The Wallflower

And Found

(Ummm so I thought I updated this one WattPad but I didn't 😅😅 I am so sorry y'all have been waiting months for the ending im literally the worst)

HAPPY POLIN DAY!!!!

I cannot believe this is it. The final regular chapter of this fic before the epilogue. It feels so surreal to finally be done with this story. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
~

The print shop was bustling with activity as Colin stood at the front, reading the excerpt from his travel journals. As excited and happy as he was to be there, a part of him wandered back to Penelope. His heart ached for her to be next to him as he read. Little did he know she was indeed listening. As he continued reading, his words flowed effortlessly from his lips, captivating the audience. He glanced up occasionally, scanning the crowd for any subtle reactions to what he had been saying, before returning to the pamphlet that he held in his hands.

Just as Colin was finishing a passage, he saw a slight commotion, at the front of the crowd, out of the corner of his eye. Someone had pushed their way through the crowd.

"And yet, they stir the soul." Colin glanced up mid-sentence and stopped abruptly, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"Penelope?" he muttered; his voice barely audible. A whirlwind of emotions flashed across his face – shock, joy, and just a hint of sadness. He could not believe his eyes.

The crowd backed away slightly as Colin and Penelope made their way towards each other, their steps quick and determined. Penelope's heart pounded in her chest as they neared each other, her palms sweaty with nerves. She could not wait to be in his arms again, to feel his warmth and love surrounding her once again.

Time seemed to stand still as they reached one another, and without any hesitation, Penelope threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest. Colin's initial shock gave way to overwhelming happiness, and he wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go.

The crowd began speaking in hushed whispers as the two embraced, oblivious to the world around them. Tears welled up in Penelope's eyes as she whispered, "I have missed you, Colin. I have missed you so much. I am so sorry for everything." Colin shushed her gently.

"It is alright, Pen. I have missed you too, my love," he spoke softly as he kissed the top of her head and continued to hold her to his chest. He had not realized just how much he had missed her, but holding her now, his heart soared with joy and relief.

As the crowd watched in awe, Colin and Penelope pulled away slightly, their eyes locked on each other's. The love and longing in their gaze spoke volumes, conveying everything they had felt during their time apart. Colin shook his head as he spoke.

"What are you doing here?" Penelope smiled up at him.

"I had to see you," she said softly, her voice trembling with so many emotions. "I could not bear to be away from you any longer. I am so sorry for everything, Colin. Can you ever forgive me for how I have acted? For how I have treated you?" Colin shook his head as he placed his hand to her cheek.

"There is nothing to forgive, my dear." Penelope leaned her face into his hand as she closed her eyes. She had dreamt of this moment for what seemed like forever and now, to feel his touch again, it was beyond anything she could describe. She pulled away from him and glanced at her feet, ashamed to meet his eyes.

"No, Colin. I let my grief consume me and I never should have allowed that to happen. If it were not for Anthony and the letter from Marina, I do not know if I would have ever seen the light of reason. They helped me realize just how important and special our love truly is and helped me realize that I was not to blame." Penelope finished with a sigh. Colin's expression softened, and he gently placed a finger under her chin and brought her head up to meet his gaze.