GDM: Thanks for reveiwing!

kitty_sneeze: Very glad you liked it!

FirexxxSaber: The next chapter shouldn't be too long I hope, thanks!

FlyingTotodile: Thank you! Glad people understand how chapter sixteen was needed!

You guys rock, thanks so much for reveiwing!

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Chapter eighteen

“Ah, come on, you’re being ridiculous!” Diego said with his voice sounding strangely high pitched (like Mia had learnt it went whenever he was uncomfortable.)

“Oh right, so you’re hiding nothing about Robert Hammond then?” She asked raising her eyebrows at him.

“No,” he took a deep breath “I’m really not!”

Now, much to Mia’s surprise, the psyche locks disappeared and dispersed to outside her eye line; not broken, but gone. What the hell, where did they all go?! One second they were there…the next and they’re just…gone! she now noticed Diego was giving her a rather strange look as she realized she must have zoned out for a moment in shock.

“Mia, are you okay?” he asked concernedly leaning over the desk, closer to her.

She cleared her throat and blinked, not replying for a moment. “Y-yes, I’m fine.” She finally said after what felt like minutes had passed (though they had clearly not.)

“Okay…” he said, stringing the word out “If you’re sure…listen, I have a lot of work to do so I’d really better be going.” Mia could tell he was eager to get out of the awkward conversation between them now.

She nodded “Uh, okay, don’t forget your coffee.”

“No problem I finished it five minutes ago anyway!” He got up out of his chair and headed towards the door, picking up his mug as he went. “Bye Mia, I’ll see you later maybe.”

“Oh…okay, bye.” She sighed as he left. What was all that about? He’s acting so strangely and I don’t know why! What if- she thought but stopped as the idea was too awful for her to comprehend. Was it possible that her spiritual powers were playing up or fading, and if they were, why? Perhaps she’d just got the wrong end of the stick and Diego was hiding nothing. Well, at least nothing about Robert Hammond anyway. Either her powers were playing up or Diego was hiding something, and it was something very big at that.

As the morning went on she got through several stacks of paperwork and finally decided to head to lunch. Through focusing on her work Mia had mostly forgotten the troubles of her morning but in finishing her work she was forced to face the trouble she’d pushed to the back of her mind. What was Diego hiding?

Deciding she would get a coffee for her and Diego and then bring it up to his office to sweeten him up before pressing him. She now headed towards the staff room and entered the room to find it seemingly empty. She headed over to the counter and pressed the switch to boil the kettle and before long steam was being produced alongside the long kettle-like noise it always made. In the distance, Mia was sure she could hear sobbing. Perhaps it was her imagination but as the kettle finally boiled and quieted down the sound just became louder. Mia peered around the corner of the counter to find-

“Penny?” She exclaimed, the surprise in her voice showing.

Continuing to cry, she now just cradled her head in her knees “Mia…” she just about managed to say shakily.

“Err, Penny, what’s wrong?” Mia asked, feeling progressively more uncomfortable. She’d never been particularly at comforting people, crying made her feel awkward. How did Diego put up with me all these weeks, I’ve been like a waterfall! she couldn’t help but think as she placed her hand nervously on Penny’s shoulder.

She looked up at Mia, her face red and blotchy “M-M-Mr. A-A-Arm- I mean Diego…he, he, he…” she trailed off into more sobs before once again hiding her face in her arms.

“There…there,” she began reluctantly “Go ahead and tell me about it, it’s okay.”

“H-h-h-he…he, he dumped me! Just like that, completely out of the blue!”

“Oh…Oh? You have no idea at all, he really said nothing?” she asked feeling a little shocked herself, clearly not as shocked as Penny who was now beginning to sound an awful lot like a new born baby.

“N-no, he just said things weren’t working out how he’d hoped and he had to end things now before I got…got…more attached!”

“Aww, Penny…maybe it’s a good thing then? He did the right thing really?”

“But I thought every thing was good, I-I never saw it coming…”

“Listen, if I’m honest Penny, I think this is for the best! You’ll find someone new in no time and when you do they’ll know they’re the luckiest guy in the world!” She comforted her, surprising herself will her own skills.

“B-but I don’t want someone else, I want Diego! You don’t understand Mia, when you meet the right guy…no one else will do. All other guys are just the dregs now…I guess you’ve never had that…or, or felt that with anyone before.”

Hey, who says I’ve never felt that way about Diego, err I mean anyone before. Yeesh, where did that come from? “Listen Penny, whether I understand or not I know you have to get over him. Time is the best healer for a broken heart.”

“B-but Miaaaaa…” she whined “Please, couldn’t you t-talk to him, find out what I did that made him dump me!”

Can’t you just accept his damn decision woman?! She suddenly found herself thinking before coming to her senses, Seriously Mia, what’s wrong with you today? All she wants is a second chance! Do you have the right to deny her that? “Sure.” She smiled down at Penny, “I was just on my way up to have a word with him anyway, and I’ll get some answers if you want.” She said graciously picking up the two mugs of coffee she’d now mixed.

“A-And try and convince him to give us another go?” she continued, looking slightly happier now, as if she’d seen a light at the end of the tunnel.

Mia nodded reluctantly “Well, okay…I guess I can try.” She said as she headed out.

“Oh and Mia…thanks for being such a great friend…” Penny continued.

Not that Mia heard, she was long on her way towards Diego’s office. Mia would never know just how much Penny had appreciated her friendship that day, but then again, it was debatable as to whether Mia deserved this said grattitude anyway.




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I'm posting this in a hurry as my brother needs the computor now, sorry about that. There are probably multiple mistakes in grammar, spelling and punctuation. Hope people don't mind too much. I'll edit this bit and the story a little when i have time. Still, enjoy!

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Last edited by Missile. x on Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I really hope that Penny and Diego DON'T get back together. Robert Hammond IMO is more suited for Penny anyways.......

We need some Miego here!

Keep going!

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Very nice, I'm sure they're is some clue to what Diego is hiding in the previous chapter so I think I'm going to go back and read it.

Overall, this is cleverly written and I can actually feel Mia's guilt after Penny told her what a brilliant friend she is.

