Wish you were mine

12. Fresh Start

(Happy new year to my lovely readers, I hope this year all your dreams come true.

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PENELOPE

The soft golden rays of the morning sun slipped through the curtains, warming my face and stirring me from sleep. Groaning in mild irritation, I shifted under the covers, turning my body to shield myself from the light.

As I adjusted, a strange sensation tugged at the edge of my awareness-someone was in the room with me. My eyes fluttered open, squinting against the brightness, until they landed on a familiar figure.

Sophie.

She sat at the foot of my bed, her blue eyes sparkling as she watched me slowly wake. Dressed in her crisp business attire, she looked poised and ready for the day-an elegant contrast to my rumpled state. I stretched lazily, limbs heavy with the remnants of sleep, and let out a long yawn.

"Good morning," I chirped, my voice groggy but cheerful.

"Morning," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips.

I blinked in confusion, still fighting off the drowsiness. "What are you doing here so early?" I asked, my voice catching on a yawn.

Sophie's chuckle was soft, a sound full of affection. "First of all, it's not early. It's already nine," she said with a teasing glint in her eye. "And secondly, after everything that happened yesterday, I wanted to check on you. You went to bed so early last night, I didn't get the chance."

I hummed in response, my mind still piecing together the events of the previous day. She reached out, her hand gently smoothing over my hair, her touch comforting and familiar. I closed my eyes for a moment, soaking in her warmth.

"How are you feeling?" she asked softly.

"I'm fine, don't worry," I murmured, my voice steady but a little groggy.

She studied me for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied. "Alright, go freshen up and meet me downstairs. Let's have breakfast together before I head to the office."

I nodded eagerly, my stomach rumbling in agreement. She leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, lingering just long enough to make me feel wrapped in her warmth, before standing and leaving the room.

I tossed off the covers and swung my feet onto the floor, slipping into my favorite pair of fluffy slippers. The cold air sent a slight shiver down my spine, and I made a mental note to take a bath later. I was too hungry to care at the moment.

With a quick glance at the clock, I threw my hair into a messy bun and padded over to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and splashed water on my face, my mind wandering as the memories of yesterday trickled back. Once I was done with my morning routine, I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs, the scent of breakfast already teasing my senses from the kitchen.

"Good morning!" I greeted cheerfully as I sat down at the breakfast table. Mom flashed me one of her warm, sweet smiles, while Dad put his iPad aside, his attention shifting to me.

"What happened, sweetheart? Why didn't you have dinner last night?" Dad asked, concern clear in his voice.

Before Sophie could answer for me, I quickly jumped in. "Actually, I was just really tired and didn't even realize when I fell asleep," I said with a quick, cheeky grin, hoping she'd play along. Sophie gave me a confused look, clearly puzzled by my interruption, but I wasn't ready for my parents to find out about my little trip to the hospital. They'd worry unnecessarily.