French Teacher

Chapter 16.1

I was just getting my things out off my locker when Penny suddenly approached me.

"Lloyd." I heard her say.

Like any other day whenever I get to see her, a smile would stretch on face and I couldn't help but feel a smoothing feeling all over my body. The sight of her brother's T-shirt, the one she had worn two weeks ago, gave me another satisfaction for the day. I couldn't help but feel entertained by her.

"Yeah?" I gave her my brows.

"Have you seen Kim?"

"No. Why?"

"Oh." Her face, in ways, fell sadly.

"Why? Is there something you need from her?"

She shook her head. "No, but I wanted to tell her I wouldn't be eating lunch with her today."

In normal cases, that kind of thing wouldn't be much of a big deal. But to me and Penny, that sort of thing is a big deal. It didn't have to take a minute for me before I got where she was getting at. We had always been concern about Kim, especially when the topic has something to do with the state of being alone. You can say we're a little protective of her. But I must say, Penny's frankly the more overprotective one compared to me. Don't get me wrong, we both love Kim equally and we do try our best to protect her but if there was a chance that either of us would be picked to be the—how you say—the worriedwart, then surely it was gonna be Penny. No contest.

"Shoot, why?" I asked, voice starting to show concern.

"I have a report I need to work on in English class." she rubbed her neck boyishly. "It's a little...complicated, you see. So I planned to go to the literature club at around noon and ask a few questions."

I nodded. "I see."

"Yeah..." she replied, obviously bothered.

I stared at her for a short period of time. Her eye lashes had always been long and her skin remained soft looking in spite looking sort of dried out. Her face was always bare, and it's good for the most part but since Penny doesn't really put anything on her face such as lotions or whatever girls use as skin routines—her complexion tends to dry and break out sometimes. But it didn't matter, it was still refreshing to look at her regardless.

I noticed how she stared the lower part of my tee, thus indicating she was slightly zoning out and feeling stressed and worried. I smiled looking at the familiar sight of her mannerisms.

It touched me seeing Penny being like this. It shows, even though I knew it for a very long time, that she really does value her friendship with Kim. She was known as this easily tempered—aloof sort of teenager, but she was one of the most sensitive people you would ever meet if you give her a chance. She's a tough nut at start, for sure, however—once you somehow manage to slide yourself into her heart, Penny wouldn't think twice to think about your needs first before hers. It was one of the many qualities I liked about her.

I playfully punched her shoulder to catch her attention. "Wipe that look. I'll eat lunch with her."

And right on queue, Penny's eyes sparkled. "You'd really?"

I puffed. "Course. Why do you look surprised?"

Penny shrugged. "I assumed you had other plans. You are a little busy sometimes, you know."

"Busy with what?"

"Girls." she said. "You know, 'lady friends' and what not. Not to mention your guy friends."

I winced. "So what are you saying? I'd choose them over you and Kim?"

Penny made that look. That look that was a clear as day that says 'maybe'.