19: The Party

Percy POV

I was careful with the paparazzi. I was forced to be with Rachel, and I had no intention of flaunting the fake relationship with the public.

As such, the tabloids didn't know about me and Rachel.

Of course, the entire school and town knew about my relationship. However, I strayed away from answering any questions on social media or the tabloids. Rachel wanted to go live with our fake relationship, but I refused.

Fortunately, even if I was dating for real, the label would've waited before publicizing my relationship.

So, officially and publicly, I was still single. It was the only good thing that was happening right now. I didn't have to commit to my stupid reality.

After my breakdown yesterday, I decided to talk to my mom. I appreciated Jason for helping me, but I needed someone with whom I could be truly vulnerable with.

"Hey mom, can I talk to you?" I asked quietly.

"Of course, honey. I've been waiting for this. You're gonna tell me what's been happening, correct," my beautiful mother acknowledged directly.

I nodded; my hands were suddenly sweating. We were in the kitchen. She was preparing dinner while I was sitting at the kitchen island on a barstool.

"I feel like I have no control over my life," I said quietly.

I felt pathetic and helpless saying it out loud.

My mom stopped fiddling with the pasta and came over. She stood next to me and gently placed her hand over mine. Her face looked concerned.

"Percy, what's going on? You've been so disturbed lately, even before you found out about Gabe's release," my mom expressed. "Percy, you're safe, honey."

"I don't know. It's like my surroundings are controlling my life. I have no control, mom, and I feel helpless. I'm definitely not happy," I said genuinely.

I stood up in frustration.

"Mom, this was supposed to be a break. It was supposed to be a vacation to reconnect with my family and friends, but I feel damn broken and alone instead," I stated boldly.

My mom came forward quickly and hugged me.

I loved my mother's hugs. They were so comforting and supportive. She was the most important person in the world to me. I gratefully accepted her warmth.

She pulled away and fixed her gaze on me.

"Percy, if you don't like your life right now, then go ahead and change it," my mom said.

I liked her words. They were powerful, but they were easier said than done. I could imagine myself writing a song over them.

"Percy, is it your career?"

"I love singing and making music, mom. I just can't deal with everything right now. I can't make my own decisions. They all have so much power," I said.

"You are extremely powerful too, Percy. I named you after a Greek hero because I knew that you were powerful, powerful enough to have a good, happy destiny," my mom expressed with a smile.

I sighed as I sat back down. My head was hurting from all the stress.

"How about this, Percy? Write a song. Write a happy, upbeat song about changing your life so that you can have the vacation you wanted."

I gazed at my mom as she gazed at me. Her smile was warm as she patted my shoulder. She stayed next to me until I nodded.

Considering I wasn't feeling happy or upbeat, this would be a challenge. However, that's what my mom wanted. She was giving me an adequate distraction, stemming from a hobby that I loved.

I smiled as I realized something. My mom was amazing and very smart as well. She realized that I could control the words on the page. It would give me a perception of freedom and autonomy that I wasn't feeling right now.

"Thanks, mom," I expressed gratefully.

My mom smiled back at me before continuing dinner preparations. She also started baking cookies in order to make me feel better.

I pulled out some paper and started writing another song for the album.

I titled it Vacation, and I credited my mom for its inspiration. It was a very good song: upbeat and happy like my mom asked.

Writing the song and composing its tune certainly helped me feel better.

***

"I'm so excited for the party, babe," Rachel said ecstatically.

She was wearing her signature red. It was a tight blouse and blue jeans. Her makeup was well-done, but you could also tell that it was a lot. Her red lipstick was piercing.

To be honest, Rachel was incredibly attractive. But, her personality ruined it.

"You're lucky I decided to invite you," I said in annoyance.

"Oh please, babe, I had an invite before you even got your invite. After all, I rule this town's popular crowd," Rachel said with a smirk.

I was in a simple green t-shirt and black leather pants. Terminus was giving us a ride to the party, and he'd also be staying guard outside.

I felt bad that he had to just puppy guard a party. However, that was his job as my security. Plus, my security had tightened protocol due to Gabe's release.

Suddenly, Rachel moved closer to me.

Her hand fell on my thigh as she smiled at me. "What do you want, Rachel?" I asked as I moved her hand off of me.

"I want you, Percy. You're my boyfriend, yet you do nothing with me."

"Yeah, that's because I don't want to be your boyfriend," I murmured. I turned towards her in annoyance. "Rachel, seriously, what do you get from this fake relationship?"

It didn't make sense. She got nothing from being with me. I only gave her attitude and distaste because I didn't like her. Rachel didn't get my money or my fame because the label hadn't officialized us yet.

Her green eyes twinkled as her steely gaze locked onto mine.

"I get to have what other people want. You're wanted Percy Jackson, and you know it. But, I am the only one that gets to have you," Rachel said seriously.

Gods, she was cunning and selfish.

"You stole me, Rachel," I shot back and glared at her.

Her eyes sparkled from the neighborhood lights outside. She simply smirked. Then, her lips came forward. I managed to quickly turn away, and she ended up kissing me on the cheek instead.

