Everything has changed

7.The Man

As my alarm sounded, I became aware that, for the first time in weeks, I had experienced a complete night's sleep without any night terrors, which left me feeling relieved. I hopped out of bed, prepared for the day ahead, stepped into the shower, and felt the tension ease as the warm water cascaded over me. As I prepared for the day, I chose an outfit that would make a statement. I grabbed a white sweater with black trim on the collar and cuffs, matched with beige slacks and black heels. Opting to wear my hair down, it seemed to enhance my appearance, or at least, it made me feel more attractive.

I made my coffee for the day, and headed out of my apartment door, and to the steps of the BAU. When I entered the building of course the first face I saw was Penelope. "Vienna!! Oh my god I have been waiting for what feels like an eternity to hear what happened the other night." she exclaims. "Nothing happened." I said as we walked into the breakroom. "What?!" She says surprised. "Nothing happened; she simply brought me to her apartment, and then we slept in separate rooms. The next morning, she drove me home, and that was all," I explained. "You're lying," she accused almost instantly. "No, I'm not!" I protested. "I may not be a profiler, but I've been at this long enough to recognize when someone is lying. You shifted your gaze the moment you mentioned she took you home. Now I'm not forcing you to tell me anything, but I'm certain something happened," she asserted, leaving the room with a smile. "She apologized," I admitted as she paused and turned to me with a grin, "She apologized, and I... I forgave her," I confessed with a sly smile.

"OH MY GOD! Are you two an together now? Is this happening again?!" she exclaimed with excitement. "We're not together, but we're not exactly not together either. Does that make sense?" I asked. She nodded. "I understand perfectly," she replied.

I loved Penelope; she was someone with whom I felt a deep understanding. A person I could trust to share my darkest secrets with, despite barely knowing her. It almost seemed as if we had known each other for a lifetime, as though our souls were connected in some way. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Penelope and I are still in the breakroom, she's reading the newspaper with Kevin. Funny how she's been asking me everything about Emily, but she never mentioned him once. 

"Current influences should turn this day into one with plenty of potential, but avoid the trap of trying too hard. Know your strengths. Rely on them." She says reading the zodiac section, she continues, " Confidence, real or pretend, is your magic ingredient." She finishes. "Confidence. I like that." Kevin says. "Come on guys, you don't think there's anything to that stuff, do you?" Derek asks. "You'd be surprised." Kevin answers. 

"It's gibberish." Emily says. I look over at her, I had no idea she didn't believe in all things to do with zodiacs. "Thank you." Derek says. "Oh, you're just jealous because you don't have the magic ingredient." Garcia says. " I have the magic ingredient. It's called Splenda." Emily replies. "All right skeptic what's your sign" Kevin asks. Derek looks over at Emily, "Uh-oh." Emily shakes her head, "No." Penelope stares back at Emily, "No? Is that in April? Roberts we need a D.O.B on Prentiss." She says as she turns to me for an answer. " 7:12 AM, October 19-" Emily tried to stop me, but her efforts were unsuccessful. "Libra- I should've known." Penelope says as she looks to Libra on the newspaper. Emily rolls her eyes as Derek and I laugh, and Penelope starts to read, "A romantic opportunity may experience a slight hitch thanks to a pesky lunar influence." I glance over at Emily as she tries not to grin. "Which could have you dipping into a rather chilly mood. If being demonstrative and warm is difficult, then neutralize this temporary cold front with a simple but affectionate gesture." Garcia says while batting an eye in my direction. "I have a simple gesture." Emily says as she sticks up her middle finger at us, we all erupt into laughter.