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The Westover Hall’s gym was overflowing with purple lights, balloons on the floor and teenagers swaying to some slow, romantic song. It was just like every other school party — except for the monster that was preying on the demigod siblings. They were sitting on the bleachers, talking to each other, the older girl looking around frantically as if she was sensing some kind of danger.
Grover, however, was sensing something else.
Rapid heartbeat, ragged breathing, sweaty and shaking hands. White dress, wide, brown eyes and a lip gloss. Brooklyn, school, purple light, white dress, lip gloss.
Annabeth?
He glanced around the room until his eyes fell on the awkward pair dancing together. Percy’s eyes were looking everywhere but on his partner who was nervously tapping her fingers on his shoulders. The boy’s thoughts were so woozy that Grover suddenly felt light-headed.
Thalia swayed to the music, despite the grimace on her face, and looked over at Percy and Annabeth for a moment. She didn’t seem to notice much, but Grover swallowed hard and then her eyes snapped back to him. He accidently kicked her in the ankle, again.
“What?” She asked with squinted eyes.
Grover shook his head frantically.
“Oh! Oh, nothing, it’s nothing,” he coughed quietly, feeling his hands tremble slightly.
For the love of Gods, Percy, calm down, he thought to himself. For a split second, Grover heard a quiet I’m trying.