Chap.16 Options

Derek was pacing in front of Penelope's building. He couldn't called her as promised because he feared that he would let his mom revelations slip away from his lips.

He didn't want her to get mad at him or at Fran. He had two options; let it go or speak it with her.

Fran hasn't wanted to tell him more about what she knew. After dropping this bomb she has apologized and told him that she shouldn't have said that…

Derek knew that he wouldn't know more from his mother. He wanted to let it go but he cared to much for the blond woman to not help her.

Derek sensed that it has something to do with California and her family… He has to know what happened.

"Are you waiting for me honey?" a voice said from behind him.

"Susan." He said surprised.

"You're obviously here for our dear Penelope. I hopes that you came to apologize…"

"Apologize? Why? We were both guilty and you acted like a b…towards her."

"Come on! She doesn't need you to act as a king in shining armour."

"Goodbye Susan." He said walking away. He wasn't up to a new fight.

"Weren't you going inside?" she asked smirking.

"Yes but I've changed my mind." He said turning towards her, then he met Penelope's hurt look.

Penelope asked the taxi who usually picked her up at her work to leave her at the little shop around the corner. She had some things to buy. Now that she can cook herself she enjoyed trying new recipes and even McKey enjoyed her skills. She had decided to try an Indian recipe that night. she quickly reached her building and saw Susan and Derek talking animatedely. She only heard their last words and it hurt her. she didn't know why, Derek was kind and she was amazed at how comfortable she was near him. She realized then that what hurt was seeing him walking away because he couldn't stand Susan words or he didn't want to fight for her. That's what her brothers had done…

She stared at him briefly.

"Good evening Derek." She said entering in the building.

"Penelope wait."

"Isn't that sweet?" Susan said smirking.

"Shut the f**** up!" Penelope and Derek yelled at the same time.

They stared at each other and laughed hard, leaving a fuming Susan taking the elevators.

"do you want to enter?" Penelope asked.

"Penelope, I'm sorry if what I said hurt you, I didn't mean…"

"That's ok… I'm just sensitive sometimes."

"what about a dinner outside?"

"I planned to cook an Indian recipe tonight."

"oh okay…maybe another time?"

"Derek, I'm inviting you to dinner."

"oh yeah, thank you." He said blushing.

McKey barked when he saw Derek.

"Do you mind going out with him?"

"No." he said taking the leash.

Penelope began cooking the vegetables and the rice she had opted for a vegetarian recipe but decided to cook some chicken apart.

When Derek and the dog returned she was almost finished.

"I'm salivating Penelope." Derek said.

"I hope it will tase good."

"I'm sure of it."

They ate quietly. Penelope felt that Derek wasn't really comfortable.

"Derek, is everything ok? You seem far away."

"Hem yes. I'm ok… the job is just hectic these days."

"You shouldn't have come if you are tired…"

"Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Of course I am. I mean I enjoyed last night dinner but you should have some rest…"

"I know, I'll go straight home after that delicious dinner."

Penelope was doing the dishes despite Derek insistence to do them, when the phone rang.

"Penelope, do you want me to pick up." Derek said from the living room.

"No, whoever it is, they will leave a message."

She finished and went into the living room just in time to hear her elder brother voice.

"Penelope, just for your information; James has been released, your dirty lies didn't ruin his life. You better stay away from our friends and family now."

Derek stared at Penelope pale face.

"Penelope are you ok?"

"Yes, I'm ok I think you should leave now, we both need some rest; and I'm sure your mother will be here soon." She said with a blank tone.

Derek who had put two and two together knew that it has something to do with her rape. Yet, he couldn't tell her that he knew. He would spend the nigh thinking about a solution.

"Thanks for the dinner Penelope." He quickly kissed her cheek and left.