Disclaimer: Would love to say the boys were mine, but unfortunately they belong to others.

...

* Thank you to all of you for your support with this story, I really hope you enjoy the chapter, and have a wonderful time celebrating the holidays.

...

*This and the following chapters are titled 'Salvage' and continue the story of 'A Broken Heart' and 'Fallout'

... ... ... ...

Chapter 37: Salvage, part 7. Reflections

Penelope stared out of her large bedroom window. It was a typical autumn morning, and usually she would enjoy standing here, with a warm tea in hand, happily observing it in all its glory. Watching the squirrel's scurrying up and down the trees as they eagerly foraged for food, observing the golden leaves that had fallen from the trees being effortlessly raised by the cool breeze before being skipped and scattered across the large lawn. Not today though, in fact, she hadn't enjoyed this sight since her return, or anything else for that matter. Instead the usual jovial nature she had as Halloween approached was gone. Replaced with a tangled knot that kept trying to unravel itself, but in doing so managed to become more twisted within her.

Releasing a pained sigh, Penelope turned away from the window and the sunlight that had illuminated her features. She didn't deserve the suns warmth, not after she had torn two hearts into pieces, three if she included her own mangled mess. The first heart belonged to Virgil. Such a sweet boy, exceptionally creative, and so caring. He was always putting others needs above his own, especially his family's. He deserved to find a true love, but she had always feared that with him wearing his heart on his sleeve, that one day it would get stamped on. Naturally, being so fond of him, and fiercely protective she had sworn that if that day did arrive then she, along with his brothers, would be one of the first in line to deal with whom ever had hurt him. She had never expected that person to be herself. Yes, Virgil was, like his brothers blessed in the looks department, but when she had thought about him it hadn't been with a look that said, 'my goodness he's handsome,' but instead had been with a 'here's my little brother, he's such a cutie.' Unfortunately, she had stupidly presumed he had seen her as a sister. Of course, now she did know, it was extremely obvious how he felt, and why she hadn't seen it earlier was beyond her.

Then of course there was Gordon. The one heart she had never expected to fall so hopelessly in love with, but like the man always did, he had caught her unawares, and swept her off her feet. He had been on leave earlier in the year and had decided to attend an ocean life charity event in Sydney. Coincidentally she had been attending the same event, due to recently discovering her mother had been a former benefactor. Naturally she had wanted to discover more about it, with the view to continuing the donation in her honour. Neither of them had anticipated the other being there, but as soon as they had spotted each other, they had naturally gravitated in each other's direction. Gordon had been thrilled when he found out why she was in attendance, and obviously wanted to fill her in on the charity: How it all worked, what they did, where the money would be spent. Wanting to know more, and being caught up in his enthusiasm, Penny had found herself agreeing to continue their conversation over drinks.

Sitting down on her bed, Penelope opened her bedside drawer, removed a tie that had been folded up inside, then smiled as the memories from that day continued: Preparing herself that evening she had wondered what she had let herself in for. Gordon, just like his eldest brother, had a reputation that preceded him, and on many occasions, she had been on the receiving end of some of his flirting. No doubt that night would be no different and his flirtatious nature would be out in full force, she would have to be constantly knocking him back, and would probably learn nothing about the charity. However, the Gordon she had expected didn't show, and was replaced by a courteous young gentleman, who was exceptionally well dressed in a fitted dark suit. Although the added Hawaiian tie, which she now held tightly against her own chest, clearly expressed his flamboyant side. Taking her surprise further, instead of the agreed upon drinks he whisked her off to a restaurant which had exquisite views of the city.

The evening itself was wonderful. Fantastic foods, a constant supply of the best champagne, and delightful conversation that did feature his knowledge on the charity which was far more extensive than she had anticipated. Afterwards, due to both of them being a little bit merry, and Gordon staying at a different hotel which was slightly further away, she had requested that he accompany her back to her large suite and continue their conversation there. He readily accepted, and their enjoyment continued until sleep became to inviting and she retired into her large bed, with Gordon remaining on the couch. As she had drifted off to sleep, she remembered her haze filled brain being disappointed the flirtatious Gordon hadn't been out in full-force. Yes, there was some flirting, and not all of it from him, but he had been very well-mannered compared to the man she knew could be unleashed. However, upon waking she had been relieved that nothing had taken place. Yes, he had looked exceptionally ravishing in his suit, and she certainly wouldn't have minded helping him out of it, but any affair really shouldn't begin under the influence of alcohol. Unfortunately, she had learnt that lesson on more than one previous occasion. So, thankful she hadn't made that mistake again and seeing it was only 4am, plus feeling parched, she had risen from her bed and made her way into the lounge, instantly pausing upon seeing Gordon propped up on the couch with his own glass of water in hand. Seeing each other awake, a smile had immediately broken out on both of their faces, and once she had collected her own drink, bed was soon forgotten, and they had instead continued with their earlier conversations, and my goodness did they talk.

