Redding was a small enough town that if you had the time, you could walk anywhere. Of course, there were a couple of houses or farms that were too far but even then, all you needed was a bike and an afternoon. I knew the party spot well and how to get there even from the Redding Inn, our only motel. I crashed through the underbrush until I found the path, using the flashlight on my phone. I checked it for no reason. I don’t know what I expected. Rosier didn’t have a phone. I wondered for a moment if I should have left my number with him in case he needed to call me from the motel landline. Then a more reasonable thought occurred to me, what could he possibly have to say that couldn’t wait? I nodded to myself. I was right, of course I was.

Once the underbrush gave way to the trail, it was only about ten minutes before I heard the first hints of the bass. The music boomed through the trees, shaking the leaves. When I got closer I could see the long shadows cast by the bonfire. I emerged from the woods to find around thirty people ambling around the fire, chatting, hitting the keg, a few dancing to the music while laughing wildly. I scanned the crowd until I saw Annabeth. She stood surrounded by a couple of other girls, all of them holding a red solo cup. I waited for her to spot me. I crossed my arms and stared.

It didn’t take long. Annabeth loved having eyes on her and wasn’t oblivious to it. When her gaze met mine I watched her take a moment to compose herself before beaming and approaching me. I noticed that she had two cups.

“Thanks but I’m all set.” I protested before she offered. She looked dumbfounded for a moment before looking down at the cups in her hands.

“Oh!” She laughed. “These are both mine but sure, you can have one.” She drunkenly pushed it in my direction with a giggle.

“No, I-” I began but she was pushing the cup in my face before I could finish. Obediently, I took the cup and a cautious sip. She raised her cup to cheers. After a moment I mirrored her and we took a sip together.

“I’m glad you’re here…” Her words were slurred. I wasn’t sure if this would work in my favor or not. Annabeth drunk might be more forthcoming with information but it would also be much harder to hold her attention. I tried for the direct approach.

“Annabeth, what do you know about Maggie?” I asked.

“Hmmm?” Annabeth threw back another swig.

“Maggie. What happened to her? Does it have to do with…” I couldn’t bring myself to say it. To ask if I was the cause.

“Mmmmsfine.” Annabeth threw her head back and finished her cup. Now I was angry. I stepped forward and wrenched the cup from Annabeth’s hand, tossing it to the ground.

“Stop getting so wasted, I need to talk to you.” I said through gritted teeth.

“No- I need to talk to youz!” Annabeth cackled.

“I don’t need your help with that… supernatural stuff. I don’t want to talk about that. Look, thank you for the book. I read it, I got it. I am choosing to ignore it.”

“Really? You know it all?” Annabeth giggled. I nodded stubbornly. She stepped closer and leaned to my ear.

“Then you would know it’s almost impossible for Angel’s to get drunk.” She stepped back and cocked her head to the side, gauging my reaction. Completely coherent.

“Annabeth…” I said because I wasn’t sure what else to say.

“When you’re ready for my help, I’ll give it. You shouldn’t be an angel on your own in this town. Or anywhere, really. It’s not safe and you are naive. They’ll tear you wing from wing.” She began turning away.

“Wait- who are you talking about?” I stepped forward. She looked at me over her shoulder, clearly annoyed.

“If you want my help then I’ll give it but you know the deal. I’d really love to help, Clara.” I watched her return to the other girls who all laughed loudly and offered her new drinks. Divinity had become a part of my life and I didn’t want it to be. Maybe I had a few too many grievances with God. Being an angel- alongside Annabeth, meant doing his bidding. Joining her ‘flock’ as she had called it meant doing so as a team. Submitting meant giving up my life in order to serve. I wasn’t about to blindly enforce His wrath. If that was a problem then I would gladly be struck by lightning. Up until a couple of years ago, I hadn’t even believed in the great beyond. You could say I was still processing, maybe in complete denial, definitely not complicit.