Hope's POV
Every morning at six o'clock, my alarm clock goes off, and I have an internal battle with myself. I don't want to get out of bed, but I know I have to. School starts at eight, and I have hair to brush, textbooks to gather, and breakfast to eat. But then again, my bed is so warm...
Before I can contemplate my options any longer, the door to my bedroom creaks open. My brother Gregory is standing in the doorway, with a steal bucket in his hands. Why on Earth is he holding a steal bucket?
"Hope, it's time to get up. I have to drive you to school, and mom will kill me if you're late. Get out of bed, or I'll have to poor this bucket of ice water all over you." Gregory tells me seriously.
Ice water? He can't be serious! The thought alone makes me shutter, so I decide not to question my older brother. I spring to my feet, and Gregory grins triumphantly.
"Wow. You got out of bed in record time. Maybe I should threaten you every morning until mom and dad get home." Gregory says with a smirk.
"Don't even dare." I say as my tone turns serious.
"Don't worry, I didn't." Gregory says before dropping the bucket, which does not have a single drop of ice water in it.
"You tricked me!" I exclaim furiously.
"Sorry, kid." Gregory says with a chuckle.
I want to be angry with Gregory, but I'm not. His trick got me out of bed, and I cannot be late to school today. I have a Biology test first period, and if I'm late, I'll lose time. I can't afford to lose time on the test because unfortunately I inherited my father's English brain. I don't mind when it comes to writing essays, but taking math and science tests are another story.
"Can you be downstairs in half an hour? I'm going to start making breakfast, and I know you hate cold eggs." Gregory says with a soft laugh.
"Yeah. I'll be ready. Just let me get my books together and throw on my uniform." I tell him.
Gregory nods before picking up the empty steal bucket, and closing the bedroom door behind him. As soon as my older brother is gone, I take off my nightgown, and walk over to my closet. Unfortunately, my school requires a uniform that consists of polo shirts and knee length skirts for girls. The only good thing about the uniform is that we get to pick out the colors of the skirts and pools. After thinking about my options for a minute, I decide to wear my white polo and navy skirt.
I put on my uniform and stare at my reflection in the full length mirror near my dresser. Even though I am fourteen and halfway through my freshman year of high school, my chest is completely flat. It's humiliating. Maybe if I was a size B or above, some of the boys at school would look at me like they look at my best friend Miranda Cavanaugh.
Miranda is literally perfect, and arguably the most attractive girl in my grade. No wonder guys are always throwing themselves at her. Even though I love my best friend and I'm happy that so many boys like her, sometimes I can't help but feel jealous. I wish that people would pay attention to me, and not to her for once.
I sigh before running a hair brush through the curly hair that I inherited from my father. Even though my mom always tells me that my hair is beautiful, I cannot stand it. Unlike Miranda's straight and glossy hair, mine cannot be tamed, and it's always flying all over the place. My mom is surely mistaken. How could messy hair possibly as pretty as straight hair?
"Hope, let's go!" Gregory says as he begins to knock on my bedroom door persistently.
My eyes dart over to my alarm clock, and I gasp when I realize that it's already six forty-five! How did I lose track of time? My eggs are probably colder than Antarctic at this point! I need to get on the good foot.
"Coming!" I shout before grabbing my backpack, and walking out of my bedroom door.
Line Break
Every time I drive with Gregory, he blasts explicit rap music that Mom would never let me listen to. Heck, Mom would probably have a stroke if she listened to one of Gregory's CDs. Luckily, Mom isn't here to chastise us for listening to inappropriate music. My dad had a conference in New York this week, and my mom decided to take a few days off work and go on a mini vacation.
My parents travel a lot since my father is an English professor, and my mother is a motivational speaker. Even though I always miss my parents when they're gone, I like when they go on trips because it means that Gregory gets to watch me until they get back! Last month Gregory turned twenty, and since he's busy finishing his sophomore year at The University of Pennsylvania, his visits are becoming shorter and less frequent. It really sucks because Gregory is my best friend in the entire world. I miss him a lot when he's gone, and that's probably why I love when he watches me.
"What are your plans for tonight?" Gregory asks as he turns the music down, so he can hear my response.
