2: The News

Annabeth POV

"Annabeth, it's my money that will help you into Julliard. Don't forget that," the step-monster spat at the ground.

I've heard this threat before, and I wanted to scream at Helen. It wasn't her money; it was my father's money.

Instead, I sighed as I gazed at the list of chores she had for me.

It was a long list of ridiculous chores including, but not limited to, cleaning the bathrooms, cooking dinner for the boys, and doing laundry.

"Yes, Helen, I'll be right on these after finishing my homework," I said with fake obedience.

As much as I despised Helen, if I wanted to pursue my dreams of going to Julliard, then I needed the money in my trust fund. Technically, Helen did have the power to take that money away until I turned 18.

"No, do the chores first. We all know that your dumb brain always takes forever to complete your work," Helen ordered.

My hands closed into fists as I bit my tongue. Anger flashed through my body because no one questioned my intelligence. I wanted to punch the woman in the face.

However, I took a deep breath and controlled myself.

"As you wish, Helen," I said curtly.

Helen smiled obnoxiously before leaving. She was wearing a flowy dress since she was going to a business party. She always enjoyed her parties, which left me to take care of the boys.

I felt a metallic taste in my mouth from all of the fake respect in my voice, or maybe, it was blood. I took the list from the countertop and got started.

As soon as Helen left, I told myself to screw it and screw her.

I went into my room and turned on the radio. The music helped me focus on doing my homework. Plus, the boys were playing video games, so they wouldn't be a bother for a while.

"All right, ladies and gents, the next song is from one of your favorites. I hope ya'll dig this sensation song from the only and only Percy Jackson," the radio host announced.

I groaned as In My Blood started playing.

Percy was a talented artist. His music was amazing, but my perception of him as a person clouded my judgment.

I did NOT like Percy Jackson.

I quickly turned the radio to another channel, but that station was also playing Percy's music. It was the third pop station that finally had music from someone else. I started singing along as I completed my work.

It didn't take that long despite how challenging my classes were.

I had finished singing a Calypso song when my best friend called me. Calypso wasn't my favorite teen celebrity, but she had a few good songs (not that many, though). She was in the industry more due to her family.

"Thalia, what's up?" I asked brightly.

"Hey, Annie, I wanted to tell you some important news, so-"

"Thalia, I told you not to call me Annie. I hate that nickname; it makes me feel like a kid," I said firmly. Thalia just never listened though.

I could hear her laughing as an engine roared.

"Where are you going? And, what's the news?" I asked curiously.

"Well since you rudely interrupted me, I'm not sure if I should tell you," Thalia countered slyly. I could imagine the smirk on her face.

"Just tell me, Thalia," I said. I got up to go do my chores. If they weren't done by the time Helen came back, she'd lose it.

"All right, Annie," Thalia agreed while emphasizing my annoying nickname. "Jason and I are going to Sally's house for dinner. Percy came home this morning, and they invited us over."

"Oh cool," I replied indifferently.

Matthew and Bobby finally decided to walk downstairs and started complaining that they were hungry. Let me tell you, ten-year-old boys were always like this.

"Hey, Thalia, I have to go," I said.

I didn't really care that Percy Jackson was in town. He rarely stayed for longer than a few days, and I didn't want to interact with him now anyway. Percy hurt me too much for me to still care about him.

Suddenly, the boys got louder as they rampaged on about food.

"Wait, Annabeth, there's more-"

"Sorry, Thalia, the boys came downstairs. You can tell me later or tomorrow at school. I gotta go now," I said quickly before hanging up.

"All right, boys, shut up. How about we make dinner together?" I asked.

I huffed as I caught them both and pulled them towards the kitchen. They were laughing about how their screaming plan worked on me. To be honest, they were very sweet, and I loved my half-brothers a lot.

Besides, they were my number-one supporters.

We blasted music and sang at the tops of our lungs as we made some pasta. They kept complimenting me on my voice, which I appreciated greatly, despite hearing it many times before.

I loved singing and acting.

That's why I wanted to attend Julliard to pursue music or acting or both. I couldn't wait to get out there and see where the future takes me.

Of course, I had to graduate first, but I was excited about following my dreams.

However, unlike some people, I wouldn't leave my family and friends behind during my journey.

***

"I can't believe we have a pop quiz in math today," Piper complained.

She had her textbook in hand, and she was screaming information into her brain. We heard from the teaching assistant that Ms. Dodds had planned a pop quiz today.