Childhood memories flowed from them both. Hers filled with tales of boarding schools and her joy at getting to return home for holidays, then to Gordon's amusement she filled him in on her 'rebellion years.' Reciprocating, Gordon gave her an insight into all of the numerous things he had done as a child to send his father grey, and of course revealed in detail the pranks he had recently pulled, and one or two he would be initiating in the coming weeks. Eventually, their heart-to-heart naturally led to both expressing in great detail their love for their family. Penelope admitting that even though her father was alive she saw Parker as a second dad, and loved the man deeply, and Gordon divulging his true respect for his brothers and how he would do anything for any one of them. Then with tears from both, she opened up about recently losing her mother and the fears she held at seeing her father age, and Gordon poured his heart out at the loss of his own mother, and how her passing changed and shaped his family. Conversation became lighter when she relayed tales of her college years, her training, and the joy she had felt at becoming an agent for International Rescue. Gordon following with his pride at winning a gold medal, and his joy at being one of the youngest recruits into WASP. Penelope had held him close when this had brought tears as he retold his Hydrofoil accident, his absolute fear when he woke up and couldn't feel anything, and how without his family's support he probably wouldn't have made it through some of those darker days.

The conversation between both of them continued to naturally flow, and before they knew it the sun had risen on a brand-new day, with amusement erupting from both when they realised how many hours had passed. Gordon had stood, taken a hold of his jacket, and made his way towards the door, all while expressing his enjoyment of her company. She had followed him, and lent in to give him a kiss goodbye on his cheek. However, this had resulted in an accidental kiss on his lips. They had both paused, cheeks reddening, but soon to be forgotten when eyes met, and this time the kiss that followed was no accident.

The following months their relationship continued, with both of them deciding that until they knew where the relationship was going, it would be easier if they kept it secret. Getting family involved, especially when adding International Rescue into the mix could make things too complicated for them. It was definitely best to keep it to themselves, and Penelope had to admit, a lot of fun as well. Although, in that first month she had wondered what she was doing. Gordon had only turned 20 that year, and she was nearing 27. Yet, the age difference that would normally bother her did not seem to matter when they were together. Besides, she had frequently seen older men dating women who were much younger, no one looked down on them, so why should it be any different just because their situation was reversed, and she was the one who was older.

Bringing herself out of the memories that had formed, Penelope released the tie, rose from her bed, and meandered back over to her window. The morning sun that had shone so deeply was now slowly being covered by grey clouds, just like her usual bright disposition had been clouded with an unrelenting gloom at everything that had taken place. Their relationship had flourished into something remarkable. Yes, she had partaken in a few previous relationships which had felt serious at the time, but after being with Gordon she could honestly say nothing compared. She had honestly believed that they would spend the rest of their lives together, and she knew Gordon had felt the same way. He was the love of her life, her soul mate, the one she was destined to be with. Yet, she'd gone and thrown it all away, but it had been the best decision. Coming between two brothers, especially when they were as close as the Tracy's, was the last thing she wanted. However, her choice to walk away from the love of her life would still leave a discord between them, but it would have been much worse if she'd stayed… Wouldn't it? Penelope frowned… No, there was no other action that could have been taken. If she had stayed with Gordon then Virgil would have suffered, and eventually it would lead to tension between the two of them, and they would be in a worse situation than they were in now… Wouldn't they? She released an exasperated sigh, she honestly did not know anymore. She had really thought she had been doing the right thing, but now the dust had begun to settle, the words that had been pleaded at her before she ran, and several times since by Darcy, 'to think things through,' echoed in her head and dug themselves deeply into her gut.

