The Library Book

#15 - Spring Break

Chapter 15 - Spring Break
published: Wednesday, 1 April 2020

"This feels like that scene in High School Musical 2," Piper told Annabeth and Hazel as they took their seats at the larger table.

When she was met with raised eyebrows and puzzled looks, Piper sighed exasperatedly, "You know. When they're counting down the seconds to summer break." Without a reaction, Piper threw her hands up in the air helplessly. "My friends are uncultured."

"Well," Hazel interjected. "You'd be counting a whole lot of seconds, Piper. We have the entire day till spring break begins. Geography's the first lesson in a long day."

"And then we have exams," Annabeth moaned.

"Stop being so negative," Piper complained. "You're both killing my vibe. It's spring break. God knows I could use a holiday right now."

Annabeth's attention had been caught by something else happening by the door. Rachel Dare had just entered, only to be knocked askew by Drew, who was stalking in with a full body of nasty energy.

"I see she's got a new target," Piper murmured.

Ever since Percy and Rachel has started dating, Drew had become even more determined to get him back. She made Rachel's life absolutely miserable, attacking her in the cheerleading squad (according to Piper) and every other aspect whenever she found the opportunity to do so.

Annabeth felt sorry for her. She'd experienced the same thing mere weeks ago.

"Rachel," she called out before she could stop herself. Annabeth ignored Piper's piercing look. "Do you want to sit with us?"

"What are you doing?" Hazel whispered.

"Being nice," Annabeth murmured out of the corner of her mouth. "She's Percy's girlfriend, and one of Drew's victims. She's been through enough."

The redhead's relieved expression was enough.
"Thank you," she breathed, setting her bag down in the seat on Annabeth's left. "Drew's been a real pain in my ass."

Annabeth laughed. "Tell me about it." She gave her an apologetic look. "I'm sorry about her. We're not all like that."

Rachel smiled. "Yeah, I don't think I've really talked to you guys before. Percy told me about what happened to you once we got together," she frowned. "People can be bitches sometimes."

Annabeth grinned. "Y'know, I like you."

"Thank you," Rachel said cheerfully. "It's nice to properly get to know you. I mean, now that Percy and I are..." She gestured vaguely.

Annabeth's gaze flickered to Hazel's expression. She'd learnt how to read people over the years, and Hazel didn't seem as engaged in the conversation as Annabeth would've thought.

Then she realised that Hazel had probably been through this with a couple of other girls, considering that she'd been one of Percy's best friends for over two years now.

Hazel had to have welcomed all of his new girlfriends, and yet, none of them lasted. She probably didn't see any point in getting to know Rachel.

Hazel didn't think Rachel and Percy would last, Annabeth realised with a start.

Sending silent telepathic conversations going on, Piper restarted the conversation with a polite, "So are you going to Luke's party later?"

Rachel nodded. "I think Silena's the designated driver tonight."

That reminded Annabeth of the usual precautions she'd have to take tonight. Seeing as she had to go back home to her parents and little brothers, she never got drunk at parties, especially because she was terrified by the idea of not knowing what she might do.