. "I feel like you'd be into the classics so-"

"Not really," I admitted. "I mean, I don't like most of the books we've read in school."

"Nobody does," Thalia huffs. "But pick out whatever you want. My birthday present to you."

I almost forgot about the concert tickets in my hand. I held them up for Thalia to see. "And these?"

Thalia leaned against a bookshelf. "Those are Jason's."

I frowned. "What?"

"His tickets. He's obsessed with the band, although he doesn't show it. I showed you those 'cause I thought it would be funny."

"That was a sick joke," but I smiled at her as I handed the tickets back. "I can't possibly read all these books by the end of the summer, you know that."

Thalia gave me a lazy grin. Her blue eyes dazzling in the dim light of the library. "You struck as a speed reader. But really, you can take them home with you."

I gaped at her. "You're serious?"

"Hell yeah. And when you're done picking out your favorites come play with the dog. She's also just as depressed as you are."

With a flick of her finger Thalia was gone, and I was left to stand in wonder. To stand in heavenly bliss.

Thalia forgot the concert tickets, and as I carefully inspected them, took in the text and the date and the time of the performance, a gush of nostalgia was thrown at me. Not for the concert per say, but for the adventure itself. Even though I was pretty much forced here against my will, I've had enough time to try things that I would've never done if I was back home, under my mom's watchful eye. Thalia showed me that, and I'll admit maybe even some other people, although that would be the ugly side of things. The things I wouldn't touch with a ten foot pole.

I pulled out the first book that came into view, not bothering to read the title of who it was by, and shoved the concert tickets in there, in time for me to find a proper book mark. The tickets felt weird in my hands, but as I journeyed my way out of the library, I could almost sense a sort of freedom. I could do anything I wanted this summer. I could, and while my mom thought of this as a punishment, extra cargo for Molly, I couldn't help but notice that that wasn't the truth.

I was given a chance to change, to be something more.

lllllll

When my mom arrived, I hide in my room.

I watched from the window, pulling the curtains away to get a better view. She had more luggage than was necessary, and both my brothers kept close to her, mouths slacking in awe as they looked at the house. I could understand their amazement, my reaction was almost identical, but everything about this seemed wrong. My brothers were young, and I didn't want them to be exposed to this sort of... This sort of awkwardness that a child should never have to encounter.

Although I'm one to talk. I am still a child.

Dad was at the very top step, while Molly was over joyed to see her favorite parental figure. To my annoyance she patted both Matthew and Bobby's heads, and didn't do much but help my mom boss the maids around. I could almost hear my mom screaming at the top of her lungs for them not to carry it that way or swing it around like they're some kind of demented buffoon. Dad just stood there, not uttering a word.

I pulled the curtain back. This was going to be unpleasant. Molly and Mom were power houses when they were together, unstoppable. I would be patronized day after day, and most of the time I wouldn't have a say in defending myself. The family "rules" really needed to be turned around.

I suppose I could sympathize with my dad, it must be awkward having to invite the woman you're about to divorce over to your mansion. Especially if she was tyrant. The only thing troubling me was how I was going to escape this, and the problem would be that I can't. One way or another I'd have to go downstairs and face my mom. Face the wicked demon who brought me here.

I glanced back outside. Everyone was still in the position I last saw them. Molly and mom ordering the help around. My brothers was star-struck front the gigantic house in front of them, and my dad. He was still standing there, surveying the whole thing. It was almost creepy.

I took a deep breath and pulled open my door. No doubt mom would have a comment on my hair or clothes or how I've been wasting my summer away so far. I could take it. Another deep breath and another one.

Pace yourself Annabeth.

I expected them all to be inside when I arrived downstairs, but they were still outside, still greeting each other. Still gathering their thoughts.

When he door opened, my dad was there, holding it for the help.

Huh, I guess he's not as bad as I thought he was.

"Sounds hectic out there," I said as I approached dad. "Everything okay?"

My dad's eye twitch. "Everything is peachy."

I stood aside as the help swarmed around the entrance, bags in hand, terrified looks on their face. I got the sense that my mom was in a rotten mood today.

It took me all my might not to bolt when she stepped there the threshold, eyes darting here and there, no doubt seeing what money she could coin from the divorce. She didn't even so much as glance at me, and I sucked in a hasty breath.

Thank god for that.

Soon Bobby and Matthew and Molly trailed in after her, and for a minute everything was awkward. It was so silent you could hear a pin drop.

