theme song ^^  ;)

Annabeth's POV

"Annabeth!" My dad called up to me. "Wake up! Get ready! It's a big day!"

He was right. It was a big day—graduation. I groaned as I sat up in my bed, checking my phone. It was bright and early for a Saturday morning; 9:00 a.m.

I reluctantly dragged myself out of bed and into my bathroom. I turned on the shower and undressed. I played my music from my phone.

I don't wanna think about a moment with you,
I'm kinda hoping for forever
I been dreaming 'bout a knitted sweater for two
God dammit we look good together

"I hope you plan on washing your hair!" Helen called to me.

I sighed. Unfortunately, it was a day where I had to actually do my hair.

After my shower, I decided that I would do minimal make up. I was not about to cake a bunch of shit on my face, no thank you. I applied some mascara, and a natural colored lipstick. I didn't need to use anything like foundation—I had no breakouts to cover up because I never wore make up.

Next I decided I would have to blow dry my hair—one of the fucking worst things I have ever experienced. I grabbed a brush, detangling my crazy hair. Then I dug out the dreaded blow dryer from the cabinet under the sink.

"I hate you." I looked at the device.

I sighed and got it over with. When I was finished, my hair was still frizzy and curly—just how I liked it. I took two strands from the front, pinning them together in the back.

I walked back into my room over to my closet, where my dress hung on the door. It was a dark green, short dress. I didn't want anything too fancy, so this was kind of perfect.

I got it on and pulled on my Converse as well (couldn't get me in heels then, can't do it now). I walked in front of my mirror, examining myself. I smirked thinking about Percy's face when he saw me in the dress.

"Oh, Annabeth, you look beautiful." Helen stopped outside my door and came into my room.

"Thanks," I smiled. "Let's just hope I don't trip on my way to get my diploma," I chuckled.

"You'll be fine," Helen said, waving her hand. "But I actually have something for you."

"Really?" I asked. "What is it?"

"It's just something simple, nothing huge." She showed me a small shiny barrette in the shape of a feather. It was beautiful.

"Holy shit is that real?" I asked.

"Yes. It was mine, and I was wondering if you wanted to wear it. You don't have to if you don't want to, though," Helen said, smiling at me.

"Can I?" I could tell she wanted me to wear it, and a small part of me wanted to as well.

"Of course," She said, smiling wide and bright. "I'll put it in." She carefully pinned it in place at the back of my head. She grabbed a mirror from the bathroom and showed me.

"It looks amazing. Thank you, Helen." I turned around and smile at her. She gave me a grin.

"Okay, I have to go get the boys ready now." With that, she walked out of the room, smiling.

I smiled at myself in the mirror. I looked good. A small part of me was excited. I was finally getting freedom. Something I had waited for my whole life. I took a deep breath, then headed down stairs.

"Annabeth." My dad smiled at me. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks dad," I laughed.

"You're not my little pumpkin anymore, huh," he smiled sadly.

"Come on," I nudged his arm. "Stop getting so sappy it's only graduation. It's not like you're never gonna see me again."

"Right. Sorry." He laughed. "So. You ready? Get excited!"

I rolled my eyes and laughed. "You're so annoying."

"Anna!" The boys came stampeding down the stairs, followed by Helen telling them to be careful. They looked adorable in their khaki pants, button downs, and bow ties—all matching, too. "You look so pretty!"

"Aw, thanks guys," I laughed and put my arms around them as they hugged my legs.

"Are we never gonna see you again?" Bobby asked, suddenly looking worried.

"I wanna see you again!" Matthew cried.

"You will, I promise!" I said. "You guys have nothing to worry about, because you're always gonna have me, okay?" I noticed my dad and Helen smiling from the corner of my eye.

I had told my dad and Helen about Percy applying to UCLA and they said that I could go with him, but that I would have to keep in touch if we went. And that was fine by me, for I was already planning to.

"Alright. We should start heading out." My dad looked at his watch. "It's already 11:20. We need to go if we want to get there on time."

"Alright," Helen said.

"To the car!" I shouted.

"To the car!" Bobby and Matthew ran out the front door to the driveway. My dad shook his head. I grabbed a granola bar before following them out.

We all piled into the car, ready to go. I checked my phone on the drive to school. I had a text from Percy.

Percy: morning beautiful. Can't wait to see you later :)

I texted him back.

Me: you're such a dork :) see you later Jackson

I smiled to myself and turned my phone off. I took a deep breath, happy with how my day was going so far.

Soon enough, we arrived at school. We all filed out of the car, and found all my friends and their families.

Everyone was there—Percy was with Sally, who was having a conversation with Mr. Blofis, our English teacher. Piper was there with Mr. McLean. For the first time ever, I saw Nico's dad, as well as Leo's. Both men were a little scary, and seemed sort of awkward. But they were here to support their kids, which was good. Frank was standing next to an older woman, who seemed frail but she had a strong, demanding presence. Will brought who I presumed was his mom—a short woman with chocolate brown hair, and a friendly face. I felt bad for Hazel and Jason—they didn't really have any other family that was coming for them. Thankfully, they had all of us, and we're like one gigantic family, as funny as it sounds.

