AN: hey guys thanks for reading this story. I appreciate your reviews and please help me by reviewing some more. Special thanks to my friend JerBer for the idea. Enjoy reading !

The news of Luke Castellan's and Annabeth Chase's break up filled the halls of Goode High that afternoon.

Everyone had their minds wrapped around that, well enough to make them forget about me being spilled with juice during lunch. That works for me though.

The only downside was me being dragged into a bigger mess. Rumors about me being the so-called 'third party' in the break up. Like, seriously, I'm nowhere near Annabeth's level.

I had P.E. after lunch so I went to the gym after changing and finishing my lunch. Almost every pair of eyes in the hallway was looking at me. I'm never good with too much attention. I dropped my head, walking quickly towards the gym.

I'm taking up swimming this year. Swimming is my favorite past time. It clears my mind from things that bother me in my life. Usually, I'd go for the sea but a pool isn't that bad, as long as it's not very crowded. My mom and I used to go to Montauk for a swim when I was little. That might have been the reason why I like swimming very much. It's as if I'm one with the sea.

Thud

I didn't notice that someone was in front of me. I accidentally crashed into her as a result. Papers fell on the floor. 'Gods, why do I have to be so clumsy?!' I mentally slapped myself.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going", I said as I helped pick up the papers on the floor. I looked at one and noticed that they are drawings and they were really good. I looked up to see the owner of the drawings. I saw a girl, bent over to pick up the other papers that are scattered. She had a curly red hair, as if it was on fire. She looked up and he green eyes met mine.

My face flushed as I looked away. I quickly gave her papers, apologized again and then quickly ran towards the gym.

'Real smooth Jackson' I thought. I sighed. I stopped when I reached the door of the gym. As I was about to enter the gym I noticed Annabeth approaching me. The gym to be exact. I opened the doors and let her in first. She smiled and I felt my heart burst out of my chest. She can solve all the problems of the world with that smile.

I went inside and changed to my gym clothes before proceeding to where my classmates were standing. They notice me and then started whispering to themselves. I adjusted my glasses and then dropped m head before proceeding to my place. Being the center of attraction isn't really nice.

"Hey dude, you okay?" I saw one of my classmates, Tyson, come over.

"Yeah I'm fine. Just a little uneasy, but fine nonetheless", I said as I tried to look cheerful.

My face might've looked funny because Tyson's face became even more worried. Tyson is one of those people that cares for everyone. He's like a big brother to everyone, both figuratively and literally.

I sighed. "Really man, I'm fine. Thanks for worrying."

"No problem, Percy. Just remember, you can talk to me if you have some things bothering you."

"I'll keep that in mind"

The class then went to the pool, after receiving instructions from the teacher. We are having a practical test today. Swimming I one of my strong suits. This should be an easy test for me. We were doing freestyle today and we are going to hold a race. That's when the situation got awkward yet again.

Our teacher decided that 2 boys versus 2 girls should do a relay. I was with Tyson. Even though he's huge, he was not slow in water. In fact, he's one of the school's best swimmers in the swim team. I figured this should be a piece of cake. Then Annabeth had to ruin it. The classes between boys and girls are separated so I really have no idea how fast of a swimmer she is. She, along with a girl named Piper was our opponents. The two of them might not be on the swim team but they are still pretty and athletic. I mean pretty athletic. See what Annabeth's doing with my brain.

The teacher told us to go to the starting line. Tyson will go first so as to get an early lead. He's up against Piper. That leaves me with Annabeth. As much as I like how that sounds, I'm still terrified. What if I drag Tyson down? What if I make a fool out of myself out there? What if-

Preeet!

The whistle shook me from my reverie and Tyson dove into the pool. He started his stroke but Piper was holding her ground, staying close behind. That might have been their plan. To stay close with Tyson, then leave Annabeth to trash me completely. I sighed. At this moment, Tyson was already on his way back. I took my glasses off and wore the goggles.

Only a few more strokes and Tyson should be done, Piper not far behind. I took a deep breath. Tyson then tagged out and I dove into the pool. My mind became clear. I don't know how fast Annabeth was in the pool but she also have no idea how fast I can swim as well. I felt my confidence soar high as I began my stroke. 'Just concentrate you can do this' I told myself as I flipped and swam back to the finish line. I haven't even noticed i already reached the other side.

'Come on' I urged myself 'I can see it already, just a few more strokes'

After two more strokes, my hand hit the side of the pool and I broke to the surface. I was surprised to see everyone with their jaws dropped, not believing what just happened. Tyson was the only one wearing an impressed smile. I looked back saw Annabeth just do her flip and was coming back fast.

I can't believe I left her that far behind. I beat Annabeth Chase at something. I got out of the pool, dripping wet. I got my towel and went to drink water from the fountain outside the gym.

"PERCY!"

I heard Annabeth call at me as I was about to drink water. What did I do now?

AN: how was it? pls leave a review. thanks for reading and see you next time :))