Penelope Blossom sat by the fireplace with her book when she got the call from Hermione Lodge. She didn't expect that call. She and Hermione grew apart long time ago and she never reached out to her, except that one time when incident with that boy and Cheryl happened. Seeing Hermione's name got Penelope very confused and maybe a bit worried. For a moment, there was very dark thought that something happened to Cheryl. She was emancipated now, so hospital had no duty to call her and inform her if anything happened to her or any member of the Blossoms.
''Hermione?''
''Penelope, come to my office NOW , it's really important.''
She would refuse the invite, but the tone of Hermione's voice made her wonder what was happening.
''Is something wrong?''
''Just come…''
''Is this about Cheryl?''
''It's about all of our kids… But as far as I know, Cheryl is safe and sound at home with her girlfriend. Veronica is at dinner in the house.''
She felt relived.
''Fine, I'll be there in twenty minutes.''
She picked up her purse and wet to see her. She was surprised to see who else was at the office. Alice Cooper, FP, Tom Keller, Sierra McCoy, Hiram Lodge, Fred Andrews…and now her. It was like high school reunion…almost… Some people were missing to make it complete. Fred Andrews was the one to ask the burning question.
''What is going on?''
'' Kids found the game.''
Penelope froze. That word was something she hoped she would never hear in the presence of these people.
''What do you mean they found the game?''
''Remember those kids that ended up at the hospital?''
''Yes, they had some sort of…''
All of them heard different stories. Some said they had food poisoning, some talked suicide pact… But none of the stories could explain why she dragged them here. Hermione didn't have time for guesses and half true information. She had to give them something as a proof that it's serious.
''Blue lips… Boy that died had blue lips and very familiar symbols on his back.''
Hermione took a deep breath and got a letter out of her purse.
''It's for us. We must complete the game. Someone lied when they got their quest and now we are punished… Our team is expending. We must play with our children, since they also started the game. There is one catch, we play with our old partners.''
After hearing that, Penelope got up and poured herself a drink. Old partners… That was also something she didn't want to hear. For over twenty years name of Nina Becket was something she didn't want to hear. She avoided thinking about her and now…In last few months, many things triggered those memories she wanted to leave behind. Some old Penelope Blossom stayed locked in the chest on the attic, along with the past and secrets that tore her apart every day since all that happened. Life was easy before that freshman year of high school. Alice Cooper was not happy about the game making its comeback. She was on a good way of recovery from what happened with Hall and she didn't need that to come back and haunt her. She believed game was buried thing, along with the body of Charles Doyly. FP stared at the floor.
''Isn't it strange that another Doyly is killed by the game?''
Penelope took another drink and gave quiet, but very angry response.
''Game didn't kill him…We all know who did... We all know who had to do the dirty work of getting rid of him.''
She took her bag and left Hermione's office. She got her phone out and called Cheryl. Cheryl was surprised to see her mother's name on the screen. It took her a lot to answer the phone.
''I am on my way to the house. We must talk…It's about the game… And I need your girlfriend to be there too.''
With that she hung up. Cheryl and Toni had no idea what to expect from this visit. First, she wondered how she knew about the game. She was desecrate. Next thing that gave her strange feeling was the fact that Penelope said ''your girlfriend'', she usually didn't address Toni in any way. She ignored she existed pretty well. Acknowledgment of Toni was scary as…was very scary for both girls. They wondered what she had in mind now. Will she send somehow both of them to the Sisters or someplace worse….? A lot was on their mind until she showed up at the door. Cheryl noticed that she was very disturbed and there was mixture of fear, sadness and pain on her face. Few minutes later, Penelope was in the house.
''God evening mommy…''
''Good evening Cheryl, Antoinette.''
''Mrs. Blossom….''
She left her coat and went to the stairs.
''Where are you going?''
''To the attic. Pour us a drink… All three of us are going to need it.''
''Mom, I don't drink….''
''You are drinking tonight Cheryl…''
Some twenty minutes later, Penelope came down with a pretty big chest. Toni offered her help, but Penelope said she could do it alone. She took her glass of whiskey and just had it in big sip.
