For those just tuning in, this challenge is about taking a story idea from bare bones idea into a fully fledged story by writing consistently every week day for fifteen minutes. The sentence I end with on one day, is the sentence I start with on the following. Part one was Bob’s story and has nothing whatsoever to do with the story below. Part Two follows a character named Penelope. I have a few basic sentences to act as road marks on her journey. I am loosely calling that an outline. We will see where she ends up by the time the story is done. For now, we start Part two of the 2025 Fifteen Minute Writing Challenge.
Day 103: Penelope smiled at the indignant tone.
Penelope smiled at the indignant tone. She knew it could be an act, but if it was it was a good one. And it felt good to have someone outraged on her behalf. ‘Especially after Jeanette’s call.’
“Well I will be expecting a call from this Agent of yours,” Mrs. Meriweather said. “Although I did want to check in with you. I know right now you must have your mind full as you sort things out and get yourself settled.” She sighed heavily. “It should be a joyous time as you learn your abilities and revel in learning how to use them. That it is not, well,” Mrs. Merriweather said. “I don’t know what to say about that. However I have heard there was some difficulty with your family and I wanted to see if you were all right. There are rumors circulating.”
“And you want me to confirm them?” Penelope asked.
“Heaven’s no,” Mrs. Merriweather said. “If I want gossip I can get it elsewhere. In fact I suppose I did get it elsewhere. Gossip has it that there are some financial difficulties and knowing of your inheritance I suspect that the family might come to you to help them solve said difficulties. While I am certain you are more than capable of handling them on your own, should you need assistance of the legal or accounting sort, I am happy to share contacts with you. And to remind you that you aren’t alone, no matter how much it might feel like it.”
“I appreciate that,” Penelope said, tears prickling in her eyes.
“Well, I am sure you won’t need it. Especially with this Agent helping you out. I’m sure I will enjoy talking to him. And when you are released from the protection of the house you must come to tea so we can have a good long chat,” she said.
“I would appreciate that,” Penelope said.
“Oh, I think your agent may be buzzing in on the other line. Let me know if you need anything,”
“I will,” Penelope promised before the call ended. She smiled as she placed the phone down on the counter. She finished making her sandwich, put the knife in the sink and put the lid back on the peanut butter. She stood at the kitchen island and took a bite of her sandwich, eating standing up.
Her family may have had enemies, and Mrs. Merriweather could be putting on an elaborate act, but the conversation made her feel better. She felt something she hadn’t realized was knotted inside her start to loosen. While she had friends, Penelope always made certain to make friends with people who weren’t in Trinity’s aegis. While she thought people liked her generally, it was always clear that Trinity was favored and if they wanted to curry favor, then it was she they needed to make friends with.
She lost several friends to Trinity when their families saw the discrepancy. Her father was worth knowing. Knowing him could help them and it was clear that friendship with Penelope had no extra benefits. As she ate she thought about that. How it was always so obvious to those outside the home that she wasn’t favored. She told herself the usual things growing up of course.
Ten til Midnight 