How You Changed Me (Demigods In High School AU)

Chapter 24 || The Graduation

ANNABETH CHASE

3 months. Three whole f**king months had gone by with Percy still sitting with his bitchy girlfriend, and Annabeth hurting because she wanted Percy so bad. He looked over at her with his gorgeous sea-green eyes and his pearly white teeth, his messy black hair blowing back in the wind casually. But the hurt in his eyes was unbearable. And he looked away. The moment he looked away and back to Renee, she wanted to punch the little thing so badly.

"Annabeth, you're killing the apple," Piper said and Annabeth looked down to see that her hand had crushed the apple.

She let go and it fell to the floor.

"All of us can agree you care about Percy," Piper sighed, looking over at where Percy was stealing glances at her before looking back to Renee when she'd grab his head possessively.

Or maybe it was just Annabeth who saw it possessive. Maybe everyone else thought it was cute and that it was normal for Renee and Percy to fight. They were the golden couple around here. Percy got up, his food still in the correct arrangement on his plate. Untouched.

"I'm gonna go," he said, emptying his plate in the garbage and walking out.

Annabeth's gaze followed him as he left before she saw him catch her eye. He stopped for long seconds before walking out of the cafeteria. She heard the loudspeaker turn on and announcements ripped through the conversation like fire.

"Hello, students! Just a reminder that our senior graduation is gonna go on today, so please kindly file out to your next class. Seniors, get ready to meet on the quad in a few minutes."

"We've gotta go," Piper said, grabbing her arm.

___

Annabeth walked on the stage, shaking her teacher's hands. Harvard. She was going to f**king Harvard. Grinning, she took a seat. She watched as Percy took the stage, grinning for the flashing lights of the paparazzi, who'd arrived.

"Percy Jackson!"

Percy bowed, getting off the stage. He sat down in the row in front of her and she couldn't help but call out his name.

"Percy!" she hissed.

He frowned, turning around.

"Good job!" Annabeth grinned.

He stared at her, confused, before congratulating her. The moment he turned around, Annabeth sighed, not knowing what else to do. She had tried and she had failed.

"Hi, my name is Annabeth Chase," she said, delivering her speech, "I have been here for only a year, but it's taught me a lot. Goode High School has taught me to never judge anyone, to strive for my goals, and to try and help others to my best extent."

Annabeth looked straight at Percy, who had his brows furrowed, staring at her curiously.

"Goode High has brought me memories I can't even begin to explain. But I met a person here that turned my whole life upside down."

She looked again at Percy before looking back to her paper.

"The typical stereotypes were erased as I got closer. And I can't name his name because that'd be a total giveaway and I wouldn't want that to happen. I respect him. He's dating this one girl I really don't like... and I tried to help him. I thought he was arrogant, rude, cocky... but as I learned who he was, I saw that he was sweet, kinda, and genuine. I mean... I liked him. A lot."

Annabeth paused and saw Percy with a tear trickling down his face.

"But, he's stubborn. And wouldn't give up on the only love he thought he'd have. So my message today, is for him, and what you all can learn from. Sometimes, you're looking away from the best things you can do for yourself because you need to get over your fear of the unknown. That's how to live life. By hurting yourself, by making yourself happy, then restarting the process. And if you're afraid, that's fine. But do it. Because you'll laugh later. Thank you."

Leaving the stage, she caught Percy's eye before he stepped on.

"Hi, I'm Percy Jackson. I've been here forever. It's like home to me and it's sad to see this place go. But... it's truly helped me grow into the person I am now." He took a deep breath. "I've been through some shit. Oops, am I not supposed to cuss on graduation? Well, too bad, I did."

Everyone laughed, Percy shrugging as he continued his speech.

"People think just because you've gained fame, you're automatically living the wonderful life celebrities post on their Instagram. No. It's the opposite for me. I've never loved fame, and never needed it. It's just been there and... I didn't know what to do other than to smile. I met my girlfriend. I met some... some other people, too."

He looked to Annabeth and she felt her chest flutter.

"But what I've learned is that people try to help you, even if you don't trust them. Because I know I have a problem with that. In relationships, there's always a fear behind each thing you do. Do they really love you or are they just using you? Lemme tell you, I've had my fair share. And I'm not trying to be a hypocrite. I mean, I do my fair share of trusting no one. I still don't trust anyone."

Everyone was silent, staring at him.

"It's... uh... It's a sensitive topic. But my point is that you should learn from my mistakes. Because like a person said to me once, you'll turn into something you don't wanna be... and it's gonna be too late to turn back. So ignore those thoughts before you can't ignore them. And if you're hurt, don't be like me. Don't let it hurt you for the rest of your life. Thank you."

No applause. Just silence as Percy got off the stage, taking his seat. More speeches were given before Annabeth got her last glimpse of Goode High. And Percy just disappeared with it.