The Swap

Chapter 10: Arcade

Percy POV (in Annabeth's body)

"Wait, hold on, you didn't do swim training yesterday?" I asked in shock. 

My (ie Annabeth's) voice elevated from the anger. We had made a deal yesterday, but Annabeth didn't follow through. That felt like a let-down, especially since I had gone through a lot in her body yesterday. 

"I, err, I went to practice, but I just didn't swim," she said softly. Hearing my own nervous voice talk to me was very weird.

"Why?" 

"Um, your coach was yelling and everyone was looking at me. I don't know, I just couldn't handle it, so I left. Percy, I'm so sorry, but I just couldn't deal with that," she expressed from my body. 

I honestly felt bad now. I hadn't warned her about how stressful and pressurizing practice could be. I was used to it, and I had tough skin. However, Annabeth didn't have to deal with that kind of stuff, especially in front of others.  

"I'm sorry. I guess that I should've warned you," I said solemnly. 

I hated the idea of other people getting hurt because of me. Yet, Annabeth certainly had gotten traumatized by my life. 

"It wasn't your fault," she said. She made my sea-green eyes look at me. "It was just life." I nodded in agreement. 

Yup, just our weird, problematic teenage lives. 

"Well, at least now, we can let each other know everything," I said. With that, our conversation returned to a detailed summary of our lives. 

I tried to tell her as much relevant information as possible. However, even as we split off to go to our classes, I felt like I was forgetting something big. 

But, I didn't know what it was. 

***

"Annabeth, Annie, hold up," Leo shouted as he ran through the cafeteria. 

Honestly, it would be embarrassing if it was anyone other than Leo Valdez. I've quickly learned that Leo was a crazy dude. He wasn't afraid to be disruptive. 

"Annabeth, you didn't come to record yesterday. Thursdays are our studio day," Leo said emphatically. 

I had no idea what he was talking about.

However, he talked about this topic like it was the end of the world. 

"Leo, why are you always so overdramatic?" Thalai asked as she sat down at our table. So far, it was just us three at lunch. 

Leo simply pouted as he pulled out his lunch: spicy chicken fajitas. 

"I had to pick up my brother from school yesterday, so I couldn't meet you guys," I answered Leo very carefully as to not sound clueless or say the wrong thing. 

"Well, lucky for you, I managed to pull some string and book the studio for today. It was easy to talk Apollo into it," Thalia explained. 

"Wait, what do you mean?" I asked. 

"Annie, I thought you were the smart one," Leo commented with a chuckle. "Remember, earlier this week, we decided for you to sing and record 'Castle on the Hill'." 

I simply stared at Leo and Thalia. 

I had no freaking idea that Annabeth sang. It was something that I wouldn't have even guessed. I couldn't sing for my life, but apparently, Annabeth was a good singer. 

Even though this was uncharted territory, I was curious about Annabeth's singing. 

But, singing required mental and emotional skills that I wasn't sure I had. However, I was in her body. I had her voice and throat, so maybe I could try singing.