Social Deviance

Deviance: The violation of social rules and conventions.

"Hey, Grover," says Percy. "Did you get the notes from this morning? I'm missing the definition for 'deviant subculture', and I can't lose points on the notes again. I'm already going to bomb the test."

"You're not going to bomb the test," says Grover. He turns his school-issued Chromebook for Percy to see.

Deviant subculture: a group that's developed norms and values different than those of the dominant population.

What does that even mean? Percy writes it down on his document anyway.

The rest of Percy's friends take a seat at their study table in the library, causing quite a commotion.

"Hey, hey!" says Leo. "What are you guys doing for your sociology project?"

Leave it to Mr. Brunner to assign a massive project the first day back from spring break. On the bright side, it's a partner project, but on the other hand, it's a research project on a deviant subculture, complete with a presentation.

"Probably a cult or something," Percy answers. "That should be easy to research, right?"

Grover takes a bite from his granola bar. "I want to talk about hippies during the environmental movement."

The others disregard this entirely. Leo claims a seat across from Jason. The Stoll brothers take the far end of the table.

"Wait 'til I tell you guys about my grand plan to get a prom date!" says Connor.

His brother Travis, a second-year senior, rolls his eyes. "This'll be the third time I've heard about this today."

"Who are you asking?" Jason asks. He presses his pencil against the scar on his lip.

Connor shrugs. "Not sure yet. It doesn't matter though. My promposal is going to be just that awesome!"

"Promposal?" Percy asks. He always thought that's just something people do in movies.

"Oh, that's right. You're new this year," says Travis. "Goode goes all out. People put on these public declarations. I saw a guy zip line off the roof a couple of years ago."

"That's almost as cool as my plan," says Connor.

Connor begins to explain his plan and Percy zones out in a panic. He peers into his backpack. He and his mom were up all night making chocolate chip cookies to give to the girl he's asking to the prom today.

Well, the girl he was going to ask to prom today. His promposal is a joke compared to the stories his friends are swapping.

He sighs and stares off to the far side of the library, the silent area. That's where she always is during study hall.

Annabeth Chase is a wonder, in her own unique kind of way.

Sure, she's not conventionally hot like the popular kids. The most dressed-up Percy's ever seen her was on Halloween when seniors got to wear costumes to school. She looked so cute in her sweater and green and silver striped tie.

Most days, however, she wears jeans and a t-shirt with a book reference Percy doesn't understand. He wants to ask, but he knows better than to do that.

He watches as she opens her sticker-covered laptop and types away, far too fast to be working on actual homework. What is she writing? Percy wants to ask, but he knows better than to do that.