[A/N: All right, so most of you are now starting to like Sam, though I must warn you that it might be short-lived. I'm sure you won't like her by the end of this chapter, but I'm asking you to give her the benefit of the doubt. And I also know you're smart enough to put two and two together that Sam is just also a victim of someone else's game.
Also THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS INTIMATE SCENE, SO BE WARNED.
ToffyApple: Thank you. I'm glad to find out that my writing is actually effective. :D
Guest (Natsirt2610): I'm not gay, dude. I have a girlfriend. but I know that's not what you're really saying. To tell you the truth, I'm struggling to understand girls as much as other guys do. I just write this story based on my observations on how girls behave and hope that its right. Apparently, it is. And thank you for your offer. :D
Percyismybro: Yeah, everyone's asking if I'm Rick writing under a different pen name, but I'm not. Anyway, thank you and yes, I don't let those negative comments get in my head. And, um, I'm not better than Rick. I'm an amateur; he's a pro. But thanks. :D
Bean256: I'm glad you liked it, though i apologize for making you cry. :D
bOOkwOrmrocks: Hey, dude (um, are you a guy or a girl?) can I use what yous aid and put it in this story? You know, the FIGHTING thing? And more demigod stuffs are on the way. :D
Captainforkz: Just wait for it. One of the chapters is titled AS I LAY DYING, though, so I'm going to leave it to you to come up with ideas on what's going to happen.
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Again, I don't own the Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Just an amateur writer here! :D
WISE GIRL'S SEAWEED BRAIN
Chapter 19: IN PIECES
PERCY
My eardrums had been busted.
Someone cranked the CD player up so loud that I leaped nearly ten feet in the air when it was turned on. Now I was standing at the Willard's lawn waiting for the ringing inside my head to disappear.
Right after school, I came with Samantha to her house with the preparations. We prepared enough non-alcoholic lime-flavored punch to supply a battalion of thirsty dudes. Samantha said it was better to have extras. There were snacks being passed around. My friend tried to interest me in telling me their names but it was like trying to remember a bunch of gibberish.
Almost every student I know from school came. Some had gifts but in most cases, they didn't have anything on them, which was fine with Samantha since she said she didn't hold a party for the gifts. She claimed she just wanted to have fun. She was actually happy. She was smiling every time I saw her talking to other students.
That was until I saw Amber and her crew arriving.
I wasn't sure if Samantha invited her or what, but knowing my friend, I was certain that she didn't. Amber and her friends invited themselves, like they always do. I immediately ducked and hid from her to avoid any unfriendly conversations.
Luckily, I spotted Barry, Pete, Chuck and James standing at the corner of the house. Barry and Pete were with their girlfriends while James and Chuck were both flirting with two girls who looked like they were sophomores.
I punched Chuck in the arm, saying, "You'd better hope I don't mention anything to Leila." Leila was Chuck's girlfriend. Their relationship was pretty much like Annabeth's and mine in the beginning. They were always fighting over something as trivial as a hairbrush. Really.
Chuck winced. "You'd better not, dude," he said. Barry and Pete laughed. "Or I'll tell Annabeth you're spending so much time with Sammy."
I took a step back. They knew about my break-up with Annabeth. I didn't tell them anything, but they said it was pretty obvious since I'd been quiet these past weeks and I don't do quiet. Add that to the fact that Annabeth had stopped going to school.
"Oh, sorry, man," Chuck apologized quickly. "I didn't mean to say that."
I tried for a smile. "Nah, it's fine. I don't intend for this separation to be any longer. As soon as I think she has enough space, I'll get her back."
Barry clapped me on the back. "That's the spirit, man!"
My phone buzzed in my pocket. I took it out and gulped loudly when I saw who it was. The caller ID displayed the name PFace. Anyone who'd see this will probably think it was something rude, but if you're a camper from Camp Half-Blood like me, you'd know it meant Pinecone Face which meant it was Thalia Grace, daughter of Zeus, lieutenant of Artemis's Hunters and frequent cause of Percy's troubles.
"I've got to take this," I said, holding up my phone.
I went outside where it was a bit quieter and answered the call. I knew what Thalia was calling me for and my heart thumped in my chest audibly, despite of the loud music playing from the house.
I clicked answer and took a deep breath before answering. "Hello?"
"Kelp for Brains!" she yelled from the other line. "What in Artemis's name did you do to Annabeth?"
"Thalia—" I began.
"Look, you pathetic excuse for a guy," she said. "Annabeth told me you're falling for a mortal again? What the heck, Seaweed Brain? I told you if you hurt Annabeth, I'm goignt o fry you with lightning! And who is this silly girl – "
"Thalia," I said, more firmly this time. "I'm an idiot; I know that. You don't have to rub it in my face – "
"Good."
