Chapter Text
Hope POV
I woke up to alarm blaring as the sound felt as if was resounding of every side and corner of my room. I huffed and took the pillow lying by my side and covered my head and ears with it. It didn't really do much but to stop the pounding headache I had but I stayed like that for another two minutes without bothering to switch off my alarm.
Then the door opened and voice broke through the sound.
"Hope sweetie, are you going to turn that alarm off or listen to it all day?"
Without taking the pillow off I knew it was my aunt Keelin. I smiled and hit the button before throwing the pillow to the side.
"Well I was planning on doing my morning workout to it, I should probably get ready for school."
I sat up.
Aunt Keelin went over to pull the curtains apart and I had to fight the urge to hiss as if I was being burned.
"Since when do workout in the morning? Or anytime for that matter?"
"Haha very funny."
Keelin laughed
"Hope I love you but you know I am right. The last time you did any physical activity was when Freya and I came home earlier and you rushed to hide that girl your were supposedly not making out with."
I blushed and lay back down on the bed with a frustrated sigh.
"I thought we agreed to not bring that both up again."
"Not true. You told us not too but we never agreed. Besides Maya is great. While it was a hug surprise to both of us, we welcomed it. I mean you told us two years ago that you were into girls as well as boys so it isn't like it has been a total shock to the system."
"Maya and I aren't together remember. We tried something and it didn't work out. Not long after that incident we decided we would work better as friends. We are both happier that way."
Keelin nodded.
"That's good. I am just reminding you that whoever you choose to be with is fine by both of us. We accept you all the same."
I rubbed at my eye.
"Woah. This is too early in the morning to be personally attacked like this."
Keelin laughed and came over to pull me in for a hug.
"I love you too, Hope. Now speaking going to school, do you want me to take you there? I don't think driving to school with a hangover on that bike of yours is a good idea. Besides I was on my way to the clinic anyway."
Keelin had a knowing look. I shook my head.
"Thanks for the offer but I will be fine. I don't feel that bad anyway. I still need to get a shower anyway. Have fun at work."
"And you at school kiddo. See you later."
Keelin kissed me on the forehead and left the room. I got up with a huff and went to get my shower. After that I got changed into dark jeans with black biker boots to match. I had one of my Dad's shirts that was long sleeved and had buttons at the top. It was one of the items I had left of him. I put it on and added a hoodie. I looked at myself in the and did my makeup. It was light with a bit of eye liner with black lipstick.
After I was satisfied I headed for my door. Not without grabbing my signature leather jacket and throwing it on while simultaneously grabbing my backpack but not before looking longingly at my computer. I loved playing games but I knew when I got home from school I would be immediately going on for long into the night. Some people said I had a problem but honestly I didn't give a fuck. My Father loved gaming and that was one thing he passed down to me.
I walked down the stairs and tried my best to not to fall. Aunt Freya was in the kitchen cooking some breakfast. Though when I walked in she was kissing her wife and I shrieked and turned away. Nik was sitting happily in his high chair none the wiser. I patted head before speaking.
"Okay. I am going to walk away and come back at another preferable time."
Freya broke apart while still smiling.
"Oh Hope sweetheart don't be so dramatic. Now at least we are even."
Fucking hell.
"Seriously. What is this? Remember Hope about all the embarrassing things she has done."
They both laughed and I took a seat.
It was then that I really looked at my aunts. Keelin had pulled back and tapped Freya on the nose which made her face scrunch up in amusement. I smiled despite myself. I like the way my aunts were in their relationship. It showed me what I deserved one day and to go for nothing less than what I really wanted. If they found each other I was sure someday the right person would walk into my life.
It might be a bit mushy but honestly I didn't care.
Freya came over and sat 2 plates down. One for me and one for her while Keelin brought her plater over and sat down. We always sat as a family everyday before I went to school and Keelin went to her job as a nurse. Freya was at home at the minute taking care of Nik but she was already eying her next house development job. I ate my breakfast and enjoyed the time before I eventually had to leave and go to school.
I got finished and took my plate as well as both my aunts to the sink. I kissed Freya and Keelin on the cheeks and then ruffled Nik's short hair before saying goodbye to them both.
