Penelope went and Josie stayed surrounded by butterflies. She didn't notice Hope coming her way.

''Wow! She has game.''

Josie just gave her a look and started blushing.

''I am thinking it's not the first time Miss Park is doing something like that for you…''

''No, it's not… She would often do things like that…even some more elaborate things than this…''

''I am all ears….''

''No you are not… We are going to bed….''

''Are you sure that you will end up in your bed? Someone's room is just few doors down… You could always get confused and wander into her room.''

Josie rolled her eyes at Hope. It's not far from truth that she did think about getting into Penelope's bed few times, but she always had admirable self-control and managed to stay out of that sort of trouble.

''I am absolutely positive…''

''Ok, if you say so.''

They walked toward the school and Hope had to ask the million dollar question.

''You love her…she loves you… What happened?''

''We broke up. Sometimes, love is not enough.''

''Ok, I can understand that… But why? What happened?''

''She didn't have understanding for the fact that Lizzie needed me too.''

''Hmmm…''

''What?''

''Lizzie conveniently needed you when you stopped needing her all the time… Sounds like weird coincidence. And let me tell you something. There is huge difference between needing your sister and invading all of her time and isolating her.''

''You and Penelope make Izzie sound like a villain.''

''Think about it.''

They continued walking.

''You really think she loves me?''

''Oh, Josie… That girl adores you.''

''Then why did she do all the things she did? Why make out with MJ, constantly appear out of nowhere where I am and say very mean things. Why?''

''Because you notice her when she does some small evil things. You tend to hide from her most of the time.''

''I am not hiding!''

''Ok, you are strategically avoiding any way of seeing her unless you really have to.''

''That is just more complicated way of saying I am hiding.''

''I know…''

Before they entered the building, they run into Landon who was getting ready to leave. Josie felt bad for him. She did vote for him to leave, but she felt bad about it.

''Hope, can I have a minute?''

''Sure…''

Josie said good night and went to her room. She didn't know if she could face Lizzie. She knew Lizzie was angry and hurt, so she hoped her twin would be asleep when she gets there. She was surprised to find locked doors and she was sure she heard someone inside. She knocked, but no one opened. She went to Hope's room, but found it locked too. She looked out from the window, but Landon and Hope were not in front of the school. So, there was only one more place she could go to. Penelope. She knocked at the door and was very surprised to actually get the answer. She was frightened and relived at the same time. Someone opened the door for her. Penelope was still dressed in her dark jeans and white shirt. Her jacket was on the chair and she was barefoot. She was slowly getting ready for bed.

''Josie?''

''I need a place to stay…''

Penelope moved from the door and let the other girl in. She didn't ask anything. She felt Josie was very nervous and she found it very cute. She opened her closet and got Josie's nightgown. She kept it there, but she didn't get much chance to wear it. There was never need for that. Josie was always a good girl, but there was something about Penelope that made her very naughty when no one was watching. If Josie had to pick her vice, it would be Penelope and the way she looked at her. When they were together, she loved those looks and their sneaking around, but now…it was torture to see those chocolate eyes and very familiar smirk. They broke up less than a month ago and she still felt bad about it.

''I'll leave it for you in the bathroom. You have clean towels under the sink and your toothbrush is also under the sink in your vanity case.''

Josie went into the bathroom and exhaled finally. She was holding her breath out of nervousness and fear. She was so scared of being so close to the other girl. And also she felt sort of flattered that Penelope kept her things. She had her nightgown in her closet, vanity case in the bathroom and she also found her shampoo in the back of the bathroom cupboard under the sink. It was so familiar to her, almost too familiar. She took a shower and got ready for bed… She was felling excited and scared since she had to share a bed with Penelope. She opened the door and found Penelope in a simple black cotton nightgown sitting on the bed with a mirror in her hand.

''Staring at yourself? And you say that Lizzie is the wain one…''

''Long or short?''

''What?''

Penelope whispered some word and her hair was almost as long as it was before Josie burned her. But this time she made it a bit longer and with more defined curls.

''Do you like it?''

''It's nice.''

''Nice?''

''Yes, it is nice.''

''I was not going for that.''

''What were you going for?''

''Sexy….''

''You always look sexy… Your hair length will not change it.''

Penelope gave her one of her signature looks.

''You think so?''

''I know so.''

Penelope got up from the bed and went to clear her sofa.

''What are you doing?''

''Making a bed for myself.''

Josie was a bit disappointed. She believed they would sleep together.

''Oh…''

''You can take the bed. I'll sleep there.''

''You don't have to…if you don't want to sleep there. It's uncomfortable.''

''I don't want to make you uncomfortable.''

''It's ok. I promise.''

Penelope got back on the bed. She picked up her favorite plush pillow and made herself comfortable.

''So, what happened? Why are you here Josie?''

''Lizzie locked our door… And I think she was ignoring me.''

''You didn't use any spells to open the door?''

''No, maybe she really needs to be alone? I don't know…''

''And Hope?''

