[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

25: Vulnerable

PENELOPE

"How annoying!" I spat. I found this cute two-piece swimsuit with sunflower designs but the saleslady just told me that they don't have it in my size.

"Make calls or something. I need this tomorrow."

"I will, Ms. Penelope. We'll have it send it to you first thing tomorrow." I rolled my eyes.

Everyone today is too annoying!

*Nana calling*

Huh? This is weird. Nana doesn't call me unless it's emergency or something. I hurriedly answered her call.

"What's wrong, Nana?"

"Dear, I have good news for you. Your father went home earlier."

"Dad is here?!"

Gosh, I miss dad so much! But, why didn't even call me?

"I'm going home, Nana. Please tell him not to leave the house."

"Actually dear, your dad is at the mall near your school."

Wait, so Dad is in the exact location where I'm also in right now?

"Do you know where specifically in the mall, Nana?"

"I'm not sure dear, but, I heard him talking in the phone with someone and all he said is that they're working on a new project for the mall."

"Okay, Nana. Thanks for informing. I'll just find him myself. See you soon!"

"See you, dear." Then she hung up.

OMG! I can't wait to see Dad!

"I'm done for today. Please have someone take all my bags to my car, okay?" I said to the saleslady. "I brought the red car."

I don't have to give further instructions to them since they know I shop here a lot and also, they already know who I am.

I went to look for dad at the basement where the main offices are located, but they told me he went out to get some coffee.

Dad is always making it hard for me to track him. I'm still not used to this!

Also, does that cafeteria boy also work here? I need to go talk to that cafeteria boy. He has some explaining to do!

I guess I'll just have to meet dad at home.

I walked towards Starbucks and went straight to the counter.

"Yes, ma'am. How can I- Penelope?" Wait, isn't this his friend?

"H-how can I help you?" Is he scared of me or something? He's stuttering.

"Where's cafeteria boy? I need to talk to him."

His eyebrows met. "Are you talking about Zach?" 

Oh, so his name is Zach. 

I'm so bad at remembering this that aren't relevant.

"Whatever his name is. I need to talk to him."

"I'll call him. Please wait."

"I hate waiting." I crossed my arms and he proceeded to run.

I decided to sit at the nearest table near the counter when I saw someone familiar. 

Wait, is that Dad? 

He has his back facing me, but even though I can't see his face, I know for sure that it's my dad and his drinking coffee alone.

OMG! I stood and ran towards him but then he suddenly waved at someone so I followed his gaze and saw an unfamiliar lady waving  back at him.

Does he still have an important meeting with someone? But the person-in-charge earlier told me that he has already finished all his meetings for today.

The lady walked towards my father and kissed him on his cheek. 

WHAT IS GOING ON?

Did she really just kiss my dad?

Someone please tell me I'm just seeing this.

Is my dad and that woman...

Are they... 

THERE'S NO WAY!

They can't be in a relationship right?

I felt betrayed and I felt like tears are starting to build up from my eyes so I decided to turn around and leave.

"Penelope?" it's Zach.

I'm not in the mood right now. I can't let anyone see me like this.

I ran outside and left.

"Hey, Penelope!" I heard him call again but there's no way I'm letting him see me at my worst.

ARGH! THIS IS SO UNFAIR!

Dad didn't even call to tell me he was home! He rarely checks up on me and now I find him cozy with some woman in a coffee shop! 

After how many years, this is the first time I felt so alone again.

 I hate feeling this way! 

I feel so vulnerable and this is so not me.

This is so not Penelope.

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