An Exchange

Chapter Thirty-Nine - Journal Thief

Penny

It had been a great day and I was in a great mood. Ryan and I finally seemed to be getting it right. I had gone back to sitting with him in class, we were laughing together again, and he seemed prouder than ever to parade me around as his. It helped that Valentine's Day was that day. In each of my classes I found a different gift waiting for me from him. I felt so spoiled, and at lunch, we found a quiet place and kissed instead of playing football.

When I arrived home, Jonas rushed into his room and brought me out a small box of chocolates. "Happy Valentine's Penny!" He beamed. "These are for the best sister ever!"

"So they're for Naomi?" I teased.

He pulled a disgusted face. "She wishes."

I went to my room and found my door stuck closed. I didn't remember closing it when I left, but I could have been wrong. I shoved it with my shoulder and it burst open. Inside, my walls were covered in photos of my family and friends from back in Australia. They all smiled down at me, waving, and on my bed a lily rested with a note attached to the stalk. I picked it up and read: For the best friend I could ever wish for. Happy Valentines Miss Lawrence.

I knew right away it was from Giles, and I gazed around the room smiling. I went over to thank him right away.

*

Giles

Monday came and Ryan―of course―showered Penny with over the top gifts and elaborate displays of affection. It was no wonder she couldn't resist him. After years of being treated with contempt, such things had to make her feel special. But I knew she would appreciate my gift for her, and I watched her walk inside when we got home that afternoon with a huge grin on my face.

The door to my room burst open, making me start. Sarah burst out laughing as I almost fell off my chair. "Geez, Sarah!"

She tried to say something, but slid onto the floor in a fit of laughter.

"Sarah." I hurried to the door to close it.

"Oh my gosh."

Penny's voice sent a chill of fear through me. Completely shirtless, I looked over as she averted her eyes.

I stumbled backward, forcing the door shut.

Sarah's laughter intensified.

"Um, I'll just be in the living room," Penny said.

"Yeah. That would be great." I'm such an idiot. She saw me shirtless? I was pretty sure she'd seen perfect Ryan shirtless, so I had to look pretty pathetic in comparison. Moaning, I flopped face down onto my bed, wanting to just die.

But, I couldn't hang around forever. Penny waited in the next room. I'd have to face my humiliation. So I grabbed my Flash T-shirt and headed out, hoping I didn't have the complexion of a lobster.

Sarah rolled on the floor as I emerged, still laughing.

"Sarah…"

"Your face! Oh, your face!"

I nudged her with my foot as I walked by.

Penny glanced at me quickly when I entered, smiling, but averting her gaze again as her cheeks turned pink. "I ah, I wanted to say thank you."

Hesitating, I wondered what she meant. The shirtless moment didn't need thanks… oh, she meant the Valentine's. "For the, ah… you liked it?"

She smiled brightly, looking into my eyes as I sat beside her. "It couldn't have been more perfect. But how did you manage it? We've been together all day."