POV - Hayley
Hope saying she wasn't dating Josie after I caught them kissing like that was a hell of a lie. Of course they were dating secretly, but to be honest, as a mother I think it's kind of cute. She is already 15 years old and if she has a good person on her side, I will never be against her. Besides, Josie seems like the ideal person to put some sense into my girl's head. I know I still don't know Josie very well, but she strikes me as a very calm and responsible person, whereas my daughter is a totally impulsive person with a nose for trouble. That must be why they are together. Opposites attract, right? That's what they say... I shook my head at the thought and continued to walk beside Hope toward the car. When I got there, I cracked a smile when I saw my youngest leaning against the car with a huge beak and arms crossed over his chest, clearly dying of boredom.
''You're late!'' - Henrik complained when he saw us.
''It was your sister's fault.'' - I rattled off, raising my hands in the air in surrender.
''Mom!'' - Hope looked at me with wide eyes and I laughed.
''It's just the truth, sweetie.'' - I said laughing and she snorted.
''I thought you had on my side.'' - She complained, pouting.
''But I am.'' - I assured, looking at her.
''It doesn't seem.'' - She snapped, crossing her arms over her chest just like Henrik.
''What a dramatic girl.'' - I teased with a laugh and lightly pinched the bridge of her nose.
''I'm not dramatic.'' - Hope pouted even bigger and I laughed.
''Anyway...'' - I sighed and looked at my two children. - ''Let's go, because your father must have already started to prepare dinner.'' - I warned, turning to get in the car.
''I'm sure Dad has already started.'' - Henrik agreed, opening the car door and sitting in the back seat. - ''Considering how much Hope made us wait.'' - He complained again as Hope settled into the front seat beside me.
''Don't fill it, boy.'' - Hope rolled her eyes and I took a deep breath.
When they started like that it's because they would tease each other all the way home.
''If you hadn't made me wait for almost an hour, I would have no reason to fill you up.'' - Henrik gave it back and Hope let out an ironic laugh.
''Do me a favor, Henrik, you never needed reasons to pester me.'' - Hope argued and I started the car, deciding to ignore their discussion.
''It's not my fault if you get angry when I talk about Josie.'' - Henrik let go and I squinted at Hope clench her fist.
''I don't get angry.'' - Hope denied it immediately, but just from her reaction, we all knew she was.
''Yes, you are.'' - My 11 year old son insisted and that made Hope snort.
''I already said I'm not.'' - Hope insisted and I sighed.
Why did these two have to argue over such silly things? Seriously... be patient!
''I would really appreciate it if you would stop arguing in my head.'' - I commented, keeping my eyes on the direction.
''But mom, this brat started it!'' - Hope defended herself, snorting.
''Hope, how many times have I told you not to call your brother...'' - I was going to scold her for calling Henrik a brat, but my youngest son interrupted me.
''I already told you that I'm not a brat!'' - Henrik cut my speech, probably starting to get annoyed too.
''Brat.'' - Hope repeated and I rolled my eyes at her childishness. How old was she really? Five?
''Shut up.'' - Henrik spoke in a clearly irritated tone of voice and I noticed his face turning red in the rearview mirror.
Obviously if I hadn't been driving, I would have made them quiet by now, not least because I knew very well where this argument was going.
''Come shut up.'' - Hope teased and at the same moment Henrik kicked the back of the bench she was sitting on, hitting her back. - ''Are you crazy, boy?'' - She turned to look at him, grimacing in pain.
''Henrik, don't kick your...'' - I was going to scold my youngest for kicking his sister, but again he interrupted me.
''You were the one who asked me to shut you up.'' - Henrik replied simply and I didn't even have to look in the rearview mirror to know he was flashing a wry smile in Hope's direction.
''I'll kick your ass, brat!'' - Hope stated, turning her body completely backwards and trying to slap her brother.
''ENOUGH!'' - I yelled annoyed and at the same moment the bodies of both paralyzed, making the two troublemakers stop fighting. In the next second, I let out a long sigh and pulled the car over to the shoulder, turning to look at them: - ''Look, I really don't want to stress out with you, so I'll only say it once...'' - I continued, serious. - ''If I hear anything else come out of your two mouths, I swear I'll make you two hold hands until bedtime.'' - I threatened and both Hope and Henrik widened their eyes. I had already done this once when we were still living in New Orleans, so they knew I was serious. - ''And woe to you if you disobey me!'' - I finished and they gulped, closing their mouths immediately.
