Perfectly Imperfect

Chapter 5: Love or Not?

(Connor's POV)

After James had an idea that we should go bowling, we all changed our clothes and piled up in his car. Penny was the last to get on. Tris called her back at the house and I saw her walking to us, head down, holding her phone. I already knew that something went wrong. She wasn't smiling, she wasn't really happy. I can sense what she's feeling: terrified, and sorrow can be seen in her blue eyes.

I don't know what happened to me, but the first time I saw her, I already knew she was special. I felt that she's going to have a big part in my whole life. Nonetheless, I also saw her despondent state and I'm not really happy with it. I want her to feel never-ending happiness and contentment.

Whatever makes her sad, I want to end it. Because from the moment I met her, I already knew that half of my heart belongs to Penelope.

As she hopped in the back seat beside me, I felt nothing but coldness in her heart. I can't stand it. "Hey, are you okay?" I asked. She returned her phone in her bag, sighed, and faced me with a smile that I know was fake, "Yeah, why else would I be?"

I wasn't convinced. I didn't agree. I couldn't just shrug the thought of her being crestfallen and all. I wouldn't want that.

"Time to take a picture! Wehey!" Brad cheered. He took a picture, asked for her twitter username, and as we followed her in return, Brad tweeted the photo:

@TheVampsBrad gonna have fun with the boys and a new friend! James cousin everybody! @PennyWilliams

We drove off to the bowling alley, and I'm still thinking what's the reason of her sad state right now. I can't stop thinking about her. What's happening? Am I falling in love with her already?

I was snapped at my thoughts when Tristan announced, "We are here!"

As we went inside, turns out, it was Tris' treat!! We set off, wore the shoes, and took turns.

I noticed that Penelope was sitting at the benches and she's quite reposed. I sat down beside her and spoke up, "I'm not convinced Penelope," I said, looking into her cold, blue eyes.

"What convinced?" She asked, trying to sound innocent.

"You don't seem fine like you said," I replied.

"I told you I'm fine," she gave me a smile, but I still didn't agree. At that moment, I felt the need to soothe and comfort her and tell her that everything will turn out right. "Don't ruin that pretty face of yours, okay? A beautiful girl like you should never frown," I said. I stood up, kissed her forehead, and smiled at her before I took my turn. I don't know why I did that, but it felt like its the right thing to do.

Moments later all of us couldn't stop huffing and puffing out. The others were so hilarious! We clutching our stomachs, then Penny went to throw a ball, but she froze just as someone called her name.

"Penny!"

A stranger. I was so stupefied. Who was that? Specifically, who is he? I saw James tense up and ball his fists when he saw the guy. The others just held him back.

She was crying. I don't know what to do, I can't move, or even lift a finger. I want to hug her so tight right at that moment, but I just can't. I desperately wanted to but I couldn't. As the guy gets closer to her, I didn't notice my knuckles were already curled up and were gnashing my palms. Maybe it's because she's crying and I don't know the reason, plus I don't want to see her crying.

"Penny?" The guy stopped behind her. James was about to run and jab his fists at him but Tris and Brad held him back.

He spun her around and hugged her so tight like it's the end of the world. "I am so glad to see you! You don't know how much I've missed you! Please forgive me Penny please?!" He pleaded.