Guardians

Penelope-13

Joseph whistled low as Brady walked away with Marisol, "Not cool. He's your boyfriend?"

"Something like that," I mumbled and faked a smile to hide my heart that was beginning to shatter into a million little pieces.

"Don't worry Penelope, you don't need him," Joseph said and hugged me tenderly.

I hugged him carefully as to not reveal my wings.

"Let's go to art! I think we're sketching people," he said winking, "and you're definitely model material."

My cheeks flushed as I went with him and his friends to class. 'I'll just forget about Brady for now. Maybe he's just... being macho like all these other guys. Yea that's it.'

"So Penelope, there's this party tomorrow at Cory's house. Only the exclusive get invited," he winked.

"What he means is only certain people know about them. What do you say?"

"I don't do drugs or any of that."

"There's a zero tolerance for drugs. Only a few guys drink but we monitor it. What do you say?"

I was trying to see the potential harm in this but couldn't really see any.

Joseph whispered to me, "I would love if you would be able to join us."

"Okay," I answered breathlessly.

"Great," he put his arm around my waist as he walked into class.

Marie and James both texted me saying they were eating with friends and would meet us after school.

"So P, want to hang with us? You'll get to meet Cory too. He's chill."

"Sure."

"Great, let's go babe," Joseph said and took me to his table.

"Cory this is Penelope Muse. P, this is Cory Houser."

"Nice to meet you," I smiled.

"The pleasure is mine," he winked and introduced me to his friends.

I knew I wouldn't remember all these names so I just smiled and talked with a few of them.

Marisol and Brady walked in and past our table. Joseph decided to kiss my cheek to piss off Brady.

Everyone started making noises but Brady never looked my way.

"Dangg... He's not even jealous. Marisol must have him wrapped pretty good." Joseph shouted.

"Hold up, that's your boyfriend." Cory pointed at Brady.

"Well... he... yea." I faltered.

His jaw dropped. "Don't get me wrong, she's pretty and all, but he should have never left you."

"We didn't break up." I stated.

"Trust me sweetie, he's with her now."

I felt tears rush to my eyes and looked over at Brady who was talking to her friends.

"Hey Penelope, don't cry. Here," Cory grabbed my hand and led me out into the hallway.

He hugged me as I cried and tried not to let my anger explode. If he only knew the damage I could do...

"It's okay sweetie, you're better off without him. You're stunning okay?"

I sniffed and wiped my tears angrily.

"Besides its a sin to make an angel cry," he said brushing my hair back and pressing his lips against my forehead.

I pulled back just to keep myself from being truly discovered.

Cory kissed my lips quickly although I felt a lingering feeling on them.

"You're different from every girl I've ever met," he said softly.

'If only you knew,' was what I thought.