That done, I took one last look at them and went back to driving. As I expected, they didn't speak another word during the trip and I smiled contentedly. Because of their wolf genes, Henrik and Hope's temper could be very tough, especially when they clashed, and that was when I needed to step in and not let things get any worse. So, as soon as we got home and I parked the car in the garden, I saw Hope and Henrik get out of the car quickly, but before they entered our mansion, I called out to them:
''Where do you think you're going?'' - I said, locking the car and they stopped where they were, turning to look at me. - ''Don't you think you forgot something?'' - I questioned, putting my hands on my hips.
They didn't think that after that little show in the car, I was going to let it go without making them apologize to each other, right?
''I don't know, mommy.'' - Henrik replied, playing with his fingers and playing dumb.
''Is that you?'' - I asked, expecting an answer from my eldest daughter, but she remained silent. - ''Hope, I'm talking to you.'' - I said seriously and she raised her face to look at me, but she still didn't say anything. - ''Hope.'' - I bit her name, starting to get annoyed and she finally opened her mouth to answer me.
''Hey mom, I'm just doing what you asked.'' - She shrugged and I raised my eyebrows at her with a look of confusion - You said that if one of us opened our mouths again, you would make me and Henrik hold hands until bedtime. - Hope explained and I looked at Henrik sideways, snickering while I closed my eyes to try to keep calm.
I don't know if she did these things to play tough in front of Henrik or just to piss me off, but she sure as hell could. So I had to take several deep breaths before I felt calm enough to open my eyes and be able to deal with my oldest daughter again.
''You're so funny.'' - That's what I said and Hope smirked.
''Yeah, people usually think that.'' - She commented and I glared at her, showing that I wasn't finding any humor in her behavior. Seeing my gaze, Hope lowered her head and muttered under her breath: - ''Sorry, mom.'' - She bit her bottom lip and I sighed.
I know Hope didn't do these things for bad. Klaus, Kol, and even me were like that, so it was normal for her to be snappy and abused like that. But me as her mother could not allow her to act like that, especially to me.
''It's not just me you have to apologize to.'' - I reminded her and she snorted.
''Mom, how am I the one to apologize if he kicked me?'' - Hope complained, pointing her hand in Henrik's direction.
''I only kicked you because you called me a brat.'' - Henrik pouted, crossing his arms over his chest.
''And I only called you a brat because you pissed me off.'' - Hope snapped and I rolled my eyes at her childishness.
Sometimes I wondered how she managed to argue on the same level as Henrik. Of course he was wrong to tease her first, but I expected childish behavior to come from Henrik who is 11 and not from Hope who is already 15.
''I don't care who did what.'' - I said, cutting off their discussion. - ''The two will apologize to each other.'' - I sent them and they snorted.
''That's not fair, he started it.'' - Hope shook her head, feeling wronged.
Yes, he started it, but she didn't make it easy either when she decided to argue with her younger brother on the same level. If Hope hadn't provoked him too, we wouldn't need to be here. It's like I always say: When one doesn't want to, two don't fight.
''I didn't start it, it's you who...'' - I don't know what Henrik was going to say, but I know they were going to start arguing again and that's why I cut him off.
''I QUIT!'' - I yelled, letting out a sigh and they turned to look at me. - ''If you want to act like five year olds, I'll treat you exactly like that.'' - I warned and nodded for them to follow me. Hope and Henrik exchanged a look, but neither of them dared speak a word.
Honestly, I didn't feel like fighting with them at all. Hope's punishment had just ended and I didn't want her to get into trouble again. Also, my husband had planned a movie night with the kids after dinner, after all Hope had been unable to watch TV with us for five days and Klaus really enjoyed this family moment, especially now that the two of them stayed for the day whole at school.
