Disclaimer: I own non of  the characters you recognise. They belong to they troll we all know as Rick Riordan! The Selection process it owned by the lovely Kiera Cass.

Question that needs an answer!!:

What food was Leo addicted too? Was is Fonzies?? When the Argo 2 went to Italy....

Enjoy!

I woke multiple times during the night, but nothing to concern anyone else

I didn't call for my maids, I don't like them sleeping with me, and I didn't go to Percy either

The nightmares consisted of the same I had in the safe room. Watching people I know and love before my eyes, killing people with my hands

No matter how many times I pulled that trigger. No matter how many times I saw the people closest to my heart lifeless, it stung like Lemon in a paper cut

Each time I awoke in a pool of sweat with fear and sickness creeping up my spine as the images replayed in my mind

I was already awake when the girls walked into the room. I was sitting up against the bed head with a book in my hands, trying to read away all my depressing thoughts.

"Oh!" Justine exclaimed as she walked in the door and saw me awake "What are you doing up Annabeth?"

I shrugged and looked up "Couldn't sleep"

She walked more into the room, Alicia and Hazel following her in

"Bad dreams?" Hazel asked. I nodded as she walked across the room and sat down next to me

I put the bookmark in my book and leant my head on her shoulder

"Yeah, just replaying what happened last night"

She nodded and grabbed my hand in hers, stroking the back of it with her thumb

She calmed me down, just sitting there. We sat for around half an hour while the girls got the bathroom and my dress ready

"Anything exciting for today?" Alicia asked me. She sounded hopeful that Percy and I would have a date but I shook my head

"I'll probably just hang in the library and women's room. Maybe make some new friends and draw up some blueprints"

I could feel the disappointment in the air

While I was lying awake in my bed during the night, I had heaps of time to think

Always thinking, I came up with a couple of conclusions from Percy's withdrawal

1) He had no feelings for me anymore, or even to start with

2) He was checking out the others girls, getting to know them. He already knows me so he must be putting it off for this reason

3) He's scared

I'm nervous it was the first one. It would be awkward if he sent me home. Home would be his house, and my bedrooms across the hallway from his so.... awkward if he brings a girl

I was pretty confident it was the second one. He knew every single detail about me but didn't know much about the other girls. Why waste his time on me learning everything he already knows?

The third one strikes a chord with me. I'm scared too, I have no idea how this will work out. If he'll choose someone else or me. I'm scared that I could stuff it up, that I'll be heartbroken at the end of it. I'm scared that he'll be heartbroken and not have anyone at the end. I'm scared what the public will think of me, what the other Selected think of me and who I'll be at the end

The thing that strikes a chord is that whenever anyone one of us is scared, we go to the other. But how can I go to my best friend, when he's one of the reasons I'm scared?

That's one of the many downsides to being the best friend of who your dating

If he stuffs up, I can't go to him and complain. If he's having trouble trying to finger me out, he can't get a second opinion from me. If we're both having trouble in our relationship and want to cry on someone else's shoulder, we can't exactly do it on each other.

He has Jason and Grover. I have Hazel and now Piper, but what we really need is each other

That is if something happens. Which right now I think nothing will happen. Ever.

"Come on Annie. Let's get you in the bath. There's a whole library full of books waiting to be read"

And with blissful thoughts of books, I relaxed in the bath

Soon I was sitting in the dining room, waiting for Piper to show up for breakfast. I wasn't early, I had taken my time walking here to assess the rebuild that was going on, so I didn't understand why Piper was late

I tried asking Riley, but she was of no help and Reyna wasn't in a chatty mood

The Jackson's entered, but it wasn't the whole Jackson 5, only 4

Percy was missing. Piper was missing

They were on a breakfast date

Great. Way to make me lose my appetite

I was happy for my best friend and new friend. They would be having fun with each other. But I couldn't help the little ball of jealousy stop forming in the pit of stomach

After we greeted the family and sat down butlers placed food in front of us

Bacon and eggs, one of my favourites

After trying to read away my thoughts from before, I'll try eating away my thoughts from before

I didn't get very far. I've never really been jealous before over a boy. What do I do? How do I act? Why can't I eat this delicious strip of bacon?