A few grammatical erros do nothing to dampen the spirit of the story and I am enjoying it so far!

I hope you contine to write your story on the Computor!

GDM: aww, thank you for reading! + not to hint too much but you may not have to wait too much longer for your Mia/Diego...(What? It has to happen sometime... )

FlyingTotodile: Ahh, you spotted that eh? Not that I'm confirming you're right...*cough* you are *cough*. Very glad you're enjoying it and don't mind grammatical errors and the next chapter is well under way...Well i haven't actually started it yet but I know what will happen! I love my computor, It's always a shame when i get kicked off.

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great chapter! =)
please don't make penny and diego get back together!!! he needs to love mia!
although i guess mia would feel pretty guilty to start going out with him just after he dumped penny =s

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So far, I've read chapter 8. This is really good! This is an amazing story (so far). Keep up the awesome work!

Last edited by Nacholover23 on Fri Mar 20, 2009 3:39 am, edited 1 time in total.

Wow. This is a really good story. I love it. You need to update soon! This is just an awesome story. Update soon!

Random Smiles:

kitty_sneeze: Ahh, you want some Miego too huh? You will see my friend, all will be revealed in the next chapter. Well, not revealed so much but...ah hope you enjoy it, thanks for reading!

Nacholover23: Thank you so much! I love getting new readers, (though i love my regulars too!) I don't blame you for reading it in two parts, all eighteen chapters must take a looong time to read. Hope you enjoy the next part!

And now onto the story...



Chapter Nineteen


Mia found herself feeling strangely elevated in spirit as she headed up to Diego, not that she had any idea why she felt this way. Especially when she’d just seen Penny in such a state, Mia felt a prickle of guilt and yet she just couldn’t work out why.

Perhaps it’s because I know he never really liked her much anyway and I didn’t want her to get hurt more…but…why would I be feeling this stupidly happy then?

Mia opened the door without knocking (mainly because of lack of free hands) and stepped in to find Diego with his face buried in his arms as if crying.

“Diego, are you okay!?” She asked heading towards the desk as quick as she could without spilling the coffee.

He looked up as she suddenly, apparently unaware she’d entered. “Uh, yeah…I’m fine, well I’m okay…I guess, are you?”

“Yes, I’m great," she said absentmindedly "uh are you sure?”

“I’m fine; don’t worry about me and good that you’re okay.”

Thinking this was a somewhat unnatural answer for someone who claimed to be ok she decided to persevere with the conversation. “You know who’s not okay? Penny.”

“He flung his arms up in the air, agitatedly “Do not go there Mia, seriously, have you got any idea just how guilty I feel about that right now?!”

“But you did the right thing-“

“No, the right thing would have been to not get into a relationship with that girl in the first place! I broke her heart…”

“Did she break yours?” Why did you just ask that? How is that your business? a small voice in her head asked.

Because I’m his friend, it is my business another voice replied.

Well maybe you should ask yourself; why do you want to know that?

Because I’m his friend, I care about him...If he’s upset then I want to be there for him.“

Sure, keep telling yourself that and maybe one day, it’ll be true!

Shut up! she stopped the argument raging inside her head and yet she couldn’t help but wonder where all this had come from…or had it been there for a while, she’d just never noticed before?

“No, “he sniggered “No way, I don’t feel a thing for her really. Nothing romantic anyway, I guess she’s hot but…for some reason it’s just not doing anything for me now…”

I guess she’s hot in an obvious way but she’s a bit showy…well that’s just my opinion, not that you ever listen to my side anyway... the voice said.

Maybe that’s because your side insinuates I want more than a friendship with Diego she fought back.

That’s because you do…

Choosing to ignore this she replied “Why’s that? Or…wait, not my business right?”

“No, no it’s ok…I guess when you start going out with someone, (even when it is an accident) sooner of later, you start expecting to feel something for them…but I don’t…”

Her heart skipped a beat. She allowed herself to continue to ignore the reason why.

“I’m sorry; I hope that doesn’t make things too uh, uncomfortable for you guys.”

“Ha…!” he sniggered “Not bloody likely, she shouted and threw things at me and that was before she’d had time to digest that I’d broken up with her. Imagine how she’ll be whenever I ask her to do a favor for me…”

“It’s her job; she’ll have to get over this or get a new one,”

“Harsh…but I guess you’re right…listen Mia…”

“Yes!” she swallowed, waiting for what was next.

“I have a lot of work to catch up on, if there’s nothing else you came to discuss…I’d really better be, you know…getting on with it.”

Mia’s heart dropped, still feeling a little unsure why she decided to cut to the chase and ask about the psyche locks. Right now, she couldn’t wait to get out of the room. Where had all these feeling (that she was apparently having trouble admitting to herself) come from?
“I…” I want to know why all those psyche locks appeared. I want to know the real reason he broke up with Penny. Something’s not right in this story suddenly realizing this was the closest she’d felt to being a lawyer in weeks; she smiled. This truly would be like a cross examination.

“Diego, why did you break up with Penny, really?”

And there they were, bright red locks, once again springing across him, only three this time but if she was to count the ones about Robert Hammond…

“Ha! I knew you were hiding something!” she shouted out before realizing he couldn’t see the locks.

“Mia, what are you talking about?”

“I…I know you’re hiding something from me. Another reason you and Penny broke up.”

“Not that I admit it’s true but…what makes you think that?”

Mia, don’t tell him about your Magatama, he’ll think you’re mad! the voice chimed in. “I just have a feeling, that’s all.” She said, for once actually taking her inner sub consciences advice.

“Urgh, Mia…I really don’t need this right now!” he said standing up and running his hands through his hair. “This isn’t your business.”

And yet somehow, she felt it was. Everyone has secrets, we all wear masks…either over our faces…or our hearts. Don’t press him anymore.

But I have to know…

Have to, or want to?

Have to.

Surprised to hear no counter argument, she now joined Diego and stood up. Was this her conscience giving her clearance? Was it now ok to press him?

“Please Diego,” she said softly, because it was all she could bring herself to say.