''I never expected the game to come back and with it…huge part of my life I promised would stay at that attic forgotten and never spoken about.''
''Mom, what is happening.''
''Freshmen year of high school, Alice and FP went to the woods to have their…''
Penelope was searching for appropriate way to say it.
''Mom, you can say sex. We all know what it is and had it.''
That was very subtle way Cheryl said she was not a virgin anymore. She was surprised to see her mother laugh.
''You are right… sex... They were sneaking into the woods for sex. At that time Alice was involved with some other boy and she and FP had some crazy on/ off thing. They saw Charles Doyly, that is Dilton's uncle, with a map. He told them about the game. It sounded like fun to them so they got involved somehow into that. They dragged Hall and Clifford, because those two simply had to be part of every mischief there was. Then Alice dragged Hermione, Sierra and Fred into it. But they needed more people, and that's how Hiram, Tom and Peter Mantle got into it.''
''And how did you?''
She smiled, but it was a sad smile.
''They needed someone who knew Latin, so that's where I came in handy. Boring nerd became essential.''
Toni didn't see Penelope Blossom as a nerd. She was sure that she was one of the girls who ruled the school. This was a surprise to Cheryl as well.
''Since all of them were already partnered up, I needed a partner too, so FP used his position in the Serpents to get me one. She was in the Serpents, very adventures, and open minded, free spirited person. I was lucky to get her as a partner, because from the very start we found some sort of understanding. We didn't like each other, but when it came to the game, we played by the rules we both accepted. She didn't do anything without talking to me first and I didn't play the game behind her back. For some quests we had, her physical appearance was very helpful. She was really beautiful and her beauty helped a lot…along with a crazy adventures spirit. I don't think I would have survived the game without her. Her name was Nina Becket…''
Toni's eyes grew wide.
''What did you just say?''
''Yes, you heard right… Nina Becket, your mother, was my partner.''
Cheryl was confused about this exchange.
''You knew my mom? Were you friends?''
Penelope had very unusual facial expression. Like she was thinking about her answer.
''You could say I knew her. Not sure about the friends part.''
Cheryl couldn't believe what she just heard. Penelope got up and poured the drink for the girls.
''You'll need this…''
She got her locket out of the purse and pulled out small key…. She placed it on Toni's palm, to her daughter's surprise and went back to her chair by the fireplace.
''Open the chest tomorrow. You have all the answers you might need… I hope you'll understand, that there are some aspects of my past I didn't want anyone to know about. And I really don't want to talk about it. That's why this chest can provide all you need. I will answer your questions after you are finished with all inside. But I am sure, there will be no questions.''
Toni pulled it to the place she and Cheryl were sitting at.
''Mrs. Blossom, what is inside?''
''My past. All I never wanted to come back and haunt me.''
Cheryl and Toni just watched at the chest on the floor, feeling very uncomfortable about what might be inside. Toni felt like it would be invasion of Mrs. Blossom's privacy and Cheryl feared what she could learn about her mother. She feared that at one point her mother was normal person and then something made into this.
''Oh, and by the way… Your mom is on the way. She should be here in less than an hour.''
''What?''
''Nina is on the way.''
''How? My mom is dead?!''
''No, she is not. Nina Becket is well, alive and clean for some time now. She is about hour away from here. She works in some hippy looking café and didn't really change much since the last time I saw her.''
Cheryl was confused, but not as Toni.
''How do you know?''
''Miss Topaz, you called me she devil few times and I honestly don't take it personal. Well, this she devil keeps tabs on people. That is how I know where she is.''
''But my grandparents and uncle told me…''
''What worked for them. She will explain that part…when she gets the chance to talk to you. We have our first meeting about the game tonight after midnight at the bunker.''
Nina arrived soon and Penelope got up to let her in.
''I never expected a call. What got you Chery Blossom to remember me after all this time. Are you being nostalgic?''
''Nothing to be nostalgic about. Reason why I called is not very good.''
''Oh, you wound me Blossom.''
''Don't pretend like you didn't deserve it.''
''I didn't do anything wrong.''
