Chap. 2 The dinner
Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds
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When Derek parked in front of his mother's house, he couldn't quite believe he had met Penelope, not only that but he had invited her.
He couldn't help but wonder why he had done such thing, not after leaving without a word.
Pearl, his girlfriend sensing his thoughtful mood finally asked him.
"What's wrong honey? You're ok?"
"Yeah… it's just that I was surprised to see Penelope Garcia here after all these years. She was my best friend these past few years…"
"You never talked to me about her, why?"
"Because when we met she was no longer part of my life…. She left without… anyway."
"So why did you invite her?"
"I… I don't know. I was being polite."
"Polite yeah." She said doubtful.
"Let's go… I have yet to tell my mum we have some guest tonight." He said leaving the SUV.
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While her husband was taking a shower, Penelope was pacing in their hotel room.
"Dinner? Me, Chris, Derek, his girlfriend and his family? Why did I accept?"
"Sweetheart, you're talking to me?"
"No, honey I'm speaking to myself."
Then he went out of the bathroom. He walked towards her and grabbed her by the waist.
"So, who is this old friend of you?"
"He was my best friend when I worked for the FBI… We hadn't seen each other for more than two years now."
"Ok, sweetie. You should go and have a shower before heading to your friend's."
"Yeah."
She quickly stripped out of her clothes and let the hot water wash her thoughts.
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Fran Morgan couldn't help but think about her son's face when he announced her earlier that he had invited Penelope and her husband to dinner.
She had seen how he had been off since Penelope had left. This woman had left a huge hole in his heart that even Pearl couldn't fulfil.
She was curious to see who the man who had stolen Penelope's heart was and what would be her reaction when she sees Pearl.
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Penelope was nervous when the cab left them in front or Fran's house.
Chris took her hand and they walked slowly towards the door. She was going to knock when the door opened.
"Penelope, it's nice to meet you again after so much time." Fran said cheerfully hugging her.
"Mrs Morgan." Penelope said moved by the motherly embrace.
"You must be Penelope's husband." Fran said glancing at the man besides Penelope.
"Right Mrs Morgan. I'm Christopher Smith." He said stretching out his hand.
She held his hand in hers, then she invited them to enter.
Penelope followed Fran and stared in shock at the woman besides Derek. She was going to speak when she noticed the stare of all the persons in the room towards Chris; Stares of pure shock.
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When they followed her inside the house, Fran was going to take their coats when she looked more intently at Chris Smith.
"Oh my god! He looks like…" she thought.
She stared at everyone in the room and noticed that they were thinking the same.
The air was uncomfortable so she decided to speak.
"Penelope, you remember Sarah and Desiree and here is Pearl, Derek's girlfriend."
"Nice to meet you." Penelope said politely, she was uncomfortable.
"Chris Smith, Penelope's husband."
He greeted everyone and took Penelope by the waist.
"Let's go in the living room." Fran invited.
As soon as she made them have a seat, she asked Sarah and Desiree to help her in the kitchen.
"It's ridiculous… these two." Sarah said.
"Have you seen what he looks like?" Desiree asked.
"Tall, dark, and terribly handsome?" Fran answered.
"He could be…" Sarah started.
"Derek." Desiree finished.
"Like Pearl could have been Penelope. Have you seen Pen's look when she saw Pearl?" Fran said.
"It was priceless. I can't believe she's married. How could we make them come to their senses now?" Sarah said.
"We'll see. Let's go, I think we'll have an interesting dinner." Fran finally said.