Page 20 of Positively, Penelope

Also, I don’t think I’ve ever seen my brother work so hard to control his laugh. His humor isn’t usually overt, but he has a very keen sense of one. It’s nice to know that someone can bring it out of him, even if you did so unintentionally. Unfortunately, the way his ex-wife left things has rather dampened his teasing nature. I’m positive he could do with a bit of your sunshine, whether he appears to appreciate it or not.

I’m glad you’re accompanying us to church. Do you have plans for lunch after? Our family has lunch together after church every Sunday and I feel certain my grandfather would be happy to meet you.

Gwynn

PS: Plus, you simply must meet Scooby.

From: Penelope Edgewood

To: Gwynn Gray

Date: September6

Subject: Re: Budding friendship?

Oh my goodness, Gwynn! You can’t know how delighted I was tosee your email in my inbox! I knew as soon as I met you that we were bound to become friends. Well, after Matt pulled the knife from my hand and my pulse returned to normal. You did catch me at an unusually terrified moment down there in the dungeon of the theater. However, at least it made our first meeting memorable, and I think there’s a lot to be said for that.

I believe your brother thinks I’m ridiculous, and since you and I are close in age, I’m afraid that won’t help your cause for being taken seriously. I’ve rarely been taken seriously my whole life because people just assume I’m ridiculous and an airhead because I’m so optimistic, but... I’m neither. Well, sometimes I am, but not as often as people think. I just prefer to see things on the rosy side of normal, which leads to all sorts of wrong assumptions about me from teachers, peers, MEN, occasionally food service individuals!

I had high marks in school and was a part of all sorts of fun AND serious clubs, and yet I have to fight to be taken seriously. But I don’t think you have to be glum or intense or carry a briefcase to be seriously GOOD at what you do. I’m beginning to realize that it’s okay just to be happy and try to spread that happiness around. People can think what they want, but I bet grumps rarely have as much fun as me doing... well, just about anything.

Besides, the world could do with a little more kindness and positivity and random acts of singing, don’t you think?

Penelope

PS: I have lunch plans for Sunday, but could I take a rain check for the next one?

PPS: I get to keep your niece tonight! We’re making cupcakes.Maybe the extra sugar will sweeten up your brother a little too. Sunshine and sugar have to be one of the best happiness combos in the world.

PPPS: And tea. And chocolate.

Text from Penelope to Luke:Scooby is the name of Gwynn’s dog! I thought you would like that. I plan to call him Scoobs for short.

Luke:Quality name. Quality cartoon. It shows Gwynn has smarts. If the dog talks, send me a recording.

Chapter5

Text from Penelope to Matt:Iris left her shiny shoes here. She was so sweetly sleeping in your arms as you carried her out, I completely forgot to get them for you. Do you want me to bring them to you tomorrow? I could put them in the basket of the bike along with the princess hats we made and attempt to get them to you if you want.

Penelope:I mean, not that we made PRINCESS hats. They’re more like pointy dress-up hats. Not princess.

Matt:Ah. Like a witch.

Penelope:Um... right. Pink witches with glitter. Not princesses, of course.

Matt:Like Glinda.

Penelope:Exactly.

Penelope:Did you know they make glow-in-the-dark glitter?? Can you imagine the possibilities? Glow-in-the-dark glitter!!

Matt:I can’t say I ever have.

Penelope:Don’t worry. If you ever want some ideas, I can provide them. And glow-in-the-dark glitter may come in handy in performances. I think I’ll get some to keep in my bag.

Matt:Do you carry everything in your bag?

Penelope:Only absolute necessities.

---