[A/N: Chapter 12, my loyal readers! Again, I would like to thank you all for the reviews. Thank you for the helpful criticisms and all. You guys are amazing. :D
I apologize if there are grammatical and typographical errors. I don't have the time to edit the chapters. I just post them straight here after writing. I don't want to keep you guys waiting.
I would like to acknowledge some of you: MegJackson, goddess of the dark flame, Dansosen, sol66, monkeyjoe, Venique, readwritereview, and of course, CimFan. Your reviews inspire me so please, keep them coming. :D
In case you;re wondering, the books I mentioned are some of my favorites. :D
Don't forget to leave a review after reading. I need to know what you guys (and girls) are thinking. :D]
WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN
Chapter 12: DON'T BE BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS
PERCY
I opened my eyes groggily and my hands automatically reached out, seeking Annabeth's warmth. They came up empty and I had to squint through the sunlight streaming to my room, only to see I was alone in my bed.
I sat up and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes, my face stretched into a huge grin. Annabeth and I had slept together. Again. Though it was just a night of cuddling and nothing else, it was still cool.
Her absence from my swim meet was long gone from my mind. I was hurt yesterday, truth be told, and I knew Annabeth sensed that, but when she did that little trick with the hand puppet . . . well, nobody could stay mad with that, right? Besides, I didn't – and don't – want Annabeth to think she's a bad girlfriend because truthfully, she's not.
After putting on a wrinkled shirt, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I had no clue whether Annabeth had gone back to her apartment or what and she hadn't left any note. I remembered what she said about her living alone now. I always suspected that Mr. Chase won't be able to stay in New York for a long time since he's job was back at San Francisco, which meant Annabeth was living by herself now. I decided to talk to her about it.
The smell of bacons and hot dogs greeted me when I went down. I peeked in the kitchen. Sure it was Mom preparing breakfast, but it wasn't her. It was Annabeth. She had her back turned to me. She was wearing shorts, and one of my old shirt which was too big for her, and Mom's flowered apron. Her hair was tied back in a messy ponytail and her face was sweaty. I crossed my arms in front of my chest and watched her with a smile. She looked like she had no idea what she was doing. It was cute.
"She asked me to teach her how to cook," Mom whispered in my ear. Her sudden appearance nearly made me jump.
"Jeez, Mom," I complained.
She smiled at me then turned her eyes to Annabeth. "She woke up really early, you know, then told me she wanted to be the one to prepare your breakfast. Imagine my surprise when I found out she spent the night."
"Yeah, about that," I began, but Mom held up a finger.
"It doesn't matter," she said. "Your door was open so I guess you weren't pushy." I chuckled on that one. Mom smiled at me. "Though I'm still not a fan of the idea that you slept with her wearing only your underwear." Mom saw my expression and laughed. "I'm just teasing you. Anyway, she mentioned her family's back in San Francisco. Is that true?"
"I guess," I said.
"She's living alone now, then," Mom said. I shrugged. "I would offer her to stay here with us, but I don't think her father will approve of his daughter living with her boyfriend under the same roof."
"You bet," I answered. "I don't think Mr. Chase will let her. I'll talk to him and ask for his permission to spend some nights with Annabeth at her apartment. I don't want her to be by herself."
"I know you don't," Mom said. Annabeth was running around like crazy. I would've helped her, except I enjoyed watching her too much. And I don't know how to cook so I figured I would only make things worse. "She'll make a great housewife," Mom teased.
I don't know why that made me blush. "And a very terrifying one," I said.
"I can hear you, Seaweed Brain," Annabeth suddenly said.
"I love you," I said, chuckling. Mom laughed and went back to her room. I walked to Annabeth and wrapped my arms around her waist. She turned her head and gave me a kiss. "Good morning, Wise Girl."
Annabeth smiled and pushed me off of her. "Sit and eat," she said. I did what she told me. Annabeth set a plate in front of me and sat beside me. There was a pile of bacons and hot dogs on my plate. "What do you think?"
I stabbed a bacon and chewed it. "Mmm. What's this, incinerated bacon and scorched hot dogs?" Annabeth punched me in the arm. "Kidding. Really; it's good – for a beginner." I held up my fork and put it near her mouth. "Here, say 'ah.'" Annabeth rolled her eyes and opened her mouth. She nodded her head appreciatively. "See?" I asked. "You're awesome."
"Oh, I know that," she said. We caught each other's eyes and we both laughed.
"So, what brought this on?" I asked.
