Penelope crossed her arms. Her dress was beautiful, but it was not made to keep her warm outside the party. She finally found MG sitting by himself in the corner of the porch.

“What are you doing out here?” Penelope asked. “The party’s inside.”

“Trying not to die of embarrassment.” MG closed his eyes and rested his head against the wall behind him, cringing at the memory. Pretty sure this is a slow dance. Like for people with dates.

Penelope crinkled her nose. “What are you talking about?”

“I asked someone to the party, but when it came time to slow dance … apparently we were only going as friends,” MG said quietly. 

Penelope tilted her head at him, ready to give a snappy retort until she decided against it. MG didn’t look up to snark. She sat down next to him. 

“Did you speak up and say it was a date?” 

“Well …” MG drew the word out, delaying the inevitable confession. “... no.”

Penelope set her head on his shoulder. “You should’ve spoke up for yourself. Why am I always having to tell people that?” She picked her head up again when she saw someone walking past. “You ditching the party too?” Penelope called out, ready to extend an invitation to join their pity party to the tribrid.

“I’m actually just running late,” Hope called out without stopping. “So if you’ll excuse me …”

MG and Penelope exchanged a confused glance, but Penelope just shrugged and set her head back on his shoulder.