POV - Hope
I woke up with my brother sleeping with his head on my stomach. Yeah, after my father was a complete idiot with me and took my cell phone, Henrik came to my room to apologize for having 'handed me'. But the real thing is, I wasn't even mad at him. I saw that he didn't "give me" for bad. In fact, I've 'handed me' it myself a few times without my noticing. The last time he went a week without playing video games because of me. It's normal. Even more if you consider the time we spend fighting and teasing each other. One time or another, we end up talking too much. The good thing is that we've never given in when it's really serious. On the contrary, he always covers me up and vice versa. I smiled at the thought of it and lifted his head off my stomach, tucking him in the bed and looking into his sleeping face. Funny. Sleeping like this, this brat even looks like a little angel. Let him not hear me say this, but the truth is, I love this little brat with all my heart. He is my little brother after all.
I took one last look at him with a smile on my lips and lifted my torso off the bed, giving him a long stretch. I have no idea what time it is but I know today is still Friday which means I still have class. In any other situation I would hate to go to class, but at school Salvatore has Josie and Josie Saltzman literally makes my day a thousand times better. Damn. She is so beautiful. I sighed, nibbling on my bottom lip as I remembered her smile when I heard a knock on my bedroom door. She was probably my mother. She always came to wake us up on weekdays so we wouldn't be late for class. Mom knew that Henrik and I usually used to sleep like stone.
''Come on in, mom!'' - I said, looking at the door.
''It's not your mother, it's me.'' - The voice on the other side answered, opening the door and I immediately saw the figure of my father staring at me.
''Oh, it's you.'' - I looked at him dismayed and Dad sighed when he saw my reaction.
I was still pissed at him. There was no denying it. He didn't have the slightest need to have taken my cell phone yesterday, really.
''Can I talk to you?'' - Klaus asked and I shrugged as he approached and sat on the edge of my bed.
''What medicine, right?'' - I let it out in an ironic tone of voice, just to show him that I was still upset.
Usually that kind of behavior didn't work with my parents. If I wanted to show that I was upset, I couldn't be as answer as I am now. But today I might as well be, because I knew my father had a guilty conscience when he was unfair to me. And yesterday for the second time, he went.
The first was when he caught me hugging Ethan when we were still living in New Orleans. By God, to this day I feel ashamed of what happened that day. Dad put on a show in front of the whole school and the only reason he didn't kill Ethan was because my mom stopped him. Poor Ethan. He was just trying to help me and he literally never hurt a fly. Speaking of which, I really miss our friendship. Of course... We didn't fight or anything, I just moved to Mystic Falls and we didn't talk like we used to. It happens. Maybe on vacation, I can see him again.
''Hope...'' - Dad disturbed my thoughts by pronouncing my name and looked at me. - ''I know you must have been very upset with the way I acted yesterday...'' - He was probably going to try to explain himself, but I interrupted him.
''Upset?'' - I shook my head and laughed without humor. - ''Upset is little.'' - I snorted, looking at him. - ''You know you were very unfair, right?'' - I complained and he sighed.
''I know, but...'' - Dad was going to say something, but again I cut what he was going to say.
''Look, I don't mind being punished when I deserve it, but yesterday I did absolutely nothing.'' - I complained, sulking.
''That's why I...'' - My dad tried to formulate a sentence again, but for the third time I interrupted him.
''That's why nothing, dad.'' - I cut him off, annoyed. - ''You took my cell phone out of nowhere and...'' - I was going to keep complaining, but this time he was the one who interrupted me.
''By God, girl, let me talk.'' - Dad resquested and I challenged him with the look. He watched me for a moment and took a deep breath, before speaking: - ''I'm here to apologize.'' - What? Is that really what I heard? - ''I was very unfair to you yesterday and I'm really sorry.'' - Klaus snapped at once, looking like he was going to choke and I looked at him in surprise.
My father was hardly apologetic. As far as I remember, I only heard him apologize when he made me pay that embarrassment in front of Ethan. Still, we didn't speak for a week, until he finally decided to apologize. Like me, he was headstrong. In fact, Mom always says that I'm basically his copy.
''You really were.'' - I nodded and he rolled his eyes. - ''But I'm glad you recognized that and apologized, dad.'' - I complemented, opening a smile.
''I know I'm extremely protective and sometimes I even exaggerate a little...'' - Dad looked at me and I raised my eyebrows at him. Sometimes? - ''Okay, almost always.'' - He chuckled, practically reading my thoughts. - ''But that's only because you're very special and I really don't think anyone is good or good enough for you.'' - My father finished, getting serious when he said that.