"Hey guys!" I shouted.

"Hey!" Everyone came to hug me hello.

"Did I miss much?" I asked Percy.

"Hey," He said before kissing me. "No, not really. I just got here."

"Alright awesome." I smiled.

"You look amazing by the way. But that dress would look even better," Percy paused, giving me a smirk. "On the floor of my bedroom,"

I laughed. "Oh really, Jackson?" We were suddenly interrupted, but when I saw who it was I didn't mind.

"Hi Annabeth!" Sally walked up to me.

"Hi!" We gave each other a quick, tight hug.

"It's so nice to see you," Sally said, smiling at me.

"Same here."

"Annabeth, you look amazing!" Piper exclaimed. "Again with the Converse." She rolled her eyes when she saw my shoes.

"You cannot put me in heels!" I protested.

"I like it." Hazel smiled. She looked great in her dress. It was bright and kind of happy, almost—just like Hazel.

Piper looked great as well. Red always looked great on her—then again, everything did.

Reyna looked amazing in a fitted beige dress—it was classy and elegant, much like herself.

Calypso looked great too. She was wearing a pink floral lace dress, that definitely suited her.

"Wow, can I just say," I announced, "we all look hot." Everybody laughed, agreeing with me.

"Hey, can I talk to you in private?" Percy pulled me aside.

"Yeah, where do you wanna go?" I asked.

"I know exactly where." Percy smiled at me before pulling me along. Eventually, we made it to one of my favorite spots—under the bleachers.

"Oh god," I laughed, smiling. Percy pulled me along carefully. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me close to him, kissing me passionately. We pulled away. "Percy, if you brought me here to have sex—"

"No, no," he laughed. "Later, though," he said, making both of us laugh. "God I love you so much." He smiled at me, happiness in his eyes.

I smiled back. "I love you too. But what is this about?" I asked.

He exhaled, breathing an 'okay'. "Alright. I got into UCLA."

"Oh my god." My eyes widened. "Oh my god!" I exclaimed. "Percy that's amazing!" I laughed. I squealed and laughed as Percy picked me up and spun me around. "That's is so... oh my gosh," There were tears in my eyes. I was so happy.

"We're going to California." Percy nodded his head.

"We're going to California!" I repeated. I kissed him, cupping his face with my hands. "I'm so proud of you," I smiled at him with awe. "I love you,"

"I love you too,"

><•><

"And now, for our graduates, who have come so far, and who we have watched, as teachers and parents, grow into the amazing young adults they are today," Principle Minerva announced. I squeezed Percy's hand and smiled over at him. I felt Piper squeeze my other hand and grinned widely at her too.

Soon enough, they got to our group.

"Piper McLean,"

"WHOO YEAH PIPES!" Leo shouted. Piper stood and walked up to Minerva, shaking her hand and receiving her diploma. She smiled and waved at the crowd.

"Jason Grace,"

"THATS MY BOYFRIEND!" Piper yelled over the applause, giggling afterward. Jason walked up, doing the same as Piper.

"Hazel Levesque,"

"YEAH HAZEL, GET IT!" Leo called, making everyone laugh. Hazel walked up and received her diploma.

"Frank Zhang,"

"Yay Frank!" Hazel shouted, making Frank blush. They were so adorable, it made me smile. He smiled to everyone in the crowd and sat back down.

"Calypso Nightshade,"

"YEAH! WHOO! THAT BEAUTIFUL GIRL RIGHT THERE?! SHE'S MY LADY!" Leo called out. Calypso smiled and rolled her eyes before bowing and returning to her seat.

"Leo Valdez,"

"WHOO, YEAH MCSHIZZLE VALDEZ!" I yelled.

"Go Leo!" Jason cheered.

Leo walked up, took his diploma and shouted, "BAD BOY SUPREME IS OUT FREE!" Everyone laughed and cheered louder.

"Will Solace,"

"Yeah Will!" Reyna yelled. He blushed the entire time receiving his diploma. I noticed Nico clapping and cheering and smiling for him. My grin got a little bigger.

"Nico DiAngelo,"

"YEAH NEEKS!" Percy yelled. Nico sent him a glare, but Percy couldn't care less. He kept cheering, louder than before. Will joined a bit, as well as Hazel.

"Reyna Avila Ramirez-Arellano,"

"YEAH RA-RA!" Piper yelled. "GET IT!" I laughed, as well as Reyna. She received her diploma and sat back down.

"Percy Jackson,"

"WHOO!" I shouted. "YEAH! THATS MY BOYFRIEND, HES AMAZING!" I announced. "I LOVE YOU!" I yelled, laughing. Percy looked at me and shook his head, laughing too. I normally would have never done something like that, but hey—it's graduation. And it was like all of these amazing people brought out a different, better side of me. Percy received his diploma and bowed, the crowd cheering loudly.

