43: Pure Business

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ZACH

I still can't believe Penelope is here. I can't believe she really came here just to convince me to write the article. 

Why is she so desperate to win that crown? 

What did she mean when she said to me before that her life is over if she don't win it? 

Is she merely exaggerating?

Penelope was like a total different person today. I really don't know if she is doing this just to win me over or because she's just overwhelmed at how different our lives are.

At dinner today, she was always smiling a lot. It was such a sight.

Auntie was so into her. They talked a lot and Auntie even told her that she was the first person I brought home.

That was so embarrassing!

She could have just lied and told her that I brought a lot of women home before. That way, Penelope wouldn't be so pleased. She was even teasing me earlier about it.

Anyway, I'm still not sure what I want Penelope do to during her stay here, but one thing is for sure. I wanna see is the real Penelope. What is she really like away from her city life.

"Are you sure you're not dating her?" I turned around, startled. 

It's Auntie. I'm currently washing the dishes right now while Penelope is hanging out with Alyssa and twins in the living room.

"I swear, Auntie. I'm not dating her. She has a boyfriend and I like someone else." I explained.

"Oh really? Too bad, I actually like her for you." I almost dropped the plate I was holding. 

She must be joking. If only she discovers Penelope's brat self.

"Not gonna happen, Auntie."

"She's a beautiful girl. She's fun to be with and she's really smart!" I glanced at Auntie. She's looking at the living room, smiling dreamily.

"I don't think so." Auntie turned towards me. Her eyebrows met.

"What's there not to like about her? She's a fine young lady. She reminds me of someone when I was younger."

"Are you sure about that, Auntie?" I wiped my hands on a clean towel and turned to face her.

"I'm positive. I guess you're just too blind to see that, Zach."

I frowned.

What am I supposed to say to that?

"You know what, my mother told me before that the true beauty of a woman is reflected in her soul. The best and most beautiful things cannot be seen or even touched. It must be felt by the heart." She smiled as she tapped my shoulders and left.

What did she say?

Felt by the heart?

How?

☆☆☆

PENELOPE

Dinner with Zach's family went pretty well. It was awkward at first, but Auntie (I'm still getting used to it) is making me really comfortable.

She also introduced me to her children--Alyssa, Jace and Janice. It's actually my first time hearing someone calling me "Ate" which means "Big sister". It's weird because nobody calls me that before, but hearing it now makes me really happy. 

Surprisingly

I've also caught Zach stealing glances at me during dinner. Maybe he's just really amused seeing me like this.

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