Summer of 76

Chapter 2

When Penelope arrived back home, she found her mother watching her soap opera as she did every week day. Upon hearing the door close, Judy turned around and smiled at Penelope.

"How was Mr. Rick's?" she asked knowing Penelope went there nearly everyday.

"It was good. He's hired a guy from my school to work there and help him with some things," she responded nonchalantly as she shrugged and went to grab something to drink.

Her mother jumped up, excitement in her eyes. Something Penelope was not fond of. She rushed over and motioned for her daughter to sit next to her at the bar, a giant grin plastered across her face.

"Tell me about him! How old is he? Do you know him? Is he cute? Does he like you? Do you like him? How do-" her mother rambled on until Penelope shot her a look that silenced her.

"Mom. Chill out," she huffed rolling her eyes at her mother's excitement, but upon seeing the pleading look in her eyes sighed and gave her what she wanted, "His name is Jack Schex. He's a year older and he plays baseball. I saw him a few times when you forced me to go to a game. I guess he's alright, but all the girls think he's like perfect. He said he knew who I was though I'm pretty sure we've never talked which I thought was kinda weird. I literally just met him so no I don't like him. Happy?"

Her mother listened intently to every word then gave a small knowing smile. Penelope sipped on the glass of water that she had fixed herself then made a face at her mom who was still smiling at her.

"Quit that you're freakin me out!" she said.

Her mother laughed then nodded."He's Helen's son. We have aerobics class together. She must've talked about you to him."

I looked at her horrified, "You talk about me?!"

She rolled her eyes, "Don't be so over dramatic. Of course I talk about you. You're my daughter and I'm very proud of you."

Penelope shut her mouth and was speechless. She couldn't recall a time when her mother said she was proud of her. It was kind of nice to know her mother cared for her so much and bragged about her to her friends.

Penelope thought back to Jack. They had talked a bit until Penelope had left the store. He waved to her as she walked out the door and gave her his crooked smile. He had looked at her knowingly and with amusement. She wondered what he knew about her. She could only hope her mother hadn't said anything too embarrassing.

"I'm going to my room," Penelope said finishing her water and placing the glass in the sink. She walked to her room and flopped onto her bed, staring at the ceiling. Looking at the clock, she saw that it was only 4:30. Penelope then remember the roller rink party tonight.

Penelope pondered the event and decided to go to make her mom happy. Plus she really liked roller skating. She changed into some high waisted white pants that flared out just enough and a mint green flowy shirt that she tucked in so it bubbled out. She may have been somewhat of a tom girl but that didn't stop her mother from buying her "cute" clothes. She took some front strands of hair on both sides and twirled them back clipping them with a flower barrette. She swiftly slipped on some sandals and grabbed her skates and socks, stuffing them in her denim bag with flower print detail.

Penelope walked across the living room toward the door trying to avoid her mother, but Judy quickly jumped up and stood in front of her eyebrows raised and a smile on her face.

K

"Where are you going all dressed up, missy?" she asked giggling a bit and nodding approvingly Penelope's outfit.

"I'm going to the roller rink. Remember I told you about it this morning?" Penelope said patiently.

"Oh! Well have funny honey and stay out as late as you want!" Judy said and then gave Penelope's shoulders a squeeze and moved out her way.

Penelope walked out the door calling out a good bye and grabbed her bike, pedaling toward the roller rink.

Ok guys that was Chapter 2! Hope you enjoyed it!!! Next chapter will be the roller rink. DUN DUN DUUUUN. haha. Wonder what's gonna happen? Well stay tuned readers! To the right is Judy, Penelope's mother. Don't forget to vote and comment and all that good stuff! Love you guys!

-Lindsey