''Dad...'' - I sighed, looking at him. He always came up with this conversation when it involved some love interest of mine. Not that he knew of many, of course. As far as I know, he only knew about Roman and Josie. Oh and from Ethan. But Ethan was not and never was a love interest of mine. Dad just thought it was.
''Seriously, Hope.'' - He stated, letting out a heavy sigh. - ''You are a princess and deserve someone who surprises my expectations.'' - Dad continued and I snorted.
''How will someone exceed your expectations if you don't let anyone get close to me?'' - I asked with arched eyebrows.
''What can I do if I take too long to trust?'' - He defended himself and I restrained my urge to roll my eyes.
It was better to let it go. My dad wasn't going to change his mind overnight. Even if mom helps me, it will probably take weeks to get into his head. So as long as he returns my cell phone, that's ok by me.
''Okay, dad.'' - I agreed, wanting to get this over with. - ''Can you give me back my cell phone now?'' - I asked, biting my lower lip.
''Here it is.'' - Dad reached into his pocket and pulled out my cell phone, holding it out to me. - ''You know...'' - He started with a wry smile. - ''That Jonnie girl is insistent, your cell phone vibrated like ten times after I took it out from you.'' - Dad commented and I immediately took my cell phone from his hand to see if what he was saying was true.
Partially was. About six messages were actually from Josie. The other four were one by Stan, one by Uncle Kol, one by my brother Marcel, and one by Lizzie. Why the hell did Lizzie text me? Obviously to clear my doubts, this was the first message I opened:
''Answer my sister, bitch. I want to sleep but Josie keeps looking at her damn cell phone.''
If anyone else called me a bitch, I was sure to make her pay. But Lizzie was the sister of the girl I like and to be honest I thought it was cute that she worried about Josie like that. So all I did was laugh and look at my dad in the corner.
''By the way, her name is Josie, dad.'' - I told him and he surprisingly laughed.
''I know, love.'' - Dad said, still laughing. - ''I just call her that to piss you off.'' - He confessed and I raised my eyebrows at him, before laughing too. - ''But then...'' - My dad looked at me as soon as we stopped laughing. - ''You excuse me?'' - He asked and I threw myself in his arms as an answer.
''Of course I forgive you, dad.'' - I spoke sincerely, while he hugged me. - ''But you have to promise that you will stop being unfair to me because of your paranoia.'' - I asked and he sighed.
''I'll try to work on it, princess.'' - He smiled slightly and I snorted.
''Promise, dad.'' - I insisted, pouting.
My father studied me for a few seconds, before taking a deep breath and letting go:
''Okay, I promise.'' - He promised in that kind of tough way of his and I gave him a smacking kiss on his cheek as a thank you.
''Thanks, dad.'' - I smiled and he shrugged.
''Now...'' - Dad said, half a minute later. - ''It's almost six-thirty in the morning, I think it's time to wake up your brother.'' - He continued and I nodded, which made him move slightly on Henrik's shoulders. - ''Good morning, champ.'' - My father whispered softly as he saw my brother open his eyes slowly.
''Just five more minutes.'' - Henrik asked, while he rubbed his eyes.
''Not another five minutes.'' - Klaus laughed and I smiled. It was cute to see my brother and dad like this.
''Isn't today Friday?'' - Henrik asked in a sleepy voice. - ''And if I continue to sleep and only miss class today?'' - He tried and it made me and my dad laugh.
''If I let you, your mother will kick both of our asses.'' - Dad replied and I nodded in agreement. - ''Come on, if you get up and get ready, I promise to take you for a milk shake after school.'' - He suggested and at the same time my brother jumped out of bed, excited.
''Serious?'' - Henrik grinned from ear to ear and our father nodded. - ''I'm leaving then, dad.'' - My brother said, running towards the door. - ''Wait.'' - He stopped at the entrance to my room and looked at me. - ''Aren't you upset anymore, sister?'' - Henrik asked, looking worried about me.
''I'm not, little brother.'' - I shook my head and smiled. - ''But thanks for staying with me yesterday.'' - I sincerely thanked him and he smiled in response, before leaving my room running.
''I'll take advantage of your brother's momentum and go downstairs to help your mother with breakfast.'' - Dad warned, as soon as Henrik had left. - ''See you in a bit, love.'' - He got up from my bed and placed a quick kiss on my forehead, leaving my room moments later.
