PENELOPE Elisa called me. Her voice was shaky, and she was crying. I immediately left work and went to her apartment, my heart pounding in my chest. I thought something terrible had happened to her. When I arrived, she was sitting on her couch, a tissue box next to her. She looked at me with red, puffy eyes, and I immediately wrapped her in my arms.

"What's wrong, El? Did something happen with Ricky?" I asked, my voice filled with worry.

She shook her head and took a deep breath. "Penny, I have to tell you something. I should have told you sooner, but I was scared."

I pulled away from her and looked at her, my eyes filled with confusion. "What is it, El? You can tell me anything. You know that."

"The night that you asked Ricky to take me home... we slept together," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

My world stopped. I felt a wave of emotions rush over me. Shock, confusion, and then a pang of betrayal. I looked at her, my eyes wide with disbelief.

"What? No. That's not possible," I said, my voice trembling. "You were just drunk. And Ricky would never do that to me."

"He didn't. I did. I was the one who came on to him. I was the one who seduced him. I'm so sorry, Penny," she said, her voice filled with regret.

I couldn't speak. I just stared at her, my mind racing. I thought about the way they had been acting around each other, the way they had been whispering to each other, the way they had been holding hands. It all made sense now.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"I was scared. I didn't want to lose you. You're my best friend, and he's your only brother. I was scared that you would hate me," she said, her voice filled with tears.

I hugged her tightly, and I started to cry. "I could never hate you, El. I'm just... surprised. And a little hurt. I wish you had told me sooner."

"I know. I'm sorry," she said, her voice filled with remorse.

"Does Mom know?" I asked.

She shook her head. "No. No one knows. Except you now."

I pulled away from her and looked at her, a small smile on my face. "I'm not mad at you, El. I'm happy for you. I've always known that you two would end up together. I just didn't know it would be like this."