Disclaimer: I do NOT own the characters they belong to their rightful creator, Mr. Rick Riordan. Just writing for pleasure and nothing else...no other incentive.

Summary: Annabeth loves her boyfriend Luke, but Luke's mouth gets him into trouble. This causes Annabeth to cross paths with the one Luke will face, Percy Jackson. Annabeth makes a deal with Percy, to save her boyfriend, but what will this lead to?

Chapter 4

The following week was uneventful until Friday arrived. I avoided Percy like the plague. Honestly, I carried my books all week, didn't bother going to my locker, I really didn't want to bump into him. When I saw Luke on Monday I felt guilty. I had enjoyed someone else company and it wasn't who I was. I wanted to tell him, but I knew he'd do something stupid and get himself beaten up, and that is what started everything.

On Friday, I went to the library to check out a book and that is when I saw them. Luke and Reyna sitting really close together that she was practically on his lap! They were whispering and laughing at each other, and the way he caressed her face and her hair. It made me sick. I went home that day and cried my eyes out. I cried all Friday and Saturday, I didn't return anyone's call and Sunday, well, I spent it with my dad, although, I am pretty sure he noticed something was wrong, but he did not mention it.

Monday came along, and when Luke picked me up for school I followed the same routine. I let him open my door, kiss me good morning, and chat on the way to school. However, once we were at the student parking lot I broke up with him. He tried to reach my arm, but I ran and he didn't follow.

I got a few text from him all morning. They read: Why are you ending things? And Talk to me don't do this. Don't ruin what we have. I wanted to answer his text and tell him I had made a mistake, but I guess I was expecting a bigger gesture, and it never came. Tuesday came, and as I was walking to second period, that is when I finally realized our relationship was broken beyond repair. He was standing near Reyna's locker. They were holding hands and laughing right there with other people, her friends. They already looked like a couple. I guess he noticed I was looking at him because he turns in my direction and he lets go and walks towards me. I do not feel like speaking to him, so I do what I do best. I run. I go into the girl's bathroom, but it is no use because I can hear him speak through the door.

"What did you expect, Annie? You avoided me and ignored my text. Not a single response" I can't believe he used that as an excuse. I finally wash my face and come out of the bathroom. "You are right Luke, it is better if we just see other people." and with that I walked away.

During Lunch, Thalia was being the best friend she is and trash talking Luke. "You are better off without him, Beth." I couldn't believe she was saying that though, because I felt miserable.

"Annabeth, now you can be free and be with whom ever you want to be with. And it won't be with Mr. Uptight over there." She continued. I wondered what she meant. She turns around and sees Percy and then smiles. "Heck Beth, now you can have the most wanted man in school! Imagine Luke's reaction?" She continues and starts laughing and saying how she can't wait 'til it happens. As if it is ever going to happen. Please, he doesn't even look at me anymore, after our hang out day.

Piper notices what Thalia is saying and adds, "Oh please, as if Percy will ever be in a relationship. I have been hoping he'd be interested, but he never pays any attention to me." she grumbles.

Jason is looking uncomfortable at this point and gets up, then he does the unexpected, he sits where Luke's old spot was. He hugs me and just says, "Take time to heal, don't rush into anything. If you need anything I'm right here." He finishes and kisses me on the head, gets up and leaves. I hear Thalia mumble, "WTH?" I look at her and she looks perplexed.

Lunch ended and I went to class. I had an urge to thank Percy for being so nice on our hangout day and for not beating up Luke. I knew it was long overdue, but something in me urged to do something for him. I don't like to brag, but I am a really good artist. I had been drawing a sketch of Percy and his father. In the sketch they looked like brothers because his dad hadn't aged, but I didn't really feel comfortable maturing him, when he had passed on. I didn't sign my name to the drawing, but left it taped to his locker. I wanted to stick around for him to see it, but I didn't have the courage. I took the school bus home and showered and got into my pj's. I really didn't feel like doing anything. However, Thalia like the best friend she was came over on Friday with her pj's and we starting watching Alias. What can I say, we were in need of some female kick-ass action. Oh, and for the mopping side of the evening we had ice scream. It really was the go to dessert for breakups.

On Saturday, I was planning to do the same thing I did with Thalia the previous day, but she had other plans.

"What do you think you are doing?" She asked as I open the front door

"Uh, watching television" I really didn't know what she was doing here so dressed up.

"Well, I'd think you at least showered. But I have a nose that smells otherwise."

"Closing the door now" She pushes me to get inside.

"Well, go shower because I am not missing this party and you my dear are going with me"

I would usually fight and get myself out of this, but I was just to exhausted to fight so I give in and go upstairs to shower. As I get out of the shower and put on my bathrobe, I see that Thalia has chosen my clothes.

"No way, I am not wearing that" I liked comfortable clothes. I mean, I know it could have been worse, she could have dressed me all flashy to the point where my boobs would have slipped out, but this was just to tight for my taste.

"Beth, you know how I hate to shop for clothes that are not black. You will put these on, besides they will just be a little tight, to show off your body without actually showing skin.

I put on the clothes she purchased for me. They are skinny jeans, but I mean they must have been a size smaller for me or just extra skinny, and a nice halter top- color green. For someone that says she likes black I wouldn't have guess it, she is always buying a shirt here and there of that color. As I was going to put on my converse she stops me.

"Wow, what do you think you are doing?"

"Putting on my shoes. I can't exactly go barefoot."

"Girl, converse with that outfit. No."

"I'm not trying to impress anyone, Thalia. Besides I want to have one thing that is mine and comfortable."

