Friday came fast, like time was catching up with all the quiet moments Penelope had stolen with Julian.
They weren't together—not officially. No labels. No public displays. Just the shared understanding of something soft and forming, tucked into late afternoons and quiet corners.
But silence only works for so long.
That evening, Callie cornered her in the school parking lot.
"Okay, Pen, seriously," she said, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "What's going on with you and Julian?"
Penelope hesitated. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," Callie stepped closer, voice lower, "are you in love with him or just trying to break your own heart for sport?"Penelope blinked, stunned by the question—and by how close it landed to something real.
"I don't know what we are," she admitted. "But it doesn't feel… casual."
Callie sighed. "Then why are you hiding it?"
"I'm not hiding it," Penelope said. "I'm just not ready to explain it yet."
"You don't owe me an explanation. But Veronica? She's been quiet lately. And when she's quiet, she's hurting."
That hit harder than Penelope expected.
Because yes—Veronica had been quiet. Nicer than usual, even. And sometimes… that meant a storm was building.
Penelope didn't answer. She just walked away, thoughts tangled.
That night, Julian texted:"Want to come over? I have something to show you."
Her fingers hovered over the screen.
"Not tonight," she finally typed. "Too much noise."
"Okay," he replied. "I'll keep the quiet here for you."
She stared at the message for a long time.
Julian was gentle. He never asked more than she could give.
But part of her wondered: What happens when someone gives you silence… and you still don't know what to say?