The Player's Proposal

26: The Winner

Annabeth POV

Percy rushed out of the party. Something was off. I've never seen him run so fast. He didn't care that he was pushing everyone aside.

"Hazel, are you okay?"

I ran towards the small girl. Hazel was laying on the base of the stairs. She seemed more confused than anything else. Fortunately, she wasn't hurt, but she hadn't seen Percy running up the stairs until it was too late.

"What happened?" Hazel asked in shock.

"I don't know. Percy just ran out. He didn't listen to me either."

Hazel and I walked towards the Stolls. Frank was talking to his football buddies, so Hazel decided to come downstairs. It was nice because I needed a break from Rachel talking about Percy and our deal all the time.

The Stolls called us for a game of Ping Pong, and we accepted.

You wouldn't expect it, but Hazel is very competitive. She played like someone who has something to prove. Of course, I play to win as well. Needless to say, Hazel and I whooped their butts and crushed them.

I laughed at Connor's pouting face. The Stolls were tame today. They weren't pranking people because Katie blackmailed Travis. If the twins cause trouble, then Travis wouldn't receive any kisses for a week. The threat kept Travis in line.

I was having a good time at the party.

Usually, I don't like teenage parties. It was filled with people who either get drunk or make out. While both events were happening at this party too, there were other activities to occupy my mind. Activities like watching Katie drowsily walk over.

"Annabeth, do you want a drink?" Katie asked. I rejected the red solo cup in her hand. I didn't want to drink any spiked fruit punch today.

"Cool. More for me," she slurred.

It's weird how quickly Katie could get tipsy. Her body had no tolerance for alcohol. I laughed as she stumbled towards me. Hazel helped Katie onto the couch.

"Anyway, are you nervous? I know that it's a big day for you," Katie commented.

I sighed while rubbing my arms. "You know how I feel about this proposal. I hate it. Now that Percy is on the brink of winning, I'm feeling very anxious. I can sense the whole school looking down on me."

"That's not true, Annabeth," Hazel said softly.

"Our proposal is the hottest gossip at Goode High. The fact that Percy succeeded in going three months without sex only highlights the importance. Everyone's talking about how I have to sleep with Percy."

"As I said before, not the worst thing in the world." Katie hiccuped.

I rolled my eyes as Hazel giggled. Her golden eyes lit up when she smiled or laughed. Hazel loved her friends, but she also had a soft spot for Percy.

A few years ago, before Hazel and Nico became my friends, they were outcasts at our school. They were the new kids, so they became easy targets for bullying. One day, Ethan Nakamura was shoving Nico, and Percy intervened. He saved Hazel and Nico from further bullying. Percy was popular, so the students listened to him.

Ever since then, Hazel and Nico admired Percy's character (his playboy persona aside).

"Guys, where's Percy?" a voice interrupted our conversation.

Jason and Piper were standing hand-in-hand a few feet away. I smirked as my eyes narrowed on Jason's face. Piper's pink lipstick was smeared around the sides of Jason's mouth. Thalia fake gagged as she gazed at Jason from behind.