“Mia…I,”

They now stood face to face with their noses practically touching. Her heart was now thumping at a million miles per hour and she felt almost paralyzed as she stood staring up at him and as he looked down at her, his mouth a little agape. One of them must have moved, one of the must have insinuated the kiss she was suddenly sharing with him. Long and passionate and yet tender, she felt him wrap his arms around her waist, then run his hands through her hair. She couldn’t help but kiss him back with the complete hunger he seemed to have for her too. She could feel his warm body and was so suddenly aware of how great it felt pressed up against hers. Mia let out a soft sigh and caught her breath a little before continuing to kiss him…

Suddenly a question came to mind.

Why did you come up here Mia?

To ask him about the psyche locks.

Wrong.

To give him his coffee.

Wrong again.

To…to ask him about giving Penny another chance?

Well, done. Finally got there did you?

Shit. What am I doing?

She pushed away with a hard shove causing him to hit the wall and slide down with a thump.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” she asked him, disjointedly (partly because of how out of breath she was.)

“What do you think I was doing!? It’s really quite self-explanatory!” his voice was agitated and self-righteous.

“What do you think I’m some kind of second Penny? I’m not a tissue!”

“…a tissue?”

“Yeah, you can’t just blow your nose on me when you’re upset and discard me when you’re ok again. I mean really Diego, you need to work on this making-out-with-whatever’s-around whenever you’re upset or annoyed about something, thing you seem to do every few weeks!”

“Mia…Do you seriously think that’s what I’m doing here?” he asked sincerely getting up. He sounded slightly offended.

She wasn’t sure what to say here, she wasn’t even sure what he was trying to say for that matter.

“I broke up with Penny because…I’ve had feelings for you, for ages in fact.”

“What?”

“I…didn’t know how to tell you and I was sort of…well, scared. I know that makes no sense but…Diego Armando’s don’t fall in love.” His eyes grew wide, realizing what he’d just said aloud.

“Love?" She knew she was making this too easy for him, surely she was meant to freak out around now? Instead she pulled him into a tight embrace, one that Penny was greeted by as she walked in a second later…

Oh God…




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So we finally have some proper Miego action! I was really looking forward to writing this chapter tbh, I've had it planned out for ages. Hope everyone here approves!

P.s-
Bold Italics- Are meants to be the sort of evil thoughts, telling her she likes him.
Italics- Her true conscience, her usual thoughts in all other chapters.
Just felt i should explain that to people incase it made no sense.

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Last edited by Missile. x on Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.

w00t!!!!!!! YEAH MIEGO!!!!!!!!!
I love all the ineraction between Mia and Diego, SO CUTE!!!!!!!!

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Ha. I love it when characters fight with themselves. Yay! Miego action! I'm really happy now! Really good job on this chapter! Penny is going to freak. Nice. Can't wait to see how this turns out. This is really good. It did take a while to read the chapters, but it was worth it! This is really great! Awesomeful! This is just insane (in a good way. I mean it. I'll bet that I sound weird now). Miego is one of my favorite parings! I can't wait for the next chapter! Update soon! (A bunch of other awesomeful praise - put here)

= me - Happy!!!!! (Except for my condition - *"that" time of the month*)

My dear, I completely apologize for not responding to your chapters!

Anyhow, the pace is very well done, in my opinion. You're taking things slow, but not agonizingly so.

And of course, Miego makes me happy

Sorry not a detailed review, but positive one!

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That.was.BRILLIANT :D

Definitely worth the wait. I'm interested to see where you'll go with this because your timing, writing style and the dialogue made this fic so great to read so far. Looking forward to the next update. Great job!

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I just read this from the beginning and holy grandma it is incredible! Please keep writing. Miego owns!

YAAAAAAAAAAAY that chapter was awsome! wooho miego!!! this whole story has been so fab so far, i can't wait to read the next bit!!
xxx

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GDM: Ha, i finally got there! glad you like it!

Nacholover23: Wow, thank you so much for all the praise! You're so nice! And yes that time of the month is the suckiest thing ever...

Caelestis: Miego is my second favourite pairing (Phoenix and Maya being my first)! Thanks!

Sabra: Aww, Thank you! You guys are really too nice! Glad you enjoy my writing, it means so much to me!

kitsune13: !!! Thanks! Hope you continue to like it!

kitty_sneeze: Yay, I love Miego too, thanks + !




Chapter Twenty


An incredibly awkward silence spread across Diego’s office as the three of them stood there, all of them too embarrassed to say a thing.

I have a strange sense of de-ja-vu… she couldn’t help but think to herself; surely the silence didn’t have to extend to her head too.

Yes, you would have that Mia…after all, about seven weeks ago you were standing exactly where Penny was witnessing the same kinda thing…

Shut up. I thought you’d be gone now I kissed Diego?

No, I’m here to stop you blocking your feelings and remind you when you’ve done something very wrong.

Oh… she finished. Mia knew the silence had to end, if just for her own sanity.

“Penny-“she started, reaching her hand out a little as she was finding herself unable to decide what to do with them.

“No,” she cut across her “don’t you dare say it.”

“-I’m sorry…” Mia finished the sentence, dropping her hands back by her sides where they belonged. “Please say something…”

“You bitch...” and with that Penny walked out of the room and slammed the door behind her and right in Mia’s face.

“Penny, please!” she could feel small tears welling in her eyes as she felt unable to contain them, contain the guilt which had only a moment ago been joy for Diego’s confession, what had she done?

She now opened the door to follow Penny who was now running down the stairs; with her heals clearly slowing her down as they clicked against the metal linings. Mia caught a glimpse of Diego’s face, his eyes wide as if he had still not digested quite what had happened in the space of about half a minute. She’d deal with him later, all that mattered to her right now was explaining, no confessing to Penny and saying how sorry she was again and again if necessary.

“Penny, wait…please, I’m so sorry…you don’t understand!” She called from the top of the stairs looking down at Penny who had now turned around in a flash.

“I don’t understand? I don’t understand?” She repeated, emphasizing the end of her sentence. “Do you have any idea how hypocritical that sounds coming from you right now?! And you were supposed to be my friend, “Oh sure I’ll talk to him for you Penny”, “Someday you’ll meet someone who knows how damn lucky they are to have you!” She said stupidly imitating Mia’s voice as tears poured down her face. “Well, I might have expected this from him…but from you Mia?” she shook her head now and turned away “So whatever, keep him...but know this, you won’t be keeping my friendship Mia, not now, not ever, okay?”

