Heart at risk

5. I gave you all my best me's,

Penelope's breath came in shallow, rapid bursts as she rushed through the house, her steps hurried and frantic. Each room she passed seemed to blur together, the festive cheer of the party echoing in the distance as her mind remained locked on the crushing fear that Cressida's suspicions would soon become public knowledge. Her heart pounded so hard she could barely hear her own thoughts.

She passed by guests who shot her puzzled looks, their conversations and laughter a jarring contrast to the panic roiling inside her. The corridors seemed endless, each one a potential obstacle in her quest to find Colin. She felt as though she were running through a maze, each turn only heightening her anxiety. Her fingers clutched at the edges of her dress, knuckles white, as she struggled to keep her composure.

Finally, her frantic search led her to Benedict's room. The door was slightly ajar, and she pushed it open with a trembling hand. The room was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the bright, festive atmosphere downstairs. Penelope's gaze swept across the room, her eyes scanning for Colin.

There he was, seated by the window, his back turned to her. He appeared deep in thought, his posture rigid and tense. Penelope's heart leapt with a mixture of relief and dread as she approached him, her steps faltering as she tried to catch her breath.

'Colin!' she cried out, her voice cracking with desperation. She took a few more steps into the room, her eyes wild and tear-filled. 'Colin!'

Colin turned slowly, his expression shifting from confusion to concern as he took in Penelope's disheveled appearance. His eyes widened, and he stood up quickly, his face etched with worry. 'Penelope, what is wrong? You look—'

Penelope was unable to form coherent words; her chest heaved with rapid, shallow breaths, and a painful cramp twisted in her stomach. The fear she felt was so overwhelming that it made her physically ill. Colin's face was etched with growing concern as he took a step toward her. 'Penelope, breathe. What has happened?' he said, his voice urgent but gentle. He reached out, his hands finding her shoulders in an attempt to steady her.

Penelope's breaths came in ragged bursts, her hands clutching at her abdomen as though she could somehow stop the cramping that seemed to consume her. Her eyes, wide with terror, filled with tears that began to spill down her flushed cheeks.

Colin's eyes widened in alarm as he watched her struggle. 'Penelope, you are scaring me,' he said, his voice thick with worry. Unable to speak, Penelope shook her head frantically, her face a mask of fear. Her breaths were erratic, and her hands trembled as she tried to steady herself. Colin's desperation grew. He turned to Benedict, who had been standing silently, his own face etched with confusion and concern. 'Benedict!' Colin called out sharply. 'Get Mother—now!'

Benedict, startled by Colin's commanding tone, hesitated for a moment before turning to leave the room. He was halfway to the door when Penelope, her voice barely a whisper through the haze of her panic, managed to speak.

'No,' she said, her voice cracking. She raised a trembling hand, trying to stop Benedict from leaving. 'No, please. I... I just want to go home.' Colin, catching the urgency and the distress in Penelope's plea, looked back at her, his eyes filled with worry. 'Penelope...,' he said gently, trying to soothe her.

Penelope nodded vigorously, tears streaming down her face. The cramp was subsiding slightly, but her distress remained palpable. Colin looked at Benedict, who had stopped at the door, his face reflecting the severity of the situation.

'Alright,' Colin said, his voice softening as he faced Penelope again. 'We'll take you home. Just try to stay with me, okay?' Colin helped Penelope into her wrap and gently assisted her to her feet. He kept a supportive arm around her, whispering reassuring words as they made their way out of the room and towards the front of the house.