Josie woke up first and watched Penelope sleep. She started thinking about the time they were not together and how much she missed her and how mean Penelope was to her. Penelope woke up when she felt Josie looking at her. Penelope noticed Josie was not in the mood.
''What's wrong?''
''Why did you break up with me?''
''What?''
''Few months ago… Why did you do it?''
''Josie…''
That was not the conversation Penelope whated to have after the amazing night they had. She finally jad a feeling that they left the past behind and now Josie wanted to talk about this.
''Please… Please… I need to know… And I need you to be honest.''
Penelope was silent and just looked away.
''I… I felt like I didn't matter… Like I would always be on the back burner compared to Lizzie… That you would never pick me…or even yourself.''
''But I loved you… I did.''
''I know you did…and that you do…But at that time I felt more like we were hooking up, than like we were together… And then it happened. We got to the stage when it felt like relationship, when we were spending time together, going out, doing things as couple… and I was happy. I had a feeling like we were finally getting somewhere. And then Lizzie's tantrums came…and I am pretty sure some of them were faked so that you would give her your undivided attention…''
Josie was a bit insulted to hear that Penelope believes Lizzie would fake it.
''Come on JoJo… You saw what she can do… Tell me do you really believe it was all honest and real?''
Josie had to think. She was not sure what to think. She was scared to let her mind wonder into territory of what Lizzie lied about to get my attention. Penelope turned to see Josie and pulled her into her arms.
''What got this topic to come out? Are you having some doubts about my feelings?''
''You said you loved me, but it didn't stop you from leaving…making out with MG and making sure I am miserable.''
''I was miserable too… You turned us into a tiresome…very unsexy one if I may add. I really started expecting Lizzie to show up in our bed.''
Josie made very disgusted face.
''Don't look at me like that. You know she was jumping out of the closet pretty much. We had five seconds alone before she would call, show up or need you urgently…''
Penelope was right and Josie had to give it to her. She started thinking how would she feel if Hope did things Lizzie did? Would she put up with that or leave Penelope like she did leave her.
''I love you Josie. I loved you for a very long time…but that day I ended things…It felt like you ended them with me, but I had more guts to say the words…I felt like you left our relationship much before it ended officially.''
''I am sorry Penelope.. I am sorry I let Lizzie drag me into her circle of crazy.''
''I don't want you to forget about your sister and her needs, but I need you to think about what you want and need.''
''I want us to be ok Penelope.''
''We are ok Josie. We have our space and time. We are working on us… And I believe we can make it work.''
''But…''
''No! Let the past be past. If we go back and dig into what happened before, we will never move on. I want to leave that behind us and start over. Can you do it?''
''Yes, I can.''
''Good. Now, let's shower and go and find Hope and MG.''
''I think I should talk to my parents and tell them about going to your mom's for the new years.''
''Ok… Then you do that and I will see Hope.''
They showered and went each on their own side. Josie found her patens in her dad's office.
''Good morning Josie.''
''Good morning mom…dad…''
''What brings you here?''
''I came to talk to you about Christmas and New Year.''
''What about them?''
''We want to go for the New Year to Penelope's mom and we can spend Christmas here.''
''So, you already made your decision and you are just informing us?''
Alaric was not happy about this.
''Would you rather I just left?''
''No, I would be happiest if you were not part of this madness.''
''I am born as a part of this madness, so I sort of have to be part of it.''
''But not with a devil's spawn!''
''Is that what you think about Penelope?''
''Josie…''
''NO, I asked you a question?''
''Yes, I don't like that you are with her and I am desperate for what you did… and if I could turn back time, I would have made sure she never comes to this school.''
''So, you would send away a child that came alone and has no one…Good job dad!''
''If that meant my family would be safe….''
''What family dad? One mother is dead, other is who knows where most of the year and you and Lizzie don't see me unless you need something.''
She was about to leave the room when she turned.
''Speaking of family…When were you to tell me about the merge?''
Caroline and Alaric were shocked by the question. They believed kids didn't know about it.
''How do you know? Did she tell you?''
''Not really. I found that in Penelope's notes when I was getting her boxes to the room. She was looking for ways to save me…because we all know who would be your pick…And part of the reason why she signed the book is to save me. If she can bring someone to life, what makes you think I wouldn't be the first person she would use her ability on? Even if that meant that all of my memories would be erased and probably never returned to me. That is love and family dad… She signed that book for me… And I signed it for her…not knowing why she really did it.''
