HEALING THE SCARS

CHAPTER 32

PENELOPE

I feel overwhelmed. The stress is suffocating, and the question echoes in my mind—why me? What did I do to deserve this? Is it karma, catching up with me? I struggle to make sense of it all.

I need to talk to Mabel. She has to be around somewhere. Is she still asleep in the guest house? Did Joey leave? My thoughts race as I head towards the guest wing. I knock on the door but receive no response. The silence makes me anxious. I twist the lock and push the door open.

There she is, sound asleep. I can't wait any longer. I need her now. I jump onto the bed and yank the sheets away. "Get up, lazyhead! We have a long day ahead."

"Mmm, Penelope, no! I need to sleep, please," she mumbles groggily, her voice thick with exhaustion.

"No, Mabel! Please, I need you!" My voice cracks with desperation.

She groans, "Ugh, I hate you, P. Get out!"

"I'm not leaving until you wake up. It's urgent." My voice trembles with sadness. "Dylan wants to take Jason away from me."

Mabel's eyes snap open. She quickly sits up, her face a mask of concern. "Wait, is that the shower running?" I glance towards the bathroom door and then back at her.

"Mabel, did Joey spend the night here?" I ask, my voice low but urgent.

Mabel's cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Yeah, he did," she admits, biting her lip.

"Are you embarrassed? He's your husband. You should feel free to be with him," I say, trying to lighten the mood. I force a laugh, hoping it will ease her discomfort. "I'm actually happy for you. You said it's been two years since you last slept in the same bed? This is a step forward."

Mabel's eyes fill with tears, and she wipes them away quickly. "Penelope, it's just... it's hard to understand. Joey and I aren't happy anymore. This was the first time we've had sex in two years. It was drunk sex. It was good, but I feel so guilty. I slept with another man, P."

I pull her into a tight hug. "Don't be sad, Mabel. Things will work out. You love him, right?"

"Yeah. He's my world," she says, her voice breaking.

"Then don't worry. You'll be okay. Love takes time to heal, but it's strong."

"Thank you, P. But what happened last night? Joey pulled me out and said we needed to give you space. Why does Dylan want to take Jason away from you?"

I hesitate, frustration and exhaustion etched on my face. "Let's not talk about me right now. We need to focus on you." Mabel nods, her gaze softening.

"Okay. But you should know, Joey's really mad at both of us. We haven't even talked about what happened. He's furious. You should leave before he comes out of the bathroom."

"Okay. Get ready. I'll fill you in on everything that happened yesterday," I say, heading for the door.

In the backyard, I check on the birthday preparations. The venue is stunning—glittering lights hang from the trees, and tables are draped in white with vibrant floral centerpieces. The air is filled with the scent of fresh flowers and the soft murmur of the planners arranging the final touches.

I spot Dave, the birthday planner, adjusting a centerpiece. "Seems like everything is going according to plan, Dave?" I ask, trying to keep my mood light despite the turmoil inside me.

"Good morning, Miss Penelope. Everything is almost done," he replies, his smile genuine. Dave has a knack for making even the most challenging days a bit brighter. "Might I say, you have excellent taste in nightgowns? The color really suits you."