So, I just marched towards our mansion and glanced back, noticing the two of them shyly following me. Upon entering there, I used my vampire speed to grab two wooden chairs from the dining table and placed a chair in a different corner of the room, both facing the wall. Henrik and Hope looked at me with confused eyes, but I quickly tried to explain:
''Henrik, sit over there.'' - I said, pointing to one of the chairs. - ''And Hope, you sit there.'' - I pointed to the chair at the other end of the room and she arched her eyebrows at me. - ''Like I said, if you want to act like five year olds, I'll treat you exactly like that.'' - I explained and they looked at each other, still not seeming to understand what I was getting at. - ''You will sit in these chairs and think about what you did, because when I come back the only thing I will want to hear is you apologizing to each other.'' - I said and as it couldn't be otherwise, Hope was the first to open her mouth to question me.
''Mom, you can't do that.'' - Hope snorted, looking at me. - ''I'm already 15 years old, this thing of being in the corner thinking is only for small children.'' - She argued and I looked at her.
That's exactly why I was doing this. Henrik is 11 and Hope is 15, but minutes ago they literally acted like five year olds and that's why I'm treating them like that.
''I'm just acting in accordance with your behavior.'' - I raised my eyebrows at them with a wry smile.
''But mom…'' - Hope moaned, pleading with her gaze.
''But nothing, Hope.'' - I cut her off, not wanting to give room for discussion. - ''Just obey me.'' - I continued and she snorted. - ''You two.'' - I added, looking at Henrik too.
I thought they were going to obey me right away, but both Hope and Henrik didn't budge from their place. Is it serious? I snorted, running my hand over my face to try to stay calm, but before I could say anything, I heard Hope's voice:
''I can pretty much think standing.'' - She blurted out, crossing her arms over her chest.
''And me too.'' - Henrik supported her and I took a deep breath.
Lucky for them, I was very patient today, because if it had been any other day, the two would have already been spanked. Seriously, I don't understand the need for them to test my patience that much.
''I'll count to three.'' - I decided, looking at Hope and Henrik. - ''And if on the three of you, you haven't been sitting in the chair as I said...'' - I paused and looked at them seriously. - ''I'll make sure to help you sit down.'' - I threatened and they stood where they were, seeming to be deciding what to do next. - ''One.'' - I started counting and they still didn't move. - ''Two.'' - I let out a sigh, hoping they would obey me. - ''Three.'' - I finished counting, waiting a few seconds longer than I should have and finally Henrik ran to the chair I had told him to sit.
''Traitor.'' - Hope muttered and I had to stifle a laugh.
A few minutes ago, they were literally killing each other and now to escape punishment, they banded together as if nothing had happened. And while it was cute, it was also quite contradictory and I was ready to point out their hypocrisy when I noticed Hope still hadn't moved from place. Why did this girl have to be so stubborn? I didn't want to fight her, but she managed to blow my patience like no one else. So, intending to carry out the threat I made, I forced my face to become serious and walked towards her. However, before I got to her, Hope luckily decided to obey and ran to the chair at the far end I'd told her to sit on.
''Very well...'' - I started in a loud tone so that the two of them could hear me. - ''I'll be there in the kitchen, while you think about why you are in this situation.'' - I continued I heard them sighing softly. - ''If I hear you arguing for any reason whatsoever, I'll carry out the threat I made in the car and I'll make you hold hands until bedtime.'' - I completed, wanting to resolve this at once. - ''Was I clear?'' - I asked, waiting for a verbal response from Hope and Henrik.
''Yes ma'am.'' - The two responded together and I nodded satisfied.
With that, I left the room and went into the kitchen to look for Klaus. If he had been home, he would have already appeared in the living room when I arrived with the kids. Where was he? I bit my lip, leaning against the kitchen counter and that's when I noticed the note my husband had left hanging in the fridge:
"I know you'll complain about me spoiling the kids, but a movie night without ice cream can't be taken seriously. So I took advantage of your delay and went shopping. I'll be back soon, my love."
I rolled my eyes as I finished reading the note and a smile formed on my lips. Klaus really loved spoiling our children.
