AN: there will be some very mean things said about Derek and I'm not attacking his character. I love his character too, but for where this story is going he needs a reality check. He needs to hear how in this story- the ugly truth. This is a short chapter. Sorry, but he needs an ass kick.
I arrived in London with one place in mind. I can't help but feel betrayed. Emily was like a sister- he called her plenty of times in pain because of the loss of her. She lied. Every single time he called begging to know- she lied. Penelope's letter was on loop in my head. I reached my destination, pounding the door, I wasn't leaving till I got answers.
Emily opened the door and motioned for me to take a seat.
"Sit, I know we have lots to discuss." She said.
"No, I rather stand. How could you lie to me, Em? I considered you a sister!" I said with obvious hurt and anger.
"Oh Derek, I'm not sorry. She's healing. She needed to move on. Can't you understand her need to get away? I love you like a brother Der, I mean hence why I want you at my wedding and why I support yours. You deserve happiness. She's giving you that and seeking hers." She said with no resentment or anger but with care.
"Ugh. I keep hearing this, but I want her back! I love her, she's my best friend-"
She cuts him off, "Woah! Stop! Right now you are being a selfish asshole. I don't want to believe that's who you are! Answer me this, have you told Savannah?"
"No but I'm going too. Where is she, I want to talk to her?!"
"She's not here. And you can believe that or not but that's the truth."
I just looked at her and knew she wasn't lying. I looked around and a photo caught my attention. It was of her and Penelope, a recent one and my heart was stung. She looked so different, beautiful as always but she looked stronger as well. Em, saw me looking, "You know, she is healing. She so much stronger now. She's still gentle but no longer fragile. Listen, Derek, I'm not saying this to be a jerk, but let her go. I know you love her, but that's no longer enough. You haven't even told Savannah, and your wedding is only a few weeks away. Let her go. Stop trying to hold on to her, she has the right to get married, have kids, and be happy too." As she said those words, it hit me hard, that I only wanted Pen to myself- the thought of her with another man ate at me.
Em spoke up again, not missing my expression, "I know that thought hurts but you are doing it. You are getting married, Derek. Let Penelope be happy. You love her? Then set her free."
Those words played in my mind, all the way back to Quanitco. Emily was right. I needed to let her go. She didn't tell me where she was, so I stopped asking. I held on to the hope that I'd see her once again.
My wedding quickly approaching, I was sad and angry most of the time. I no longer had my solace. Even though, I was struggling to keep it together, everyone else seemed to be thriving. Hotch smiles more now, JJ is sweet and caring again, Rossi- the godfather of the group was chipper too. Even Reid, when he came back from his vacation- he had a smile that lasted for days. He was happy that everyone seemed in a lighter mood, he just couldn't get Penelope out of his mind.