DISCLAIMER: I don't know anything you recognise.

ANNABETH

I was in love.

I was walking down the street. I had my book along, ' MOST FAMOUS ARCHITECTURE MONUMENTS OF THE WORLD'. It was Sunday morning. I had washed my hair, they were wet so I let them down. They were flowing with the cool breeze making me, wanting to fly too. The street was busy, cars and buses, passengers and pedestrians, men and women, children and toys, everybody busy, not bothering, simply minding their own business. Life is so fast paced now, no one has time for another person.

I was looking for a quiet place, some where I could sit and read. I didn't want to read at home. That gets boring some times, neither did I want company, so I had taken off on my own. I was wearing a long flowery dress, which had length up to my ankles and my flats on my feet.

I looked away from the busy street and started walking towards the country side. This road was almost empty, just five to six people and nothing more, no cars, no buses, no horns. I was looking for peace of mind, some where empty and quiet would do its magic.

I walked long and far, but, the road never seemed to end. The book was feeling heavy now.

I had been walking for 20 minutes now, but, no where could I see the end.

I walked another 30 minutes, leading to no result. Weight of the book was increasing and increasing. I felt like I should drop it.

At this point, I was freaking out. I was lost, where was I? I hoped this was a dream. Maybe I'll drop the book and free my hands.

I wanted to stop walking, but, my feet won't rest. The moment I forced them to stop, I would start walking faster as if its making up for the time I lost by trying to stop. Neither was I feeling tired. I didn't drop the book though.

It was night now. I was still walking, no person in sight. Was I losing my mind? I dunno.

I walked and walked, for now, it seemed like days have passed. One day down, Another, Third, Next, More days. It felt like a month and I haven't seen a single person in sight.

Nor Human, nor Animal, just me, the book and the never ending road.

Hey! What's that? I think after walking for almost 4 months. I saw a person.

Is he/she real or is it a manifestation of my brain?

I started running, before they disappear right in front of my eyes. I ran, I feel, I got up, I feel again, but, I didn't give up.

Finally, I reached.

I reached my destination.

My goal.

I grabbed that person by their collar and spun them around. It was a hot guy, not just any guy, but, my best friend. The one I loved, was in love with, had fallen for.

I wanted to ask him, what was going on?

What was he and I doing here?

How did he come here? Did he walk for four months too?

Before, I could say anything, he spoke," I have been waiting for you."

" Why?" I asked.

" Its been so long. You walk slow. I have been here for four months. Why did you take so long?"

" I was walking..." I trail off.

" Yes?"

" My feet won't stop, I was, I don't know, how to explain this," I shrugged.

Percy raised an eyebrow.

" I mean I was walking, then, all of a sudden, every one disappeared and I couldn't stop walking. And I walked for 4 months and here I am," I finished.

" Hmm," Percy nodded. " So, tell me what is going on?"

What does he mean? Isn't he supposed to tell me that?

" How am I supposed to know?" I exploded. " You need to tell me that."

" I ?" Percy points at himself.

" Yes, you."

" I am sorry," He shrugged. " I don't know."

Holy Crap! He looked so cute.

I moved closer to him and rose on my tip toes, before, rational me could stop the impulse me. Impulse me placed my lips on Percy's.

It was the magical feeling, you get, when you kiss, " THE ONE". Yup, that's exactly how I defined it.

I kissed him and he kissed me back. That flying feeling I had in the starting was back. I wanted to fly and scream and tell everyone about it.

" I love you, Perce." I said after he pulled back. " You are really special."

" Me too," He said closing in for another kiss.

One moment, we are kissing and the next moment, he pulled back and started shaking my arm.

What?

" Get up! Stop day dreaming," Percy was saying.

My eyes snapped open, realising what an amazing at the same time weird dream I had. I groaned. Damn it, why was it just a dream?. I tossed around in bed, rolling over and around, angry at myself and my brain.

I was on a roller coaster of feelings. I didn't mean to, but, I was. I was in love. Its like the best feeling on the planet, but, also the worse, when the person you love doesn't love you back. Its euphoric and sad at the same time.

