Chapter 476
But Cindy gave Natalie a curious look. “Can you sing?” “I’ve even released an album,” Natalie said proudly.
“What’s an album? If you can sing, sing us a song.”
Natalie sighed dramatically. “You know, people used to pay me millions just to sing one song.”
“I’ll make you a special flatbread for lunch!”
“Fine, but with extra herbs.”
For the price of a flatbread, Natalie sang several of her own songs, only to be told she was too noisy. Offended, she stormed back inside, vowing not to speak to any of them for the rest of the day.
While Natalie had plenty of free time, Penelope was always busy.
She was dragged out of bed before she was even fully awake.
A neighbor’s daughter, Monica, was weeping hysterically. “Penelope, my future mother-in-law is demanding I go with her to prove I’m a virgin before the wedding! What do I do?”
Penelope rubbed her temples. Ever since she had rescued a girl from a drunk on her way home from work last year-beating the man so badly he ended up in the hospital—she had become the town’s de facto guardian angel for young women.
But she didn’t want to be a savior. She just wanted to sleep in.
“Penelope, wahhhh!” Monica wailed.
Penelope sighed. “So, you’re not?”
The question stopped Monica’s tears mid-sob. She hiccuped in shock.
“I… I…”
“So what if you’re not? It’s not a big deal.”
Monica sniffled and gave a tiny nod.
“Just be honest with your fiancé. If he truly has a problem with it, then you should seriously reconsider marrying him.”
“But we’re about to get our marriage license! Both our families have already started planning the wedding.”
“That’s why you need to cut your losses now. What’s the alternative? You marry him, he finds out, his family gives you hell, you regret it, and then you get a divorce? Is that better?”
“But I really like him.”
Penelope’s eyes narrowed. “Let me ask you this. His family is so obsessed with you being a virgin, but has he ever asked you?”
A guilty look flashed across Monica’s face. Penelope rolled her eyes. So the man had asked, and she had lied.
“The only advice I can give you is to go to him immediately and tell him the truth. Then see how he reacts.”
“But Penelope, I’m scared.”
“The only way I can help is if he hits you. Then I’ll hit him back for you.”
After sending Monica on her way,
Penelope went to the kitchen for et
something to eat and found Natalie
making pastas. She asked her
make an extra serving.
Natalie grabbed another packet. As she was washing some greens, she paused. “Huh.”
“Penelope, does something feel… off today?”
Monica’s crying had left Penelope’s head ringing.
“Not really.”
“Isn’t it a little too quiet?”
As soon as she said it, they both looked at each other.
Oh, no. Where were the two little troublemakers?
“We’re doomed. They must be out causing trouble again!”
Forgetting all about their pastas, they threw on some clothes and rushed out to find them.
“Kristin and Hubert? Oh, those two
sweethearts said you were still
sleeping in, so they werk toet
east
side of town to buy you breakfast!”
“Such wonderful children. And you’re always scolding them! If they were my grandkids, I’d be smiling in my sleep.”
“I just adore those two. The other
day, they saw my old joints were et
acting up and was having trouble sturdy
walking, so they brought mea
branch to use as a walking stick.”
Amidst a chorus of praise, the two women broke into a cold sweat and hurried deeper into town.
Those two loved playing the role of perfect angels for the seniors, basking in their compliments. In reality, they were little schemers.
Buying breakfast for them? They were definitely up to no good.