"What do you mean?"
I gestured to the plate in front of me. "This."
"Why, can't I cook my boyfriend a breakfast?" I like the way she said that word, made it that much meaningful.
"You can," I said. "But you don't have to, you know that right? I don't think letting you sleep on my bed and using my chest as your pillow deemed me worthy of having you cook for me." Annabeth blushed and I laughed. An explanation came to me. "You're trying to make up for yesterday, are you?"
Annabeth looked down.
I sighed and took her hand. "Look, Annabeth, I told you not to be guilty about that. I mean, that was just one time, right? It's not like you're going to miss every single competition."
"I know," she said. "But it was your first swim meet and I promised I would be there. You can't expect me to just be okay with it just because you've forgiven me."
"Come here," I said, opening my arms. Annabeth stood up and sat on my lap sideways. "I'll admit I was hurt and disappointed yesterday but at least you still showed up. I appreciate that. And you've already apologized many times – those were enough. You're here now, that makes everything okay." Annabeth didn't respond. "Okay. If you continue to punish yourself over it, I'm going to be mad at you."
"Okay," Annabeth said, looking at me. "I won't. But can I apologize for one last time?"
"No," I said stubbornly.
"It will make me feel better, Seaweed Brain," she said.
"No." I took her face in my hands. "This will make you feel better." I kissed her. She smiled when I pulled away. "There, better?"
"I want another one," she requested.
"As you wish, my princess," I said. She blushed at the princess remark but wrapped her arms around my neck then kissed me again.
I don't know how long we stayed there that way. We would've kissed longer if not for my parents clearing their throats loudly. We separated, both of us red in the face. Annabeth muttered apologize but Mom said, "The clothes are ready."
I frowned. "Ready for what?" I asked.
"I'm ironing our clothes," Annabeth said.
"What? Annabeth, I told you; you don't have to do that."
"But I want to," she insisted. "Just let me, okay?"
I knew she would just do it even if I said no so I just let her. "But eat breakfast with me first, okay?"
Annabeth smiled. "Okay."
While eating, Mom opened up the topic of her living alone. "I don't like it, Annabeth. I know how much trouble kids like you attract."
"I know, Sally," Annabeth said. "But I've been fighting them my whole life. I think I can take care of myself."
"Besides, it's not like I'm going to let something happen to her," I interjected.
"Oh, I know you won't, honey," Mom said. "But I would still feel calmer knowing you have someone with you."
Annabeth frowned. "Are you offering to have Percy live with me?" she asked. I could almost feel her face getting hot. "Because I-I – "
"That's not what I'm saying, sweetie," Mom said. "I mean that maybe I can ask you father to let Percy spend some nights with you in there. I'd sleep better knowing that you have him to protect you."
"Um," Annabeth said uncertainly.
"I'll talk to him," I said, my chest thumping. The idea of asking Mr. Chase to let me sleep with her daughter at her apartment terrified me more than thinking about facing Kronos again. "Um, I'll be the one sleeping with you so I guess I should do it."
Mom looked at Annabeth then nodded encouragingly. Annabeth took out her phone and handed it to me. I gulped.
"Good luck, buddy," said Paul.
I dialed the number and made the call.
Mr. Chase gave me permission.
After giving me the talk about not being a hormonal teenager, being a responsible boyfriend and not ruin his daughter's future, sleeping in the couch and not trying to do anything or force Annabeth into doing anything, he'd eventually let me. The phone call lasted for an hour and a half. Really, I got off easily.
Annabeth and I were seated side by side in our English classroom, waiting for Paul to start the class.
Goode was in high spirits after winning the swim meet yesterday. Everyone clapped me on the back and congratulated me. Honestly, I wasn't comfortable with the attention. They were treating like I was some sort of a hero. I tried telling them it was a group effort but they wouldn't listen to me.
Annabeth liked the attention less, which basically meant putting up with Amber and her crew. I could sense her dislike of the girl and we shared the same feeling. I didn't like Amber much, especially after what she did with Samantha.
The party was on and would happen that night. Samantha was hosting it and everyone was invited. Annabeth and I agreed to go. After all, it would be lame for me not to be there since I was the co-captain. Annabeth, however, only let me after I promised I wouldn't drink.
"Really, Wise Girl," I told her. "When did you see me drink?"
"Seaweed Brain, it's a part and you're one of the stars. Everyone will try to have to drink," she said.
"That's why I'm bringing you," I said.
Annabeth was about to say something when Paul entered the classroom. "Good morning, class," he greeted.