"Yeah, like it's so annoying. Teachers always do this in the worst possible weeks. It's like they all coordinate the make a particular week horrible," Hazel affirmed.

I sighed as I listened to my friends.

Whereas I liked school and learning, they weren't fans of school. We went to a performing arts private school, so we liked those subjects. Most of the students here didn't care about math, history, or English.

"Hey Pipes, where's Jason today? He's usually with you," I said.

Jason and Piper have been dating for months now. It took them a while to figure out their feelings for each other, but now, they were quite strong.

"Jason said that he was riding with someone else today. It's cool though because I can study for this quiz now," Piper explained.

Then, she buried her head back in her notebook.

"Oh, we should probably move out of the main hallway soon so that we don't get trampled today," Hazel said.

"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion.

Suddenly, an excited scream resonated through the hall. A bunch of girls started running towards us, and I quickly moved to the side.

"Watch it," I snapped as someone's elbow jutted into my back.

Several girls ended up shoving me anyway as a crowd ran towards the main doors. A car had just pulled up, which had everyone's attention.

"Guys, what's going on?" I asked.

"Haven't you heard, Annabeth? Percy Jackson will be attending our school. Can you believe it?" Hazel asked as her voice turned light and dreamy.

She was a huge fan of Percy's music. She wasn't a crazed fan of him but about his music, which made her the best kind of fan.

"Wait, What?!" I snapped.

"Yeah, Jason's riding with Percy today," Piper shouted over all the noise.

The hallway was boisterous as more and more students pushed towards Percy who was meeting his fans outside. The whole school loved Percy.

After all, he was a student here who transformed into a world-famous pop star.

I looked towards the glass main doors, but I couldn't see Percy. The crowd around him and Jason was too big to see into.

I reminded myself that I didn't want to see Percy. I decided a while ago that I was done with trying to be friends with someone who didn't care about it as much as I did.

"All right, I'm going to class," I said firmly.

"Wait, Annabeth, you don't want to meet Percy Jackson?" Hazel asked in disappointment.

"No, not really. You can if you want to, but I don't. Besides, if I get lost in that crowd, who knows when I'll get out," I said as I walked away.

I couldn't believe that Percy was coming back to Goode Academy. I didn't even know how that was possible for a pop star. This had to be a joke. Ugh.

"Hazel, don't worry. Annabeth's just not that fond of Percy. They have a past," Piper said quietly. However, I heard her.

Hazel and a few others only became a part of our friend group in the past two years. So, they clearly didn't know about my and Percy's relationship.

I sighed as I made my way towards class.

I was hoping that I didn't have any classes with Percy. I really didn't want to deal with him more than I had to. I didn't want to revisit the past.

I got lost in my thoughts, so I didn't notice the person around the corner.

Suddenly, I slammed into a tall guy and staggered backward in surprise. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry. I wasn't paying attention," I said instinctively.

"I'm so sorry, too. I was standing in the way," Luke Castellan acknowledged with a smile.

I nodded before walking towards my class. However, Luke's voice interrupted my route. "Wait, Annabeth, hold up."

"Yes?" I asked in surprise.

"Yeah, um, I was wondering if you had a partner for the fall concert," Luke said.

I simply stared at the man. He was wearing our school's male uniform: khakis and a blue button-down shirt and tie. He was holding his navy blazer. It sounded like he wanted me to be his partner for the fall concert.

"I usually sing alone," I said quietly.

That wasn't necessarily true. Gods, this was awkward, but I really didn't want to work with Luke. He had a reputation for working with girls for good grades.

While I didn't partake in gossip and drama, I've heard this from several of my friends who did talk.

"Oh, okay. That's fine. Thanks for considering," he said sharply. I could see the spark of anger in his eyes as I walked away.

Phew, that was weird.

As I waited for math to start and people started walking into class, I realized that the universe was not on my side.

I watched as Percy Jackson walked into the classroom confidently with a crowd behind him. He had definitely grown up from when I saw him (in person) 2.5 years ago.

He was attractive like always with his wild raven hair and deep sea-green eyes. The same signature, charming smile was on his face. He was wearing our school uniform like a person used to dressing up.

Percy was indefinitely a beautiful being on the outside.

His piercing gaze intensified as he looked around the room. Different girls were smiling and motioning him over. They clearly wanted to sit next to the pop sensation.

But, guess where he decided to sit. Just take a guess.