30: The Changes

Annabeth POV

I looked around the board room in caution. Despite my best friend is the daughter and heir of Olympus Records, I've never been inside of the building. The board room was professional times ten, and everyone resembled intensity and business.

"Don't worry, Annabeth, you are simply here for legal purposes," Artemis whispered.

"Thanks, Artemis for the reassurance, but I don't want to be here. I don't even know why I'm needed for this. Percy's the one that's resigning from Olympus Records," I stated.

Artemis smiled at me before leaning towards me.

"Well, we both know that you're a big reason for his departure. I am going to miss the young pop star. He was different, special," Artemis said.

I knew that those words meant a lot coming from Artemis. She was a gifted songwriter who has worked with hundreds of artists.

My gaze narrowed at the last person to walk into the room.

Atlas wore a serious expression as he took a seat next to Zeus. Finally, Zeus stood up and prompted the lawyers to start the proceedings.

"All right, everyone, all of the details have been arranged. Officially, Percy Jackson is no longer signed to Olympus Records as per his request," Zeus stated boldly. His tone was neutral, but you could tell that he was bubbling with anger.

"And, I am incredibly happy about it," Percy commented slyly.

I looked at my boyfriend who was smirking at Atlas and Zeus. He reached out his hand and gently held mine.

"Stop smiling, you-"

Atlas was interrupted by a lawyer.

"We are here to have a professional departure. Please, let's refrain from any comments that could get either party in trouble," the lawyer said firmly.

Then, another lawyer spoke up.

"Olympus Records no longer has a legal affiliation over Percy Jackson. Any unrecorded items and patents shall be returned to the custody of the artist and songwriter," she stated.

The meeting continued for hours, and I got bored pretty easily. However, I had to stay alert so that I could stop Percy from sleeping. Every few minutes, he would start to doze off.

They talked about everything, ranging from financials to personal distress. Chiron spoke on Percy's behalf as his manager.

"All right, that concludes this meeting. Mr. Jackson and Chiron, I believe that we have another meeting scheduled at Kane Records later today," Percy's lawyer acknowledged.

"Yes, we do, Ms. Themis," Chiron said in a positive tone.

Olympus Records' lawyers and businessmen left the room, which left Zeus, Atlas, Artemis, Percy, Chiron, Ms. Themis, and me. The tension could be cut with a knife.

"Congratulations, Seaweed Brain," I whispered.

Percy pulled me closer to him while still smiling. His hands wrapped around my waist as he kissed my cheek. "Thanks, Wise Girl."

"You both are lucky that the pictures vanished," Zeus exclaimed boldly. "Otherwise, you would still be our money-making, publicity pawn."

"I'm not gonna miss you either," Percy said sarcastically.

"Also, it's funny that the pictures were deleted from both of your possessions on the same night. What a coincidence?" I commented.

Percy chuckled as his casted hand gripped my waist. It's been a few weeks since the incident with Smelly Gabe, and Percy's hand was doing better.

"Oh, I know you kids had something to do with that," Atlas snapped. "You should be ashamed of breaking into another individual's private property."

"You know that's funny coming from you guys. It seems that you guys started this game of meddling into another person's livelihood. I simply took back what was my life and my freedom," Percy said firmly.

Ms. Themis smiled as we started walking out of the board room. It was such a relief for me to leave that place. I could only imagine how happy and excited Percy was. I paused outside of the board room as Percy and Chiron exchanged a few final words with Zeus.

Zeus's face only grew angrier as Chiron said something along the lines of I quit.

We all happily rode the elevator down to the first floor. Percy was more relieved than everyone, and he was super excited about signing with Kane Records. They were going to sign the paperwork today since they already discussed mostly everything.

A lot of things were changing in Percy's life, but the change was good. He was growing as a person, and he deserved to be around company that supported him. I was excited about going on this long journey with him.

"Wise Girl, are you sure that you'll be okay going home by yourself?" Percy asked.

We pulled away from the group. Kane Records wasn't located in New York. Instead, its main headquarters was in Los Angeles. As such, Percy and Chiron were flying out this afternoon. It was a very busy day for Percy.

"I'll be fine, Seaweed Brain. I can take care of myself," I stated.

"I know, Wise Girl," Percy said with a smile. "Honestly, I'd feel so sorry for the poor bloke that tries to mess with you ever."

"Oh, so you're sorry for yourself," I teased.

"I can handle you, Wise Girl. Years of experience and love, remember?" Percy said. "I've managed to grow a tolerance."

I laughed as I hugged him. He was only leaving for a few days, but I couldn't even imagine being apart from him.

His strong embrace wrapped around me firmly. I took in his warmth and his scent. I didn't want to let go.

Chiron clearing his throat broke us out of our trance.

"We're going to be late, Percy. Our plane is already waiting at the runway. We need to leave very soon," Chiron said firmly.

"Yeah, I know, Chiron," Percy said.

He gently kissed me before expressing his love.

"I love you too. I'll see you in no time," I said firmly.

Percy nodded with a frown. Regardless, Chiron, Ms. Themis, and Percy walked away. I watched Percy gaze at me one last time before disappearing.

I was left alone in the large, marble lobby. People were walking around as I made my way towards the first-floor exit (leading to the parking lot). I found the exit and was about to leave when a loud yelp interrupted my actions.

