Julian's voice hurriedly drifted down the hall, low, efficient, a goodbye that sounded like a promise. The front door closed with that expensive hush, the mansion did so well.
Silence swelled in its wake, full of polished floors and the faint hum of the house manager.
Ashley stood at the foot of the bed, hand on the garment bag. Black with light. The dress made her excited for the ball. She smoothed the zipper tab once, then twice, telling herself to breathe.
Then she remembered her secret which lay in the cabinet. She thought about taking the test immediately as there was not a perfect time, better than now, with Julian gone.
As made for it, she heard it and stooped in her tracks.
A soft knock, then the door eased open without waiting for an answer.
"Sis?" Sophia slipped in, ponytail high, sweatshirt soft, bare feet quiet on the rug. She carried two mugs like a peace offering, as if to apologise for her constant intrusion. "Chamomile tea or coffee coffee?"