POV - Hope
It's only now that I'm sitting in this chair and staring at the wall like a small child that I realized how childish I was. Henrik irritates me all the time. I didn't need to be this pissed off and I definitely didn't need to be pushing my mom's patience. God, I was so dumb. I doubt she'll help me with my dad regarding Josie right now. Speaking of Josie, she would definitely make fun of me if she knew what situation I'd gotten myself into. My mother was right. Me and my brother really do behave like five year olds. Yeah, maybe I deserve to be looking at this wall right now. I sighed, swinging my legs against the wall, when I heard Henrik's voice:
''Hey, Hope.'' - He called, but I continued to look at the wall. - ''Do you think Mom will leave us here for a long time?'' - My brother asked and I thought about it for a moment.
''I hope not.'' - That's what I replied, not wanting to lengthen the subject.
Another ten minutes passed and I was already starting to get bored. I hated standing still. I know Henrik felt that way too, because he had just started kicking the wall, showing that he too was bored out of his mind. What the hell. That was a shit. Where's daddy to convince mommy to get us out of this punishment?
Luckily the instant I thought his name, the front door to the room opened and our possible savior appeared there with some bags in his hand. Instantly my brother and I turned our heads to look at him. Noticing Henrik and I sitting in a chair in each corner of the room, Dad raised his eyebrows at us as if asking what happened.
''Mommy told me and Hope to sit in these chairs.'' - Henrik clarified, but did not tell the reason why she did it.
''Knowing your mother, some did you do.'' - Dad guessed and Henrik nodded shyly.
''I know, daddy, but we've been here for almost fifteen minutes.'' - I told, pouting. - ''Please tell mommy to get us out of here.'' - I begged and he sighed, but before he could say anything I heard Mom's voice:
''My God, girl, stop the drama.'' - She requested, returning to the living room and I rolled my eyes without her noticing.
''That's because it's not the ma'am who's been sitting in that chair and looking at that wall for fifteen minutes.'' - I snapped, but I was careful to call her ma'am so as not to sound disrespectful. Even because all I least wanted was to continue sitting in that damn chair. Seriously, this was so humiliating.
''You were the ones who asked for it.'' - That's all mommy said when she looked at me and shrugged.
Yeah, I know she was right, but that doesn't mean I was enjoying this pathetic punishment.
''What did this duo do, love?'' - I heard dad's voice asking and looking at us in the corner.
''You know, the usual.'' - Mom replied and a smile formed on his lips. - ''But it's nothing you need to worry about.'' - She complemented and daddy nodded.
''Since that's how it is, I'll go put these things away and finish dinner while you finish solving this situation.'' - Dad said, giving her a quick peck. - ''Good luck, kids.'' - He smiled wryly and left the room in the next second.
Yeah, our father wasn't going to help us this time. To be fair, he hardly interfered in our favor when Henrik and I fought. And as humiliating as it was to be treated like a child, being grounded thinking was still so much better than being spanken up by mom like the last time we nearly destroyed the room. To be honest, today she was quite patient with me and my brother, because we really did everything to get her mad.
''And then?' Are you ready to apologize now?'' - Mom interrupted my thoughts and looked at both of us.
Come on, Hope... You don't want to spend another minute in that chair. Just swallow your pride and apologize to this brat at once. Even if he started it. And yet.
''I start.'' - I swallowed hard and mommy turned to look at me, looking surprised. Usually it was Henrik who started with the excuses. - ''Can I get up?'' - I asked and mom nodded, making a sign with her hand for Henrik to stand up too. - ''I'm sorry for calling you a brat and for trying to slap you, little brother.'' - I let go at once, just as I was standing in front of him. - ''Despite that, I can't promise I won't call you that again because as your big sister it's my job to make you angry.'' - I smiled in the corner, surprising me with how sincere I was.
''And I'm sorry for pissing you off and kicking you, sister.'' - Henrik looked at me, apologizing too. - ''But if you call me a brat again...'' - My brother paused for a moment, but I already knew what was coming: - ''I'll hit you again.'' - He completed on the same level of sincerity as me, making me laugh.
''Fair enough.'' - I agreed with a grimace and he laughed.
''Now that you've apologized, how about a hug?'' - Mom suggested, but I knew it wasn't a suggestion. It was almost an order. Whenever we fought, she made us hug.
''I don't know, what do you think?'' - I opened a smile and Henrik shrugged. - ''Okay, whatever.'' - I rolled my eyes and pulled him into a hug.