"Well," mom breaks the silence, eyes glued on the fortress. "This is surprising."

"You should see my room mom!" Molly piped up. Always one for suck-ups.

"Soon, Molly," mom looks dad up and down. "You haven't changed a bit."

Dad tilts his chin up, accepting the challenge. "You as well."

"Are there secret rooms in this house?" Bobby asks. Bless his innocence. "Like if I pull a book off a shelf, will it open up to a hidden room?!"

Mom laughed. "That only happens in movies Bobby." She narrowed her eyes. "Which you've spent too much time watching. I'll need to cut that down."

"Anyway-" dad starts again, but I drown them out. I'm standing here, invisible as always. What sort of steps do I need to take to get noticed by my own family?

"I have to see it all!" Mom suddenly cheers-although it's more of a bark in my opinion. "Molly, would you show me?!"

Molly nods. "Of course mom! My room first though!"

Mom smiled. The wicked witch has returned. "Anything you want."

Not even a glance at me as those two flew up the stairs, and Molly no doubt about to tell Molly of my adventures of this summer. Although I haven't done anything wrong, it's easy to say that Molly will twist her own words around to make me some sort of villain in one of her lame movies. It all begins with a few simple words, and nobody could tell me otherwise that it would end in a disaster of its own.

"I'll show the boys to their rooms." my dad announced. He gave them a pat on both of heir blond heads.

Matthew stared at dad in amazement me. "Rooms? We get our own rooms? Like separate?"

Dad nodded. I could see right through him though, every little warning telling him in his head that this won't end well for him in the long run.

Well, that's karma for you.

"Great," I say, because those are the only words that need to spoke from me in these sort of situations.

I give Matthew and Bobby hugs-because I'm a human being who doesn't pay people on their heads anon greeting-and hurry up the stairs. I didn't want to run into Molly and mom, on her bed sharing gossip, so I hurried passed her room, only to hear-

"I think she's seeing someone."

Molly.

I grit my teeth.

"Someone?" My mom. Thank god Molly closed the door. "As in a boy?"

Molly groaned. "Yes! And I keep telling her it isn't safe! She's not here to make boyfriends!"

"Well if she's having a ball here than maybe she should go visit my mother in New York! I swear that girl needs more discipline."

Discipline? For what? Oh right, not to long ago I apparently hit Molly.

I leaned in closer to hear well.

"It's unfair mom, you have to punish her. Things can't keep going on like this! And I have a reputation!"

"Molly, I will do all I can to win you two over in court-"

My eyes widened. Of course. Molly and I are still minors. Mom and dad had to gain custody, fight over us, and we would just sit there. With no say in all.

"-please!" I heard Molly beg. "Mom please! I don't want her to have any freedom."

"I know," they would be hugging now, they'd have to be. "Sweetheart, everything will go our way, I promise."

I stepped away from the door. I've heard enough. I've heard enough about those two ganging up on me, like I was nothing. I've had enough of their sniveling comments. I didn't mean anything to them, and they meant nothing to me.

I stormed away knowing that I practically had a target on my back.

lllll

Out of my window I could see a beautiful morning view, the cerulean sky clear as day, not a cloud in sight. It was perfect for my birthday.

That didn't stop the butterflies in my stomach though. Every inch of me wanted to crawl back into bed and stay in my cocooned sheets for the rest of the day. No big party or seeing people that I'd be forced to talk with. No family drama.

That wasn't the case in this situation. I immediately called Thalia when I woke up, on feeling bad for a split second that it wasn't Piper who I wanted to confide in.

"Hey birthday girl, you nervous?"

"Oh stop," my hands felt sweaty. Was that normal. "I think I'm going to have a panic attack."

"Never heard that excuse before."

"I'm serious. You better come over here straight away."

"Shit, let me just drop everything and speed over."

"This is serious!" I shout, being careful that no one in the house could hear me. "Please."

Thalia sighed. "Fine. Should I sneak through the back door?"

"Why?" I asked, puzzled.

"Your mom," Thalia said, like it was obvious. "I bet she would take one look at me and think to herself who the fuck let this rat in."

I laughed. "Are you being funny on purpose?"

"No," Thalia said flatly. "So threw the window?"

"No, the front door. You're coming to my party anyway. Either way she's going to see you."

"Good call. I guess I'll see you soon. By the way, any updates on Percy?"