Mia gulped, shaking head as if unable to get what Penny had just said “Pe-“

“SHUT UP!” she shouted so loudly Mia was sure the whole law firm heard “I am warning you Mia Fey, stay away from me…please…at least try to do one thing I ask!” As tears dried on Penny face Mia could now see the pure hatred for her (a girl who’d never really been hated before) as it shone through, covering Mia’s heart in pure shame.

Mia now made her way up the stairs, dragging her feet sadly on the steps before she sank down onto the top one to cry. The door at the top eventually opened and soon Diego joined her, just a small comfort for her as she sat there feeling utterly sick to her stomach.

You really have reached a new low Mia…

A new low? I’ve never done anything that bad before though…

No but In terms of bad things, you’ve really covered a lot of ground in one day

“Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?” Mia asked as she looked up at Diego, his arm cradled around her.

“Probably not…” he said before seeing her fresh wave of tears “I mean, not for a while anyway, eventually she might…time is the healer for a broken heart.” Clearly realizing it would be wise to correct his statement.

Didn’t I say that to her only earlier? she thought, as her fresh wave of tears was joined by a fresh wave of guilt.

More De-ja-vu? the voice asked, almost taunting her.

She sighed, her conscience was viscous, each time she remembered it all it her imagination seemed to make things worse with visions of Penny throwing things at her, yelling obscenities and yet a true thing she’d said kept shining through and reminding her of something that upset Mia the most-

"You won’t be keeping my friendship Mia, not now, not ever, okay?"

The problem was that it wasn’t okay, not now and she wasn’t sure if it ever would be…




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Maybe the end of it's a little over the top but I really couldn't think of a decent ending to what I wanted to be a short chapter...
Boy is Penny mad...
I'm sure Mia will get over her hatred eventually...
Anywaaaay, next chapter shouldn't be long as i'm already half way through...enjoy everyone!

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Talk about bad timing!
Poor Penny, but not to mention poor Mia!
Chapter 20!!!!!! WOW!!!! I wasn't really paying attention to the numbers of the chapters, but 20!!!! Most fanfics I have read don't make it past 7 or 8 (chapters)!
You are a brilliant writer!
Can't wait for the next chapter!

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Hey Missle. x, I want you to know how much I love this fanfic. I've been lurking for a while and have finally decided to say something. Being a huge Mia/Diego fan, this story pleases me to no end. You're a very talented writer and I'm really into this story. Keep up the good work!

As for the last chapter... I feel so bad for Mia and Penny :( Can't wait to see what happens next

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Some great chapters there..
I want the next one! xD

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Last edited by blinq on Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.

I thought that I reviewed. Guess not...anyways, this is pretty good! Hopefully Penny will get over it. I hate it when people get all over reactive over stuff. Doesn't suit me. Anyways, at least that time of the month is almost over! I'm happy bacause of that, but depressed because I have Writer's Block. Not fun at all. Anyways, hope to see more soon! Update soon!

GDM: Thank you! What can I say? I'm pretty commited to this. I enjoy writing this and being an author is one of my abitions for the future ( not my main one though). I fit this in in my spare time and so I hope to see this project through to the end.

WittyVitale: Yay, I love it when lurkers come to light! I'm very glad you enjoy my story so much and hope you continue too!

.•°٭blinq٭°•.: Thanks! Here's the next one, enjoy!

Nacholover23: Glad you liked the chapter and writers block is horrible, I get it everytime I try to put things that are actually connon into this story. So prepare for some stuff it never mentions in the game guys, seriously, the next few chapters will be a bumpy ride.




Chapter Twenty-one


As time went by Mia grew to accept Penny’s utterly cold exterior she put on whenever her or Diego were about. Things were still a little awkward when Mia would get to work and have to ask for new case files but Penny was still polite; just a little too polite and formal.

“Diego…she’s really is never going to get over this is she?” Mia whined as she stood her arms wrapped around Diego’s shoulders and looked up at him.

“Mia…It’s been three days, of course she’s not over it yet…” he replied, looking a little tired of this constant reassurance Mia seemed to need on the subject.

“I know…I just hate how angry she is with me,”

“Aww, come on, you weren’t even that close…I bet you were just using her to get me weren’t you?” he now smirked a little and looked down at her.

“Ha…” she said dryly, “Don’t even joke about such things, I swear I totally didn’t even know I had feelings for you then…”

“But you do now don’t you kitten?” he said leaning in closer to peck her of the nose.

She smiled and kissed him back, “Anywaaaaay, I really have to get back to work now, besides, what if Penny saw us again? I bet she’d blow a fuse or something.”

“She’d probably kill you,” he sighed jokily, “I really do have the female masses frothing don’t I?”

She pushed him away lightly, “Aha, sure you do…except the only thing frothing is your coffee!”

“Fine, be like that!”

“I’m sorry, I was only kidding…” she laughed, pulled him into a kiss, “Really though, you’d better go!”

Pretending to pout he took the handle “Ok, do I have to?”

“Yes!” she said with one final kiss which digressed a little.

“Um, Miss Fey? Here are your cases from Grossberg.” A small voice piped up from the behind the door which soon was revealed to be Penny.

“Oh…Penny! Uh, thanks, just put them…right there.” Mia said, feeling flustered and pointing to the only empty spot on her desk. She couldn’t help but notice Penny’s face, blotchy and red, as if she’d been crying.

And it’s all you fault is she was…

As Penny left Mia turned to Diego and waited for Penny to be a decent way away before speaking.

“Listen, I’m going after her. I think she’s calmed down…I just need to explain to her…”

“Explain what?”

“Well explain that this isn’t just some fling I started for no reason but to hurt her!”

“Mia…I think she knows that…ever occur that could be why it’s hurting her more?”

“I…” No…that never did occur…But I still need to say I’m sorry.

What, again? Like the way it worked so many times before? the voice asked, the sarcasm in it’s question prominent.

