Penny For Your Thoughts?

Epilogue Part Two

"Oh my apologizes-" I look up to see Zayn.

He had a look of shock, "Oh Penny, I didn't- I didn't mean for this. I'll get out of your way," He starts walking away even though this is a memorial for his grandmother. I stand up from the chair and walk toward him.

"No, no I was just leaving," I shake my head with a small smile. He still looks almost fearful. "I'm so sorry for your loss,"

"Thank you. My family and I appreciate it," It all seems surreal that he's in front of me.

"You look great," I try to make this less awkward.

"Thank you. You look fantastic too," I shake my head.

"You're just flattering me, as always," I wrap my arms around myself. "But thanks,"

"You look better," He heard himself blurt it out. But I just smile back at him.

"I know, right? I just graduated from my therapy. It's liberating," I tell him. His expression brightens.

"That's awesome, Pen. It should feel liberating,"

"I like to think so. But enough about me, how are you? What are you up to now?" It was a little easier to speak to him once the hellos were over with. Now, I didn't even try to conceal the excitement that was bubbling out of me.

He didn't know if he should tell her. But maybe it would help him a little. "I'm actually married now,"

"Married?" I could remember him not being able to commit. And it made me happy because I could remember something not so desirable about him. "That's wonderful. For how long now?"

Zayn exhaled in relief. He was scared of her reaction, "I actually proposed a little after I saw you. I realized I couldn't lose another girl that I cared about,"

"I bet you had a big wedding," I laugh.

He laughs too, "Actually, she wanted it small. Only our parents and siblings. She had her grandparents too, but I didn't invite mine," He realized he was talking more than he should.

"So when was the wedding?" But I was so interested.

"Just a year ago. I've been saving for a honeymoon of course, so we'll be flying to the Caribbean," Zayn was a water fountain of information and she was soaking it up.

"That's lovely. And children?"

"Ah, no. We want to get our financials straightened before anything, but I want a child too,"

"Yeah, I remember," I could remember the good too.

"And you? Are you with anyone?"

I find it hard to believe that being with someone meant doing well, but I ignore that feeling.

"No. It's hard enough trying to find out who I am, nonetheless finding myself while being with someone. Other than Liam," I answer.

"I see. How is he?" Zayn asks.

"Good, very good actually. He started a business a little while back and now he's moving to New York to expand," I tell him.

"Wow, that's amazing," He looks at Penny and couldn't help feeling sorry for her. "How are you holding up?"

"Good, actually. I just got a new apartment, I just got a job," Zayn was shocked with all this information. "I'm still riding public transportation, but now I'm taking taxis. And I have a new doggy. I think Liam bought it for me to make up for leaving, but I still love him,"

"I'm so glad," He didn't realize he was wrapping his arms around her. I giggle.

"How about that senior center?" Zayn was a little interested to see if she was still in the place that took care of his grandmother her last few days there.

She sighed, "It's kinda like a hospital. You see the ones you love die. And those that haven't, but are close, are sent to hospice. It wasn't healthy for me anymore," I remembered Mr. Prosper and his bright, competitive personality. Hopefully, he was staring others down up in Heaven. "But Thank you, Zayn. It means a lot," I let go of him and fix the ends of my black skirt . "You probably have others to get to, Zayn. But tell the Mrs that she's a very lucky lady. And I hope the money gets straightened for your lovely, potential children. Again I'm so sorry, she was a delight to tend to,"

"Thank you, Pen. I'll have to tell my mother you said that. If you'll tell Liam good luck for me. Oh, and hello to your puppy," He touches my arm again and I grin.

"Have a good life. And don't be afraid to admit to what happened back then," I rub his shoulder. "It wasn't your fault,"

"You too, Penny,"