Striding through the parking lot, I had almost forgotten my goal and nearly collided with Annabeth who was tying her apron as she headed for the entrance. We both stopped just short.

“Clara!” She had to have been surprised but it didn’t feel genuine as she pulled me into a hug. Instead of popping up after three years in the wind, it felt like the greeting you give someone who just returned from a vacation stint in the islands. I almost expected her to search me for a tan. “Wow, so glad to see you back!” Her hands trailed down my arms and took hold of my hands. I plastered on a smile.

“Annabeth, how are you?” I choked out. She dropped my hands and pulled her ponytail tighter. She had only gotten prettier. Her honey-blonde hair and large brown eyes. She looked like a doll. She smiled with the perfect teeth I had watched her suffer through braces for and perfected the makeup that we had experimented with in middle school before our friendship had fizzled. Her baby fat had shrunk to reveal her cheekbones. She really did look like the movie star she had always aspired to be. I wondered how that was working out if she was still wearing the same apron she had had since high school.

“I’m so good. How was the city?” The same questions again.

“Good, good, I was actually just looking for you.” I stepped closer and dropped my voice low even though the parking lot was empty. “We need to talk.”

“Of course, we should catch up!” Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. As the former president of the drama club, I was sure she could do better than this poor performance. She placed a slender hand on my shoulder. I felt it tighten. “Like about how you left town.” My jaw clenched as I felt her fingers dig deeper. Stronger than she should have been. “Without telling me.” I thought about the diluted angel blood running through my veins. “After I told you what we are.” I thought about the diluted angel blood running through her veins. I took a step back and she dropped her hand. She wasn’t smiling anymore.

“Not about that. About my sister.” I squared my shoulders.

“I’m sure Maggie is fine. This is all so her. There are more pressing matters. You’ve been gone for almost three years, we need to-” Annabeth began but I cut in.

“I need to know what you know about my sister.” I insisted. Annabeth inhaled slowly through her nose. She despised being interrupted. I knew that. I didn’t come back to town for any angel stuff. It was the reason I had run away in the first place. I wanted no part in the fate of the world. Doing God’s deeds. My concern with angel business only extended far enough to hope it hadn’t affected my sister. That it wasn’t the reason she was missing. If Annabeth or any of the other angels in town- and apparently there were a few- had done something…

“I really have to get into work. I’m already late.” Annabeth finally said. I wanted to grab her in the same iron grip she had held me in. But my hands were clammy and my mouth had gone dry. Annabeth was already walking towards the door to Roy’s. Before she touched the handle, it swung open.

Rosier exited the diner, wiping a bit of whipped cream from the corner of his mouth with his thumb.

“Hey there,” He said to me before turning to Annabeth who had stopped to stare at us. “And to you.” He stopped at my side and looked between us, oblivious to the tension. “Old friend?” He asked when neither of us said anything.

“Annabeth, this is um… my friend from the city. Rosier.” I gestured towards Annabeth. “And this is Annabeth.” Something about watching the two of them size each other up made me queasy. I wondered if she sensed the same sinister energy I had. The cause of my inability to stop staring at him. He was a threat. I looked between them to see if she could feel it.

She tucked a runaway lock of hair behind her ear, her eyes still on him.

“I really do have to go,” She wore her cheerful smile again. “But I can talk tonight. Party under the powerlines. Just like high school, Clara.” I nodded slowly. I knew where she meant. Bonfire. Keg. Possible run-in with the cops- except I was legal now. What a strange feeling that was. “You can bring your friend.” She looked towards Rosier who grinned widely back. Maybe he was flirting but I would put money down that he was turning the idea of a party over in his head like a rotisserie.

“He’s busy but I’ll be there,” I said woodenly. Rosier turned towards me, mouth agape.

“No I’m-” He started. I gave him a look.

“He’ll catch the next one,” I said before grabbing his arm and steering him towards the car.

“See you then, Clara! Everyone in town will be absolutely elated to hear you’re coming.” Her words sounded positive but her tone implied something else. I rolled my eyes. A few faces flashed behind my lids. A few people who I knew wouldn’t be thrilled to see me back.

“Great,” I muttered.