"Have a fun day at school, kiddo." Keelin said
But then Freya added.
"Not too much fun though."
I smiled and chuckled a bit.
"Okay. Love you all."
I walked out onto the driveway and was approaching my bike when I saw someone standing next to it. I wasn't surprised to see Maya with a cocky smile.
"Hope. You are so in trouble for making a girl wait. This wind isn't good my hair. I expect better punctuality."
I laughed.
"Oh please I know you would wait for as long as possible for another ride to school. Isn't that why you are here?"
Maya held up a hand to her heart and looked on in a mock offence. She give away by smiling brightly.
"Okay, babe. You got me."
I got close to Maya when she grabbed my face with both hands and kissed me on both cheeks. Then she stood back.
"So can I get a ride to school, Hope? Pretty please."
Her face went into a pout and just shook my head before handing her my spare helmet. She took it and acted like she was swooning over me. I got on and she got on behind me.
"I am grateful. You know it was this bike in the first place that made me fall for you, right?"
I was generally offended at that
"What? I thought is was my impeccable charm and good lucks?"
"Oh honey your looks are too die for. But I mean come on this badass bike is a total chick magnet. Or dude magnet."
Maya put her sunglasses on before speaking again.
"I suppose it depends what kind of mood your in."
I chuckled and put my helmet on and shades. Maya did the same with the helmet before she leaned forward and connecter her arms in front of my lower body.
"Now Hope, lets ride like the wind. I want to beat my brother and his loser bro's to school."
"Noted. Hold on tight."
I turned the key and revved the engine a couple of times before shifting into first and taking off rather quickly. Maya squealed which turned into laughter and I smiled as we headed on our journey.
It wasn't long before we were pulling into school and I steadied the bike before parking in the first spot I seen. Maya hopped off and then give me her arm so I could hold on as I brought the metal stand down to support the bike and then swung my leg off to stand on the ground.
I took off my helmet and so did Maya. She was looking off into the distance with a longing look at something I couldn't look directly at from the position I was at. Maya's lip turned into a smile and she looked away. I didn't think much of it as I opened the seat and stored my helmet in the storage compartment under it and then took Maya's and stored it as well.
Maya leaned against the bike and sighed.
"I am not sure I can do school today Hope. I feel like my destiny is set somewhere else."
I chuckled.
"You say that all the time. Anyway don't you have that chemistry test?"
"Yes. Don't remind me. I was meant to study last night but then we went out drinking. So that doesn't give me much hope for todays test. Besides who needs to know about chemistry. I already have loads of it."
"Totally. How about we head in and we can both smoke some weed before first class."
I took a bag out of my inner pocket and showed it to her. Maya squealed in delight.
"Yes. Hope you are the best. I need this right now."
Maya put her arm through mine and we walked into school together.
It didn't take us long to find the nearest toilet because I was following Maya's lead. She knew a lot about this school due to growing up here. I came from New Orleans when my parents died which was still fresh in my memory like a burning memory.
Maya held open the door and swept her arm to let me go in first.
"Beautiful ladies first."
I shook my head and went in.
Maya followed and we went into one stall together. We made sure it was locked and then I took out my bag of weed. Maya had the paper so she started rolling it while I dug through my bag trying to find the lighter. It took a couple of minutes but my hand found it and then took it out as Maya had finished rolling it up.
"Would you do the honours?"
Maya lifted it to her lips and I leaned over to light it up for her. She took a long drag and sighed as her back hit the edge of the stall. She took another one before passing it to me. I brought it to my lips and inhaled the fresh smoke that got a long sigh as let it float down my throat and back up again throughout my mouth and nose.
I was about to take another one when Maya grabbed it.
"Hey. What the fuck, Maya?"
Maya smiled and took another drag before answering.
"Oh calm down Hope. The adorable pouty face is cute but I was getting impatient. Here you go."
Maya handed it back and I inhaled again as the door to the toilet opened.
"See Josie. I told you we should have used the other toilet. This one always has stoners in it."
There was a huff before someone answered.
"I am sorry Lizzie. What feels like for the 10th time today. You know I have a small bladder."