''How did she find out?''
''My guess is Kai. He is in Hell after all…''
Caroline came to her daughter…
''We didn't tell you anything…because we wanted to find a way to stop the merge and then tell you.''
''It doesn't matter. I know now… Is the lunch still on?''
''Yes, grill around two?''
''Fine with us… I have to go now to get ready and pick up Devil's spawn, as you say dad... We have some last minute shopping to do. See you later.''
Josie left the room and her parents stayed with a very bitter taste in their mouth.
''We are losing her Caroline.''
''I think we lost her long time ago…or maybe even let her go by not giving her attention she needs and wants.''
''Is that the thing between her and Penelope? She gave her attention and now Josie believes she could cure cancer?''
'' With her magic, she can cure anything now… But to go back to your question…No, I think they are really in love…like reaaaalllyyyy in love….but there is attention she gets from Penelope. She does give Josie very undivided attention and they are focus to one another.''
''What do we do to get her back?''
''Give that girl a chance?''
''She is…''
''So is Hope and you gave her a chance.''
''For her mother.''
''Give Penelope a chance, in spite of her patents.''
''I wish I knew what is the right thing to do.''
''So do I…''
Caroline took Alaric's hand and tried to give him some confort.
''We don't have much choice Alaric… We have to at least try.''
Josie got into their room and found Penelope getting dressed She was in her low cut pants and black top. Her hair was down and her curls were wild.
''I didn't get the chance to fix my hair last night.''
Josie placed her hands in Penelope's hair and smiled.
''I find it very sexy when it's down and out of control. I haven't seen your hair like this since the wedding.''
''There was no point in fixing it then. We were by the sea and every intent to fix it would be hopeless. Even with magic. Even your hair went wild that time. Those four days were amazing and so much fun. Who knew MG had it in him to keep us laughing all the time.''
Josie nodded and smiled. She agreed with Penelope. That wedding of MG's cousin was amazing time and it was first time she and Penelope were really alone, without Lizzie lurking in the corners of the school or the town.
'' With that said, I am glad you like my hair like this JoJo…because I don't have any hair products anymore. We must put it on the list.''
Penelope noticed something was bothering her girl.
''What is it baby? Something happened with you mom and dad?''
''You can say that… It all started not that unexpected and then it went too far…''
''What did they say?''
''It's not about them…It's about what I said.''
Penelope took her hand and led her to sit on the bed.
''You can tell me anything baby… I promise its ok.''
''I know about the merge…''
''Oh… Your parents told you?''
''No, you did…''
''I did?''
''Yes, I found your papers?''
''I am sorry. I didn't want to say anything until I was sure what it really was and what really happens and all. I wanted to have my answers ready, before I tell you about it.''
''I know…As I said… I saw your papers and how detailed your research was. And thank you for doing this for me.''
''Baby, I will do anything that is in my power for you to stay alive.''
''I know.''
She also knew that it potentially meant that she would let Lizzie die to save Josie. Josie feared that ending of the story. She still felt like she would accept with more ease the fact she has to die than to let Lizzie die. It happens when they turn twenty two. They were sixteen now and she had six more years to that event. She will not do anything good if she burry herself into that now. She will think about that later.
Penelope finished getting ready and they took her car into town for the first time. Her mom got her a new Mercedes convertible and it was very beautiful. She kept the roof on, since it was winter, but Josie could imagine spring and summer with the top off. She couldn't wait. They were on the way to the mall when Caroline called. She talked to Elena and Bonnie and they wanted to join girls in their shopping. Josie wanted to say no, but one look from Penelope made her change her mind. Penelope really wanted Josie to try and fix things with mom and dad and try to keep it ok at least for the holidays. The met three other women at the parking lot of the mall. Elena loved the car.
''Nice car Penelope.''
''Thank you Mrs. Salvatore… It was a gift from my mom.''
''Your mom sounds like a very generous person.''
Caroline just mumbled.
''You have no idea…''
Penelope choose to ignore that. She was here for Josie and for the sake of Christmas shopping fun. Josie loved Christmas and she would make this one amazing for her. Josie took her hand and smiled.
''Let's do this…''
''Let's….''
They went for the entrance and three other women followed them. Caroline had no idea what girls wanted to get, so she had to ask them.
''Where do you want to start the shopping?''
Josie got the list out.
''Hmmm… Book shop or you want to get your hair stuff?''
''Hair products are here, around the corner, then we can go to the bookshop…''
'' And don't forget that shirt for MG… You did forget to put it on the very detailed list you made.''