With that, I answered the messages quickly and got up from my bed, taking the opportunity to take a shower. Minutes later, I was ready and having breakfast with my family. As my father apologized to me, the atmosphere was already much lighter and we were talking normally. So as soon as breakfast was over, my brother and I helped my mom set the table and soon we were in the backseat of the car heading towards Salvatore School. When I got there, it was Dad who said:
''Are delivered.'' - He spoke with his usual ironic smile, looking at us in the rearview of the car.
''Good class, my loves.'' - Mom turned to look at us and smiled gently. - ''And behave yourself, okay?'' - She requested, getting serious. - ''Especially you, Miss Hope.'' - My mother added and I pouted.
''Mommy!'' - I complained, making myself offended. - ''When did I not behave?'' - I questioned and mom was the first to answer.
''When you wrecked your magic history teacher's car last year.'' - My mom remembered, raising her eyebrows at me.
It was true. But it was his fault for failing me for faults. I mean, I only got an A or B in his class. Who in their right mind reproaches a brilliant student for faults? Seriously, it was pathetic. He just got what he deserved.
''Or when you detonated a stink bomb at our old school in New Orleans and made the school out of doors for a week.'' - Henrik joined in the conversation and mom made a face as if she said 'Yeah, that too.'
In my defense, I only did it to help Maya. She was in final recovery, it was exam day and she hadn't been able to study because she had gone with me to a party in Tremé the day before. Also, if she repeated a year her mom would skin her alive, so I just helped her have more time to study. That's what friends do, right? I just did a good deed. I can't feel guilty about it.
''Oh, don't forget when she put a snake in that teacher's bag and made her have a heart attack.'' - Dad also remembered and I snorted loudly.
Damn. This one was a long time ago. How does he still remember? I was about 11 at the time. I just wanted to play a prank on that woman who kept picking on me. I didn't think she was going to have a heart attack. Luckily, she didn't die. If she died, my mother would have been even angrier. Well what can I say? That old woman teased me. Like everyone else, she deserved it too.
''Even you dad?'' - I widened my eyes at him and dad laughed. Usually he was the only one who tried to defend me from my 'school antics'. - ''Excellent.'' - I continued ironically, crossing my arms over my chest. - ''Who needs enemies, when your own family tries to defame you at half past seven in the morning.'' - I complained, playing the victim.
I know they were telling the truth, but who cares?
''Dramatic like your father.'' - Mom said, letting out a laugh as she looked at me.
''Hey, I'm not dramatic.'' - Dad protested and Hayley rolled her eyes.
''Yes you are, daddy.'' - Henrik stood beside my mother and she teased my father with her eyes.
''Why do you always side with your mother?'' - Dad acted offended and my brother shrugged.
''Doesn't matter.'' - I cut my dad's drama out and opened the car's back door. - ''I'm going to class because it sure beats hearing from my own family that I'm the newest reincarnation of Lucifer.'' - I ironized and that made the three burst into laughter.
''Admit you just want to go to class right away to see Josie.'' - Henrik teased me, between laughs, clearly not realizing what he had just said.
Instantly, the laughter stopped and my brother covered his mouth, finally noticing that he had just said this right in front of my father. Well... Wasn't it my dad who had just promised that he would stop being unfair to me because of his paranoia? I think it's time to test it out.
''That's right, little brother.'' - I smiled ironically at him. - ''How did you guess?'' - I asked in the most cynical tone of voice possible. In the corner, I could see my dad's face turning red and his jaw clenching, probably trying to contain his urge to yell at me.
''Anyway...'' - Mom got in before my dad said something. - ''You'd better get in before you're late for the first class.'' - She motioned with her eyes for me to hurry, wanting to prevent my father from starting a scene at this time of morning.
''Your mother is right.'' - Dad surprisingly agreed, still with his jaw clenched.
''That was just what I was going to do.'' - I said, shrugging. - ''Bye, mom.'' - I tilted my face forward and she kissed my cheek. - ''Bye, daddy.'' - I turned to my father and gave him a kiss on the cheek. From his expression, he still looked annoyed, but thankfully he didn't show it verbally.
That said, I immediately got out of our car, while my brother probably said goodbye to my dad and mom. I'm surprised. I swore Dad was going to be an idiot again, but I'm glad he wasn't. It's progress. A smile formed on my lips as I thought about it and I waited for the Salvatore school gate to open, not even looking back. When I had just passed through the gate, I heard Henrik's voice. I didn't even realize the brat had already caught up with me.
''Hey Hope, I'm sorry for talking about Josie in front of her father again.'' - He looked at me anxiously, but I wasn't even thinking about it.
