This is Us [ Elijah Mikaelson ] 2

twenty-six

"This was love: a string of coincidences that gathered significance and became miracles."

- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Penelope was buzzing the entire drive home Sunday. Check out was before 11, and they had left the rental in pristine shape and returned the keys at ten a.m. Penelope wanted to get on the road and head home, but Rebekah convinced her to go get brunch first, and at the mention of food, Penelope's stomach grumbled. It had been three days since she's seen Elijah, and their amazing night together. He had only stayed the night, and he planned to have only stayed the night. She protested, even saying that maybe they could leave early because she didn't want him to go. Elijah told her that the rental was already paid for through Sunday, and that she might as well stay the last few days and relax, have some more fun. He did lay in bed with her that morning, so they could enjoy each other a little longer, then he took her out for a brunch date before saying goodbye.

Now it was Sunday and Rebekah and Penny had left Florida three and a half hours ago and they were so close to being home. Penelope's been smiling all morning, she's actually been smiling the past three days and Rebekah thought it was a welcomed sight to see. Penelope's been a bit more free and lighter looking the past week, but since the night with Elijah, Penelope just had a special glow about her and she's been nothing but smiles.

"So," Penelope started slowly as she turned the music down and looked at Rebekah. "I don't think we can go tomorrow because of my appointment...." She continued and Rebekah looked over at her with interest. "But I was thinking maybe Tuesday we can go wedding dress shopping?" Penelope asked with a big smile. It took all of two seconds for Rebekah to register her words and then a loud scream of excitement came from the blonde.

"Oh my GOD!" She exclaimed. "So the wedding is happening again?"

"Yes," Even though it was always going to happen, it was just a silent agreement among everyone that it was postponed indefinitely with no projective date. "Same date-"

"That's barely eight weeks away!" Rebekah exclaimed. "There's no way that we'll be able to find you a dress in such a short time!"

"Sure we can, I'm sure there are tons of wedding dress places in New Orleans..." Penelope told her with a smile but Rebekah scoffed. "And as my maid of honor, I know you already have scoped out the best bridal shops waiting for this moment."

"I...I have." Rebekah replied with a smirk, and another squeal came from her. "When?! Does Elijah know that you're ready?"

"Yeah," She nodded with a grin. "We uh...we talked about it the night he was here."

"What!?" Rebekah exclaimed, offended. "You've waited three days to tell me that you and Elijah are getting married in two months!"

"We've been finalizing some things the past few days," Penelope confessed. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner! But I wanted the past few days to be just me and Elijah..."

"Oh I'm not too mad, Penny, I promise," Rebekah assured her. "Slightly offended, but I understand," She smiled, turning to the girl. "I can't believe it...we all thought this wasn't going to happen for a while after what happened..." Rebekah confessed and Penelope nodded.

"Honestly, neither did I but... I don't know," She shrugged. "I laid there with Elijah and all I wanted was to be with him like that forever. That feeling of being connected to each other and feeling each other as if we-we were one person....I wanted that feeling forever and I don't want to wait for it," Penelope said softly. "After everything in the last month or so... I just don't want to put either of us through that fear of losing each other-"