“Listen, I don’t care if she throws it back in my face like she has so many times before but…I get the feeling she’s really upset about something else aswell.” She said to both Diego and herself. “I’m going after her, okay?”

He nodded and so she left, when she peered down the corridor Penny was already out of sight. Mia assumed she’d headed to reception and so she carried on down the hall somewhat hastily.

She was greeted (to her surprise) by a blonde man who stood behind the reception counter looking slightly confused. He wore a blue sweater vest and he had his blonde hair spiked fashionably on top of his head.

“Who are you?” she asked giving him a quizzical look.

“I might be asking you the same thing-“

“Mia Fey: defense attorney,” she stated absentmindedly, extending her hand to him and feeling aware that calling herself a “defense attorney” was using creative license on her part.

“Mathew Fitzgerald, pleased to meet to you,” he replied in what was possibly the most insincere, drawling voice she’d ever heard, turning his head around and ignoring her outstretched hand. “I came here seeking legal advice, but-“

“I’m in a bit of a hurry so you’ll have to ask someone else,” she started cutting across him “Listen, have you by any chance seen a blonde woman, about so tall? She gestured with her hand to show Penny’s height.

“Unfortunately yes, is she staffing here? If she is I’m appalled by this terrible service she’s providing. Why when I got here-“

“Look, is she here or not?”

“Well obviously she’s not here but, when I got here she told me to man reception for a minute, apparently she had matters to attend to which in my opinion is awful, I mean what kind of receptionist-“

“Thanks-“She said breathlessly, running out the door and looking around. What a stuck-up snob, he could have just told me where she’d gone, I didn’t need his life story…

She peered around the corner alleyway to find Penny slumped there, head in hands sobbing quietly.

“Penny?”

She now looked up quickly at Mia, her face read and blotchy. “What do you want?”

“Are you okay?”

“Am I okay?” she repeated agitatedly, “Is that some kind of joke?” her eyebrows were raised and her voice was almost hissing in its tone. “I had my boyfriend stolen of me by you, I’m losing my job and…everything in my life is completely falling apart!” she paused, “Would you be okay?”

“You’re losing your job?”

Penny nodded, picking a tissue out of her pocket, “Grossberg came to me yesterday and said if I don’t pull myself together I don’t have a job here anymore, you see, I keep on messing up files and sending them to the wrong people…”

“Has this thing with Diego really upset you that much?” Mia asked her, tentatively.

“I-I loved him…you took that away from me, the only good thing in my life; just gone…”

She tried to apologize but the words wouldn’t come out again, what good would they do anyway? Clearly Penny’s life was a mess, there was something else though.

“Is anything else wrong?”

“No.” she sniffed as psyche locks appeared, three to be precise.

“Penny, what’s wrong?” Mia now dared to put her arm around Penny’s neck to comfort her, when it wasn’t pushed away she felt encouraged. “You can trust me.”

Suddenly Penny’s eyes now seemed a fiery red as she stood up, swinging Mia’s arm off her shoulder and grazing Mia’s arm nastily on the wall the sat by.

“Tell you? Trust you? Are you kidding? You lost my confidence the minute I saw you and him. But really, how dare you come here, pretending you’re some kind of life-long friend to me, you don’t even know me and yet you have the nerve to tell me I can trust you, well guess what? I know you, that’s the problem. Get over yourself and admit you are the bitch I know you are rather than pretending you actually care for someone besides yourself!”

And with that she pushed past Mia (who was nursing her elbow as blood poured down it) and stomped off back around the corner and out of sight.




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There we go, hope people enjoy it. Next chapter posted soon as I'm about to start in a moment.
Thanks for reading!

P.s- I meant what i said about really non cannon stuff in the next few chapters. I'm hoping people won't mind that too much.

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I wasn't expecting lil' old Penny to go ballistic! Great character development!

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Wow, I missed a lot of chapters. Sorry for not commenting....
This is great
I have no ctisism to give, oh well.
Well done

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Somehow I'm becoming a Miego shipper xDD
This fic is so awesome :D
I'm going to lack of comments

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This is a really good story! I've been reading it for a while but I only just registered to the forum, so I thought I'd comment on it! I can't wait for the next chapter =D

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I missed a few chapters I see. Well there's not much I can say except that they were all great! =D

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Forgive my lack of comment, I've had trouble reaching the computer.

Nice chapters so far, all I can sya is "thank god for pysche locks!"
Otherwise Mia wouldn't know half of what's going on around her.

That's all for this time due to my memory not being able to pick out sperate points for three chapters. I shall endeavour to comment the next chapter as soon as it is posted.

Yay, another great chapter as always! Whoa, Penny is REALLY mad... will she ever get over it? Miego is sooo cute, are you gonna write about them going on a date or anything? It won't make much difference if you don't... I'm just a sucker for Miego cuteness! <3
Anyway, I love this whole story so much!
xxx

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Really nice job! Cheez Penny. Go crazy why don't you. But seriously, really nice job! I still have Writer's Block (sigh). I hope it'll go away the week after Easter (April 12). I have no school!!!! I seriously can't wait for an update! This is so cool! (Insert lots of other praise here!) Thanks for mentioning me at the beginning of the update! Update soon! (Well, as soon as YOU can! I don't want to rush a great story!). It's fine that there may be some non cannon stuff. It makes the story your own origional work. Plus, we don't know what happened between Mia's first trial and the day that Diego was in the Court House Cafeteria (Most of you know what I'm talking about). The game just says that Mia and Diego started going out. Now we actually have something to believe. Once again, really super duper job!

Whoa, Penny. Overreact much? I bet she's preggers or something.

I'm seriously anticipating the next update :) I'm excited to see what happens next! Keep up the good work!