I smile when I remember that today is Friday. Friday usually means sleepover, chick flick, and sugar, with Miranda. Even though our Friday night tradition feels monotonous at times, I wouldn't want to spend the day any other way. I love hanging out with Miranda, even if we're just chilling in our PJ's while our mothers catch up on the latest Rosewood gossip in the other room.
"I don't know. Miranda will probably sleepover." I tell Gregory after thinking about it for a minute.
"I figured. Kennedy and I were planning on seeing a movie tonight. You two are more than welcome to join us." Gregory offers.
Gregory met Kennedy at his freshman orientation at The University of Pennsylvania. When Kennedy introduced herself to him, Gregory was so taken aback by her confidence and beauty that he spilt his coffee all over her. For some reason, Kennedy thought my brother was "adorable and charming", so she agreed to meet him for dinner that night. They've been dating ever since, and my parents think they're going to get married one day.
I hope they're right because even I know that Kennedy is special. She's so kind and compassionate, and I can tell that Gregory loves her immensely. Even though sharing Gregory with Kennedy sucks sometimes, I wouldn't mind having her as a sister-in-law.
"Yeah, that sounds like fun." I say with a smile.
"Good. It's a date." Gregory says with a warm smile.
I giggle as Gregory pulls into the back lot of Rosewood High School. I wish I didn't have to get out of the car. I was having so much fun with Gregory, and now I have to go and take a Biology test. That's definitely a mood killer.
"Good luck on the big test, Hope. I love you." Gregory says before grabbing my hand, and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"Thanks, Gregory. I love you too." I say before letting go of his hand, and hopping out of the car.
"Hope!" I hear a familiar voice say.
I turn around, and smile when I see Miranda running towards me with open arms. I embrace my best friend, and we both begin to laugh like maniacs. Even though I see Miranda everyday, I always get so excited when I see her in the morning.
"I have the biggest news of the century!" Miranda exclaims as she breaks the hug.
"What is it?" I ask her curiously.
"You know Olivia Quinn, right?" Miranda questions.
Everyone knows Olivia. She's the coolest girl in eleventh grade, and she's know for being ridiculously beautiful. Some people say she's even prettier than Miranda.
"Of course." I say with a nod.
"I just got invited to her party tonight! You know, the one everyone's been talking about all month? And that's not even the best part! Olivia told me I could bring a friend, and obviously I'm bringing you." Miranda says with a squeal.
I know I should be excited, but I'm not. If anything, I feel numb. I've never been to a high school party before, and the thought of going to the biggest party of the year makes me feel sick to my stomach. I have no idea what to wear, how to act, or even what to say to the cool upperclassmen. I'm not drop dead gorgeous like Miranda, and I'm definitely not as social as she is.
"Hope, what's wrong? Why don't you seem excited about this?" Miranda asks as her face begins to fall.
"I don't know. I guess parties aren't really my scene." I say, as a blush begins to form on my cheeks.
"So? We'll make them your scene." Miranda says with a shrug.
"I don't know, Miranda. Gregory and Kennedy are going to the movies tonight. Maybe I'll just crash their date instead." I say with a breathy sigh.
"No! You are not third wheeling with your brother and Kennedy! I don't care what you say, we are going to that party! Who knows? You might even get your first kiss tonight!" Miranda squeals.
My first kiss? That sounds... Exciting and terrifying at the same time. Miranda got her first kiss at the freshman dance. She told me it was gross at first, but after a while it got fun. I hope my first kiss is fun, and not gross like Miranda's was.
"Y-You think someone would want to kiss me?" I ask her skeptically.
"Hell ya! You're beautiful, Hope. Any guy in his right mind would want to kiss you!" Miranda exclaims.
"Then how come no one ever does?" I question.
"Because you're too quiet. It's not like a guy is just going to walk up and kiss you at school. You need to give him signs first." Miranda says with an eye roll.
"Signs?" I ask with confusion in my voice.
"Yeah! I'll show you how to do it tonight at the party! I heard Owen's going to be there, so I'm going to need you!" Miranda tells me seriously.
