A Moment of Peace Is Too Much to Ask?

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny leaned against the wall of the auditorium, closing her eyes. Yesterday's escapade's hadn't gone at all as she had planned. Her parents caught her and she got the entire disappointment lecture. It was enough to make her just quit trying. After all, porcelain dolls never got broken and caged birds never got lost. Maybe being treated as them wasn't the worst thing in the world?

No, she immediately thought. She didn't like having these expectations toward her. Besides, caged birds didn't have room to fly either and those dolls were mainly around to look pretty. Collectibles. Penny wasn't a collectible. She was a person, she knew that. She just needed to get used to feeling like one.

I'll just start small...I have a clean slate right now. Maybe just nail polish or something. She glanced down at her french manicured nails and scowled. April's right; they look boring...too perfect. Without another thought, she began scratching what she could of the nail polish.

Glancing up, she wondered when the bell was going to ring. It should have about five minutes ago...unless her watch was fast. Either way, she hoped it would soon.

[cathrine]

Cathrine hummed a happy tune as she walked into the theatre. She had been looking foreword to Drama class...it seemed like fun. And, maybe they, unlike those stupid people in charge of Fiddler On The Roof auditions, would see her true acting skill.

She then smiled when she saw Penny. She was hoping she'd that girl again. She was nicely dressed and from what she heard rich.

"Hi!" said Cathrine, walking over to her.

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny's wish obviously had come true, but she recognized the girl from rehearsals. She wasn't sure what to make of this. After a moment of hesitation, she put on a smile. What could it hurt to at least attempt to be nice. Besides, she was getting bored. It was nice to have another human being to talk to. "Hi," she responded.

[cathrine]

"Ok," said Cathrine with a smile, hoping her plan would work, "I was just thinking ever since reahearsels how nice you dress...and, I was thinking...since we both dress nice, we should be shopping buddies!" she said cheerfully.

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny raised an eyebrow. There was no possible way she had heard this correctly. From a complete stranger? Still...why look a gift horse in the mouth? It was an excuse to get out of the house without having to pull a Rapunzel. Still, she didn't want to take advantage of the girl. The least she could do was learn her name. "Oh...wow, sure. But...oh I'm sorry, I don't think I ever caught your name," she responded as politely as she could.

[cathrine]

"Great!" said Cathrine with a smile. Her plan was working...just like it had with Allison. Hopefully, Penny liked the places she shoped.

"Oh," said Cathrine...giggling at the fact she frogot to introduce herself, "I'm Cathrine."

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny nodded in agreement at the girl's exclaimation. For her, most likely, it was great for a different reason though. At least she hoped Cathrine didn't have reasons to want to be away from her house. She smiled as she introduced herself. "I'm Penny, nice to meet you Cathrine."

[cathrine]

"Nice to meet you too..." said Cathrine, "So, do you wanna go shopping right after school?" She wanted to shop as soon as possible...she always did.

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny shrugged. "Sure, why not? It's not like I have anything better to do...we'll just need a ride. My parents are really busy." Besides, they don't want to bother with their daughter in any way, she mentally added, but kept her lips sealed. She glanced around the empty theater. "Where is everybody?"

[cathrine]

"YAY!" said Cathrine happily, clapping her hands together with joy."

"Well...I can't drive," she said, "And my dad's at work...so, he wouldn't be able to drive us."

She sighed...if only her mom was here...she could drive them. Her dad felt horrible just leaving her by herself after school untill 6, when his workday ended and he promised her he'd find a way he could be home more often...but, as of now...he was at work, leaving no one to drive her the the mall.

"Know anyone who can drive?" she asked.

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny couldn't help but laugh at the girl's enthusiasm. It wasn't something she was used to. Most of the kids she knew were too busy showing off their latest diamond earrings or pearl necklaces to really show any emotion. It was a nice change.

Penny bit her lip and thought. April had said that anytime they needed a ride...she was probably going to find this whole situation amusing. She internally chuckled before answering, "I think I know. I'll have to ask her, of course, but I think we'll be able to get a ride." She had wondered why the girl was sighing. Maybe just because she couldn't think of anything else? No that can't be right...

[cathrine]

Cathrine perked up when Penny said she had a ride. "Really?! THat's great!" Maybe she was one of Penny's rich friends

[Penny Mezzello]

Penny nodded with a smile. "Mmhmm. She'll be fine with it," she responded. After all, April was pretty friendly. She was a little against materialism, but that didn't mean she'd have a problem with driving them to the mall. Where was the harm in that?

Suddenly the bell sounded out. "Oh! I've got to go. I can't be late for my class again." While she spoke, she pulled her bag over her arm. "Anyway, it was nice meeting you Cathrine. Bye!" With that, she rushed out the door.

[Out-Somewhere]

[cathrine]

Cathrine smiled. "Ya," said Cathrine as Penny said she had to go to class, "I have go to class too...see ya after school Penny!"

[Out-Somewhere]