"Fine. Just hurry up. I need to fix my makeup."
I know those voices anywhere. The self proclaimed popular twins of Mystic Falls High.
Josie and Lizzie Saltzman.
Maya pulled me closer and then whispered in my ears.
"Oh great it's blonde bitch and her puppy Jessica."
I was quick to correct her for some reason.
"Her name is Josie."
Maya scrunched up her face and looked like she couldn't care less.
"What does that matter? I fucking hate them."
I sighed and went to open the door.
"Okay. We need to get out of here."
Maya nodded and took another drag before gesturing me to go first. I opened the door and walked out first and then followed by Maya.
Lizzie Saltzman was looking in the mirror but turned quickly once we came out. Her eyes lit up with something mischievous which I knew wasn't good.
"Oh look what we have here. Two little love birds that couldn't wait to the end of the school day to get a quickie in. Sorry to interrupt."
"What the fuck are you on about?" I said.
Maya didn't miss a beat and stepped closer to the other.
"Listen blondie. I don't know what kind of fantasies you have but we are only friends. Best friends actually. So go fuck yourself and your stupid perfect face."
"My Fantasies?"
Lizzie looked like someone just told her that she was dying. Maya continued on like she didn't hear her.
"And why don't you go and find someone else to harass. We may not be together but at least someone actually wanted me. No one would touch you with a ten foot pole covered in condoms."
Lizzie opened her mouth and closed it again. No words came out however. She looked more like she was choking. I tried my best but the laughter escaped my lips while Maya looked like she was having the best time of her life.
That laughter quickly died on my tongue when the stall opened and her sister walked out. My eyes were drawn right to her. I noticed the way her brows were furrowed in an annoyed her lips. They were in a thin line and slightly downcast. She was frowning which quickly opened up and started speaking words.
"Lizzie. Let's just get out of here."
Lizzie then whirled on Josie.
"What the fuck Josie? Are you not even going to defend my honour."
Josie looked like she wanted to be done with this conversation. I kind of felt bad for her. Sort of anyway.
"Lizzie calm down. You have been in a mood all morning and I am not going to pretend like you didn't start. You already have enough people that literally worship you."
Lizzie huffed and Maya stepped up closer to her before taking a huge inhale of the weed and then blowing it straight into the blonde's face.
Lizzie screeched and tried to rub her face like it would somehow make it all go away. Josie stepped in between them and shoved Maya back. She stumbled a bit and I caught her.
"Hey, watch it Jamie!"
"My name is Josie. I was happy not to go crazy on you but if you are going to be mean then I have no choice to interfere."
"Whatever."
I pulled on Maya's arm.
"Maya, come on. They are both not worth it."
I tried to ignore the hurt look that crossed Josie's face while Lizzie just looked more furious than ever and I swear she was starting to turn red. Then again that might just be the weed. Shit, I was fucking hungry.
"Yeah I suppose your right. I want to get out here before Elizabeth here proposes a three way or something given that she obviously was thinking about us when she came in here."
"That is disgusting! How dare you?"
Maya didn't miss a beat again.
"Let's go hope. There is too much bitchiness in this room for me and it's not the fun kind."
"I think that would be for the best." Josie said.
When Maya grabbed my arm and led me out I didn't stop her. I just avoided the gaze of the brunette who I knew was watching us leave and then she was saying something to Lizzie but I couldn't really hear it. I had zoned out and just let Maya trail me away.
We were entering the canteen when I finally came back to the present. Maya pulled us over to the usual table and we sat down. Cleo was already sitting with Ethan who looked as felt as I felt. he had sunglasses on inside which give a clear indication that he has a hangover. Cleo looked as chipper as ever as she smiled in our direction. I sat done beside her while Maya sat beside her brother on the other.
"Hey guys. Nice of you to join us."
Ethan let out a shoosh sound.
"Woah, keep it down. Not so loud."
Maya laughed.
"Oh my dear naive little brother. That is why I smoke weed in the morning after drinking. It helps to mellow you out and the headache is gone now. Though I do have an incredible hunger."
"Hey you were only born 5 minutes before me."
