20: Love on the Brain

up, I knew that Annabeth and I swapped back.

The timing of the swap was unfortunate. We had gotten into an awful fight, and now, it was just awkward.

It was like, somehow our relationship reverted to how it used to be. After all, just a few weeks ago, we didn't like or know anything about each other.

I was so grateful to have my parents again. My mother's glowing smile and Paul's news reading would ready me for the day. Gods, I loved them so much.

I will say that I liked having a car again, especially when I was in a hurry.

Regardless, the drive to school was peaceful, yet I was anxious. I've never been off of swimming for more than a few days.

Plus, I knew that Annabeth broke down in front of the entire team. I had no clue what kind of fallout that would have. However, after some time of thinking, I realized that Annabeth was only trying to help me. I was angrier about the fact that we were fighting in the first place.

I didn't like fighting with Annabeth. I missed her already.

I quickly parked my car and ran towards the locker room. A few of the swimmers were already here getting ready for practice.

"Good job on Saturday, Perce," Travis commented.

He gave me a gentle smile as he walked towards the pool door.

"Good job about what? I kinda just broke down in front of everybody, man," I said matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, and it's about time," Connor emphasized kindly.

The twins waited for me to finish changing before we went out to the pool. Districts were this Saturday, so it was time to get focused again. I couldn't have any distractions. I'm saying this from a personal perspective. I wanted to do well.

It wasn't simply about not disappointing anymore.

I learned that you had to take care of yourself first. People can let you down, but you couldn't let yourself down.

"Jackson," the Coach's voice boomed.

I stopped near the shallow end of the pool and turned around. The Stolls continued towards the pool but not before reassuring that it'll be fine.

Frank also patted my shoulder reassuringly as he walked by.

"Jackson, I'd like to talk to you in private," Coach Hedge said firmly. I walked towards him, and we both made our way to his office in the sports hallway.

"Coach, um, I'm sorry for yelling on Saturday," I said quietly.

Coach sat down across the desk and paused before speaking. "Percy, I want you to know that I am proud of you. The school is proud of you."

I stayed silent as I internalized his words. The coach never gave compliments, so it was hard to feel validated for my swimming accomplishments. His opinion mattered more than most because he was my mentor.

"I suppose that I did a good job coaching you to be an excellent swimmer. However, I didn't take into account your mental and emotional state. Being an athlete is very stressful and pressurizing, and I didn't make it easier for my star," he explained.

"Coach, I know that you just wanted me to give it my all. You were pushing me to my limits, which is what I want in a coach," I expressed sincerely.

"I could've been better, Percy. Clearly, all of the stress and pressure that I and this school places on you is suffocating. I should've relieved that," Coach said.

His eyes were shaking with raw emotions. I knew at that moment that I wasn't like every other athlete to him.

I was special and important to him and to this school.

"There's only one athlete like you at this school. What I mean is that you're the only student who can make a name for yourself based on your sport. Be honest with me, Percy."

I carefully explained the things that I've been feeling.

I didn't break down or fall apart, but I did express myself. It was okay to express my emotions and feelings. Holding things in wouldn't fix anything.

The coach listened to me and talked through it.

My mom did the same to me at times, but she wasn't in this sports world. It helped to openly talk to the coach.

Gods, before Annabeth, I wouldn't have been able to do this.

After 20 minutes, I got back in the pool, and it was so refreshing. I immediately knew what to do and my body took over. My muscles pumped as my mind cleared.

My 100-meter time was spectacular, and I was proud of myself.

I even got to end practice early because Coach wanted me to get to class on time. It was one of the many surprises that he gave me today.

I smiled as I walked out of the locker room. Things were really looking up, and Annabeth was the reason.

Gods, I had to talk to her and fix us. I couldn't imagine going back to our old relationship of not liking each other. We were way beyond that.

My feelings were way more complicated than that.

***

"Percy. PERCY!"

Rachel snapped her fingers in front of my face. My attention turned away from Annabeth and turned back towards Rachel.

I wasn't even sure why Rachel was here.

My eyes lingered on Annabeth again. She looked so beautiful and happy and free. I wondered what happened at home after we swapped back. It must've been good.

"Will you stop staring at her?" Rachel snapped.

I sighed as I turned towards her again. This time I continued to face her as Annabeth walked away. "What do you want, Rachel?" I asked.

"Well, you know, maybe we could get back together," Rachel said slyly. Her fingers trailed up my arm and gripped my biceps.

"Rachel, stop, we broke up. I don't want to be with you," I said firmly.

I pulled away from her hands and continued to stuff my swim bag into my locker. Gods, the locker was way too small for all of my crap.

"Excuse me? Did you just reject me?" Rachel asked angrily.

"Yeah, I did, Rachel. First of all, we were simply put together due to teenage expectations. I really don't give a damn about that anymore."

I grabbed my backpack and started walking towards class. I didn't want to talk to Rachel anymore, and I definitely didn't want to be with her.

Rachel's heels clicked on the floor as she walked next to me.

"This is because of her, isn't it?" she asked. Her eyes were glistening with plans on how to eliminate possible threats.

"Rachel, I don't like you anymore. You don't like me either, so we're done. Annabeth has nothing to do with our breakup," I expressed firmly.

Of course, Annabeth did break up on my behalf, but I was all right with it.

"Oh please, you're rejecting me for her," Rachel chuckled. "Gods, Percy, she totally isn't at your level."

I stopped in the hallway. The bell had already rung, so the hallway was mostly empty. I faced Rachel with specialized determination. No one was gonna talk about Wise Girl.

"You're right, Rachel. She is way above my level," I affirmed.

It was at that moment that I realized that it wasn't simple attraction or gratitude. My feelings were way beyond infatuation. I liked Annabeth a lot.

I wanted to be with her.

Oddly, this conversation with Rachel forced that truth to reach my consciousness. I smiled as I reviewed my feelings for Annabeth.

The notion of being with Annabeth made me very happy.

"Are you sure that you want Annabeth to become my enemy?" Rachel said dangerously. I sighed. I was expecting this.

"Rachel, she's already your enemy. Annabeth can easily take you. Plus, I'll be there with her every step of the way," I said firmly.

I wasn't scared to express myself anymore even if that meant breaking down. I didn't care. I was gonna pursue what I deemed would help my life and make it better.

Suddenly, an idea popped into my mind.

I knew that Annabeth enjoyed spending time with my friends, and I liked hers as well. I couldn't wait till lunch to interact with my friends again.

I really hope that Wise Girl appreciates what I was planning. Maybe, just maybe, it would let a relationship blossom between me and Annabeth.

So much for not having distractions before districts. I chuckled to myself.

Meh, Annabeth was worth it.