"Annabeth Chase,"

"WHOO! YEAH ANNA!" Leo yelled.

"THATS MY BESTIE!" Piper yelled.

"THATS MY GIRLFRIEND, I LOVE YOU!!" Percy shouted. I smiled and laughed all the way up to Minerva. I shook her hand, giving and respectful nod, and taking my diploma. I bowed and sat down.

Eventually, they got through everyone and Minerva gave her final speech.

"I just want to say how proud I am of every single one of you. You have shown great qualities and values that you've learned throughout these past four years, and I see a bright light shining through every one of you. You're futures truly are shining, and remember to never give up, and to stay determined.

"Class of 2018," She began, "you are officially graduated!"

Everyone cheered and threw their hats in their after turning out tassels.

"Whoo!" I called. I turned to Percy, kissing him and hugging him tight. I grinned so widely—wider than I had in along time.

And at that moment, my future truly was bright.

><•><

"Okay, I normally don't do this sappy shit," I stood up from the table. We were all enjoying lunch and I just wanted to make a quick announcement. "But, I just wanted to say that I love you guys, so fucking much. You all have been a huge part of my life, whether I knew you from San Francisco, or I met you just this year. All of you mean way more to me than I could ever explain in words. Now, for the question you all want answered; why am I doing this? Well, it would be rude of me to make this announcement alone," I looked down at Percy who was sitting to my right. He looked up at me before realizing and standing up. He wrapped his arm around my waist respectfully.

"I got into UCLA," he announced. Everyone clapped and congratulated him. He waited for it to die down before he started again. "This means that Annabeth and I are moving to California,"

"Oh my gosh! Congratulations!" Was the general response.

"And I know that we might end up far away from each other, but..." I found that there were tears in my eyes, and quickly brushed them away. "We're always gonna be together, and have each other. I love all of you guys, like, a lot," I laughed. "But yeah," I sighed.

"So let's make a toast!" Percy suggested, looking to me. "To what do we owe it, Ms. Chase?"

I picked up my glass and raised my chin. "To friendship, a never-ending bond." I smiled.

"To friendship!" Everyone raises their glasses.

Once lunch was almost over, I walked up to my dad. "Hey, the gang was gonna sneak outta here to hang out, just wanted to let you know."

"Okay, keep me posted."

"You got it."

><•><

I need your love to light up this house
I wanna know what you're all about

The music was flowing and the soda caps were popping. Piper, Jason, Frank, Hazel, Leo Calypso, Nico, Will, Reyna, Percy, and I were all laughing, recounting stories from the past year. We all sat on the dock just on the edge of the pond—the pond where a lot of shit went down for Percy and I—a really special place for us.

"Okay, But remember that time with Leo, and the lighter?" Percy laughed, sipping his soda. 

"Oh yeah! Lighter Boy!" I exclaimed.

"Okay, but that was cool!" Leo said as everyone laughed.

"It kinda was," Will said.

"Ugh, it's hot out here," Piper complained. "I'm going for a swim."

"In what?" Jason asked.

"Anyone up for skinny dipping?" She smiled mischievously. "Underwear on, obviously,"

"I'm down," I stood up. I started to unlace my sneakers, pulling them off.

"I guess I'm in," Percy shrugged. 

Some everyone was stripping down to their undies—obviously the girls kept their bras on too. I threw my dress over my sneakers, not really caring. I had a feeling this was going to be a time to remember.

I need your love to guide me back home
When I'm with you, I'm never alone

We all stood at the edge of the dock.

"Ready?" Leo called.

"3, 2, 1!" We all jumped into the pond at the same time.

We'll never be as young as we are now
It's time to leave this old black and white town

We all laughed and shrieked at the cold yet refreshing water.

Let's seize the day
Let's run away
Don't let the colors fade to grey

After some splashing around, I swam to Percy. I wrapped my arms around his neck. We just stared into each other's eyes for a few minutes, just taking in each other's presence. I smiled at him before planting a kiss on his lips.

"It might be a little scary, going into adult hood kind of on our own," Percy said. "But were gonna be just fine."

"How do you know that?" I asked, smirking.

"Because I love you,"

"You're a dork, Asshole." We laughed.

We'll never be as young as we are now
As young as we are now

•••

Authors note  - PLEASE READ -

Holy shit you guys

That's it

The end.

Fuck.

I'm sad

Oh god.

Anyways, it's been a great run. I love all of you. Fanfic #2 down. I'm low key high key sad. But happy too. I have another project I'm starting to soo be on the look out for that. But you guys I started this story with so much hope and excitement and I ended it with satisfaction and love. I'm honestly pretty happy with how this turned out. But yeah. I gotta get some sleep. I love you guys—look out for an epilogue because that's about to happen. But don't forget to vote comment, etc. thanks and love you guys!
-bella💕