POV - Hope
Today was a Friday and finally the weekend was coming. I know that the weekend I usually stay with my family, but I hope that this one, I will be able to outwit my father and at least go to have an ice cream or go to the cinema with Josie. It's only been a day since we kissed at the oldmill and I can't explain it, but I just wanted to get to know her more and more. The problem is, it's not like I can kiss her or hold her hand here in the school corridor. Here had Lizzie and she was a real pain in the ass. I sighed and looked at MG and Kaleb who were talking about a tradition that always happens on the last Friday of the month.
It seems that on every last Friday of the month, as lunch is extended for an hour and a half, they would get together and go to the library to play truth or dare. According to MG it was kind of a warm-up for the parties that took place at the oldmill on Friday nights and Saturdays. Well... It seems like a good idea to me. I think it will be fun, after all.
So, when morning classes were over and we finished lunch, we went straight to the library. With that, we sat in a circle shape right in the corner of the library so that we would not be disturbed. Josie, me, Lizzie, MG, Kaleb and Jed were present, and we were seated in exactly that order.
''Who starts?'' - Kaleb asked, holding the bottle of water and looking at us.
''I start.'' - Jed said, taking the bottle from Kaleb's hand and turning it around.
''Truth or dare, Jed?'' - Lizzie asked, seeing the bottle facing her.
''Truth.'' - He replied and Lizzie rolled her eyes.
''Coward.'' - Lizzie scoffed and he snorted.
''Just ask the question, Saltzman.'' - Jed spoke impatiently.
''Is it true that you and Alyssa Chang kissed?'' - She asked and everyone except Jed laughed.
''Okay, I admit, it's true.'' - Jed rolled his eyes and shrugged.
''My God, Jed, what a bad taste.'' - Lizzie teased and he snorted.
I think that currently the only person Lizzie hated more than I did at school was Alyssa Chang.
''She's not that bad.'' - MG defended her and Lizzie turned to look at him.
''MG, you traitor.'' - Lizzie complained, slapping his arm. - ''You know very well that because of her I stayed in the infirmary for three days.'' - She told and I laughed.
''I think I'm starting to like Alyssa Chang after hearing this.'' - I teased, which made Josie give me a discreet elbow to my rib. Shit, I forgot that I had promised her yesterday that I was going to behave with Lizzie from now on.
''Coming from you is a compliment, Mikaelson.'' - Lizzie countered, showing me her tongue.
''Okay, now it's my turn.'' - Josie said, wanting to interrupt our little 'discussion' and turning the little bottle that was on the floor.
''It looks like she stopped at me.'' - MG laughed when he saw the bottle pointing at him - ''Truth or dare, Jojo?'' - He asked and she looked at him.
''Dare.'' - Josie raised her eyebrows and everyone cheered. That would undoubtedly be interesting.
''I dare you to pass a prank call.'' - MG spoke and she looked at him.
''For whom?'' - Josie sighed, shrugging. Then Kaleb went to MG and whispered something in her ear.
''Good idea, man.'' - MG laughed, looking at Kaleb - ''Josie...'' - He continued, turning to look at her - ''I dare you to pass a prank call to Klaus Mikaelson.'' - MG completed with a smile and I opened my eyes wide.
''No way!'' - Josie denied immediately, getting red cheeks.
''Come on, Josie, are you scared?'' - Lizzie teased her and I snorted.
''Why does it have to be my father?'' - I asked, before Josie answered her.
''Hope...'' - Kaleb spoke my name, turning to look at me - ''We have all heard stories about your father.'' - He started and MG interrupted him.
''And it would be funny to see the reaction of the great Klaus Mikaelson to a prank call.'' - MG completed Kaleb's thought and I looked at him. In fact, it wasn't a bad idea. I think it would be funny, really.
''Whatever.'' - I rolled my eyes, giving in - ''If Josie wants to, that's fine.'' - I continued and smiled at her. Josie, on the other hand, just looked at me, asking for help.
''Come on, Josie, you're the only one who never turned yellow in a challenge.'' - Jed encouraged her and she looked at him.
''Okay, alright.'' - Josie took a deep breath, finally agreeing - ''Put your number private so he doesn't know it's you and call him, Hope.'' - She requested and I quickly did it, passing the phone to her with an ironic smile.
