the book shop > j.l < MID EDIT

seventy five

wednesday 2nd september 1959

penelope

"i can't believe college starts back tomorrow, how shit is that?" charlotte complained over the shoe rack of a random clothing shop in town.

penelope chuckled, "i'm kind of excited, you know - new people and projects, it'll be fun."

charlotte rolled her eyes, "yeah but you don't have to study science."

"yeah but you love science, you're only complaining because you want to spend more time with pete," penelope whispered the last part of the sentence whilst briefly flicking her eyes over to both john and pete who were laughing about some questionable fashion styles of hats.

"no it's not!" charlotte lied grinning cheekily, "hey! guys are you excited for college starting tomorrow?" she shouted turning her attention onto the boys who snapped their heads round and made their way over to the girls.

"fuck no," pete replied quickly.

"see pen, you're the only one that will enjoy tomorrow," charlotte said going back to look through the shoe racks.

john came round wrapping his arms around penelopes waist from behind, "that's my girl," he laughed into her neck.

charlotte fake gagged and spoke, "you guys make me sick, i'm going to look for some skirts," she looked to pete and he immediately stood by her side and walked off with her.

"he's like a lost puppy around her," john laughed letting go of penelopes waist.

"yeah she's totally playing on this whole him trying to prove himself thing."

charlotte had made a deal with pete that if he could prove that he wasn't going to hurt her or use her she would go out with him on a date, and so far he'd been the perfect man.

"he loves it," john agreed.

penelope walked over to the swimwear section of the shop and absentmindedly started browsing the shelves. john stood beside her frowning at some of the questionable fashion choices.

"hey you'd look nice in this," he complimented picking up a white high waisted bikini.

she looked over and smiled at the choice, "it's nice, but i mean i don't swim anyway so there's no point," she shrugged.

"you could though?" he suggested.

she shook her head, "i don't know."

"okay but you could get it for when we go down to the lake or something," he continued persuading.

his eyes were convinced and penelope really liked the swimwear.

"i guess it couldn't hurt," she opened up her basket and john dropped it in smiling feeling accomplished. she carried on walking round the boutique until they reached the underwear section.

she hesitantly gazed her eyes over some of the lacey and frilly choices but ultimately dropped her head to her feet ignoring all of her options.