Touch (Posie)

Chapter 5

Alaric slid into his seat with a tired expression in his eyes like he really didn't want to be having this conversation but if anyone was suffering here, it was Penelope. After her failed attempt at getting to Lizzie, Emma brought both girls to her office and made it her personal mission to get them to resolve their issues which not surprisingly backfired. Lizzie started with her usual snide remarks and the moment Penelope shot up from her seat, Emma forced both girls to the next best option.

The dean.

" Do I really need to ask" Alaric had a sad smile on his face almost as if he were apologizing for his daughter knowing her behavior and their tit for tat wasn't the first nor would it be the last. At least he didn't pretend his daughter was tolerable.
" No but I'm sure your bra-"

Alaric raised an eyebrow.

" Your daughter probably told you a different story".

Alaric sighed eyes shooting to the clock and Penelope honestly wanted the conversation to be done so she could grab some food with MG and get high later. " Look I know you two have had your differences and she can be a handful sometimes-".

Penelope scoffed only to roll her eyes when Alaric gave her a look. " She's just been on edge lately and with Caroline coming back-"
" Wait she is?" Now that got her attention but Alaric was already standing from his seat.
" Actually she should be here soon- Um I'll tell Emma everything's sorted out but no fighting no matter the circumstances, understand?".
" Sure". Penelope didn't even understand why he insisted on having these little conversations with her when it came to Lizzie or why Emma thought putting them together in the same space would work.
———-
" So did you get in trouble?" MG spoke between chews of his sandwich while flipping excitedly through some comic he'd attempt to tell Penelope about but she was all too focused on Josie walking near the entrance beside Lizzie and of course, Gavin.
" Nope" Penelope shrugged popping another fry into her mouth.
" You know it's because he's got a soft spot for you, since you dated Josie and all". Penelope frowned at the mention of her name because every time it came up her mind would go back to the moment if the gym and the feelings that came along with the thought bothered her. Sure as hell didn't help that her friends saw and Hope found every opportunity to mention it.

" I think he just knows Lizzie's the problem"
" She's not that bad Peez" MG shrugged and Penelope sighed knowing his opinion was biased. " It's because you like her" In all honesty whatever MG was saying to defend the diva herself was tuned out as Penelope watched Gavin lean down to kiss Josie and suddenly she regretted coming outside in the first place. " Imma head inside" Penelope was already up off the grass wiping off her skirt and turning back up the steps before MG could say anything else.

Frustrating wasn't the right word. Penelope had seen Josie kiss a handful of boys since they broke up but for some reason seeing her and Gavin got under her skin more than she thought it would. At first Penelope figured Josie would use Gavin to save face and then quickly discard him after everyone forgot about the hickeys, but then Gavin was eating lunch with her and walking her to class and Penelope was slowly realizing that maybe it was becoming more than a cover up.

Penelope's intention had been to smoke up Hope and some friends down near the lake. Classes were over for her, there was no sight of Lizzie to ruin her buzz, and it was looking like a party was happening tonight. She had been halfway to the side door before stopping abruptly at the warm voice calling her name.

" Penelope!"

Penelope didn't even have to turn to know it was Caroline. She wore a warm smile with her suitcase still beside her and a small smile formed on Penelope's lips before looking to the side where Lizzie was quietly seething and she smirked at the sight only to falter at Josie standing beside Gavin. Penelope figured giving a small wave in acknowledgment would do and she pushed on to continue but then Caroline beckoned for her to come over and Penelope glanced to Josie who's eyes widened slightly.

When Penelope got close she was pulled into a warm hug that was hard not to return though she was throughly confused. " It's so good seeing you again Penelope"
"It's nice seeing you too, did you just arrive?"
" Yes the girls greeted me with Josie's friend George"
Penelope stifled a laugh when Josie huffed and shook her head, redness forming on her cheeks. " Gavin mom" she bit out and Penelope watched in amusement as Caroline feigned innocence  barley glancing at the boy before re focusing her attention back to Penelope.

Lizzie did what she did best after not being acknowledged for more than ten seconds, made herself noticed. " I'm sure Penelope has other things to do right?" Her blue eyes shot to Penelope who only rolled her eyes.
" Besides we want to show our mom around and let her get to know Josie's knew boyfriend".

At the emphasis of boyfriend Penelope frowned but she caught the slight look of discomfort on Josie's face and that was enough for her to relax a bit. " I should go though, I'm sure you want to hang out with your daughters" Penelope gave a small smile and Caroline nodded her head before stopping Penelope once more when she turned to leave.
" Have dinner with us tonight "

"Huh!?" Penelope, Lizzie, and Josie all spoke in unison but Caroline simply smiled like it was the perfect idea.
" But Gavin" Lizzie spoke through clenched teeth and Penelope noticed the brief look of un interest that crossed Caroline's features. " Oh yeah, he can come too" her hand waved dismissively, attention shifting back to Penelope. " See you at eight hun".

Penelope nodded, her mouth slightly a gape and confused as to what had just happened. Caroline knew she and Josie weren't together anymore and while Penelope loved Josie's mom and she knew the feelings were revived, Penelope sure as hell didn't expect Caroline to invite her to dinner yet alone greet her in such a warm manner.

Was there something that she was missing?

It wasn't until Penelope reached the lake that she realized how tense dinner was going to be.She had quite literally agreed to having dinner with her ex's parents, her ex, pain in the ass sister, and new boyfriend.

It was truly going to be a mess.