Annabeth's eyes darted to the door as the bell rang, signalling someone had entered, then relaxed quickly upon seeing it was a stranger. She took a nervous sip of her coffee, eyes flicking down to her phone screen.

15.55.

Thalia should be here in five minutes.

She bit her nails as she stared out the window, anticipating the interaction to come.

It had been a week since she found out Thalia had been seeing Luke behind her back. A week since her life changed completely, and she didn't know if she was thankful for it or not.

It had been half a week since her and Percy had been dating, and she couldn't remember ever being this happy. He treated her like a princess, and Annabeth could feel herself falling harder and harder for him everyday. They spent every day together since, and she wished it would never end.

However, she couldn't get over the way Thalia treated her, and her mental health took a toll because of the girls actions. Thalia had acted without even thinking of the impact on Annabeth, and that made her feel unvalued and unloved. Luke had treated her like she was so disposable and like she meant nothing to him at all.

She was still hurt. She was still angry.

But she was willing to listen.

Thalia had meant so much to her when she first moved to the town, she was the first person at school to introduce herself and take Annabeth under her belt. Annabeth really thought that Thalia was a friend for life, but that all seemed lost now.

The door chimed again signalling another persons entry, and she took a deep breath.

She looked up and saw Thalia heading her way.

Oh god.

Now she was here and heading her way, the girl began panicking at what she would say. She didn't even know what she wanted from this conversation, other than closure. Did she even want to be friends with Thalia again?

'Breathe' Percy's voice spoke inside her head. 'You got this.'

She let out another breath as the girl sat in-front of her.

She's got this.

'Hey Annabeth.' She had a guilty look overshadowing her eyes, and Annabeth's heart twanged at the sight.

'Hi.'

This was awkward. This was such a bad idea. She had no idea what to say.

Thalia coughed awkwardly.

'I miss you.'

Annabeth nodded slightly and Thalia sighed.

'Im serious Beth. Your my best friend, and not having you there anymore - it feels like a piece of me is missing.'

She was about to make a snide comment about how Luke was filling the piece, but bit her tongue. They weren't going to get anywhere if they keep arguing.

She glanced out the window.

'Thalia, i just - i don't know what to do. Im not upset about breaking up with Luke, i told you i was starting to like Percy a bit and now we are together, i haven't been happier. It's like he was made for me.'

Thalia smiled softly as Annabeth continued.

'But, i think that if you liked Luke, you should've told me. I would've listened, you know i would've. But to go behind my back and -' her voice cracked and she cursed herself that she was tearing up.

'Thalia it made me feel stupid. Im glad you are happy together, really. I just wish you did it differently. The way you acted made me feel like my friendship was worthless to you, Luke cheating on me made me feel not good enough. I just, i don't understand why you would hurt me like that. I would never do that to you!'

Thalia sat up in her seat looking desperately at Annabeth.

'I know you wouldn't! I didn't think i would either, it just kind of happened. Annabeth, i love Luke, but the way it happened was a big mistake, I should've told you i like him. I acted selfishly, i know, and i'll regret it everyday. I just don't want to lose you Beth!'

Annabeth forced her eyes down to the table. She couldn't look her in the eyes out of fear for breaking down. Her mind raced as she opened her mouth to talk.

'I can see that you are sorry. Really, i know you are.'

She sighed, hesitantly lifting her eyes to meet hers.

'I just need time. Like i said, my mental health took a toll. Every time i hang out with you now i'll think about it, and be scared you'll do something like that again.'

Thalia frowned and Annabeth saw a tear drop down the other girls face.

'Im not saying i don't want to be your friend again. I just think we need to work there. It's not going to magically go back to normal. Everyone was hurt by this.'

Thalia nodded quickly and stared at Annabeth.

'Im good with working there. Honestly i'll do anything to keep you in my life.'

Annabeth nodded and stood up awkwardly.

'Okay, well, i guess i'll see you around then.'

She started walking to leave, only stopping at Thalia's voice.

'Wait- Annabeth?'

She turned just as the girl ran up and threw her arms around her, giving her a big hug. Despite everything, she relaxed into it and leant her head on Thalia's shoulder.

'I'll make it up to you, i promise.' Thalia whispered in her ear.

Annabeth believed her.

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Annabeth watched in disgust as Percy crammed the entire burger in his mouth at once, dropping some lettuce on her sheets.

She kicked herself closer to him from where she was sat by her desk on her office chair, stopping so she was directly in front of him.

'I don't know if I'm impressed or concerned.' She laughed, picking up the lettuce and chucking it in the bin.

He grinned up at her, mayo round his mouth.

'Either way, you have to get used to it. Im not going anywhere.'

Her eyes softened at the boy as she grinned back.

'Good.'

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