DISCLAIMER: I don't own anything.

ANNABETH

About 1 and half months later;

I had practised about 5 times. So, I wasn't very nervous, I mean, I was but not very. I was confident. But not over confident. Some times I have stage fear. Not all the times, but sometimes well it kind of happens. And then, I don't know what to do. Plus, the worst thing I can't control it. My legs start shaking and soon, my whole body is.

So, the thing is I have this presentation on chapter 5 of our Chemistry text books ' Carbon and its Compounds' today in second period. I don't want to fumble or get blanked out, so I practised the past full week. And, by now I am confident that I can manage it quite well.

When I was dressing up for school, I revised everything once in my head. This will count towards my grade, so I want it to be the best. The teacher Miss Gregson chose me because I am her favourite, though I wasn't inclined towards the idea, but my friend Percy talked me into it. And, I agreed.

' Do you ever say no to him?' The voice inside my head said.

I was sitting in the first period, which I share with Thalia and Luke, two of my good friends, waiting for it to end. It had about 10 minutes left, which was making me anxious. You see, it happens like you know its coming, you pep talk yourself that you'll manage. But, the reality hits you when its actually like exactly upon you. Yes, that was precisely what was happening to me. It was hitting me hard now. I hope I'll manage.

The bell rang and I rushed out of class without looking back. I moved faster so that I could reach the classroom before anybody else and start my preparations.

" Hello Annabeth! " Miss Gregson said as soon as I had entered the class room. It was like she knew I'd be the first one coming in today cause she didn't even look up.

" Miss Gregson, " I exclaimed. " Good Morning."

" Ready for it?" She asked me, finally looking up from her book.

" Yes, " I said confidently.

" Come on then, " Miss Gregson motioned for me to come stand in the front.

The students started filling in as I moved to the front of the class. My friends, Calypso, Travis Stoll and Percy had arrived too. I took out my laptop and opened Powerpoint, connected to the projector by that time.

" So lets begin," Miss Gregson said after everybody had settled down. " Start Annabeth."

" Hi... I am ummm... Annabeth. I'll be talking about Carbon and its compunds. "

I pressed next to display the next slide. I looked towards the audience waiting for me to speak. Fear gripped my legs, and before I knew my legs started shaking.

I wasn't ready for this.

I can't do this.

No

No

No.

I won't be able to do this.

I need to leave.

What excuse should I make?

How do I run away?

I just stood and stared at the class for about 40 seconds.

" Are you gonna speak at all?" Rachel Dare spoke up.

What the hell is she doing here? As far as I remember we don't share this class. Why didn't I see her before? I mean, she is sitting next to my best friend, Percy.

I stood silently, unable to speak.

" Y- ye- yeah, so I was saying.., " My lip trembled as I spoke.

" No you weren't," A boy from the front said.

" Aiden, get out, " Miss Gregson said. " Detention later."

" But Miss, " He complained.

" Out, " She ordered. " Anyone else, who isn't interested can leave too."

Aiden grabbed his books and left, without causing more drama.

" Annabeth, begin now."

I CAN'T.

God, help me.

Tears were flooding my eyes. I pushed them back.

I bit my lip and before I knew Percy was not in his seat. He was standing next to me. He grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the classroom.

" Percy?" I asked. " What are you doi-"

He shut the classroom door behind us. And made me stand facing him. With his fingers, he wiped my eyes.

" Look at me, Beth," He said. I did as he said.

" You teach me all the time, don't you?"

" Ye- yeah," I nodded.

" Just look at me okay? and nobody else, pretend that we're at home and you're teaching me this chapter for the test next week. It's just me in the class and nobody else. Okay?"

" I am scared Perce."

" I know this scares you. Makes you uncomfortable. But, to get comfortable with this you need to put yourself in that situation. Make yourself uncomfortable, a few times. And, before you realise it will be a piece of cake."

" Uhh... I..,"

" I don't know anything about the chapter. It will be just like home. Only difference this time you are not using the book, you'll be using the projector and a presentation. Remember, we rehearsed yesterday?"

" Okay, I'll- I'll do it."

" Good, lets go."

" Yes," I smiled.

Percy opened the door and announced, " Sorry for the delay. "

I sheepishly walked to the forward and Percy went to his seat. I looked at Percy and started.