''Not funny…''
''Don't worry… I remember…Even with no list.''
Josie just rolled her eyes at Penelope and pulled her closer.
''I hate you sometimes.''
''I know.''
They got what Penelope needed for her hair and went to the bookshop. They got presents for Hope and some books Josie wanted. Now it was time just to wander around the mall. They walked by the Victoria's Secret store and Elena said she would go in. Girls followed after her. Penelope and Jose heard Caroline saying that she didn't need this. No mother would feel comfortable with her daughter getting something sexy. Regardless of daughter's age, that is weird.
''Not that I mind your sudden interest in very sexy lingerie, but your mom is here and I don't think she wants to know that much about your very particular tastes.''
Penelope pointed at very sexy and lacy nightgown Josie had in her hand.
'' I didn't want her to come… It was your fault…You wanted them with us… So, no complaining. VS was on the list… And when it comes to the lacy thing in my hand…It's for you to try on...and me to admire. We need something nice to get us into festive spirits.''
''So we need 200$ worth of lace and satin for that?''
''No, but if would definitely help.''
''Jose…it's too much money for something we don't need.''
''Speak for yourself! I love to see you in things like that.''
''Fine.''
She got Penelope to try it on. Other women found Josie standing in front of the changing room.
''What are you doing here?''
''Waiting for Penelope. I gave her few things to try on.''
Caroline felt uncomfortable.
Penelope got out in that black nighty and Josie's jaw just dropped.
''I'm guessing you like it.''
Elena whistled at her.
''Damn girl… That is hot!''
''Thank you Mrs. Salvatore.''
''No, after seeing you in this state of undress you get to call me Elena.''
''JoJo, can you stop drooling and tell me yes or no?''
''I want to see the back.''
Penelope turned and Josie loved the bare back and how it fits Penelope's body like a glove.
''I am all for it!''
''But if I get this, I am not getting the rest.''
''Yes, you are… You are compelling the clerks or I might test my new powers.''
''Josie!''
''Penelope…''
''Come on !''
''I have to change…''
''Yes, you do…''
Penelope went back in and changed into deep purple set Josie picked for her. It looked amazing on her. When she got out, Josie had same reaction as last time.
''I am guessing this is a yes too?''
''I vote for all I got you and some things I picked for myself.''
''Josie…''
Josie got into changing room and she got out in a beautiful sexy deep red satin nightgown. It looked like Penelope's black one.
''It looks amazing on you babe.''
Caroline was now very uncomfortable.
''Josie, do you really think you need something like that?''
''I do… Why not mother? You only live once and maybe not that long…''
She went back into the changing room and Elena and Bonnie gave Caroline a look. They had no idea what was going on.
''I'll take care of this… You go and have some coffee or something. I'll deal with Josie.''
''She is my daughter and I will do it.''
''No, you will not. You will let her be for few minutes. She is still pissed because of this morning. I'm sure that the discussion that might come out of this is not for public. You will talk to her, just now is not the time. She will say things she might regret and so will you. You are vampire Ms. Forbs, but I am not scared of you and will use my magic if I have to… You are leaving and leaving Josie alone for a minute. Don't force me to use my magic…I can promise it will not be pleasant experience.''
''Is that a threat?''
''No, it is a warning. Unlike you, I know who my priority is.''
Elena and Bonnie didn't know what to say. This was a very awkward power play between girlfriend and mother. Jose got out of the changing room with hands fool of things. She put the other hand around Penelope.
''I told you we should have gone alone. My mother kills all the holiday joy.''
Penelope smiled at her.
''Baby, with all the things you picked for us… My guess is that joy will cover even Easter.''
She winked at Jose who smiled. She smiled even with her eyes when Penelope was near or whispering something in her ear. Elena was fascinated with the connection girls shared.
''I love you.''
''Love you too.''
Penelope's phone rung. It was her mom.
''Hi mom.''
She gave her things to Josie and gave her the card. She mothed that she will be back and left her with her mom and their friends. Josie payed things they picked and just as they were about to leave the shop, Penelope was done with her conversation.
''We have to pick up something from the jeweler downstairs. My mom put got present for us.''
They all said ok, but Caroline was not happy. Oh, perfect mother Katherine left presents for the girls. Her friends noticed that she was not happy about it; bud didn't really think it was that big deal. They had no idea who Penelope's mother was and why Caroline didn't like her. There will be many things to talk about during the lunch.