''Let the past be past. We have more pressing issues.''
''Like what?''
''The game. That is the reason you are here.''
Nina's smile was gone. Just as Penelope, she honestly hoped that word would never come off the lips of anyone involved in the incident.
''What? Penelope Adeline Blossom, you better tell me this is a very morbid and bad joke you used to get me here.''
''I wish… But I can't…''
''It was over, done, it ended…. HOW? HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?''
''Idiots of FP's and Alice's children somehow got involved into that.''
''They have kids together?''
''No, she married Hall Cooper and he married some random Serpent girl… maybe you know her… Well, Alice…Her daughter is dating his son.''
''I guess it runs in the family.''
''You will see soon that many things run in the family Nina.''
With that she walked toward living room where Cheryl was kissing Toni and trying to calm her down. Seeing them kiss made both women uncomfortable in a way. Nina whispered to Penelope.
''This is creepy.''
''Tell me about it.''
Cheryl broke the kiss and turned toward the door where their mothers stood. Nina said hi and started walking toward them and Penelope took her usual spot in the chair by the fireplace. She was surprised how much Toni looked like her mom.
''Hi, I'm Cheryl…I am your daughter's girlfriend.''
Nina had the same smirk Toni makes at Cheryl. It looked to the girls Nina found this very fun and interesting.
''I gathered… You were pretty much making out with her.''
''And I will hurt you, if you hurt her… She deserves much better than this.''
She smiled at the girl and turned to Penelope.
''She is just like you. This sassy attitude is Chery Blossom I remember.''
''Why do you call my mother like that?''
Before Nina could say anything, there was very strict bark from Penelope.
''It's none of your business Cheryl! We are not here to rehash the past… We are here for some other reasons.''
Penelope explained they had to play the game again and that now that their kids are part of it too, parents and kids are teams.
''And where are your lovely husband and the other kid? I heard you had twins. How is good old Clifford? Is he still the same coward and son of a…''
She remembered Penelope's daughter was there. It was not nice thing to say about her dad. Toni took Cheryl's hand and along with her she waited for Penelope's answer. It was just one word.
''Dead.''
Nina all of the sudden felt so bad for asking… She had no idea who was dead? Husband? Son? Both of them?
''Penelope….?''
''Clifford killed our son and then killed himself. He was always a coward that couldn't stand behind what he did.''
''I'm sorry.''
''Are you? You predicted it? You said that my inbreed family would be a screw up and that you wish that the curse doesn't skip us.''
''I was eighteen and angry at you. I would have never said anything like that if I knew there was a chance for it to happen.''
''There is always a chance.''
''I believed it was just a story.''
''Apparently , it's not… ''
She took another drink.
''I was ten when I buried my twin, she is sixteen and buried her twin. So, the curse sort of works… Do you know what the funny thing was, I couldn't let myself love my children out of the fear of that curse. I spent sixteen years waiting for one of them to die or be murdered by some family member or members.''
Cheryl all of the sudden felt bad for her mother. She didn't really understand her, but felt bad for her.
''I'm sorry…''
''It's ok. It's part of life…and as you said, Blossom lifestyle.''
''Penelope, I would never wish anyone to be without their kid. I am not that cruel.''
''I'm glad.''
She looked at her daughter and Cheryl sitting on the sofa and holding hands. She was so caring toward the girl that Nina felt proud of her. She didn't really know her daughter and she wanted to know more about her. Toni felt eyes on her. She knew who was looking and finally found some courage to look at the woman. Toni looked at her not knowing what to say. She believed for years that her mother was dead.
''I guess we have to have long talk.''
''How? How could you pretend that you are dead over ten years?"
''Because in a way I was. I was not fit to be a parent. I was addicted to so many things and for years in and out of rehab. I couldn't give you what they did.''
''But you were my mother! How could you be far from me?''
''I was not. I had days when I watched you from the distance. And you were happy. You lived a life I would never be able to give you . After I left your dad, he gave you to his parents and you stayed there. I need you to be safe. They gave you relatively safe home. I know what your uncle did, and I took care of him…in more than one occasion.''
