The Boyfriend

Annabeth POV

People were staring at me as soon as I stepped into the school. I wasn't used to everyone's attention, so it made me feel self-conscious. Did I have something on my face?

"Thalia, what is going on?" I asked quietly.

We walked side-by-side through the halls of Goode High. As we passed, people would turn and stare. Their whispers were audible but not comprehensible.

"I don't know. Everyone keeps looking at you. Do you want me to mouth them off?" Thalia asked with a smirk.

"That's option B," I smiled. "Let's just figure out what's happening first."

"Well, Piper is sure to know what's going on. She'll be waiting near your locker, so let's hurry," Thalia suggested. "Anyway, why are you wearing a dress today?"

I was wearing a navy blue dress. The weather was better today, so I decided to wear a casual silk dress and black converse. My hair wasn't in its usual ponytail either. Despite my different look today, that wasn't the reason why people were staring.

"I don't know. I just felt like it," I stammered. I wasn't completely sure why I wore a dress, but Percy was on my mind this morning.

Plus, Helen suggested the idea yesterday (for obvious reasons, she said).

"Are you sure you don't know? I have a few guesses, and all of them revolve around one person in particular," Thalia said slyly. Her smirk was irritating.

"Shut up, Thalia. It's not a big deal."

We finally approached Piper and Hazel near my locker. Piper was waiting for us while Hazel was talking to Frank Zhang. No big surprise there. Their relationship was cute. They both were shy individuals, and neither of them were making a move.

Piper kept saying that it was up to their friends to set something up. Hazel keeps putting off asking him out, much to our disappointment.

"Pipes, you have to tell me what's going on. Everyone keeps staring at me," I expressed.

I could feel their gazes against my back. It's not pleasant. I've felt this during the days leading up to the end of the proposal. Percy saved me from all the gossip when he faked his loss. I was still so grateful and happy about that.

A part of me DOES wonder how our special night might've gone. However, Percy wasn't ready, and I wasn't gonna push him.

Respect works both ways between a man and a woman.

"It's not a big deal, Annabeth. The cat's just out of the bag," Piper said. "That is, Drew is spreading the news that you and Percy are together."

"Oh" was my response.

I didn't know how I felt about it. On one hand, I was ecstatic about being together with Percy. On the other hand, we aren't technically together. I couldn't confirm the relationship if it wasn't happening yet.

"It's not a big deal, Annabeth. Everyone's just curious."

"Why is Drew spreading the news?" Thalia spat.

"Because Drew is stupid. She thinks that this news of Percy's and Annabeth's relationship will ruin Annabeth's reputation," Piper explained. "However, everyone knows that Percy has changed. He's not interacting with anyone else."

"Then, what's the point?"

"The point is that you're stealing my man," a voice spat from behind. We whirled around to face Drew Tanaka and her cunning smirk.

Piper laughed loudly. "Nice joke, Drew."

I smiled at Piper. She didn't like Drew at all, and I love watching anyone make fun of Drew. After all, she was a big, pampered bully who only likes downgrading people.

"It's true," Drew stated firmly. "Percy and I are in a relationship, and you're butting in. Just yesterday, we got together."

Her voice raised several notches, which grew a crowd. Whispers permeated around us. Girls and guys watched our interaction with curiosity. However, her words were the fakest thing I've ever heard. I didn't believe her at all.

"Even your lies are stupid," Thalia countered.

Drew stepped even closer to me. I was taller than her, so it wasn't very intimidating. My glare narrowed on her face.

"I'm speaking the truth. Percy and I were together last night. If you want proof, then just look at this picture," Drew affirmed before taking out her phone.

I stared at her screen. My eyes widened as I grabbed her phone.

Piper and Thalia got closer to see what was happening. The picture showed him kissing Drew outside of his trailer. It was dark and gloomy. Shadows covered the surroundings, but their faces and bodies were visible. It was (indeed) Percy and Drew.

Piper gasped while Thalia's hands clenched into fists. I swallowed the lump in my throat as Drew grabbed her phone again.

"Is that enough proof for you?" Drew asked smartly.

I didn't know what to say, so I remained silent. That couldn't be real. Percy wouldn't just go back to her.

Percy likes me. He likes his Wise Girl and no one else.

I let out a shallow breath while my hands quivered. I shook my head firmly before pushing closer to Drew. Any proof of a lie would earn her a punch in the face. But, I couldn't read her expressions.

"Send that picture to me," I commanded. "Show it to me again."

My intelligence shone with all the different possibilities of what could've happened. I'm not believing the words of a pathological liar. I have more faith in Percy than that. I believed in him completely.

"You already saw it," Drew stammered. "You don't need to see the proof again. You should fight Percy if you have anything else to talk about."

"GIVE ME THE PHONE," I snapped.

I grabbed her wrist and snatched the phone away. I was smarter than to believe anything she was saying. I was smart enough to realize that Percy's biggest flaw is loyalty to people that he loves.

I brushed the phone in front of her cakey face to unlock the phone. Facial IDs are so easy to tap into. I quickly reopened the pictures while Piper and Thalia kept Drew away.

I analyzed the picture quietly and quickly.

Drew and Percy were kissing outside of his trailer. Drew was leaning into Percy whose back was against the trailer walls. It was a dark setting (clearly nighttime). Then, I noticed the specific details.

The trailer was parked on a cement flooring that matched Percy's parking garage. However, Percy's trailer hasn't been in the parking garage for the last four days. Thalia's driveway (where the trailer is now parked) is made of black asphalt.

Percy isn't living in his apartment building anymore. He's been staying with Jason and Thalia for several days.

This picture was either fake or outdated.