Girls started to finish and excuse themselves from the table, so I followed suit

I was strolling down the halls of the palace making my way to the library

I was about to turn a corner when I heard a giggle and a chuckle

Noticing my best friends chuckle I quickly hid behind a tapestry that was hung up on the wall close by. I could hear two sets of footsteps coming around the corner

"You really are quite funny Percy" Pipers voice caught my ears

"I try" Percy responded

My heart lifted and sunk at the same time. They were having a great time and their date was over. Maybe Percy and I could have lunch

They continued their conversation whilst I stayed behind the tapestry just in case

When I couldn't hear them anymore, I kept on walking to the library

I opened the massive doors to my favourite place here

The scent of new and old books greeted me as I made my way over to Chiron's desk

Chiron was a middle-aged man, with curly brown hair and a beard. He's bound to a wheelchair, as a result of a war injury and was my tutor for many years. He is always been one of my favourite palace staff

"Good Morning child" He greeted me. He was sorting through some books on his desk, marking them then putting them in the cart to be put back in their place

"Morning Chiron" I smiled, hiding my real feelings inside

He knew me better though "Ah, what's the problem dear?"

Knowing better than to lie to Chiron I shook my head "Boy troubles"

He chuckled "I'm sorry Annabeth. The only thing I could suggest is to check out the romance section, talk to him or talk to his mum. She'll help you"

I walked behind the desk to look at the new title in the cart "Yeah, well Sally's most likely in a meeting and he's probably on another date"

We stayed silent as Chiron marked the new books while I messed up his piles, looking for a good read

"Done" He stated as he put the last one in

"Want me to return them?" I asked

He nodded "Thank you Annabeth"

I fixed the piles in the cart and wheeled it around to the front desk

I bent down and took my shoes off so I could walk freely around the library

Chiron raised his eyebrows as I gave him the shoes but I just shrugged, a smile playing on my lips

My feet walked the plush carpet as I made my way to the first isle

The library was very big, filled to the roof with books of all genres. Ready to fill your mind with knowledge or take you on your next adventure

I come here regularly, to find a book, see Chiron or to smell my second favourite scent

I grabbed the top book on my pile and gently climbed the ladder to place it with its author

I continued a routine of picking the book and placing it in its new home. I paced guards off duty, maids and advisors looking through the shelves

Soon I had forgotten about my boy troubles and had found a new book to read

"Thank you young one," Chiron said as I placed the now empty cart behind his desk

"No problems Chiron. I'll borrow this one please" I placed my new book, The Jewel by Amy Ewing, on the desk for him to scan that I have it

"Enjoy"

I took the book back and turned around to the library

After thinking for a moment I decided that I was going to read in the Women's room. Maybe I would see Piper, Thalia or Sally

The Women's room was louder than I expected it to be. It seemed that most of the girls decided to retire there for the day

Thalia wasn't there and Sally either. Piper would still be in her room, or with Percy

Most of the girls were on the couch talking or near the coffee table flipping through magazines

I made my way over to a corner that only had one girl. Silena Beauregard from Carolina.

I've never meet Silena before, but I know who she is. Everyone does, and now with the Selection, she's become even more popular. She has had the most top charting songs in the last century. I have listened to them and do enjoy them, but I'm not a crazy fan. Some of her songs are about love and getting drunk, I don't listen to those ones, but she has great songs about being yourself and some are truly inspiring

"Um, can I sit here?" I gestured to the empty space next to her

She looked you from her magazine and smiled at me

"Sure thing Annabeth"

I smiled my thanks and sat down

"Oooo, watch ya reading?" She asked

I held up my book cover

"The Jewel, Its apart of a new trilogy I'm trying. I'm Annabeth by the way. Even though you already now that, it feels weird without introducing myself" I stick my hand out for her to shake

She nodded her head "I totally feel you. I'm Silena"

I laughed and opened my book to read. After 15 minutes Silena interrupted me

"Um, hey Annabeth? Can I ask you a question?"

I put my book down on the space next to me "Yeah sure, shoot"

"Do you listen to my music?" She seemed really nervous

"Yeah"

She looked at the ground "Does Percy?"

I blinked "Uh, he has. Why?"