" Carbon is an important compund of the universe. Also, this chapter carries 15 marks on your final examination... " I talked and this time my legs didn't shake. I only looked towards Percy when I spoke and then back to the projector. It did feel like home. He listened attentively, nodding every now and then.

I can't believe it. It went so smooth. I didn't stutter. Didn't fumble.

" Thanks, " I said in the end.

" Anybody got any questions for Annabeth?" Miss Gregson smiled at me, as she asked the question to the class.

" Yeah," Jacob Smith said.

" Yes?" I turned my head towards him.

" Umm.. could you go back to slide 12," He said with his hand raised, holding a pen.

" Okay," I nodded once. I turned back the slides and stopped at 12.

" So could you umm... tell this again?"

" Sure."

" To me, at my house, this Sunday?"

" Jacob," Miss Gregson shrieked. " Get out. See me in break. Detention for you."

" Fine," He threw up his hands and I stood there laughing the whole time.

" Here's my number," He handed me a slip before leaving.

" Anybody with a valid question?" Miss Gregson said huffing.

Nobody said a word and the bell rang after 2 minutes.

The students rushed out of class and I packed my stuff.

" Annabeth, I am so glad I chose you," Miss Gregson said to me, after everyone had left.

" Thanks Miss."

" I wanted you to get over your fear. I wanted you to overcome it. Beat it. So, I figured the best way would be to make you face it. I saw that you had a little trouble, but you managed. And, the moment you started talking I knew it was the best decision ever."

" I was shaking," I admitted to her. " I wanted to run away."

" I saw that dear," Her face softened. " But, that's okay. This is how you learn. It is all a part of life."

" I guess, you are right," I said after a pause.

" I know that boy helped you," She gave me a knowing look.

" Percy," I blushed. " He's the one who convinced me to do it in the first place."

" Just tell him already," She exclaimed.

" I can't," I shook my head.

" Why?" My teacher frowned.

" He is dating someone," I turned away to leave.

" Wait, Annabeth?"

" Yeah?"

" Up for another presentation? I'll give you two months? You and that Percy kid?"

My heart told me to take up the challenge. You want to win. The fear needs to go.

" I want to," I said determined.

" Great, we'll discuss it next week," Miss Gregson said. " Off you go now. Aren't you late?"

" Oh! Shoot!," I dashed out of the classroom.

The lunch break rolled around soon. I found myself, looking for Percy. I needed to talk to him.

I found him sitting on our regular table reading a book.

Book?

Him?

I was shocked.

" Percy?" I walked and stood exactly behind him.

" Hey," He turned around to face me.

" Is that you? And a book? What's with it?"

" That's nothing. Lets talk about you," He gestured me to sit down. I sat down next to him.

" I wanted to say thanks. Thanks for what you did. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it. So, Thank you."

" Gosh Annabeth, I wanted to say how good you were. That was just brilliant. You displayed so much confidence. I was so proud."

" It was because of you," I said blushing badly.

" We need to stop being so formal. I have know you since like 9... 9 years?"

" No silly 10," I showed him 10 fingers.

" Yeah," He moved his hand around. " 10 years. I've known you for 10 years."

' Also, 8 years since I've been in love with you.'

" Okay, you are right," I said. " Let's do that."

" Great."

" Love you," I said words tumbling out easily.

" Me too."

' Only if.'

" This Sunday, I am taking you for Ice Cream," I told him.

" Why?"

" Just a gesture," I shrugged.

" Of ?"

" Of nothing. Oh, I forgot to tell you we got assigned a presentation."

" We?" Percy echoed.

" Yeah, you and I," I put on a smile.

" That sounds great," Percy said enthusiastic. " When is it?"

" Percy," A hand grabbed Percy's shoulder and he turned his head in that direction.

" Rach ," He stood up to hug her.

" Hello Annabeth," Rachel greeted me.

" Hi," I said shortly.

They sat down next to each other, pretty engrossed and lost in each other's eyes.

How long had I been wishing for that to be me?

8, for god's sake, 8 goddamned years.

My conversation was gone. Percy looked happy with her. Additionally, she loves him.

He told me everything. How he was surprised, startled and it was out of the blue, when she confessed that she was in love with him. He had never expected that. He needed time and all to sort out his own feelings.

They have been going strong for the last month now. I won't be astounded tomorrow if he told me he was in love with her too.

If she keeps him happy, I am okay with it.

