The Library Book

#26 - Homecoming

Hazel flashed her a cheery smile. "I spent July learning how to braid my hair." She was wearing two Dutch braids today that dangled down to just brush on her shoulder. Her hand was linked tightly with Frank's, who didn't look as excited as the rest of them to be back in school.

Another body nudged into them from the left, forcing the three friends to stumble. "Good morning," Piper sang, Jason in tow. She leaned down conspiratorially. "Have you seen him yet?"

Annabeth fought off a blush. "Who?"

"Don't act dumb," Piper snorted, pulling her aside. They'd spent the entire summer texting back and forth, and Annabeth had eventually confessed her true feelings about the kiss over the phone.

"I'm over him," Annabeth hissed back. "Two months was more than enough time for me to get over a silly crush."

Piper frowned. "I just hate that you guys missed out on such a great opportunity."

"Oh, okay, just because you're convinced that we both liked each other at the same time doesn't mean you're right," Annabeth said decidedly.

"But you did!"

"You've said that about every crush I've had since freshman year," Annabeth deadpanned.

Piper gave her a sheepish look. "Yeah, well, I was just trying to make you feel better. I actually believe it this time!"

Annabeth shot her an accusing glare. "You lied to me?"

"To make you feel better!" Piper's exclamation was cut short by her own gasp as she elbowed Annabeth in the ribs so hard she yelped in pain. "Look!"

Annabeth's gaze followed her gestures to see Percy emerge from the crowds of reuniting students, all friendly smiles and fist bumps.

Windswept black hair, lopsided grin, mesmerising green eyes? Yeah, Annabeth definitely wasn't over him.

Suppressing the thought, Annabeth faked nonchalance when Piper looked over at her expectantly.

"Oh, forget it," Piper grumbled, leaving to go bother Frank and Hazel.

Annabeth swallowed. If it was even possible, Percy looked better than when she'd last seen him. He was taller — taller than Frank now — how was it even possible that he was still growing? — and his shoulders were broader.

Percy was wearing a t-shirt with a trident on it, one Annabeth had seen him wear a thousand times, but now it clung to his figure.

Annabeth sent a silent prayer to Helen for making her wear this dress.

The two of them stopped in the middle of the hallway, about a foot apart.

"Hi," Annabeth breathed, almost shyly. Her heart had skipped a beat upon seeing him, but she hoped she'd regained her composure enough for him not to notice it.

Yeah, definitely not over him. She'd hoped that seeing him again wouldn't bring back all those feelings, but it did, and Annabeth promptly realised that she'd never really moved on.

There was something about Percy that always reeled her back in.

"How was Europe?" Percy asked, at the same time that Annabeth blurted out, "Did you spend summer taking steroids?"

Percy burst out laughing at her incredulous question.

"Sorry!" Annabeth protested. "But, seriously. No one should be allowed to grow this much call this time. It's not fair. Donate some tall genes to me, please."

"Wish I could," Percy feigned a sympathetic expression. "You need the help."

She rolled her eyes. "Shut up."