[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

7: Long Time Crush

PENELOPE

The bell rang.

Finally! It's dismissal time! This day is about to END. This is probably the WORST day of my life. I wasn't able to concentrate from my afternoon classes because of everything that happened in the morning.

"Hey, Penelope! Let's go shopping." Vanessa suggested. 

That sounds like a good idea. I just have to unwind things and shopping is the best solution!

"Okay. I just have to make a call first." They nodded.

"We'll wait for you outside." Trixie said. She seemed happier now. I think Vanessa was right. She was able to move on easily. She probably got a new man overnight or something.

I dialed my father's number. I think he can do something about my Campus Queen Campaign. He knows how long I've been waiting for this moment. There's no way he's not going to help me.

*Calling Daddy*

He answered it after three rings. "Sweetie? Are you okay? Is everything fine?" he asked.

"Oh, I'm okay Dad." I answered. "But I think I'm going to need some help."

"Anything for my baby. Go on spill."

"Dad, you know that I'm joining the Campus Queen Pageant, right? I mentioned it to you yesterday."

"Hmm... Uh-huh." He nodded. I heard someone from the other line calling him. "Oh, sorry sweetie. Our meeting is about to start in five minutes. This is a very important deal. We have to get it." He explained.

"I'll be fast, Dad. I swear."

"Go on. Spill, sweetie." he said it quickly, it seems like he's not really listening anymore. He seems to be talking to someone.

"Dad? Can I borrow your marketing team? I mean, you know? I'll need some people to do work for me. For the tarpaulins, posters, pins, and t-shirt?" I asked, crossing my fingers. 

Please say yes, dad! Please say yes, dad!

"Sweetie, as much as I wanted to, I can't. The marketing team and all my other teams are really busy. We are working on this really big deal and then we still have 2 other big deals to close." 

I can't help but feel disappointed. 

"But, I cannot do all these alone, dad." I insisted.

"You're a smart girl. I know that. I'm sure you'll find a way." Someone called him again from the other line. "I have to go, baby. Take care." Then he hung up.

So it's just me again? I'm so sick of this!

I texted Manong Rod that I'm going somewhere else and I'll be going home late. Then, I went outside.

It's shopping time baby! Time to unwind the negative vibes away!

☆☆☆

ZACH

"Finally! My shift's done!" 

I stretched my arms up high. This day was loaded since it's Friday. And Thank God, I'm done here!

"Hey, Clark. I'll wait for you outside." I went outside the shop and strolled in the mall for a while.

I was about to enter the National Bookstore, but then I saw someone that caught my attention. 

It's Zia Veronica Yap. 

My long time crush! We study in the same school but I never had a chance to have a conversation with her.

Maybe this is the right time! 

I have to talk to her! 

But what would I tell her?

Hi I'm Zach.
Hmm. Too simple

Hi I'm Zach. I'm your admirer.

Sounds so cheesy.

Hey, Zia. Right? I'm Zach and I like you.
Hmmm. Too straightforward. Erase!

"YOOO!" I jumped in surprise!

"What's wrong with you?" I asked Clark. 

I was planning to talk to Zia and he just ruined my timing! 

I turned my head back to where I saw Zia standing. She's gone now!

"Yo, Bro! Listen!" I faced Clark.

"WHAT?" I raised my voice. 

I'm frustrated! I just missed the chance to talk to my crush. That was too close!

"Penelope is here!" He whispered. He seems so excited.

"So?" I started walking while he followed behind me. 

Where is Zia? 

"What? Really? That's it? You're not excited or happy at all?" He asked while I just shrugged and continued walking. 

"Bro, this is for your article. Remember?" I suddenly stopped walking as soon as I heard the word Article.

I faced him and eagerly said, "Okay. Shoot. Tell me what to do."