Sorry about the late update! :( Don't worry though! I'm working on Chapter 9! Thank you for reading! Please review! ~22

Annabeth

I woke up the scent of burnt popcorn and a pounding headache, which was not an excellent combination. Through my sleepy haze, a soft, recurring tone was heard. As the morning began to come into focus, the sound became louder. Realizing it was my alarm clock, I slammed down my fist, a bit too hard. I turned over, nursing my throbbing hand, not ready to get up yet. The sunlight was beaming through my curtains, illuminating my entire room. Every other morning, the sunlight just peeked over the nearest building. I found myself wondering why this morning was different from the rest. Finally, common sense took over. I whipped around, sending pain through the back of my neck, up to my head. Unfortunately, I had checked the time too late and I had a mere twelve minutes to get ready.

My mind shot into overdrive as I ran around my room, finding pieces of an outfit and putting them together. Hating the fact that I had to go to class without taking a shower, I rushed into the kitchen, stuffing a granola bar into my mouth. I grabbed my bags and headed to the door, looking back to see Thalia and a bowl of blackened popcorn beside her. Not wanting to waste any time writing a note, I decided just to text her when I got to the elevator, explaining my disappearance. I tugged on my shirt, making myself somewhat presentable and stepped out of the elevator, only to be greeted by a freezing cold gust of air. I hadn't thrown on a jacket in my hurriedness this morning and I was about to pay for it with frostbite, knowing it was too late to turn back for one.

My day hadn't gotten much better from there. It took me five, frustrating minutes to start my car and I got caught at every red light. By the time I reached my first class, my lips were blue and my hair was disheveled from sprinting to make it on time. I received many curious looks from my classmates, but I dismissed them. Besides the first, my classes went well. I was beginning to forget about my chaotic morning as I strolled to the cafeteria. Something vibrated in my pocket and I pulled out my phone to read the new message.

Thalia: U left ur jacket :)

My nonchalant mood dissipated after reading her message and an irritable one replaced it. I could almost hear Thalia laughing at the jacket sitting uselessly in the kitchen. I was so busy staring at my books, thinking about Thalia, I didn't notice Percy sitting beside. When I turned my head and saw him, I leapt backwards, falling off my chair.

Laughing, Percy offered me his outstretched hand. I took it willingly, his fingertips sending shocks through my spine. Why did I keep doing that?

"Aren't you cold?" He asked, snorting in the process. "You know you're not wearing a jacket, right?" At first, I thought Percy might be concerned, but when I noticed his phone opened to Thalia's texts, I scowled. Percy quickly turned off his phone, blushing, but his malicious smile didn't fade.

"Can I help you?" I asked, putting my books back into my bag. "Any reason for visiting me at this table?" I tried to keep my death glare, but his lopsided grin sent my mind off its tracks. I suddenly found it hard to look at him without a bright shade of pink enveloping my cheeks. Why did he do this to me? I had no idea what was going on.

"I was just wondering, if you wanted me to drive tonight?" Percy looked down at his food nervously, as if I was going to yell at him for asking such a ridiculous question. I thought about my faulty car, unable to start correctly this morning, and nodded.

"Actually, yes," I said, laughing at the astonished look on his face. "My car's not working well, so I would really appreciate that. Thanks." I picked up my things to go to my next class. I turned to walk away, but stopped at the touch of Percy's hand on my shoulder.

"Wait," He tugged off his jacket and handed it to me. "You need it more than me." He shot me a huge, heartwarming smile, and before I could refuse his offer, raced off to his next class.

I didn't want to get out of my car. The temperature was only three degrees from freezing and of course, I didn't have my jacket. Yes, I had Percy's, but putting it on gave me feelings I couldn't understand. Not that I wanted to understand them. Pulling myself from my thoughts, I opened the car door. I hopped out, the wind stinging my face. I took a deep breath and ran for the building. The heat in the lobby warmed me almost instantly. I walked into the elevator, looking forward to dinner in two and a half hours. Yes, I was counting down.

The second I set foot through the door, Thalia began interrogating me.

"Where did you get that jacket?"

"Percy, but-"

"Why would he give you his jacket?"

"I don't know, he just-"

"You like him, don't you?"

"I… we…" Taken aback by her questions, I began to stutter, unable to come up with an answer. Thalia grinned triumphantly, happy she got something out of her questionnaire. She walked up to me and patted me on the head. I slapped her hand away, embarrassed.

"You might want to shower," She said, glancing at my frostbitten nose and icy hair. "It will warm you up, and-" She looked at me over her shoulder, smirking. "you have a date."

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Its not a date!" I retorted. "Its just… UGH!" I stormed off to the bathroom, slamming the door in frustration. I could hear Thalia laughing from outside, in search of something nice to wear.

After my nice warm shower, my mood seemed to lighten. When I went into my room to grab a dress, I didn't see Thalia, which I found suspicious. I pushed the thought aside and looked into my closet. I didn't own many dresses, but my friend Piper had made it her mission to buy me a lavish closet of clothes. I found a light bluish periwinkle-colored dress with a sweetheart neckline and two-finger-sized straps. It was fitted until the waist where it flowed out like a 50s dress. I had always loved dresses from the 50s. I left my hair in its natural curls, but pinned it off to one side. One of Piper's makeup tips helped complete the look. I stood at the mirror in my black, open-toed heels and for the first time,

I felt truly stunning.