Don't judge a book by its cover.[Percabeth]

Chapter 35

Annabeth's POV

Imagine the best start of the day you've ever had. Yeah, mine was better. I woke up next to a snoring Percy, his mouth wide open and his arms wrapped tightly around me. It took literally hours to get me up. The only reason I did was the text from Piper. Usually I wouldn't have woken him up but I was excited, okay? It was cliché and kind of embarrassing but my heart sped up at the thought of Percy skating. I wasn't disappointed. Sure, he fell a lot but when he was on the board it was quite possibly the most attractive thing I'd ever witnessed. His hair was completely dishevelled, from both the wind and sweat, his arms were bare and flexing, his jeans were-

"Hello? Annabeth? Look, I understand you think Percy skating is hot but I have an actual problem here. Will's taking me to that concert, but we have to stay in a hotel nearby. I can't afford a separate room, he just said 'we'll share' and shrugged! I'm freaking out here. I mean, what pyjamas do I wear? What am I supposed to do?" Nico's face was bright pink as he freaked out. It was actually kind of sweet how much he was panicking about this one concert. His embarrassment managed to take away from my own open mouthed staring at Percy a little.

"Calm down, Nico. Will is a very nice guy, I don't think he cares what pyjamas you wear. Just go, watch the concert, share a room and have an awesome time with your boyfriend, okay?" His blush deepened but he did actually smile a little. "But hey, use protection kiddo."

He scowled and shoved me off the skateboard I was sat on. I tried to be angry but Percy finally managed to pull off some trick, completely distracting me when he punched the air and his shirt rode up a little. I'm ashamed to say my mouth was yet again hanging open. Or at least it was until he came strolling up with a big purple bruise forming across his jaw, most probably from the rather spectacular faceplant he pulled off a few minutes before. I tried to be mad, I really did; I even gave him a talking to. But of course that was ruined by a cheeky smirk and a wiseass comment about my butt distracting him, which made me blush deep pink and ruined my apparent anger. In attempt to redeem my dignity, I turned away to walk with Piper, only to be pulled back by my makeshift belt.

"What? I just want to walk with my girlfriend, that okay with you Chase?" And with that, he slung his arm over my shoulder, sent goosebumps up my arm and made a smile bubble to my lips. Girlfriend. I'd almost forgotten that it was now actually relatively official. It made my stomach twist at the thought of it, despite the fact I knew it actually changed nothing. It just made our whole thing seem more concrete, in a very good way. I was relaxed. Completely relaxed. Which is why Rachel's actions pissed me off. She just had to fuck it up. I was perfectly happy in that little pizza place, watching my friends laugh and joke while eating frankly delicious pizza that was well worth the wait. Even after the pizza was gone, I was just happy. Percy's hand was resting on my thigh as I watched the sickeningly obvious flirtation between Piper and Jason, and the sweetly awkward conversation between Thalia and Rachel with nothing but complete content. Until my phone buzzed with a message. And my day was ruined.

Outside. Now. Alone. - Drew

One look at Rachel's face and I knew what she'd done. Not wanting to answer any questions, I kissed Percy goodbye and left my friends, the pizza place and my perfect mood behind. I wasn't scared. In fact, my mood was surprisingly calm when I spotted Drew and her little posse across the road from me.

"Oh Reyna, look who it is. Such a sweet manipulative little bitch. So you lied to us. According to you, Jackson was just a one night thing. But we've all just seen you making heart eyes at him. I'm a little surprised, I mean Luke told us you were easy but I didn't believe even you'd stoop down to that disgusting, greasy haired greebo. And now, a little birdy tells me you've been living with him! Not that it's the most interesting thing my informative little friend told us. How is your mom, Annie? She still in that jail you sent her too?" I froze up. Rachel had actually told them. "We all know what happened. You and your big mouth, Annie. You snitched on your own mother, I knew you were a bitch but damn, that's intense. The details were a little vague but from what I could gather, she stole a shit ton of money, ending up killing a guy and you ratted her out, at the tender age of eight. I mean wow that must feel shitty. Wait till everyone finds out about the little snitch and her murdering mama."