Chapters & Pages [A POLIN ff]

DRAFT #95

To:

Subject: the happy in happy birthday

Dear Colin,

I'm still smiling just thinking about it. I can hardly believe you flew all the way from New York to surprise me for my 21st birthday! When I saw you standing there, my heart leaped—I never expected such a gesture. It made the weekend unforgettable, one of the best I've had in a long time, and having you there made it all the more special.

I must admit, you've changed a bit. Your hair is longer now, showing off those curls more than ever, and you're sporting some facial hair too. It's a new look, but it oddly reminds me of an old photograph of your father that Eloise keeps on her dresser. You do look a lot like him, but to me, you're still the same Colin I've always known. It's funny how someone can look different yet feel so familiar.

Seeing you again, I felt truly happy. But I noticed your reaction when you saw Alfred at the party. I understand the tension—it wasn't lost on me either. Letting him back into my life, even just as a friend, wasn't easy. But I needed to do it for myself, to let go of anger and find some peace. I don't want to carry resentment, especially not now, at 21, with so much ahead of me. Regret is something I'd rather not dwell on, and I had to accept that he's part of my past. I'm done with him, completely. There's nothing left between us, and I won't let old pain control me anymore. I know Archie and Eloise don't want anything to do with him, and I respect that. But for me, this choice was necessary.

Colin, I wonder—how much do you understand about this? Do you have a breaking point? I've thought a lot about mine, and I'm not eager to find it. Pain seems to be its only reward, and I'm just so tired of it. I want to feel like myself again, to laugh freely, to see the world with curiosity instead of caution. When I was younger, I was carefree, and I miss that. I don't want to be the person who's always afraid of what might go wrong.

I'm choosing to invest in myself this time. I've learned that pouring everything into someone who could take that happiness away isn't worth it. Maybe Alfred wasn't the one for me, and perhaps there's someone out there who won't waste the love I have to give. If only I knew who that person was... if only.

Thank you again, Col. For being here, for surprising me, and for being that someone I can always rely on, despite the time and distance.

With hope,

Penelope

~*~

[PRESENT]

Note: Read this bit with "Pretty Eyes" by Zehdi in the background. You're welcome <3

Seeing you this morning

Asked you about last night

Did you sleep alright?

Colin lay on the bed, propped up against her pillow, his gaze following her every move as if he were seeing her for the first time. It was the morning after they spent together, different from any other time because they had shared something special.

I'm glad that it's Sunday

Got to see your smile

Got to see your eyes

Penelope was the only thing in focus. Every delicate gesture she made seemed magnified, drawing his attention as she shifted across her bedroom. He couldn't help but smile, watching her pad around in the morning light. It was the weekend, and he had half-expected her to stay wrapped up in bed, nestled naked against him.