Chap. 5 The lunch
Disclaimer: I don't own Criminal Minds
A/N: Sorry for the long delay but I'll try to update quicker to make up for the lost time.
Reviews, suggestions etc. are welcomed.
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"You can come over and have lunch with us."
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Penelope couldn't pinpoint the reason why she had agreed to have lunch with Fran…and Derek of all people.
Now she was in front of the door where the cab left her and couldn't gather the courage to ring the bell.
She was going to leave when suddenly someone opened the door.
"You're trying to escape Baby Girl?" Derek asked with a smile in the voice.
Penelope turned around her heart pounding like mad for hearing him calling her "Baby Girl".
"No…I…Yes…" she said blushing deeply.
"That's ok Penelope. I could have done the same thing." He said sweetly.
"Yeah maybe." She said following him inside.
Fran went out of the kitchen and gave her a hug. Penelope couldn't help but held her tightly.
When she pulled away, Fran stared at her intently.
"Are you ok Penelope?"
"Yes, I'm ok a little bit tired. I'm so sorry for yesterday."
"That's ok. I'm glad you came today."
"I'm happy to see you, it's been such a long time."
Fran who had sensed Derek stare on "his baby girl" decided to leave them alone.
"Derek, lead her to the living room and have something to drink, I have one thing left in the kitchen and I'll be right back."
"Can I help you?" Penelope asked nearly panicking to be alone with Derek.
"No that's ok. Have a seat and drink some wine…"
"Talking about wine, I've brought a good bottle."
"You didn't have to. Thank you." Fran said before heading towards the kitchen.
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After an awkward silence, Derek decided to initiate a talk with Penelope.
"So Penelope, how is your life with your…husband?"
"Hem. Nice. When I left the Bureau I came back in California. I met him several months ago and here we are married."
"The girls didn't know?"
"No, the last time I've talked to them, I had just met Chris and we married so fast… I'll call them before you come back."
"Yeah… Do you have a job?"
"Not really. I was working for the university but I quit when we got married. I design software at home now."
"Are you happy?" he asked abruptly. "Sorry…I don't mean to intrude…"
"No that's ok. Yes I guess I'm happy. It's such a different life from the one I had."
"Weren't you happy with us? Why did you leave Penelope?"
"Children, the meal is ready." Fran said entering the living room.
Penelope silently thanked frank for saving her from answering that question.
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The lunch went well. Derek was pretty much silent, throwing a word from time to time. Fran noted how he seemed to profile Penelope.
Penelope sensed his stare through the lunch but kept talking with Fran. She was so happy to have a mother figure near her. She was missing so badly this sense of family she had with the team. And again the sadness filled her heart. It was so strong that it brought tears to her eyes.
Derek immediately worried when he saw her expression changed. He got up and sat beside her, he put his hand above hers to comfort her.
Penelope raised her eyes and met the dark ones of her "friend".
Suddenly she threw her arms around Derek's neck and hugged him tightly.
"I'm so sorry." She sobbed.
Fran decided to leave theme alone one more time. She removed the plates and went to the kitchen to pick the dessert.
When she came back, Penelope was still in Derek's arms. Then, pearl appeared and took a look at the scene before her.
"What is going on here?" she asked loudly making Derek and Penelope jumped apart.