The Swap

Chapter 16: Scars in Heaven

Percy POV (in Annabeth's body)

"WHO WAS THAT BOY?" Helen shouted as soon as I walked in. 

I sighed as I took my jacket off. It was chillier today, so I made Annabeth wear a jacket. After all, she was more susceptible to the cold than my own body was. 

"I don't know what you're talking about, Helen," I said calmly. 

"Don't play dumb with me, girl. I saw that boy outside of our house when you both arrived in his very unfashionable car. You went out with him on Tuesday as well," Helen said sharply.  

Technically, she was correct. I was with a boy (who was actually Annabeth) today and a few days. We had gone to the museum together on Tuesday, and today,  Annabeth and I went to the studio. She wanted to hear the talent show song that I was preparing on her behalf. 

"That car is a freaking blue honda civic. By no means is that a bad car," I blurted out. 

Of course, I had missed the point of what Helen was saying. I walked away from the front door and walked to the kitchen. 

Annabeth's home wasn't like mine. She had a proper home with a lower level (for the kitchen, living room, dining room, and study) and an upper level (with the bedrooms). 

Even though I didn't know much about her dad, he must make decent money. 

"So, there was a boy," she said with a satisfied smirk. "You tell me who that was right now." Helen walked closer to me in the kitchen. 

I ignored her as I grabbed a drink. 

I had gone through this with Gabe. There was a reason why I kept to myself when I was younger. I (Percy) was a lot more open and sociable now than before. 

"ANSWER ME," she shouted. 

Helen had an alcoholic drink that she grabbed from the counter. She must've been enjoying herself some wine before I had interrupted. 

"Where are the boys?" I asked. 

It wasn't that responsible to be drinking with the boys here, especially during the day. Plus, I was trying to divert the situation. 

"At a friend's. Now, answer me," she snapped. Helen was only getting angrier, which was not good. 

"Why do you care?" I asked sharply. 

"I don't want a step-daughter that goes hanging out and sleeping around with random guys."

That sentence made me angry. Since when did Helen even treat Annabeth like a daughter, let alone step-daughter. 

"I'm not even like that," I snapped. "Also, why do you care who I hang out with? You're not my mother, and you never act like one."

"How dare you? I do so much for you," she growled as she got closer. 

However, I couldn't back away because I was already leaning against the kitchen counter. The stove was behind me. I gulped my nerves and remained confident. 

I wasn't going to let Annabeth's body or face show weakness. 

"You do nothing for"

The slap came hard across my cheek. I could feel the stinging against my skin as my eyes bristled with tears, but I didn't let them fall. 

"I am your stepmother, and I take care of you and let you live in my home. You will speak respectfully to me," Helen slurred. 

We were only a few inches apart, and she was emotional causing her body to shake. Her hand went to something behind me before pulling back.