We responded with the typical "Good morning, Mr. Blofis."
Paul smiled and held up a piece of paper. "I received a memo this morning regarding the theme for your Valentine's Day party." Everyone started talking excitedly and I joined in. Last year, I wasn't very thrilled by it but now that Annabeth was with me, I was determined to be a part of it and actually enjoy the party. "Last year was 'Dance.'" I remembered that and blood rushed to my face at the memory.
Last year's theme was, as Paul said, 'Dance,' which meant to dance with someone special. Annabeth wasn't attending Goode back then so I had no one to dance with. It was fine by me, except the upperclassmen were teasing the freshmen for just sitting the whole time. Finally Rachel, who was with me at Goode by that time, pulled me to the center and danced with me. I could still remember her hands on my shoulders and mine n her hips. As usual, I made a total fool out of myself when I stepped on her foot. Rachel just laughed at it.
I didn't tell this to Annabeth because . . . well, I didn't think it was worth mentioning.
"This year's theme," Paul said, bringing me back to the classroom, "is 'Dedication' which means you are allowed to dedicate to your special someone. It could be a song, a dance number, a poem, a letter or anything." The class's talking rose and Paul had to raise his hand to get our attention. "Now on with the lesson."
Everyone groaned but Paul started the class so we had no choice but to listen. I caught Annabeth's eyes and gave her a nervous smile. An idea was forming in my mind and I just hoped she'd like it.
When class was done, I stayed behind and told Annabeth I'd meet her at lunch. She gave me a questioningly look but eventually left.
"Hey, Paul," I said.
My English professor/stepfather looked up. "Percy. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
I rolled my eyes at him. "The Valentine's Day party thing. I know it's still two weeks away but I need your help."
"Sure, what do you need?"
And I told him.
SAMANTHA
The party was a blast.
Almost every student at Goode showed up. Good thing my place was quite spacious so I had no problem with that. My mother was out with her friends, no doubt drinking. I tried to ban alcohol but Amber said, "Don't be such an adult, Samantha."
I had to agree, not because of Amber but because I didn't want to be a party pooper. It was a celebration, after all.
I was anxious to see Percy. I knew he'd show up with Annabeth but I still wanted to see him. I don't know but I felt like something wrong was about to happen, and that something involved him.
Mixed feelings were what I felt when I saw him come to school with Annabeth. I was happy they were okay but a part of me was disappointed that they didn't break-up. I scolded myself for even having the thought. There's no way Percy would break up with Annabeth just because of something as simple as her missing his swim competition.
Yesterday, I felt a little cheered up when Annabeth didn't show up. I knew Percy would be hurt and I was there for him. I hated myself for feeling that way because I knew Percy was sad. That moment, I knew that my feelings for Percy had gone deeper than I ever thought. I didn't care that he only turned to me because Annabeth wasn't there. All I cared about was that he was upset. This morning, though I was hurt to see him holing Annabeth's hand and kissing her lips, I was contented because he was, too. I didn't care that I was hurting. All I cared about was that Percy was smiling and happy.
I spotted him walking in with Annabeth, their hands once again linked. My chest felt like I was being stabbed by a hot poker. I put on my best smile because I knew if he saw me sad, Percy would be upset.
I greeted them and gave Annabeth a hug.
I like Annabeth. Except for the fat that she's the girlfriend of the boy I love, I still like her. We could be sister. She looked surprise but hugged me back. I ruffled Percy's hair. He grinned at me. "Hey, Sam."
"Hey, Perce," I said.
I lead them to where the punch was and handed them a glass each. Both of them declined. "I'm not allowed to drink," Percy said, giving Annabeth a pointed look.
Annabeth wrapped her arms around his waist and said, "He's not." I don't know whether she did that on purpose or what. I didn't have time to ponder on that because I saw Amber across the room, waving at me.
Percy glanced and groaned. "You invited her?" he asked between his teeth.
"No," I said. "She invited herself."
Amber made her way to where she was. Fortunately, she was ambushed by a good-looking senior. I pulled Percy and Annabeth outside. Freshmen and even juniors and seniors asked Percy for a picture. Some even asked for autographs. Percy looked uneasy. I was, too, because there were others who took photographs of me, too.
When we managed to get away, Percy was stopped by two guys who didn't look like guys at all. They were wearing pants that were too tight, shirts that had too bright colors and were even wearing make-ups. In short, gays. I don't have anything against them but I didn't like the way they stare at Percy. Then I remembered I wasn't in any position to be like an overly-protective girlfriend.