" – but I'd made my choice now," I said before she could say more. "I hurt Annabeth and I feel terribly guilty for that, but the break-up wasn't just because of me, you know."
"What do you mean?" she asked.
"Didn't she tell you?" I asked. "I assumed she'd have told you everything by now."
"She didn't tell me anything, actually," said Thalia. "I went to visit Olympus to report to Lady Artemis about the monster she asked us to track when I saw Annabeth. She's in depression, Seaweed Brain."
I felt like an icy finger was running down my chest. Annabeth. Oh, gods. "What do you mean?" That was probably the dumbest question from me but hey, the sudden mention of Annabeth's current state nearly knocked me off my feet. "Annabeth was the one who broke up with me," I pointed out. "I mean, I understand why . . . I guess. I'd faced the first reason why. I'm trying to figure out what I really feel for Sam, but she said that it doesn't matter what it is if I love Annabeth. And I do. But she also said that I'm just holding her back from reaching her dreams."
"Oh, she didn't mean that, Seaweed Brain," Thalia chastised.
"Didn't she?" I challenged.
She wasn't able to answer. We both knew that even though Annabeth didn't mean to hurt me by calling me a distraction, Thalia and I both knew I was the one standing Annabeth's way.
"Seaweed Brain . . ."
I chuckled, though my chest felt like Mrs. O'Leary was sitting on it. "It's okay, Thalia. I understand it. Really. But know that I'm not giving up on Annabeth. If she thinks we shouldn't be together now, then I'll wait."
"You really do love her," Thalia said.
"You're just realizing that I'm crazy for your friend?" I said with a chuckle. Thalia laughed from the other line.
"Oh, I know you're crazy," she said. "Anyway, I have to go. I called you to rip your head off but I guess that's not happening anymore. I mean, Percy, I understand what you're going through right now. Not that I have any experience in the romantic field but I guess I'm like you enough to know that this is overwhelming, especially for someone like you who have kelp for brains."
I laughed. "Thanks, Thalia. And take care."
"The monsters are the one who have to take care," said Thalia. "Good luck, Seaweed Brain."
"Thank you," I said, then hung up.
When I turned around, I saw Samantha walking to where I was. She appeared to be unsteady. On her hands were two red cups filled with liquid which kept on sloshing inside. At first I thought she was just fooling around, but when she was in front of me, I immediately saw her eyes were red and her breath smelled strongly of alcohol.
Oh, no.
"There you are, Perce," she said, beaming at me. "Perce. Perr-cy." The way she said my name reminded me of that awkward night when Samantha and I nearly . . . yeah, you know. That was the same reason why I requested her not to drink and yet, here she was.
"Sam," I said. "You're drunk."
Samantha frowned. "Am not!" she protested, giving me a hug.
I felt uneasy as I tried to pull her away from me. "Sam, you told me you're not going to drink."
"And I didn't!" she insisted. "I just drank a cup of punch and it was sooo good." She handed me the cup on her right hand. "Here, try it."
I took it from her. I was sure we didn't buy any alcoholic beverage and we hid every bottle of wine, scotch and brandy from Samantha's Mom's bar, just so none of the students could have any funny idea. I figured someone made a joke and spiked Samantha's drink since she was the birthday girl.
I sniffed the beverage. It smelled like lime. I didn't think the punch in the cup was spiked, too, so I took a sip. It tasted funny, but the taste of lemon overpowered everything else. I looked at Samantha and she grinned hugely at me.
Just humor her, I thought. It's her birthday.
I drank the punch 'til the last drop while Samantha urged me on. When I threw the cup aside, she cheered and I immediately felt my body burning up.
SAMANTHA
Party, party!
This was my first ever birthday party and I was nervous at first, but it turned out pretty good. I was lucky Percy was there to help me. Well, he didn't actually help me but his presence was enough.
And he actually gave me a gift. He bought it yesterday when we were still at the mall, after we dealt with some business concerning Annabeth. Percy was happy while we were inside the store, and that was even before he and Annabeth got back together. Just the mere thought of having his girl back to him was enough to bring the old Percy back. It hurt, of course, but it something I was willing to take if it meant Percy would be happy.
Anyway, the gift. It was a bracelet woven from green and blue threads. There a variety of colors I could've chosen from but I picked the bluish-green one since it's close to the color of Percy's eyes. Part of it was you could chose whatever design you want to put on the bead in the middle of the bracelet. Percy asked the guy to draw a trident on it. At first I thought the design was curious but then I remembered Percy was nuts when it comes to water. I know enough (from the times Percy and I talked about Greek mythology) to know that trident is the sign of power of Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas. Percy thought Poseidon is the coolest. Of course, he did.
I was wearing it as I greeted the guests. I thought it looked really beautiful. At least I got to keep a piece of Percy with me.