I groaned. "He's apparently coming to the party."

"What?! That's going to be super awkward."

"Tell me about it."

"So anyway, I'm leaving now."

"Okay." I clutched the phone like it was my only lifeline. Or maybe that was Thalia. "I'll see in a little bit."

lllllll

It was pretty easy to get Thalia in the house. Mom was out shopping with Molly, and Bobby and Matthew were still spending their time exploring the house, and for some reason dad was holed up in his room. That left Thalia and I lounging around for a while until people started coming over, and I have to admit, I was a nervous wreck. Today was my birthday, but it didn't feel like it. I felt more like Molly was hogging all the wishes of a great year at turning a year older, and accepting all the gratitude from people with blank faces. People that were here just to put on a fake smile.

They do it because she's going to be famous, and that's the only legitimate reason. It made me sick. It made me want to run away and join the circus of something crazy like that, although I suspected that's what Molly thought off me. Just one big ravaging animal, someone who's just a nuisance.

"Jason's coming, right?" I ask Thalia, partly because I'm afraid of only having one friend at the party tonight.

Thalia wore denim shorts that left too much to the imagination and black tank top. Her hair was splayed into a knot at the side of her head, making her look like Princess Leia, minus one of the buns. She had her black flip flops on and her makeup was done perfectly, almost like she hired a real life professional to do it. The cut of her eye liner that made her blue eyes switch from dark and intimidating, Thalia's signature look, to swell and happy, the one her brother wears most commonly.

In other words, she looked better than I felt.

"He's coming," Thalia confirmed. "But I can't believe Percy is coming though. He's going to freak when he sees you."

"Thank you for that reminder," I shook my head. "I'll just need to put on a happy face for him-I mean for the duration of the party."

Thalia smirked. "You can never be too subtle Annabeth."

I stuck my tongue out at her, feeling impish and not at all seventeen.

I gulped. God, I'm finally seventeen. I mean I'm not officially an adult or anything like that, but it's still seventeen. For some reason I've always felt so much older than that, more grown up and mature. I guess that happens when you have parents like mine.

"When is everyone coming over again?" Thalia asked, snapping me out of my daydream.

"Three," I took a deep breath. "I guess I should get ready now."

Thalia stood up. "What are you wearing? Please tell me baggy sweatpants and a t-shirt with a hole in it."

"Unfortunately," I said, not thinking that was such a bad idea. "That won't make do. My mom would probably make me change out of that shit, saying how much of an embarrassment I am or something like."

Thalia looked down in disappointment. "Shoot. And I thought this party was going to be fun."

I laughed and opened my closet. Dresses were poorly hung up on hangers and must of my shoes were thrown on the floor in an unorthodox manor. I never cared much for trying to be organized when it came to my clothes, unlike my schoolwork, so most of the stuff I ended up wearing was wrinkled or folded up in awkward places. I suppose that was a big difference between Molly and me, since she had to have everything in her closet and her dresser draws organized, while her own schoolwork was a heap of mess.

I wondered if she payed someone to do her homework for her.

"Here we go," I said, ripping a sundress off a hanger. It was sad simple as a sundress could get. White and laced in the back, nothing too showy for my tastes.

Thalia nodded. "Not my taste but it's certainly yours."

"I guess it's time to do my make up." I slumped into my bathroom, and as I riffled threw my makeup bag, I paused, remembering something.

"Shit."

Thalia poked her head threw the door "What is it?"

"I have my mascara to Molly."

Thalia's eyes widened. "You let the demon touch your eye wear."

"Yes," I immediately flung myself out of the bathroom. "She borrowed it yesterday morning. She wasn't happy about it."

Thalia was right behind as I left my room, pounding down the hallway to Molly's room.

I turned around as soon as I got to the door. "You should got back, if she sees you-"

Thalia scoffed. "Oh please Annabeth, I'm not afraid of her. Neither should you."

"I'm not afraid." And for a moment I almost believed myself, believed that what words just came out of my mouth made sense. "Just hang back and check to see if she put the mascara back."

Thalia eyed me, and I was afraid that at any moment she would call my bluff. "You're walking into the lion's den B. Enemy territory."

"I know," I glanced at the door. "Hopefully she won't be home."

Thalia nodded. "All right than Annabeth, I wish you luck. If you need anything, just holler."

I twisted the doorknob. "Thanks"

llllll

I looked everywhere for the blasted mascara.

