[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

33: Walking Chanel

ZACH

"Oh, I was busy completing my requirements for the clearance signing." Zia responded when I asked what was she up to these past few days.

Thank God, it's about her requirements. I really thought that she was mad at me or something.

I think I've underestimated her. Unlike Penelope, Zia is a calm, composed and matured lady. She easily gets over things and handles them with sophistication while Penelope only knows how to holds grudges.

"So how are things between you and Penelope?" she asked.

"Wait, shouldn't I be the one asking that?" I asked. "What's you're relationship with her, anyway? I remember you mentioned during the party that she's not the old Penelope. Why is that?"

"Well," she sighed. "Let's not talk about that. It's a long story." I can sense the hint of sadness in her voice while saying that.

"Care to share? I got all the time in the world today." 

I'm really curious about Zia's relationship with Penelope. They both have very different personalities so it's hard to imagine that they were once bestfriends. 

What could have separated them now?

She looked a deep breath, "For now, all I can say is that I really miss her. I miss the Penelope I used to know back then."

"Oh." That was all I could manage to say. 

I wanted to ask her more questions but it looks like she's lost in thoughts while looking over the window.

I can't help but wonder what was Penelope like back then?

What could have changed her? 

What happened to her and Zia? 

I have lots of questions, but I don't think it matters anymore.

My business with her is over.

☆☆☆

PENELOPE

It's getting dark outside. I checked the time and realized it's already been past 6pm. 

I decided we ditch our afternoon classes today and have a girls' pamper day.

Before leaving the campus earlier, I made some calls to get ourselves a pass so we can just go out and be excused from all our classes.

Oh, how I love connections.

For about five hours, we went to shop. Everything's on me so Trixie and Vanessa bought more than what they usually purchase.

Lucky for them, I wasn't in the mood today. They probably have more than ten shopping bags already from the various dress and makeup boutiques we went into, while I only have six.

As much as I want to shop a bit more to distract myself from all my problems from CQ and with Dad, I'm not really in the mood.

We're at a spa today and we just got our nails done so now we are having our massage. 

This feels so good.

The only good thing that happened to me today was this woman I met earlier. 

While I was shopping for shoes, I found this cute gold stilettoes. I reached for it and realized that the other woman, who's probably in her 30s, was reaching for it, too. So, we ended up holding it together.

"Oh, sorry. You can have it. As much as I want to get these for myself, I think this would really look better on you." 

She let go of the stilettoes and smiled at me. I can't help but smile back. 

Also, I love her fashion. She's like a walking Chanel!

"Thanks, but it would be such a waste if you wouldn't buy a pair of these for yourself?" I asked.

She shrugged, "Well, it's not nice to see another woman wear the same shoes like yours, right? If that was me, I would totally freak out!" 

We shared a laugh. 

I like this woman. She's funny. I can tell that we will get along because we think alike. 

I can already imagine myself in my 30s looking like her, but probably meaner because if I was her, I wouldn't let this cute pair of stilettoes go.

Anyways, right now I really need to come up with a new plan before things go out of hand.

The competition is heating up and I can't just give up.

Giving up is an alien language to me.

So I have no choice but to set fire.