229 Penny’s departure
Weeks had passed and Penny had already finished the countless exams she had to take. After the exams, she only had to wait for a few more weeks. While waiting, Penny would come to support Jessa in her competition with Allison.
“Timer starts… now!”
As soon as the judge of the show announced, every contestant in the show quickly went to the ingredients at the back to get whatever they would need for their dish.
Today was the first filming of the first episode of the show. Jessa managed to get in after winning all the previous rounds to be an official candidate.
On the sidelines, Penny and Allison watched intently. But unlike Allison, who was at the edge of her scat, Penny couldn’t help but smile.
The world is actually round, huh?‘ Penny thought while watching Jessa start preparing fiercely. ‘Not long ago, it was Aunt Jessa, who is on the sidelines while I compete. But now… the roles are reversed.‘
In her previous life, Jessa’s only habit was gambling and making Penny’s life hard.
Jessa changed and continued to do so even without Penny in the household.
Turning her head, Penny smiled subtly upon seeing the nervous look on Allison’s face. ‘And I hope Mom will also change. Although she’s already a good person, I hope she does something for herself.”
After all, Allison had poured her heart and soul into her children. No one would point it out because Allison came from a well–off family and her husband was a wise businessman. However, no one knew that as an individual, Allison didn’t have a life outside of her children.
Penny hoped that with Jessa’s change, Allison would also want to achieve something as an individual. Of course, that was only Penny’s opinion. But if her mother was already happy being the way she was, it was also alright.
Allison was already perfect as a housewife. She may be imperfect as an individual, but she was trying her best to be the mother her children needed.
‘Although I might not be able to see the finals… my heart is at ease. Her smile stretched as she set her eyes on the set again. I’m not leaving with a heavy heart.”
And right now, the strange feeling she carried when asked if she was ready was gone.
This time, Penny was certain she was ready to close this chapter of her life and start anew.
By the end of this round of the master chef, Jessa was able to get in the next round… in style.
10:26
C
229 Penny’s departure
More time had passed without anyone realizing and before they knew it, the day for Penny’s departure rolled in.
Standing in the airport, Haines and Penny faced the family.
“Penny.” Allison squatted down, teary–eyed. She stroked Penny’s cheeks with the back of her hand, smiling even though her eyes wanted to shed tears. “You take care of there, okay? If you need anything, just tell Uncle Haines. Or better yet, call Mom, hmm?”
Penny smiled from ear to ear. “I’ll call Mom every day so don’t be sad, Mama-!”
“I’m… trying,” Allison’s voice broke as a traitorous tear escaped her eyes. “Mommy will miss you.”
Allison carefully pulled her beloved daughter into her embrace, patting Penny’s back. She was trying to console Penny with her actions, but it was more like it was her who needed to be comforted. When Allison let her go, she stared at Penny’s wide and adorable face.
“Dad and Mom will visit you every so often,” she said. “Don’t worry about anything anymore for now, okay?”
Penny nodded, snapping her eyes to Allison’s side as Charles squatted down.
“Penny, be good there, okay!?” Charles reached out and ruffled her hair. “Mom said it. We will always visit you and call! Every day! Call Mom and Dad, okay!?”
“Yes” Penny’s lips stretched, chuckling at the repeated nagging from the two.
After Charles nagged, a thin layer of tears coated his eyes. “Can you hug Daddy, Penny? I’m so sad…!” 1
“Hehe!” Penny didn’t hesitate to leap, locking her arms around his neck.
Charles’s face softened as he slowly placed his hand on her back. “My princess, take care when you’re there, okay? Don’t get sick and when you’re sad, you can always call us. We’ll stay on the call all day for you.”
He still nagged her, but his voice was more gentle with a tinge of reluctance. Even so, neither Allison nor Charles stopped her.
When Charles and Penny parted, she glanced at the approaching Slater.
“Penny Slater stood a step from her, a look of hesitation clear in his eyes. “Call, okay!? You better call!”
Penny flickered when he suddenly started shouting. “Third brother, what’s wrong with you? Are you angry?”
“No!” Slater cleared his throat, his lips quivering. “I’m just… I’m just…”
Before Slater could say anything, he turned around and blocked his eyes with his arms. Hugo smiled subtly and placed a hand on top of Slater’s head. @
“Penny, during vacation, we’ll visit you,” Hugo smiled, wanting to send his sister off with a smile. “Slater is just a little sad and has been crying since last night.”
10:26 –
229 Ponny’s departure
“Don’t forget to call, just like what Mom and Dad said,” Atlas chimed in; he wasn’t smiling like Hugo or crying like Slater. “Don’t joke about that.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Pampered by my three brothers: the return of the neglected heiress