"M'Lady?"

Snapping out of her musings, Penelope glanced over her shoulder and half-smiled at Parker standing in the doorway. "Yes?"

"Miss Darcy's requesting your company for brunch."

"Darcy?" Penelope questioned with a perplexed look, "I thought she was returning home today?"

"She's changed her mind."

"Really?"

"Yes, M'Lady, she said she can't leave you while you are in such a state."

"I am not in a state!"

"M'Lady, you haven't changed out of your nightgown yet, and it's just past 10am."

"They are comfortable," Penelope retaliated, "now please return to Darcy and tell her that I wish to be left alone!"

"M'Lady… I believe Darcy's exact words were, make sure she gets her butt downstairs, otherwise I'll drag her down myself!"

"Did she indeed?"

"Yes, M'Lady, and I wouldn't recommend going against her, you know how she can get."

"I certainly do," Penelope replied, with an amused thought at how John would cope now he was in a relationship with Darcy before addressing Parker again, "very well, let her know I will be down, I just need to freshen up first."

"Yes, M'Lady."

… …

Deciding to make Darcy wait a little bit longer, Penelope strolled into the dining hall an hour later, dressed in her usual attire, with an aching smile planted on her face. "Darcy, what are you still doing here?"

"Making sure you are up, and out of your bedroom," Darcy responded, while sending a message on her phone.

"Now, if you want me to join you, you will put that phone away."

"Sorry," Darcy placed the phone on the table, "I just had to send an important message."

"John?"

"Yes."

"Missing him?"

"I haven't heard from him for a couple of days," Darcy replied, even though she had spoken to him around an hour and a half ago, and his earlier phone call being the reason she had insisted upon Penelope's presence. Although, truth be told, she hadn't intended on leaving while she was in this currant state. "I guess I'm just worried."

"They are probably busy with a rescue." Penelope answered, although with a slight worry for Gordon and his safety slipping into her mind.

"Yes, you are probably right." Darcy began pouring them both tea, but paused when her phone beeped, signalling an incoming call. "Oh, I am so sorry," she picked up the phone and smiled at the caller ID, "It's John, do you mind?"

"Go ahead," Penelope returned taking over the pouring of the tea, and secretly glad when Darcy had clicked the hologram button on her phone.

"John, sweetheart," Darcy began, "you look exhausted."

Penelope lifted her eyes from the cup she held to her lips and examined John's face, Darcy was right he really did look tired.

"I'm afraid," John said with a slight yawn, "we've had a very long rescue, just over 24 hours."

"What happened?" Darcy questioned.

John sighed sadly. "An avalanche in the Swiss Alps."

'Oh no,' Penelope inwardly thought while John continued talking through the rescue details, that would bring up so many bad memories for them all, especially for Virgil and Gordon who had been trapped with their mother all of those years ago.

"Unfortunately, there were deaths," John added.

Penelope felt every inch of her begin to tense, Gordon would be devastated, and normally when they had suffered any loss then he would talk it out with her when he returned home, but he hadn't… Maybe he was over her already?

"And, are all of your brothers home safely?" Penelope heard Darcy ask.

"Unfortunately, Gordon was injured,"

"What," Penelope exclaimed, almost dropping the cup that she still held in her hands.

"Oh, Pen," John remarked, turning his head, then continuing with a lie, "I didn't realise you were there."

"Gordon was injured?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so."

Every inch of her wanted to run to the man's side, but he had been injured before, he wouldn't need her fussing over him…

"How?" Darcy questioned.

"He was in a buried cabin…"

'Oh, no,' Penelope's mind supplied, while John carried on talking, 'it was so similar to what happened with his mother. He would be hurt, not just physically but emotionally as well.' He would need her. Yes, he opened up to his brothers, but not like he did with her and she with him. Gordon would need her… Wouldn't he?

"And, he's hurt his back."

Both John and Darcy stopped at the sound of Penelope's chair falling backwards followed by her running towards the door.

"Pen," Darcy called out, "where are you going?"

Penelope flung herself around to look at the pair of them, tears in her eyes. "I'm packing some stuff. Please ask Parker to get FAB 1 ready.

"Okay, but where are you going?"

"I am going to Tracy Island," she answered, "Gordon needs me!"

... ... ... ...

TBC