''You beat him up?''
''Oh, with pleasure.''
''You beat him up, but never came to see me.''
''I'm sorry Toni.''
Penelope received a call. It was Hermione. It was time. Parents and children playing the game.
''We must leave now. Hermione called. She got the new letter. King wats us at the bunker.''
Nina was surprised that place existed. Penelope went to get her coat. She gave Nina her car keys.
''I can't drive. I had too much to drink.''
''I wish I could have a drink now, but I shouldn't… It's not a good idea. I am sober for over three years now.''
''Good for you.''
They all met at the bunker. Many of the adults were surprised to see Nina and even more surprised to learn that she is Toni's mother. FP knew, but he didn't comment that. He was just surprised to see her alive. He believed David Topaz when he said that Nina died of drugs and who knows what else. There were rows of chairs and white sheet. It looked like they will have to watch some sort of a movie. By the projector was a letter. Betty took the letter and started to read it.
''You all know why you are here. First group told a lie to a Gargoyle king and the other was too curious to drop things, so here we are again. The group that played the game lied to the King and King always hated the liars. Now, it's time for the truth. You will see the movie about the lie you said. Fred, FP and Hiram, think about what you wrote in your letters to the king after the game ended. You gave credit do the wrong person and he was never the one to complete the quest without cheating. Yes, King knows what lies you told. His eyes were on you all along. He knows all you wanted to hide. And now, since none of you came forward, your lies are about to be exposed.''
They took their seats and the lights were off. Clifford and Halle were in the bunker. They had bottle of something and they poured it into their friends waterbottles.
''Cliff, are you sure this is a good idea?''
''It's just a Laxative. Nothing will happen to them. They will just have to spend too much time in the restroom, and be too bussy to forcus on the quest.''
''So, all this so we could win.''
''Prize sounds interesting…''
''What is it?''
''Trophy and you can pick someone to join the team.''
''Who would you pick? Cliff we don't need anyone.''
''Are you retarded? We need someone… Now the quests are less about physical abilities, and more about brain power.''
''Penelope… You want her?''
''Yes, I need her to win.''
''You can't stand her and from I see feeling is mutual.''
''It's not about feelings. Penelope Blossom is boring as hell, but good asset for us. We need her for the game.''
''It's nice how you talk about her as an asset. No one would guess two of you are to be married.''
''I am marrying her because she is an asset. We will have few kids and that's it. We fulfilled out duty.''
''What? You will divorce her?''
''Blossoms don't do divorce. We do separate bedrooms and coegsisting with a partner and kids.''
''What a cheerful prospective on life.''
Clifford gave him an evil smile.
''It's a Blossom thing, you would never get it.''
''Back to the game. Do you think Penelope would dump Nina for out team?"
''Yes , I think she can't stand the girl. She is a Serpent and you know out Saint Penelope. She hates everything that doesn't fit her perfect mold. Nina is one of those things.''
''And if she doesn't accept.''
''Then I shall have to put aside my feelings toward cousin dearest and court her for the cause. She will fall for this. She is book smart, but has no idea when someone sells her street stories. By the end of the week, P Blossom is with us and eating out of my palm.''
Penelope watched her husband talk about her with a smirk. Cheryl realized that something went wrong with his plan with her mom, but had no idea what happened. By the way her mother smiled, she was sure Clifford paid the price fro statement like that or something else happened.
Next shot was Clifford and Penelope sitting in the bunker and him trying to court her. He gave her compliments of how smart and amazing she is and how they would have never solved anything without her.
''It's nice cousin that you realize my true potential. So, let's skip the pleasantries and tell me what you want.''
He didn't see that coming. She caught him of guard.
''I… Hm… Would you join me for the next quest?''
''Why would I?''
''Because we can do it… Us, Blossoms against the world.''
''What an amazing partner you are. You would sell Halle so easily.''
''Penelope, why avoid the inevitable? You and I would be team for life.''
She smiled very evil smile.
''If you live long enough for us to marry. You staying alive is not really want I want from life. If you die with idiot of Halle, I get my freedom. And I don't have to marry you and live nightmare of life being MRS. Clifford Cornelius Blossom.''