She bit her lip "It's just that I'm going on an afternoon tea date with him" My heart sunk "and I'm just curious"

I tried to smile, but it probably looked nothing like one "Want to know a secret?" I whispered

She leaned in closer "Yeah?"

"I once heard Percy singing one of your songs in the shower" I started to giggle remembering the time I walked in on him singing

Silena started to giggle "The Prince? Singing in the shower! One of mine?"

I laughed harder and nodded "He couldn't make the high notes!"

Silena burst out laughing and fell back on the chair. She held one hand on her forehead and the other on her tummy

"Can he even sing?" She asked in between laughs

"No! And he didn't notice I was there until he went to the next! I couldn't stop laughing so he yelled who's there so I bolted!"

"So" She tried to catch her breath "Two?"

I nodded and held up two fingers for confirmation

"Does he know?"

I shrugged "Not sure. He has his suspicions. For the rest of the week, I kept humming the song when I was around him"

We started to laugh again "Don't tell him I told you though. He'll kill me"

She shook her head and zipped up her mouth "Secret safe with me"

With a smile both on our lips, we went back to reading

At around three a maid came into the room with a silver platter and Sarah following behind

"Can I have your attention ladies?" She called

We all stopped what we were doing and turned to face her

"I have letters from your families!"

There was a rush of excitement as we all got up and moved towards the poor maid with the letters. One by one we got them and returned to our seats

I had two letters, one I noticed my fathers writing and the other Malcolm's. Excited I opened my fathers first

Dear my Annabeth,

What a surprise you gave us when you were selected! We were watching the TV in the hotel when Percy read out your name. Helen and I nearly fainted, but the boys are excited

I hope you are enjoying your new adventure with Percy but mark my words. If he hurts you, he will not see tomorrow.

I guess you're glad that your not here with us, even though some of the architecture is stunning. We will be home shortly, at the most two more weeks. Helen wants to be back this Friday, so we'll try and get to that

Please write about everything going on. The Report hasn't given much and Paul won't tell me anything

I fully support you in this. As long as your happy, healthy and safe, that's all I could ask for

With love

Your Father

I could tell my Dad was happy for me, but I knew Helen wasn't. 'Be back by Friday', yeah right. She wants to be as far away from me as possible. They won't be back for two weeks. In that time I'll be gone, without a date with Percy. He said nothing about the attack yesterday, most likely because he wrote and sent it before it happened. I wonder if he knows now

I opened my next letter

Annabeth,

What the hades?!

The Selection? You scared the hellhound out of me! I re-watch the Report five times to make sure I heard Percy correctly. My baby sister, the next queen of Illea. I can see it now

I'm so proud of you making this choice and getting him! This will go great, and if not you'll still have him

I heard Dad and Helen went on holiday with the boys. Why didn't you tag along?

How's it going? Are you happy? Safe? Is Percy treating you okay? If not, Tyson may have to step up his game

Mary and I are doing well. We have some exciting news, but that will have to wait until we're sure

Please write soon, we haven't talked in ages. I was planning to visit soon but I'm not sure you want your older brother hanging around when you could be kissing Percy or with the other girls

Know that I love you and that no matter what happens, Percy does too

Can't wait to hear from you!

Malcolm

I smiled. Gods, I miss him. I haven't seen him since Christmas, which was only like 5-6 months, but still. He's my older brother and I love him

He always knew what to say, even if he's in another Provence and has no idea what's going on. He's made me feel better about the whole Percy situation without even knowing

The maid that had the silver platter came up to us and curtsied

"Lady Silena?"

Silena looked up from her letter

"Prince Percy is outside the door. He wishes to see you"

Silena smiled and stood up

"Thank you. See ya Annabeth"

I nodded looking down "Yeah, see ya"

After I heard the door close I looked up around the room

How many girls did I know that have already had a date?

Calypso, Rachel, Drew, Piper and Silena have all had dates. How much more do I not know about?

Not wanting to be around girls that may have kissed him I left the Women's room and went to my bedroom

Justine was out, but Hazel and Alicia were sitting down playing cards

"Hey Annabeth" I sat down next to Hazel as she amid her move

"Hey Haze"

"Wanna play?" Alicia asked

I nodded and I waited until they had finished that game

"Know how to play Speed?" Hazel asked

I shook my head

"We'll teach you"

Alicia and Hazel noticed that I didn't want to talk about what was getting me down, so they tried to distract me with gossip and stories, but I was distant

"Can I ask a question?"

