DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANYTHING

AN: Hi people! Thanks a lot for your reviews, favorites and alerts. I'm glad you want more of this very angsty one-shot, here is the second chapter :P

-NEVER MIND-

Penelope knew she was being stupid. She was aware of that weak point that made her fall surrendered at the feet of Derek Morgan. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, how could he have such an effect on her soul after two years?

She took a big gulp of air, closing her eyes. Her heart was still beating madly inside her chest, and her hands would not stop shaking. "Damn you, Morgan!"

Her life was perfect. Her heart had been healed. She had a good job, a pretty house, a wonderful family. She had Robert and Jay. So why her life seemed so empty?. Penelope dropped her gaze on her left hand, watching her silver ring. She read the inscription, "Forever". A sad smile sailed across her lips. Yeah, forever.

Then she wondered if Derek kept his friendship ring. After all, the stupid idea of buying these rings was his. The loud sound of thunder startled Penelope. With a sigh, she returned to starting the car ...

"I'm home, boys!" Penelope cried with a bright smile on her face

Robert left the kitchen, taking off his green headphones from his ears. "Hey, Penny!" he replied with vibrancy, approaching her and kissing her cheek. "I cooked mac n cheese for lunch"

"Oh, my little chef" she said, entering the kitchen.

Robert rolled his eyes up and shook his head. "I'm seventeen. I stopped being a little kid years ago"

Penelope took a bite of pasta and closed her eyes with delight. The truth is that this guy could cook. Like his mom. She felt a pang of sadness, remembering her best friend. Katie was her rock when her whole world collapsed at her feet. She was a fighter, able to see the light in the darkest place. Until cancer took away her life. Her two sons were left orphans, helpless in a world where there was no place for them. Robert feared being separated from his little brother, and Penelope knew the boy had good reason to be afraid. Jay was just a three years old little boy, any couple would be willing to adopting him. But for a teenager, the adoption was not that easy. But Katie didn't want her children to live apart from each other. So, months prior to her death, Katie managed all the necessary papers for them. And Penelope was delighted to become their second mom.

"This is delicious, congratulations, kid"

The boy's blue eyes shone with fun "You're welcome, ma'am"

"Come on now, I'm still a beautiful young woman" she said, tapping his shoulder.

"That's true"

Robert crossed his arms, leaning in the doorway of the kitchen. He watched Penelope, reading every gesture. Then he let out a soft laugh and ran his hand through his blond hair, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, why?" she asked with indifference, stirring constantly her pasta.

"You're nearly crying" Robert said, arching an eyebrow, "Have you been crying?"

She rested her hands on the table and looked down. That was not the right time for an emotional moment, with her tears and all its romantic depression. But Penelope couldn't help the feeling. She just couldn't help feeling sorry for herself, knowing that her life was tied to a man who never actually loved her. "I don't cry"

But her voice sounded so weak and unconvincing. She was crashing again, as two years ago. He was not a happy man, as she had wished so many times. But ironically, his sadness not alleviated her pain. A tear started down her cheek, and she closed her eyes, trying to drown out all others.

"Whoever he is" Robert said fiercely "He doesn't deserve your tears. Because if this guy is worthy, he couldn't make you cry"

"Are you sad, Penny?" Jay asked with his beautiful brown eyes filled with concern. Penelope smiled and approached the little boy.

"It's nothing, my sweet prince," she said, kissing his forehead and stroking his black curls

"It's raining a lot," he said "There's thunder"

Penelope hugged Jay, seating him on her lap "Don't worry, sweetie. Our house is a safe place"

-NEVER MIND-

There are times when it is not worth fighting. Sometimes it's best to give up and leave. But Derek Morgan was a too stubborn man. At that very moment, as the rain soaked his clothes, he tried to convince himself that it was time to stop being a coward.

He was still in front of her door, hoping to find the strength to step forward. The storm didn't stop, and he felt the cold seeping into his bones. Derek closed his eyes for a few seconds, allowing water to clarify all his thoughts. He couldn't lose her. Not again. Then his hand hit the door.

"I'm coming!" a sweet voice said "One moment, please"

Penelope opened the door with a smile, ready to welcome her guest. But her smile faded from her face as soon as she saw a drenched Derek Morgan before her. The water got all over his face, droplets came down like a river through his clothes. "What are you doing here?" she asked with a frown, totally shocked, "How did you find me?"

"I followed you" he replied with bated breath "I couldn't let you go again"

She blinked several times. He ran his hand over his face trying to clear his vision. He stood before her door, without saying a word. She knew he was waiting for permission to come into her house. But that would not happen. "It's raining, go home"

"I'm not going anywhere," he said stubbornly, "I have to talk to you"

"You're soaked"

"I don't fucking care"

"Go away, Morgan" she snapped, looking at his eyes "There is nothing to talk between us. Don't want you in my life. I accepted your decision, without insisting. You do the same, please"

Derek swallowed hard and took a few steps back, still staring at Penelope. He reached inside his shirt and showed her a necklace. She immediately recognized the ring that hung from his neck.

"Forever," he whispered slowly, approaching her, "I do not pretend to delete my mistakes, Penelope. I'm not here to get into your bed, or to regain the place I lost. I just want us to be friends again"

"I don't-"

"I'm not going anywhere without you"

I don't mind spending every day out on your corner in the pouring rain, look for the girl with the broke smile...(She will be loved, MAROON 5)