At seven o’clock in the evening, the welcome party kicked off.
Penelope was playing games in the waiting area while Abby Black hung around her.
“Well, do you want to learn how to do makeup? Bring your makeup bag someday, and I’ll teach you,” Penelope said, putting down her phone and looking up.
“Thank you!!!” Abby beamed with gratitude.
“Penelope!” Three friendly-looking figures hurried over.
All three of them exclaimed simultaneously, “Wow, you look stunning! Where did you get these clothes? You look incredibly beautiful! Your makeup is on point. When can you teach me?”
The three women surrounded her all at once, leaving Penelope feeling a bit overwhelmed. She realized they were her three roommates whom she hadn’t recognized before.
The stage lights in front lit up, and a street dance performance began.
“It’s starting. Let’s head back to our seats. Enjoy the show!” The three patted Penelope on the shoulder and walked away with excitement.
Penelope didn’t even have a chance to reply. She leaned against the pillars in the waiting area and got lost in the performance.
“You’re up next!” Abby rushed over, clenching both her fists in excitement.
Penelope looked at her, puzzled. “Why are you so thrilled?”
“This is my first time organizing a big party. I can’t contain my excitement!” Abby held Penelope’s hand tightly, and she seemed quite jittery.
“Calm down,” Penelope comforted her, patting the back of her hand before subtly letting go. Abby might look delicate, but she was strong.
“Our freshman representative, Penelope Seinfeld, will be singing a song for us…” announced the emcee.
Penelope stood near the stage, rubbing her arms to calm her nerves.
“Are you nervous?” Abby quickly asked.
“No, I just feel a bit queasy…” Penelope shook her head and stepped onto the stage.
The lights dimmed, and a series of spotlights illuminated her. She stood in front of the microphone and adjusted its height. With a nod, the piano music began, and Penelope started to sing.
I once had a girl, or should I say she once had me.
She showed me her room isn’t it good Norwegian wood?
She asked me to stay, and she told me to sit anywhere.
So I looked around, and I noticed there wasn’t a chair.
Penelope’s voice had a hint of coolness, and her lower tones carried a seductive allure. As soon as she started singing, some of the boys in the audience couldn’t help but be captivated.
“Is that Penelope Seinfeld?” one boy asked.
“She’s so alluring…”
“She’s definitely my crush…”
The sound of the crowd grew louder with applause and whistles, and it seemed like everyone was in high spirits. The atmosphere was filled with energy and youthful enthusiasm.
Penelope naturally sensed the reactions of the audience. She glanced up, but the darkness made it hard to see them clearly. Undeterred, she continued with her song.
I sat on a rug, biding my time drinking her wine
We talked until two, and then she said ‘it’s time for bed
She told me she worked in the morning and started to laugh
I told her I didn’t and crawled off to sleep in the bath
The lights gradually came on, and Penelope continued to sing in her low, melodious voice.
And when I awoke, I was alone this bird had flown
So I lit a fire isn’t it good Norwegian wood
As she finished her song, all the lights in the hall came on. Squinting her eyes, Penelope looked down at the audience. One person sitting next to the principal stood out amid the youthful faces.
Penelope smiled, released the microphone, and blew a kiss to the audience before exiting the stage.
“Wow…” The enthusiastic boys in the crowd screamed like a pack of hungry wolves.
Warren smiled and, after apologizing to the principal, stood up.
Penelope waited in the waiting room for a while but didn’t see anyone coming to meet her. She couldn’t help but peek out at the audience.
The seat next to the principal was empty.
‘Where did he go?’ She took out her phone, contemplating whether to call him. She felt it might be too forward.
“It’s no big deal,” Penelope muttered to herself and pressed the dial button.
“Hello,” Warren’s voice came through. It was quiet on his end, indicating that he had left the hall.
“Where are you?” she asked.
Warren replied, “I’m at work.”
She pouted her lips. “Nonsense, I just saw you!”
“Do you want to come with me, or do you plan to choose a date from the audience?” Warren teased her.
Penelope was momentarily taken aback. “Are you jealous?”
“It’s understandable, considering your behavior,” he replied casually.
Penelope thought to herself, ‘Damn! This old man…’
“Wait for me,” she blurted out before hanging up and grabbing her bag to rush out.
“Penelope, aren’t you going to the party with the glee club?” Abby shouted after her.
“No!” Penelope responded briefly.
Her words hung in the air, and followed her footsteps out of the hall. Finding a man on such a large campus was proving to be quite a challenge. She blamed herself for being too forward and upsetting him once again.
As she prepared to search for him, she collided with his arms. “You didn’t leave?” She rubbed her forehead and looked up at him.
“I’m waiting for a windfall,” he replied, stepping out of the darkness with a touch of coldness. He held her waist and guided her down the road.
“What are you doing? Where are we going?” Penelope stumbled along with him.
After about five minutes of walking, he stopped and gently pushed her into a dark corner behind a tree trunk.
“My waist…” Penelope complained, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
“What are you talking about?” He leaned in, blocking her way.
“I… I… I…” Her lips trembled for a while without forming a complete sentence. She glanced around and said, “This is the place where couples come to hang out. Why did you bring me here?”
“To rape and kill you.” His tone was unnervingly calm and serious, blending with the night breeze, sending shivers down her spine.
But she touched his face and softly said, “Aren’t we going back home? Our bed is more comfortable.”
“Warren,” she murmured. She wasn’t the inexperienced young girl she once was.