'So Annabeth, hows the break been? I heard that you have been going to a school for your final year?'
Annabeth smiled politely at the talkshow host who sat directly across from her. The pretty women had a smile that stretched from one cheek to another but Annabeth knew it was fake. This woman didn't care about Annabeth's life at all, unless it meant she gained more followers for the show due to her appearance.
The studio was extra cold today, and they still lacked a live studio audience due to post covid situations.
'Yes i have, and I've been loving every minute of it. Everyone is so lovely.'
The host nodded along and looked at her suggestively.
'Any boyfriends?'
Ah, so thats what she was doing. Annabeth wasn't stupid, she knew that relationship stories sold well. But she refused to buy into the hosts idea. Besides, there is nothing to tell.
She shook her head firmly. 'No. Like you mentioned, my focus has been on school. Ive also been in the process of writing an album so -'
'Really?' The woman asked smugly. 'Whats this photo of then?'
Annabeth froze as a picture appeared on the big stage screen. She felt her heart drop.
It was a picture of her and Luke from over a year ago, laughing and holding hands as they strolled down the pier in California. They looked super in love.
'I - ' Annabeth stuttered.
'Have you been lying to your fans about dating? Did you lie to me? It looks like in this picture you guys are a lot closer than just friends!'
'That picture was taken a year ago!' Annabeth stated desperately, shaking her head. 'Its not a secret we use to date, but i haven't been in contact with him for almost a year!'
The host raised her eyebrow at the younger girl, shocked at her outburst but grinning nonetheless because she knew she had material for the show now.
'Tut tut Annabeth, i was only asking!'
Annabeth frowned as memories pooled back to her.
'Im sorry, but i'll have to cut this interview short. Thank you for your time.'
She rose from her seat and dashed from the room before the host had chance to answer her.
She stormed into the back and pushed open the door to her dressing room.
'The nerve of that woman!' She exclaimed to Piper, who was sprawled across the couch.
'Oh god, i was watching from here. That was awful.'
Annabeth forced a smile at her friend. 'Thank you for that. That really makes me feel better.'
Piper frowned and patted the seat next to her. 'Oh come here!'
Annabeth flopped defeatedly next to her friend.
'Its not that bad!' Piper reasoned, rubbing circles into her friends back. 'You didn't say anything wrong, if anything that reporter is just gonna get shit from your fans for pushing you too much. I get that its her job, but cmon, some topics are sensitive! She should've known better, especially because of how public it all was!'
'What if Luke sees it? What if Percy sees it and thinks i still like Luke? This is a mess.' She replied, burying her face in her hands.
Piper gently pulled them off before staring firmly at her.
'Fuck Luke, who cares what he thinks! And Percy would never rush to judge, maybe you should just talk to him and give him a heads up before the interview airs?'
Annabeth nodded slightly. 'I should probably do that.'
Piper stood up and pulled her friend alongside her. 'Cmon, lets go home. We'll get McDonalds on the way!'
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Annabeth sighed and knocked on the door gently.
It was opened less than 5 seconds later, revealing Percy's grinning face. 'Hey you,' he spoke softly, 'how did it go?'
He looked so happy that she cursed herself as she felt her eyes brimming with tears. 'Not good.'
He frowned at her and opened his door wider, allowing her to step in.
She had barely been in Percy's room, but she loved it. There was a small fish tank pushed up in one corner, the walls were blue and it was just so Percy that she couldn't help adore it. She instantly felt calmer as she headed to his bed and sat down on it.
He closed the door and came to sit next to her, placing a reassuring arm round her shoulder.
'Hey it's okay, what happened?'
She blinked the tears away and looked up at him dejectedly.
'Did I ever tell you about my ex boyfriend, Luke?'
He looked at her in confusion for a moment before shaking his head.
'I dont think so. Why?'
'Well, i dated Luke Castellan. We were -'
'Wait, the model?' He asked, pursing his lips to conceal the jealousy.
She smiled softly and grabbed his hand, squeezing it softly.
'Yes. We were together for around a year and a half. I have known him all my life though, we grew up together.'
Percy's face remained hard but he nodded to show he was listening.
'I found out on my birthday that he was cheating on me. I walked in on him kissing one of my best friends in my bedroom.'
His eyes widened slightly and his face softened, squeezing her hand.
'Thats awful.'
'Yeah.'
'Why are you telling me this now?' He asked, tilting his head slightly like a confused puppy.
'The interviewer was asking questions about it, trying to play it off like i still loved him.'
'Do you?'
Her eyes snapped up from the floor and met his, which were looking at her slightly desperately.
'Do i what?' She asked.
He coughed awkwardly and averted his gaze out the window. He could see his dad and Piper laughing on one of the fields as she tried to herd some of their sheep.
'Do you love him still?'
Annabeth stared at the boy in front of her. How could he think that? Wasn't it obvious that she was low key obsessed with him, and has been since she met him?
Her hand brushed his jaw as she turned his head, making him focus on her again. She sent him a soft smile as her thumb brushed over his lip.
'No. I definitely do not.'
He smiled softly down at her and kissed her thumb gently.
'Good.'
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