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Please bring her home safe. I forgive her for making a mistake. You know I’ve made plenty. I swear I’ll work to release my anger and guilt towards Hughes. Penelope’s who and what I need. I’m in love with her.
I step into the kitchen and retrieve cold water from the fridge. Memories of last New Year’s Eve flood my system. A chaotic mash of emotions, from rage to grief to hope, keeps my body anxious.
Where the hell is she?
13
Penelope
“You’re a savvy shopper waiting to buy seasonal décor. With the fifty percent discount, your total’s fourteen twenty-three.”
I pull cash from my wallet and the CVS clerk smiles, humming along to Frosty the Snowman.
“Merry Christmas. You should wear a coat in this weather.”
He drops a handful of candy cane flavored Hershey’s kisses in my bag.
“Thanks.”
I don’t want to be alone because I’m feeling sorry for myself. I seek refuge at a nearby Starbucks, and watch last-minute shoppers rush in to buy gift cards. A dozen missed calls and texts from my date add to the weight constricting my chest.
“Miss? I made an extra peppermint mocha. It’s yours, free.”
“Thanks.”
“You look cold. Rough night?”
“Yeah.”
I retrieve the hot beverage from the countertop, wondering how I became so lost. After calling my parents one last time to wish them a good evening, I order a ride home. The barista waves goodbye, and I step into the chilly air.
My body jumps as two vehicles collide at the intersection. The damage is minor, thank goodness. Black ice is forming and I'm guessing neither of them could stop on the limit line.
Damned tears unleash, and I cry as the drivers evaluate the dents. They hug, and I hear the older gentleman express gratitude that everyone’s okay.
Walking out on Bentley was shameful. He’s moving forward after suffering a tragic loss, and I’m licking my stupid wounds. I have loving parents, a safe home, and a potential new job opportunity.
To salvage what’s left of the night, I stopped into CVS after leaving the restaurant. I purchased a small fake tree with plastic ornaments and lights for ten bucks. Seeing the Rudolph tie for $3 made me emotional because I imagined Bentley wearing it..
My driver arrives dressed in a Santa hat and jumps out to open my door. Taking the train of night isn’t smart. At least I made one good decision.
“Merry Christmas, miss.”
“You too.”
He notices my tear-stained face but doesn’t comment. I relay my address and he whisks me home. When I reach for cash as the vehicle stops in front of my building, he shakes his head.
“This sleigh ride’s on me. There’s still time for a Christmas miracle. If you need one.”
“Sure.”
My key inserts into the lock, and I freeze. Someone’s in my apartment. The kitchen light is on. My heels stumble back and the door swings open.
“Thank God.”
Bentley catches me as I slip on the snow.
“Jesus, Penelope. You scared the Scrooge out of me. Are you alright?”
