This is an AU story
PERCYS POV
"3, 2, 1, GO!"
I heard the sound of the buzzer and dove into the water. The cold water sent chills down my body, but it helped me go faster. I kicked my legs as hard as I could until my muscles ached.
Come on, Percy. Almost there.
I pushed harder on the last lap and finally felt the relief of touching the wall and coming up for air. I heard people in the crowd screaming and yelling my name. I looked at the other lanes and saw I got first place...again...totally not saying this to brag...
Luke came in second place and looked around expecting to be first. We locked eyes and he sneered.
"Congrats." He said, though he obviously didn't mean it.
Today was the championship meet for Goodes swimming team. Colleges would be looking at the scores of this and that's mainly why I trained so hard for it. I want to make my mom proud and make enough money for her to be able to divorce Gabe, that sweaty, old, abusive man.
"Percy! PERCY!!" I recognized that high voice. Drew, how pleasant.
"Hi, Drew," I took a deep breath in and I reminded myself NOT to punch her, no matter how annoying she is.
The 5'1 girl wobbled up to me in her heals.
"You were sooo amazing! I just can't believe someone is that fast, you know? Oh my gosh imagine our children, athletic and gorgeous? What more could you ask for?! My daddy could have a gorgeous wedding for us and...." I heard "our children" and tuned her out. Ever since I've gotten faster than Luke, Drew has been on my back trying to claw her way into my life. She even went to my house and talked to my mom. She's like the devil but with lipgloss and pink purses.
"Drew, Drew! Please, I need to get changed." I pointed to the men's changing room and she sighed.
"Okay, but I can drive you home if you want! My daddy owns a Tesla and it's so cool you can even drive!" I was already walking away, and I hoped she knew that we were never going to become a thing.
ANNABETHS POV
Percy got first place. Again. I don't even know why I have to go to every single one of these stupid swim meets. Percy wins every time and that's the end of it. I took a few more pictures and interviewed some more people, too. It's difficult having to be the schools reporter and newspaper editor. I'm the only one in the club and I'm not even sure if people read my papers anymore. At least I get into all the sports events for free. But I'd much rather be spending it somewhere else where I can be doing something that doesn't involve sweaty guys trying to show off to every girl they see. Disgusting.
I tried to find Percy so I could interview him, but every time I look for him he disappears. I've been to 14 meets and I haven't been able to talk to him once.
I gathered up my books, notepad, and camera and looked at my phone for the time. It's 8:04 pm, I might be able to get some coffee so I can stay up later and finish some homework. Who decided to make French so difficult? I mean, since when did words have genders?? Ugh, I'm definitely getting a low A in that class.
I walked to a near by coffee shop since I don't have a car yet. My step mother says I'm not mature enough for a car. She wants every excuse to take away things from me. I have no idea what I've done to her for her to hate me so much.
I walked up to the coffee shop. It was relatively small but it had the best coffee.
"Hi, um, can I have a large chai latte, please? Thank you." I payed and sat down while waiting for my coffee, and guess who walks in. The one and only Percy Jackson.
PERCYS POV
Mmmm coffee. I always get coffee after a swim meet. It's kind of like a reward for working my butt off. I got a plain black coffee and a croissant and sat down to read a bit. Yeah, an athlete that can actually read, how unusual, right? I actually really enjoy reading, it's a way for me to go into a world without my step dad, without Luke, without anyone. It's my escape.
I started reading some of 1984 which is a favorite of mine. A lot of people find it boring, but I personally love it. I only got through a few pages before a curly haired girl dropped her coffee all over her self.
"Hot! It's hot!"
I laughed and got some napkins to help her.
"Here let me get that." I wiped off her shirt and a bit of her cheek.
"I am so sorry, oh my gosh, I can't believe I just did that-"
"It's no problem, happens to the best of us." I smiled. Her hair was messy, with tangles and knots throughout it, winding like a forest. She looked up and I got to see her grey eyes...
Percy, cut out of it! You don't know her! Remember what happened the last time you fell for someone...
I shook my head.
"Are you okay? Did I get it on you I'm so sorry if I did!" The girl kept apologizing and rambling.
"No, no it's okay, I- I should leave." And with that, I left the coffee shop.
ANNABETHS POV
Did I say something? Gosh Annabeth, why would you drop your coffee on you? Who in their right mind would ever do that?
"Ughh," I groaned and picked up the glass shards and napkins and gave them to one of the employees, apologizing again.
I went to grab my bag from my table and as I was walking I saw Percy left his book.
1984
Hm, he has taste. I didn't know he could read. I put the book in my bag and hoped I could find him Monday to give it to him. Since it is the start of the second semester on Monday, everyone's schedule changes so I hope I have time to give it to him.
PERCYS POV
I ran home, I've never felt like that with anyone. Well, not since...anyways. I walked in to my apartment complex. The apartment was very small, only two tiny bedrooms and one bath room. There was no living room, just a kitchen and a very, very small area which is probably for a dining room. But it was home.
I unlocked the door and walked in and saw my mom making some blue cookies. I knew she'd be making those, she makes them every time I have something important going on.
I went up and kissed her cheek.
"Hi, mom." She smiled. She has one of those smiles where her eyes look tired, yet it's warm and kind. It's the smile that makes everyone feel safe.
"The cookies should be ready in 15 minutes, you can go shower and change up."
"Thank you, love you mom." I walked quietly past Gabe's room, making sure I didn't wake him.
I didn't sleep well that night. Every thought in my mind was about her.
I should've asked for her name. Or her number. No, Percy, no. She'll leave you and you'll be heartbroken. They're all the same. You're better off without them..
•••
Hi!!! I'm back for a bit! :) I'm not sure how many parts this is going to have but this is the first one! Tell me what you think of it because I'm not sure if I like it yet. I hope everyone is doing well, and again thank you so much for everything. I appreciate it so much. Love you guys~Eden