''It's the first time you apologize first.'' - Henrik remembered as he hugged me.
''I know, but don't get used to it, okay?'' - I looked at him and he smiled.
''That's the way I like it.'' - I heard my mother's voice, as Henrik and I walked away from the hug. - ''Was it so hard to do that?'' - Mom questioned with a smile on her face and I turned to look at her.
''Actually it was.'' - I joked and Henrik laughed. He knew I was kidding.
''Well, since we've solved it...'' - Mom said, half a minute later. - ''Go take a shower, because it's almost dinner time.'' - She warned, letting out a sigh.
''What did daddy make for dinner, mommy?'' - Henrik asked, curious.
''For dinner, I don't know.'' - Mom replied and he looked at her. - ''But for dessert it seems that your father bought ice cream.'' - She told and my brother opened a smile from ear to ear.
''Serious?'' - He jumped up excited and she nodded with a smile. - ''I'm going to the shower then.'' - The brat ran to the stairs and disappeared seconds later.
''Your brother really likes ice cream.'' - Mom commented and I laughed, turning to go up the stairs and do the same as him, because I was starving. With this wolf thing it seems like I was hungry all the time. - ''Wait, sweetie.'' - She called me and I stopped on the first step of the stairs to hear what my mother had to say. - ''I am proud of you.'' - Mom praised and I raised my eyebrows at her.
''Why?'' - I looked at her, not understanding.
Why is my mom praising me? I just got into an argument with my 11 year old brother for such a silly reason. Why do I get mad at Henrik when he quotes Josie? I really like her, so what's the problem with him pissing me off about her? Seriously, that was so dumb. I still can't believe it took me fifteen minutes to sit in a chair and stare at the wall to figure this out.
''Because was mature that you apologized first, even if it was your brother who started the fight.'' - Mom replied, looking at me.
''It's not even that much, mom.'' - I shrugged, like it was no big deal.
But for me, it was. Since I was little I always had trouble apologizing. It doesn't matter if I was wrong or right, I only apologized when I was hopeless or under the threat of a slipper. My dad says I took it from him.
''If you say so…'' - A smile played on her lips and I nodded shyly, turning to walk up the stairs. But when I was on the fifth step, I remembered something and turned to look at her.
''Mom?'' - I called her with the intention of asking something.
''Speak, my love.'' - She looked at me and I bit my bottom lip, wondering how to phrase the question.
''Are you still going to…'' - I wanted to ask her if she was still going to help me with Josie, but I couldn't finish the sentence.
''I'll.'' - Mom stated and I arched my eyebrows. I hadn't even asked the question yet.
''How do you know what I was going to ask?'' - I questioned and she laughed.
''I just know.'' - Mom blinked and I smiled. She knew me like no one else. - ''Now go take a shower, because your father does not like to wait.'' - She said and I nodded, turning around and finishing up the stairs.
Arriving in my room, I sat on my bed and got ready to go to the bathroom to take a shower, when I felt my cell phone vibrating indicating that I had received a message. At the same moment, I picked up my cell phone to read the message and broke into a smile when I saw that the message was from Josie:
"Will you think I'm crazy if I tell you I miss you already?"
We spoke less than an hour and a half ago, is it serious that she misses me already? By God, Hope, who do you want to kid? You're missing her too. In fact, you're completely falling for this girl.
So, unable to contain myself, I just typed in a quick answer:
"No, because I feel the same way."
And before I regretted what I typed, I pressed to send the message and felt my heart pounding in my chest. Damn it. Is this how a person in love feels? I seem to have no control over anything. It sucks, but it's good too. Damn it, Hope Mikaelson, stop thinking about it. I better go take a shower and I earn more. That's it... It's better.
POV - Klaus
After Hayley dealt with the kids, she told them to shower and went to help me set the dinner table. Honestly, I couldn't believe how peaceful our life was here in Mystic Falls. In New Orleans, we had to solve problems almost every day with the wolves, the witches and the vampires, but here we really looked like a normal family. It was tedious at times, I confess. But after a thousand years of making thousands of enemies and defeating them, I think I deserve a few years of rest. So all I wanted tonight was to have a nice evening with my beautiful wife and two kids.
