Begin Again ▷ Jared Cameron

TWO

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TWO; IMPRINTS

     PENELOPE MADE THREE MISTAKES in the course of two days.

     First, she coerced the nurse to allow her to take a shower by herself. She didn't dare to ask who was bathing her before she awoke. As soon as Penelope gazed at her reflection in the mirror, she gasped. She was expecting to see someone different, but she didn't comprehend how difficult the task would be. She didn't realize how long she was staring at herself before the nurse knocked on the door, asking if she was alright.

     Second, she began to think about her mother. It was on her mind every second of the day, including when Rachel and Rebecca returned to see her. They were a sobbing mess, collapsing in her arms and whispering about how much they missed her. Penelope wasn't affected in the slightest bit. It felt like she had seen them yesterday, although Rachel was wearing a college sweatshirt and Rebecca had a glorious new tan. Penelope dreamed of her mother when she went to sleep and thought about her when she woke up. It was constantly haunting her and the psychiatrist that came in everyday wasn't helping.

     And third, she looked into Jared Cameron's eyes.

     He visited on the third day after her awakening. Jacob had assigned a routine to watch over her, and Penelope already met Paul and Sam. She was intimidated by their tall stature, but she began to warm up to them. Sam had this dominating feature that made sure no one would challenge him, but he held sympathy for Penelope. She was still adapting to the new world around her, including the different environment and language. She had gone her whole life without hearing a curse word but Paul broke her streak. She liked him, but she wished he would keep his mouth closed when he was eating. She also noticed how Paul took a liking to her sister, Rachel.

     Jared wasn't excited to hover over Jake's sister. He was washed over with fatigue but Sam insisted his needs weren't the main priority. Getting Penelope back on her feet was.

     He was greeted with the smell of flowers, various pots and cards scattered on the ground and one of the tables. She had her arms folded, resting on her lap, staring up at the television screen. Jake was right about her eyes. They could pull you in with one look. He now understood why Penelope got whatever she wanted when she was little. He would sacrifice himself if she requested for him to do so.

     "Hi," she smiled when she saw him. She grabbed the remote and pressed the pause button. "Are you Jared?"

     He was speechless. Flashes of the future were filling his mind, the imprint bond becoming a strong hold. He stumbled a little bit, gripping the door frame with his hand. Penelope sat up, frowning. "Are you alright? Should I call Doctor Cullen?"

     "No," he shook his head. He cleared his throat once he realized how harsh he spoke. "Sorry, I just got distracted."

     He moved forward until he was at her bedside, extending his hand for her to shake. She stared at it for a long time before she realized she was meant to put her hand in his. Usually, people would envelope Penelope in a hug. Jared could observe her facial features more closely, her doe eyed look making his knees crumble.

     "It's nice to meet you," she nodded politely. Jared heard the door creak open and he quickly retracted his touch when he saw Billy wheel in. The man was more happy than he had ever been. He got a loan from the bank for Penelope's hospital bills and to pay her psychiatrist, but he wasn't worried about money. He was scared for her well being and her mental stability.

     "Jared, good to see you today," he grinned. He wheeled to the other side of Penelope, handing her a steaming cup of hot chocolate. "Got you your favorite, Pen." She thanked him and raised the cup to her lips, hissing when it burned her. Billy chuckled and scolded her. He forgot that she used to do it all the time, even when Sarah warned her of the temperature.