Wish you were mine

34. A Day Out

PENELOPE

I was deep in the blissful haze of sleep, the kind that makes your limbs feel heavy and your mind float in a warm, cozy fog. That was until my bed suddenly jolted beneath me, sending my heart racing and snapping me into a state of paranoid alertness. I gasped, my eyes flying open, the panic flooding through me before I could process what was happening. My mind racing with memories I didn’t want to revisit. For a second, memories from darker times rushed in, but they quickly dissolved when I saw what—or rather, who—had invaded my peace.

Madeline and Serena were grinning like Cheshire cats, bouncing on my bed as if we were back in middle school. Madeline was practically cackling with glee, and Serena’s wild bed hair was all over the place, but neither seemed to care.

"Oh my God, what are you doing?" I groaned, throwing my arm over my eyes to block out their over-enthusiastic smiles. "I almost had a heart attack."

Madeline giggled, not the least bit apologetic. "You sleep like the dead, Pen. We had to make sure you were still alive in there."

"Yeah, seriously," Serena added, jumping with even more energy, making the bed creak under her. "It was either this or an airhorn. You should be thankful."

With a groan, I threw myself back down and pulled the quilt over my head, determined to block them out and return to the comforting cocoon of sleep. "Go away," I muttered from beneath the covers. "I’m not in the mood for whatever craziness you two have planned."

But of course, they didn’t go away. The next thing I felt was the icy bite of air as they ripped the quilt off me, leaving me fully exposed to the cold morning air. I yelped in protest, curling up into a ball as my skin prickled with goosebumps.
"Are you kidding me?" I glared at them, shivering, my irritation growing with each passing second.

"Look at you, still half asleep," Serena teased, hopping off the bed and plopping herself down at the foot of it. She crossed her legs and leaned forward with a sly grin. "Come on, Pen. Time to wake up. We’re in Cong, for God’s sake! You can’t just hide in bed all day when there’s so much to see and do. You’ve got to make the most of it."

Madeline nodded enthusiastically from the other side. "Yeah, you’re not getting off that easy. We’ve got plans, and they don’t involve you snoozing away while we explore."

I rolled over, burying my face in the pillows with a loud groan. "I’m not in the mood to explore anything. I barely slept last night."

Serena’s voice took on a flirtatious lilt as she scooted closer. "Don’t worry, baby, I’ll make your mood better. Just say the word."

I immediately cringed, my eyes flying open in horror. "Ugh! That’s so gross. Please stop."

Serena just laughed, clearly enjoying my discomfort, while Madeline let out an exaggerated sigh of exasperation. "You know, for someone who planned a whole bachelorette party, you sure aren’t acting like you’re ready to have fun."

I propped myself up on my elbows, giving them both an unamused look. "I’m ready for tonight. Not for right now. Why can’t you two just let me sleep a little longer?"

"Because," Serena said, her tone turning serious but her eyes sparkling with mischief, "you have exactly one free day before the madness of the wedding kicks in. You’re not spending it under a blanket. We’re dragging you out to explore Cong whether you like it or not."

Madeline nodded again, this time with an almost frightening level of determination. "It’s decided. You’re coming with us, even if we have to physically carry you."