''What about her?''

''I know I am not your first choice…''

Josie smiled at that comment.

''She is with Landon…somewhere…''

''And that left you with poor little me.''

''You were the only person I could stand…aside from Hope.''

''Ok Saltzman, you get to spend the night with this perfection... But I must warn you, hands to yourself…''

''Same goes for you Park. You don't really have reputation as someone who keeps their hands to themselves.''

''And I remember it never bothered you before.''

''True… But that was before. Now…''

''I get it…''

They got under the covers and Penelope turned off the light. As usual, there was small night light by the bathroom door. It was not very strong light, but it still left some possibility for girls to see one another.

''Do you really think I would be good as representative?''

They turned to face one another.

''I don't think… I know… You will be amazing. You care about the people. You have sense for justice and a lot of patience to deal with people. You are responsible and you tend to keep promises you give. You care about people at this school and about the school too. You will do an amazing job because it's in your blood.''

''Why did you get people to vote for me?''

''Because you are best for the job. Fact that we are not together doesn't mean that I would ever deny your qualities. You have many faults, but I would never deny any of the good things about you.''

Josie was glad Penelope said that. She always loved compliments from Penelope. She didn't give them often, but when she did, she was very generous and honest.

''Now it's my turn…''

''What?''

''Why did you burn my jacket and hair?''

''I don't know…''

''Yes, you do…''

''I was angry… You and MJ... How could you ask of him to drink your blood? Are you crazy? My dad would expel you…and him too…''

''I knew you were there and you would stop it. You pretty much followed me everywhere I went.''

Josie was surprised Penelope noticed her that night. She looked like she was having too much fun to notice her.

''Why Penelope?''

She was silent. She didn't even look at Josie. She had so many things to say, but didn't have courage to say them.

''Let's sleep. We have to get up early tomorrow. We have first lesson with your dad.''

''I forgot about that.''

''I know. You are never good at memorizing timetables. I have no idea how you make it to class.''

''At least I make it to class. What is the use of knowing what classes we have if you don't show up all the time.''

''You keep tabs on me?''

''No!''

Penelope had her signature smirk on. So, Josie kept tabs on her. She was too defensive when she teased her. Penelope positions herself on the very edge of the bed and turned her back to Josie. It was time to sleep and she was firm in her decision to keep to her side of the bed and not let anything change that. Josie felt bad. She knew that having Penelope too close would be even bigger temptation than it already was, but she really wanted her close. She didn't dare moving toward the other girl and she kept on her side of the bed too. In the morning Josie woke up to an empty bed. Penelope was not there. She heard water in the bathroom and she guessed Penelope was getting ready. Few moments after Penelope emerged from the bathroom dressed in black pants and white uniform shirt. Her hair was braided and she had light makeup.

'' Good morning stranger…''

''Good morning Penelope.''

Josie got dressed in the bathroom and now it was time for her to go back to the real world. She had to face her sister now.

'' I have to get to my room and change before breakfast.''

''See you at class.''

''See you.''

Josie was at the door.

''P, thank you for last night.''

''Any time Joe.''

She sneaked out of Penelope's room and the first person she run into was Hope.

''Do I want to know?''

''It's not what you think. I promise.''

''Now, I am curious.''

''Lizzie locked our door. You were not in your room and if I went to dad…''

''That would cause chaos with Lizzie….''

''So, that was the only place I could sleep at.''

''Ok. And how was it?''

''What?''

''Night with Penelope?''

''It was…nice… But nothing happened. Don't give me that look.''

''Ok, if you say so.''

''I promise.''

''Ok…''

Josie got to her room and took a deep breath. It was time to face her sister. She opened the door and found Lizzie picking what to wear.

''Good morning Josie.''

She didn't expect that greeting.

''Good morning Lizzie…''

''It's our birthday. This day is amazing. I can't wait for the presents. I wonder what dad got us?"

''I don't know. I haven't asked him for anything.''

''I sent him a list of things I want.''

Josie surprised herself with the comment she mumbled.

''Why am I not surprised?''

She was glad her sister didn't pick that up.

''I must pick something perfect to put on.''

''Ok… What would you like to wear?''

''Your black dress.''

''What black dress?''

''Uniform dress. That sexy, black one. As a matter of fact, I am still surprised you would pick something like that. It's too sexy for your taste.''

Oh, that dress. It was actually not Josie's dress. It was Penelope's but she never told that to Lizzie. She borrowed it one morning after two of them woke up late due to some…night activities…and she didn't have time to go back to their room and change into something of her own. Later she kept it because it reminded her of Penelope and night they had. Lizzie believed it was something Josie ordered by mistake. She didn't use it much, but it was agreed that it was very sexy uniform.

''Why do you want that dress?''

''I have to look hot…for my boyfriend.''

''Boyfriend?''

''Yes, Raphael… We had sex last night.''

''Sex…?''

''Yes, that's what two people do when they are in love.''

