𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 - 𝐀𝐧 𝐀𝐔

Percy

We'd reached the cafe, and got to talking soon enough. Annabeth asked me about the school I'd been attending, and I was more than happy to talk about it.

"Yeah, Goode is great", I informed, leaning on my elbow. "Most of the guys are there, and some of the teachers are really understanding. There's a particular teacher, Paul Blofis, who is one of the most amazing people to ever walk the earth."

"Oh, that's a relief", she said, cracking her knuckles. "My dad told me they have programs to help students with dyslexia and ADHD."

"Yeah, they do, it was really helpful for me", I said with a smile.

Annabeth gave me a look. "You... you have dyslexia?"

"Yeah, I do, ADHD as well", I said. "Why does it surprise you?"

Annabeth's face turned a little pink, as she fiddled with her earring. She fidgeted a lot, I noticed. "I don't really meet a lot of people who are dyslexic."

"Wait, hang on, you're dyslexic too?" I exclaimed. "But you.. How do you read books without struggling?"

She rolled her eyes. "I do struggle, of course I do. But it's improved over the years, it's not as bad as before." She gave me a small smile. "But it still takes a little long to finish a book. I don't mind though, some stories are worth it."

I raised my arms in surrender. "I don't relate."

She laughed, raising an eyebrow. "With or without dyslexia, I can tell you wouldn't like books." She shrugged. "A shame, really. You're missing out."

I laughed, clasping my hands in front of me. "I'm good, Wise Girl."

"Oh, yes, your skateboarding and bowling don't even hold a candle to books, yes?"

I sipped some water, and pointed my glass at her. "Now, don't even think about insulting either of those things in front of me."

It was her turn to raise her arms in surrender. "Consider me warned."

A waiter, Justin, turned up next to us with our orders: a hibiscus tea for Annabeth, and a latte for me. Neither of us ordered anything to eat, we had to be going home quickly anyways.

"Thanks, Justin", I told him, and the person in question grinned at me.

"Anytime", he said, winking at Annabeth and leaving. I raised an eyebrow at him, and turned to look at Annabeth. She smiled at him, albeit a little awkwardly, and turned back to me with a 'what just happened' stare.

I shrugged, clutching my cup a little harshly. "So... Do you have ADHD too?" I didn't think talking about that little action was going to end well for anyone, so I changed the subject.

Annabeth sipped her drink, giving me a mild smile. "What gave it away?"

I pointed the cup at her. "You're fidgeting. You've been fiddling with something or the other since we've been talking."

She sighed and set her cup down. "That hasn't improved over the years." She grinned. "I think I annoyed my parents so much growing up."

"Oh, please", I insisted, waving it away, "you can't be better at that than me. It's a talent at this point."

She raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

I shrugged, smirking. "I like to think I'm an expert."

"Poor Sally", she said, and I rolled my eyes. She laughed softly, swirling her hibiscus tea around. "I barely remember anyone actually recognizing it's a problem, and not understanding that I couldn't really read like normal, but it was either that or the other end of the spectrum: when someone decided I wouldn't be good for anything." Her eyes took on a hard look. "I know I have nothing to prove to anyone, but I hate being dismissed like that. We're capable of more than we look."