"Stop it, Rachel," I exclaimed as I pushed her away.

Rachel laughed; this was literally a fun game to her. She didn't care that she was screwing with my life. Her smile grew even more as she looked at me.

Then, our car came to a stop outside of the McLean mansion. It was located in the richest neighborhood of our city. Jason and Thalia lived her as well.

I got out quickly and stormed towards the house. I was angry.

A lot of cars were parked on the road, and people were walking towards Silena's house. She said that the party wouldn't be that large. I assumed that meant fewer people. I guess we had different definitions of 'small' parties.

"Percy, wait for me, babe," Rachel said as she stepped next to me.

I sighed as I rubbed my forehead with my fingers. She was really giving me a headache today. I couldn't wait to lose her inside.

Silena and Piper's home was big. It mirrored the house that I was made to buy in LA. I didn't need a house like that, but I owned it regardless. Perks of being a celebrity, I guess.

We finally walked inside, and everyone turned towards us.

The students seemed surprised as they stared at us. A few cheers erupted as people came over. Of course, they wanted to hang out with the pop star at a teen party.

A lot of eyes lingered on my face, much to my confusion.

Rachel was smiling way too much, which made me suspicious. I decided to use the restroom and clear my head.

I walked away from Rachel as she joined a group of cheerleaders. They were giggling and whispering as they looked at me with covert gazes. Something was off.

My hand instinctually went to my cheek, and I felt it.

The texture of lipstick, red lipstick to be exact. The color blotched on my fingers. My glare intensified on Rachel. This was another tactic for her to stamp her label on me.

I was practically fuming at this point.

I noticed Rachel's smile fade slightly as she took note of my anger. As much as that satisfied me, I walked away to find the bathroom, so I could wash my face.

Music was blaring, and people were crowding all around. I walked down the large hallway towards the first-floor bathroom. However, a group of jocks suddenly ran through the hall and pushed me to the side.

The wind was knocked out of me as I staggered into a group in the living room.

"Ugh, I'm so sorry. Someone pushed me," I said immediately as I straightened myself. My gaze froze as I stared at Annabeth.

She looked stunning in her purple v-neck sweater and jeans.

"Annabeth," I whispered.

Her gaze narrowed on my face as her confused look converted into a glare. Damn it, she saw the kissy mark on my cheek.

"Wise Girl, it's not like that. Rachel was just-"

"Kissing you," Annabeth finished.

"No, eww. Ugh, damn it," I groaned. My hands rubbed my face in annoyance. Could my life get any worse?

Jason came forward and quickly ushered me away. He rushed me towards the bathroom and closed the door behind us.

"I hate my life," I groaned as I sat on the toilet seat.

Jason chuckled as he patted my shoulder. However, he couldn't stop himself from laughing even as the seconds passed away. "Glad to know that this is funny," I said sharply.

"It's just that your luck is really something else, man."

"Shut up," I murmured. I got up and quickly washed the signature red lipstick off of my face. Then, I turned towards Jason.

"You didn't tell anyone, right?" I asked.

I took the hand towel from Jason and wiped my face. I had told Jason everything that was going on after my breakdown a few days ago. He brought me back home and demanded the truth, so I told him.

I left out the part that Zeus, his father, was also involved. Zeus was a terrible boss and dad, but I just couldn't tell my best friend that.

"No, I didn't. I told them that I helped you, but you didn't share anything with me," Jason said firmly. "Perce, would it be so bad if they knew?"

"Yes, it would. I can't risk this secret getting out. Annabeth's reputation is at stake, and I can't risk anything happening to her," I explained.

"They have all the power, don't they?" Jason acknowledged.

"Yeah, and I have no idea how to break out of this," I said sadly.

I cleaned up a little more before stepping outside. Jason and I both walked towards the living room again. Our friends and a few other people were sitting in a circle. An empty bottle was in the middle.

"Really, spin the bottle?" I commented.

Jason simply shrugged before we went forward. My eyes immediately found Annabeth, whose gaze locked onto mine. She still seemed ticked at me.

"Hey guys, we're back," Jason said.

"Awesome, come join us. Don't worry, it's not spin the bottle. We're just getting started with a fun game of truth or drink," Silena said excitedly.

However, not everyone was excited as her.

Jason and I joined the circle. I was sitting at a slight angle from Annabeth.

Suddenly, my eyes narrowed on Luke. He had moved his hand around Annabeth's shoulder as he talked to Charles. I waited for Annabeth to move his arm, but she didn't

What the hell?

Let's just say, I was no longer in a party mode. My eyes stayed fixed on Luke and Annabeth even after the game started. Annabeth was smiling as she quietly talked to Luke. My breath caught in my throat as I looked down.

Then, I looked up at them again.

I didn't want to watch them, but I also couldn't look away.

Since when were Annabeth and Luke a thing. I wanted to vomit. I felt like acid was burning through my gut. I wanted to go over and pull my Wise Girl away from him.

Ugh, I hated this. I just wanted to leave.

I was about to stand up and walk away when Thalia called my name. "Percy, Mr. worldwide superstar, here's my question to you..."