Finding You || Percabeth College AU ✔️

Chapter 16: Percy

I honestly felt like shit. Annabeth was furious with me, and now another girl was claiming to be my girlfriend, which wasn't true. I attempted to call Annabeth and text her, but she never responded.

"Just give her space," Jason advised. "She needs time to cool off."

"I don't if she'll ever forgive me," I replied miserably.

"She will," Grover said reassuringly. "She forgave you after the kiss, didn't she?"

"Yes, she did," I said, "but this is different. She's actually convinced that I'm dating Rachel and being a player."

"It's not different," Jason said. "It's still the same with Annabeth being angry and confused with you. Why don't you focus on something else in the meantime?"

"Like what?"

"Your sass," Leo suggested. "Or your community service."

"Leo!" Grover chided. "That's not going to make him feel better!"

"Actually," I said, "that is going to make me feel better."

"Really?" Leo said, very surprised.

"Yeah. I've been looking online, and I figured out that there are some animal shelters in the area. I think I can volunteer there and do my community service."

"That's a great idea!" Grover exclaimed. "You can go today, I think; they're open. Call them, and see if you can."

"I have to talk to Themis first," I said, "and make sure my community service can count for there. I'd rather not get in trouble with the law again."

I picked up my iPhone and dialed Themis's work number. It rang a few times before her secretary picked up and inquired as to why I was calling. I explained to the man who I was and that I was calling to confirm that the animal shelter was the correct location to perform my court-mandated community service.

"Very well," the secretary said. "Please hold for a few moments while I get Miss Baker on the line."

The hold jingle started playing for several seconds until Themis answered. "Hello, Percy," she said. "My secretary said you have a question for me."

"I do," I confirmed. "Is it okay if I do my community service at Pasadena Humane? I just wanted to check."

Themis paused, and I heard the rustling of papers on her end. "Yes, that is fine," she said a minute later. "You just need to call beforehand and inform them of your situation and bring the appropriate paperwork to the manager."

"Okay," I said, a grin forming across my face. "Thanks, Themis."

"My pleasure, Percy. Have a nice day. Oh, and tell your friend Leo that I discovered the answer to his question, that no, it is not in fact legal in California to own a chicken circus that performs by juggling alight clocks."

I started shaking with laughter and choked out, "O-okay I'll tell him. Thanks again, Themis."

I concluded the call and addressed Leo, still howling. "It's not legal to own a chicken circus that performs by juggling alight clocks, Themis says."

"Dang it!" Leo said.

"Why the fuck would you ask that?" Grover asked. "Also, why the hell would you think that's legal?"

"Hey, it's a reasonable question to ask," Leo said.

"Only if you're insane," Jason teased.

"So, Grover then?" Leo stood up and sprinted into the hallway, as Grover jumped to chase him.