Then the least likely person I thought would come into my birthday party walked in the door. Amber.
I tried to hide but she spotted me. I was standing serving punch as she made her way towards me. She waved and I narrowed my eyes at her. Your worst enemy suddenly acted like you're best friends; that was bound to raise some suspicions.
"Hi, there, girl," she said, kissing my cheek. I cringed. Amber's eyes softened and she looked uncomfortable. "Listen, Samantha, I want to apologize for forcing you to confess to Percy. I had no right to do that. And as a proof that I'm sorry, here." She took something from her bag and handed it to me.
My diary.
I snatched it away from her. Her apology was too good to be true. Amber saying she's sorry to me, of all people? No freaking way. She sighed. "I understand if you're still mad at me but I just want you to know that I regret what I did."
I shook my head and took a sip from my cup. Amber looked at me then at over at my shoulder. "Is that Percy?" she asked.
I turned my head sideways and checked if it was him. It wasn't. It was a guy smaller and leaner than Percy. His hair was also lighter than my friend's. I looked back at Amber who appeared like she hadn't moved an inch. "You need glasses, Amber," I said coldly. "That guy's a blonde."
Amber giggled. "Yeah, silly me."
I shook my head and drank the rest of my punch. When I set my cup down, I instantly realized there was something wrong. The punch tasted different, like there was alcohol in it. Realization dawned on me. Amber spiked my punch! I looked up and was on the verge of slapping her stupid face but something stopped me. I felt a weird stirring inside my body. I felt like I was burning.
Urges, to be exact.
I wanted to be with someone instantly. And that someone was Percy, of course.
"What did you do?" I hissed at Amber.
She smiled. "Why, I helped you unleash what you've been feeling for Percy all these time." Amber leaned down and whispered in my ear. "You just don't love him, right? You want him. Am I correct?"
I didn't want to answer but my head moved on its own and nodded
"See," said Amber. "Now I'll help you get what you want. Do you want that?"
I fought against the haze of the alcohol to say no, but I'd lost control over my body. My mind might be fuzzy but I knew this wasn't just alcohol. I was confused and I didn't know what was happening anymore.
Amber produced a bottle of medicine from her bag, grabbed an extra cup, took a pill from the bottle and crushed it. She then sprinkled the powder in the cup. "What's that?" I asked.
"A powerful aphrodisiac," Amber said, grinning. "We'll mix it in Percy's punch, put some scotch into it and give it to him. After Percy drinks it, voila, he'd be too . . . excited to think and you'd have Percy for yourself."
I nodded again. Percy could be mine. Tonight. I could have everything of him. Somewhere in my mind, a voice scolded me and told me that I shouldn't do this. Percy was my friend and I should never violate his trust. Besides, I'd already told him that I wanted him to go back to Annabeth, so why was I agreeing with Amber?
Amber filled the cup and handed it to me. "Here, make Percy drink this." I took the cup from her. She leaned close to my ear again and whispered, "And know that I won't mind to have Percy after you're done with him."
I wanted to punch her face because Percy wasn't some kind of a toy, but the heat inside my body was getting unbearable. I needed Percy to ease me off of these urges.
She then walked away and I went off to find Percy. I saw him talking to his phone. His hair was swept to one side and his lips were stretched into a smile. Ooh, those lips. So kissable and soft. His eyes were shining. I never noticed before but his eyes were just oozing with sex appeal. He wasn't trying to be like that, he's just sexy.
I painted a smile on my face and walked to where he was. I greeted him and gave him a hug. Percy scolded me about drinking and I told him I didn't drink anything except for the punch. A punch Amber spiked. I handed him his and asked him to drink it. Percy smelled it first, good thing Amber squeezed a lemon into it for extra measure, before bringing it up to his lips. My conscience screamed at me to stop him but my body betrayed me. I let him.
When he had drained his cup, his eyes suddenly turned cloudy and sweat beaded on his forehead. I smiled inside. The aphrodisiac was definitely working.
"Whoa," he said. "That was a different one."
I giggled. "It sure is."
"I'm feeling weird right now," he stated.
"Like hot?" I asked, smiling up at him.
Percy smiled. "How did you know that?" He was smiling, which meant the scotch was kicking in.
"I'm feeling the same way," I said as I grinded my body against him. Percy's breath became ragged and I knew he was feeling the same way as I was. I wanted to have him right there and then but I had enough sense left to pull him inside the house first.
We were greeted by my school mates who were sitting in a circle in my living room. "There they are!" Amber announced. She stood up and took Percy and my hands, pulling us to the center. I glared at her hand on Percy's and she grinned evilly before taking her hand back. "We're playing truth or dare and you, girl, have to go first."
She sat me down and pushed Percy beside me. He stumbled and I had to catch his arm to steady him. Barry looked at him from the other side and asked, "What's wrong with him?"
