Her once true love defects to Dauntless, abandoning her.
Penelope finds herself lonesome two years later. She has everything she could ask for, but nothing is fulfilling. That's until she comes across Charlie again. Old feelings are lost but somethi...
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BEING locked up and hidden from everyone was starting to bother me. Seeing the same walls, same bed, same everything was growing on me, and not in a good way. Meals were brought up to the apartment, along with whatever I wanted—which was nothing. I just wanted to go out. But Eric said it himself—wherever he was, that's where I belonged. It was frustrating watching him leave with some excuse that it was something work-related. We were supposed to be enjoying our marriage but he was leaving do to his job.
Where was he disappearing to at times?
The door slammed, bringing me out of my train of thought. I didn't need to see what was wrong—Eric was upset. With me? There was no possibility for that. I had stayed home, like always, in bed. He'd allowed me to go through his books in the guest bedroom, but I wanted more than books.
I wanted some freedom.
"Penelope?"
Strangely, the calling of my name came out softly.
Eric didn't wait for my reply, and barged inside our bedroom. I sat with my legs crossed, my head against the headboard. A book laid next to me, bookmarked on page four. Even that book couldn't take my mind off wanting to go out.
"Where were you?"
I knew where he was, I just found the need to ask him that.
"I'm here now," he answered, striding towards me.
Eric looked angry, clearly, but he masked it over. His clenched hands and set jaw gave him away. Especially his posture, with how rigid his spine was. I only imagined how going back to work full-time would put him.
"Why do they keep calling you?"
Eric shook his head, taking a sit next to me. One of his hands cupped my cheek, sending shivers down my spine. His touch had spontaneously brought that feeling lately. Maybe it was how sweet he was at times, or maybe that I still held onto that fear towards him.
I didn't want to fear him, though.
"It's nothing with Dauntless."
He now had my full attention. I pushed his hand off, holding onto it. Then I sat up, a frown on my face.
"Then what is it?"
Eric's eyes shifted around my face, possibly taking in my frown. He smiled, one that appeared forced.
"Your family."
My family.
My home.
Excitement suddenly bubbled within me. I smiled up at him, setting myself on my knees.
"What did they say? How's Xa? Is Papa better? Mama, how is she? Will they visit?"
