As Penny started out of the kitchen, she could hear Nikki talking about all the different options that one had for a beverage. The conversation was so normal, from what she was hearing, that it also struck the brunette as she stood staring at the various top-shelf liquors. She had to be grateful for her sister, even if it was her fault that they were there at all. There wasnât a moment that passed that Nikki wasnât trying her best to make the former hotelier, the nurse, and their tiny shipmate feel like they were one with the family that was there. Â
Of course that wasnât true. The three of them were very removed from the whole Owens clan. Penny had only been really in touch with Nikki in the last 12 months and even that was only consisting of the older Owens occasionally answering the phone when her sister called. It was her doing that she didnât really know anything about her adoptive family, and yet it was surprisingly upsetting to be there and have to acknowledge that estrangement. Â
Her hand rose to grab a glass from the shelf as she felt someoneâs presence near her. She glanced over at the other, smiling gently when she realized it was Biff and let out a small snicker at the question. It was the same question she was asking herself. It would be so easy to pour some whiskey and continue the night with the assistance of the liquor, but something was telling her that she was stronger than she was before. She didnât need the crutch of alcohol to help her- she had her chosen family with her.Â
A sigh came from her lips before she opened the small fridge that was housed at the bar area and opened a sparkling water bottle, pouring the bubbling liquid into the glass she had plucked from the shelf. Â
âI am... getting through.â She finally replied after returning the bottle to the fridge and taking a sip of the water. âThis is a little more difficult than I realized it would be. Or at least... more upsetting and less angry.â She shrugged gently. An abundance of giggles came from behind the couch and the nurse realized that the three children were hiding behind it. âWell, one of us is having a very good time, thankfully.â Â
âYouâre faring far better than you would have before.â Biff wasnât only saying that for the sake of complimenting or uplifting her; Penny was still very much her stubborn and âtough loveâ self, but a more patient and open-hearted version of herself. As surprising to her family as their current state was. âHad this celebration occurred a few years ago,â he reasoned, thinking back on the days when Scandals still stood in all of its glittery glamor, âyou would have found yourself in no less than three different squabbles by now.â
Thank goodness that this Thanksgiving wasnât playing out like all of the other stories heâd heard. Werenât reunions often the prime times for conflicting personalities?
Yet all it took was a simple giggle, high-pitched and light-hearted, courtesy of one Jackie O., for him to be reassured. Biff caught their little girlâs blue eyes peeking out from behind the cushions, then her cousinsâ gazes shortly after. He, in turn, raised a curious brow and smiled.
âIf I had to wager a guess, it would be that weâve become unwitting participants in their game. I overheard them, earlier, discussing some kind of âcastle of mystery.ââ After nodding to the girls â the reaction to which was a chorus of little squeals and footsteps away â Biff turned back to the bar and began fixing his own drink. Still water. There was no need for theatrics tonight. And yetâ
âDo you wager yourself a âLady of the Arcane?ââ It was, of course, a tease. His easy-to-babble nature meant that was also the first one that Jackie would invite to tea parties and the like. That, however, never discouraged him from finding ways to convince Penny into joining. âI would say that you fit the role quite well. For one, you still maintain that mysterious aura about you,â not only because of how distanced she was from her family, âand dare I say that your touch is always magical.â
Okay. So maybe there was a certain flirtatiousness to his words. Subtle, but there, and coupled with the squeeze on her shoulder, he only meant to uplift her spirits. âI am also having a very pleasant time. Everyone is very friendly, although I must admit, I fear this may not be the case forever, if I do not pledge my football allegiance properly tonight.â He chuckled at the thought. ââBut, that being saidâŚâ He scanned their surroundings swiftly, ensuring that no one was looking before leaning in and pressing his lips against her temple. âI am proud of you, Penny. And I am both hopeful and optimistic that youâll find some enjoyment by the end of the night.â
Even from this spot, tucked away in the corner, he could hear a certain voice that guaranteed it: âIâm of the impression that Nikki wonât let you leave until you do.â












