The letter

Chapter 4

Thomas, Derek and Penelope spent a long time talking about Kevin, Derek learned a lot more about Kevin and Penelope felt bad for not telling Derek a little more about Kevin, he seemed surprised and a little confused at some things they said and the stories they told about Kevin.

At 11pm Thomas decided it was time for him to leave and go home to get some sleep because he had to be at work early in the morning. Derek and Penelope said they would stay in touch, Derek had learned to like Kevin a little more and he liked Thomas, he was a nice guy too.

Derek stayed for a bit until they were both yawning. He said, 'I should get going then baby girl its been a long day and your tired. I can come see you tomorrow' although he had no wish to leave her.

Penelope sat up quickly from her place and shook her head. She looked sad and worried. 'Please don't leave, can you stay just for tonight, please' she begged with pleading was relieved and nodded his head yes. 'Yeah ok baby girl.' He smiled at her then kissed her head. She smiled back gratefully and said 'thanks baby that means a lot to me'.

'No problem baby girl.' He hugged her and then put her back in her original position. Her back against his chest. They decided to put the tv on and see if anything interesting was on. They turned on the news and started talking instead. They always started talking about nothing when they were watching something. It was either talking or them in their own world, pretending they were watching.

They didn't hang out as much at first when Penelope and Kevin first got together, Derek didn't really want to hear about their relationship and how "sweet" she thought Kevin was. Now he wished he asked a bit more about Kevin and not only if he was treating her right.

'Are you okay baby girl?' Derek asked suddenly, concerned for her.

Penelope shrugged and said 'I will be, I guess but now all I need is you here. I feel better but I'm sad.' She hugged him even more feeling warm from Derek's presence and comfort.

'That's understandable baby girl. If there is anything you need or anything you want just tell me ok baby' He told her knowing she was sad.

Penelope just nodded and said 'the only thing I want and need is you'.

'I need you to baby girl' Derek said and kissed her head again. He felt her smile against his chest.

She soon fell asleep with Derek's arms wrapped around her tightly. She loved the feeling and fell asleep with a smile on her face. It had been a tough day for her.

Derek noticed her even breathing soon after she fell asleep. He didn't want to let her go just yet. He held for another ten minutes or so and then got up carefully. He carried her bridal style to her room and tucked her in bed. He stroked some her out of her face and kissed her cheek.

She woke up a little and said tiredly 'please stay here.' She pointed her head downwards next to her. Derek gulped visibly and his eyes went wide. 'err… sure baby girl' he said a little uncomfortable. How was he going to sleep next to the woman he was in love with, being so close to her like that would drive him insane and keep him up all night.

He took his top of and climbed into bed next to her. He got comfortable and then she moved her head and put it on his chest listening to his heartbeat. She fell asleep five minutes later, extremely comfortable.

Derek however stayed awake for a little while longer just watching Penelope sleep peacefully. He loved the look of peace on her face. She was so beautiful. She lightened his life.

Derek fell asleep soon after that. He woke up though with a very fast beating heart when he started dreaming about Buford. He tried not to bolt up but he couldn't help it if he had a nightmare. He was breathing heavily and Penelope started to wake up. He grimaced slightly. He wasn't meant to wake Penelope up. He had no control over his body when he had nightmares.

Penelope sat up and rubbed her eyes tiredly. She looked at him and saw he was breathing heavily. 'Did you have another nightmare baby?' she asked tiredly.

He looked at her and said 'don't worry baby girl, go back to sleep. I'm still here, I'm not going anywhere' she looked at him and glared.

'I know that Derek but I was asking if you had a nightmare, not if you were going' she told him. He opened his mouth to protest but he saw her stare and quickly changed his mind.

He sighed and said 'ok yes I did have a nightmare but, you see I am perfectly fine. Lets go back to sleep baby girl.' He smiled slightly at her. Silently begging her to just drop it.

She sighed and nodded. 'Ok but tell me in the morning.' She said softly and kissed his cheek. He grinned at her in response and lay back down. She put her head on his chest and her hand on his tummy.

'Oh god not there' groaned internally. She looked at him and frowned, 'what did you say hot stuff?' his eyes widened as he realised he said that out loud, he said 'oh nothing baby girl, just a little ticklish.' He smiled. She laughed and stroked his tummy. He closed his eyes and held his breath. He heard her laugh at him more and then opened one eye. 'you really find that funny baby girl?' she only laughed in response then put her hand on top of his. They both fell asleep with smiles on their faces.