In retrospect, it should have been in the bathroom, hiding in one of the cabinet draws or just laying someone on the countertop, but no. It was nowhere in sight, and that only worsened my moon.

I figured Molly was still out with my mom, and I only sent Thalia away because I wanted some time alone, even if I was just looking for my imaginary bottle of mascara that was nowhere in sight. I wondered what the hell she did with it, and why she even bothered to ask in the first place since it was obvious that she loathed me. I gave up. No matter what. I would never be able to get inside Molly's head.

I angrily slammed a draw shut, about ready to leave the room, before I realized that maybe Molly stored away the mascara somewhere in her room, not bathroom, and suddenly I felt really stupid. I wasn't looking hard enough.

I could make do without the mascara, but it was mine, and if Molly had something in my possession than I would be beyond furious about it, although that seemed to be pushing the limit for being overdramatic. Livid wasn't the word for it either, but a sense of lost hope.

"It's just stupid bottle of mascara." I muttered under my breath.

I started opening and closing Molly's dresser draws, not caring for personal privacy and making a mess of her stuff. And boy did she have a lot of stuff. I don't know if my sister is a hoarder or if she just collects stuff for fun, but she had a serious problem.

I was about to give up when my eyes glued to Molly's nightstand. How convenient, and it was just sitting there, begging me to open it.

I looked over my shoulder. My back would to be to the closed door, and I wasn't sure if it was safe to live it ajar or the latter, so I just closed it.

I sat on Molly's bed, taking in the smell of perfume and whatever else she sprayed on herself or dunk in the bed clothes. Our rooms were almost identical, but her colors were much more vibrant, giving off the sense that someone with contrast lived here, and not someone like me. Someone with wrinkled clothes. Someone who was way too eager to open her sister's nightstand.

There were two, and as I looked through the first one, all I could gather up was gum wrappers and a compact mirror, just the sort of thing that I would expect to find in Molly's draw. I half-expected to find a diary in there, but as I made my way to open the other draw, there was almost the same identical stuff in there. The only thing that caught my eye was the Pandora gift card, but other than that, no mascara.

I closed the draw, staring it, wielding it to give me the mascara.

The door burst open, and I had two seconds of pure terror to want to shrivel up and disappear.

Shit, I was in big trouble.

And then something happened that I wasn't expecting to happen in a million years. The deep drawl of a voice caught my ears, and I froze up, not knowing what to say, or what to do.

"Hey babe, I knew I'd find you up here."

Percy.

I didn't know what to do. Or what to say, I just stared at the nightstand, praying this was just some crazy dream I was in.

"Finally met your dad. I thought he would give me that shitty speech like 'don't you hurt my daughter' or something that, but nah he didn't. Also he said you were out shopping with your mom and-hey, what's up with you?"

Next to me the bed shifted, and I knew he sat down, and all the sudden both his hands were on my shoulders, turning me around.

I took in a sharp breath.

Percy looked….. Well the only way to describe him right now would be that he looked hot.

Broad shouldered? Check. Chiseled features? Check. Eyes that any guy or girl could get lost in? Check. Check a million times check, and I was just sitting here on the bed. I felt stupid. I felt the need to call for Thalia, who was only a few doors down.

Percy cocked his head. "You look different." He squinted his eyes. "Nah, never mind, it's probably just me."

I didn't know what to do so I just nodded.

Percy put a hand on my waist.

I froze.

He thinks I'm Molly. What do I do?

"You're really quiet today," Percy chuckled. "Must be birthday nerves. By the way, when is everyone coming over?"

I made a choking noise. "Three."

Percy smiled. "Perfect."

And than his lips collided into mine.

Everything happened in a blur. My anger for the past couple of weeks vanished. The resentment towards Percy and Molly was long gone, and it only needed a kiss to break, a long kiss full of passion and adrenaline. I've never had someone else's tongue in my mouth and- by gods, it was amazing.

Both of my arms looped around Percy's neck and his were around my waist, drawing me further up the bed. I was so lost in the kiss that I didn't even care, I didn't care that he thought I was Molly or that I was enjoying this more than I probably should have.

Percy bit my lower lip, and I moaned. Okay scratch the enjoyment part. This was a fantasy. This was drugs. Everything that could happen in my dreams was here. This moment.

For a split second our lips were an inch a part, gulping for air, and I couldn't help but murmur, "Percy."