''Everyone in silence, okay?'' - Josie said seriously, looking at us - ''I'll put on speaker.'' - She warned, dialing my father's number.
''Who is it?'' - Dad answered in his thick voice. At the same time, I covered my mouth to control my urge to laugh. I never imagined Josie doing this, but it's funny, I confess.
''Is Mr. Honest there?'' - Josie asked, plugging her nose and making a different voice.
''There is no Mr. Honest here.'' - Dad replied and I could imagine his scowl at that moment.
''Ah, so you are a thief?'' - Josie countered, before hanging up on my dad. At the same moment my friends and I burst into laughter. That was really funny.
''You rocked, sister.'' - Lizzie praised her, between laughter.
''For the first time, I agree with you, Lizzie.'' - I said, still laughing and Josie got red cheeks. She was so cute with shame.
''It's Jojo, I really didn't know you were so good at prank calls.'' - MG commented and Josie laughed - ''I think I'm going to spin the bottle now.'' - He continued, giving the bottle a spin and stopping at Jed.
''Truth or dare, man?'' - Jed looked at him, laughing.
''Truth.'' - MG replied confidently.
''Is it true that you still have a crush on Lizzie?'' - Jed asked and MG slapped himself on the forehead.
''Why does every truth and dare have this question?'' - He snorted, looking at him.
''To piss you off, maybe?'' - Jed countered, which made us laugh, including Lizzie.
''Oh man, you know yes.'' - MG looked at Lizzie and she rolled her eyes - ''But I think she still needs to mature to see the amazing guy that I am.'' - He bragged and it made us laugh even more.
''Idiot!'' - Lizzie cursed him, but she was laughing too.
''Okay, I think now it's daddy's turn here.'' - Kaleb joked, picking up the bottle and turning it on the floor - ''Oh, shit!'' - He swore, seeing that the bottle stopped on Josie. It was Kaleb who had given the idea to Josie's MG to give my father a prank call. If I met her, I would be sure that she would take her revenge.
''Truth or dare, Kaleb?'' - Josie asked, giving a wry smile. I knew she was going to do it.
''Truth.'' - Kaleb looked at her, letting out a breath.
''Looks like someone's scared.'' - Josie sneered at him and I laughed.
''Until looks like, Josie'' - Kaleb laughed and she raised her eyebrows at him.
''Is what it looks like.'' - Josie insisted, looking at him - ''So far all the boys just wanted the truth.'' - She teased and Kaleb snorted.
''Okay, dare then.'' - Kaleb looked at her, rolling his eyes.
''Now yes.'' - Josie clapped her hands, giving a little smile - ''I dare you...'' - She looked at him, making a suspense - ''Give a kiss to MG.'' - Josie completed, which made everyone laugh, except for Kaleb and MG.
''You're not serious, Josie.'' - Kaleb complained and MG agreed.
''Stop nonsense.'' - I said, looking at them - ''It's just a kiss.'' - Laughs and they snort - ''And until you make a cute couple.'' - I provoked, making Jed, Josie and Lizzie laugh.
''But...'' - MG was going to say something, but Lizzie cut him off.
''Please, MG, don't be homophobic.'' - Lizzie requested, pouting.
''Let's do this, man." - MG sighed, turning to Kaleb. He was never able to deny anything Lizzie asked.
''No way.'' - Kaleb denied, his eyes widening.
''Kaleb, are you really going to yellow for such a simple challenge?'' - Josie teased again and he looked at her.
''Not even.'' - He snorted and turned to MG.
Kaleb and MG approached so slowly that it was impossible not to laugh. So Kaleb put his hand on his face and really kissed him. But the kiss was so fast that I didn't even have time to make fun of them. When the kiss ended, Kaleb himself and MG himself burst out laughing. We were laughing for a few minutes, until Lizzie said:
''Okay, after that moment enjoying the couple of the century kissing...'' - She commented sarcastically - ''I think it's my turn.'' - Lizzie continued, turning the bottle that ended up pointing at me - ''Not you, Mikaelson.'' - She complained and I rolled my eyes.
''Truth or dare, Lizzie?'' - I asked, while yawning.
''Dare, obviously.'' - She smiled wryly looking at me.