"Can we help you?" Annabeth asked.
"You? No," said the one with blonde hair. He turned to Percy. "Him? Yes."
"What?" Percy asked.
The other one with dark hair handed Percy a small card. Percy read it and looked up. "Fusion Modeling Agency?" he asked. "What the hell is that?"
"It's a modeling agency, just like the card said," the blonde informed. "We're looking for a ruggedly handsome guy with good physique and interested in being a model." I choked back a laughter. Even though I could totally see Percy as a model, I knew he wasn't someone who'd do it.
"I'm Fiona, by the way," said the blonde.
I thought the dark-haired one would say he's Shrek, but he said, "I'm Grace."
"Fiona? Grace?" Percy said. "Those are girl's names and you're both dudes."
Fiona and Grace both winced. "No, honey. We don't like our real names," said Fiona. "We are defining ourselves as we chose and I don't think there's something wrong with that. Anyway, that's beside the point. Are you interested?"
"What would I be modeling?" Percy asked.
"Percy!" Annabeth protested.
Fiona and Grace squealed. "Jeans first," said Grace.
Percy frowned. "Does that mean I have to be shirtless?"
"Why, of course," said Fiona.
"No way!" Annabeth said.
Fiona and Grace didn't pay her attention. They were too busy gawking at Percy. I have to admit, it was rude. "A thousand dollars each photo shoot. You'll be signing a contract for six," Fiona informed. When it's done, you can renew it and you'd be modeling for a whole new line of clothes. Shirts, suits and . . . underwears."
Percy's face reddened. "Um, no. Thank you."
Grace pouted. "Just give it some time. When you make your decision, call us. We could definitely use a hot piece like you." He giggled and disappeared with Fiona.
Percy looked at Annabeth. "Did that dude just call me a piece? What the heck does that suppose to mean?"
"Uh," Annabeth groaned. "Let's not talk about it." She tugged on Percy's hand. "Come on, let's come back inside."
I was about to follow them but Barry, Chuck, Pete and James blocked my way. "Great party, Sammy!" Barry yelled. The dude was definitely drunk. He threw his arms around my shoulder and kissed me on the cheek. Barry was a nice guy. Everyone on the swim team was and I was comfortable enough with them that I didn't mind what Barry did.
I lost track of time as I entertained the guest. Goode students came and went. At some point, I saw Coach Hark and dancing the Funky Chicken. A crowd of students was gathered around him and was recording his dancing. I was having a good time. I wasn't drinking, but seeing Percy smile and wave at me was enough to send me into euphoria.
It was already two in the morning when guests started leaving one by one. I didn't get the chance to say goodbye to Percy. He just disappeared and I hadn't seen him go home.
By three, our house was empty and I was tired. I told Maria we would just clean tomorrow and made my way to my room. When I stepped in, I saw that there was someone sitting on my bed, reading a book that looked like . . . my diary!
That was enough to send me in panic. Every single page contains my feelings for Percy, things that I wanted to say to him but couldn't. The worse thing was it was Amber reading it.
I lunged and snatched it away from her but Amber was faster. She stood up and bounded to the corner of my room.
"Well, the good friend Samantha," she said. Amber held up my diary teasingly. "Who knew that the girl whom Percy Jackson befriended is actually fantasizing about, mmm," Amber opened my diary and quoted me, "'kissing his lips and holding him in my arms forever.'"Amber gave me a fake look of sympathy. "Oh, honey. What would Percy say when he sees this?"
I grind my teeth and forced my tears back. "What do you want, Amber?" I asked.
"Tell Percy," she said simply.
I stared at her like she's a lunatic. "What? Do you know what that would mean about our friendship?"
"It would be ruined, I know."
"Then why would I do that?"
"Because I said so."
I chuckled darkly. "Yeah, because satisfying you is real high on my list."
"Tell Percy or I will," she threatened. With that line, I saw the end of everything. There would be no way Percy would want to stay friends with me when he finds out I was in love with him. "I'm keeping the diary to ensure your cooperation," Amber said.
"Amber, please," I pleaded, my face wet with tears.
Amber just smiled and shook her head. She leaned down and whispered to my ear, "By the way, you're not the only one imagining those things." With that, she walked away, leaving me crying.
There was the something wrong I felt would happen.
[Next - Chapter 13: HEARTACHE
Some words about the upcoming chapter: The real drama is about to start. I'll leave you at that! :D]