He immediately snapped back from me. "What did you just call me?"

I blinked, registering the rift of emotions on his face. Confusion. Anger. Frustration.

I licked my lips. "It's me." I whispered. "Annabeth."

Percy immediately shot up from the bed. "No."

He paced the floor. "No. No, no."

I stood up from the bed. "You must hate me now."

His body went ridged. "No."

I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or he was still ranting.

"You're Molly's twin sister," Percy finally looked at me, I couldn't read the expression on his face, but he was obviously panicked. "She told me about you."

I stiffened. "And yet you're going out with her."

Percy deadpanned. "You know my brother."

"You're brother?" Okay, now I'm really confused. "What are you talking about?"

"My brother Percy," he bit his lip. "Fuck, this can't be happening."

"You're not Percy?" My body slacked in relief. "You-oh my god you didn't recognize your own girlfriend?"

Percy-no not Percy, his brother, or whoever the hell this guy was, threw me a disgusted look.

"And you didn't recognize that I'm not Percy?!"

"I met him once." I snapped. "Yet you've known Molly for how long?"

"It doesn't matter," Percy's brother crossed his arms over his chest. "What matters is that Molly can't find out about our little make out session."

"Fine." I stared him down. "I can't believe this whole time I thought you were Percy."

"My names Pierre."

I scoffed. "Oh that's perfect."

"What is?" Pierre looked ready to smash his fist in a window.

"Nothing," I stared at him. "So, Percy has a twin brother."

Pierre incline his head. "And Molly has a twin sister."

"You already knew that."

"Yeah but I've never met you."

"And now you have." I blushed, thinking about what just happened a minute ago. "And that was a mistake."

"Molly can't know about this," Pierre reminded me. "Like ever."

"I know," I was beyond satisfied the Percy wasn't the guy I thought he was. I thought of Jason's concert tickets. "I won't tell her."

Pierre didn't look convinced. "Molly tells me awful things about you."

I glared at him. "Why would you tell me that?"

"Because I have to make sure you won't tell her about our little accident."

I threw my hands in the air. "I won't tell her! As much as I want to, I won't! You know why? Because I'm not a horrible person!"

Now I felt like punching a hole there a wall, or something!

I tried to stomp out of the room, only to be stopped by Pierre's outstretched hand.

His eyes glittered with something dangerous. "Don't tell her."

"I won't," I said firmly. "Now let me pass."

He studied me, weighing his options. There weren't many to start with, and I wasn't even mad at him or even Molly, picture that, I was madder at myself than anything. Percy having a twin brother and he happened to be dating Molly this whole time? Yeah, how come that possible outcome hasn't crossed my mind?

Pierre outstretched his hand. "Fine. See you at the party."

He was threatening me, for the sake of saving himself. I shot him a dirty look before leaving Molly's room.

llllll

Right on the dot at three o'clock, guests were already shuffling into the house. Most I didn't recognize, but others were a face I've seen over the past couple of weeks. Molly's coworkers. I even recognized Juniper, walking up the front steps of the house, and from where I could see out of my window, she was holding hands with and unruly man with a goatee.

I gulped.

"You said Jason was coming," I didn't bother to turn around to look at Thalia. "Where is he?"

"Relax Annabeth it's three o'clock. He'll come. I swear."

I stared out the window. So many faces I didn't know, so many people I'd have to meet, have to shake hands with. Dad's friends, relatives I haven't talked to in years. And they were all here for me and Molly.

"Let's get this over with, I pulled at the fabric of my dress, the dress I changed out of now burned in the remains of my bathtub. I would never think of making out with Molly's boyfriend, and his lips on mine. For all I care, she can keep the mascara. "When we're down there, do not leave me."

"Aye aye captain," Thalia stood up from my bed. "Let's bounce."

I suppose I should have felt giddier, given the fact that Percy may or may not be unavailable in my eyes, and given the stakes o should've been thrilled. But dread curled in my stomach. I could never be with someone like him. He was in a band and he was older than me, why would he want to date a High School girl? Especially one with straight A's and one bitch of a sister? I couldn't think of any reason why, and I depressed me.

I told Thalia everything too, and she had to keep from jumping with joy.

"Holy shit!" She half shouted, half whispered. "His brother? How crazy is that?"

"Well he's in the other room, so yeah, it's pretty crazy."

She gaped at me. "You know what that means."

