A Stupid Crush-Pipabeth

Chapter 3

Going to school on Monday was the most awkward thing I've ever done.

Annabeth and I had millions of encounters and she got embarrassed during each one.

I knew for a fact that Annabeth was 100% straight, no doubt about it. She was just embarrassed because of Reyna and Hazel's stupid assumptions.

So now Annabeth could barely stand to be near me, it sucked.

Like in P.E., we have lockers next to each other and changed with no problem.

Well...I mean...I tried to refrain myself from staring at her and it was awkward for me, blushing and all that.

Now, Annabeth took her clothes and left to change in the bathroom. Ugh.

During lunch the only spot open was next to me, so she made Hazel sit next to me, and took a seat beside Reyna.

I sat in silence as I picked at my lunch. I wanted to scream at Reyna and Hazel. I loved them, but they ruined any chance I had with Annabeth, even our friendship.

There was a depressing vibe going around the table, so Hazel spoke up. "Well...any good news?"

Reyna responded, "I got an A on my calculus test."

"Nice." Hazel said. "I got a B. What about you Annabeth?"

She looked up from her lunch and said, "I got an A too, in Advanced Calculus."

Hazel rolled her eyes at Annabeth's bragging then said, "No, I meant any good news."

She nodded and blushed, before saying, "Yeah um....Percy and I are dating."

I choked on my food, hoping no one noticed.

She was dating Percy?! Pain swept throughout my entire body and I stood up.

I ran out of the lunch room and ran. I just kept on running. Jumping over kids in the hallways and just kept going.

Tears threatened to fall from my eyes but I denied them access.

I finally went into the girls bathroom and stopped, taking heaving breaths of air.

I just...I couldn't believe that she's dating now, now I don't really have a chance at all.

Not that I ever did though.

I put my back to the bathroom wall and slid down. Putting my head in my hands I started to cry.

After a good 10 minute cry, I realized I left my stuff in the lunch room.

I stood up and examined myself in the mirror. Red, puffy eyes and a rosy nose. I grabbed a paper towel and wiped at my nose and eyes. Hoping they wouldn't notice.

I slowly made my way back to the cafeteria. No one in the hallway seemed to sense something was wrong.

That was good because I didn't want them gawking at me, red from crying so hard over a stupid crush.

I crept into the cafeteria and walked over to the table. I surprised the girls when I stepped up collecting my items.

Annabeth stood up and walked over to me, putting her hand gently on my arm, saying, "Pipes.."

I pushed her arm away and pulled my backpack on, walking out. Ignoring her calls.

------

It's been 3 months. I haven't talked to Annabeth for 3 months, much less seen her.

I changed my schedule, switching out of any classes we had together. I might've switched schools entirely, if it wouldn't make my Dad so suspicious.

I sat at a different table during lunch. With Thalia. Over these 3 months we became better friends than we used to be.

At times I didn't understand why I was pushing Annabeth away. I still had a crush on her. A huge, stupid crush. No matter what it never went away.

I cried myself to sleep every time she posted something on her social media about Percy. Their dates, when they went to dances, when they just hung out.

She relentlessly texted me everyday.

Piper.
Pipes.
Talk to me.
What's going on?
What's wrong?
What did I do?
What did I say?
I miss you.
Pipes...
Piper McLean talk to me!
Please...

I cried everyday when she sent me those texts too.

Now 3 months have gone by. And I'm numb. Numb to anything and everything related to Annabeth.

Her posts with Percy are mere heartburn now, painful, but numb. Her texts are just a reminder that she's still alive.

I'm fine without her. Thalia is fine enough. We hang out a lot, and when we do, it numbs the pain of Annabeth even more. As if it was nonexistent.

She makes me laugh, and makes me smile. She makes my depression go away, and that's good enough for me.

I look over at Thalia one day as we sit, hanging out as the sun sets. "Thanks." I say.

She looks at me and says, "What for?"

"For making me happy, being my friend."

"Well, sure. It was no problem." She reached over and grabs my hand. And we sit, watching as the sun sets in each other's warm company.

------

I'm packing up my work in calculus when the teacher comes up to me. "Ms. McLean."

I look up. "Yes?"

"Talk to me after school, it's about your grades."

I cringe, my grades in calculus are currently...rough.

"Yes, I will."

Soon school ends and I walk to her class. As I get close I hear her talking, "Yes Ms. Chase you did excellent on that quiz."

I stop walking and freeze up. Ms. Chase. That had to be Annabeth.

I go to turn around, but it's too late. Annabeth walks out of the classroom and stops in her tracks.

She looks really confused, then she looks angry, and finally she's sad. She runs to me and wraps me in a hug.

I just sit there, making no move to hug her back. She let's go and lightly punches my shoulder.

"PIPER MCLEAN DO YOU KNOW HOW ANGRY I AM!" I flinch.

I panic and turn around, walking away. Chiding myself at how stupid I was.

Annabeth runs and catches up to me, standing in my path. "Annabeth, move."

"No, you need to talk to me."

"Annabeth-"

"No, Piper."

"I don't want to talk to you right now."

"How about later?"

"No." I turn to my right and start to go past her. She grabs my shoulder and pulls me back, pushing me into the lockers.

"Piper McLean, you are going to talk to me. Come to my house tonight. It'll just be us, my family will be gone. Then you're going to explain why we haven't talked in 3 months."

I was barely listening. I was focused on her face, so close. Especially her lips. I leaned forward ever so slightly. I was shocked at my action and jerked my head backwards, slamming it into the locker.

Annabeth was shocked that I slammed my head on the locker and let go of me, backing up. "Piper..."

"Fine I'll be there, but I got to go." I quickly walk away, rubbing my head and nervous about how I almost kissed Annabeth.

I needed help.