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Chapter twenty two


Mia sighed as she looked outside. It was a lovely evening after all, the weather was pleasantly warm outside but not so much as to scorch people, the sun delicately shone down onto her porch giving the honeysuckle a green healthy glow, she couldn’t help but let out another sigh though, this one wistful. It had been such a good day, Diego had made them a picnic to eat at lunch in the park and once again the weather had not let her down, it had been gloriously sunny and warm and they’d sat there for what had only seemed like hours enjoying themselves. Unfortunately, and inevitably, they’d had to return to work where Mia had been greeted by a humongous pile of paperwork to be done by the afternoon. She had thought it would ruin her day but Diego had instead brought his own work down to her office and done it there. They then had sat all afternoon working and chatting. Before she knew it another sigh was escaping her, she couldn’t wait for him to get there! After their work had been done, Diego had invited her out to dinner this evening. Needless to say Mia had accepted happily, it seemed like a perfect end to a perfect day, just sitting there and waiting for him felt like a struggle when she so badly wanted to call him and ask him to come twenty minutes earlier.

Come on Diego, hurry up… She thought to herself again wondering why the minutes felt like hours to her.

A red sports car finally drove up in front of her Bungalow; she felt her heart leap as she found herself desperately hoping it was him.

Another false alarm… she thought to herself sadly. This was the third one this evening.

What do you expect? He’s not meant to get here for another 10 minutes… another voice combated her.

Deciding it was probably not best to sit here waiting when time seemed to go so slowly for her while waiting, she got up and headed to the bathroom to check her appearance…again.

She pulled her dress straight as she stood in front of the mirror critiquing her appearance. Would my hair look better brushed straight or curled?

It’s only hair, I doubt he’ll even notice.

But what if he does?

Then he’s overly critical…like you are….and too shallow! What’s wrong with you Mia, obsessing over your appearance? It’s not like you.

Yes but-

No buts, the first time he ever saw you Mia, you were soaked down to your skin and your hair most certainly wasn’t brushed straight. He likes you for who you are, not because of the way you look. Now calm down!

She finally heard a knock at the door which caused her to jump about a foot in the air. Compose yourself, Mia! she thought to herself as she opened the door seemingly calmly, when her insides seemed to be dancing the Kan-can.

“Hey,” Diego said, leaning against the side of the porch casually, his head supported by his hand.

“Hi,” Suddenly she found herself speechless and unsure why that was; she and Diego had been spending time together on countless occasions and usually they never ran out of things to say.

“Err, I know you’re not expecting me for another ten minutes but…well, sorry…hope you don’t mind.”

“No, no! Of course I don’t mind, in fact I’m pleased you’re here! I wouldn’t want to miss the dinner reservation…or err wherever we’re going.”

“Ah, you’ll see soon enough.” His eyes sparkled mysteriously as held out his hand to her, “Come on, shall we go?”

Nodding, she grabbed her clutch bag and took his hand to follow him to the car.

The car journey was longer than she’d expected and both of them were quiet as they drove but the silence was pleasant, rather than uncomfortable. Though she still felt a little nervous, she was now anticipating where he was taking her. She didn’t recognize her surroundings any longer and the evening was growing a little darker as they drove in what was now the twilight, eventually they reached a small concrete car park where Diego indicated and drove into smoothly.

Mia saw they were now next to park, thick trees surrounded with even grass carpeting and bushes dispersed throughout the woods. Diego once again took her hand and lead her to the trees. She could now hear music and laughter but no signs of anyone through the thick foliage.

“Where are we?” she asked, trying to figure out herself.

“Just a park west of where we live, I thought you might enjoy this.” He replied as they walked through a particularly overgrown path which wasn’t in-keeping with the neatness of the rest of the park, or what she’d seen so far anyway.

It was now dark as she was greeted by the vision of what would have been a large picnic had it not been dark. Lots of couples and even some families sat looking up at the stars, each of them sitting on their own picnic blanket in the large clearing in the middle of the woods she’d just been in.

There was a bang as some fire works exploded, beautiful rays of light streaking across the sky as her and Diego stood observing and the edge of the clearing, Mia now admiring the fireworks.

“Diego...wow, this is beautiful.” She said awestruck at the romanticism of his idea.

“You like it?”

“Yes! This place is amazing,” she said taking his hand as he led her over to a spare blanket.

“Are you hungry? Because if you are they sell corn dogs and pizza over there.” He asked her gesturing towards a kiosk.

“I’m okay at the moment,” she declined, “Maybe later though. So have you ever come here before?”

“Yeah, often alone though. It can be nice to be somewhere where no one knows you, to get away from everything.”

“What do you feel like getting way from?”

“Nothing really, just a change of surroundings I suppose, work can be stressful, my life in general can be.

She laughed, “Tell me about it, sometimes I feel like no matter how good my life is, there’s always going to be something that’s stopping me from being fully happy, whether it’s being lonely, missing Maya, Penny hating my guts…well actually just hating me.”

“I’m sure she’ll come round eventually, once she gets used to the idea of you and me.”

“Yes…but, I get the feeling there’s something else wrong.”

Get the feeling? Who are you trying to kid? The psyche locks pretty much confirmed that I’d say.

“Hmm, well when we were together she always seemed like she had something bothering her, at the back of her mind…like a distraction or something.”

“Even was she was happy?”

“Yeah, maybe I just imagined it though…we didn’t exactly tell each other everything…”

“Oh…” she trailed off, lost in her own thoughts.

Diego now shifted, uncomfortably. “Anyway, we didn’t come here to talk about Penny did we?”

“No! Sorry, I’m just worried about her. That’s all.” Mia replied blushing with embarrassment from talking about Diego’s ex on their first real date.

“Hey, it’s fine.” He reassured her as his eyes drifted up to the fire works that had just been set off. She joined him and allowed herself to daydream a little, the bright colors distracted her sending her into an almost trance. She lay back on the blanket and allowed herself to relax.
Neither of then spoke for about twenty minutes before Mia was suddenly brought back down to earth a particularly loud bang from the fireworks. She felt her cheeks glow as she realized, once again, she’d been examining the reasons Penny could be upset. Besides the obvious reason that involved her and Diego, she could think of no others. Not without any background information. After all, Penny had been right in her shouting fit the other day; how well did Mia actually know Penny anyway? They’d only really exchanged pleasantry’s and gossiped a little before their falling out. She didn’t know the real Penny and she knew little about Penny’s life outside being a secretary. How was she to gauge the size of the problem without knowing any of this?

“You okay?” Diego asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

She blinked, “Ah, yeah, fine thanks,”

“Oh, sorry I was a bit out of it then, it’s the fireworks, and they’re kinda hypnotic.”

“True, actually, I’m getting hungry now. Wanna get something to eat?” she asked sitting up and looking over at him.

“Ah sure, good idea,” They got up and headed towards the kiosk, the girl serving there had long blonde hair tied up in a pony-tail. She was pretty and smiled at them both, particularly widely for Diego.

“Hi, what can I get you?” she asked politely blinking with her long black eyelashes that Mia noticed with envy.

“Uh, I’ll have a corn dog, Mia?” he asked her.

“I’ll have…err, the same?”

She smiled, showing some off some of her prefect white teeth, “Sure, they’ll be done in a second,” she said, putting in the corn dogs to fry and brushing a lock of hair from her eyes.
Oh god, not another Penny… Mia thought to herself. Can she not see I’m with him?

“Okay, they’re done.” She now handed them both one, Mia was starving but decided it would not me attractive to instantly tuck into her food and so she just held it for a while before nibbling on it carefully, making sure to keep her table manners in check as much as she could.
With a final smile from the woman serving them, (one she reserved more for Diego than her Mia assumed) they headed back over to their blanket.

“Wow, you were right before weren’t you? You really do have the female masses frothing.”
He sniggered, “Her? Nah, she was just being friendly.”

“Please, she was practically drooling, I surprised my corn dog isn’t soaked with her saliva.”

He laughed and looked at her, “But she doesn’t hold a candle to you though.”
Could this evening get anymore perfect? She thought as her heart melted, he was being so charming and she just couldn’t’ help but let him. She reached up and kissed him. The kiss digressed and before long they’d sunk down onto the blanket for the rest of evening.

I think it just did…

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The next morning, Mia awoke refreshed and happy. Diego had kissed her tenderly and yet passionately at the door and had left. It had been a beautiful end to the night, he’d told her what a good time he’d had and asked if she’d like to go out with him again. As cliché as it was she’d said told him she’d like that very much.

As she arrived at work, (hoping to see Diego there) she walked through the door and into reception to be met by, instead of Penny, a man with light brown hair that covered one of his eyes as it swept over the side of his face. He, (like the man from yesterday) wore a sweater vest (this one was blue) over a lighter blue shirt.

“Hi,” she started, “Who are you?”

He smiled, “Good morning Miss. Fey, I’m the new receptionist here.” Mia already preferred him to the temporary man from yesterday, his tone was formal and yet friendly.

“Wh-what? Where’s Penny?” she stuttered.

“Penny? Who’s she?”

“The receptionist.” Mia said with her eyes wide.

“Oh her? She quit yesterday…so they hired me.”

What?

“I’m so glad to meet you, I’ve wanted a job here for…well ages, this is a very well respected law firm, one day I hope to become a lawyer myself.” The man now said with clear and honest enthusiasm.

“That’s…nice, listen I’ve got to go, uh, bye.”

“Okay, just take these…and these-“he handed her a stack of files “And these,”
She swallowed in shock. Where had Penny gone, was there truly more to the situation than met the eye? And most of all, how was Mia meant to help someone who clearly wanted nothing at all to do with her?




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Okay, i pretty much wrote most of this chapter because people seemed to like the idea of a Miego date, so i thought, what harm can it do. Hopefully this wasn't too much like a "Mary-kate and Askley date" for people. It's pretty cheesy but i get the idea from this picture here-
http://www.court-records.net/arts/080630gemaga07_gssnap02.jpg

I know it's alter picture and Diego is godot by the but still. Sorta inspired me though.
Hope people enjoy the chapter and I'll post replies to peoples reveiws later on when I have more time.

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Last edited by Missile. x on Sun Apr 05, 2009 3:53 pm, edited 2 times in total.

AWESOME
I'm so becoming a Miego shipper xD
And I wanna know why Penny left D:

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I have read all this, and it is one of the best Mia/Diego stories ever. I have been following since the very first chapter, and have ever since. I only just posted for the first time just now.


Just two spelling mistakes, but the rest is awesome.

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Where DID Penny go? These are the questions that haunt me... Nice job! The date nwasn't too chessy. Really good! Update soon! I have always been a Niego Shipper, and this story just makes it better!

AAAAAWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!

That date was SO cute! I liked it very much.
While I do wonder where Penny is and why she left (anything besides Miego, that is).
Another stuplendiferous chapter!

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A most pleasant chapter, presumably to establish Mia/Diego's relationship. Lol at that picture as Mia appears to be holding a lollipop of her own murder weapon.

I liked the end with Penny's disappearance and this new guy.

I look forward to reading about why this happened soon!

Overall a nice chapter, though I am looking forward to you developing the plot further now that you have fully established the lovely couple.

yay that was so cute! it wasn't cheesy, just adorable! <3 miego is such an awesome pairing!
i can't wait to find out penny's secret! =O
xxx

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Chapter Twenty three


“It has to have been Grossberg,” Mia ranted, for about the fourth time to Diego (who, by now was rather tired of the discussion.)

He shrugged, “Listen, Mia, I dunno, maybe she felt like moving on from here? I doubt her life long dream was to work here as a receptionist.”

“No! You don’t get it, I never told you about what happened the other day when I followed her!”

“Well?” he asked, waiting for her to go on.

“Well what?” Mia snapped her mind racing with other possibilities of where Penny could have gone.”

“Well what happened when you went after Penny!?”

“I-well-she…she was crying-“

“Because she still wasn’t comfortable with me and you? I bet that’s another reason why she left and wasn’t forced out of her job.”

“No…there’s more. She told me her life was in ruins: Grossberg was threatening to fire her, her boyfriend had been stolen off her, apparently everything was a mess…and then I come into work few days later and she’s quit her job…sorry but I don’t buy it. I’m going to ask Grossberg.”

Diego sighed, exasperatedly, “Mia, I know you want to put your mind at rest, just… be careful, okay? Don’t go yelling at him or anything-“

Well it wouldn’t be the first time would it?

