Oh, well, that was fast? LOL. Chapter 16 is ready to serve ;)

DISCLAIMER: Nope. I still don't own Percy Jackson. Rick Riordan does.

CHAPTER 16

ANNABETH's POV

It's been quite a week last week. We had a sleepover at Percy's and the next day we went to the beach.

The beach…

Okay, so basically, what happened during that night was we sat around the bonfire and started to tell some of our deep dark secrets; I got emotional and ran off then Percy followed me; we sat quietly at the beach and when we were walking back to the cabin…

I felt myself blush madly. I was sitting at the top of my bed reading a good book when I re-called what happened last week.

Percy and I kissed! He kissed me, I kissed him back, and we both kissed each other! Damn it, Annabeth! You're so sappy! I couldn't say I didn't like the kiss; it was quite the opposite actually.

It was like out lips were meant for each other. Oh my goodness! Annabeth Chase, what the hell is wrong with you?

I mentally slapped myself. I was on my way to Thalia's house, we were partners in Home Economics and the teacher made us do an interior design of a kitchen. I know what you're thinking, and I'm as confused as to why our teacher made us do a replica of a kitchen rather than, oh you know, taking care of pretend baby; stuffs like that.

I reached their house around 12:30 in the afternoon and was greeted by Thalia.

"Hey, Annie! Come on in!" She gestured me as I went inside their humble abode.

"Ugh, Thalia! How many times have I told you not to call me that?" I said with a hint of irritation to my voice. She just laughed it off.

"So, where's Jason?" I asked, usually, Jason spends the weekdays just sitting around their couch and watch the sports channel all day long.

"Oh, lover boy has a date today." She said as she entered her room. She was getting some of the materials we need while I stayed in the living room.

"Woah, date? Oh my god! Seriously?" I was giggling a bit.

"Yeah, dude! I'm more surprised than you are!" She said as she came out and sat beside me.

"Here you go, Annie" She said smiling at me.

I just rolled my eyes. "Okay, I'm making an exception since you won't stop calling me that."

She grinned triumphal at me.

"Great, let's get started then."

We started doing our projects and after two hours, we've finally made most of the parts of the kitchen.

"Ugh, my hand hurts! Can we like rest for a while?" She said as she slumped back at the sofa.

"Yeah, sure." I said as I got up. "Can I have a glass of water?"

"Sure! Go help yourself."

As I came back with two glass of water, I saw Thalia holding my phone and looked at me, sheepishly.

"What's with the look?" I asked while I gave her the water and sat down beside her.

"Oh, nothing. Here's your phone. Oh! By the way, someone texted you." She said as she sipped her water.

Curious enough, I opened my phone to read the message, it was from Percy

Annabeth, we need to talk. It's about what happened during the bonfire. Please. I'll meet you at the park by 6pm. Please come.

Truth be told, I was actually avoiding Percy after that incident. Yeah, we kissed, we held hand but when we got nearer to the cabin I let go of his hand and ran to Thalia. Then these past few days, I've been constantly avoiding him; ignoring his calls and text message. I honestly didn't know why I was but I felt scared. I felt ashamed and… confused.

I looked at Thalia, she was looking at me with a creepy grin on her face.

"What?" I said.

"So… You and Percy huh? What happened?" She said.

"You read my message?" I asked almost yelling.

"Dude! You have an iPhone. I can see messaged quickly okay? Not my fault." She said while raising both of her hands up.

I sat quietly looking at my phone.

"Wanna tell me what happened?" She said in a much softer voice.

I was really hesitant but Thalia's like a sister to me. She's my best bud; I don't want to hide things from her. I sighed.

"Fine."

She placed the water down the table and listened intently at me.

"Okay, so when I ran off from the bonfire, Percy chased me right?"

She nodded.

"Well, he comforted me and while we were on our way back, we uh… we kinda… no… we…"

"You guys what? Come on! Spit it out!" She said with excitement and irritation in her voice.

"Okay, grumpy! We… kissed."

Her jaw dropped; wide eyed and silent.

"You… you…" Then she squealed.

I covered up my ears.

"Oh my gosh! You guys kissed! I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! She started jumping up and down, which I thought that it was kinda weird because, well, Thalia's a tough chick. I never thought she'd have this side of her.

"Calm down!"

She stopped jumping and sat down again.

"So, are you guys together now? Wait, if you guys are, then why are you avoiding each other? I've noticed that you guys haven't been together in one room or if you guys were, you'd sit far away from him. What's the deal?"

"Okay, first of all, catch your breath first. You're so giddy! Second, well, were not… together—"

"What? But you just said that—"

"I know, but I kinda felt awkward after that. I mean, we might have just kissed because of the moment. Besides, I don't even know if he likes me more than a friend." I said as I gazed down the floor.

She sighed.

"But the question is: do you like him more than a friend?"

I looked at her and her eyes were full of sincerity.

"I… I…" I sighed. "I don't know. Maybe I do but I have this fear inside of me that… that…" Then I felt it, tears forming from the brim of my eyes.

"That he might not like me when he learns about my past." I said almost inaudible.

We were silent. Then she stood up went in front of me and kneeled. She stroked my golden locks and sighed.

"Look, Annabeth. I know that this isn't the right time for me, for us to discuss your past but don't let it stop you from hindering your feelings towards Percy."

"I know that you like him, I can feel it and I know he likes you too. I can see it every time you're in each other's company. Those sparkle in your eyes, meaningful smiles, that unexplainable aura you guys have when you're together. Annabeth, don't let this moment pass, okay? Just forget about your past."

"But I don't think I can…" I was crying now.

Thalia sat beside me and hugged me tightly, "I know you can, Annabeth. You're a strong girl and besides, I'm here right?" I looked up to her and saw softness behind those electric blue eyes.

"And don't forget Percy." She smiled and I smiled as well.

"Now cheer up! You don't want Percy to see you like that now would you?" She patted my head and I stifled a small laugh.

"Yeah. I guess I do."

I wiped the tears away.

"Thalia,"

"Hmmm?"

"I'm sorry for not telling you about my past. I wanted too but…"

She placed her hand on my shoulder, "I understand Annabeth. Whenever you're ready, okay?"

I nodded.

"Now, you better get your butt moving or you're going to be late!" She said as she started to work on our project once again.

"Late? For what?"

"For your date with Percy" Thalia said as she winked at me. I just laughed and continued our project.

Bwahahahaha! Okay, I'm laughing at nothing.

Anywho, so they weren't together together but you guys should read the next chapter ;) I'll be posting it next week.

I've already made an outline of the next chapters so maybe it'll be easier for me to write and update.

Thank you again for reviewing the last chapter and I do hope you review this chapter too! :)

Enjoy reading! Love you guys!

xx