Annabeth's School

Chapter 18: Volleyball

Nicole's POV
The boys had already begun tossing the volleyball over the net, their heads bobbing in motion like floatables on water.

What Nicole really noticed, was the difference in technique- or rather, the juxtaposition of technique, Annabeth would say. A small smile formed at Nicole's lips, and she shook the thought away.

Percy was stood upright, height level with Jacob's and back straight. His feet were wide apart and in a semi-squat position, embracing posibility of the ball. Jacob, similar to Percy in physique, maintained a similar posture.

Then there was Kyle, trying his best to conform to the skill of the other two. He was noticeably shorter, though not by a lot.

Nicole watched the three exchange the volleyball between another three students, that had gathered up as opposition in the game. Annabeth and Thalia stood by her side, and Nicole ushered them over to join the volleyball game.

There was an uneven number now, with addition of the three girls. Annabeth seemed eager to join the team opposing Percy, and Nicole could recognise a menacing exchange of smirk between the two.

Gestured by Kyle, Nicole hurried to Percy's team, and Thalia, expressing a sarcastic distaste of Percy, joined Annabeth's side.

They played quite well. By they Nicole meant Jacob, Percy, Thalia and Annabeth. Nicole, Kyle and the other players were lucky to get a cameo with the ball.

After the introductory game had commenced, and the instructor had come out to initiate the rest of the lesson, Nicole noticed Hayley approach Percy.

He was by a small bench, many of which bordered the gym. Condensed sweat was beginning to appear on Percy's forehead, similar to the other guys, that surrounded him.

"Hey!" Her pitch heightened in proximity to Percy.

"Uh, hi," came the panted response from whom she inteded.

"I'm not quite good at volleyball," she began, laughing subtly and then pushing her cheekbones to from crescents at her cheeks, "I was wondering if you could teach me?"

Percy shrugged and ushered Hayley over to the nets. They tossed the ball over the net a couple times, and Hayley missed quite a few. She then shyly smiled and fetched the dislocated ball. Nicole had never seen this hide to Hayley; the shy, 'girl next door' countenance. The suspicious thought did occur to Nicole, but there wasn't sufficient evidence to support the claim.

Nicole, however, noticed Annabeth sparking a suspicious interest at Hayley's request as well, but within three minutes, the matter had been shrugged off her shoulders.

The rest of the lesson commenced, and the class of eighteen was split into teams for a big game of volleyball. Percy, Jacob, Thalia and Annabeth had once again dominated the game.

After the game, Percy and Annabeth united, mocking and shoving each other- jokingly addressing each other's flaw within the game.