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I always found Penelope to be a nice girl.
I used to tutor her, and she only needed two or three sessions to get back on track.
I saw her nearly get run over by a car and she still insisted she could get home on a broken bike and wobbly legs.
I've seen her give people brilliant ideas.
I've heard her defend a friend who made a (very) bad mistake.
I've heard her speak as the voice of reason when our clubs decided to be stupid and fight each other.
I've helped her in getting said clubs back again with her brilliant ideas.
I helped her pick herself up when she got a depressing letter from an old classmate.
I've always liked Penelope because she's the best I've met.
I just wish I didn't notice how her bangs are so fluffy.
I just wish I didn't notice how she tilts her head whenever she's confused.
I wish I could ignore how she looks whenever she's focused on a drawing or sketch.
I wish I could ignore how I love it whenever she says my name.
I don't wanna like how she looks cute 24/7.
I don't wanna like how she's so helpful and sympathetic.
I can't like how she makes me feel.
I can't like how she makes me normal.
I can't like Peppi.
Because it won't work out.
Because it'll make everything weird.
Because I'll lose my best friend.
I can't like Peppi.
"Jaime!"
Crap. "Yeah? Sorry, I zoned out."
"Oh, I was just asking if you were still available for movie night, your choice."
Right... but it's her turn. "Yeah, always. It's your turn though."
She gives me that stupid smile that makes me feel as though my heart's in my throat. "You just seem stressed lately. I felt like you could use it."
"I'm fine, Penelope. I don't mind whatever you choose because it's always fun." I'm not lying.
She beams at me and I mimic her actions. I drop her off at her house and drag myself over to mine.
I should've said I had homework.
Because I can't deal with these feelings by myself for long.