Then, minutes later, we were all gathered at the dinner table. I had made parmigiana and pancakes, Henrik and Hope's favorite food respectively. I know I spoil them, but I just can't help it. I smiled thinking about it when I noticed Hope looking down between mouthfuls. Was she fiddling with her cell phone during dinner? She knew very well that this was prohibited. I sighed, clearing my throat and Hayley, Hope, and Henrik stopped to look at me.
''Hope, may I know why you look down all the time?'' - I questioned, looking at my daughter.
''It's just…'' - Hope bit her lip, probably trying to think of an excuse and I raised my eyebrows at her. - ''I'm sorry, daddy.'' - She sighed, knowing full well she couldn't fool me.
''Perfectly well, sweetheart.'' - I said with a smirk. - ''Just don't touch your cell phone at dinner time.'' - I looked at her seriously and she nodded, placing the cell phone on the table and turning it face down.
The rest of dinner went by quietly and soon the four of us were sitting in the TV room for the movie night I had planned. Henrik chose one movie and Hope chose another. In fact, Hayley and I didn't even care about the movie, all we wanted to do was spend time with the kids. And while my son was gorging himself on ice cream, Hope had gone back to fiddling with that cell phone. Who was it that was so important for her to be responding non-stop during our family time? I snorted, trying not to think about it, and then Hayley arched her eyebrows at me, realizing something was wrong. In response, I just shrugged and went back to looking at the TV with the intention of paying attention to the movie. Yeah, I would ignore that. At least that's what I thought… The problem is that thirty minutes later Hope still hadn't put down that damn cell phone and the worst thing: She was smiling from ear to ear between texts. Honestly, this is enough for me.
''I would really appreciate it if you let go of this cell phone and pay attention to your family, Hope.'' - I let go without holding back and she turned to look at me.
''But dad, it's not my fault if this movie is boring.'' - Hope complained, referring to the movie Henrik had chosen.
''Hey, Dumbo's movie isn't boring.'' - Henrik pouted, frowning at her.
''Of course it is.'' - Hope countered, snorting. - ''Where have you ever seen a rhinoceros with giant ears?'' - She sneered and Henrik laughed.
''It's an elephant, you dumb!'' - He shook his head, still laughing and Hope rolled her eyes.
''Henrik, don't call your sister dumb.'' - Hayley scolded him, probably wanting to keep the kids from fighting again.
''But mom, how come Hope doesn't know the difference between an elephant and a rhinoceros?'' - Henrik asked, looking incredulous.
''Of course I know the difference, boy.'' - Hope snorted, looking at him. - ''I'm just not paying attention to this stupid movie.'' - She explained, shrugging.
''If you stopped answering messages from…'' - Henrik was going to say something, but Hope covered his mouth with her hand before he could finish the sentence.
Why she did it? What was my youngest child going to say that I couldn't hear? Was it Jonnie who was getting those smiles from my daughter? I know I didn't forbid Hope from talking to her, but that doesn't mean I like this situation.
''Hope, release your brother.'' - I sent and she slowly uncapped his mouth. - ''What were you going to say, Henrik?'' - I questioned, turning my head to look at him.
''He wasn't going to say anything, dad.'' - Hope answered for him. - ''How about you go get more ice cream with me, little brother?'' - She suggested, clearly trying to change the subject.
''Yeah, I think it's a good idea.'' - Henrik stuttered as he agreed with her and I was willing to bet Hope was threatening him with her eyes.
''Great, let's go then.'' - Hope stood up and pulled him by the hand, but before they left the TV room, I spoke in my sharp voice:
''Do you think I'm an idiot?'' - I snorted and my children immediately stopped walking. - ''What were you going to say, Henrik?'' - I repeated the question again and I saw him and Hope exchanging a look.
''Klaus.'' - Hayley put a hand on my shoulder in warning.
''I'm just asking a question, love.'' - I put my hand over her hand with the intention of reassuring her. - ''Can you answer me?'' - I asked, turning to my son and staring at him.
