THE NEW KID

s i x t e e n

Guests were outside in the hall, milling around. Annabeth sat inside the back room, where traditionally she was supposed to be until it was time for her to come out. Only her parents, closest friends, or significant other could see her inside before it was time for her to go out.

She had finished writing her speech, but Annabeth was still nervous. What if she messed up? What if nobody liked it? What if Percy didn't show up? She was contemplating ripping it up into pieces and running home when the door opened. Inside rushed Thalia and Piper.

"Hey Annabeth! Happy birthday!" Piper said, hugging her. "Yeah, finally you can drive," Thalia said. "Thanks guys," Annabeth replied, hugging Piper and nudging Thalia, who didn't like physical touch.

They stepped back. "OMG Annabeth, your dress is gorgeous," Piper exclaimed. Thalia nodded. "Yea, good thing Percy was wearing a navy blue tie. You two can match." Annabeth could feel her face warming. She distracted herself by looking at her friends' dresses. They had been wearing the same dresses they chose the other day, and Piper's hair was pulled up, her multicolored eyes shining. Thalia's hair was short and spiky, just the way she liked it.

Wait, Percy was here? Annabeth frowned, confused. "How do you know how Percy's tie looks?" Piper and Thalia glanced at each other and shrugged. "He just came in. He told us that he was kind of late since he was planning something. But a lot of people are bombarding him, so he should be in the back room soon." Piper explained.

As if right on cue, the doors opened. "We'll let you two have your alone time," Thalia smirked. She and Piper stepped out the door, and in stepped the one and only Percy Jackson.

His black hair was still messy, but he did make an effort to comb it. He was wearing a black suit with a navy blue tie, which was - that's right - matching with her dress. Sally had picked it out. Right then and there Annabeth knew she really liked Percy's mom.

Speaking of Percy, he was also staring at Annabeth. "Wow. Annabeth, you look so gorgeous." He breathed. Annabeth rolled her eyes. "I know." Before she knew it, she moved closer to Percy. They kissed, and pulled away. Then Percy studied her. "Annabeth, you okay?"

Annabeth shrugged. "Well, considering the fact that your late, I have no idea how to finish this speech, and I have to go out in 10 minutes? Pretty okay." Percy took her hand. "I'm sorry I was late. I was trying to set up a surprise for you after the party. And as for your speech, show me?"

Annabeth handed him the speech. He read it, and it took some time with his dyslexia. He finally put it down. "It's really good, Wise girl. I can definitely guarantee that everyone will love it." He said, grinning at her. Annabeth smiled back, though she was still nervous. But she was glad that Percy was there, holding her hand.

"Speaking of speeches, Percy, you've got yours?" She said. Percy suddenly looked down, playing with his fingers. "Umm..." Annabeth sighed. "Come on, seaweed brain. You know you're going to talk." She was trying to be serious, but Annabeth soon burst out into laughter, followed by Percy. Their giggles soon subsided, and Annabeth rolled her eyes. "I guess you're just going to have to improvise, then?" Percy smirked. "Improvising is what I do best, wise girl."

Just then, Helen came inside. "Oh, hey, Percy! It's nice to meet you, I'm Helen, Annabeth's stepmom. Anyway, it's time for you to go out, Annabeth. And also, I think your friends are listening in your conversation." She gestured to Piper and Thalia, who were sheepishly standing behind her. "We swear we weren't!" Piper said. "Yeah, we stopped listening after a while." Thalia had the ghost of a smile on her face.

"Guys!" Annabeth sighed. "Oh well. Anyways, let's go!"

Annabeth slowly walked out. Her dad was the emcee, and Percy linked his arm with hers. Annabeth grinned at him, ready to go. On the other side, Piper linked with Annabeth, and Thalia linked with Piper. They slowly walked out, leading to lots of applause.