24: The Kiss

Annabeth POV

"Honey, you were phenomenal," my dad exclaimed.

His arms wrapped around me as I welcomed his supportive embrace. My little brothers both hugged my legs while still screaming about my performance. Surprisingly, even Helen was smiling.

"Thanks so much, dad," I said. "And, thank you for coming to my show."

"You were incredible, Annabeth. I cannot believe that I've missed watching your talent all these years. I'll never miss your moments again, honey," my dad expressed genuinely.

My eyes watered as I hugged him tightly. I was so glad that they were here. Someone nudged us gently as the large audience migrated around. Gods, it was so crowded on the bleachers, so my family moved onto the football field.

My brother kept screaming in excitement as they complimented every student that they passed. I couldn't help but laugh at their pure nature.

"Annabeth, seriously, I'm so proud of you," my dad said. "Your mother would've been proud too."

His hand rested on my shoulder as he looked into my eyes. That's how I knew that he was being genuine. I appreciated his support and love so much.

"Dad, this is what I want to do in life. I want to act and perform," I said.

"Then, you pursue those dreams, Annabeth. Your family is on your side. Follow your dreams until you're satisfied," Helen said firmly.

I turned towards her in shock. I didn't know if she was being genuine or fake, but I didn't care. I accepted her words with a smile.

"So, Annabeth, I know that you had plans with your friends. Are they still on or will you come home with us?" my dad asked.

"Oh, we're still going out. You guys are welcome to go, dad. It's probably best if you guys beat the traffic rather than get stuck for hours," I advised.

"That's exactly what I was thinking as well. Are you sure that you're okay?"

"Yes, dad. I'll be with my friends. Thank you all for coming. I really hope that you guys had a good time," I said as I ruffled my brothers' hair.

"Annie, stop," Matthew and Bobby whined simultaneously.

I watched as they walked off. They quickly got engulfed in a mass of people. I turned around and started walking towards the stage again. A DJ was blasting music, and a dance party started on the stage and the grass in front of the stage.

How the hell was I supposed to find my friends through all of this?

I pulled out my phone and called Thalia as I walked around. I couldn't find any of my friends because it was just too crowded.

"Hey, Annie, where are you?" Thalia asked boldly.

"I could be asking you the same thing. Thals, I'm near the stage-"

"Okay, no, I am not coming back out into that mass of people. Annabeth meet me inside of the school. Everyone's gonna meet up here before going out to dinner," Thalia said firmly.

"Yeah, that sounds good. I'll see you soon," I said loudly.

I started walking towards the school, but two reporters immediately stopped me. They held a microphone into my face and started blurting out different questions.

Based on their nametags, they were from Atlas Tabloids. They were one of the largest celebrity news tabloids in the world (similar to TMZ).

"Um, I'm sorry, I'm just a student," I said quickly. "Please excuse me."

I tried to walk around them, but they blocked me. They were invasive and wouldn't let me leave as they continued asking questions.

"Excuse me, I cannot understand your questions," I said again.

"Annabeth Chase, correct? Your performance was wonderful," the woman said. The man finally paused so that they were talking one at a time.

"Yes, that's me, and thank you," I said hesitantly.

I didn't know how to talk to the press. I knew that they were always trying to expose people, and I was already sensing that. I really disliked them.

"So, Annabeth, Percy Jackson was speaking with you before the show. What is your relationship with the pop star?" the man intruded.

"We're just friends," I said firmly.

"Really? The way he looked at you spoke otherwise," the woman said.

"Ma'am, I don't know what you saw. Percy was speaking with me and Piper as a friend who had experience with performing on stage," I said. "Please excuse me."

I didn't want to answer any questions. Percy was always so hesitant about talking to the paparazzi. Literally, a few hours ago, he had told me that he didn't want to expose me to this world. At least, not in the wrong way.

I managed to get away from them. I breathed in relief after realizing that they weren't following. Thank the gods. This was what Percy had to go through daily. I could barely handle a few minutes.

I quickly walked into the school towards the music hallway.

Piper, Jason, Leo, and Thalia were huddled around the music studio door. Thalia and Leo were practically leaning their heads on the door.

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

"Shh, Annabeth, not so loud," Piper hissed. They all got closer to the door as they listened. I followed suit to hear shouting from inside.

"Guys, what's happening?" I asked again.

"Percy's getting his ass yelled at," Jason expressed. "Gods, I feel so bad."

I stood there in shock before shuffling closer to the door. We were all crowding around the closed door.

"I CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT MADE YOU PULL THAT STUNT TONIGHT. YOU WILL DO EXACTLY AS I SAY RIGHT NOW," Zeus shouted.

"You're so stupid, Percy Jackson. You're not getting out of here until you finish the single," another man exclaimed.

"Guys, this is awful. They're speaking so disrespectfully," I whispered.

"Yeah, that's the music industry for ya," Jason said distastefully. Leo pulled away quickly and ushered us away from the door. Someone was walking towards the door.

The door swung open to reveal Chiron. He smiled at us sadly before walking away. I glimpsed inside to see Percy sitting on the couch. Zeus and Atlas were still yelling at him. Their voices were loud, scary, and demeaning.

The door closed again. After a few minutes of silence, Percy's band members came inside with Chiron. They were ushered into the studio followed by Leo.

"Guys, let's go too," I said quickly.

I rushed into the room before anyone could stop me. The band was setting up their instruments. Leo and a few other tech members were tuning the equipment.

"Get out, girl, you were not invited here," Atlas said boldly.

I ignored him as I faced Percy.