"Disco lights," Percy said dreamily and I giggled. "There are colorful disco lights and I'm feeling like I'm Elvis Presley."
"Is he drunk?" Barry asked incredulously. Everyone knew Percy didn't drink, which was probably why that amount of alcohol was enough for him.
I didn't get the chance to answer him because right then, Amber started the game. "Okay!" she said gleefully. "Since Samantha is the birthday girl, we'd let her go first." Amber turned to me and smiled. "Samantha, truth or dare?"
"Dare," I answered quickly. On a right state of mind, I would've chosen truth, but hey, blame my spiked punch.
The evil smile returned to Amber's face. She looked up to one of her friends. "Can you raid the ref and see if there's a tub of ice cream? And take a spoon, too." Her friend nodded and stood up. Amber turned to Percy who was humming to himself and constantly laughing. "Percy, baby, I need you remove your shirt for this."
He frowned like he wasn't sure if he heard Amber right. "Why would I do that?"
"Because Samantha needs you to."
Percy grinned. "Good point." He stood up and stripped off his shirt. I swallowed thickly at the sight of his tanned and toned body. I had to restrain myself from removing the rest of clothes right there and then.
"Damn, babe, you're hot," Amber said.
Percy turned to her, his eyes clouded with the effects of the pill. "I am hot," he said, laughing loudly. "I'm sexy and I know it," he announced and everyone cheered for him. He started singing the song and gyrating his hips to the tune.
Barry stood up and said, "Percy, dude, I think you need to lie down."
Amber smirked. "Oh, don't be such a party pooper," she scolded. Barry glared at her and was on his way to pulling Percy away when I shook my head at him. He couldn't take Percy. I would take him. He raised his eyebrows at me, clearly stunned.
Amber's friend was back with a pint of vanilla-flavored ice cream. Amber then asked Percy to lie down in the middle. After some coaxing and pulling, he did. Amber opened the ice cream and started spooning them on top of Percy's torso. Percy shivered and giggled, saying, "It's cold. Ooh, it's cold!"
When half of the ice cream was on Percy, Amber looked to me and said, "Now eat it."
Everyone fell silent. Was she really ordering me to eat the ice cream off of Percy? I looked at my friend, smiling and with a dreamy look on his face. The white dessert looked so good against his tan skin. As if being pulled by some invisible force, I leaned and started licking the ice cream off of Percy. Our audience erupted into cheers and teasing but I paid them no attention. All that existed was me, Percy and that damn dessert on him.
I continued licking until my tongue met Percy's skin. He shuddered and I looked up at him. I want him! My body screamed at me while a part of me yelled at me to stop it, to think of what this might result into and how hurt Percy would be when he was sober. I wasn't responsible for my actions after that. I crashed my lips into his and kissed him with hunger.
Percy didn't kiss me back but he didn't push me either. The ice cream on him got stuck to my shirt when I straddled his hips and sat on his lap, still kissing him. Some throat-clearings pulled me back to reality.
I stood up and pulled Percy back to his feet. "Let's get out of here," I said to him, breathless, before pulling him to my room.
We unsteadily made our way to my room. When we were inside, I kicked the door close and pushed Percy to my bed. He stumbled and fell on his back, his torso still covered in ice cream. I jumped on my bed and started kissing him again.
My lips traveled lower to his jaw, then to his neck. I bit him and he moaned in response. I only pulled away when his once tan skin was bruised. I admired the hickey I put on him before my hands ran up and down his chest and stomach, ignoring the sticky dessert.
I removed my dress and threw it to the floor, leaving me in my undergarments. I paused for a while to admire his impressive physique before my hands fumbled to unbutton his pants. I was shaking, nervous and hot at the same time, as I pulled his zipper down. Percy helped me a bit and lifted himself off of the bed. As soon as his pants were off, I noticed the evidence of the pill. Percy was aroused. It was very noticeable against his boxers.
My right hand reached out and was about to touch him when Percy moaned again and, in a thick voice, said, "Annabeth, please come back to me."
I stopped, all the effects of alcohol disappearing from my body. Even under the influence of drugs and alcohol, he was still thinking about her. She was the only one occupying his thoughts even when he had a different girl about to pleasure him.
I sighed sadly, debating whether I should continue. He was here now, aroused and not himself, I could proceed and have him, just for the night. I made my choice and brought my face back to his and kissed his lips again.
I wasn't sure what happened after that. All I knew was that Percy and I both lost the last fabrics of clothing we had.
The next thing I was aware of was being flung off the bed and Percy yelling "HOLY POSEIDON!"
[Next - Chapter 20: BREAK ON THROUGH
Annabeth will be back! I wonder what's going to happen now. Hmm . . . ]
