Until The End of Time

25. Broken Walls

Penelope's POV:

"Everything ok?" Derek walks up behind me. I wasn't expecting Kevin to show up like this. "Where have you been the past two weeks?" "My floor had a huge case-" "And you couldn't take the time to call me or text me?" "Listen babe, I'm sorry ok?"

I look at him and remember Derek behind me,"Give me a minute." "Ok." I step outside and Kevin says,"What is he doing with you?!" "Did you know, I was kidnapped TWICE and shot in the shoulder in the past two weeks? Huh? Did you?!" "Sugar Plum. I-I didn't know-" "Well, you should've known! Morgan has been with me for the past week taking care of me. Where have you been Kevin?!" "I told you I was working a case!" "But you still could've called me, at least!"

"Honey bear, I'm sorry!" He steps towards me,"No, Kevin! I'm done with you! I could've died and you wouldn't have ever known! I'm done with all this secrecy Kevin! Tell me everything right now or it's over!" I look at him and it's quiet. "Did you hear me?!"

He sighs and looks at his feet,"Look Penny-" "Penelope. It's Penelope." "Penelope, I uh was talking to another woman and we went on a few dates and uh, we kissed a few times. But-" "But nothing! What the hell Kevin?!" Tears were in my eyes and mixed emotions were raging in me. I was angry at him and frustrated and hurt and I felt foolish for not seeing it sooner and I felt betrayed and stupid and I just felt like screaming at him.

But, I kept my cool,"We're over Kevin. Leave." "But Penelope!" "I SAID LEAVE!" He walked away and I go back in my apartment. Derek runs up to me,"Hey, everything ok?" I look at him and burst into tears. I fell onto him and he caught me.

"Woah woah, Baby Girl. What happened out there?" I stood up and started ranting to him about what happened. I sat down on the couch after a while. Tears streaming down my face. Derek comes and holds me. I close my eyes and hug him back. I take deep breaths and breathe in his scent.

I start thinking about how stupid I was and then my mind turns to Derek. How he's been there for me and how he's been taking care of me and I know that can be hard. I squeeze him tighter and whisper,"Thank you." into his chest. He kisses the top of my head.

I let go of him and say,"I uh need to go take a nap." "Ok. I'll keep watch for ya." "Ok." I get up and walk to my room. My head was pounding with all that happened today. I lay down and fall asleep to the sound of rain.

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Derek's POV:

Today was not the day for Penelope. She needed some time alone so, I let her sleep for the rest of the day. It started raining an the power went out, so I climbed into bed with her. I don't think she noticed and I hope she didn't mind.

-

The next morning, I woke up at 7:30am and made breakfast for us. I made pancakes and bacon with milk. I couldn't believe how much cooking supplies she had and never used!

Penelope walks in the kitchen,"Something's cookin' in the kitchen and it smells delicious." "Morning beautiful." I walk over to her and kiss her forehead. "How'd you sleep yesterday." "The best in a while." "Good."

I put the plates on the table. We eat and end up in her bed talking. "So Baby Girl. What's got you all worked up." She sighs,"I told you yesterday, Derek. Everything." "I know but why now." "You think it's PTSD?" "I don't think it is. But, it's a possibility." "Oh."

"Look, there's nothing to be scared of. You'll eventually get over it, it just might take a while." "Why." "Why what?" "Why is this happening." I think for a minute about my answer.

"When you were in a coma, you said you talked to your mom, right?" "Right." "Well, all your hidden emotions were released when you saw her and your brain is now letting you realize and feel these emotions. All the emotions. In a way, it can fix you or break you down. But, you decide what it'll do for you." "Oh ok. So, this is sorta like where I take control of myself." "Yeah."

She smiles at me and leans her head on me. The doorbell rings and I get the door. "Hey JJ! What brings you here?" "Hey! The team got today off and I just wanted to check on you two to see what's been going on around here!" Penelope comes to the door and she invites JJ in. We talk in the living room and have a great time.

"JJ, can I talk to you for a second?" "Sure." They leave the room and go into Penelope's bedroom. They talk for about 15 minutes and come back out. JJ stays for another hour and then leaves. "What did y'all talk about in there?" "Stuff." "Stuff?" "Yeah. Stuff." "What kind of stuff?" "Stuff stuff." "Okay."

God Penelope! You're killing me here!