Let's Be More Than This

Percy waited anxiously by the door. His best friend Annabeth Chase would be there any minute, and he wanted to be ready. They were about to have a movie marathon at his house, like they did every weekend. But this time it was different.

Even though they weren't in the same Health class, both knew what had happened in the other's class. The teacher had lectured the students about dating. It made it all the more awkward to have a best friend from the opposite gender in eighth grade.

The Health teacher, Mr. Smith, had gone into detail with his lecture. He had made fun of all the boy/girl friendships in the grade, saying they would all turn out to be couples eventually. Nobody wanted to stand up for themselves, because Mr. Smith gave detention frequently.

Percy was so lost in thought (a rare thing) that he didn't hear Annabeth ring the doorbell. When he finally realized she was there, she had already let herself in. They were such good friends that she knew where the spare key was located.

They immediately walked over to the couch and sat down. Percy's mom brought snacks out and started the first movie. Then she winked at Percy and Annabeth and left the room.

Percy groaned internally. His mom was always winking at him and Annabeth. It drove him crazy, but at the same time, made him happy that someone had faith in him being able to be friends with girls.

Halfway into the second movie, Annabeth, having been silent the entire time, began to speak. "So, Percy, I was just thinking about what Mr. Smith said yesterday in class."

Percy blushed bright red, but managed to squeak out an embarrassed "Yes?"

"Well, he is our teacher. And we don't want to disobey him, right?" Annabeth shrugged as if what she was saying was no big deal. But it was.

Percy knew what she was saying. She was saying that they should date just because a teacher told them to. He decided he would go along with it. Because he really did like Annabeth, as more than a friend. "Okay."

"So, let's be more than this?" Annabeth asked.

"Agreed," Percy said, lacing his fingers through hers. "But are we just doing this because of Mr. Smith? Because I have my own feelings about this whole idea."

"I don't know about you, but I like you a lot. And I hope we're both doing this for the same reason, because if we're not, this is going to be hard to take back." Annabeth leaned forward and kissed Percy on the lips.

"We are," Percy murmured into the kiss. "We definitely are."

And Annabeth and Percy dated happily ever after. All because of a crazy Health class.