It's good to be with him, but also terrible to watch him with another girl.

These thoughts filled my brain for the whole day. I spent time doing homework, called my friends. Percy was going to come over to study and talk, maximum talk. I'll try to make him study for our Tuesday test though. I have a high success rate.

He came after about 10 minutes. My heart immediately jumped. We studied for about 2 hours and talked later.

He told me about how a girl kissed him yesterday, without his permission. And, it turned out to be a dare.

No No Annabeth, No. This isn't making you jealous. You're just angry, at the thought of how could she? You don't get jealous anymore. You're just mad at her and No you aren't planning to murder her. You're fine. Cool. Relax. Easy.

" Annabeth? Were you even listening?" Percy waved his hand in front of my face.

" Of course I was listening. You didn't say her anything, nothing at all?"

" See you weren't listening," Percy rolled his eyes." She gave me the slip and ran away."

" So, you aren't doing anything about it?" I asked.

" Fine!" He threw his hands up." I'll sue her."

" Gosh," That got me laughing and a moment later, Percy joined in too. We laughed till our stomachs ached.

By the end of it, we were lying on the end of my bed, next to each other. We were looking at the terrace.

" You are my best friend Annie," Percy said turning his face towards me.

" And you mine," I said with out looking at him. I could feel his gaze on me. And my heart hurt reminding me that I loved him.

" You are really nice and amazing, Thanks to you, I had so much fun yesterday," He looked back at the terrace, I saw from the peripheral of my eye.

" I know that," I said looking at him with a smirk.

But not really, I am terrible. I am not a good best friend. Best friends support each other. Best friends don't have feelings for each other. They don't fall for the other friend. They don't have weird dreams about you. I did the complete opposite. I am in love with my best friend. I have walked far away, very far away from friendship. I know, I shouldn't be cause you'll never feel the same.

~ RACHEL~

School sucks, but, I can't wait to go back today. I am going to meet my boy friend. YESSSSSS!

I was excited.

I was sorry.

We made up.

This distance has made me realise my true feelings. I can't lose him. I am falling for him. He doesn't know, I am going to tell him, today. I got dressed and had some breakfast. My parents are busy, nothing unusual about that. I am waiting at the gate to go to school, Alaya is coming to get me.

She's late. I look at the clock, its 7:29. We need to reach by 8. I am gonna be late. I tap my foot in frustration.

" Ahh! There she is," I saw her car.

" Sorry babe, running a little late," She pulled down the passenger seat window and beckoned me to join.

" I can see that and don't call me babe," I reprimanded her.

" You used to like it," She asked confused.

" Not anymore," I said with a smile.

" And what's with this outfit?" Alaya looked at my clothes. I was wearing worn out jeans and a faded yellow T-shirt that said 'Welcome to New York' instead of my usual tank or crop top and mini skirt.

" Just felt like it," I shrugged.

" Oh-kay," She nodded and looked straight making a weird expression that, I couldn't name.

" I am excited," I said unable to control my elation. " Can we go fasterrrr?"

" Oh lord! Rachel Dare wants to get to school on time today? May I know, why?" Alaya asked in a teasing voice.

" I umm... we... made up. I can't wait to see him," I answered grinning.

" We?"

" Percy and I."

" Oh. So that's it," She laughed. We drive for 10 more minutes with me detailing everything for her though I left out the part about realising my true feelings. She ' Hmmed' and nodded occasionally, simultaneously focusing on the steering.

" I hope you are making the right decision," Alaya said as I got off the car and thanked her for the ride.

" Yeah," I said in excitement. " I'll be seeing you later."

I walked towards the locker room and got my stuff before leaving for class. I glanced at Percy's locker. It was open as always. Some one had slid a ' I like you' card in it. Surely, he gets that a lot. I left it be and plodded off before some one noticed me snooping.

