"We know, honey." Bess's smile didn't reach her eyes. "But with everything going on with the plants lately, we thought it might be best to... play it safe."
Chloe felt her cheeks flush as the words shrouded around the room.
Play it safe. Because her bread might be contaminated. Because she might be contaminated.
"Moving on," Twyla said, her voice a shade too bright. "Entertainment committee. We need musicians, games for the children, maybe a dance or two."
More hands went up. More names were called. Chloe kept her hands in her lap this time, watching as the committees filled without her.
"Setup and teardown," Twyla said. "Heavy lifting, table arrangements, that sort of thing. Volunteers?"
"I can help with setup," Chloe offered. At least that was something no one could claim was contaminated.
A man near the middle of the table, someone she vaguely recognized from the hardware store, cleared his throat. "We've actually got plenty of hands already. The Vane boys are handling most of it."
"I don't mind helping."
"It's really not necessary." His tone was polite but final. "We've got it covered."
Chloe sat back in her chair, her throat tight. Around her, the meeting continued, committees forming and tasks being assigned, and not a single one included her name.
It wasn't overt. No one said anything cruel. No one accused her of anything directly. They just... didn't include her. Talked around her. Smiled those careful smiles that meant nothing and kept her firmly on the outside.
She'd thought she was used to this. Years of being the strange one, the outsider, the girl with the weird blood whomade people nervous. But something about today was different. Maybe because she'd let herself hope. All because she'd woken up feeling like she finally belonged somewhere.
"Chloe?" Twyla's voice cut through her thoughts. "You okay, sweetie?"
"Fine." The word came out flat. She forced a smile. "Just thinking."
Twyla's expression softened, something sad flickering in those knowing eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but Martha was already talking again, something about tablecloth colors, and the moment passed.
The meeting dragged on for another twenty minutes. Chloe sat in silence, watching people laugh and plan and build something together that she wasn't part of. Every smile felt like a door closing. Every assignment given to someone else felt like a reminder that she wasn't wanted here.
When Twyla finally called for a break, Chloe was on her feet before she could think about it.
"I should go," she said, keeping her voice light. "I need to check on my starts. Make sure nothing's gotten worse overnight."
Twyla looked at her for a long moment. Her hair had slipped from its bun, wisps framing her face, and her expression held none of its usual playful mischief. Just understanding with mix of sadness.2
"You don't have to leave, you know."
"I know." Chloe pulled on her coat, not meeting her eyes. "But I should check on things. Freya's expecting an update."
"Chloe."
She paused, her hand on the door.
"I wanted you on every committee," Twyla said quietly. "You know that, right? It's not me."
"I know." And she did. Twyla had been nothing but welcoming since the day Chloe arrived in Hollow Oak. "It's okay. I understand."
"It's not okay." Twyla's voice was firm. "I didn’t want to embarrass you though, but when this mess sorts itself out, I'm going to have words with some people."
Despite everything, Chloe felt her mouth twitch. "I'd pay to see that."
"You won't have to. It'll be loud enough to hear from your cottage." Twyla's expression softened again. "Go check on your plants. But come back, okay? Don't let them chase you away."
"I won't."
