The Swap

Chapter 4: Take Me to Church

Percy POV

The bus was too crowded and too loud. Mr. Dionysus only approved one bus for our field trip. This meant that over 60 students had to file into one 26-seater school bus. 

I groaned at all of the conversations around me. 

My head was starting to hurt from all the noise. Plus, I don't ride the bus, so this was a completely new environment. 

"Bro," Jason nudged my arm. 

"Yeah," I asked as I turned to my friend. Jason simply pointed to the seat next to us. Piper was sitting there with her cheerleader friend. 

"What's up, Piper?"

"Percy, why were you even late today?" Piper asked. 

Her voice commanded attention. It commanded an honest response whether you wanted to give one or not. She had that kind of voice. 

"I got held back at swimming practice again," I replied. "You know stuff is ramping up, so Coach has been on me all the time." 

"Well, he should understand that you have a life outside swimming," Piper offered kindly. 

"He's doing it for my own good. I don't want to let anyone down," I said. I couldn't imagine how I'd feel if I screwed up now. I was so close to bringing fame to my school by performing my best at Regionals and States. 

"You're already one of the best, bro. Give yourself some slack," Jason said firmly. 

I smiled at my friends before my attention caught on my girlfriend. Rachel was sitting in the seat in front of Piper, so she was still in my view. 

"Percy, I'm so sorry that you have to work with that nerd," Rachel said slyly. 

I sighed before looking at her again. It was a little rude, but to be honest, I wasn't looking forward to working with Annabeth either. 

"Yeah, me too." 

"Working with you isn't a real treat either, Jackson," Annabeth snapped from behind me. She was a few seats back, but she still heard me. 

When I turned around, Thalia and Annabeth were both glaring at me. 

"I'd figure that it's the best treat to work with my fine self," I responded with a smirk. "Just admit it, Wise Girl." 

Annabeth groaned before turning back to her friends. Thalia gave me a once-over glare (and then, the middle finger) before returning to their conversation. 

I laughed before returning my gaze to Rachel. That was fun. 

"Bro, why do you have to make my sister and her best friend hate you?" Jason expressed. "Yeah, that's not really helping anyone," Piper continued.  

"Jace and Pipes, I wasn't the started it," I replied honestly. 

Annabeth was the one who decided to butt into our conversation. Given that she only entered because she heard her name, but still. 

"Anyway, babe, you're coming to my party on Saturday, right?" Rachel asked. 

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it," I said with a smile. 

Rachel seemed unimpressed as she continued. "Percy, you missed three of my parties so far because of swimming. You cannot keep missing them."

I sighed. "Rachel, sometimes, I'm just busy." 

"Yeah, well, if you continue missing them, everyone's gonna think that you've lost your touch at popularity," Rachel expressed seriously. 

"You'll make sure of that won't you," Jason muttered quieted.