Percy turned towards me. He was standing next to the couch with a few lyrics in his hand. His face was downcast, and raw emotions were swirling in his eyes. It probably didn't feel good to get yelled at, especially in front of other people.

"Annabeth, we should go," Jason said firmly. I ignored him as well.

I walked towards Percy, but Zeus got in my way. "I meant what I said, Annabeth Chase, Leave now because you are nothing to him."

Percy looked down at his hands sadly.

"Let go of me, Zeus," I said angrily. "You have no right to control Percy like this, and you definitely don't control me."

I stood in front of Percy. His left cheek was redder than his right, which demonstrated that he was hit.

"Percy, you shouldn't have to deal with this," I said softly. I reached up and gently placed my fingers against his cheek. He winced slightly but didn't pull away.

"I defied them, Annabeth. They're my label, and they have leverage," Percy said sadly.

"The leverage has to do with me, doesn't it?" I asked softly. I wasn't dumb. I know how to put two and two together.

Percy didn't answer as he gazed at me.

"Annabeth, you don't belong here with my man," Rachel exclaimed. Damn it, she's here too.

"Yes, get out, now. Percy has a single to record," Atlas exclaimed boldly. The band members and tech guys seemed ready to start. This was potentially gonna take all night.

"You should go, Annabeth. They don't like you, and this is going to take a while."

I nodded. But, I didn't move. I looked around the room. Zeus and Atlas were glaring at me with cold eyes. Rachel had also shown up even though she didn't even care about Percy.

Percy's life was so stuck because of them. He looked so sad and helpless, and I hated seeing him like this.

Maybe, they controlled, but they didn't control me.

"Percy, look at me," I expressed firmly.

His sea-green eyes looked up and locked onto mine. He had such beautiful eyes, so pure and warm. It sucked that life was dulling them.

I leaned forward and pressed my lips on his.

Percy's reaction was immediate as he kissed back. Our lips moved in sync for a few seconds before I pulled back. His sea-green eyes were sparkling as he smiled.

"Uh, thanks," he whispered.

I laughed as I kissed his cheek before leaving. Percy immediately got to work with his staff and started working on the Brother single.

Zeus, Atlas, and Rachel were fuming as I walked out of the room. My friends were looking at me with pride. I was happy with what I did.

They may have leverage and power, but beyond that, they had nothing. If Percy was fighting against them for me, then I could fight too.

***

"Don't worry, Annabeth, they won't give up their leverage on Percy that easily," Jason said.

I still didn't exactly what this leverage was, but it had to do with Percy's and my relationship. I trusted Percy's judgment about keeping it a secret.

"Jason, I acted so rashly the other night. Hell, I freakin kissed Percy in front of them when they don't want me with him," I said.

"Yeah, and it was fantastic, Annie. Rachel looked like she got slapped in the face," Thalia chuckled. I couldn't help but laugh as well.

"Jason, turn up the radio," Piper squealed suddenly.

Brother started playing on the radio. It was Percy's newest hit that got released literally 3 days ago. But, it was already on all of the pop radio stations.

"Well, that was fast," Thalia expressed. "Jason, you're a lucky bro. Percy wrote a whole song for/about you."

"Yes, true, but can ya not make it romantic," Jason said shyly.

Piper and I laughed as we drove to school. Percy had flown to Los Angeles this week to promote the song and do a few interviews for it. The release of this song was a complete surprise, so there were some things to cover.

Jason and Thalia tried explaining it to me, but I didn't really understand the business side of the music industry. All I knew was that the music industry could be very cruel.

"That was Percy Jackson's latest single, Brother. It is already a country-wide hit, and the song is blowing up around the world as well," the radio personality said.

I believed that her name was Hedone.

"However, it seems that the song isn't the only surprise. According to insider reports, during his year-long vacation, Percy seems to be very busy with the ladies as well."

I froze as I listened to the radio. Jason increased the volume to hear what they were saying about Percy's personal life.

"Yes, that's true Hedone. The question is there seem to be two young women on the horizon. No one has confirmed the real deal," Cupid spoke.

Jason finally turned down the radio and turned to us. I was simply confused as I asked, "Guys, what are they talking about?"

"They're talking about a recent report in Atlas Tabloids. Don't worry, Annie, no names are mentioned, but there are pictures," Thalia explained.

"What?!" I shrieked.

"Relax, we can't tell it's you. One picture shows Percy standing next to Rachel in the cafeteria. The picture is from the side, and it's only capturing Percy's face and Rachel's hair. It's an interesting picture because Rachel's touching Percy's shoulder (you know like she always tries to)," Thalia paused.

"The other picture is with you at the showcase before the show started. Percy's talking to you while you're sitting. This picture is also from the back, so we can only see your blonde hair and some of your white dress. This one is suspicious because of how Percy's smiling and looking at you (like he's in love, which he is)," Thalia chuckled.

"They took pictures of us. That's sick," I said with disgust.

"Well, that's the paparazzi for ya. Don't worry, though, they purposefully didn't choose a picture with your faces," Piper said.

"Yeah, they're just trying to scare ya'll."

As I stared at the pictures, I realized that Percy did look happy and at ease while talking to me. He looked so handsome and (like Thalia said) in love. Percy definitely wasn't sharing the same emotions in the picture with Rachel.

"Well, it is scary. This is what Percy's afraid of. Neither of us want our lives to be a public scandal," I said.

"Don't worry, you guys will figure it out," Jason expressed.

"And, we'll help you," Piper and Thalia said.

I trusted them. We were going to figure this out, but it would take some effort. We needed a realistic plan to break Percy out of their hold.

I already had one idea, but I wasn't sure if Percy would accept it.