If I hadn't been mad at him yesterday when I was wronged, why would I stay today when my father didn't even say anything? I knew my brother's mouth was big and he didn't mean it. Still, it costs nothing for me to enjoy myself at his expense. I think Henrik deserves it this time. Maybe that way he learns to keep his mouth shut.
''Of course I forgive you, little brother.'' - I stopped walking to say this and looked at him, which made him give me a quick hug in thanks. - ''But maybe I let the mother slip the real reason that five hundred year old vase broke last week.'' - I let it go like someone who doesn't want anything and his gaze dropped immediately.
''No.'' - Henrik shook his head and widened his eyes. - ''You wouldn't do that.'' - He looked at me and I gave a teasing smile.
Yeah, I wouldn't do that. I'm not the type to turn on anyone. However, it costs nothing for me to make Henrik believe I would.
''You bet I would.'' - I stated, raising an eyebrow at him. - ''Imagine mom's reaction when she finds out that in addition to playing soccer at home, you also lied to her.'' - I teased, looking at him in the corner.
''Please, Hope, don't tell mom!'' - My brother begged with both hands together and I had fun inside. I was mean, I confess.
Not that mom cared about a broken vase. No, she didn't care. It was just a damn object. But for sure she would mind if she found out that Henrik played football indoors, even though she told him a thousand times not to and still lied to her about what happened. One thing my mother hated was lies.
''I'll think about it.'' - I made a provocative suspense and went back to walking calmly towards the main entrance of the school.
Obviously my brother followed me and was begging me not to rat him out. I just continued to tease him and when I realized we were already walking in the school hallway. I confess it was fun to see him so desperate and as I said before: This time he even deserves it.
''I do what you want, sister.'' - Henrik insisted and I smiled.
Now it was getting interesting. I had no intention of blackmailing my brother about this, but since he insists...
''And if you tidy my room today?'' - I suggested and he grimaced. - ''He's a...'' - I was going to say that my room was a real mess, when I saw Josie's figure appearing in the hallway.
Oh shit. This girl makes me completely lose my way. Why did she have to be so beautiful? I sighed as I looked at her and at the same moment she noticed me, waving her hand in my direction. I'm sure Henrik was saying something, but honestly I didn't even hear it, as the only thing worth paying attention to right now was the way Josette Saltzman was smiling at me.
POV - Josie
After what happened yesterday with Hope, I just couldn't stop thinking about her. So almost an hour and a half after she left school, I texted her saying I missed her. She quickly got back to me and we basically exchanged messages all night until she stopped responding out of the blue. I knew she had probably fallen asleep or something had just happened, but I still eagerly awaited an answer. In fact, Lizzie almost kicked my ass for it. Anyway... I think when I finally fell asleep it was already past one in the morning. Having slept so late, I woke up a little late for breakfast. Lizzie wasn't even in the room anymore. She had probably decided to let me sleep a little longer. On instinct, the next thing I did was check my cell phone and luckily this time I got an answer from Hope:
"I'm sorry I stopped answering your messages yesterday. My dad took my cell phone. Anyway, I'm looking forward to seeing you today and charging you the 24 kisses you still owe me!"
Does she just think about it? This Hope Mikaelson... I laughed as I imagined her naughty smile, when the image of Klaus Mikaelson came into my head. Why did he take her cell phone yesterday? Well, I guess it doesn't matter. The important thing is that she's fine. With that, I took a shower and changed my clothes to sneak into the kitchen for a few minutes later to get something to eat, after all I'd certainly missed the public breakfast. When I finished, I went back to my room to brush my teeth and soon after I was walking down the school hallway looking for my twin sister and our friends. However, what I found was the girl I like next to her younger brother Henrik. Of course I waved at her with a smile on her face and she looked at me for a moment, before nodding back and nodding her head for me to join her.
''Hi Hope.'' - I smiled, as I stopped beside her. - ''Hi Henrik.'' - I turned my head to look at her little brother who was apparently with a naughty grimace on his face.
''Henrik, I think you'll be late for class.'' - Hope commented without looking at him. - ''How about you go walking?'' - She suggested and I laughed. It was obvious that she wanted to be alone with me.
''But Hope, you still haven't promised you won't tell mom about…'' - He was going to say something, but Hope put her hand on his face, making him stop talking.
''All right, I promise.'' - Hope cut him off, wanting him to get away from us right away.
''Serious?'' - Henrik looked at her and she nodded quickly. - ''But you're not going to blackmail me about it again after I tidy up your room right?'' - He continued suspicious and I arched my eyebrows at her.
