Innocence Lost On the Gamble of Love

Innocence Lost On the Gamble of Love: Chapter 9

Penelope was rushing to her bench straight after class. That was her routine. As soon as the school bell rang, she practically jumped out of her seat and zapped herself to the door, flung it open and prepared to battle through the swarm of students so she could meet back up with her friends.

Her friends, however, weren't in such a rush the way Penelope was. They took their time to get out of class, slipping everything into their backpacks after the bell rang which led them to wait for the entire class to slowly barrage through the open door, then they would creep their way through hallways until they finally reached their destination. 

Penelope slammed her bag down on her bench, claiming the spot as her own. For the past two years, she had been fighting over lunch spots with this blonde bimbo who hated her for apparently no reason at all. Penelope was unfazed by it. Nobody liked the blonde anyways, but it was still such an issue to endure the same math class as that arrogant slut. Yes, she was a slut. Liz had shared plenty of scandalous rumors with Penelope about that sleaze bag to last for enough disturbing images than a normal person could ever handle.

Penelope plopped down on her bench and began waiting impatiently. She checked her phone in case any of her friends had sent a text saying that they had to stay after class or something of the sort. None of them had.

Derrick appeared with Ritchie and Adrian on either side of him. Derrick hadn't talked to Adrian since elementary school, but he figured that since they were both a part of Penelope's life, he should become comfortable being around Adrian along with the rest of Penelope's posse.

"If it's any consolation," Ritchie said as they continued walking. 

Derrick looked at his friend, raising his eyebrow. Since when did Ritchie learn the word "consolation"? And know how to use it for that matter?

"I think she's better than Alexa," Ritchie continued. "And maybe Ivy. I'm not sure yet."

Derrick rolled his eyes.

He had been a ball of twine in a cat's claws when it came to Ivy. She enjoyed being the center of attention, like Alexa. But Penelope didn't like the spotlight. She preferred the shadows, and Derrick was more than okay with that.

Penelope looked over at the boys and gave them a small smile. She was constantly on edge, living off the fear of not being accepted by others, worrying that she would not earn their approval. She was always trying to give off a good impression, that's why she always tried so hard to maintain her perfectionist façade.

"How was class?" Derrick asked conversationally.

Penelope shook her head, the recollection of her day in AP English was a bother. "Had to write two timed essays. A synthesis and one on techniques used by the author. Boring."

"I thought you liked writing?"

Penelope smirked. "Yeah, but not when I'm being timed on it, or when I can't use my imagination."

Derrick nodded sympathetically. He admired Penelope for her literacy abilities. He had none.

Penelope stood up and hugged Adrian, greeting him again. She wanted to cherish the time she still had with her friends before graduation...before everything fell apart.

Hannah joined the bench, setting down her black purse and her chemistry notebook. 

"What? I don't get a hug?" Derrick directed towards Penelope, fake hurt coating his endearing voice.

"I...guess," Penelope said with an amused smile before awkwardly putting her arms around Derrick's torso.

She inhaled his scent deeply. There was just something about a boy that smelled so good. Derrick had eagerly wrapped his arms around her, pulling Penelope closer to him. She was so warm.