I was 10 minutes early. I could go to class or see my friends. Deciding, the former option I sauntered towards my first class. It was Math. Math was not one of my favourites. My excitement was rising, but, there was no sign of Percy or that Annabelle girl.

' You have to be nice to her.' I reminded myself what I had promised Percy. I can try of course, why not. Percy's friends are my friends too, except her. But, I'll try once for real.

I'll do that.

It will be good.

Maybe we can be friends?

No.

No way.

Who am I kidding?

We can't be friends.

Lets call it acquaintances, yeah, that'd be perfect.

" Rachel.. H-hi. Wha-what are you do-doing he-here so early?" Ron, a friend of mine interrupted my thoughts.

" Hi Ron," I smiled at him.

" You umm.. look different today," Ron blushed.

" Different as in-"

" Different as in good. Really pretty and cute. Of course, you are a natural beauty. You look beautiful," He flushed deep red and proceeded to sit next to me.

" Aww, thanks Ron."

Ron's a good guy and my seat partner, for a few classes. He's intelligent, just one place behind that Anniebelle girl.

" Di-did you umm... do your home work?" Ron asked me. He tried to help me with tasks all the time.

" Yes, " I flipped out my notebook and showed it to him. He liked to read through it and corrected my errors.

Not to brag, but, I know he has a crush on me. I've caught him staring at me, often.

" Hey Rach, this is wron-,"

" Correct it," I told him as my attention was gripped by Percy entering the class. He wasn't alone.

' Why is he holding hands with that Annabethie?' And they were laughing, at something Percy had said.

Why does she get to share 4 classes with Percy and only 2 for me and him.

I really don't like her, now.

How dare she?

That's my boyfriend.

They settle down, next to each other and the teacher arrived pretty soon, making it not possible for me to go and talk. I could just do one thing. Wait for the class to get over.

Ron tried to make a conversation with me, but I was too busy thinking when this boring class would get over.

" See you Rach," Ron got up to leave, to my happiness I realized the class was over.

" Yup," I collected my bag and dashed out after Percy.

" Percy?" I called after him. He turned around head and saw me. He waved at me. His face was covered in a smile. I caught upto him, Annabethie moved aside to give us a bit of space.

Remembering my promise, I said Hi to her and moved on to talk to my boyfriend.

" Wow," He said looking at me, up and down. " You look incredible."

My face flushed red.

" I missed you, " I moved closer to him. " And I'm sorry."

" It's alright," Percy's one hand was on my back pulling me more closer, the result being a terrible jump of my heart beat and the fingers of his other one traced my left arm.

I locked my arms around his neck and his hand lifted up my chin and he kissed me lightly.

" I want to talk," I said.

" About?"

" Just you know.. stuff."

" Now?"

"After school?"

" Sure, see me at my place, " Percy said looking a little flustered.

I pulled in for another kiss and it was amazing. I could see Anniebelle from the corner of my eye, huffing and pouting. It was hard for her, after all she's completely and madly in love with him.

" Class," Anniebeth coughed.

" Oh yes!" Percy pulled back. " Sorry Beth, I hope we didn't get you late."

The moment he talked to her, Her expression changed to full of joy and she smiled, " Not really I just need to be on time. Not good for my grade."

" Bye Rachel," Percy put an arm around Annabelle's neck and they advanced towards their next class.

" See you," I waved.

I had English and Chemistry after that and before lunch break. I sat through the class, trying to pay attention, although I kept zoning out thinking about how Percy would react to my confession.

1. He'd say I like you too.

2. He'd say I don't like you.

3. I wanna break up.

The last two sound horrible. I hope it will be option 1.

I barely managed to not fall asleep during Chemistry, Ron tried his best to help me. Finally, the bell rang, signalling the end of class and thus, lunch break. Ron and I made our way to the cafeteria, with me in the lead. I found our usual table empty and occupied it, whilst Ron left to get some food. I was waiting for my friends to join, we'd eat together.

The cafeteria was full in about ten minutes. Percy and gang was sitting one table away from my friends and I. I kept stealing glances at him. Gosh! He looked hot and damn.