Is that really what I heard? Was Hope really blackmailing her 11-year-old brother? How ugly!
''What do you mean Hope is blackmailing you, Henrik?'' - I asked, interested.
''He didn't mean it, Josie.'' - Hope answered for him and I frowned at her, deciding to have fun with it.
''I asked Henrik.'' - I pretended to look at her sternly, which made Hope make a cute pout. - ''And then?'' - I insisted looking at Henrik and he smiled, realizing that I was going to defend him.
''It's because I did something last week and Hope is threatening to tell our mother.'' - He told me and I turned to Hope.
''Is it serious, Hope?'' - I questioned with a serious face, but inside I was laughing.
''Technically…'' - Hope played with her fingers and I raised my eyebrows at her.
Her guilty look was answer enough.
''I can't believe this.'' - I shook my head, still pretending to be angry. - ''Whatever it is, your sister won't tell anything, Henrik.'' - I assured and Hope opened her mouth in protest. - ''If she does, she'll have to come to terms with me.'' - I completed and at the same moment Hope closed her mouth.
My threat was totally futile and I was clearly kidding, but it was really fun to make fun of Hope's face like that.
''Really?'' - Henrik opened a smile and I nodded. - ''Thank you, Josie, you are the best sister-in-law in the whole world!'' - He thanked me and hugged my waist, making me blush.
Did he really call me sister-in-law? I looked at Hope with red cheeks and she just shrugged with a frown on her face. I know that deep down she wanted to smile, but since I've just turned against her over Henrik, she certainly had to contain that urge.
''Okay, brat, I won't tell anything.'' - Hope spoke while rolling her eyes, as Henrik had pulled away from the hug and looked at her expectantly.
''Even if I don't tidy your room?'' - Henrik asked, biting his lip.
''Well...'' - Hope thought for a moment and I encouraged her with the look for her to give the answer I wanted. - ''Yeah, anyway.'' - She huffed, nodding seconds later.
''Since it's like that...'' - Henrik smiled satisfied and turned to leave. - ''Now I'm going to class.'' - He warned, bouncing. - ''Thanks again, Josie!'' - Henrik thanked me again and I smiled before he disappeared down the school hallway.
''Thanks again, Josie!'' - Hope imitated him, so Henrik was already far away and it made me laugh when I noticed her tone. How dramatic she was. - ''Why are you laughing?'' - She questioned, frowning at me.
''From you.'' - I replied, laughing.
''I don't know what's so funny.'' - Hope looked at me with a pout. - ''I thought at least the girl I like would be on my side.'' - She dramatized and I thought the face she made when she said that was cute.
''I would if you didn't blackmail your little 11-year-old brother.'' - I returned it, standing in front of her.
''I wasn't going to rat him out.'' - She defended herself, looking at me. - ''But it wouldn't be bad for him to tidy my room because of that...'' - Hope continued and I gave a teasing little laugh. - ''Wait.'' - She seemed to realize something and arched her eyebrow at me. - ''Is it just me or were you making fun of my face all the time?'' - Hope finally noticed and that made me laugh even louder.
''Now that you noticed?'' - I teased and she widened her eyes at me, getting shocked.
''You pay me, Josie Saltzman!'' - Hope narrowed her eyes at me and in the next instant her fingers attacked my abdomen, tickling me.
''Shit Hope, stop!'' - I asked, laughing out loud.
''Hey, you didn't provoke me?'' - She whispered against my ear. - ''Now hang on!'' - Hope smiled, continuing to tickle.
Obviously this made me laugh more and more and all I could do was beg her to stop. I don't even know how much time passed, I don't think much, but Hope finally stopped still keeping her hands on my waist. She had an amused smile on her face and I stared at her for a moment, before looking at her mouth and not resisting the urge to press my lips to hers with everything. Feeling my lips next to hers, Hope asked for passage to her tongue and I rested my hand on the back of her neck, deepening the kiss even more.
''Twenty three.'' - I just reminded her to provoke her, as soon as we had walked away.
''But it was you who kissed me.'' - Hope complained, pouting.
''And you allowed.'' - I snapped, squeezing her pout. - ''By the way...'' - I laughed when I looked at her dramatic face. - ''Let's go to class, because it's almost time to start.'' - I warned, turning to leave and giving a sideways smile when I heard Hope protests.
