The Swap

Chapter 23: Happy

Annabeth POV

Percy and Katie both qualified for regionals in the respective gender categories. It was no surprise for Percy To make it since he made it to states last year as a sophomore.

I knew that he wanted to strive for the top five in the state and compete in nationals. He had my full support and confidence in that goal.

After all, Percy fully believed in me as well.

Without him, I couldn't imagine facing the talent show and sharing my voice with the whole city. It was one of my proudest moments, and I had Percy and Thalia to thank for that.

I was lost in thought as I made it back to my friends.

The party was loud, and the stench of alcohol was slowly permeating the atmosphere.

"Annabeth, where did you go?" Piper asked.

The music was blaring so I barely heard her. Jason also turn to me, but he had to shave a few drops away for me and Piper.

Jason was overprotective even though he did understand that Piper and I could defend ourselves. Jason and Piper made a good couple though.

"Huh? I just got a phone call, so I went to the bathroom," I responded.

"Was it Percy? I bet it was Percy," Piper cooed. She had a smirk on her face, and Jason was smiling at me while studying my reaction.

"So what if it was? Percy missed my phone call this morning, so he called me now to give me an update," I explained.

They both not it before grabbing a drink.

I immediately went forward and snatch the cups from them. I was absolutely certain that the punch bowl with spiked, and I wasn't going to let them drink it.

"Guys, smell things before you drink," I reprimanded.

Jason's face peel this paper took the drink. Just as I suspected, her face contorted at the smell of her "fruit punch." Gods, this party was getting too wild. I guess that I should've expected it. The Stolls were known to have wild parties.

"Gods, I miss Katie so much. She usually controls the twins, Piper said firmly.

"Amen to that," Jason agreed.

We continue to talk and laugh as the party went on. Jason stayed close to us to yield off drunk teenage guys. Of course, he was more looking after piper. However, I noticed that he kept an eye on me too.

It was strange, but he was making sure that I was okay too.

Well, Jason was a good friend, I felt like another reason was compelling him to look after me. After he told another guy to get lost (this guy was simply staring at me), I finally decided to ask him what was going on.

"Jason, why are being so overprotective? I mean, Piper in understand, but me?"

We had migrated to the backyard where there was more space. While it was chilly, we were fine with our sweatshirts on.

Piper also looked over at Jason.

"No reason, just looking after you cause you're my friend."

Jason was a bad liar. I simply glared at him as I cross my arms. He immediately started to shift uncomfortably in response to my gaze.

Finally, he sighed.

"Percy texted me shortly after you went to the bathroom. He's been to the Stolls' parties before, and he told me to watch you," Jason admitted.