“Okay,” Penny swallowed up her arguments and agreed. It was obviously what was needed and the least she could do to show her gratitude. Even if every fiber of her being revolted against it. “But not a minute less, either,” she added, stepping further into the room.
“And Penny?”
“Yes?” Penny couldn’t hide her annoyance. She had just been promised a very short amount of time and didn’t want it interrupted.
“Thank you.”
All pretense of being light and carefree was gone from Bonnie’s face. Penny held her friend’s gaze, soaking in the appreciation and vulnerability there.
“You’re welcome.”
As hard as she tried to keep up, Penny found herself consistently a few steps behind. Bonnie moved with an energy she envied. To be fair, she had the legs for it, long, slim, and muscular. The real reason Penelope kept falling behind time and time again had nothing to do with that, though. She couldn’t help stopping to look at everything. It all felt so otherworldly.She wanted to absorb the images that felt like something out of a story, to make sure this was really happening.
Some of the buildings and landmarks they passed made her feel as if she’d stepped back in time. Others made her more aware of her foreignness. Each house they passed was different and unique, while still presented in a stately manner. Some had large bay windows; others were stiff and straight. All were made of what looked like cement, unlike the ponderous wooden houses at home that stretched out with porches and flourishes. At first, these homes felt cold and lacking in personality. The more she passed though, the less fair that judgment seemed. These were practically designed to last through the wet weather for centuries to come. She only had to think back to the large marble fireplace she’d almost climbed into to realize the warmth was created inside.
Bonnie led her down a breathtakingly beautiful tree-lined street. The lush green leaves formed a canopied ceiling above them. The foliage dampened the sound around them, giving it an eerie quietness.
Penny frowned at her friend’s pace. Bonnie had lived here and visited multiple times. She didn’t seem to understand how new and overwhelming it was for someone who hadn’t. Penny was barely off the plane. Hell, she was still taking in the fact she’d agreed to get on the plane. She was also quietly trying to fight down the rising panic at every recent decision she’d made. She deserved a little time to adjust.
Bonnie was on the move, though, forcing Penny to hurry to keep up. Even so, she was happy she’d changed into jeans. The air around them was damp and cool. It was refreshing but chilly. She’d still insisted on the T-shirt, adding a light cardigan over it, ever the teacher. It was the sandals instead of shoes she was regretting, realizing her stubbornness might earn her some blisters.
They entered a more industrial setting, with large, flat, rectangular buildings. The street became busier with traffic that zipped past at crazy speeds, considering the size of the roads.
“Did you ever drive here?” Penny asked, eyes wide.
“No,” Bonnie shook her head. “I’m not crazy enough to try that yet. Although maybe by the end of ten weeks, being on the other side of the road won’t seem so wrong. My dad did insist I learn to drive a stick. Which is mostly what they drive here.”
“Well, count me out,” Penny said, shivering at the mere idea of it.
Bonnie laughed. “I already had.” As she spoke, Bonnie turned, readying to cross the street.
Penny looked left, then right, and started to cross, only to be hauled back by Bonnie just in time to avoid getting hit as a car came speeding around the corner. The driver honked loudly without slowing down.
“Shit!” Penny yelled with her heart in her throat.
“I just said they’re on the other side of the road!” Bonnie yelled back.
“I’m sorry!” Penny’s body shook as she stared at where she’d almost stepped.
“Don’t scare me like that!” Bonnie spun Penny.
“I’m not trying to!” Seeing the fright in Bonnie’s eyes brought home how close to danger she’d been. Tears sprang to her own as warring feelings of anger, fear, and remorse swept through her.
“Oh, shit,” Bonnie whispered this time, pulling Penny in for a tight hug. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m being horrible. I don’t mean to be; I really don’t. I just feel like I’m running from something, and I seem to be dragging you along with me.”
“I’m sorry too,” Penny mumbled into her shoulder.
“For what, you goof?” Bonnie’s voice cracked even as she attempted a laugh. “I dragged you over here, knowing it wasn’twhat you wanted. I gave you all of twenty minutes at the house to drop your bags. And now, instead of giving you a chance to catch your breath, I’m dragging you around at top speed. I’m not exactly the best tour guide.”
“Well, I didn’t want to say it.” Penny let out a tentative laugh before taking in a deep, ragged breath. “Look, I want to be here for you, Bonnie, I-I do. B-but,” she hiccupped through tears that refused to give up just yet, “I don’t even know how to be here for me. It’s beautiful. But it’s all so different and very overwhelming. And I’m tired and….”
“I know.” Bonnie rubbed her friend’s arms gently before taking a step back. She took a moment to glower at a staring passer-byer before turning back to Penny. “I’m just so relieved to be here, to be home. And I’m very grateful you’re with me. I’ll try to slow down.”
“I would really appreciate that,” Penny sighed.
Bonnie hooked her arm through Penny’s, then very exaggeratedly looked right then left before starting across the street. She made a point of slowing her steps as they continued.
They walked like that for a few minutes more before Bonnie dropped her arm and pointed. “The River Lee.”