Owen Labrie is the golden boy of Rosewood High. He's a straight A student, the senior class president, and captain of the boy's soccer team. He applied to Harvard early decision, and got in at the beginning of the school year. It was the talk of the town for weeks! I hear all about Owen and his many accomplishments from Miranda. She's been crushing on him since the first day of freshman year, and ironically, he's the only boy in Rosewood who doesn't give her the time of day.
"Miranda, you need to get over Owen." I say as I shake my head slowly.
"Don't be such a downer! Tonight's the night, Hope! I'm going to make him fall for me. Just you watch." Miranda says with a cocky smile.
I know better than to challenge Miranda, so I give her a small nod. Part of me knows that she's probably right anyways.
"So are you in?" Miranda questions.
Maybe going to the party isn't such a bad idea after all. I can get my first kiss, and Miranda can get Owen. This will be a new adventure, and a new story to tell. But what if something goes wrong? My mom always tells me that parties are trouble, and the last thing I want is to get in trouble. Besides, it's not like my parents would ever let me go to a party with the upperclassmen.
Even though my parents are laid back with Gregory, they're ridiculously strict with me. Whenever I'm not home, my mom texts me frequently, and asks where I am and who I'm with. Last week, I stayed at Miranda's house an hour later than usual, and my mom called Spencer sobbing. According to Spencer, my mom was close to calling the police. When I got home that evening, my mom looked relieved. She hugged me, kissed me, and then screamed at me for half an hour straight.
My dad is surprisingly even worse than my mom. Earlier this year, I went for a run around the neighborhood by myself, and my dad found out about it. He asked me how I could be so stupid, and then went on to explain how dangerous running by yourself is. According to him, I could have been, "Raped, kidnapped, or worse." It took all of my willpower not to start laughing. Those things don't happen in Rosewood. The most dangerous person in this entire town is probably the seven year old on my street who has a tendency to bite the neighbors. I doubt she would be able to rape or kidnap me, so I think I'm safe.
"Hope?" Miranda asks, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"Sorry. I was just thinking that even if I wanted to go to the party, I probably wouldn't be able to. You know my parents. They're not cool like yours are." I say with a breathy sigh.
"But Hope, your parents are in New York! They don't even have to know about this! Just tell Gregory where you're going. I'm sure he'll be fine with it!" Miranda exclaims.
My relationship with Gregory is different. So different that Miranda, and even my parents, can't fully understand it. When I was a little girl, Gregory used to sneak into my room after my parents fell asleep. He'd stay with me all night, and promise that nothing bad would ever happen to me. If anyone ever gave me a hard time at school, Gregory wouldn't hesitate to beat them up, even though it caused trouble for him. He even turned down Stanford, his dream school, so he could stay close to me. Gregory has worked so hard to keep me safe, and I doubt he'd throw all that work away just so I could go to some stupid party with Miranda.
"No. Gregory wouldn't let me go either. He's even worse than my parents." I say as I shake my head slowly.
"So don't tell him." Miranda says with a shrug.
"W-What do you mean?" I ask as my eyes grow wide with shock.
"Hope, Gregory is the sweetest thing, but that doesn't mean he knows what's best for you. Your brother thinks you're still a little girl, but you're not. You don't need him controlling your every move. Honestly, it's holding you back." Miranda says as her tone turns serious.
Part of me knows she's right. Gregory and my parents refuse to acknowledge that I'm growing up. They want me to stay a little girl, but I'm fourteen now. I'm old enough to make my own decisions, and to go to parties with Miranda. Aren't I?
"B-But what would I tell him?" I question.
"Just say we're sleeping over at a friends house. If he knows you're with me, Gregory won't worry." Miranda assures me.
"That's lying." I say with a breathy sigh.
"So? It's okay to lie if you have a really good reason. This is a great reason, Hope." Miranda tells me.
I want to believe Miranda, but I don't think I can. I have a bad feeling about lying to Gregory, and going to this party. We've always been honest with each other, and I don't know how I'll be able to look into his eyes after breaking the deep trust we've established. What if he finds out, and hates me for my decision? I don't think I could handle Gregory hating me...
"Miranda, this feels wrong..." I start to say.