''I believed it was called making love. Sex is just a physical act.''

''Fine, we made love….''

''You had time to fall in love?''

''Yes, it was love at first sight. So, from some distance, I think it is good that you got the seat at the council. I would never have enough time for it now, all the people suffocating me with their problems. Now, since I am in a relationship all I would have time for is my boyfriend and school work. I am happy for you. Now you will finally have something to occupy your time. I would be busy with my boyfriend and you will have something to do.''

Josie felt like someone kicked her in the gut. So, Penelope didn't lie to her. She was right about her sister. Lizzie grabbed the dress, black uniform jacket and went to get ready. Josie changed very quickly and went for breakfast. She took her usual seat and Raphael joined her.

''I'm sorry for what I said to you last night. It's not your fault that Landon went. You and Hope were right. I had no right to keep him here if he felt unsafe. But it's just…''

''I get it. Don't worry…''

Lizzie shower up and found her sister eating with Raphael. She went to them right away. She kissed Raphael in front of everyone and it was clear to Josie he felt very uncomfortable.

''Good morning boyfriend.''

Raphael look uncomfortable and like he would like to be anywhere but at the place he was at.

''Good morning Lizzie.''

He turned to Josie and gave her sad and apologetic look.

''I must leave. I have meeting with the pack. See you at math.''

''See you later.''

Some of the girls joined them at the table when he left. They wanted all the fresh gossip and the surrounded Lizzie and started asking questions. Josie felt uncomfortable listening to her sister. She was very aware that most of that relationship was in Lizzie's head. Raphael was angry and maybe that was the reason for him to have sex with her. He had to blow off the steam and she was there, offering herself to him. Josie knew her sister good enough to read between the lines. She didn't see Penelope in the dining hall. She wondered where she went and why did she skip the breakfast. She went to classroom and waited for her dad to come and give lesson in history of magic and magical creatures. Lizzie showed up soon after Josie, surrounded by the girls listening to her story about her and Raphael. Josie noticed that Penelope didn't come yet. Now she was worried where the other girl was. Her dad was about to enter the classroom and Penelope was not there. She entered the room as Doctor Saltzman was coming. Josie was relieved to see her enter the room.

''Last minute Miss Park.''

''I'm sorry. I got detained.''

''Please, make sure you are on time. I don't like my students coming late.''

''I'll make sure to be there on time.''

Penelope scanned the room and had very surprised face when she realized what Lizzie was wearing. She gave meaningful look to Jose who just shook her head. Class was very boring and almost all of the students couldn't wait for it to end. When it was finally over, they got out and started walking to the next one. Day was so slow and Josie had zero concertation. Her mind was wondering between Penelope and what was happening with Lizzie.

She didn't get to see Lizzie until lunch. She was still surrounded by girls who wanted to hear about her and Raphael. Josie realized that many of the girls didn't believe her, but let her talk just to make fun of her behind her back. She was making a fool of herself. Hope joined them, but she was also very quiet listening to Lizzie's ramblings. She just gave Josie few looks of understanding and compassion. Josie's thoughts were interrupted by two underclassman. They came with big bunch of dark purple roses with silver butterflies in them. They were tied with black sating sash.

''Happy birthday Josie… This is for you from your secret admirer.''

That got entire table intrigued. She knew right away who sent the flowers. That shade of purple could have only been Penelope tempering with blood red roses. She did it few times for her and she had those roses pressed and hidden in her journal. In the roses was a message too. Before she got to it, Lizzie took it to see who sent her sister flowers. She was jealous. Josie took attention away from her. She was angry since she had no idea who it came from. It was not signed. It was written in amazing calligraphy and it smelled nice.

"I know. I have no hope that I shall ever call you mine, Estella. I am ignorant what may become of me very soon, how poor I may be, or where I may go. Still, I love you. I have loved you since I first saw you in this house."

''This is stupid. It's not for you. It's not your name…''

Josie took her card and finally had chance to see what was written. There was a small smile on her face. Hope sneaked a peak and just lifted her brow.

''Wow! ''Great expectations''? Classy… Someone does their reading….''

Josie just smiled and blushed. Lizzie looked at them a bit confused and later that confusion grew into anger. Hope and Josie knew who sent the flowers and had no intention of telling her anything. Josie didn't say anything because she was looking for Penelope. She found Penelope standing in the corner with some classmates. She felt Josie's eyes on her. She looked at Josie and winked at her.

''Why are you excited about those flowers. They are not for you. They are for some other girl… But I don't know any Estella here.''

Josie didn't listen to her sister and Hope just rolled her eyes.

''It's a quote from the book. That's why it's not your sister's name. Whoever sent that, knows what Josie loves.''

''Oh, another nerd!''

She turned away from them and went to the bathroom.

''So, will you thank the ''secret admirer''? ''

''Later… Now it's not time or place…. I'll take my roses to the room.''

Hope walked with her to the room and she felt glad that Josie and Penelope were finding their way back to one another.