The campfire was already well underway when Drew arrived. She sat at the very edge of the crowd, hoping not to draw attention to herself after her most recent outburst. Chiron was giving a speech about something, Drew didn't feel like paying attention. She saw Piper leaning against Jason, her eyes on Chiron. A few benches away, Reyna next to Nico and Will, her chin resting on her fist as she leaned in, listening intently. Lacy was holding hands with Aaron and whispering quietly, her smile lighting up her whole face. Drew was proud of her, she was finally living up to her Aphrodite origins.
Drew felt someone poking her. She looked up, everyone was staring at her.
"Sorry?"
Chiron looked disappointed. "Drew Tanaka, your mother wishes to make an announcement."
Drew's eyebrows shot up. "Wha-?"
A bright light exploded from the campfire, temporarily blinding everyone.
"Drew Tanaka, my beautiful daughter. Come to me, dear."
The light mostly died away, and Drew was able to open her eyes. Standing in the middle of the campfire was Aphrodite, wearing a simple white Grecian tunic, her arms extended toward Drew.
Reluctantly, Drew stepped over to the campfire, stopping a few feet away from her mother. "Hi."
"Hello, darling. I have a gift for you..." Here she paused for dramatic effect, "A quest!"
Everyone gasped, pretending to be surprised.
"Yes, you have been far too much of a loner recently. You need to get out more! I'll send someone to give you the details, don't forget to bring your cutest outfits, who knows who you'll meet." Aphrodite winked at Drew, then started to disappear. A second later she reappeared, "One more thing, you need two companions! One will be Reyna Ramirez. Tata!" She was gone.
As soon as Drew was sure she was gone for good, she walked away, scowling.
A few people called out to her, but she stormed past them. She couldn't believe Aphrodite had put her on the spot in front of everyone like that. She hadn't even given her an actual quest! And being so obvious about Reyna. That was the worst part. Drew had barely been able to keep from sinking to the ground in mortification. She marched on until she reached her hiding place.
Behind the Aphrodite Cabin was an outcropping of rocks. If you pushed on the right crevice, an opening to a cave appears. Drew had discovered this cave a few days after Lee died. She had hidden there for days until Selina had convinced her to come back out...she hadn't been in here since. All of her pictures and letters from Lee were here, scattered around and fading. One of the pictures had acquired several cobwebs. Drew picked it up and brushed the webs out of the way. There he was, one arm draped over Drew's shoulders. He was pointing off into the distance and they were laughing. It had been a long time since Drew had actually laughed. The only two people who had been able to make her laugh had been Lee and Selina. Now they were both dead, and it was Selina's fault. Drew ran her thumb over the outline of Lee's face.
Was it wrong for her to have feelings for Reyna, only a few short years after he had died? Would she be betraying his memory if she went with her feelings?
"Holy Hades, get your head out of your ass. It's been years, let it go."
Drew's head jerked up.
A man she didn't recognize was leaning casually against the wall. He was handsome, in a rugged, careless way. He was very tanned, with dark, shoulder-length, windswept hair. He was wearing a sleeveless shirt with a band name on it, ripped skinny jeans, and converse, giving him a punkish look.
"Who are you?" Drew asked.
"Not important. Aphrodite sent me to give you a message."
Drew scowled. "What does she want now?"
"Your quest is to kill the sirens. Apparently, they have been killing off too many of her...consorts."
Drew rolled her eyes.
"She also suggests that you take either Lacy or Mitchel as your third companion."
"That's cute. I will not do that. Any other suggestions from my dear mother?"
"Nope, that's about it."
"Great."
"I do have a word of advice though. From me, not your mother."
"What?"
"Lee was a great guy, really. You two were really cute together, but, as I said earlier, it's been years. You need to let it go. I know this is hugely stereotypical, but he would have wanted you to be happy. So stop moping around and go get that hot chick you are in love with before you miss the chance."
Before Drew could respond, he had disappeared, leaving behind only the faint scent of cigarettes.
