More Than Friends

Pizza

Percy's POV
The next day, I actually got up on time since I was walking to school with Annabeth. I met her outside at 7:45, so we could take our time walking.

Annabeth looked as perfect as ever in jeans, a hoodie, and converse, with her blonde curls tied back in a ponytail. She was wearing owl earrings and her gray jansport backpack complimented her stormy gray eyes.

I was matching her in my own way with my swim team sweatshirt and a pair of black jeans and converse. I had brought a pop tart, and since they come with two per package, I handed Annabeth one. We enjoyed it our our way to school.
We found our friends outside in the courtyard in a small circle. It effortlessly expanded to accommodate Annabeth and me. Hi's traveled around the group and then everyone fell back into their conversation. I wasn't really paying attention though.

Annabeth's eyes were sparkling with amusement at a joke that Leo had said. I couldn't have told you what it was, I just recognized the laughter around me and Leo was normally the one who told jokes.
When Annabeth smiled her right cheek got a little dimple in it, I noticed. (I wasn't trying to be creepy.)

Then the bell rang so we hurried off to our first class.

Math wasn't so bad today. Annabeth is really smart, so she was able to help me. After class Jason pulled me aside.
"Dude. You should ask her out."
"Huh? Who?" I knew who he was talking about, but I was trying to save myself from embarrassment.
"Annabeth you dork. It's obvious that your like her." Jason rolled his eyes.
"I-I um... I'll ask her out when you ask Piper out." I retorted with a smirk on my face while Jason visibly paled.
"Shut up, Jackson."
I laughed as the bell rang.

Once I sat down I realized I totally forgot to actually open my locker. We had been standing by it the whole time, but I was too busy talking to remember to get my books. I told this to Annabeth and she laughed.
"You're such a seaweed brain."
"What does that even mean?" She laughed again but the teacher shushed us.
"Well you're such a wise girl." I whispered then blushed at how stupid my insult was. She rolled her eyes at me.

The rest of science consisted us learning about dolphins. We were starting a marine biology unit. Normally I don't get excited about school stuff, but I love the ocean so marine biology isn't half bad.

On our way to Greek Mythology I told Annabeth about how I think I want to be a marine biologist, and her eyes lit up.
"Wow. That's awesome! It's great to see you interested in something like that."
"You act like I don't do my school work."
She playfully punched my arm and I faked being in pain.
"You know what I mean, Seaweed Brain."
I smiled at my new nickname. Or maybe it was at the person who gave it to me. I'm not really sure.

Greek Mythology passed by quickly and before I knew it, we were at lunch, my favorite part of the day. I got my food and brought it back to the table and sat down next to Annabeth, who was eating a piece of pizza. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then noticed me staring.
"Do I have something on my face?"
"No. Sorry, I zoned out for a second."
"What were you thinking about?"
"Nothing." Nothing besides the fact that you are literally perfect. I thought to myself.
Most girls eat salads to keep their weight down at our school and pile makeup onto their faces. All they care about are their appearances. It's really superficial.

Annabeth wasn't superficial. She ate pizza and probably could have eaten more if school lunches weren't so dam small. It was refreshing to see someone who couldn't care less about what people think. However, I found myself caring what she thought of me. I never did that.
Ugh. Crushes are annoying.

If I'm being perfectly honest, I haven't had a crush since fifth grade, and even that only lasted for a week. (The girl made fun of my friend.)
This crush though was different. I was nervous around Annabeth, but not the normal type of nervousness. It was more like the type of butterflies you get in your stomach right before you get on the roller coaster with all the loops and drops. You're nervousness melds into excitement and after the ride you can't get your smile off your face.

That's how I felt every time I was with Annabeth. I was usually smiling like an idiot after every conversation we had, even if it wasn't even remotely funny.

After a few more classes the day was finally over, and it was time to walk home. My day got even better when Annabeth stopped in front of her door and asked me to come to dinner.