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Hope sat on the roof of the UGC building, her hair blowing in the wind. After finding out such a life-changing truth, she needed some time to herself to think.
"Hey..."
Hope let out a squeak of surprise as she turned to see Pennywise standing there with a tired smile on her face.
"Oh! Hello Miss Pennywi- MOM! Mommy."
Pennywise chuckled as she sat next to her. "It's alright. Ya just found out after all. You holdin' up alright?"
"Oh, yes, I'm alright, thank you."
The two sat in silence for a moment. During that time, Hope looked up at Pennywise. Her hair was a sandy blonde color with a few grey streaks from age, while Hope's was brown. While she'd gotten her brown hair from her father, she'd definitely gotten her voluminous curls from Pennywise. As she looked closer, she could see other similarities between them. Her round face, her blue eyes, her small ears, she'd all gotten from her. This woman who, until today, had been nothing more to her than another woman who worked at her father's company. She'd been a myth that her father refused to elaborate much on. He'd always say the same thing: "Yes, Hope dear, your mother won't be coming back anytime soon. It's quite a shame. But don't fret! You have everything you need right here! And you have me as well, you don't need a mother!" And then he'd drive the conversation in a different direction before she could ask anymore questions.
She felt excited to finally meet this woman, but she also felt a fluttery, nervous feeling in her belly at talking to her. After all, she'd never had a mother before.
"So..." She began, taking a deep breath before just asking, "How come daddy didn't want me to know about you?"
Pennywise sighed. "Well, Cladwell was moving up in the world quickly when we found out I was pregnant with you. And me, well, let's just say I liked to... play around a bit during those stink years."
"Oh." Hope said awkwardly, looking down.
"Back then, he didn't care because nobody thought we were going to be around to see tomorrow, so everyone was basically doing whatever the hell they wanted. But after Cladwell started gaining success, he knew he couldn't be associated with a whore like me." She spat out bitterly. "It would ruin his reputation. He kept you because he wanted an heir to his company."
Hope felt the feeling in her stomach grow worse as she looked down sadly.
"W-wait now, I didn't mean that's the only reason he kept you!" Penny quickly said, placing her hand on the girl's shoulder. "He loves you, of course. You know that, right?"
"Of course I do!" Hope said, looking up at Pennywise. "I'm pretty sure he does, at least..."
"He does. And I do too, Hope."
Hope blinked. "Really?"
"Of course. After you were born, I was so upset that you had to be taken from me. I wanted to hold you in my arms and be there for you when you needed a mother. Cladwell let me by letting me work for him, but I wanted to be so much more. I've always seen myself in you, and it was so hard for me to not be able to tell you. It was hard for me to see those traits that you got from me in that adorable face of yours, and watch you grow up, but dammit, you've grown into a kind, wonderful, young woman." She choked. Tears were in her eyes. "Just know I'm proud to have you as my daughter, even if I've never been able to tell you that. I'm so sorry that I was never able to..."
Pennywise was quickly interrupted by a sniffle. She looked up to see Hope nearly about to bawl her eyes out. She was overwhelmed. She'd never had a mother figure in her life say these things to her before.
"Oh, Hope..." Pennywise said, saddened, but also, slightly amused. She hesitated before opening her arms awkwardly, offering a hug.
"Mommy!!" Hope cried, launching herself into her arms. The two clung to each other tightly. It was a new feeling for both of them. Hope had never had a mother figure to hug and Pennywise had never been able to hold her child before. But they loved the feeling, not wanting to let go as they clasped each other tightly. Hope bawled into her mother's chest while a few stray tears ran down Pennywise's face.
"God, you wear your heart on your sleeve, don't you? You're just like Bobby!" She chuckled slightly. "You really would be perfect for each other."
"THANK YOU!!!" Hope sobbed, continuing to hug her. Pennywise sighed as she kissed Hope on the top of her head.
"I'm not gonna hide anymore. I'm gonna be here for you when you need me from now on. I promise."