[ONGOING] NOT JUST PENELOPE

26: Soft Side

ZACH

Clark and I are walking in our dorm towards our room. We just finished our shift at Starbucks today but still, I can't help but think about Penelope.

I pretty sure she was about to cry earlier. That was so odd and weird.

That was something new about her. That was a first. 

And I actually feel bad for her.

"Aw! What is it this time" Clark randomly punched my arm.

"What's wrong with you? After your talk with Penelope, you seem lost. What happened?"

"We did not talk."

Clark stopped walking.

"Why?  Did you two fight again?"

"No." I also stopped walking and turned to him.

"Spill." He placed his hands inside his pockets. He's on his serious mode.

"Penelope ran away. It looks like she is about to cry or something."

"ARE YOU FOR REA-" I covered his mouth .

"What the hell? You're too noisy. People are already sleeping!" I whispered.

He then removed y hands form his mouth, "Why? What did you do?" Clark crossed his arms. 

"No, I didn't do anything to her."

"When why would she cry without any reason? That doesn't sound like Penelope at all." We continued walking.

He's right. What could be the reason? Does it have to do with her boyfriend ditching her again?

"Serious question, though. Do you hate Penelope?" Clark asked.

That was random. 

Also, Hate? That's such a deep word. 

It's not that I hate her, it's just that we both live different lives and it's hard for me to understand where she's coming from.

"I don't hate her." I answered.

"So you like her?"

"I KNEW YOU WERE TRICKING ME!"

"What the hell? You're too noisy. People are already sleeping!"" He imitated my voice as he unlocked our room. 

"Why am I friends with you again? You're crazy."

"You're crazier." He entered the room and threw himself on his bed. "Ugh, today is too stressful! Good thing we're going to party tomorrow." Then he dozed off.

SHIT.

I forgot that the pool party is tomorrow!  

I forgot to call my Aunt I cannot visit them again tomorrow.

This article is taking up too much of my time for myself, school, job and my family. I can't wait to finish his as soon as possible. I miss home. I have to make it up to them big time.

Also, I don't know the details for tomorrow's party. 

Should I just text Penelope now? 

But what if she's asleep?

And if she's awake, is she in the mood to talk to people?

Whatever. Maybe I'll just give her a call tomorrow morning.

I changed my clothes and threw myself to bed.

At least, tonight I learned something new about Penelope.

She for sure does have a soft side.

But I can't dig deeper if she continuously builds up walls and pushes people away.

We have to work together. This is the only way we can both get what we want.

And I need her to open up.

☆☆☆

PENELOPE

Finally, today is Kyle's pool party! I'm up for almost two hours now and I'm currently in my glam room, trying to figure out which among these concealers has the best coverage to hide these dark circles around my eyes.

It's my fault for staying up all night, crying.

Of course, queens can cry too, but make sure no one's watching.

Also, last night was horrible, and I don't want to talk about it. 

It's still  10 am and the party starts at 1 pm, so I've got all the time in the world.

I'm not in the mood to eat breakfast in the dining room today because I'm not ready to see dad yet.

I miss him so much, but I'm not really to see him. I felt betrayed by the sight of him with another woman.

I decided to call the kitchen and inform them that I want to have my breakfast in bed.

After how many rings, finally someone picked it up.

"Yes, Ms. Penelope? Need anything?"

"Can I have my breakfast served in my bed today, please?"

"Yes, Ms. Penelope. We're bringing it to you in a minute."

"Thanks." Then I hung up.

From my glam room, I went back to my bedroom to wait for my breakfast. Thankfully, in less than a minute, a knock came from my door. 

"Come in."

Two maids came in. One was holding a tray with my breakfast and the other one was bringing this bed table and was setting everything up. 

This is what I love about this house. I never have to wait for anything.

"Enjoy your breakfast, Ms. Penelope." They said in chorus. 

Did they practice that before entering here? 

I guess they did.

"Thanks you."

"Do you need something else, Ms.?" One of the them asked.

"Please tell Manong Rod I'm driving today. Just please ask him to prepare my pink Tesla. I'm using that today."

"Okay, Miss." They bowed down and turned to leave.

"Oh, wait." I called and they faced me. "Is dad here?"

"He was, Miss. He went home last night and he went out early today for an important meeting."

"And he is with a guest." the other one added. 

"Okay, thanks. You may leave."

A guest, huh?

Wow, this is disappointing. Dad arrived last night and didn't even bother calling me.

And right know, we were in the same roof, but he didn't come to check on me.

Oh, well, What's new?

I'm used being alone anyway.