Forever ; W.S

23. talks and ice cream

IRL

Walker lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling with a mix of excitement and anxiety. His conversation with Penelope earlier that day had left him feeling hopeful but also nervous. They were finally talking again, but there was still so much left unsaid.

The past few weeks had been a rollercoaster of emotions for Walker. When Penelope had ended things with Dylan and reached out to him, he couldn't believe it. He had been miserable without her, and the idea of reconnecting felt like a lifeline.

He picked up his phone and scrolled through their messages again, smiling at their friendly banter. It felt like old times, but there was something different now—something deeper.

A week later, Walker found himself pacing his room, his thoughts consumed by Penelope. They had continued texting almost daily, and each conversation left him feeling more certain about his feelings. He had been an idiot to let jealousy drive them apart, and he was determined not to make the same mistake again.

He heard a knock on his door and looked up to see his older sister, Leena, standing there with a knowing smile. "Hey, Walker. You've been glued to your phone a lot lately. Everything okay?" she asked, stepping into the room. Walker sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, everything's fine. Just... talking to Penelope a lot." Leena raised an eyebrow. "Penelope, huh? I thought you two weren't talking anymore."

"We weren't," Walker admitted. "But she's reached out, and we've been texting. It's been really great, actually."

Leena sat down on his bed, patting the space next to her. "Come sit. Tell me what's going on."

Walker joined her, feeling a bit awkward but also relieved to have someone to talk to. "I messed up with Penelope, Leena. I let my jealousy get in the way and pushed her away. Now that we're talking again, I realize how much I miss her. How much I care about her."

Leena nodded thoughtfully. "It's okay to feel jealous, Walker. But it's important to talk about those feelings instead of letting them drive a wedge between you. Do you think you like her more than just a friend?"

Walker hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I do. I think I always have, but I was too scared to admit it."

Leena smiled, giving him a reassuring hug. "Then tell her. Be honest about your feelings. If she's reaching out, it means she cares about you too. Just take it one step at a time."

Walker felt a weight lift off his shoulders. "Thanks, Leena. I needed that."

"Anytime, little bro. Now go text her and see if she wants to hang out," Leena said, nudging him playfully.

Walker laughed, feeling more confident. He picked up his phone and sent Penelope a message.

IMESSAGES

Lola 💓

Hey lola!
do you want to hang out this weekend?
Maybe we can grab some ice cream and talk?

Penelope's response came almost immediately, making his heart race.

I'd love that, Walker
Ice cream sounds perfect
How about Saturday afternoon?

Saturday afternoon it is.
Can't wait to see you, Lola.

IRL

Walker smiled, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was it—a chance to finally be honest with Penelope and see where their relationship could go. As he lay back on his bed, he felt more hopeful than he had in weeks.

The week flew by, each day filled with anticipation for Saturday. Walker couldn't help but daydream about their upcoming hangout, wondering how Penelope felt about him now. When Saturday finally arrived, he got ready, making sure he looked his best.

As he headed out the door, Leena gave him a thumbs up. "Good luck, Walker. Be yourself, and everything will be fine."

"Thanks, Leena," Walker said, feeling a surge of gratitude for his sister's support.

He arrived at the ice cream parlor a little early, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. When he saw Penelope walk in, looking as beautiful as ever, all his worries melted away.

"Hey, Walker," she said with a warm smile. "Ready for some ice cream?"

"Hey, P. Absolutely," he replied, grinning.

They ordered their ice cream and found a cozy corner to sit and talk. As they chatted and laughed, Walker felt the connection between them growing stronger. It was like old times, but with a new sense of honesty and openness.

Finally, Walker took a deep breath, deciding it was time to be truthful about his feelings. "Penelope, there's something I need to tell you. I've realized over the past few weeks how much I miss you. And not just as a friend. I care about you a lot, P. More than I ever admitted to myself."

Penelope looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "Walker, I... I didn't know you felt that way. I've been thinking a lot too, and I realized I might feel the same. But I was scared to say anything."

Walker reached out, taking her hand in his. "You don't have to be scared anymore, P. Let's take this one step at a time and see where it goes."

Penelope squeezed his hand, a smile spreading across her face. "I'd like that, Walker. Let's see where it goes."

As they continued talking, Walker felt a sense of happiness and hope he hadn't felt in a long time. No matter what the future held, he knew they were on the right path—together.

author's note!

YAYYYYY!!! also i have had lots of time today to do some chapters so, frequent posting is back??