I just wish it would stop hurting. It could stop hurting when she came along him in our study sessions. It could stop hurting when she came with us to the library. It could stop hurting when he looked in her eyes, when he laughed at a joke she made, when he kissed her, when they held hands, when they went out on dates.

I missed him.

When it was just Him and I.

When we had Sunday study sessions.

When we went to the library and we laughed looking at enormous books, I had read.

Then, she started coming along. It got boring for me. Since she always wanted him around. I could barely talk to him. The only place where we could be alone was home and at times, she came over in the evening to hang out.

" Annabeth?" Percy waved his hand in front of my eyes.

God! How long had I been staring at him?

" Umm.. yeah?"

" Rachel and I are umm... going for a little walk in the playgrounds. Wanna come along?" Percy asked me sweetly. My heart fluttered and my stomach was full of butterflies, when he looked at me smiling.

" NO NO NO," I said imagining how it would be. Them walking along holding hands and me being the third wheel, then standing under a tree to make out and me standing somewhere I don't have to witness that.

" What happened gurl?" Percy shook my shoulder. " You okay?"

" YEAH! UMM... I HAVE TO FINISH THIS BOOK," I pulled out a book from my bag.

" Okay then," Percy started walking after Rachel, who was long gone. " I'll let you read."

CRAP!

WHY WAS I YELLING?

I DUNNO.

' SHUT UP AND READ,' I instructed myself. So, I did.

RACHEL DARE

" She didn't wanna come," Percy joined me after two minutes.

" I kinda knew," I shrugged.

" Huh?"

" She wanted to give us privacy," I shrugged again.

" That's possible," My gorgeous boyfriend said.

" That is it."

" I am so proud of her. She is fighting her fear. She even got another presentation from Miss Gregson and guess what?"

" What?" I said curious.

" We are partners on it."

" You two?" I wondered.

" Yup," Percy interlocked his fingers with mine.

" Okay," I objected. " Enough about Annabeth. I wanna talk about something else."

" Something like?"

" Us," I decided.

" What about us?" He said panicked. " Are you gonna-"

" No, " I shut his mouth by putting my hand on it. " No idiot. I am not breaking up with you. I love you, remember?"

" Y-y-yea-yeah," Percy looked anywhere but at me.

" Why do you have to be that way?"

" I am sorry. I know you love me, but I don't know if I-," I cut him off again.

" I know and I gave you time. Take your time," I drag him under a tree. " Heck! That wasn't what I wanted to talk about."

" Oooh, " His face lit up. " What is it?"

" We haven't gone on a date in a while, after that day?"

" What day?"

" That day," I reminded him.

" Yeah but, we are hanging out all the time," Percy pointed out.

" Yeah we do, but there is," I wanted to say ' Annabeth around' , but I stopped myself. " I mean...there are people around us. I need just the two of us. Going out at night, having dinner and then Ice Cream later."

" You seem to have planned everything already," Percy joked. I was pushed against the bark of the tree while he stood in front of me.

" I kinda did," My face went red. He closed the distance between us. I couldn't take my eyes off him. That yellow t-shirt and blue jeans couldn't make him look any hotter. I initiated the kiss.

He kissed back. My hands were in his hair and I was gonna make it intense. But, he pulled back.

" What happened?" I asked furious.

" Lets save that for the date," Percy said running his hands through his hair.

" Hmm, " I said still a little mad.

" Rach, this is school," Percy sighed.

" Ah! Right. Damn it," I said as the realization hit me. I want to kiss him so bad.

" What else did you plan?" Percy teased me, changing the topic.

" Nothing, you idiot," I slapped his arm.

" Come on, just tell me. I am excited now," He said with genuine interest.

" Its nothing much," I looked away.

" Come here," He put his arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him.

" Gosh, stop. I'll tell you. "

" Yes?"

" So I was thinking ummmm... we could go to my house first and have a sort of movie marathon. Then, we could order some food and I take you shopping. Then, we go have dinner and Ice Cream after that."

" Wow," He took a long breath. " How many hours does it extend to?"

" From about 10'o clock to 7'o clock," I guessed. I want you all to myself for atleast one day.

" Pick me up?"

" Yeah. I will," I assured him with a smile. " Sunday sounds good?"

" Absolutely," He smiled back.

" I didn't eat anything," My stomach was grumbling.

" Yeah me too," We start striding towards the cafeteria.