''Let me think...'' - I looked at her, putting my hand on my chin - ''I already know.'' - I said, having an idea and giving her a smirk - ''I dare you to send a text message to Alyssa Chang apologizing for acting like a bitch with her.'' - I finished and Lizzie looked at me indignantly.
''Not even dead!'' - She snorted, denying immediately.
''Don't be dramatic, Lizzie, it's just a message.'' - Josie snorted, rolling her eyes.
''It will ruin my reputation, Mikaelson.'' - Lizzie complained and Jed interrupted her.
''What reputation?'' - Jed teased her and she sent him the middle finger.
''It's not even that bad, Lizzie.'' - MG said, looking at her - ''Besides, you just have to talk after it was a challenge and that's it.'' - He looked at her and Lizzie took a deep breath, before reaching for her cell phone to write the message.
''Is it okay like that?'' - Lizzie snorted, showing us her cell phone.
''Great.'' - I commented with a sarcastic smile when I saw the message that said:
'I'm sorry to act like a bitch with you, Alyssa.'
''You pay me, Mikaelson.'' - Lizzie threatened, pressing the keys on her cell phone hard to send the message.
''Now it's your turn, Hope, you were the only one who hasn't yet.'' - Josie said, trying to lighten the mood as usual. I smiled, taking the bottle and turning it around. She pointed at Kaleb.
''Hope Mikaelson.'' - Kaleb spoke my name with a mocking smile on his face - ''Truth or dare?'' - He asked, raising an eyebrow at me.
''Dare.'' - I looked at him, shrugging.
''Very well...'' - He laughed, looking from Josie to me - ''I dare you to kiss Josie with tongue.'' - Kaleb completed and I smiled.
''Okay...'' - I said, as if it was nothing much and ignoring Lizzie's scream saying 'What'.
Of all the challenges he could suggest to me, I never thought that kissing Josie Saltzman was one. In fact, that was all I wanted since I laid eyes on her this morning. Kaleb is doing me a favor. So I just turned to face Josie and looked at her. She had red cheeks as usual. So I smiled, approaching her and stroking her face lightly, trying to get her to relax. She smiled shyly, seeming to relax and that was my break to kiss her. Quickly, it gave way to my tongue and that made me deepen the kiss even more. Shit, why did Josie Saltzman have to kiss so well?
''ENOUGH!'' - Lizzie screamed and that made us move away immediately.
''Wow, this is what I call a kiss.'' - MG commented with wide eyes.
''Exactly.'' - Kaleb agreed, clapping for us.
''I'm as surprised as you are.'' - Jed followed him, accompanying Kaleb on the palms.
''Stop it, guys.'' - Josie asked, getting embarrassed. I just rolled my eyes and laughed.
''This is ridiculous.'' - Lizzie said, rolling her eyes.
''What's the problem?'' - I asked, not understanding.
"You.'' - Lizzie replied, shooting me with her eyes.
"Lizzie..." - Josie put a hand on her sister's shoulder, trying to calm her down.
''Lizzie is a roe, Josie!'' - She burst, removing Josie's hand with everything from her shoulder - ''This girl is using you and you are letting her use you.'' - Lizzie accused, looking from me to her.
''Hey, don't talk to her like that.'' - Come out in defense of Josie, unable to contain myself.
''SHUT UP, MIKAELSON!'' - Lizzie shouted and I laughed wryly. Nobody tells me to shut up.
''Come shut.'' - I challenged her and without me waiting, Lizzie landed a punch in my nose. And it hurt. Shit. It hurt so much that I put my hand on my nose and it was spitting blood. In the same instant, I saw Jed and Kaleb dragging MG out of the library. Josie even mentioned to me that he was a new vampire and still had trouble controlling himself with blood.
''Lizzie!'' - Josie scolded her, bumping into her sharply and heading towards me.
I know I had promised Josie that I was going to try to be nice to Lizzie, but she punched my face. Nobody punches Hope Mikaelson in the face and has an advantage for the whole school. Nobody. So I looked at the blood on my fingers and gave a threatening smile in her direction, and before Josie could stand in front of us, I did a quick spell, causing Lizzie to hit her ribs on a wooden table and fall flat on the floor.
''Hope!'' - Josie looked at me shocked and I looked at her, letting out a breath.
Shit, Hope Mikaelson. You always screw up. The worst thing is that if I didn't immediately apologize, Josie would never forgive me.
