Hey, Everyone!

So, there will be one more chapter after this and then an epilogue.

Enjoy!

Chapter 11

I had to figure out what I was going to do next. I had to get to Percy before he got to me, but…how?

I looked over at Luke. He was still asleep. I looked over at the digital clock on my bedside table.

The blue glowing numbers read 3:43 AM.

I hadn't been sleeping, really. Not since my mom and I figured out Percy's little plan. I never knew when he was going to strike. I kept my gun in my purse and my purse on my bedside table at night.

Just in case.

I felt like a horrible person right now.

I had that feeling you get sometimes when you want to cry and vomit and punch a wall all at the same time, but you control yourself and don't do any of those things. I was so scared.

I really didn't want to die.

I was really confused.

Why did he want to kill me?

And I was so mad at myself.

Why had I dragged Luke into this?

He was safe anymore because of me.

Percy was smart. He would definitely target Luke if he was out to hurt me. Which, obviously, he is.

My mom told me so. She wouldn't lie to me.

The clocked switched from 3:43 to 3:44 AM. I sighed. I looked back over at Luke's innocent, sleeping face.

I had to break-up with him before he got hurt. I couldn't watch him die, too. That would be bad.

My boyfriend was probably jealous anyway. He wanted to kill me, but he probably wanted to kill Luke because he was the one sleeping in my bed with me.

Like he wanted to be.

I had to leave Luke.

It just wasn't right.

I couldn't do it now, though.

That would just be mean. And pointless. And sad.

I would do it later. And then later, I would go and get Percy first. Because I wasn't going to die.

I wasn't going to let him kill me.

I had already dressed and then showered by the time Luke got up.

I took a deep breath as I greeted him in the living room.

"Annabeth?" he asked, confused, when he saw me. "You're soaked. What happened?"

"I took a shower," I replied as I sat next to him on the couch.

"How, in your clothes," he laughed slightly.

I cocked my head to the side. "Yes. It helps me think."

He blinked and his smile faltered. "Oh. Annabeth, are you feeling okay?"

"Yes," I replied. Why was he asking all these questions? "I'm fine. Why?"

"Most people don't take showers in their clothes, Annabeth," he replied.

"It helps me think. Is there something wrong with that?" I asked. I was starting to get frustrated with him.

"No, I guess not," Luke replied cautiously.

"Anyway, Luke, there is something I need to tell you. It's really serious," I said.

"Okay," he adjusted himself in his seat. "What is it?"

"I'm breaking up with you to protect you," I said.

"What? Annabeth, what are you talking about? You're breaking up with me? Why?"

"I just told you. To protect you," I replied. "Look, I can't say much because it'll put you in danger, but I can't let you be a target anymore. I'm breaking up with you so you won't be in danger any longer. I'm sorry, Luke, but it's what needs to be done."

"What? Annabeth, you're not making any sense. Protect me from what?" Luke asked.

"Percy," I replied.

"What? What about Percy. Annabeth, talk to me," he said.

"I am. That's all we're doing!" I said, frustrated. He was being really stupid. Didn't he understand?

"What about Percy?" he asked.

"He's out to kill me," I whispered.

"Annabeth, that's crazy, he's not that mean," Luke said.

"No, it's true, I know it's true!" I shouted.

"Annabeth, what made you believe that? Is it something he said?" he asked.

"She wouldn't lie!" I shouted, exasperated. Why wasn't he understanding? I was trying to save him!

"Annabeth, you're acting like a little kid," he said.

"How dare you!" I stood up. "I'm trying to save your life, and this is how you repay me? By insulting me like this? I'm going to take care of the danger, anyway, but I wanted to keep you safe in the mean time! You know, whatever, I'm leaving! And I'm not coming back!" I turned and grabbed my purse off the side table by my door, and then stormed out.

I couldn't go to Percy's yet. It was too light outside. It just wouldn't work. He would probably be expecting me, anyway.

Wait until night, my mom's voice cooed inside my head.

"Where do I go until then?" I asked.

The park, maybe. But away from your apartment and away from Luke. He's going to try to stop you. He's stupid enough to risk both your lives.

"He is, Mom, you're right," I huffed as I walked past the Starbucks. "It's like he doesn't understand the danger."

It seems so, she replied.

"Mom, we're doing the right thing, right?" I asked.

Of course. I wouldn't lie to you, Annabeth. You're in danger. You need to save yourself.

"Okay. Just checking. What time?" I asked.

11. 11 PM, she said after a second. That's when you should start the attack.

"Attack?" I asked.

The best offense is the best defense, Annabeth, my mom chided.

"Oh yeah. Sorry, Mom. I won't doubt you again," I replied, and continued my walk to a lonely afternoon and a serious night.

Sorry for shortness!

Thanks for Reading!