They both nodded as Alicia made her move

"Whys it taking so long for Percy to ask me on a date?"

Hazel sighed and put down her cards. Alicia put an arm around my shoulder

"Explain please"

"It's just that I know he's been on 5 dates, that I know of, with 5 other girls that aren't me. I haven't seen him since the attack and I miss him" I hung my head

Alicia rubbed circled on my back while Hazel talked to me

"I know he likes you Annabeth, but you just have to give him time. He still has to get through 34 other girls before he chooses"

I laughed at myself

"I sound like a teenage girl complaining about her crush"

I've never done this before. I've never had a boyfriend, I've never dated. I have boy friends but we were just friends. I've only ever had crushes and they were nothing. Dating Percy in this situation isn't the best way to do it. We're all competing for him and he's trying to find the one

"And that's exactly what you are," Alicia told me

I quickly brushed away the few tears that had leaked out of my eyes so they wouldn't see them

"Annabeth, just remember. You'll have him for the rest of your life, no matter what happened here or in the future. If he doesn't love you romantically, he loves you as a friend. Your his best friend, and he's yours"

I smiled my thanks to both girls as they gave me a group hug

I breathed in a deep breath "Alright, enough boys and emotions. Let's get back to the game so I can bet your behinds!"

Soon I had lost every single game we had played

"What the hades girls? I had a plan! Athena always has a plan!"

The girls were laughing at my outbreak "Guess your plan didn't work" Hazel laughed

Alicia joined in on the teasing "Just admit defeat Annabeth, you can't play cards"

I grumbled something about it not being fair and made my way over to the balcony. The fresh air was nice on my face but the view wasn't so pleasant

Percy and Silena were laughing together in the gardens, under a tree

Jealousy started to form inside me so I quickly went back inside and shoved the curtains close

"Should we get you ready for dinner?" Hazel asked

"It won't hurt to be early" Alicia agreed

The girls silently worked on my hair, fixing loose strands and touching up my make up. I tried to distract myself but my thoughts kept on going back to Percy and Silena

I shouldn't be thinking like this. It's only day 4, there's heaps of time and heaps of other girls that haven't had a date yet either. I shouldn't be worried, Percy likes me as a friend anyway. He doesn't even know the other girls, there the ones who should be worried

I'm lucky

I wasn't the first one in the dining room, around the seventh, it seemed like others were early

Riley, Piper or Renya weren't here so I sat in my usual place alone for about five seconds before a redhead sat down next to me

She had large bright green eyes and was wearing a beautiful pale violet dress. She had freckles all over her nose and cheeks

Rachel Elizabeth Dare

"Hi, Annabeth right? I'm Rachel"

"Yeah" I nodded "Nice to meet you, Rachel"

"What do you think of the Prince?" She asked

Great, Percy talk

"Oh um, he's good"

Her eyes widened "Good? He's amazing! He's so funny and sweet. He was so thoughtful and romantic on our date"

I choked on my own saliva

"Oh, are you alright?"

"I'm yeah just I've never imagined Percy being romantic"

She tilted her head to the side "Was he not romantic on your date?"

"Oh um" I looked away from her face "I haven't been on a date with him but I know him really well"

"Oh"

"Yeah" I fiddled with my fingers "I kinda grew up with him and he's my best friend"

She nodded her head slowly "Ever kissed him?"

I blushed and hung my head

She squealed "Oh my gods! When? Where? How?"

But we didn't get to finish the conversation, thankfully, because Piper cleared her throat

"Sorry, your in my seat"

Rachel nodded and said goodbye, making her way back to her seat

"Haven't seen you all day" Piper greeted me

"Yeah, I was in the library and the Women's room" being polite I asked "Where were you this morning? You weren't at breakfast"

Piper blushed "I had a breakfast date with Percy"

I bit my lip and nodded "And how was it?"

