Shattered to Pieces |Percabeth Story |

16

Percy

Day 4

"Police spent yesterday questioning students at Annabeth Chase and Percy Jackson's school to gather information about the two teenagers. Police were told that Percy had been at the school only a short while but immediately gained friends. He was thought to be kind, caring and ready to help anyone. Annabeth, on the other hand, was said to be quiet and mysterious.

"Students at Goode High School said that no one knew anything about her and she didn't have any friends until Percy Jackson came along and befriended her. Some said that it was out of pity that Percy tagged along with the girl; others said that her mysteriousness was what made Percy hang around with her.

"Rachel Dare, the daughter of William Dare, the police officer who found Ben Chase, said last night, 'Percy and Annabeth were always close to each others sides. They would often speak in quiet tones as if they had a secret. I did speak to Percy a few times and I know he adores Annabeth and would do anything for her, but I don't think that he is capable of murder.'"

With a deep frown I switch the TV off when the news reporter goes on to talk about another story. I turn to look at Annabeth. She's lying on the bed, her eyes locked on the blank television screen, and seems to be lost in her own thoughts. There are dark circles beneath her eyes and her skin is deathly white. Her back is bare, free of any bandages for the moment, because Annabeth complained about them rubbing her wounds.

Just looking at her makes my heart ache. She looks so sad, so unhappy. I wish I could do something to take away the pain and sadness from her life but I'm not sure that can happen after the events that have taken place. If we ever get through this, I wonder if she will need professional help to heal her mental and emotional scars.

If I were Annabeth, I know I would have so many thoughts in my head. I would need help, for sure. After everything she has been through, I'm both surprised and proud that she still has her sanity. But how long can she fight the paranoia, the memories, and the nightmares before she curls up in the corner of the room?

"Percy," she says in a whisper. My eyes snap into focus. Her eyes are on mine now. "I don't feel safe here."

I stand up from my place on the floor and go to sit on the edge of the bed. I take her trembling hand in mine. "I know. I don't either. We'll go tomorrow. I promise."

"What difference is a night going to make, Percy?" she asks, an edge to her voice. There's so much anger buried deep within her. I'm waiting for her to explode, to let it all out.

"We agreed, Annabeth," I huff.

She looks at me with pleading eyes. "I give up, Percy. I want to go. I don't want to stay here. I don't want to hide. I killed Ben. I deserve to go to jail. I'm a murderer."

"No," I snap. "You're not. You killed him in self-defense. You were thinking about your own safety. You did what any other human being would do, Annabeth."

"None of this would've happened if I hadn't let you become my friend," she says.

"You don't know that. I would've continued to try to convince you to befriend me. Stop blaming yourself! You're not to blame here!"

"I was the person holding that knife, Percy! My fingerprints are on it! It has his blood on the blade! I killed him! That makes me a murderer! If the cops find us, I'm doomed. They'll find us, Percy. I know it. Handing myself in is the best option we have," she yells, finally erupting like a deadly volcano, letting out all the steam and anger she has held in for a long time.

"I won't let you do that, Annabeth."

"How are you going to stop me, Percy?" she asks, determination in her eyes.