Maya wasn't listening. She had opened a bag of crisps and was eating them greedily while looking off into the somewhere else in the cafeteria. I was going to comment on her choice of breakfast when Cleo spoke up again.
"So that is where you guys were? Getting high?"
I nodded before grabbing a piece of Ethan's toast.
"Yeah. Until we ran into the wonder twins."
Someone had come over to the table and I smiled as I saw who it was.
"Stefanie. Impeccable timing as always."
She sat down and bumped fists with Maya before clapping Ethan on the back which received a groan in response. Stefanie shot Cleo and and I a smile.
"I try. I try. So I heard you have also met the wrath of the devil twins this morning too?"
Maya who had been zoned out and eating about 3 bags of crisps perked up.
"Yeah we did. What did they do to you?"
"That evil blonde shouted at me this morning for parking too close to her car."
We all looked at her weird.
"Yeah I know. For some reason she is extra bitchy today. And that stupid sister of her either does nothing or lets her walk all over her. I honestly don't know which is worse."
For some reason I had the mind to stick up for Josie. I am not sure why but I didn't voice my thoughts out loud. I sat quietly and took a packet of crisps when Maya offered them to me. I was so hungry I felt I could eat everything in the buffet they offered.
"Yeah I guess it runs in the family."
Maya spoke up but then quickly added.
"Of course not including you, Stefanie."
"It's fine. I don't really think of them as part of my family. It's not my fault my Uncle Stefan married their Mom. Honestly I try not to dwell on it."
We all nodded and then kept quiet while everyone kept eating. Well everyone except Ethan who now had his head down on the table. I snickered a bit when I heard snoring and looked over to see Maya's reaction. Though I was surprised to see her looking in the direction behind me with a blank look.
"Maya?"
She didn't answer.
I turned and spoke while doing it.
"What are you even looking at?"
I turned and was met immediately with Josie who caught my eye at the same exact time. it was as if time had stopped and the world was now frozen in time. My heartbeat got very slow and I thought for the quickest second that I might die here and right now. Even thinking that I couldn't look away. Josie's eyes were like magnets and my favourite piece of artwork all at the same time. The answer to every question I needed to know along with the words to my favourite song. I was hypnotised and I felt like it would never end.
Until it did.
Lizzie had touched Josie's arm and then she was focused on her and I was left feeling like an idiot. I then noticed that the table was full around here. There was of course Lizzie and then Jed, MG, Landon, Kaleb. I quickly looked back and saw that Maya was now focused on a spot at the table. I might be mistaken but she looked as if she was blushing.
"Nothing. Just zoning out, you know?"
I looked at here but she had already decided not to speak or clarify anything else.
I shook my head of the thoughts and decided to go get some food before class starts.
The rest of the day went smoothly. We avoided the twins the and then soon enough it was time to go home. I was at my locker and Ethan came up to me. He seemed to have gotten over his hangover and the sunglasses were gone replaced with a cheeky smile.
"Hi Hope. Are we still up for gaming later?"
I nodded and closed my locker.
"Yeah of course. As always. It's your turn to pick the game by the way. Any thoughts?"
"In fact I do. It's a new game. But it's a surprise so that's all you need to know for now. Just keep a check on your email tonight."
With that he winked and walked off whistling.
Then Maya came up to me. She did not look pleased.
"Hey Maya. What's wrong?"
I was generally concerned. Maya looked really upset. She shook her head. Almost like she was thinking but then shook it again.
"It's nothing. I just have a lot of homework so I am bit stressed."
"Well if you ever need any help, let me know. You know I would do anything for you."
Maya smiled at that.
"I know Hope. I love you."
"I love you too. Now why don't we get on my bike and we can grab a milkshake from the Mystic Grill. I know you love them."
"It's a date. Let's go."
We walked into the Mystic Grill to a very quiet place. Usually people were flooding here but today was just an off day. Maya and I walked to a nearby table and it wasn't long until a waitress came and took our orders. I ordered a strawberry milkshake while Maya went for a banana one with fries. I was looking out the window when Maya spoke up.
"Oh look there's Julia."
"Who?"