She smiled "Amazing. He set up a whole breakfast buffet in this little room overlooking the gardens. The food was the best and he was so caring. He's so sweet"

I nodded, knowing it all to be true

All 5 Jacksons entered this time and we started to eat our risotto

Piper, Reyna and I talked whilst eating. Every now and then I smiled at Rachel further down the table. Wanting to make friends with strong competition

I could feel someone looking at me so I did a quick scan of the room. I soon connected eyes with Percy. I was about to look away but he mouthed 'Wait after dinner' I nodded and then rejoined the conversation around me

I ate slowly from then on watching as girls got up and left to go to bed. Reyna left, then Riley. Rachel left until there was about 5 of us. Zoe and Tyson started to yarn so Sally and Paul left with them to take them to bed

"What to turn in for the night?" Piper asked me

I quickly glanced at Percy and shook my head "I'll wait"

Piper nodded realising and excused herself after saying goodnight

I painfully waited for two more girls to finish and move away before I heard Percy chuckle

"They took forever" I nodded in agreement

"How was your sleep last night? You didn't come so I figured you went well"

I nodded again playing with my leftover food "I slept fine"

Silence swept over us

"How were your dates today?" I asked

Percy looked up at the ceiling

"They were both nice, but I had no idea what I was doing. They seemed to think it was great so I just went along with it"

I bit my lip and put my fork down

"What did you want with me? I'm kinda tired and want to go to bed"

Percy looked back at me "Does a guy need a reason to talk to his best friend?"

I shrugged and got up. He got up too and walked around to me

"I wanna walk you to your room"

I raised an eyebrow but didn't question it as he took my hand and we walked out of the dining hall

"Did you hear Grover playing his new reed pipes?" He asked me

"No, I was in the library"

He shook his head "He wouldn't shut up, even when I told him too"

"You did well on that gift Perce"

"Yeah, I guess I did"

We enjoyed each other's company as we walked down the hall. As we got closer to my room I picked up on a mood change coming from Percy. He seemed nervous

"I, uh, I have a question"

We stopped at my door

"Hmm?"

"Will you- um will you"

I realised where this was going and raised an eyebrow, smirking at him

"Will I what Seaweed Brain?"

"Will you go-" he sighed and rubbed the back of his neck "Will you go-"

I started to giggle at his nerves and covered my mouth

"You're laughing at me" He complained

"I am not!"

He sighed and scratched the back of his neck "You are so not making this easy. Will you go out on a date with me"

I smiled, finally. I kissed his cheek in reply

"I'm never, ever going to make things easy for you, Seaweed Brain. Get used to it"

And I quickly opened and closed the door behind me

I leant my head against the door, joy and excitement flourishing inside me

Creeping out to the ends of my toes and the tips of my fingers

I shifted and turned around

All three of the girls were standing there, waiting to help me get to bed

They all had questioning looks on there faces "I'm going to need the perfect dress tomorrow, for the perfect date"

At the word date, the girls jumped up and down clapping, totally forgetting everything they've been taught

Hazel squealed and ran to give me a hug "Yes yes yes yes yes!!!!"

I laughed at their excitement for me as they helped me get ready for bed

It took awhile for me to fall asleep. Not from the fear of having a nightmare, but the nerves and buzz for tomorrow

Phew, long chapter!

Sorry it's a day late, but I updated! 4,200 words too!!!

Please answer the question at the start of the chapter, I need a confirmation

I haven't proof read this like my other chapters, so please tell me if you find any errors! Help appreciated

Last chapter I asked what you wanted and the votes have been totaled 

Your going to get my first name!!!

Here's your clue:

A character (not from PJO or HOO) in this book is named after me. She is my own character and has made a couple of appearances, so go back and look!

The winner will get a follow and a shout out!

Tomorrow is a public holiday so I'll try and do some writing!

I'll be eating a four n twenty watching the footy game, bombers vs pies (GO THE BOMBERS!) tomorrow after the ANZAC service at the local RSL

Now I'm going to explain that to the non Australian

I'm going to be eating a meat pie (a four n twenty, that's the brand)  watching a game of AFL (Australian Football League), bombers (Essendon) vs pies (Collingwood) (which are football teams, I go for Essendon). After a service for ANZAC Day (day to remember fallen soldiers that died in world war) at the local RSL (Returned Soilders League, which is basically a pub)

Did that make sense?

I'm so excited! The Dark Prophecy is soooooo close!!!! Yay!

rickriordan.com/characters

I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!!!

Love you all!

-Squirrel