" Rach, you don't seem your usual self today?" Drew, a friend of mine asked.

" That's nothing. I am fine," I took a bite of my sandwich.

" No, no, you're not," Drew screwed up her eyes.

I gave her a look that clearly said ' None of your business. Stop meddling.' But, she'll never take the hint.

" And what's with these old shabby looking clothes? Did you not shower today, Rach?"

" Leave me alone," I said in frustration, raising my voice.

" Alright," She said in defeat.

" Hey lets drop it," Ron interrupted.

" Lets go for that movie today," Alaya said trying to relax the situation.

" Yes, lets do it."

" Sure."

" Of course."

" Yup."

Everybody was ready.

Crap. I can't go. I gotta go to Percy's.

" Guys," I whispered." I can't go."

" Why?" Samara asked, peering at me.

" I have plans," I admitted, shaking my head.

" Oh my god," Drew laughed humourlessly. " What plans? With whom?"

" None of your business Drew," I hissed.

" I don't believe you," She said lamely.

" I don't care, think whatever you want."

" I," Drew opened her mouth to say something, then shut it and opened again. " What's up with you today?"

I was getting a revolting feeling from her, I just wanted to storm of. I didn't care what she thought. But, she was my friend. I used to tell her everything. We have drifted apart since the past few weeks.

" I have plans with Percy," I said in a low voice.

I heard a few gasps and one shrilly ear piercing laugh.

" So," Drew said evaluating what to say now. " So... he agreed to take you back?"

" Why in the world are you making it sound like I was begging for it?" I retorted back, angrily.

" Yes you were. I mean, you were practically, after that cafeteria incident. You called him everyday, messaged him, but, he won't bulge. Now, you guys are back on, so that's what I deduce."

" Can we not please..." I glanced at Percy's table. He was looking at me. " Not here."

" We'll continue this after school," Drew followed my gaze and nodded.

I didn't say a word after that, and grabbed Alaya's arm and dragged her along with me to our next class.

" Can't she not do this for at least one day?" I yelled in annoyance.

" You know, she hates when the control is taken from her hands," Alaya rubbed her hands together.

" She can't control us. We are all different people. She needs to understand that."

" I guess, nevertheless , she won't. She simply won't get that."

" Well then, she can be that way," I stormed off.

" Wait," Alaya was running behind me.

" What?"

" Seriously, are you doing all this for that Percy kid?"

" Maybe," I shrugged.

" You sound like you're in love with him. You're so gone."

" I am," I said bluntly to her face and walked away before, she could catch up again.

~ Evening~

Drew caught me after school and we had a heated argument over my priorities.

I left her completely, baffled and speechless. She won't annoy me anymore about my love life. I told her asking for forgiveness isn't begging and she better learn that. I love my boyfriend and I don't wanna risk losing him.

I was driving to Percy's place. I am gonna pick him up, we'll have coffee and then I'll drop him back.

It took me 20 minutes to drive upto his house. We could have gone to my place, but its always over-crowded with people in evenings. Mom and Dad bring their clients home from office, there are office parties and office meetings. All the boring stuff, that I will never understand.

I called Percy, the moment I reached his place. He said he'll be over in a minute. I told him I'd be waiting in my car. I saw him getting out of the house next door, Annabellie's place.

How come these people are always hanging out together? Don't they need space. Oh wait- she's coming too.

Why is she following him?

She's hugging him.

I made a face at that, even though, it's nothing. They are just friends. God knows, why I get so jealous of her sometimes. Maybe, because she has feelings for him. Maybe, in spite of that he doesn't like her. So, I should worry about that.

" Have a nice time together," Annabelle waved at him and whipped around to trudge inside.

" Hi," Percy smiled at me.

" Hi," I smile back. " Get in."

" So, where are we off to?" Percy got in and fastened his seatbelt.

" You'll see," I said, amused.

" You sure, you don't wanna go in?" He points at his house.

" Some day, not right now."

I drive away from his place and take left.