I looked around to where Maya pointed and saw Josie. I turned back around to Maya to correct her but she was on her phone laughing. I turned back and focused more on Josie. The first thing that I noticed was that she was alone. Her food half eaten, sat beside as she wrote something down in a book. It was weird to see her without her sister around but I suppose she needed her own space as well sometimes.
Josie looked up and our eyes connected and I swear I nearly got whiplash from how quick my head turned back to the direction of Maya. Maya had set her phone down and was now looking at me with interest.
"Are you okay, Hope?"
I coughed and drank some more of my milkshake before answering.
"Yeah, of course. Why wouldn't I be?"
Maya shrugged and ate two fries and shrugged.
"Why wouldn't any of us be?"
I didn't know how to answer that so instead I quickly changed the subject.
"So did Ethan tell you about this new game he found?"
Maya looked at me weirdly for a few seconds and then sighed before perking up and smiling like she hadn't seemed off a few minutes ago.
"Yeah totally. He won't tell me exactly what it is though. Said it was a surprise. I am not sure what to make of it. Hopefully it will be fun. I could use a break from reality lately. So should we head if are going to play it?"
"Sure. Let's go."
We got up and were heading for the door. Maya held it open for me and I tried my best to not look at Josie but my body failed me. Josie was still writing something down and this time she did not look up. I turned away and walked out as Maya followed me. I got on my bike and she hopped on behind me as her arms went around my abdomen. We pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road to our homes.
Maya got off the bike and reached her hand for mine. It was routine for us. I grabbed it grateful and stepped off after securing the metal stand. Maya pulled me in for a hug and then pulled back and smiled.
"Stay beautiful Hope. I will talk to you later in the gaming world."
"Yeah talk to you then Maya."
Maya was walking away and then turned and blew a kiss. I laughed and caught it before placing it my pocket and turning around to walk up to the front door.
"Are you sure there isn't something there?"
It was then that I noticed that Aunt Freya was standing on the front door with a mug in her hand. I didn't miss the smirk that was now making a regular home on her face.
"I am sure aunty Freya. We are just best friends."
"Could have fooled me. You could do a lot worse than Maya."
"I am sure she would love to here you say that."
I hugged Aunt Freya and then hugged Nik when I came. Aunt Keelin wasn't home from her shift yet. She wouldn't be for another few hours. I ran up the stairs and dropped my bag as I came into my room. I walked over and opened the window. My hand went into my jacket and I took out the remaining weed I had. I rolled up one and then grabbed my guitar from its case under the bed.
I hopped out the window and sat on the outside roof. I lit up my roll of weed and hot air warm up my lungs as I sat it down in an ashtray and started strumming some cords. My Father had let me have his guitar. He had plenty anyway from being in a band. He had said that he he had this one when he met Mom at one of his concerts. That was their story. He had played the song that was personal to him and from the moment their eyes met it was true love. Hopefully I would find my own epic love someday.
Thinking about my parents brought back the reality that they weren't here. Both my Father and Mother had died in a car crash 4 years ago. I was living in New Orleans with my Aunt Rebekah and Marcel until I moved here. They thought it was best for me so I could go to school and meet new people. I held onto the memories and especially when I was alone they would come. Like a saving grace but also a flood that threatens to consume. I wipe away a few stray tears before picking up the joint and inhaling some more.
I sat for another while just strumming some more chords until my dinged with a new message so I set the weed back in the ashtray and I picked it up to check.
Ethan : Yo losers, are you ready for this game or what?
Maya : I am in the other room, you idiot. But sure.
Hope : can't wait
Cleo : Yeah I am so ready.
Stefanie : Can't tonight. I will tomorrow though.
Maya : booooooo. you are such a spoil sport
Stefanie : Shut up you know you love me. I'll chat to you guys tomorrow
Ethan : see you then Salvatore, now come on lets do this. Check your email's fuckers
I laughed and climbed through my window and set my guitar down before heading over to my computer. There was a new email from Ethan.
I clicked it and was about to when I forgot my weed. I got up quick and hit the mouse over a bit. I didn't think about it until I went back over after putting the weed out as I saw another message pop up.
Sent to recipient.
"Fuck."