The last twenty-four hours had been some of the best in my life. Making love to Penelope for the first time was better than any other time with any other woman. It felt like our bodies were made for each other. She was so responsive to every touch and caress.

I kept my eye on her the entire class. I tried to pay attention and give feedback to the other ladies, but my eyes always wandered back to her. Seeing her and holding her before class felt nice. I could tell that she was stressed. I hated to see that troubled look in her eyes.

When the class was over some women came up to talk to me. I wanted to get right to Penny, but I didn't want to be rude. I mouthed to her to wait for me. After answering some questions I made it back to the front desk. I saw Penny as I approached. She was sitting in one of the chairs in the common area talking to Noel. I could hear her laughing at something Noel said. She was so beautiful.

I walked up behind her and bent to kiss her cheek. She craned her neck up and smiled at me. No matter how upset she was her smile was always genuine.

'Hey you, I see you got away from the peanut gallery."

"Yeah, a few people had questions."

"I'm sure they had more than questions on their mind," Noel piped in.

"Maybe, but the only thing I had on my mind was this gorgeous woman right here." I stood beside Penelope's chair and place my arm around her shoulder.

Noel let out a whistle.

"Boy, you sure know how to sweet-talk a woman. You just better be sure you back those words up with action. You hurt my Pen, and I'll hurt you."

I put my hands up in mock surrender.

"I mean everything I say to or about our girl. No need to worry, I don't plan on hurting her. Plus I'm a little scared of you." I chuckled at the last part.

"You better be."

"Ok, GI Joe, enough with the threats. I think it's time for us to head out."

Penny stood and faced me. My hands instinctively went to her hips.

"I wanted to see if you wanted me to stay over at your place or you could come to mine. You seemed like something was bothering you."

She looked down at her feet and exhaled before looking back up at me.

"I just had another conversation with my mom. Those always put me in a sour mood. I'm ok though. You don't have to worry about me."

"I can't help but worry about you. Plus if I'm being honest I like waking up to you in the morning."

"I like waking up to you too." She smiled and the bulge in my shorts grew.

"Your place or mine then?"

"Mine, it will be easier for me to get ready in the morning."

I kissed the top of her head.

"Ok, I'll go home and grab my things and meet you at your house. Do you need me to pick anything up on the way?"

"Nope, I have some salmon I was going to make for dinner and there is plenty for both of us."

I walked her and Noel to their cars. I opened her door for her, but before she got in, I pinned her against the car with my body. I stole a kiss. It was slow and sweet. When we broke apart, I rested my forehead against hers.

"Hurry and get your stuff so we can do that again."

"As you wish, beautiful."

I made the short drive back to my place. I jogged up the steps not really paying attention to my surroundings.

"Reed?"

I whipped my head around looking for the source. The voice was quiet, but I knew I hadn't made it up.

My eyes fell on a shadow in the corner of the small porch.

"Who's there?"

The figure stood up. I couldn't see their face, but I could see that it was a woman. A very small woman at that. As the figure got closer, I was able to make out their features. My heart stopped in my chest. Her cheeks were sunken in. Her auburn hair was stringy and matted against her head. Bright green eyes that used to look at me with love and admiration were now dull.

"Abigail?"

"It's me, Reed." Her voice sounded hoarse. It sounded much raspier than I remembered.

I rushed over to my baby sister. "Abigail, what are you doing here? Where have you been? Are you ok?"

I couldn't help the stream of questions.

"Can we go inside?"

"Oh, yeah of course." I fished my keys out of my pocket and guided her inside.

"You can sit on the couch there. Do you want something to drink or eat?"

"Do you have the stuff to make PB&J? You always used to make the best ones when we were kids."

After our parents died I used to make Abigail's lunches sometimes. My main go to was PB&J. It became her favorite and she often times asked for it as a snack. I think it was something she associated with comfort and stability.

"Yeah, I think so. Sit tight and I'll go make you one."

In the kitchen, I checked the fridge for some jelly. Luckily I had her favorite, strawberry. I went to work making her sandwich. I had so many thoughts and questions running through my mind. I knew I may not get all the answers tonight, but I needed the answers to some.

Before I took the sandwich out to Abby, I decided to call Penelope. I needed to let her know I wouldn't be over tonight. She picked up on the second ring.

"Hey, are you here?"

"Hey Penny, no, I'm still at my house."

"Oh, that's ok. I just got out of the shower. I was just about to put the salmon on."

I momentarily forgot about my current situation and imagined her body dripping wet after the shower. I wished I could be there to lick the drops off of her body.

"Reed, you still there?"

"Uh, yeah sorry. So this is so crazy, but Abigail is at my house. She was sitting on my porch when I got home."

"Your sister?"

"Yeah, I don't know what brought her here, but she looks really bad Pen. I'm hoping she’s going to stay the night so I can figure out what’s going on with her. I'm sorry that I won't be able to come over tonight."

"No, don't apologize. You haven't seen your sister in years. You need to focus on her. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"I don't think so. I'm not even sure if she’ll be staying or how long. Thank you for understanding."

"You don't need to thank me either. Just remember I'm here if you need me."

I carried the sandwich and a glass of almond milk to Abigail. Abigail dug in. My heart hurt seeing my baby sister so worn. I sat silently allowing her to eat while I collected my thoughts. I was happy to see her, but I was also a little leery.

When she took the final bite of her sandwich, I decided to break the silence.

"Have you been to see uncle Dwight?"

"No."

"How did you find out where I lived?"

"It wasn't too hard. I found out where you worked, and one day I followed you home."

"Why are you just now contacting me? It's been years Abby. I've been worried sick. I didn't know if you were dead or alive."

"I know Reed, and I'm sorry," Tears were falling down her face. "I never wanted to hurt you or uncle Dwight. I just fell into the wrong crowd. I didn't know how to get out."

I moved over to sit by her. I cradled my sister in my arms just like I use to when she cried herself to sleep for months after our parents died. I stroked her hair and rocked her side to side.

"Reedy, I need you. I need you to help me."