Post by pippa elise quatrello on Apr 5, 2020 12:12:27 GMT -5
It was Pip’s turn to plan a date. At least that was what Perry had told her, adding that she could choose anything and he’d happily foot the bill. She was grateful of the gesture, but she wasn’t comfortable letting him spend money on her. Ashley had laughed and said if a man wanted to spoil her she should let him, but Pip had spent her whole life living with next to nothing. The things she had of value were almost worthless, instead having a high sentimental value to herself. Like the necklace her brother had given her a few years ago, bought with allowance money he had saved up before her birthday. It was a simple gold chain, with “sister” for the pendant, but it meant the world to Pip. Being Jimmy’s sister was the best thing she had ever known, even when they were apart and having clandestine meeting in the park on Saturday mornings. They still had those meetings, but less secretively now. There was no one going to put Pip into the system now, so she was less afraid about being caught with her little brother.
It was during one of those meetings that the idea came to her. She could invite Perry on a walk in the park! She ran the idea by Jimmy who had laughed at the idea of his sister seeing someone. He wasn’t being cruel, but he knew Pip, knew she was awkward and secretive and had never imagined her in a relationship. He thought Perry sounded great, but having shared Pip’s childhood, he was wary of anyone hurting her. She was naively good, typically giving everyone a chance but herself. He sat next to her as she sent the text to Perry, telling him she had decided they should go on a walk in the park for their next date. He offered to pack a picnic in his reply and she grinned, happy that she had found something that didn’t cost a lot.
Even now, Pip saved her pay from the hostel, keeping it for Jimmy if he went off to college. She only had a little over one thousand saved, but she thought it could at least help him out with a car, or a rent payment. She always wanted to support her brother, no matter what. That was why she shopped in the sales or at thrift stores. She pretty much spent her money on food since she was a lousy cook, and that was it. It was rare Pip would splurge on labels or fancy treats. Even her eyeliner and lip balm were drug store brands, despite so many teenage girls throwing money at the celebrity endorsed brands. Pip had missed out on all that, but she didn’t mind. What she was worried about was Perry seeing her as some cheap mess and being repulsed by her past. The few people who had discovered the truth of Pip’s past had been quick to jump to conclusions of what her life had been like: a life of illegal activities and shameful behaviour. Nothing could be further from the truth, but by that point people didn’t want to listen, so she had stopped telling.
Pip tied a shirt around her waist, just in case the air turned a little too cool to be out in a vest top. After cramming her feet into comfy sneakers, she text Perry to tell him she was on her way and would meet him by the east entrance. She brought along a box of strawberries she picked up that morning as her own contribution. She knew anything Perry made – even just sandwiches – would taste so much better than anything she could whip up, but she wanted to give something to their lazy lunch in the park. She spotted him as she turned the corner, a smile pulling at her lips as she got closer. “Hey.” She greeted him with a soft kiss on his cheek, still a little shy about this developing relationship. When they had met, she had never thought this would happen, and now that it had, it left her nervous – but only in the beginning. Typically, once they were hanging out for half an hour or so, she grew comfortable with him, laughing and going along with his ideas like they were old friends. “These are fresh. Grabbed them this morning when I walked George.” She showed him the strawberries, popping the lid in case he wanted to try one.
• • •
TAGGED! Percival Harrison Collins
WORDS! 754!
LYRICS! Sleep Baby Sleep - - - Broods
NOTES! <3