Someone had to be the voice of reason, because if I let it, we would stay in this hallway forever. I knew Hope Mikaelson well enough to know that. I laughed at the thought of it and continued walking down the school hallway. We soon arrived in the classroom and joined our friends and my sister who were already there. Five minutes later, Emma showed up to start her class. Looking at her, I remembered that I would have an appointment with her tomorrow because of the punishment my father had given me. One hour of therapy every Saturday morning. Serious. It was all I needed. Only not, right? I snorted as I remembered about it and did my best to pay attention in class. At one point, Emma spent a pair job for next week that I knew I would have to do with Lizzie. She sat with me and we always did everything together. But the moment she released to do the doubles, Hope immediately came towards me:
''Josie.'' - She smiled in my direction as she said my name. - ''Do you want to do the work with me?'' - Hope asked, leaning her elbow on my desk.
''Get your dirty paw out of here, Mikaelson.'' - Lizzie scolded, looking at her, - ''Josie is my partner.'' - She stated and Hope pouted.
''Oh come on, Lizzie...'' - Hope looked at her with pleading eyes. - ''Just this once.'' - She insisted and Lizzie rolled her eyes.
''What will I gain from this?'' - Lizzie smiled wryly and I rolled my eyes.
''My gratitude and that can bet it's something very valuable.'' - Hope replied and Lizzie scoffed.
''You two are disgusting.'' - Lizzie huffed, looking from me to Hope. - ''Whatever, you can do the job with Josie this time, Mikaelson.'' - She finally decided. - ''But don't get used to it!'' - Lizzie narrowed her eyes at Hope and rose from her chair, heading towards the MG. Surely she was going to make him do the job with her.
''I think that's Lizzie's way of saying she approves of us.'' - Hope commented sarcastically and I laughed. - ''But then...'' - She continued, biting her lower lip. - ''Do you accept to be my partner?'' - Hope asked with an anxious look on her face.
''I accept.'' - I replied with a smile. - ''Do you think you can come to school tomorrow afternoon?'' - I looked at her and she smirked.
''Is that an invitation, Josie Saltzman?'' - Hope gave me a mischievous look and I blushed.
''You suck, Hope Mikaelson!'' - I slapped her shoulder playfully and she laughed out loud.
''What did I do?'' - She looked at me innocently and I arched an eyebrow at her as if to say: 'You know what you did'.
''Anyway... Do you think you can?'' - I ignored her and she thought for a moment.
''I guess so.'' - Hope finally replied. - ''But why not in the morning?'' - She asked suddenly. - ''That way we could finish the job quickly and then spend the whole day together.'' - Hope suggested, smiling at me.
The idea was fantastic indeed... Unfortunately I would have therapy with Emma in the morning. So really we could only start work in the afternoon.
''I even wanted to, but tomorrow morning my damn therapy begins.'' - I told annoyed and Hope immediately grabbed my hand.
''I know I haven't told you this before, but...'' - She paused, lightly stroking my hand. - ''Maybe this therapy thing is really good for you.'' - Hope sighed and I raised my eyebrows at her.
''Seriously do you think that?'' - I bit my lip, grimacing and she nodded.
''I worry about you, Josie.'' - Hope confessed seeing my look. - ''And believe me when I say that you don't need a bottle of tequila to be this totally amazing girl who is right here in front of me.'' - She continued and I blushed again. - ''Just think about it, okay?'' - Hope finished, surprisingly not teasing me that my cheeks were completely red.
''Okay.'' - I nodded, trying to keep the blush from my cheeks. - ''So…'' - I let out a breath, intending to change the subject. - ''Will we do the work tomorrow afternoon?'' - I asked and she opened a smile.
''We'll do the work tomorrow afternoon.'' - Hope confirmed, landing a quick peck on the back of my hand.
I smiled at her gesture and at that moment I decided: As much as I hate this therapy thing, I was at least going to try to learn something from it. My mom and dad already decided that for me, I couldn't get rid of it, so it doesn't hurt for me to try, does it? Maybe Hope is right and this is really good for me. Who knows.
POV - Henrik
My day at Salvatore school was as cool as ever and soon it was almost time for my dad to pick us up. I was excited because this morning Dad had promised he'd take me for a milkshake after school. So as always happened when school ended, I went looking for my sister. Soon I found her sitting on a bench next to Josie. But before I called out to Hope, I noticed that she had her tongue down Josie's throat. Eww. Disgusting. Did they really have to be kissing all the time? Granted, they make a cute couple and Josie is really cool, but no one in their right mind is comfortable catching their sister making out with someone else. So I rubbed my hands together and decided to mock her face a little. Hope deserved it for blackmailing me this morning. So I silently whispered a spell Uncle Kol had taught me about imitating someone else's voice and the next instant I yelled in my father's voice:
''HOOOOOPE!'' - In the same second my sister pulled away from Josie and turned to me with wide eyes, putting a hand on her chest with a frightened expression.