I smiled. "Percy isn't dating a demon?"

"Precisely," Thalia couldn't stop smiling. "You have to go after him."

I shook my head. "How? I don't have his number or anything."

Thalia's eyes glittered. "I'll figure out a way."

I didn't even get a chance to ask what she meant before Molly squealed in joy from down the hall.

Boyfriend spotted.

That's when everyone started coming over. I smoothed down my dress, took one look at myself in the mirror, and started heading down downstairs, Thalia on my heels.

I took one look downstairs and gripped the banister.

How many people did my dad even invite?

"Out of my way Annabeth."

I turned around, and lord and behold there was Molly... And Pierre. He was emotionless, no doubt trying not to try and recognize me from our little... Interaction from earlier. I tried to pull the same mask on my face.

"Why should you go first?" Thalia asked.

Molly scoffed. "I'm older, duh. Now move out of my way Goth girl, or it won't be pretty."

Thalia raised an eyebrow, but stepped aside so her highness come move down to her willing guests. Pierre didn't even glance at me.

"Oh he's cold," Thalia whispers to me. "He looks exactly like Percy?"

I grinned. "Exactly so."

We made our way downstairs, and I had a pretty awesome view of who I was going to be dealing with in the long run. The rick snotty people were there and I could even spot some of my annoying cousins that I haven't seen since I was ten. And a bunch of people that I'd have to deal with.

I took a long sigh. "Here we go."

It took me a while to greet everyone. Small hello's and appropriate enough time of talk so I was standing there feeling uncomfortable. A lot of people commented on my dress, and when I saw Juniper, she brightened.

"Hi Annabeth!" she gave me a hug, surprising me. "Happy birthday!"

"Thanks," I smiled as she pulled away. "I wasn't expecting you here, but it's nice to see a sort-of familiar face."

She giggled. "Molly invited me. But just between us," she winked at me. "I'm here for you."

"Oh," she was here for me instead of Molly? That's rare. "Well thanks I guess."

"Yeah," she looked behind me. "These people are pretty stuffy, huh?"

I shrugged. "I barely know any of them."

"Don't worry about it, you'll get used to it."

I cleared my throat. "Right. So who's that guy that you walked in with?"

Juniper bounced on her feet. "You mean Grover? He's my boyfriend. For a pretty long time now."

"That's cool." Sheesh, why does everyone have boyfriends nowadays?

Juniper and I chatted away and I was whisked away by a few family members. I tried my best to smile and sell it. Pretending I was having a good time wasn't as easy as it looked, but I was used to it. After years spent of Molly being everyone's perfect little angel, it only came natural.

After the adults had a few drinks and loosened up with one another, I couldn't help but stare at Pierre and Molly. Those two have been holding hands the whole time, Molly giggling and fluttering her eyes up to him, and Pierre standing there, stocky and polite. I almost felt bad for him, but I quickly turned away, thinking about Percy.

Could I be with him? Absolutely. But that would mean meeting him again, and I wasn't sure I'd be in the same right of mind. I was chatty than, and all I really wanted to do was curl up on the couch and sleep for a million years. He was obviously more extroverted than I am, although I don't have a problem talking to people. I just have a problem talking with people that I have a crush on.

I checked the time on my phone. It was nearing seven o'clock, and I couldn't believe so much time has passed since everyone came over. It only felt like a couple of hours, yet it's been four hours almost on the dot. I was glad this party was nearing to the end, really only wanting to take a nice long sleep until noon tomorrow.

And then the worst possible thing could happen to anyone on their birthday.

My dad, centered in the room so the spotlight was on him, clapped his hands loudly, as if to catch everyone's attention.

"As you all know," he started. "Today we are here to celebrate both my daughters' birthdays, Molly?"

Molly quickly pecked Pierre on the cheek and quickly went to stand by my father. I suddenly wanted to disappear forever.

It was obvious I was next, and I hurriedly searched for Thalia in the crowd of people. She was nowhere to be found.

"Annabeth?"

I tried to smile as people turned to me, and I put down my drink, all alt awkwardly on the table I was standing next to, isolated for almost everyone. Every inch of my body was telling me not to go over there. That this was a trap, but my legs had a mind of their own, dragging me over to the spot where Molly and dad stood. I could see disgust glitter in Molly's eyes once her eyes laid on me, but it was long gone one my dad started talking again. Nobody noticed.