''What the hell!'' - I cursed, trying to dismiss those thoughts and went to Lizzie to try to apologize. - ''Lizzie, I'm sorry for losing control...'' - I started, holding her hand and trying to apologize.
Lizzie quickly took my hand, but when she looked at me, I knew she wasn't going to apologize. Then, right after that, I started to feel my hand on fire. Shit. Lizzie was burning me.
''LIZZIE, STOP!'' - Josie shouted, coming over to us.
When she saw that her twin was not going to obey her, she herself put her hand on top of ours and sucked all the magic away, making me feel immense relief. Of course, Josie was also a siphon witch.
''Can you stop this noise?'' - I heard Mr. Williams' voice, finally appearing in the hidden corner of the library we were in. Is obvious. After all, it is clear that he heard at least some noise. - ''What happened here?'' - He asked when he saw a chair overturned and my nose bleeding - ''Actually, I don't think I want to know.'' - He snorted, looking at the three of us - ''All three to the principal's office now!'' - Dorian ordered and I looked at him
''Mr. Williams, this is not fair!'' - I protested, looking at him - ''Josie doesn't deserve to go to the board, she was just trying to separate us.'' - I explained, defending her.
''That is true?'' - Mr Williams asked, looking at Josie who shrugged and Lizzie who shook her head in agreement, even though she was irritated. - ''Since it is like this...'' - He looked up, trying to stay calm - ''Josie, you can go back to classes.'' - Dorian spoke softly to her - ''Mikaelson and Elizabeth, I want you in Dr. Saltzman's office now.'' - He said, pointing his finger in our direction. - ''And let me accompany you both!'' - Dorian finished sternly, which made me and Lizzie snort.
Excellent. Going to the board in the middle of Friday was all I needed. My mom is definitely going to kill me.
POV - Klaus
Hayley and I were quiet here at home on yet another boring day in Mystic Falls, when my cell phone started to ring. I was even surprised because almost no one had my number, but I answered it anyway. It was a prank call. If I put my hands on the idiot who did this, he was going to pay. Hayley was still reassuring me and asking me not to be so moody when it was my wife's cell phone to ring. She answered quickly and from her expression, I knew it was not good. I raised my eyebrows at her, getting curious, but she raised her hand to me, asking me to wait. I snorted, but I preferred to let her end the call anyway. Then, when Hayley finally ended the call and hung up her cell phone, she took a deep breath before looking at me:
''Hope got into a fight.'' - She warned, looking at me. - ''We will have to go to Salvatore school now to pick her up.'' - Hayley finished and I looked at her.
''Why do we need to go get it now?'' - I asked, letting out a breath. By God, it was just a fight. And I knew very well that Hope never got hurt in fights.
''She was suspended for three days.'' - Hayley replied, rolling her eyes.
''Well... Probably someone teased her.'' - I defended my little princess, shrugging.
''It saw?'' - Hayley turned to look at me irritated - ''That's why it always repeats itself, you always defend her, Klaus.'' - She complained, looking at me.
''In my defense, someone always teases her.'' - I gave an ironic smile, looking at her.
''That's not the point, Klaus.'' - She looked at me, huffing - ''Hope is much stronger than any other child or teenager in the world and every time she fights, the other person always ends up in the hospital.'' - Hayley started, looking at me - ''She needs to control herself.'' - She continued and I snorted - ''And if we don't set limits and fix it now, while we still can, what will become of this girl?'' - Hayley finished and I looked at her.
''So I suggest that people stop teasing her in the first place.'' - I insisted, as if it were simple.
''Ah, so you want her to be like you were before? That's it?'' - Hayley asked, shooting me with her eyes and at the same moment I softened. She always convinced me when we got to that point.
''Of course not.'' - I snapped, immediately.
''So stop rubbing her head when she gets into a fight at school, because you know it's wrong.'' - She stated, harshly.
''It's okay.'' - I rolled my eyes, giving up - ''Just don't be too hard on her.'' - I requested, letting out a sigh.
''That will depend on what she did.'' - Hayley replied, seriously.
''Okay, so let's go to this school and solve this at once.'' - I looked at her, getting up from the couch and giving Hayley a hand to get up too.
