In need of healing

Chapter 1: Percy

The whole day started with the usual upbeat speech about how I'm a good for nothing delinquent who's no good from my gem of a stepfather. The walk to school wasn't much better either. I had to fight my way passed a couple of the local thugs. Perks of living on the shit side of NYC. The whole idea of existing seemed like such a pointless venture anymore. At least I could claim the black eye my stepdad gave me on the beating I got from the thugs if people came asking questions. I don't even know why I bother with any of it anymore.

I walked into the school just as the warning bell started to ring. I tried to sweep my dark hair over my sea green eyes to cover the bruise of last nights usual beat down. I sprinted to my locker and quickly threw my backpack inside and grabbed my books before sprinting to class. I made sure to pull the sleeves of my navy jacket over my arms to cover up the hand print bruise on my wrist.

I took my usual seat in the very back as to hide myself from the masses. Both seats next to me were empty as to prevent people being seen with me. I'm kind of the school pariah if you hadn't gathered. I'm okay with that though. I would rather be alone. Nobody can hurt you when you have no one.

The familiar sound of the bell jolted me out of my own little world and brought my attention to the front. To my surprise, standing next to Mrs. Clarke was someone who I had never seen before. She looked totally California. Her tan skin stood out next to our pale east coast skin and her blonde curls tumbled off her shoulders leading to a short sleeve orange V-neck, dark skinny jeans, and a pair of black converse. The eyes completely ruined the rest of the California image. Her stormy grey eyes were even more intimidating than my stepdad after a few drinks. They looked like they could scare away a bear. I would hate to get on her bad side. Her lips were in a thin line giving me the impression she really didn't want to be here.

"Hello class", Mrs. Clarke said cheerily to the class.

She was one of the few teachers I liked. she was older and gave off that sweet grandma vibe that you couldn't help but like. "We have a new student joining us today. Why don't you introduce yourself honey", Mrs. Clarke stated and smiled assuring the girl.

The girl's eyes darted across the room in silence before speaking, "I'm Annabeth Chase. I transferred to Goode from California", she said just loud enough for the class to hear.

I could tell the girl was nervous and glaring with her intimidating eyes to counteract it. I would know. I've done it so many times when going to a new school. Hell, I've been to more schools than I can count.

Mrs. Clarke gave her another smile before saying, "Why don't you go find a seat dear. Thank you".

The girl took a spot next to Piper McLean. Piper didn't attempt to be, but she was easily the most popular girl at Goode. She tried to downplay herself by wearing her dark hair in a choppy fashion and a braid with decorative feathers and dark clothes and combat boots. It really didn't work though. She had an aura about her that just caused people to gravitate toward her. It didn't help that she was also dating one of the most popular guys in school, Jason Grace. He was the typical jock type with blonde hair and blue eyes.

The rest of the class I attempted to focus on the English lesson, but for some reason my mind refused to stray from this new girl from California. Maybe it was because I was empathizing with her after having moved schools so many times myself, or those intimidating yet fascinating gray eyes. I noticed her striking a conversation with Piper, and they both seemed to be getting along quite well. I noticed her posture begin to relax and her demeanor shift to a more easy-going manner.

I spent the rest of my morning zoning out of all my classes and finally managed to get her out of my head until lunch. I noticed Piper bringing her to her table with all her friends. I took my normal seat in the cafeteria in the far corner by myself. I managed to quickly scarf down my lunch with plenty of time to spare. This left me nothing to do but put my headphones in and listen to music.