Wish you were mine

29. Beautiful Past

PAST

The room buzzed with a lively, infectious energy as Penelope twirled around, her bare feet gliding over the wooden floor. She hummed a cheerful tune, her voice light and carefree, while her arms swirled gracefully through the air.

All around her, clothes were strewn across the bed and spilled onto the floor, the remnants of a frantic search for the perfect outfit. Yet, the disarray didn't dampen her mood in the slightest; in fact, she seemed to glow with happiness, her eyes sparkling with delight.

Penelope's dance came to an abrupt halt when she heard a soft laugh from the doorway. She spun around, her heart skipping a beat, and found her twin sister, Sophie, standing there with an amused smile on her face.

"You look like you're having a good time," Sophie remarked as she stepped into the room, her tone warm and teasing. She perched on the edge of the bed, careful not to disturb the colorful heap of clothes.

"Because I am!" Penelope replied, her voice brimming with excitement. She couldn't stop the grin that spread across her face, her joy bubbling over. Sophie chuckled, feeling her own heart lift at the sight of her sister's unbridled happiness.

"So, where are you off to?" Sophie asked, her gaze sweeping over the mess in the room. It was easy to deduce that Penelope had been searching for the perfect outfit, which clearly explained the chaotic state of things.

"I'm going out with Serena," Penelope said with a confident nod. But even as the words left her lips, a secret smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. The truth was, she wasn't going out with Serena. She was meeting someone else entirely-someone who had her heart racing in a way she hadn't expected. The thought made her giggle inwardly.

"Oh, I see," Sophie said, raising an eyebrow in mild curiosity.

"Do you want to come with us?" Penelope offered, her voice light and airy. She asked out of courtesy, but deep down, she was praying Sophie would decline. When her sister shook her head, Penelope couldn't help but feel a wave of relief.

"No, you two go ahead and have fun," Sophie said with a smile.

Penelope beamed at her, but the next question gave her pause. "Have you decided on an outfit yet?" Sophie asked, noting the indecision still lingering in her sister's eyes.

Penelope shook her head, her earlier confidence faltering. "Not yet," she admitted. The excitement of the evening had her too giddy to focus.

"Do you need my help?" Sophie offered, her voice full of sisterly affection.

Penelope eagerly nodded. "Yes, please! I'm completely lost."

Sophie smiled, rising from the bed to survey the scattered clothes. "Do you have anything specific in mind?" she asked, lifting a green dress that, while beautiful, seemed more suited for a casual day out with friends.

"I want something simple, but elegant," Penelope said thoughtfully, her brow furrowing as she imagined the perfect ensemble.

Sophie hummed in understanding, her fingers brushing over various fabrics as she mentally paired them together. After rummaging through the pile for what felt like an eternity, she finally pulled out a white tweed jacket and matching skirt. "How about this?" she suggested, holding up the outfit with a triumphant smile.

Penelope's eyes lit up as she took the clothes from her sister. "It's perfect!" she exclaimed, rushing off to the bathroom to change. As she closed the door behind her, Sophie shook her head fondly, a small smile playing on her lips. There was something different about Penelope tonight, something secretive and unusually giddy. Sophie's curiosity was piqued, but she decided not to push. Whatever Penelope was hiding, she would share it when she was ready.