Henrik bit his lip and glanced sideways at Hope. Deep down, I knew he wasn't going to rat her out. As much as they fought, I knew if I had to, he would cover for her and as I imagined, he just shook his head and looked down. However, I still wanted my son to answer my question, so I raised my eyebrows at him and showed that I still expected an answer from him. With that, Henrik looked at Hope again, but again lowered his head.
''Dad, stop pressing him.'' - Hope asked and I looked at her. - ''I was exchanging messages with Josie, okay?'' - She confessed and I scratched the beard off my chin. I knew it.
''Did it hurt to answer?'' - I smiled ironically and she returned the smile with the same irony.
''No.'' - Hope made a mocking face and crossed her arms over her chest. - ''That's it?'' - She let go with that cynical look and it made my blood boil.
It was very rare for me to get mad at Hope, but when she stood up to me, she really managed to get me mad.
''No.'' - I snapped with the same cynical look. - ''Give me your cell phone.'' - I sent, extending my hand to her.
''What? Why?'' - Hope widened her eyes at me, not understanding why I was doing this.
''Because you used your cell phone at dinner time and you know that this is prohibited.'' - I said the first thing that popped into my head and got a discreet nudge from Hayley, which I obviously ignored.
I knew I was being unfair, but it's also not like Hope was going to die for a day without a cell phone. Tomorrow morning, I would give it back.
''You never took my cell phone because of it.'' - Hope tried to argue, but I kept my hand outstretched, showing her I wasn't going to budge. - ''Mom!'' - She turned to Hayley, trying to enlist her help.
''Klaus, maybe you…'' - She was probably going to say I was exaggerating, but I cut her off before my wife finished her sentence.
''This girl hasn't dropped her cell phone since dinner started.'' - I snorted, looking at Hayley. - ''I'm just asking for the cell phone for now.'' - I explained, showing that I until was trying to be reasonable. - ''So stop the drama that tomorrow I'll give you back.'' - I said, addressing my daughter.
Hope looked pleadingly at Hayley, but I knew my wife wasn't going to disallow me in front of her. This was a deal we had and realizing this was a losing battle Hope stomped towards me and handed me her cell phone with an annoyed look.
''Don't look at me like that.'' - I started, taking the cell phone from her hand and putting it in my pants pocket. - ''You should thank me, because now you'll finally be able to pay attention to your family.'' - I completed with an ironic smile.
I knew there was no need for me to piss her off anymore, but I was Klaus Mikaelson. It's not like I can help it.
''That's an injustice of the...'' - Hope was going to say a curse word, but she held back and just gritted her teeth at me. - ''You know what? I'm going to sleep!'' - She warned and I opened my mouth to question her, but Hayley was faster.
''Go there, baby.'' - What? Why did Hayley support her? - ''Good night.'' - She smiled kindly at Hope and my daughter nodded, before giving me one last dirty look and leaving the TV room.
In the next second, I turned to Hayley to ask why she released Hope from our family night and that's when I heard Henrik's voice:
''That wasn't cool, dad.'' - My son said, crossing his arms over his chest. - ''Hope and Josie like each other, what's the problem with that?'' - He continued and I arched my eyebrows at him.
Henrik hardly questioned anything I said. It was usually Hope who was the answer.
''The problem is...'' - I was going to say that Hope was too young and that he was too young to understand these things, but he interrupted me.
''No problem, dad, and if you knew Josie you would know.'' - Henrik sighed and I looked at him. - ''Can I go to sleep too?'' - He amended without me having time to give an answer to him.
''Of course, love.'' -My wife responded immediately and Henrik went to her to receive her kiss good night.
''Aren't you going to finish watching the movie?'' - I looked at him as Hayley kissed his forehead.
''It's just that I'm sleepy, dad.'' - Henrik bit his lower lip, but I knew he was just trying to be sympathetic to Hope.
''Since it's like that...'' - I let out a sigh and smiled at him. - ''Good night, champ.'' - I said and he nodded shyly, turning his back on me and leaving the TV room too.
''Congratulations, Klaus.'' - Hayley glared at me as soon as the kids weren't here anymore. - ''You just won the idiot of the year award.'' - She argued and I arched my eyebrows at her.
That's all I needed… Hope is flirting with that girl on our family night and Hayley still wants to blame me?
