Not a Fairytale Ending, I suppose - A Percabeth Selection

The C.H.A.L.L.E.N.G.E.S

I basically avoided Percy for the last couple of days, I didn't know how he would respond. If I didn't talk to him, then I couldn't react to his response, which he would probably wouldn't know what to say, and expect me to say something, and I don't know what to say, and.....

Wait, this is my best friend, of course he will understand. I don't even understand, how can I explain this?

My thoughts ran wild, completely not making sense. 

A knock at the door startled me. I ruled out a couple of people, such as Percy and Estelle, because they just barge in. Tyson is in his lessons, so unless he skipped again, he's out. Tyson really doesn't need the lessons, he's really smart, learns more than his share of lessons in one day. He just gets caught up in his books and such that he forgets or misses out on them. Not like it is bad anyways that he misses them, he's the only student. Paul usually doesn't 

"Come in," I called, and the door opened a bit before shutting quickly. Queen Sally slipped into my room. 

"Sally!" 

Sally gave me a small smile. "Hey Annabeth, how are you doing?"

I shrugged and moved to my chair, Sally sat on the edge of my bed. 

"I see." Sally tilted her head a bit and let out a long, slow breath. "I'm here for a couple of reasons. First, its about Percy. You both are doing so much to avoid each other, I can't tell who's trying to avoid who. I never thought in all your years of friendship that this will happen this bad, I mean what you have with Percy is very strong. It takes a lot to break something that strong. This is a big test of that bond, but I'm confident that this will not break it." 

I nodded, not having the energy to argue, or knowing she was right. 

"Annabeth?" Sally said, "Usually somebody else, the person in charge of the selection girls, will come and tell you this," she gave me a smile, "Or they probably will again. Your maids will not be arriving until the day after it starts, so for the first day you will not have any maids."

My jaw dropped, "Sally...I..."

"I know, you don't like to have any maids, but it is culturely important to the traditions of the Selection."

I sighed, "Fine."

Sally clapped her hands, "Great! You will be pleased with my choices."

When she left, I checked the time. Oops, I was going to be late to my lessons with Chiron...and Percy. I fixed my ponytail and gathered some stuff I thought I might need. 

We weren't going to have lessons for Thursday or Friday, for the sake of the Selection. Monday we would be back on schedule. I bit my lip, nobody has discussed the possibilities of what I am doing here at the Castle right now verses what I will be doing with the other selection girls. 

I entered the classroom right on time and got out my books. 

The entire time I was half-paying attention, but my conscious side was really good, so I still answered all the questions even though Chiron asked Percy half of them. My heart wasn't in it, though.  

Percy, gods help him, was extremely distracting, and he was distracted himself. No matter how many notes we took or questions we answered, he was always moving and fidgeting with his pen. Chiron took it away, but gave Percy a pencil. Which he accidentally broke when he put too much pressure on it. 

I love my classes, and learning in general, but I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't happy to get out of class this day. 

I fell into step with Percy, it was out of habit, until I realized that this was my chance to apologise.