Without turning to Jonas, Penelope said, "Jonas, I'm going come over to your house tonight," Penelope's voice was sure as she stare at the stars. Jonas turn to her confused.
"Um yeah sure 'course," He noticed he suddenly wanted her to come over, like she used to with Lucy.
***
Jonas's house was a cluttered Victorian three streets down from Penelope's. Jonas opened the door for her and Jonas's little brother, Noah was poking his little sister, Lily, in an annoying sibling fashion. Mrs. Roscla, Jonas's mother, was busy at the sink washing dishes when they entered the kitchen."Hi mom," Jonas broke the silence, Mrs. Roscla turned.
"Ohhh Penelope!" Mrs. Roscla's sweet little voice came and hugged her.
"Hey, Mrs Roscla," Penelope said breathlessly. Then Mrs. Roscla hit her playfully on her arm.
"Why haven't you been here to see us? We've missed you Penelope, your like family," She asked questioningly.
"Oh, well know, school and stuff..." Penelope easily lied. Jonas didn't want them to see him in case they brought up... Lucy. He almost broke down just thinking her name.
"I have to go to the bathroom," They ignored him and Jonas walked of to the edge of the hall and hid.
"Well, don't that again, okay?" Penelope nodded her head. Mrs. Roscla looked down the hall automatically as is someone was listening, "Poor Jonas has been a mess, since... the accident." Jonas bit his lip as he remembered his... No he could not say here name.
"And poor Lucy," Jonas's lip was bleeding now as her name distorted his thoughts, "how i miss the sound of her in this house..." Mrs. Roscla's voice broke. But she did not cry, she just stare a the dirty dishes in the sink. Then she turned to Penelope, "Well, I've got to get to the store and pick the kids up something to eat," She glanced the full sink, "I don't think this sink could hold another plate," She chuckled humorlessly and Penelope smiled politely.
"Jonas! Do you want anything?" His mother called down the hall. Jonas ran to his bedroom.
"No! I'm good." He called back.
Mrs. Roscla turned to Penelope once more, "Well you to have fun, I'll be back later." With that she turned and walked out the door, one toddler on either side.