" What do you wanna have?" I look at the menu. We sit with the rest of the gang and Annabeth is the only one missing.

" I was thinking about something Indian today," Percy scratches his head.

" Cool," I said. We ordered some food for us while Percy talked to the others. I had started sitting with these guys, since the last month but, we were friends, no I won't say that. More like acquaintances.

In my previous group, Ron is the only one who talks to me.

He's the second best in class after Annabeth, of course. He does still help me with homework.

" Where's Annabeth?" Percy asked Silena.

" Library," Silena rolled her eyes.

" Ah! Did she eat anything though?" He said, taking a sip of coffee we had ordered earlier.

" I guess," Silena said thoughtfully.

" What do you mean I guess?"

" I mean," Silena took a pause. " I think she did cause, she was leaving as we all arrived."

" I'll just call her," Percy shook his head. He shot up from his chair, dialling on his phone and walked a bit far from us.

I don't know what he is talking about with her. But, she's not even here and he is thinking of her, while I am next to him. Why is he laughing? She must have made a joke.

God! Why am I getting jealous? I the one am dating him. Not her. Even if she loves him, he doesn't love her.

ANNABETH

I remembered that I had to borrow a book from the library, so I left the cafeteria after Percy and Rachel went. I was busy rummaging through the books whilst my mind couldn't stop thinking, what was he doing with her. I tried hard to push those thoughts away and be happy for him. I need to move on, since we are never gonna happen.

My mind went to a certain piece of paper with a number on it, that was lying in my bag.

' He was probably joking.'

I was looking through a book, when my phone started vibrating. Thankfully, it wasn't on ring, otherwise, I would have been thrown out of the library.

' Percy'

" Hey," I said cheerfully and remembering how I always end up embarrassing myself in front of him. I crouched down in the row I was standing.

" Gurl," He said. " Where you at?"

" Just the library," I answer, picking up another book.

" Did you eat?" Percy asked.

" Y-yea. Certainly," I lied.

" Stop lying," Percy said strictly. " I know you haven't. It has been a long day for you, I know."

" Long and hard," I reminisce. " And it has only been half."

" Right," Percy laughed.

' There goes that magical and melodious sound. The laugh I could do anything for.'

" Beth? You there?"

" Yup," I smiled to myself. " Order me something."

" See me in the cafeteria, now," He ordered.

" Yes sir," I said, closing my books and took them to the librarian to check out.

I ate with the gang. Since Percy was in the mood for some Indian. So we had Nan and Dal today. The whole gang ate that. To be honest, I loved it.

The bell for 5th period rang just as we were finished eating.

" What do have now, Beth?" Percy asked me. As usual, he walked between Rachel and I. This had been our routine for the past one and half months.

" Math."

" And you Rach?"

" Same," She shrugged.

" What about you?" I asked him.

" English, but, I gotta go to the store house first. We have auditions today from 5th period to 7th period, for the football team since a few players are on break and some will leave next year."

" What are you going to the storehouse for?"

" Some guys and I have a meeting of about 20 minutes and then I have to collect the equipment, for the game which is going to be around an hour."

" So, what about your class?" Rachel asked him, distractedly.

" Got a note from the Coach," He fetched a note from his pocket and showed her. " Being the captain, in absence of Jason, it is my job."

" So, I'll see you after school," Rachel said.

" Yup," He gave her a little kiss on the lips and said bye to me before leaving.

Rachel and I walked to Math at the same speed, in utter silence. I wasn't weird or uncomfortable. We only talk when it is urgently, absolutely necessary.

5th period was a bliss. The teacher didn't teach anything new. She assigned us questions to solve and I did each of them in less than a minute.

5th period got over and we were about to dart out, when I heard a commotion outside.

" Students and Teachers, " From the loudspeakers, I heard the voice of Mr D our principal. " There is no need to panic. Please form a line outside of your class after the announcement."

With that , began murmuring.

What had happened?

" A fire broke out in the storehouse, which has been barricaded from outside..."

I did not hear the rest.

Fire in the storehouse.

PERCY.

He's there.

It has been barricaded from outside, but he was inside.

I frantically, dialled his number.

No answer.

He is inside and stuck, all alone.

A/N: HI! Thanks so much for reading.

Thank you for following the story for so long.

Thank you for the reviews Percabeth824 and Sarjoo06. Thanks a lot. I'll try updating soon this time.