I turned around to notice a man laying on the ground. A few papers were scattered on the floor next to his briefcase. Many people were rudely sidestepping the man rather than helping him.

"Sir, are you okay?" I asked as I rushed over.

I helped him stand up.

"Thank you, dear. I slipped on the polished floor. I always seem to enter this building right after it's mopped," the man joked.

I gasped as I stared at the man. I knew him. He was an award-winning Broadway director, and I loved his work on Mamma Mia over the past few years.

"You're Dionysis, Sir, I love your work, and it is such an honor" I expressed as I helped him pick up his stuff.

We both stood straight as I handed him his files. His gaze pierced against my face and body before he seemed to make a realization.

"Wait a minute, you're a student at Goode Academy. Um, Annabeth, correct?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah. I mean, yes, I am Annabeth Chase," I said dumbfounded. I wasn't sure if he was at the showcase, but he recognized me from there.

"If I recall, you're a singer and a young actress. I was quite impressed by your voice and past theatre performances at Goode," Dionysus stated.

"Sir, you've seen my performances?" I asked in shock.

Dionysus smiled as he fixed his paperwork and suit. "Yes, Annabeth, my sons actually attend Goode Academy, but they keep to themselves."

I nodded as I smiled at the man. I couldn't believe that a famous theatre director like himself was impressed by my singing and acting. It meant a lot.

"Annabeth, I am directing a new Broadway musical, The Great Gatsby. You might've heard about it-"

"Oh my god, YES, I can't wait for the show. I've been reading up on updates about the musical, and I'm super excited to see where it goes," I blurted out.

"Yes, well, one of my actresses fell through. The role of Jordan Baker is open for auditions, and I'd like to formally invite you to Theatre District," Dionysus said firmly.

I simply stared at him and blinked.

"Wait, sir, are you serious?" I asked in shock.

"You're talented, Annabeth, and I think that you could be good for the role. I can't guarantee a role, Annabeth, but I'd love to introduce a fresh, young actress into the world of Broadway," Dionysus stated.

He pulled out a business card and a hard paper. The paper had a formal invitation on it. Dionysus pulled out his pen and officially signed the invite. My eyes were still wide open as I accepted the paper and card.

"This will allow you into auditions. If you're interested, Annabeth, the auditions run till the end of next week," Dionysus said with a smile.

My mind was racing as opportunities and nerves washed through my body. I still couldn't believe that I was getting an offer to audition for a high-end Broadway show. This was such a significant opportunity for me.

"Now, I am running late for a meeting. I hope that I see you."

"Thank you, Sir, and you will. I'd love to be in The Great Gatsby, and I'm gonna try my best at auditions," I said firmly.

Gods, I couldn't stop smiling.

***

"ANNABETH, you were fantastic," Piper shouted.

She hugged me and nearly knocked me to the ground. I had just finished my audition at Ambassador Theatre. I laughed as I told her to keep it down.

However, Thalia was even louder than Piper.

My best friend ran towards me before knocking us down onto the floor backstage. I laughed as I hugged her back. Besides Percy, Thalia and Piper were the only friends that I told. They came to support me since Percy was still in LA.

"Guys, we're in the backstage of Ambassador Theatre. Ya'll need to calm down and shush," I whispered harshly.

"We're far enough from the stage to not be heard," Thalia stated.

"Thanks for being here and watching me," I said. "It really means a lot."

"Absolutely, Annie. That's what best friends are for," Thalia exclaimed. "And, to celebrate this trial, we're going out for lunch near the Statue of Liberty."

Piper cheered as I laughed.

Of course, they were making a whole day out of today. We were taking advantage of the fact that we ditched school for my audition.

"So, when are you supposed to hear back?" Piper asked.

We were walking along the crowded streets of New York. Piper had to park at a street meter a few blocks away from the audition site. I was careful to not get too close to anybody that we were passing. Downtown New Yorkers had a reputation for being mean.

"Um, I'm supposed to hear back as soon as next week. Technically, the musical already started production and rehearsals, but it was interrupted by the 'Jordan Baker' actress falling through," I explained.

I stopped suddenly.

"Guys, this is a serious long shot. I don't want anyone getting their hopes up, including me," I affirmed.

"Hey, you killed it today. Remain optimistic," Thalia nudged.

"Besides, we know that this is far-reached. However, have faith in yourself. Also, you should be telling this message to Percy because he's already talking to Jason about planning a surprise party for when you get the role," Piper chuckled.

"What the heck, Seaweed Brain?" I laughed. "He's so stupid sometimes."

"Very true, but he's just being a supportive boyfriend, Annie," Thalia laughed.

I nodded in agreement. Percy was an incredibly supportive boyfriend. He cared a lot about me, and I loved him for it.

However, I didn't want to get my hopes up. This was a huge 'maybe', and I was only in high school. But, I was glad that I gave it a shot and tried my best. I wouldn't have any regrets in the future because of it.

Also, I had no clue what I'd do if I were to get the role of Jordan Baker.

It would upend my whole life. Similar to Percy, a lot of things were changing in my life too. But, as I said before, change is good.

"All right, ladies, time for some amazing street pizza," Piper exclaimed effectively jerking me out of my thoughts.

Thalia and I cheered and laughed in response.

Since the nerves had exited my stomach, I realized that I was very hungry.