Chapter Five: Love is In the Air

Annabeth POV

I just couldn't believe it. The night had turned out nothing like I wished it to be. I had always dreamed of going to the dance with Percy. Instead, I'd somehow winded up with Jared, and Percy was sharing a kiss with another girl.

After all that happened, I left Jared. I think he understood. Then I ran off. I ran until I'd gotten outside the school. Then I hid behind a dumpster. I planned on hiding there forever.

Percy POV

Where the heck is she? Where's Annabeth? I wondered as I ran off after her. I tripped on something and fell over. I looked at it. It was a glass-like slipper. I picked it up and continued to run. I happened to pass by a large dumpster. I nearly overlooked it, but I detected a slight movement behind it and rushed over to inspect it.

Then I saw her. Annabeth. Her hair was tied in a loose ponytail, swung over one shoulder. She had on a pair of large silver hoop earrings, each with a single bead inside. She had on a long pink dress with a glittery pink sash, which showed off her curves and complemented her face. She was wearing only one shoe. It was sparkling and looked like glass, an exact equivalent to the one I was holding in my hands.

"Hi," I said.

"Hi," she said back.

She was so beautiful, everything I ever wanted. Too bad it seemed like I wouldn't get her. I'd broken her heart, let her get away.

There was a moment of silence.

"Sorry," I said.

"Huh?" she said to me.

"I'm… sorry," I repeated. "I know that I've really hurt you. It's just that…"

"It's okay," she said. "Just go away and enjoy the rest of the night with Sai."

I sighed. "Look, Annabeth, I don't want Sai."

"Then why'd you ask her to the dance?"

"I didn't mean to."

"Really? Then… why'd you kiss her?"

.

.

.

"See?" Annabeth said, walking away. "You're meant to be with her."

"No," I said. "I kissed her… because I thought she was you."

Annabeth stopped in her tracks. She slowly turned around, eyes wide. There was silence for a while. Then she spoke, so quiet I thought it didn't exist.

"Really?" she said.

I took her in my arms. "Sorry, Annabeth. That paper airplane was really meant for you. While Sai and I were dancing, I couldn't help but think of you. You're the one I was planning to spend the night with! Not her."

I could feel her warm body pressed against me.

"I'm sorry," she said. "For being with Jared. I thought that you didn't want me, so I went to him for support."

"It's okay," I said. "Just promise that we're good from now on?"

She looked into my eyes and smiled. "Yeah."

We stepped away from each other, and I gave her the shoe I was holding.

"Um… here's your other shoe," I said.

"Thanks," she replied, and slipped it on.

"Come on," I said. "Let's go back."

We headed back to the school.

Everything was better in the end. Sai and Jared forgave us. (Actually, they danced together quite a few times afterwards.) We met up again with Kat and Brandon, who congratulated me on being able to make things well again. Afterwards, Kat ran up to the DJ area and grabbed the microphone.

"Alright! This one's for everyone's favorite couple!" she said, and looked directly at us. It took us a minute or so to understand what she was saying. We both blushed as the song came on.

When I was younger

I ran from home

What was the meaning of love?

I'd never known.

I took Annabeth's hand and we walked to the center of the room.

I met a blond boy

On the side of the street

He'd run from home too

Just like me

Well, I thought he was mine

Until that one time

When I saw him with another girl

I knew that our love wasn't bound to shine

Only you

You and me

We've got to be together, can't you see?

Only you

You and me

I can't live without you, say you love me.

Say you love me…

"So, um, for how long have you… you know… liked me?" Annabeth asked as we were dancing.

"Uh…" I blushed red. "The truth is… I kind of read your diary," I admitted.

Her eyebrows raised and she slapped me hard. I rolled onto the floor, clutching my cheek. She rolled her eyes.

"Ow, Annabeth! Have mercy on me!" I wailed.

"Seaweed Brain," she taunted, sticking out her tongue.

It was like a Cinderella story. A twisted one, yes, but in the end, as she leaned in and kissed me, I knew that it was still a happy ending after all.

Yay! Note that the story's not over yet! Stay tuned!

I wrote the song myself (that's why it's a bad song), so don't pester me about stealing music from other people and not sourcing it.