Laura strolled towards the cafeteria to get some coffee, she halted, the smile faded from her face, upon hearing what her coworkers were saying about her.
"I'm sure she must be sleeping with the boss, she's always lingering around him and acting cute". Yh, I'm quite surprised, I didn't expect that type of behavior from someone her age, she probably wants to suck him dry, or use him as a replacement for her husband that ran away or something. The other coworker added, and the three erupted in laughter, that's so sad, they laughed again.
Yes, she knew these kinds of comments were coming, it was only a matter of time, especially after what happened the day Estella resigned.
She decided not to confront the matter since she didn't even know where she stood with the boss, while trying to back away she stumbled and fell to the floor, calling their attention. Hey Laura are you fine, they helped her up, were you listening to us, if you were we were just joking, one stated and giggled, the rest concurred and giggled along. Really?, Laura asked, her innocent look turning to a pissed one, a bit annoyed about how they just denied it after trying to ruin her name.
Do you guys know you can be arrested for work place bullying, Mr Wayne strolled in with his hands inside his pockets, the three along with Laura greeting him. I heard what you three just said about Laura, and how you tried to deny it, he seethed, sorry sir, please forgive us, we promise it won't happen again, they began pleading. The thing is, you guys got everything completely wrong, she's not pursuing me, it's the other way round, he pulled Laura in by her waist, resulting it soft gasps from both Laura and the coworkers, she looked up in awe to see that he was truly concerned and upset about what he just heard. I love her, and I want her to be my wife, so next time you decide to spread news, get your story straight, if I ever see or hear anyone bullying her, that person will be fired. Mr Wayne took Laura's hand in his and headed to his office, Laura staring at him wide eyes burning bright red after hearing what he said, her coworkers still yelling out apologies from behind. As he pulled her along to his office after being so cool, she realized she finally found someone new, she was finally in love again, and maybe this one wasn't going to have such a bad ending.
Why did Pen go along with her parents, Steven stormed in demanding an answer, I already couldn't go close to her, and now you guys don't even want me to see her, he yelled. If you're done, get out of my office, Patrick sounded quite cold, as he carried on with his work. Sure, she can't be mine anymore, but she will definitely never be yours either, he banged the door on his way out. Patrick stared at the door after he left, what did he mean by that, did Steven know that he liked Penny all this time.
The days seemed to go extremely slow for Patrick since Penny left, he was counting down the days to her arrival even though he had no idea when that was. At first, he and Penny would do video calls almost every day, he lived for those moments where he'd see her happy face, as she explained the day she had, and the scary bugs she'd encounter, he only got sad as they would talk less and less, until they rarely talked at all. Anytime he'd call she would be to busy.
At that time his mom had already gotten married to Mr Wayne and moved out. He was so happy for his mom, they both retired and got married, she was finally getting a kind, rich, loving husband, who'd always be there for her and care for her, she was getting what she deserved, but he couldn't deny how lonely he was getting.
Shortly after Penelope moved, he quit his job at the school, and went to school for his masters, also getting his PhD in a nearby school that didn't require him to leave town. He had bought a building and started a small clinic, diving into work completely, anything to make him forget the pain he had in his heart. After being nagged over and over, he had a few girlfriends, but none of them lasted more than three weeks, no matter what he always had Penelope on his mind. He'd remember how Jackson up and went to Australia after her as soon as he was done with high school for college, then he'd hope and pray to get the news of their break up.
Six years after this mental and physical torture, finally his dear Penny was coming back. Even though he was probably going to see that cheeky Jackson smiling with his hand in hers at the airport, he couldn't wait to see her. Patrick couldn't contain his joy, he made a mess of his wardrobe looking for the perfect outfit, finally picking out grey pants, a white shirt and a jacket. Combing his hair, and shaving his beards, bathing himself in his most expensive cologne, as he hoped outside, the cold air soothed him, he could already feel Penny next to him.
Did you clean my old room, for what, Patrick took a break from shivering with excitement and asked. For Penelope of course, why would I, isn't she staying with her parents, his brows furrowed. Laura smiled mischievously, her dad wants to wrap up something's before coming back, so she's coming with her mom, Estella wants to stay with me, but what would Penny possibly be doing living with a bunch of old people, so I suggested she stay with you. Or would you prefer she stays with Jackson, no, Patrick cut his mom off, I'll clean it. They're here, Laura squealed and waved at Estella, Patrick scowled as the first person he saw was thta pesky Jackson, with his sister by his side.
His frown turned upside down, his heart began to race, he could suddenly hear birds chirping and Angels vocalizing, as Penelope emerged beside him. She waved at them from afar, he waved back, smiling like a fool at this point, literally seeing Angelic light behind her, she had blue jeans on, with a striped top, and black glasses on her hair that pushed her hair back, holding her jacket in hand.Patrick instinctively opened his arms, ready for a hug, as she came closer.
Aunty, Penelope ran right past Patrick her hair hitting his face, straight to Laura. Everyone gasped clearly shocked at what just happened, it wasn't a secret how close they were, so if she were to run to someone like that it'd definitely be Patrick, or so they thought. As Patrick inhaled that familiar scent that swept right by him, and those bouncy choco curls hitting him in the face, even though his arms were wide open and ready for a hug. He realized, Penelope had outgrown him up to the point that she didn't even acknowledge him anymore.