I just ran my hand over my face and laughed out loud. This was so funny. However, from Hope's expression she didn't find anything funny and as soon as she recovered from the scare, she glared at me:
''YOU ARE DEAD, BRAT!'' - She yelled, getting up from the bench and walking towards me with a menacing look.
''Please Josie, save me!'' - I snapped my finger to undo the voice changing spell and ran away from Hope, stopping behind the bench my sister's 'crush' was sitting on.
''GET BACK HERE, HENRIK.'' - Hope bit, going after me and we had a silent battle with me behind the bench and her in front of the bench with Josie still unresponsive between us. Why doesn't she help me? I rested both hands on her shoulder as if begging her to break out of her trance and help me, and it was in that moment of distraction that I felt a hand grip my left ear. - ''I got you!'' - My sister stated with a wry smile on her face.
''Let me go, Hope!'' - I asked, trying to take her hand away.
''Hey, weren't you laughing at me?'' - Hope teased, looking at me. - ''Laugh now!'' - She challenged, twisting my ear.
''Oh that hurts!'' - I complained with a grimace of pain. - ''HELP ME, JOSIE!'' - I whimpered, trying to get her attention again.
''Let him go, Hope.'' - Josie finally spoke, getting up from the bench and looking at both of us.
''But Josie, did you see what he did?'' - Hope complained, still keeping a tight hold on me.
''Hope.'' - Josie looked at her sternly and my sister snorted.
''Be grateful to Josie for getting you out of this, brat.'' - She said, before she left me.
''Thanks for saving me from my grumpy sister, Josie!'' - I thanked her for the third time that day and took the opportunity to rub my sore ear.
''How do you have the courage to fight with a cute little thing like that, Hope?'' - Josie smiled, referring to me.
''After you spend an hour with him, I want to see if you still think that.'' - Hope scoffed, rolling her eyes.
''What an exaggeration.'' - Josie laughed and I nodded.
''By the way, what are you doing here?'' - My sister questioned, raising her eyebrows at me.
''I came looking for you, because it's almost time for the father to arrive.'' - I replied, simply.
''Oh, shit.'' - Hope cursed as she grabbed her cell phone and saw what time it was. - ''You're right.'' - She shrugged and turned to Josie. - ''I think I have to go.'' - My sister warned, giving Josie a silly smile.
''See you tomorrow?'' - Josie asked and Hope nodded, leaning towards her 'crush' and touching her mouth to hers.
Was Hope really going to kiss her in front of me? Yeah, she would and realizing that, I grimaced in disgust and covered my eyes with both hands, because I really didn't need to see my sister stick her tongue down someone's throat if I could help it. With that, I kept my eyes closed for exactly sixty seconds, until I heard Josie's voice in the background:
''You can look now, Henrik.'' - I unscrewed my eyes slowly, only to see Josie's gentle smile.
''Let's go then, little brother.'' - Hope said, slowly disentangling Josie's hand and giving her one last look.
How crazy. I've never seen Hope act like this with anyone. The way she's acting, it looks like she's in love. Well, I think it's okay. Josie is nice and even defends me against my sister when I need to. Yeah, I really like her. I hope daddy lets them date soon. I smiled as I looked at them and saw my sister's future girlfriend waving her hand, probably to say goodbye to me.
''Bye, Henrik.'' - She smiled in my direction and I waved back to her, turning to walk away and noticing Hope right behind me.
So we walked in silence to the school's exit door and soon saw my dad standing in front of our car. Apparently he didn't seem angry at Hope for what had happened this morning and that was a good thing. Cleverly, I took advantage of his apparent good mood and covered my milk shake he'd promised for the morning.
''Did you think I'd forget about it?'' - Dad asked with an amused smile. - ''Of course not.'' - He looked at me, making an offended face. - ''We're going there now, champ.'' - Dad started the car and I smiled from ear to ear.
So a few minutes later we were in front of Mystic Grills and I was already drinking my favorite milk shake. We didn't stay there much because daddy said mommy was waiting for us for dinner. As we sipped the milkshake, I noticed Hope was unusually quiet, but I didn't dare say anything about it around dad. Certainly, she must have been thinking about Josie and obviously I'm not stupid to talk about it in front of dad, especially if my mom isn't here to soothe his temper. I shook my head at the thought of it and as soon as we finished our milk shakes, we headed back to the car and my dad drove back to our house. When we got home, my sister and I were greeted by our mother who lovingly hugged each one of us.