Either way, Percy didn't cheat on me. My emotions swirled violently; they twisted from doubtful betrayal to anger.

I was so freaking angry.

"Piper and Thalia, that's enough," I said. They stopped fighting with Drew and her posse while I approached Drew directly.

I could see the doubt and nerves on her face.

I went forward and slapped Drew across the face.

My slap barely stained her makeup-filled face. Her eyes shook while she looked into mine. Several gasps erupted from the crowd. Drew's posse backed away as Piper shouted an 'Amen.' Thalia rubbed my back in support.

"YOU'RE SICK, DREW. What kind of person tries to ruin a relationship by using a freaking fake picture and a fake story," I spat. "You're horrible."

I tossed the phone at Drew. She quickly turned to leave.

However, I had one more thing to say.

"You're not going to poison my views and feelings for Percy. They're too strong and too faithful. Nothing is gonna break us apart," I declared.

***

"Guys, I'm not so sure about this," I whispered.

Piper rolled her eyes while Thalia insisted that I go along with the program. Leo agreed with Piper and Thalia. Jason and I were the only ones that had mixed feelings about this plan. The premise of it was logical and harmless, but things could go wrong.

While I wanted to see Percy's reaction, I was also scared of it.

We were eating at the widely popular restaurant, The Jewel. It was my first time coming here after Percy started working here as a waiter.

"Percy would be a great waiter. I can't wait for him to serve us. It's one of the only times where I can be in control of him," Leo chuckled.

"Yeah cause Percy is stronger and bigger than you in every other way," Piper commented.

Thalia coughed on her drink as her mind (undoubtedly) went to a dirty place. My face burned red as I elbowed my best friend.

"OH MY GOD, Thalia. Just stop," I laughed.

"Hello, friends, I will be your waiter for today," Percy approached with a smile. He spread the menus around the table easily.

His sea-green eyes were sparkling with activity. I was glad that he took on a job. Clearly, the work was distracting and stimulating him. He was also very good at his job, and he said that there was a good source of revenue in tips.

His gaze focused on mine even when he took everyone's drink orders.

"All right, guys, I'll be right back with your drinks. It's actually busy tonight, so excuse me if service takes a bit longer," Percy expressed with a smile.

His hand touched mine on the table before leaving.

"AWWW. That was so cute," Piper squealed.

"I also can't wait for this to become official. When he comes back with our food later, we're going to initiate the plan. Got it," Leo instructed.

The plan was harmless, but I was still nervous.

Service was quick, and Percy was an excellent waiter. The tables around us were enjoying his interactions as well. I kept my eyes trained on a table of girls who kept calling Percy for random things.

My mind wandered back to Drew. The school didn't dare question me after what happened. They also lost what remaining respect they had for Drew. Percy felt bad about the whole thing, but I assured him that I trusted him.

Percy had a complex past, but I knew the real him. He was not an ordinary player. His dating life stemmed from his needs, but he is committed to me now.

"Annabeth, the plan is to make him jealous. Not you," Piper quirked. I whirled my attention away from the cheerleaders.

"Sorry, I was just curious, and-"

"SHH. Percy's coming with our deserts. It's time for you to pull this off. Connor's gonna call you from a private number in three seconds."

Just in time, my phone started ringing.

"Hey," I greeted.

"I can't believe that we're doing this. Percy's gonna kill me if this goes south. It's wrong for me to be flirting with you," Connor expressed.

"That didn't stop you ever," I laughed.

Percy's eyes glanced at me while setting the desserts on the table. He placed a red-velvet slice of cake in front of me.

"Is he watching? Does he look angry?" Connor asked.

"Yeah, that sounds good," I replied with a smile. "I can't wait to meet up later. What do you have planned?"

My eyes fixated on the cake, but I was stealing glances at Percy to see his reactions. He was no longer smiling as he watched me closely. My friends, on the other hand, were watching while trying not to laugh.

"All those times, you rejected me, Annabeth," Connor stated. "I can't believe that I'll be asking you out again."

"Wait, you're taking me on a date?" I asked, purposefully raising my voice.

"Who are you talking to?" Percy whispered harshly. His eyes glanced at my friends again before leaning closer to me.

"Seaweed Brain, I'm talking to a special someone."

"WHAT? Someone's asking you on a date. You can't possibly-"

"SHH," I interrupted him smartly.

"Ooh, he's not gonna like that," Connor chuckled. I ignored his laughter. "Anyway, what exactly are you proposing?" I asked into the phone. Connor explained some details about going to the movies or whatever.

I wasn't really listening. I was too busy watching Percy's angry face. He looked so cute when he was angry or jealous. I simply wanted to nuzzle him into my arms.

"A date sounds fantastic," I exclaimed finally.

Percy's actions were sudden. He snatched the phone out of my hands before I could even react and pull away.

"EXCUSE ME?" Percy snapped. "Who do you think you are? You can't take Annabeth on a date. What's wrong with you?"

Silence followed. Connor was probably saying something to instill a reaction out of Percy. "Percy, give the phone back," I faked. Percy blocked my prying hands.

"OF COURSE, I HAVE A DAM PROBLEM," Percy snapped again. He turned away slightly while speaking into the phone. Oof, he's angry.

I wasn't too sure of this plan anymore.

"WHO AM I? I'M HER BOYFRIEND. Who the hell are you to take my girlfriend on a date? Shut up and don't call her again," Percy growled.

I gazed at him in utter shock. Boyfriend and Girlfriend.

Percy simply slammed my phone on the table before storming off. He was probably angry with me, but I didn't care. This was too good.

I couldn't stop smiling as I followed Percy into the bathroom.