With that, she took my hand and went with me to the car. I know that in the end Hayley was right, but it's just that I really don't think it is for that much. Hope was a little temperamental, it's true, but she didn't do these things for evil. I sighed as I thought about it, and minutes later we were in front of the Salvatore school. We were greeted by Emma again and she soon directed us to Alaric's office. But when I got there, I was surprised by the scene. Hope had a bandaged hand and a bandage on her nose, while the other girl looked unharmed. However, before I said anything, Hayley said:
''What the hell happened here?'' - She asked Alaric and went to Hope - ''Are you okay, my love?'' - Hayley stroked Hope's face, looking much softer than she had a few minutes ago. My wife was a hypocrite. She talks about me, but just seeing Hope hurt or in danger is already falling apart.
''I... I'm fine, mom.'' - Hope looked at her in shock. Normally Hayley was furious when Hope fought at school, but today it was different because for the first time in her life, Hayley saw Hope look more hurt than the other girl.
''Are you sure?'' - Hayley insisted, concerned.
''Yes mom.'' - Hope nodded, looking at her - ''Besides, when I get home, I can heal myself.'' - She reassured her, shrugging.
''We know you can, sweetheart.'' - I assured him with a smile - ''But I think we deserve an explanation.'' - I turned to Alaric, putting my arms behind my back.
''His daughter and my daughter fought.'' - Alaric replied, letting out a tired sigh.
''Did you and Lizzie fight?'' - Hayley looked at Hope with a confused expression on her face and our daughter nodded. - ''Okay, I think I really need an explanation.'' - She continued, looking from Hope to Alaric.
''Girls...'' - Alaric ran a hand over his hair, wanting to remain calm and looked at Hope and Lizzie - ''Explain yourself again, please.'' - He asked and I crossed my arms over my chest.
Normally this school drama left me impatient and angry, but today I really needed to know how my beloved daughter ended up with a bandaged hand and a bruised nose.
POV - Lizzie
Maybe I shouldn't have lost my mind like that, but Hope Mikaelson got me out of my mind. She practically grabbed my sister, without asking Josie whether she wanted to or not. Although I must admit that the way Josie responded to the kiss, it had probably happened before. That's it. My own sister is a traitor. But even though she is a traitor, I'm not going to let Hope Mikaelson hurt her. And I know this is what she was going to do, so I have no regrets about hitting her. Hope Mikaelson completely deserved the punch she took.
The only problem is that all this confusion has led us here. We have already explained everything that happened to my father and he decided to suspend us for three days, saying that violence at the Salvatore school is unacceptable and blahblahblah. But now that Hope's parents have arrived to pick her up, we're going to have to explain everything again. What a bore, really.
''Lizzie told me to shut up, I asked her to come and shut me up, she punched me, I threw her on the table and she burned my hand.'' - Hope summed up the story, speaking quickly - ''End.'' - She concluded and I laughed. Until she did a good summary.
''If it was her daughter who attacked first and only my daughter looks hurt, why is Hope being suspended too?'' - Klaus Mikaelson questioned with his usual arrogance.
''Hope hurt Lizzie too.'' - My dad told, seriously.
''And even?'' - Klaus commented sarcastically - ''Because she looks unharmed.'' - He gave a fake smile, looking me up and down.
At the same moment, I huffed and got up from the chair. Then I looked at Klaus Mikaelson with an ironic smile and lifted a part of my shirt, showing my rib. It wasn't just Hope who got hurt in our fight. When she threw me against the wooden table in the library, I also ended up getting a big bruise on one part of my rib.
''Hope, did you do that?'' - I heard Hayley's voice turning to look at her, probably wanting an explanation.
''Mom, in my defense I need to say that I regretted it almost in the same second.'' - She explained and Hayley looked at her - ''And I even tried to apologize, but she didn't want to and it burned me.'' - Hope concluded and I snorted.
''Did you try to apologize?'' - Hayley raised her eyebrows at her, looking surprised.
''Yes, but just because she is Josie's sister and I didn't want my friend to be upset with me.'' - Hope replied, shrugging.
''Friend.'' - I repeated ironically, letting out a humorless laugh. Just now she was sticking her tongue in my sister's throat and still dares to call her just a friend. Hope Mikaelson is very brazen.
''Anyway...'' - Dad cleared his throat, interrupting us - ''The point is that we don't accept violence at our school, no matter who got hurt more or less.'' - He continued, turning to Klaus and Hayley - ''So I am sorry to say, but Hope will have to be suspended yes.'' - My dad finished, staring at Klaus Mikaelson.