“We wouldn’t want you to go losing your job too, do we?” he paused, thinking, “Wait, that sounds like I’m admitting you’re right and he did fire her, because I seriously doubt he would…”


He doesn’t know Grossberg like I do, after playing a part in my mother’s disappearance he hardly seems like a saint…I guess he’s never seen that side of him She thought to herself as she hurried along the corridor towards Grossbergs office. She knocked and entered without waiting for reply.

He looked up in shock as she appeared and strode over to his desk.

“Sir, I’m here about Penny, did you fire her?!”

Smooth Mia…It’s good how you didn’t go blurting out exactly what you were thinking.

Grossberg now looked at her confusedly and moved his moustache from side to side, his eyebrows lowered.

“Miss. Fey, I am afraid I can’t tell you that; Ms. Robert’s reasons for leaving are to be kept confidential, she said so herself.”

“What? But-“

“But nothing, I’m sorry if there are unresolved issues with you and her…but sometimes it’s better when things stay in the past, eh?”

“Fine, whatever.” She scowled the moment she’d turned round, facing the door, again. Could he not see how potentially serious this could be?

“Oh, and Miss. Fey-“

“What?” she snapped, “Err, that is I mean, yes sir?”

“Remember to knock in future.”

“Will do,” she shut the door. Why is everyone being so unhelpful? Am I just over reacting about this, maybe she just quit because she didn’t want to be around me and Diego anymore? That would make sense…

Sighing she went back to her office to find Diego was still there, now fast asleep. Mia smiled, maybe it was better to just forget about Penny and be happy with Diego?

Grumbling he woke up suddenly, “Huh, wh-what time is it? How long was I asleep for?”

“Not long, I just got back from Grossberg…he wouldn’t tell me what happened. Something about Penny not wanting to be found…”

Smirking grimly he got up and stretched, “Fair enough, I’m sorry Kitten; I guess if she doesn’t want to be found…”

“But why, doesn’t that seem a bit…strange? I know I’ve been bothering her a lot but…I don’t think she was that obsessed with me not following her.”

“Listen, Kitten, I want you to follow your gut and get on with it. This obsession with Penny is beginning to worry me. If you’re so sure something’s wrong, go to her house and check she’s okay.”

“I can’t, she’s hidden her address to stop people from finding her!”

“No worries, I have it, I’ve err…been there before.”

Mia hugged him, “Really? Thank you! Please can I have it?”

Looking a little shocked he wrote down the address on the paper, it’s not hard to find. It’s the only one in the suburb with a red door okay?”

“Yes, yes! Thank you!” she repeated grabbing her coat, giving him a quick kiss and running out of her office. If there was something wrong, she could fix it now. If not, Penny would probably yell at her for following her out of her job. Either way Mia felt positive, maybe even excited almost at the prospect of having the weight taken of her shoulders.

As she drove (in Diego’s car) towards Penny’s house, Mia’s phone rang. She pulled over and saw it was voice mail; clearly she’d missed a call a few minutes ago. She pulled over and accepted the message:

“Mia, it’s Penny, Mr. Grossberg called me and told me you were looking for me. I just wanted to tell you to leave me alone please. You got what you wanted so I’m begging you, just leave me be, I-“

The tone beeped and ended the message.

“What?” she asked aloud. Why had the message ended so abruptly? She pulled back into the road and continued on her way to Penny’s. So Penny wanted to be alone? This just confirmed further that there was something wrong. Smoothly indicating she parked the car and looked around the street for Penny’s house number.

“Now let’s see, which one-“

Mia turned abruptly as she heard a high-pitched, deafening scream coming from one of the houses; she ran across the road and saw the scream had come from a house with the red door, the only red door on the street, namely, Penny’s, this was what she had deducted from Diego’s information anyway. Now sprinting as quick as she could she turned and twisted the door handle helplessly.

“Why won’t you BUDGE!?” she said feeling very frustrated and continuing in vain. After whacking the door several times she finally decided there was only one way to get in: by kicking the door down.

She stood back, gauging how much strength to put into the hit. Mia was surprisingly strong for her size and so in just two hits the red door lay on the ground for Mia to simply step over. She was now worried, no one had greeted her or seen her on the eerily quiet street and it had been a good two minutes since Mia had heard the scream. Persevering, she called out:

“Penny, Penny? Are you here?” she called “PENNY?” now shouting, she continued to search as she was met by no reply.

Surprised is too weaker word for what Mia felt as she carefully pushed open a closed door on the edge of the corridor. Her eyes grew wide and she felt her heart thundering in her chest from what she could now see:

The room was in ruins, draws pulled out of the desk, papers thrown all over the room. She saw a green filing cabinet which sat next to the desk with its files opened and scattered across the green dirty carpet. A small silver TV lay unnaturally on the floor in the corner; its right hand bottom side a little crumpled as if it had fallen a large distance. Her eyes now moved to a small hidden indent in the room where a small wooden table had been placed but strangely had nothing in it.

A loud scream, this one belonging to Mia, echoed out through the suburbs as Mia saw Penny’s limp, lifeless body as it lay, slumped against the wall of the indent, her wrists slit, blood residing around the cuts where they had been made.

Perhaps it was from the sight of blood, or maybe from mere shock, Mia now blacked out, and fell to the floor unconscious.



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It's pretty terrible updating twice in two days but what can I say? I have alot of free time and like writing this story.
Hopefully this isn't too far fetched and people don't mind what I'm doing with the story, I found the last few paragraphs very challenging to write and I hope they make sense.
I'm also worried people will find a certian section of the story too hurried,

Ah, god I'm gonna miss Penny...my second favourite OC she was too...
Sigh, my appologies to anyone who hates this.

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Last edited by Missile. x on Sat Apr 11, 2009 11:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.

O_O Holy crap, I think my heart stopped as I was reading the end of this. "Poor Penny" is an understatement. I'm gonna miss her :(

Once again, a very enjoyable, well written chapter. Seeing how this chapter ended, there are so many possibilities in my mind about what's going to happen next. I can't wait to read the next chapter!

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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
NOO.. PENNY O_O"
shit you got me there xD
o__o
I'm gonna miss her too :/

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