Hi there readers!

As usual, I don't own PJO, only the plot :P

Yep, and THREE CHEERS FOR MY BETA, THE ARTEMIS! Thank you very much :)

Okay, here's the new chapter... ENJOY AND REVIEW!

Annabeth

Night approached silently, hiding the sun with its dark cloak. I washed my face in the cabin washroom, getting ready for the fireworks. As usual, I refused to put on make-up or any other jewelry apart from the Camp Half-Blood bead necklace. I briefly considered wearing my silver owl-shaped earrings but decided not to since I wasn't going with Percy.

Percy Jackson.

Percy.

I'd tried to convince myself that I wasn't worthy of Percy. I mean, Percy wasn't worthy of me. I prepared myself to get over the stupid boy yet I couldn't forget the moments we cherished. In addition, just 15 hours ago, he told me that he was sorry. His sincere face had burnt into my memory and I could do nothing but to trust him.

I knew, even though I didn't want to accept the fact, that I was the desperate one. And my mom would definitely not be impressed by this. Speaking of which… Which Olympian did this to us? Why would he or she do something so terrible? Judging from the conversation I heard in my dream…Poseidon seemed to be the one. Yet my instincts pointed at the opposite direction. My thoughts were jumbled up and I contemplated.

Calm down, Annabeth, calm down.

Taking in a deep breath, I sorted out the facts and evidence in my head.

Sea foam…

Dolphins…

We all know that Poseidon is the sea god; that's mythology basics. Questioning that would be stupid. But that description sounds like some other god. Besides, if Hermes wanted to describe Poseidon, why not use "Barnacle Beard" or "Trident Tyrant" or anything else? Why Sea Foam? Why Dolphins?

Annabeth! Stop the desperate thinking. You're just making up excuses!

I slammed my fists against the sink in frustration. Why was I trying so hard to convince myself that Poseidon wasn't the one messing with us? Why don't I want Poseidon to be the one? Why do I want Poseidon to approve of…our relationship instead of interfering?

I lifted my head and stared straight into the mirror. Two confused grey orbs looked back at me and seemed to tell me the answer that I'd dreaded. Without knowing it, an abrupt sob escaped from my mouth. My already messed up hair got tangled up even more as I cried to myself.

I still love Percy, that's why.

Wailing my heart out, I didn't know how long it had been until a knock on the door snapped me back to reality.

"Annabeth? Are you okay?"

The voice. I recognized it.

Chris Rodriguez.

What was he doing in my cabin? Then I remembered.

The fireworks.

"Um, I'm fine, Chris!" I tried my best to sound 'fine' but it didn't come out as strong as I had planned.

"Okay, I'll wait outside then," he answered.

I gave no answer and just slumped against the wall. What did I do? Why did I end up in such a mess? I imagined scenes in my head as my thoughts raged on and on. Scenes of Percy and Rachel together, with me chasing them and them escaping. I could never reach them…only if Percy slows down. Well, we'll see whether he would stop and wait for me to catch up tonight.

Nervously, Chris held my clammy hand as we made our way through the crowd. I winced involuntarily as people cast us quizzical looks. Yet Chris was not at all disturbed by the stares we received.

"I will treasure this moment forever and ever," he muttered under his breath, blushing ever so slightly.

I rolled my eyes.

I could see Percy and Rachel sitting together, at the very front. Rachel was using Percy's shoulder as a cushion, making everything look romantic. I shot the couple an angry look and searched for a vacant spot.

"Over here; Annabeth," Chris said, leading me to a spacious area.

I followed him with my head low.

"What's wrong, love?" he asked softly, and for a moment I wondered how he would feel if Percy claimed his love for me tonight. Honestly, I pitied Chris.

Music suddenly rang out, loud and clear, from unseen speakers. A sudden hush fell over the crowd. The first scene had started. Chris gripped my hand tightly in his and motioned me to rest my head on his shoulder. As awkward as it felt, I still did it. The slanted sky was filled with exploding fireworks and blossoming flowers of vibrant shades. Roses, red red ones, filled the black black sky and couples held each other even more tightly. Sighs of satisfaction echoed though the crowd but all I felt was a deep deep emptiness that I'd never experienced in my life.

Letting the reality slip away from my consciousness, my brain opened the book of memories, flipping the pages one by one. I saw Percy and me, meeting for the first time when we were 12. I remembered the fuzzy warm feeling I harbored throughout the years, waiting for someone, a special person to return the emotions that I felt.

That came true. Not for long though.

Strings of thoughts ran across my mind, clouding up my attention and my judgment. I felt a strange numbness being spread throughout my body until…until…

Then I heard it. I heard his voice.

Percy Jackson.

I blinked my eyes in surprise as consciousness flooded back to me. What? What is that guy doing on the stage? I saw the MC handing him a mike and asking him a question.

Just then, I felt a sudden twitch on the shoulder that I was resting on. Curious, I turned my head and stared at Chris. His eyes were filled with dark hatred and shadows of jealousy. He looked down at me when he felt me shift and the dislike melted away. Meeting my gaze with love, he leant closer.

Oh damn. He's going to kiss me.

Sure enough, he gently took me by the chin and closed the distance between us slowly.

"—what confessions do you have, Percy? Are they for Rachel?" I heard the MC tease.

"Actually, no. It's for my girlfriend, uh, Annabeth Chase."

My head jolted upright at what he just said. Girlfriend? I haven't even said yes yet! I didn't say that I'd forgiven him! Yet his little speech made a small grin appear on my face.

Chris made a noise that resembled no human sounds. It was more of an animal growl in fury. I flinched and edged away from him.

"Annabeth, I know you're here with Chris… I, um, just want to tell you that, uh, even if you go with Chris, I'm fine. As long as you're happy, I'm happy. Because uh, my heart belongs to you, not Rachel…"

His face turned into a shade of bright red as he quickly sprinted down the stairs and away from the awe-struck crowd. Into the woods he went.

"That…that bastard!" Chris stood up and yelled. I gasped as I saw his eyes burning with rage and despise. I groaned inwardly. Being fought over by two guys really isn't fun.

Mutters and whispers spread through the crowd, with everyone eying us suspiciously. Unable to take all the attention, I ran away, as fast as I could.

The only destination I could think of, was the woods.

Hope you liked it :D R&R!