Dad put a hand on both of our shoulders. "Both of my daughters turn seventeen today, and I'm blessed to have both of them. As you know, Molly is very talented in the arts," he smiled at his daughter, and Molly flushed. "And Annabeth is practically the top in her class, isn't that right?"

He raised an eyebrow at me, and it took me a while for me to realize that he wanted an answer.

"Oh," I looked down in embarrassment. "Yeah, that's true."

Dad looked back at the crowd, almost like none of that happened. "I'm excited to have you all here tonight, and I've hoped you all had a wonderful night."

He took his hand off of our shoulders, and surged back into the crowd.

lllllll

After my dad's speech I found Jason and Piper lounging around on the couch in the living room, idly talking to one another.

"Hey!" I smiled at them, sitting beside Jason. "When did you two get here?"

Piper shrugged. "Half an hour ago? We came just in time for your dad to embarrass you, how charming."

Jason laughed. "I should've recorded that."

I whacked his knee. "Stop that. You don't know what it's like to be compared to Molly."

"He wasn't really comparing you," Piper corrected me. "Just telling people how talented you two are. The whole package."

"At least Molly didn't hit on me," Jason looked disgusted. "I hated whenever she did that in school."

"Well she wouldn't hit on you now since she has a boyfriend now." I said.

Piper gaped at me. "Really? A boyfriend? Is he here now?"

"Yeah," I said, and a cheeky grin came upon my face as I thought of our kiss. "You wouldn't believe what his name his."

"Roger?" Jason guessed.

"Bob?" Piper leaned forward excited, and soon the two of them were sprouting ridiculous names left and right.

"Kash?!"

"Bentley?"

"Spartacus?"

"Huck-what the fuck kind of name is Spartacus?"

Jason shrugged. "It just came to mind."

"Well those are horrible name," I agreed. "But it's actually the capital of South Dakota."

Blank stares.

I rolled my eyes. "His name is Pierre."

Jason and Piper stared at each other for the longest damn time, and then burst out laughing.

We got a few looks from party-goers.

"Pierre?" Piper said, and then lowered his voice, afraid if he was near. "Seriously? Couldn't his parents have just named him Peter?"

I shrugged. "It's not terrible, just not something I would name my own kid."

"Oh god," Piper bit her laugh to keep from laughing. "So what does he look like?"

"Uh," I grinned, the mental picture of Percy coming to mind. "Tall. Green eyes. Black hair."

"Every guy ever." Jason muttered.

Piper rolled her eyes. "Oh please. You want to fight the stance of blonde-haired blue-eyes males?"

Jason held up his hands in surrender. "Fine. Just wanted to point out the obvious."

They bickered for a bit more, and it was almost like we were back home, hanging out by the beach and doing whatever while watching the waves lap over each other. It was a nostalgia that I longed for, and watching this two fight over nonsense like that, well it only brought back all the good memories we had. I was very depressing in that state given where I was currently.

I smiled to myself. Maybe this summer won't be so bad after all.

llllll

My mom immediately went upstairs after the party ended. Dad too, although he lingered in the corridor for a while before he even managed to climb up the stairs. I wasn't sure if my parents were afraid that they would scream at each other or accidentally make up with one another. Either way I wanted to take no part in that experience, so I just went back to my room, laying on the bed with a million thoughts in my head.

Molly isn't dating Percy.

That was one thing I couldn't believe. This whole time Percy had a twin himself, and I knew it would've been stupid for him to mention that to me that one time we talked, but that information would've been useful in the long, I instead of tearing myself up from the inside out, waking up every day thinking that's something I'd have to live with.

And now that I know he's available... Well it made me giddy with excitement. I didn't know much about him, and maybe he is dating someone else or maybe he doesn't exclusively date girls... But still the possibility was out there. The possibility of us two being a thing. Getting together on dates and just doing things couples do.

I smiled to myself. And I have to admit it wasn't just relief that Percy wasn't dating anyone, but it was a relief that Percy wasn't dating my sister. Sure it was just his twin and they looked nothing but similar to one another, but the relief of having to branch myself away from that. It was thrilling. It was exciting.

And today was a new day, and I was seventeen. Not that that changed much, but it was something that made me happier, and maybe that happiness could change something, build something different.

That night, I slept better than I have in three whole weeks.

llllll

I'm not sure if I'm dodging a bullet here but... A chapter everyone and no one was asking for. Please review.