She thinks of what I said and goes through my closet. I should have said I wanted to at least pick an item of my outfit, but for some reason this girl was determined.

"Here" she hands me my heels.

"No, I can't wear these. These were purchase for a wedding I attended. I think they'll be over the top for a house party."

"They are black heels. They go with your outfit, besides you won't be the most overdressed at the party. Have you seen how the cheerleaders dress for these things." she finishes as she grabs me and sits me down. "Now, do your hair. Let it down." I do as she says, and when I grab my makeup she stops me.

"No need to apply makeup." I look at her confused. "And why not? You are making me dress up and fix my hair, so what gives?"

She looks nervous something I have never seen with this girl. She is thundery she'll catch you by surprise. But here she was unsure of her answer.

"You just look very pretty without makeup" She grabs my arm and walks me downstairs to head to the party. We get into her car and she starts driving.

"So who is throwing this house party?" She smiles and looks at me as she responds.

"Percy."

"Thalia we cannot go" She frowns.

"And why not?"

I didn't want to tell her about us hanging out or that I was a girl who left something at his locker.

"You know he scares me. Besides, his friend will be there. Grover is a jerk..he'll pick on me"

"No he won't. Besides, he's not picking on you when he calls you Princess."

"If he calls me Princess, yes he is picking on me" I can't believe she is defending this dude, such a good best friend.

"Trust me he isn't. Besides, Percy's other friends are not bad. Nico will be there." I knew she had a crush on him, so I let it go.

"I guess, but please don't leave me alone!"

"Of course not." But her tone said something totally different. This party was going to drag.

We get to the party and Luke and Reyna are kissing in a corner. Yep, this party would be lots of fun. Thalia pulls me and we go to the kitchen. The alcohol is there. I am not sure what is handed to me, but I drink it anyway. I know, not smart to drink something that is handed, but Jason is the one to hand it to me, and I trust him like a brother. The drink taste like cranberry juice but it has a kick. I notice the bottle right next to me, vodka.

"Nice house, huh" Thalia yells at me. It is hard not to yell, the music is super loud.

"Beautiful" I say, it really was. It was in an upscale neighborhood and the house was unique. You could tell the architect who design his house had done so with lots of love. As Thalia and I are standing there we see Percy, of course he'd be here. This is his house, but he isn't alone. He was with Grover and Nico. The three seemed like they were coming our way, I wanted to leave but Thalia wouldn't budge, her crush on Nico was starting to annoy me. As they arrive I start talking to Jason.

"So Jason, how are things?" Seriously, you'd think I wasn't his friend.

"Pretty good. I'm improving..." but honestly I don't pay attention (such a good friend) because Percy is looking at me.

"Look, Princess is here." Ugh, yeah, I don't know why I'd think he is picking on me. Thalia rolls her eyes, and just says, "Quit it. She'll leave." Nico starts a conversation with Thalia and she leaves to find a quieter place to talk. Yeah, you won't leave me alone. Traitor. Juniper comes along and this makes Grover chase after her. Seriously, I owed her everything. "And then there were three" I say awkwardly. Percy kept starring at my direction with his smirk in place and Jason just kept frowning at Percy. I honestly didn't know why he would be mad at him. Did it have to do with the team? I really couldn't ask, because what if Jason had mentioned it when I wasn't paying attention. I grab Jason's arm and drag him away from Percy.

"Lets go"

Percy looks confused, but I can feel this one drink getting to me. I wasn't really a drinker so it makes sense I was already feeling the effect of the vodka. We sit in the couch and I swear, Jason just keeps frowning.

"You know I meant it, right?"

"Uh?" confused.

"You know about taking time for yourself and that if you needed anything I would be there for you."

"Of course. We're friends" this causes him to frown again.

"Yeah, friends" I am feeling uncomfortable so I make an excuse and get up. I don't know anyone at this party so I walk around the house. I walk up the stairs and there are lots and lots of doors. I finally pick a room and make myself at home. I turn on the light and I notice I had picked the wrong room. This room belonged to Percy, you could tell by the belongings. The family photos, photos with friends, trophies, CD's, books (I did not think Percy could read!), and finally when I see his nightstand my face pales. The drawing I drew is there. He had saved it and liked it enough to have framed it and added it to his nightstand.

"Thanks for the picture" I guess I got lost in the drawing cause I didn't hear him come in.

"I don't know what you are talking about"

"You know, you are the only one that has seen a picture of my dad. So I know you know exactly what I am talking about." I guess I didn't think it through...all the evidence that would out me.

"It was just a thank you."

"A thank you?"

"Yeah, you know you didn't beat up Luke. Our day at the beach. I had lots of fun that day and I, I guess I wanted to show you a part of me that no one has seen before."

"A drawing of me is a part of you?" he asked confused.

"Well, you were my subject, but no one knows that I draw. Not even Thalia. I guess, I never felt confident enough to show off my work. If she knew, she'd want to see it."

"I get it" There was a silence, but it wasn't uncomfortable, but then he goes and ruins it.

"He likes you, you know"

"What?" I really didn't know who he was talking about.

"Jason."

"No he doesn't. He sees me as a sister"

"Well, if he looked at Thalia the way he looks at you, he'd have a problem"

"You're wrong, he's just a friend." I guess Percy didn't want to talk about Jason anymore because he went silent. I get up to leave the room. He doesn't follow me, and as I walk downstairs Bianca is heading upstairs and goes into Percy's room. I feel disappointed but I don't know why. I head out the door to leave, I really don't want to be in the same roof under Percy as he was in action. I noticed that someone was following me and I turn around, it was Jason.