The Swap

Chapter 11: Mirrors

Annabeth POV (in Percy's body)

I waited till all of the guys were finished getting changed before I entered the boys' locker room. I didn't want to take advantage of the situation.

Besides, I was already violating one guy's (ie Percy's) privacy without having a right to. I didn't want to intrude where I wasn't supposed to with anyone else. 

It was weird seeing another guy naked. 

I mean I've seen other guys before, but those were guys that I was allowed to look at since we were in a relationship. However, Percy and I definitely weren't together. 

In fact, Percy belonged to someone else. 

But, I didn't have a choice. And, Percy's outer visual wasn't something that I could really complain about. He had a great appearance, and he took care of himself. 

Most teenage girls would consider seeing him exposed a treat. I wasn't like most girls though. 

As I quickly changed Percy into his swim trunks, I also mentally prepared myself. The coach might have been angrier today. Since I was already running late, I didn't get a chance to look at myself in the mirror. 

I definitely didn't look at Percy's lower back and waist. 

I rushed into the pool room, and as expected, the coach was already waiting for me. Most of the swimmers were already in the pool and doing laps. 

"Jackson, you're late," Coach Hedge growled. 

I winced as I stopped in front of him. I technically didn't have any excuse, so I stayed silent. The coach stared at me for the longest time. 

"Jackson, are you even interested in being an athlete?" he asked. 

"Of course I am," I responded quickly. 

"Well, it doesn't seem like it to me. You're skipping practices, and you're always. That is so irresponsible, especially for the star swimmer representing our school." 

His voice elevated with each sentence. 

"Coach, I am dedicated and responsible. I've just been dealing with some stuff."

"I don't need your excuses. Do you know how many people are counting on you?" Coach exclaimed firmly. "You've accomplished great feats last year, but this year is what matters in terms of putting this school and town on the map." 

I stayed silent as I listened to the coach. He wasn't really helping with all of the stress and pressure that came with being talented and having everyone's eyes on you. 

Gods, I never realized that Percy went through all of this. 

Suddenly, the coach's demeanor changed as his voice took a disappointed tone. 

"In my opinion, Jackson, I'm not so sure if you're as good as I thought you were. You're becoming a slacking athlete who's tainted by fame," he expressed. 

I winced at his words before he walked away. 

To be honest, I was glad that I was in Percy's body just then. I think that those words would've deeply hurt Percy considering how much effort and passion he put into swimming. 

I could feel the Coach's eyes on me, waiting for my next actions.  

I sighed as I walked towards the pool's least crowded lane. Frank Zhang was currently treading water in the deep end while gazing at me. 

He gave a kind smile. 

Frank was one of Percy's best friends, so he definitely knew not to show pity or shame towards me (ie Percy).