He was surprised to hear her speak like that.
''I would rather stay with the Serpent girl than waste a moment on you. But, I wouldn't mind being in the room when you screw up something so I can watch your ego crumble… So, dear cousin… Don't mention our forced bond until the unfortunate day we have to tie the knot. I'll leave you to your usual list of skanks… You are no match to Penelope Blossom.''
''You know about the deflowering quest?''
''Yes, but I can assure you that if my deflowering is the part of the quest, you are not coming near my lady parts.''
''You have someone in mind?''
''If the quest says it has to be a scum and sleazy person, I rather pick Hiram… He is making me sick, but at least his cologne smells better. And he doesn't have daddy issues.''
He tried to kiss her by force, but she pushed him and kicked him into his crown jewels.
''I am not one of your skanks… Maybe that is the way you treat some of them. I am not that girl.''
''You are not a lady either.''
''And, where would be fun in that?! See you around cousin…but keep your distance.''
Next shot was library. Penelope was sitting on the floor with five books around her and her notebook for the game. Nina found her there and took a seat across from her.
''What are you up to Blossom?''
''Puzzles… There are two we have to solve… And they are bothering me a lot.''
She gave Nina papers with puzzles and Nina tried to decipher them with her. Penelope directed her what to look in the books and she started looking. She would often sneak a look at very serious Penelope.
''Stop staring at me Nina… I am not the puzzle.''
''You are the biggest puzzle to solve.''
There was tiny smile on Penelope's lips. That was something that Nina never saw in her life. She was always very uptight and serious.
''She smiles…''
And there it was. She smiled again and again.
''Don't distract me, we have to work.''
Toni and Cheryl stared in wonder. Their moms were flirting. Nina was a player who was fascinated by Penelope and Cheryl could see why Penelope liked Nina. Nina had all the freedom she didn't have and what she didn't let Cheryl have years later. Cheryl didn't really like how her dad acted and how he treated people around him. That was not how he was later with her and Jason, but still even Clifford she remembers couldn't be called a good person.
School cafeteria was full of kids. It was time for Study Hall and Hermione decided to try and do her homework at school. Her parents wanted her to go somewhere with them in the afternoon, so she had to finish it now. Fred was sitting beside her and they held hands under the table. They were very much in love, at least Fred was. Hermione started to change toward him. She was becoming a bit distant. Her parents didn't really like the part that he was not Hispanic and that he didn't come from rich family. Fred got called to the guidiance office and he was not coming back, so Hiram took a chance to sneak up to Hermione. Their conversation was not on tape, but by the body language, it was clear that something was going on there and that good little Hermione was playing a game with both boys. She loved Fred, he was a good boy, he was a real boy next door. He would stay here, work with his dad and be happy living the life of construction worker and later owner of his father's company. Hiram was all she wanted. She wanted out of Riverdale and Hiram was ticket for that.
Fred looked hurt. He had no idea that Hermione started something with Hiram during their relationship. He knew Hiram liked Hermione from the start, but he had no idea she returned his advances.
Tom Keller and Sierra were in the gym. She was cheering him on when he was practicing for the basketball game. They were not together, but it was evident that they had feelings for one another. They were in relationships with other people and they didn't know how to end it.
''He left the ball on the court and sat beside her.''
''I can't break up with Eva. Her dad left again and it's messy at home.''
''I know… it's the same with Steven. He is not at the good place right now…''
''Do you think it would ever be our time?''
''I hope so.''
Kevin and Josie just witnessed their parents staying with their partners, who later became their other parent out of some sort of petty guilt. They knew something was wrong with the relationships their parents had, but had no idea how long it was not working out actually.
FP and Alice were locked in the genitor's closet and they were making out. At that point, two of them were just hooking up and nothing serious was happening between them. Alice was seeing someone else and also Halle was showing interest in her… But, unfortunately for her, she could only see FP, regardless of how bad he treated her.
''What are you doing tonight?''
''I don't know…Why?''
''It's our turn for the game. I got the letter this morning.''