''How was your class?'' - Mom questioned, smiling at us.
''It was cool as always.'' - I looked at her, shrugging.
''It was normal.'' - That's what Hope replied and my mother arched her eyebrow at her. - ''Speaking of school...'' - My sister paused, looking from my father to my mother. - ''Can I ask you something?'' - She played with her fingers, biting her lip nervously.
''Of course, love.'' - My mother encouraged her, while my father looked at her curiously.
''It's just that my teacher spent a work in pairs and I wanted to know if I can go to school to do the work tomorrow.'' - Hope let go and I squinted at her.
Oh, so that's why Josie asked if I was going to see her tomorrow.
''I honestly don't see any problems.'' - Mom smiled kindly and Hope nodded, turning to daddy with an apprehensive look.
''Just out of curiosity...'' - Dad started and by the look in his eyes I knew there was a bomb. - ''Who's your partner?'' - He asked, making Hope gulp.
''It's…'' - Hope stammered and I decided to complete the sentence for her.
''It's Josie Saltzman, dad.'' - I spoke with the intention of helping her and my sister looked at me angrily.
Why was Hope mad at me? I'm just helping her. I say that because I know my sister well enough to know that if she lies once, she can't stop and then the whole thing snowballs, making her get screwed in the end. Besides, it's just a job. It's not a big deal. I'm sure mommy will support her, even if daddy freaks out.
''I KNEW IT!'' - My thoughts were interrupted by Dad's scream and I sighed, getting bored.
''And then...'' - Hope studied our father for a moment and raised her eyebrows at him. - ''Will sir let it?'' - She asked, trying to use a tone as respectful as possible.
''Of course not.'' - Dad replied promptly and I held back my laughter, knowing that my mother would fight him in three, two...
''Klaus!'' - One. I said. - ''You can't be serious, it's just a school assignment.'' - My mother defended Hope and I nodded.
''It's a school assignment with Jonnie Saltzman.'' - Dad bit, trying to come out with reason.
''It's JOSIE!'' - My sister yelled, getting irritated. - ''And if I can't do a work, then don't complain if I flunk this subject.'' - Hope argued, crossing her arms over her chest.
''Our daughter will not fail in this subject because of your idiot jealousy, Klaus!'' - My mother scolded, looking at my father.
''I don't care about...'' - My father was going to say something, but was interrupted by my mother's voice.
''Don't even finish the sentence, Klaus.'' - Mom glared at dad and for some reason he swallowed what he was going to say.
''Dad...'' - I started, after a small moment of awkward silence. - ''What's the problem with Hope doing a work with Josie?'' - Seriously, I really didn't understand the drama of it all. Josie is so cool.
''The problem is...'' - Dad looked at me, looking for words to answer me, but Hope cut him off.
''Saw?'' - Hope huffed, pointing to her father. - ''The sir has no good reason for that.'' - She shook her head, getting frustrated.
''Hope is right.'' - Mom supported her and dad raised his eyebrows at her.
''It's dad, leave it.'' - I insisted, wanting to end this drama soon.
''What is it?'' - Dad frowned, looking at us. - ''Is this a plot against me?'' - He questioned, taking a deep breath.
''We can say yes.'' - I smiled and that made my sister and my mother laugh.
''Okay...'' - Dad was in suspense and stared at us for a few seconds. - ''You won, okay?'' - He suddenly blurted out with a frown on his face, - ''You can go to school tomorrow to do work with Josie, Hope!'' - Dad finally authorized and my sister ran to hug him.
''Thank you so much, daddy!'' - My sister thanked him, hugging him and I saw my mother's proud smile as she looked at them.
Yeah, I confess that I was also proud of the father this time. Hope is boring, but she really likes Josie. One time or another, Dad was going to have to accept that, right?
Good night people. Finally another chapter here for you. As I always do, I want to thank you for the latest comments and new favorites, I really love reading your opinions!
I know I delayed the chapter longer than I should have, but I've really run out of time lately because of my job. But as I didn't post last month, I'll try to post two more chapters until the year is over (keeping the pace of one chapter a month). I hope you understand and if possible still stay here with me. If it's not asking too much, of course lol
PS: Also forgive the grammatical errors, I didn't have time to review and as you know I'm Brazilian, so... Sometimes it's complicated.
But hey, what did you think of the chapter? I confess that I had a fit of laughter while writing the beginning of Henrik's POV. What about Hosie? What will happen? :)))