She wasn't sure how particularly long she could hide out in the kitchen without her disappearance becoming noticeable. The food had been a hit, the drinks were poured, but Bess had no desire to be out in the dining room or living room with her guests. The ball of nerves in her stomach had finally gotten the best of her, and for someone who'd dealt with death eaters invading her home, Bess decided that inviting her sister-in-law's boyfriend to dinner had been almost as big of a disaster.

Her fingers felt like they weren't hers as she moved about, getting plates together for dessert. Bess had been so bloody proud of herself for this idea and now she felt ready to get sick. In her mind, forcing Drystan and Penny and her boyfriend (she couldn't even say his name, she was getting anxiety) had seemed like the only way to get out of this ridiculous limbo the family was in. Penny seemed to be doing so well with everything, and Bess hated having to separate their lives and tiptoe and avoid.

Why was she so stubborn? Why did she get these ideas and not feel satisfied until they were seen through?

"Shit!" she let out quietly. Her knife had slipped while slicing strawberries and now her finger was covered in a mixture of juice and blood. Bess cursed to herself as she made her way to the sink. Maybe she could feign falling ill at the sight of blood and send every body home.