Rebekah's mind was in a rush. Two months ago Klaus called and told her that in that same night he had managed to bring peace to New Orleans, completely, after 7 years of uncertainty peace and doubtful alliances. He wasn't a king, like he wanted to, but now vampires, witches, werewolves and humans were at a good place. Surprisingly, he had agreed to let things roll on their own and only step in when extremely needed. Davina, Camille, Marcel, Josh, Hayley and Elijah would all help keeping things under control. The French Quarter didn't have a king anymore, it had a leader.

Rebekah was sure he only agreed to these terms because he was desperate to see his daughter again, and the only way she would ever come back to New Orleans was if there were no one trying to sacrifice her in some crazy witch ritual. During that same call, Klaus also told her to wait a couple of months before coming back with Hope. He wanted to make sure things would stay calm. And now, two months later, she was only an hour away from New Orleans after spending 14 hours on the road with Hope.

It was 11pm and her niece was sleeping in the back seat. 7 years had passed since Rebekah last drove on that road. At the last time she was driving a tiny Hope to their new home in Chicago, where they'd be safe.

Rebekah was worried, she didn't know how Hope would react upon meeting her mom and dad. She knew their faces and the reason they were not with her all those years —to protect her. She also knew they loved her because of the letters they sent. But still, it would be a shock to the little girl. Hope was, despite being kept hidden most of her life, a relatively outgoing child who liked to speak to and hug everybody. She would most likely do great at the reunion, but Rebekah was afraid. Afraid it would be too much for the little one to handle.

At the sight of their family house, Rebekah smiled. She parked the car in front of it and was trying to prepare herself for what was about to happen. She was, at the same time, jumping in excitement and crying in pain. Rebekah always knew Hope wouldn't stay with her forever and that she needed her parents, but those years she spent raising her niece were the bests of her thousand-year old life. Never had she felt such happiness and now she was about to lose that. But she couldn't let herself be that selfish, she had to think about what's best for the little one: her parents. She called Nik and let him know they were there, although he probably already knew. He said they would be waiting at the entrance.

"H, it's time to wake up, love" Rebekah said to Hope, still asleep in the back seat. All she got as a response was a groan.

"That's something very wolf of you. Now wake up, come on," Rebekah waited a few seconds but Hope didn't move. She then got out of the car and opened the back door.

"We've arrived at New Orleans; you need to wake up and then meet some people, remember?" Still no movements. Hope was not willing to wake up at all.

"Ok. I guess I'm going to carry you"
Rebekah picked up her niece and walked with her asleep in her arms towards the house. She could listen to her siblings and Hayley's fast paced heartbeats. They were anxious, of course. Rebekah sent them a lot of pictures throughout the years, so they already knew how she looked like: blue eyes like her father and brown hair like her mother. She was absolutely beautiful, inside and out.

Rebekah stopped close to the entrance and took a deep breath, Hope still asleep in her arms, then finally entered the compound.

The first pair of eyes she met were Nik's, they were filled with happiness, love and anticipation, and so were Hayley's. She then looked at Elijah, who nodded his head and said a silent "Hello sister", he was also filled with many emotions. Nik's and Hayley's eyes were now glued to the little thing asleep in her arms. Hayley was starting to cry.

"H, love, you need to wake up now," Rebekah said while rubbing her niece's back. Hope woke up —Rebekah heard her heartbeat go faster— but there were no movements, only a groggy little voice
"I don't want to Aunt Bekah... I want to sleep..."

"I know love, but, please, can you wake up now? I will take you to bed in a little while"

"Fine..."

Hope lifted her head from Rebekah's shoulder and faced her aunt.

"Good morning, sleepy head," Rebekah smiled to her niece.
"It's dark, Aunt Bekah, so it's 'good night'."

"Well, good night then."

Rebekah put her on the ground. Hope's face was really funny. It was wrinkled from where she'd been sleeping and her eyes were barely open; she was really sleepy.

"Why did you wake me up?"

And before Rebekah had the chance to answer the question, Hope realized she and her aunt weren't alone, so she turned to face the people behind her.

As Hope was standing still, eyes full of surprise, unable to move and heart beating extremely fast, —much like Nik and Hayley— Rebekah said. "Hope, meet your parents: Niklaus and Hayley".