"Hope, stop overthinking this! You're making a huge deal out of nothing, and it's really starting to piss me off." Miranda says as she crosses her arms over her chest.
I don't want to upset Miranda. She's my best friend, and she's always there when I need her. She needs me tonight, so I should go the party for her sake. That's what a good friend would do. But what would a good sister do? I never thought being a good friend to Miranda would conflict with being a good sister to Gregory.
For a minute, I forget about being a good friend or sister. What about what I want? Miranda and Gregory are always tell me what to do, and I'm tired of it. I want to go to the party tonight. Not because it will please Miranda, but because I want to have fun. Gregory can suck it up.
"I'm texting him now." I mutter before pulling out my cell-phone, and sending him a quick message.
Hey Gregory! Change of plans for tonight. Miranda and I are sleeping over at Rebecca's house.
-Hope
As soon as I send the text message, Miranda gives me a high five. I have to admit that this lying thing is kind of exciting. Seconds later my brother responds, and I immediately read the message.
Okay. Text me if you need anything. I love you.
-Gregory
Crap. Why does he have to be so nice all the time? I don't feel as excited as I did a few seconds ago. I just feel extremely guilty.
"Did he buy it?" Miranda asks me anxiously.
"Yup." I say with a fake smile.
Miranda squeals before enveloping me in a tight hug. I try to seem happy, but it's nearly an impossible task. I guess I'm not such a good liar after all.
Line Break
As soon as I get to Miranda's house, she drags me upstairs to her bedroom and starts pulling clothes out of her closet. I let out a prolonged sigh as I flop on her full-sized bed. Even though I like getting dressed up every once in a while, I don't usually enjoying going through closets, and spending hours on hair and makeup. I have a feeling that's what we're going to be doing today.
"What do you think of this?" Miranda asks as she pulls something out of her closet.
"Beautiful." I mutter as I stare up at her ceiling.
"Seriously, Hope! You're not even looking." Miranda says with an exasperated sigh.
I look up at the short black skirt that Miranda is holding, and give her a small nod of approval. The skirt is cute and flirty, and Miranda will look incredible in it. Owen will be all over her by the end of the night.
"I'm glad you like it, since you're wearing it tonight." Miranda says with a mischievous smile.
She can't be serious! Even though the skirt is adorable, I would never wear it to a party. It's much more risqué than the outfits I normally wear, and my father would have a stroke if he saw me wearing anything remotely similar to it! Then again, my father won't be at the party tonight. My father doesn't even know I'm going to the party...
"I don't know Miranda." I say with a breathy sigh.
"Come on, Hope! You're such a babe, and it will look amazing on you! I have the perfect top to go with it." Miranda says as she shoots me a pleading look.
I trust Miranda's fashion sense. Her style is on point, and she always looks like someone right off the cover of a magazine. Maybe I'll just go with it tonight.
"Okay. I'll try it." I mutter before grabbing the skirt, and sliding it over my legs.
Miranda squeals as soon as the skirt is on, and I immediately look in the mirror. I'm not usually confident in my appearance, but I have to admit that this looks good on me. I should take fashion advice from Miranda more often.
"Here. Put this on. But first, take off your bra." Miranda says as she hands me a flowery crop-top.
"W-Why?" I ask as I furrow my brow in confusion.
"Because we have to look mature if we're going to get with any upperclassmen tonight. You want to show off your boobs. Let them know what they're missing out on." Miranda explains.
"What boobs?" I ask as I raise an eye brow.
"Shut up, Hope. Your boobs might not be as developed as some other people's, but that doesn't mean they're not hot." Miranda says with an eye roll.
"Whatever." I say as I take off the new bra my mom bought me for Christmas, and pull the crop top over my head.
"You're a ten, Hope! Would you let me straighten your hair, and do your makeup?" Miranda asks me hopefully.
Usually I would say no, but I've already come so far. What's wrong with looking sexy and mature for one night? I'm fourteen after all. It's about time I start acting like a woman.
"Go for it." I say with an eager nod.