''And your daughter? Will she be suspended and will she be away from school for three days too?'' - Klaus asked with a wry smile.
''Of course.'' - Dad said seriously.
''How will this happen if you are the school principal and as far as I know, you live here?'' - Klaus insisted, maintaining his arrogant pose and wanting to leave with reason.
''Not that it interests you, but we also have a residence in downtown Mystic Falls.'' - Dad said and I smiled in victory - ''And in the days when Lizzie is suspended, we will sleep over there.'' - He finished and Klaus rolled his eyes.
''Since everything is settled, can we go?'' - Hayley asked, wanting to lighten the mood and looking at my dad.
''Certainly, Hayley.'' - Dad agreed, looking at her - ''But first, you need to sign the papers of Hope's suspension here.'' - He requested and that's exactly what Klaus and Hayley went to do. - ''Hope is a good girl, I know this will not be repeated.'' - Dad commented while they signed the papers and I snorted. I can't believe daddy is praising Hope Mikaelson.
''Will not, Dr. Saltzman.'' - Hope stated and went to shake my father's hand, as soon as her parents finished signing everything. - ''And I'm really sorry, Lizzie.'' - She dared to apologize to me again, while she looked at me with that fake smile on her face.
Klaus, Hayley and even my dad looked at her with pride and I swore I was going to be sick. Hope Mikaelson is not going to use my sister and still come out as the saint of history. Not even.
''Go to hell.'' - I cursed her, crossing my arms over my chest.
''Elizabeth, apologize now!'' - I heard my father's voice scolding me, but I shrugged.
''And I say more...'' - I continued, ignoring my father - ''If you kiss my sister again, I swear I will finish you, Hope Mikaelson.'' - I threatened her and Hope's eyes widened. Why did she suddenly look so scared?
''What did you say?'' - Klaus Mikaelson spoke with a threatening tone, looking from me to Hope.
So Hope was afraid that her father would find out about her and Josie? Interesting!
''Didn't you know that your daughter is kissing my sister through the school corridors?'' - I provoked it on purpose just to annoy you even more.
''Is that true, Hope?'' - Klaus ignored me and turned to face Hope who immediately went pale.
''Klaus...'' - Hayley looked at him, as if she asked him to be calm, but he made a gesture with his hand asking her not to get involved.
''Answer me.'' - Klaus insisted, looking at Hope who was still silent - ''ANSWER ME!'' - He screamed and even I was startled by his shout. Now I understood why Hope was scared.
''Yes, dad... It's true.'' - Hope finally answered him, looking at him sheepishly.
"Very well..." - Klaus ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath, probably trying to stay calm. - ''Let's go home.'' - He said, pointing to the door and Hope looked at him.
''Dad...'' - Hope tried and he shot her with his eyes.
''Hurry up.'' - Klaus cut her off sharply, giving her a light push on her back so she could go faster.
''Sorry about that, Alaric.'' - Hayley looked at him, as soon as Klaus and Hope had left the room - ''Klaus is quite jealous.'' - She explained, shaking her head and going after her husband and daughter.
''Yeah, by the way Hope Mikaelson got screwed.'' - I pointed with a satisfied smile on my face, as soon as my father and I were alone.
''Not just her.'' - Dad said, shooting me with his eyes - ''You didn't have to do that, Elizabeth.'' - He scolded, harshly.
''But dad...'' - I tried to explain myself and he cut me off.
''There's no more and no less.'' - He snorted, looking at me - ''Get ready, because when we get home, we will talk seriously.'' - Dad warned me, ready to leave his office.
''Where are you going?'' - I asked, looking at him.
''I'll take a breath to calm myself.'' - Alaric explained, looking at me - ''And you don't even dare leave this room.'' - He continued, pointing his finger at me - ''You will stay here grounded until classes are over.'' - My dad finished, leaving his office and making me moan in frustration.
Yeah, by the way I was screwed too. Perhaps even more than Hope Mikaelson.
Good night, guys. Another fresh chapter for you!
What did you think of the chapter? I confess that I loved writing this truth or dare, because I can really imagine something like that happening in Legacies one day. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.
That's it, until next week, I think. Kisses! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX