Penny had to abandon all she thought she knew about Riele's character, because there was no way she could ever get this feeling wrong.
Riele, what did you do?, she asked quietly , fear clear in her tone as she slowly rose from the swing she had been gripping tightly. I'm sorry, I had to do it, please just hear him out, she yelled and ran into the darkness as Steven came closer, Riele, wait don't leave me here, she took shaky breath's as she screamed.
What do you want from me?, she backed up right into the swing as he casually strolled towards her with a warm but scary smile playing on his face. Don't be so scared of me, please, we used to be best buddies, remember?, where did those days go, he squatted and leaned in to face her, causing her to shrug back frightened. Please Pen, he proceeded to hold her dead cold hand, I'm not asking for much, he giggled, I just want us to be friends again, do you think we could go back to being super close again huh, just tell me what do you think, it's a good idea right. Yes, it is, she nodded forcing a smile, too scared to oppose any of his propositions. Yes that's great, we can just be friends again, and let life lead us where ever, he pulled her closer, hugging her head as she sat as still as she could on the swing, he caressed her hair slowly, a satisfied smirk plastered on his face. He couldn't be less bothered about how terrified she was, he had been waiting to do that for too long now.
She gasped, suddenly pulled forward as Steven was pulled back by some force. Patty?, she whispered breaking into sobs, Patrick on seeing the state she was in pounced on Steven who still layed in the sand. Are you crazy, I let you off the first time because you were a minor, and you have the nerves to try this again, it's clear you'll still persist so I have to shut you up for good, he said in between punches.
Patty?, Penny wiped her tears rushing towards him upon understanding her surroundings. Patty stop it, you'll kill him, she cried, that's my intention, he has to die for you to live freely. Penny was scared, he had a fierce look in his eyes that she had never seen before, it looked as though he would indeed take Steven's life.
Patrick's punch stopped midway, Steven who was half conscious had his head dangling towards the ground as Patrick held him up firmly by his collar. Please, stop it Patty, this isn't you, Penny sobbed as she hugged him tightly from behind, let's just go home please I'm scared, she sniffled, her breath unsteady. Patrick's hand shivered in the air, his eyes softening, he's anger clearing up a bit on seeing Penny like that. It's fine, you're okay, I'm here now, he turned to hug her after letting Steven go, patting her bacn as she sobbed and gasped for air.
Steven, they heard Riele scream as she ran towards him, squatting down not knowing if to touch him or not. What did you do to him, why would you beat him up so badly, she turned to yell at Patrick, who stood and turned to face her, Penny clinging onto his arm. I should be asking you what you were planning on doing to Penny, you're a terrible person I hope you know that, even after knowing he disrupted her life, you helped him meet her again, he continued confused and disgusted. Even after knowing he's the cause of her nightmares you… there's no use in talking to you, let's go Penny.
Ugh, Penny this Penny that, she shrieked, I'm sick and tired of hearing your name Penelope, why don't you just disappear from my life. Why must you take Jackson, Steven and Patrick for yourself, why can't you let me have Steven, why does the world have to revolve around you, ever since I met you, Penny this Penny that I'm sick and tired of you. You knew I liked Steven ever since I transferred, and you didn't like him like that, but did you let me have him, no, you just had to keep him wrapped around your finger. Riele, Penny scoffed speechless, just leave, she yelled, if possible never show up in front of me again, she rushed back to Steven dialing 911. Come on Penny let's leave, Patrick held her back as she turned to go back to Riele.
Penny sat across from Patrick covered in a blanket with hot cocoa in hand, although it was summer and a heatwave was something running large, the shocking events of the night left her blood cold.
I don't, I can't, I don't even know what to say, she broke into sobs, she was there with me during hard times, she was my only friend, the sister I never had, someone who I told all my worries and she told hers, and that's what she… Penny stopped and looked the other way trying to stop the tears. Patrick's heart was broken seeing Penny like this, even after what happened between her and Steven she wasn't this hurt, Riele's betrayal and words must have really hurt her. I'm sorry Patty, I don't want to be alone tonight, can I sleep in your room, she finally said after half an hour of silence.
Patty, hm, you're my only true friend, you're the one person I know will never betray me, I hope we stay friends forever. Me too, he forced himself to say from the couch, Penny had begged him to sleep in the bed with her, but he couldn't take any chances with how touchy she was, and she was way too heart broken for him to be thinking about that.
Good morning Patty, she sat up and stretched her arms yawning, getting ready for work already?, yh morning, he replied shuffling around getting dressed. Breakfast is set, you can sleep in if you want, you don't need to come into work today, okay, she smiled not even wanting to protest. Patrick smiled warmly at her after he was done dressing, pushing her hair back and giving her a warm peck on the forehead. Don't wait up for me I'll be back late today, why?, her expression switched from happy/relaxed to scared/worried are you tired of me like Riele and Jackson. Why would you say that, Patrick noticed the look on her face, I can never get tired of you, he pushed the stray hairs behind her ear and caressed her cheek, you're the one person that I can't live without. Her sad eyes twinkled as they stared into his, he could feel his heartbeat growing faster as he stared into the eyes of his forbidden love, I just have a date with Maddie, he explained and rushed out before he could do anything more.
Slow down, she called out smiling as he stumbled towards the front door, the ignition turned on and he drove off, Penny fell back into the bed taking in the flowery scent of the sheets. She gasped as her eyes shot open in realization, date with Maddie?, she jumped up, her head snapping towards the door.