''What should we do?''
''We have to give away someone's secret. If we don't he will tell everyone about us.''
''No! No one should know about us.''
''I know, but what do we do?''
''We give someone's secret.''
''Ok, whose?''
''I don't know… Let me think.''
''Ok, I'll leave it up to you. Secrets are more what you girls are into.''
' ''Ok.''
Alice knew what she would do and whose secret she would give away. In the evening she and FP went to the bunker and put in the King's box bunch of letters. FP had no idea what was that. He just watched Alice put letters in the box and smile at him.
''We are done…That was easy…''
Adult Hermione swallowed hard. That's where her letters disappeared. She didn't know who to blame for them missing, but now she knew. Alice sold her. She looked at Alice who just lowered her gaze.
''I am sorry Hermione.''
Bunker was light with candles. Hermione was sitting on the bed and played with her scarf. She was not sure why she came here and how he actually got her to come. Few moments later, Hiram joined in with flowers and bottle of very expensive red wine.
''I got this for you…''
''Oh, thank you.''
He opened the wine and poured it to Hermione. They drunk in silence and then she took their glasses and placed them on the table.
''Ok. I am ready.''
Hiram was slowly removing her cloths and waiting for any sign from her that he should stop. Hermione had no idea what to do, but she couldn't stop him. One part of her wanted him. He was a rich bad boy, and he wanted her. He wanted her for so long. They had sex and after that he made her promise that this wouldn't be the last time. He didn't ask her to leave Fred, he waited for her to pick him. He knew she will.
Fred had no idea Hermione cheated. He believed they were good. She was seeing Hiram behind his back for almost a year and he couldn't believe. Veronica and Archie felt bad for him. They could only imagine how it was for him. He just learned at last year of his relationship with Hermione was a lie.
Projector was on and there was room in this bunker that was filled with candles…lots of candles. Next shot was of Penelope Blossom dressed in something like wedding dress with her hair down and flowers and the veil in her hair. She had huge smile on her face. She looked excited in a way. Penelope didn't like what she was seeing, but she knew she couldn't leave this place. She had to sit and watch… Cheryl was in shock. She was about to watch her parents have sex and she didn't want to see that. Voice she heard surprised her.
''Hello, my Cherry Blossom.''
Penelope's smile was huge.
'' Hello my good sir…or my fair lady…''
It was Toni's mom. She was also in costume. Her long black hair was in a perfect braid and she was dressed as a price. She did look very good dressed like that.
''So, we must marry…''
Penelope sat down on a bunch of pillows and Nina joined her.
''The letter said so.''
Nina got two small rings out of her pocket. They were thin silver wedding bands.
''This is all I could find…''
''You are such a romantic…''
''Lady Penelope, it is my honor to do this with you.''
They exchanged their rings and Nina sneaked out of her bag bottle of wine. Penelope was never much of a drinker, so it soon got to her head and she started saying things that didn't make sense to many people.
''P, I must go now… so the other part of the quest can be finished.''
Penelope just nodded.
''My virginity…''
''Yes, that part.''
She took a big swig of the wine.
''And everyone thinks it's something that Clifford is entitled to. Nobody asked me… Nobody cares what Penelope wants.''
Nina was surprised by this. She had no idea what was the dynamic between the Blossoms. She knew that they came from filthy rich families and that it is pretty much arranged marriage. But Nina had no idea about what their real feelings are.
''You don't want him?''
At that question she made disgusted face.
''No…No… I don't want him close to me. I have to marry him some day. I don't want him to be the only lover I have for life. Honestly, I despise him.''
Nina smiled at that. She could understand the girl.
''Why? He is such a charmer?''
Irony was appreciated by very drunk Penelope. She just nodded and raised the bottle again to her lips.
''So, you want me to call someone else? Is one of the boys someone you would do it with?''
Penelope took the bottle and had another swig. She shook her head after thinking about her options. Halle and Cliff were not event here. Halle was with his parents somewhere and Clifford was…with some girl whose name he will not remember in the morning. That was her cousin Clifford, perfect husband to be. She took some more of her drink and lifted her gaze to Nina.
