An Exchange

Chapter Forty Five - Pizza

Penny

The truck rumbled to a halt out the front to move Giles' car back to the school. He would go with it, and if I didn't get out there that second, he would be able to avoid me all day. So, still in my pajamas and bare foot, I ran outside.

He stood watching the car being pulled onto the truck with his back to me. A thorn in the grass jabbed into my foot, making me yelp. He turned to see me, then turned back again, folding his arms. "What are you doing, Penny?"

"I think I've offended you, and I don't know what I did, but I want to apologise." I limped over to him, resting my hand on his shoulder to keep me balanced as I pulled out the thorn. "Oh man, that's huge."

"I can tell you're very serious about apologizing," he muttered sarcastically and shook me off.

I flicked the thorn onto the street. "I am."

"But as you said, you don't even know what you did."

"I know, and apparently that's part of my problem."

He scoffed. "No kidding."

"Giles, I'm sorry okay? I don't want to fight with you. You're the best friend I've ever had. If you tell me what I did, I'll never do it again. I promise."

He looked into my eyes, his eyes softened. "Penny, you never need to apologise to me."

I stared at him, confused, and winced slightly as I tried to put some weight on my foot again. "Yes, I do."

"No, you can't help that you're a total airhead." I fought back a smile.

"You're funny," I said sarcastically.

"There is one thing that will make me feel better." He leaned in closer, staring steadily into my eyes.

"What's that?"

"Don't go to UCLA with Ryan."

"How did you…?" I paused, remembering Ryan had mentioned it to Giles' parents. My cheeks burned. "Oh yeah. He only asked me to think about it."

"Well, tell him you thought about it and you'll have to decline."

"It's a good offer though. UCLA? Come on. I have no idea what I want to do with my life, and it seems like―"

"Penny, you do know what you want to do. You've told me before."

I hesitated. "I have?"

"Yes, you have. You told me you would go back and work, and probably save for a mission. You'd be a good missionary, after all you've been through. You also said you wanted an eternal marriage, which means you'd need someone who could take you to the temple. Ryan won't ever join the church and give that to you."

"You don't know that."

"Really? Do you honestly see him joining the church?"

"Maybe one day..."

"No. Don't wait your whole life for that one day. It may never come and you will find yourself disappointed and wondering what happened."

"That's quite harsh, don't you think?"

"And you said you want kids, do you see him wanting kids? Maybe when he's done with his football and can afford for you to have tummy tucks afterward."

"Giles!" I stepped back, shocked. "That's a terrible thing to say!"

"He wouldn't want to ruin his perfect Penny with ugly pregnancy side effects―"

"Giles, stop it!"

He held himself tightly and glared down at me.

"I'm not thinking about marrying him."