HEALING THE SCARS

CHAPTER 46

PENELOPE

We're almost at my place when my phone beeps. I check it and see a text from Eric.

Eric: Good morning, gorgeous.

Me: Good morning.

Eric: I hope you slept well.

Me: I did. Perfect night.

Eric: I slept better because I had the most amazing dream. About you. 😉

Me: Now you have to tell me about it. What on earth was I doing in your dream?

Eric: You were in my bed. And we were having a really good time.

Me: Ooh, my! Must have been a good one. Lol.

Eric: Perfect, actually. I wish it were true. Me and you?

Me: Haha. Only in your dreams. 😉 I don't see that happening in reality.

Eric: Well, dreams come true every now and then. Care to make mine come true?

Me: Uhh, no thanks. 😂

Eric: 😣😣 Sad face over here.

Me: Too bad. Smiley face over here. 😊

Eric: I was thinking that maybe you and I could grab dinner this weekend? I'll be flying to New York for some business meeting, and maybe we could catch up afterward?

"Why are you all smiles? Who are you texting?" Dylan's voice cuts through the air suddenly. He reaches for my phone almost as if he's going to snatch it from me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, Dylan? My phone is mine; you don't see me grabbing yours, do you?" I snap at him, my voice sharp and defensive.

"I apologize. It's a bad habit I'm trying to break. I know I should respect your privacy. It's just... I haven't seen you smile like that in so long, and honestly, I felt jealous. I was just wondering who made you feel that way," he admits, his words catching me off guard.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped like that," I whisper, my own emotions stirring.

"You haven't done anything wrong, Penelope. I'm sorry I disrespected you by trying to take your phone. I have no control over your life and what you choose to do with it," he says. I glance at him briefly before turning my eyes back to the window as we pull into my driveway. I remembered the way in the past he had taken my phone from me twice because he wanted to know what was happening or because he hated my excitement at talking on the phone and the time he told me he hated hearing my voice. So many forgotten memories rush into my head at once and I feel overwhelmed.

"I don't feel too good," I say, suddenly overwhelmed. I hurriedly get out of the car and empty my stomach on the grass. Dylan rushes to me, holding my hair back and offering me a bottle of water.

After a few moments, I sit down, taking small sips of water. I notice Mabel, rushing towards me with a worried expression. She pushes Dylan aside and kneels beside me.

"Are you okay?" they both ask in unison.

"I'm okay. Just got a little car sick," I manage to say, looking up at them. They don't believe me. We eventually head inside the house. I sit on the couch with Mabel while Dylan remains outside, making a few calls.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Mabel asks again, her face etched with concern.

"No. I got the worst memory ever, and I felt like my breath was being cut off. I don't want to talk about it," I say. I notice how pale Mabel looks, her eyes red from crying. I realize, with a pang of guilt, that I've been so wrapped up in my own issues that I haven't been there for her. I move closer and pull her into a tight hug.