Percy POV
When I got back home, I didn't even have time to celebrate properly.
First of all, I was utterly exhausted when I got back to my apartment in late June. My family and all my friends were there to celebrate with a party. I smiled at everyone who greeted and congratulated me, but my body was about to give out. It's been a long day of interviews this morning and afternoon; I was terrified on the plane ride. Now, it was late at night.
I wanted to celebrate, but I was so out of it that I fell asleep amidst all the excitement. On the couch next to my mom and Estelle.
Before I went to deep sleep though, I felt a pair of lips against my cheek. I knew it was Annabeth; I could smell her lemony scent.
"Amazing job, Percy. I'm so proud of you," Wise Girl whispered, her breath grazing my skin.
I cozied deeper into the couch pillow and fell fully asleep.
In the future, I probably won't be able to retell any details from the month of July. It was so hectic, yet monotonous; I barely had time to breath, let alone hang out with my friends. It will be worth it though when I'm competing at the Olympics.
Lupa Wolfe had done this before. When she qualified for the Olympics years ago, she strengthened her training regimen to a solid three times a day (at least, one shift everyday for conditioning, strengthening, and/or physical therapy). I followed her instructions and attended every training session so that I can be best prepared for the Olympics.
"It's a good thing that it's summer. You have more time to train," Jason pointed out one day. He decided to drive me to Olympia's swimming pool.
"Yeah, school would wreck me right now," I said honestly.
"Wreck you how?" Jason asked, chuckling.
"I'd be shitting my pants every day until the school was required to get me diapers," I laughed before turning on the radio.
"It's so weird to here your name on the Sports channels."
"Tell me about it. I felt so awkward during my interviews. They kept asking me questions, and I just gave honest answers. I don't know though," I replied.
"I thought you did great in your interviews. Your personality was terrific," Jason said.
"Really?"
"Yeah, fans around the world are falling in love with your personality, sense of humor, and sarcasm," Jason answered, turning into the parking lot of Olympia.
"Dude, you reading up on me?" I asked laughing.
"Just doing my research," Jason countered. "But, seriously, I'm really proud of you. I know you're busy, but we need to hang out more. All of our friends are missing you."
I didn't know what to say. I know that all my friends and Annabeth were supporting me big time, and that's why they wren't saying anything to my absence at social events and hangouts. They always invite me, but I can never make it. My schedule is pretty strict, and I have to stay focused for the Olympics next month.
Annabeth taught and told me to focus on myself first because I'm doing something significant. I deserve to do well at the Olympics.
"But, we'd much rather have you staying focused and prepared. We know how important this is for you, Percy, so we got your back," Jason said firmly while smiling brightly.
"Thanks, bro. It means a lot."
"I understand you, bro. Don't worry. You got this..."
We talked for a few more minutes before I had to go to swim practice.
...
This is such a bad idea, I thought to myself while attempting to brush my hair. My hair was unruly; I should just shave it off. I tossed my comb on my bed in frustration.
Usually, in a situation where I need to comb my hair, Paul applies gel to my hair and combs it for me. I just don't know why I bother by myself.
"Aww, Percy, you look so handsome," Sally squealed.
"Really sharp," Paul agreed.
I groaned before rolling my eyes. My parents are so embarrassing sometimes, but I love them regardless. It's actually quite endearing that they care so much when most parents couldn't care less about an adult son.
"I can't believe you're finally taking Annabeth on a date," my mom said.
"It's not a date!" I protested. "It's just Annabeth, Mom. Jeez!"
"You're spending your one break day in two weeks taking Annabeth to the movies. You're going to take the car and pick her up," mom expressed.
"Well, yeah," I said awkwardly.
"Just the two of you. Alone."
"MOM!"
I decided to give up on my hair and turned to my parents. I was in a clean pair of jeans and a blue v-neck t-shirt. It was such a casual outfit since we're just going to the movies. Annabeth and I were just hanging out; it's nothing more than that.
I sighed while watching my parents' teasing faces.
"Look, I don't want my first date with Annabeth to be so...insignificant. I mean, a movie date is so stupid. That's why it's not a date," I explained.
"Okay fine," Paul relented. "You're just spending some time together."
"Exactly," I replied gratefully.
Fifteen minutes later, I was in Annabeth's driveway. I smiled while looking at Annabeth as she walked outside to my car. I got out of the car and approached her half-way. She was in jeans and a t-shirt, casual like me, yet so beautiful.
I put my hands on her waist and pulled her close to me. It might have been a little aggressive, considering Annabeth gasped before meeting my passionate kiss.
"Happy Birthday, Wise Girl," I whispered against her lips.
"Thanks, ready for the movie?" she asked. I had taken her hand and started going to my car. Once we were inside, I started driving out of the neighborhood.
"Did you really think I'd take you to a movie for your birthday? More specifically, your first birthday since we got closer," I said slyly.
"What did you do?" Annabeth asked, laughing.
"Something special-"
"It better not be special. I just turned nineteen; it's not that much of a special day."
Annabeth and I spoke at the same time. She made herself pretty clear that she didn't want to do anything particularly special, and everyone agreed. That's why I lied to her and said that we'd go to a simple movie.
"Trust me, you'll like the experience," I said. "After all, you love spending time with me even if we're just sitting on a couch."
Annabeth rolled her eyes. "If that's what we're doing, I quit."
I pulled up to central park, and we got out. I took Annabeth's hand after grabbing the basket from my trunk. We walked to the top of a hill and sat down under a tree. The warm air and moonlight created a romantic atmosphere; the night was perfect.
I promised Annabeth that I'd keep it simple, so I didn't go all out. However, I didn't just want to take her to a movie. That was boring.
Instead, we were having a moonlit picnic under a tree at the top of a hill.
"It's actually really nice," Annabeth whispered.
"Is this a date?" I asked.
"To be honest, I still don't know if we're together or not," Annabeth said lightheartedly. However, there was truth in her words. We've never had an official date or called ourselves a couple.
"Right now, let's just enjoy the moment," I decided hesitantly.
Annabeth smiled as I opened the basket. Like I said, this wasn't anything special. I had a fancy basket, but a McDonalds bag was stashed inside.
Annabeth started laughing as I pulled out the McDonalds all dramatically.
Annabeth and I started eating and talking about everything. I told Annabeth more about my family and why I loved swimming so much. I shared my first experience in the water, which elicited a bunch of laughter. Long story short, I was scared of drowning. Annabeth talked to me about her own family and fond memories of her mom. She rambled some about the architecture that I have to see in Greece during my Olympic trip.
We talked about all things personal and professional.
"Thanks for bringing me here, Percy," Annabeth said while laying on her back. She didn't care about dirtying her clothes. I laid next to her.
My gaze flitted over her face and slender body. Even while she was gazing at the stars and pointing out constellations, my eyes stayed on her. It was a simple night together, but it was a great time anyway.
I would consider this a date, no doubt about it.
As I spent the night with Annabeth-talking about our friends, families, and dreams-I kept thinking about how lucky I am.
...
Some music videos are so cool. My favorite music videos are You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift), Hymn For the Weekend (Coldplay), and Stitches (Shawn Mendes). What music videos do ya'll love watching and listening to?
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