''Can I ask you to do it?''
Nina, on the sheet, and the rest of the people in the room watching this were shocked at least. Cheryl turned to Toni who had equally surprised and shocked face. Their moms…? No! That didn't happen.
''What are you saying?''
''I am asking, could you do it?''
''Me?''
''Yes, you have experience with that. I know you do…''
''I do, but I never…. I was never with someone like you.''
''Like me? A girl? Because we know it is a lie….''
''Virgin. I don't know how you do it with someone for the first time. You know pretty well that I was with a girl…as a matter of fact…few of them.''
''Is there any difference between first and who knows how many times?''
''Yes, first should be the one you remember forever.''
''Nina, in six or seven years I'm to marry a man I can't stand. I can't stand to give him something so important.''
''So, now you want me to do it?''
''Yes…''
''Why?''
''I don't hate you. You are the only person I can stand in last few months. And I rather have memory of losing my virginity to someone who cares about it, than Clifford, to whom I would be just one more girl he deflowered.''
There were tears in young Penelope's eyes.
''I don't want to be forgotten. I want to be part of someone's memories.''
Nina smiled at the other girl and took her hand.
''Penelope Adeline Blossom, you are someone who would never be forgotten; I can promise you that… And I will be honored to oblige, if that is what you really want.''
''I do…''
Nina kissed the other girl and helped her get off the pillows. Penelope took off her veil and flowers from her hair. Nina patiently untied laces on the back of Penelope's dress and it dropped on the floor. She took her chance to ask again if Penelope was sure.
''Yes, I am.''
That was there the cut was made. There was silence in the room. No one said a word. Penelope just sat there and stared at one spot. She didn't look at her daughter or anyone else. She was not embarrassed, she was…just scared of being that exposed. Toni looked at her mom who had sad look and smile on her face. Like, she felt nostalgic for the time at the sheet. Cheryl was looking at the sheet in shock. Did her mother just lose her virginity to a girl, who is out of all people Toni's mom. Projector lit again and new scene started. It was after they had sex.
Penelope Blossom was sitting on the floor in Nina's plaid shirt with her hair down and something devilish in her eyes that was not there before. In her hands she held small sheet. Nina sat across from her in a washed out Guns and Roses t shirt and her long hair down. They just looked at each other and busted into laughter.
''What's funny Blossom?''
''All this…''
''What exactly?''
''Who knew that the girl they made fun of all the time, would end the game?!''
''I never doubted you. I knew you would find a solution to any situation we were in. That amazing mind of yours kept us safe Penelope. Don't you know two of us are the only team that was not close to death? And it's all of you.''
''You make me sound like something I am not. I am just a classroom nerd. You were the one doing most of the physical work.''
''Maybe, but that classroom nerd kept us alive. You knew what berries not to eat in the forest quest, you knew the answers to many riddles that helped us progress in the game.''
''All that time with books finally paid off. They had all the fun in life and P. Blossom had all the books.''
''You could have fun too.''
''I know, you showed me.''
Nina's face was priceless.
''And it just gets better in time.''
''So, I heard…But I'm wondering if this type of activity would help as a stress relief during study periods. I have to start working for my SAT.''
''NOW? But, it's too early.''
''NO, it's never too early. If I'm not ok with my score, I can do it again.''
''Nerd!''
''What can I say?''
''Are you sure you are ok?''
''I am amazingly fine. I believed I would have some sense of guilt or doing something wrong, but I am ok. And I even don't mind the girl part of it.''
''Oh…''
''Yes, I feel sort of adventures because of the fact it's a girl. It was fun and sort of dangerous.''
''Dangerous?''
''Imagine their faces if they ever learn what happened.''
''I rather not…''
There was loud laughter coming out of Penelope.
''Imagine their faces… Good old boring nerd Penelope, gave it up to a girl…A SERPENT girl….Irony of life.''
''Are you ashamed of us doing it?''
''No, but I don't think it's their business who with we sleep.''
''That is true… But since we are part of this toxic group, we sort of get involved into lives of our friends.''