Line Break
By the time Miranda finished getting my hair and make-up done, even I have to admit that I look incredible! Dare I say, as cute as Miranda? Surprisingly, I feel more confident than I ever have in my entire life. Maybe that's why girls are so into make-up. It makes you feel like prettiest person in the world.
"Hope, you look so beautiful." Miranda says, as she stares at me in complete awe.
"Thanks, Miranda. You're the best friend in the world." I tell her truthfully.
Before my friend can respond, her bedroom door bursts open. A startled gasp escapes from my lips when I see Spencer standing in the doorway. What if she finds out we're going to a party, and calls my mom? I'll get sent home, and no one will get to see how pretty I look.
"Hi girls. How are you? Did you straighten your hair, Hope?" Spencer asks as her eyes grow wide with shock.
"M-Miranda did." I mutter as I avoid looking into Spencer's eyes.
"I'm guessing you two have plans tonight?" Spencer questions.
"Yeah. We're sleeping over at Rebecca's house." Miranda says, speaking up before I can blow our cover.
"You look way too dressed up to be going to Rebecca's house. Miranda, is there something you'd like to tell me?" Spencer asks her daughter suspiciously.
"Damn it Mom! You caught me." Miranda says with a breathy sigh.
What? Is Miranda telling her mom about the party? I can't believe she'd give up so easily!
"Language, Miranda. Now why don't you tell me the truth?" Spencer says as her tone turns serious.
"The truth is, Hope has a huge crush on Alice's older brother. She asked me to do her hair and make-up so she could impress him." Miranda says as she nudges me gently.
"Um yeah. That's it." I say, too shocked to think of anything believable to add on.
"Honey, you do know that Alice's brother is gay, don't you?" Spencer asks me gently.
"That's debatable!" Miranda exclaims.
"No it's not. He dressed as Madonna for Halloween last year..." Spencer starts to ramble.
"Well, Hope is pretty enough to turn him straight. Don't you think?" Miranda asks her mother.
"I don't think sexuality works that way, but if anyone is pretty enough to do it, it's definitely Hope. But why are you dressed up?" Spencer asks Miranda.
"Because it would look stupid if Hope was all dressed up, and I wasn't." Miranda explains.
"Girls, girls, girls. I don't know how Aria and I manage you two. Have fun at Alice's tonight, but if I find out there is drinking, I will ruin both of you. Is that clear?" Spencer asks as her tone turns serious.
"Drinking? I'm offended that you'd accuse me of being so irresponsible." Miranda says as she crosses her arms over her chest.
"No you're not, Miranda. Don't play innocent with me. I have to get to the Court House, but feel free to call me if you need anything." Spencer says before waving goodbye, and walking out of the bedroom.
As soon as Spencer is gone, Miranda and I burst into laughter. That was close. That was way too close.
"I can believe your mom fell for that!" I say through my laughter.
"She didn't. My mom knew we were going to a party. She just turned a blind eye." Miranda says with a giggle.
"W-What do you mean?" I ask as I furrow my brow in confusion.
"Our moms were huge partiers in high school, Hope. My mom knows exactly what we're up to, but she trusts us to make good decisions." Miranda explains.
"I wish my mom were more like yours. She'd never turn a blind eye like yours would." I say with a breathy sigh.
"Obviously. It's because..." Miranda says, before stopping mid sentence.
"What?" I question.
"Nothing." Miranda says as she shakes her head slowly.
Why do I get the feeling that Miranda is keeping something from me? Is there something I don't know about my mom? Maybe she was even more of a partier than Spencer, and that's why she's so protective of me. I don't want to interrogate Miranda though. I just want to enjoy my night.
"Come on! Let's go already!" I exclaim before grabbing Miranda's hand, and dragging her out of the bedroom.
AN: What did you think of the first chapter? Obviously Hope doesn't know about what happened to Aria before she was born. Why hasn't the family told her? Was that the right decision? What do you think of Hope, Miranda, and Gregory? Are they similar to how you imagined them being in the future after reading the end of Room? Should Hope be going to the party? Please review and tell me your thoughts on this story! Thanks for reading, and have a great day! I'll try to have the next chapter posted a week from today! Make sure you check out "Demons" and "Gone With The Wind." I just updated today!