''You've got to be kidding...'' - I was going to say she was kidding me, but she cut me off.
''Who's kidding me is you.'' - Hayley snorted, annoyed. - ''Do you realize that you just received a moral lesson from your 11 year old son?'' - She continued, looking at me.
''Henrik doesn't know what he's talking about, he's just a child.'' - I scoffed and she let out an ironic laugh.
''Yes, but even though he's a kid he just got smarter than you.'' - Hayley gave it back and I snorted.
If it had been any other time, I would have continued the discussion, but these days I knew it wasn't a good idea to upset Hayley. Last time we had a fight, she didn't have sex with me for a week and if in New Orleans it was torture, imagine here in Mystic Falls she has absolutely nothing to do? Yeah, I definitely didn't want to have to go through that again.
''You should be supporting me.'' - That's what I decided to say and she took a deep breath, before looking at me.
''Klaus, how am I going to support you if because of your jealousy, you acted in a more childish way than the children?'' - Hayley argued and I raised my eyebrows at her.
''I didn't act in a childish way.'' - I defended myself and she laughed without humor.
''So how do you explain having provoked Hope like that even after you took her cell phone unfairly?'' - In this part, Hayley was right, but it's not like I'm going to admit it out loud. - ''You know how temperamental she is.'' -She continued with a sigh. - ''For your cause she almost swore in front of us and you know very well that if she did that, I would have to scold with her.'' - My wife finished and I smiled wryly.
''It's not my fault if our daughter doesn't know how to control her mouth.'' - I snapped and Hayley laughed. What was she laughing about?
''You saying that sounds like a joke.'' - She clarified when she saw my look. - ''Hope is practically your copy.'' - Hayley stated and I sighed. That was true.
''Yeah, maybe I went a little overboard with her.'' - I grudgingly agreed - ''But that doesn't mean I'm going to support her romance with Jonnie, Josie or whatever.'' - I complemented and Hayley softened her gaze.
''I know it's hard for you.'' - She nodded sincerely. - ''But our girl is growing and sooner or later, you will have to start accepting this.'' - Hayley reminded me and it made me snort.
''I'm accepting, the proof is that neither forbade Hope to see that girl.'' - I said simple and she rolled her eyes.
''Well, your acceptance is definitely very different from mine.'' - She shook her head and I laughed.
''Each one with their time, love.'' - I looked at her and it finally made her smile.
We both smiled at each other for half a second, until Hayley spoke again:
''Just…'' - She began, pausing for a moment. - ''Don't be unfair to Hope because of your jealousy, okay?'' - Hayley asked and I thought for a moment, before nodding my head in agreement.
''All right, I'll return the cell to her.'' - I said, getting up from the couch. - ''Even if it's for her to talk to that girl.'' - I completed with an annoyed snort.
''Coming from you, I would say this is progress.'' - Hayley teased and I bent down to give her a peck.
''You very much doubt my capacity, little wolf.'' - I returned with a giggle and turned to leave the TV room. With that, I walked up the stairs and then stopped in front of Hope's room, knocking on the door and waiting for my daughter to answer me, but a minute later she still hadn't done it. - ''Princess, I want to talk to you.'' - I insisted, but again there was no answer.
I know Hope shouldn't want to talk to me right now and that I should probably respect that, but patience has never really been my strong point. So I threw open her bedroom door with everything only to find Henrik sleeping on her arm. In fact, they were both already completely asleep. I smiled at the sight. My youngest always went after his sister when Hope had problems with Hayley or me, and today was obviously no different. They reminded me of Rebekah and me when we were little. I sighed as I thought about it and looked at them again. Yeah, Hayley was right. I was childish and acted like an idiot. But I won't wake her up for that. Tomorrow I'll talk to her... Today I'll just let them sleep.
Goodnight, guys. Here is another chapter for you. Thanks to everyone who comments on the story, it definitely encourages me to write more :)
Now talking about the chapter... What did you think? Klaus plays the tough guy, but deep down he melts all over his kids. Will it be long before he accepts Josie? Well, let's see. And I know this one didn't have a lot of Hosie interaction, but next time I promise we'll see our girls together again. That's it... We'll see you next month! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX