Chap. 17 Unwell

As soon as Derek left her apartment Penelope began shaking uncontrollably. What her brother said hit home and hard. They never believed her and were always supportive of James. James… even thinking about that name made her wanting to die; what he had done was unforgivable, now more than ever. He had succeeded in putting her family against her… her only family.

She couldn't stop the tears that were falling and tried to control her when a while later Fran knocked at the door.

When he reached his mother house, she was already gone. He switched on the computer and began the necessary search. He quickly found some articles about what happened to Penelope. His anger grew with each line he was reading.

His mind went to the young blond sensing that she had certainly lived that all alone.

He better never meet this James as he already hated him for what he has done. He was still amazed about how some rich people could get away after committing a crime. James Parker was one of them and Penelope's victim will be scared for life…

He printed all he needed and went to take a hot shower.

"Penelope are you ok?" Fran asked when she noticed the tears in her eyes.

"Yeah I'm good."

"Did Derek do something wrong?"

"Derek? No!" Penelope assured the older woman.

"So your evening went well?"

"Yes, we ate together, I cooked an Indian recipe."

"Good. You know I really didn't mean to hurt you yesterday."

"I know, that's ok. I can understand."

"I just want you to understand me well. I care about you two you know."

"I… Fran…" Penelope whispered with a shaky voice.

"Are you sure, you're ok?" Fran asked again seeing her sensitive mood.

"I'm just tired, that's all."

Fran decided to let it pass. She helped her in the bathroom, then to bed.

The phone rang again and Penelope wanted nothing more than being able to reach it.

The phone went dead and a masculine voice could be heard.

"My sweet Penelope, Eddie surely told you that I've been released. I told you, you wouldn't get away with it. I just hope for your own sake that we won't meet each other again… I appreciated our last encounter though…"

Penelope paled suddenly, she was feeling unwell. Before being able to tell Fran she threw up on the floor.

"Oh Penelope." Fran said before taking a towel and wet it.

"I'm sorry." She said with a weak voice.

"Who was he?"

"James… the one who…" she couldn't go on and vomit again.

Fran stayed by her side until she felt better.

"Thank you Fran, you should go now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I feel better thank you."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"No, that's ok, really."

"Don't hesitate to call me if you need me, ok?"

"Ok. Thanks Fran; goodnight."

Fran left unwillingly and drove back home. Derek was apparently asleep so she went to bed.

Derek heard his mother come back. He wasn't asleep but was reading again the few articles he had printed earlier. He knew that his mind wouldn't rest if the justice had denied Penelope's rights.