''You called them friends.''
''It's just a slip of the tongue.''
''Really?''
''Yes, it will not happen again.''
There was short silence.
''What do you think they would say if they found out you slept with me?''
''I don't think any of them would believe it. I think they would rather believe I hurt myself to fake it, than that I slept with you.''
''Why is that?''
''You know I am not much of a Serpent fan?!''
''But you are fan of me?''
''Sometimes… When you don't get on my nerves and don't threaten me with violence to do your homework or some of the test.''
''I stopped doing that.''
''Yes, you stopped threatening; now you just give me your sheet of paper with questions and things you need.''
''It's not my fault you are smart.''
''You are too, but you are lazy.''
Penelope was silent and looking at Nina with a smirk.
''Nina…''
''Yes?''
''Can we do it before my history test on Thursday and math on Friday?''
''What?''
''As I said, I heard that sex is amazing thing for relaxing and relieving the pressure. I am under a lot of pressure lately and this might just get…handy…''
She didn't want to say anything. Nina got it from the look on her face.
''Penelope Blossom… You are…''
Penelope got into her lap and placed a finger on her lips.
''Not a word Nina…''
She took the bottom of Nina's shirt in her hands and pulled it up.''
''Night is not over…neither are we…''
Next part was in the entrance of the bunker where Nina placed Penelope's sheet in a box King left for them. Penelope was standing above her in the usual attire. Her jeans, turtle neck, glasses and mustard color coat.
''Are you ready to leave?''
''Yes, it's already three in the morning. My parents will be home at eight. I should go home and at least look like I spent the night there.''
Before they left, Nina got her hand.
''Penelope, any regrets?''
''I believe I will have a lot of them in life ahead of me, but I can promise you that you would never be one of them.''
She gave her peck on the lips and smiled in a very sexy and devious way.
''I can't wait for us to repeat this…''
''You do?''
''Next Wednesday… We can spend the entire night here. My mom and dad are going to Chicago for two days. Dad has a conference.''
''Ok. Until then…''
She was about to leave again and she came back to tell Nina one more thing.
''And at school, we keep it as usual.''
''Penelope, you think you could resist me?''
''Oh, don't worry, I can.''
She winked and left the bunker. Nina could hear her car moving away. With the smile on her face she, shut down the lights and locked the bunker.
''You will be the death of me Cherry Blossom…''
Toni and Cheryl were confused by this. It was weird thing to see. Their mothers were lovers at one point. There was a smirk on Nina's face. Now they knew what happened. All of them had no idea what to say. None of them could even imagine that Penelope Blossom would ever be with a girl. Before anyone could say a word new letter came.
''You are to play with you old partners and you may pick who will your ally's be. It is recommended to make this a family game. Soon first assignments would come.''
Betty put the letter on the table and looked around the room. There was some guilty conscience in her mother and Hermione couldn't even look at her. Cheryl and Toni came to their mothers and just stared at them. Cheryl looked angry and disappointed and Toni was still under the impression of learning her mom is alive to even dip into what she felt about their mothers sleeping together. Just as Cheryl was about to say something, new letter dropped. Betty took it. She opened the letter and started reading.
''Something old, something new…it might make two girls blue… Family secrets always hide what might kill you from inside. Pack a bag and then leave, to the cabin by the sea.''
Penelope got up and took the letter. Betty was frightened of that woman so she didn't protest. She returned to the girls and Nina.
''This is us…''
Nina nodded. And Cheryl was confused why was that about them and how did Penelope know?
''How do you know?''
''I have cottage by the sea. My parents owned it and we went there…few times. So, four of us are up for a little road trip.''
Penelope started walking towards the exit and Cheryl came after her.
''Do you have something to say to me?''
''What do you want to hear?''
''You admitting you are hypocrite?''
''Cheryl, stop being dramatic. We will talk about this in private… Two of us or four of us, but not here and now! Now, walk to the car and stop being drama queen.''
Two other women followed and Nina was confused about what was going on with Penelope and her daughter. But, apparently she will learn about it pretty soon. She and Penelope had a lot of explaining to do.