ELISA

I was sitting at our usual table at The Sweet Books, nursing a cup of coffee. I was a nervous wreck, my hands were trembling, and my heart was pounding in my chest. I saw Patrick and Penelope walk in, and my breath hitched. Penelope looked worried, and Patrick was holding her hand, his eyes scanning the cafe. It was like he was a bodyguard, protecting her from something.

They sat down, and the three of us were silent for a moment. It felt like an eternity. Finally, Patrick broke the silence.

"I need to tell you both something," he said, his voice serious. "Something happened that night. It's not a coincidence."

Penelope and I looked at each other, our eyes wide with confusion.

"What are you talking about, Ricky?" Penelope asked.

"Someone tried to hurt you, Penny. That night, at The Nightingale, your drink was tampered with," he said, his eyes fixed on her. "I think it was Ben."

Penelope's eyes widened, and she let out a gasp. "What? No! Why would he do that? He's my friend!"

"He's not your friend, Penny. He's a stalker. He's been following you, watching you, and he's obsessed with you."

Penelope started to cry, and I wrapped my arms around her. "It's okay, Penny. We're here for you."

I looked at Patrick, and I saw the same fear and worry in his eyes. He had been protecting her all this time. He was so much more than just my "little brother." He was a hero.

Flashback

Elisa: "Ricky! What are you doing in my room?"

I walked in on Patrick, who was a teenager at the time, going through my things. He was holding a diary, and his face was red with embarrassment.

Patrick: "I... I was just looking for my phone. I swear!"

He was lying. I knew it. I just didn't know why. I didn't get mad at him. He was just a kid. I took the diary from his hand and ruffled his hair.

Elisa: "It's okay, Ricky. Don't worry about it. Let's go get some ice cream."

He looked at me, his eyes full of admiration. I didn't know it then, but he wasn't looking for his phone. He was looking for me. For a part of me that he could hold on to. I was clueless back then, but now, I see it all clearly.