" What did you want to talk about?" He looked interested.

" You know, about us?" I point at him and then myself in a quick motion.

" Okay," He raised his eyebrows. "What about us?"

" This and... that," I said nonchalantly.

Percy nodded and I steered faster.

He started looking out the window. I was relieved for a moment though. We drove in silence, occasionally smiling at each other.

" Here we are," I declared as we reached Caffe Coffee Life.

" Oh wow Rach! I haven't been here in so long," Percy beamed at me as he got out of the car.

" Lets go inside," I followed him inside.

We ordered 2 lattes and waited for our names to be called. The cashier here is a friend of mine, I had told her I'd be coming, so our orders were ready earlier than I had expected.

" Come on," I said to Percy as I grabbed my latte and wait for him to follow suite.

" Lets take a stroll," I told him as we wend our way out.

" Aren't we staying in?"

" Nope."

" Kay."

Finally, the moment had come.

The confession time.

My heart is thumping inside my chest, nevertheless, I wasn't going to put it off anymore.

A day of restlessness is enough for me.

We walked side by side, through the gardens near the Café. I wanted to do that at a quiet place, more like just you and me types.

" Here," I came to a halt, in front of patch of beautiful flowers. " Lets talk here."

" Okay Tell me what this is about," Percy turned to me and sipped his latte.

" I um... wanted to say that," I looked him direct in the eyes. " My feelings for you... have umm...," I trailed off.

" Your feelings for me have?" He questioned.

" Changed," I take a large swig of my drink.

" Changed?" Percy echoed, puzzled.

" Changed as in grown," I said moving my hand in a circle.

" So you like me better? Why did we have to come here to talk about that?" He slurped his latte.

" You don't get it," I said huffing.

" Then, elucidate."

" I mean, they have grown as in I am falling in love. I am in love with you. I love you, Percy."

He spat out his drink. Thankfully, not on me.

" That's gross."

" I am sorry!" He used a tissue to wipe his face. " Like love literally?"

" Yeah, I think so."

" Not the usual one you keep saying?"

Yeah I used to keep saying, Love you Percy, but, I never meant it before. This time I do. I do love him. This is grave.

" Yeah not the casual like- love. I mean, the serious one," I peer at him, trying to read his expression. It's a mixture of shock and weirdness and like 5 percent awe.

" Wow! I don't know what to say Rachel, I am not-"

" You are not. I know. You are not in love with me. You are just at the like phase, am I right?"

" Yes. That's true," He said taking the last sup from his drink.

" I knew that," I rubbed my nose. " Even so, I love you and there's no denying that."

" I really need to sit down," He looked around

" Come on," I ushered him to the nearest bench. " We just got back together, first day and I threw all this at you. Its a lot to take in. Take your time."

We sat in silence for 5 minutes, and I couldn't bear it no more.

" Can you atleast tell me what you are thinking?"

" I am just blank, I don't know what to think," His expression is blank too. " I am happy you came clear and confessed, I appreciate that. At the same time, I don't know what to make of it."

"Of course, its hard. " I nodded in understanding. " I hope I am not making it weird between us."

" No, its not."

" You can take all the time in the world. I had to confess because I couldn't keep everything bottled for that long. Don't think I did it for you, I did it for myself."

He smiled and I smiled back.

" Let's forget it and tell me about the concert," I said with eagerness. And, there's been no going back after that. We talked like long lost friends and everything was back to normal.

Still the fact that he went with Annabethie made me jealous, stabbing me in the heart. But, I chose to ignore it, that awful pang of jealously.

We walked back to the coffee shop parking to get my car, I drove him home, laughing and talking like old times. We kissed in front of his door. I said goodbye and left for home feeling relieved.

I had fallen in love with him and he knows that.

A/N: Hi! Thank you for reading and supporting the story.

Thanks for you follows, favs and reviews.

Thank you for your lovely awesome and amazing reviews Percabeth824, AnnabethSaysHi and Sarjoo06. I hope you all enjoy this one too.