Hope Shepherd

The Ferry

POV Hope: After we all finished our lunch we continued our afternoon excursion. We headed to the dock to go onto a ferry. I breathed in the  harbor air. There weren't many people around thankfully. We bought a ticket and boarded. I chose the seats out on the deck so I could look outside. "It's been so long since we've been on a ferry," Owen brought up. "Yea I'm glad we got this family time," Amelia replied. I just smiled lightly. They started chatting about work and family drama that I didn't care enough to hear. I looked out at the city, taking in the view. I waited for a break in their conversation so I could interject. "Can I walk around alone?" I asked wanting to think by myself. "Yes, of course just stay on this floor okay?" Amelia agreed. I nodded and walked to my favorite spot by the rail to look at the navy water. I leaned forward just and felt the cold metal in my hands.

I got lost in my thoughts, closing my eyes slightly when I heard a "hi," come from behind me. I swung my head around caught off guard, fear bubbling inside me. "Oh sorry did I scare you?" a girl that looked around my age apologized. "No it's alright, do you need something?" I asked wondering if I knew her. "Nope! I just moved here from Canada and my parents thought I should meet some random people and make friends. My name is Kelsie Stone by the way," she said cheerfully. She was tall, skinny, had bright wavy blonde hair, awfully bubbly, and clearly extraverted. "Oh cool, I'm Hope Shepherd" I replied simply. "What school do you go to? My parents are going to homeschool me because they didn't like something about the curriculum or something," she rolled her eyes. "Actually I'm homeschooled too!" I exclaimed. What a coincidence that we have the same system of schooling. I started to untense a little bit. "Why are you on the ferry today?" she asked. "No reason really, just with my .. parents," I said trying to cover the gap between my words. I didn't want her to ask more about what I've done recently so I tried to think of a way to escape the conversation. "Kelsie who's this?" a couple asked her, whom I assumed were her parents. "This is Hope, she's homeschooled too. And Hope, these are my parents," Kelsie introduced. "Hi," I greeted doing my best not to get super nervous, but my stomach was churning. "I'm Kelly, and this is John," Kelsie's mom said. "Where are your parents?" John asked. "Oh um they're over there, I'll go get them," I pointed.

I walked over to Amelia and Owen, trying not to shake so much. "So um, I met a person... and I think we're becoming friends? I don't know, her parents want to meet you," I blurted. I shifted uncomfortably. "Um alright cool," Amelia said. She grabbed Owen's hand and they got up. I led them over to Kelly and John.

POV Amelia: When Hope came over to me saying she made I friend I was shocked. She hadn't had a friend her own age since her biological parents died. I honestly felt happy that she'd maybe have friends. "Hi, I'm Amelia and my husband Owen," I held out my hand. "Hey, I'm Kelly," She shook my hand. "Mom, stop smiling so weird," Hope whispered under her breath. I chuckled and pulled her to my side. Owen and I made small talk with John and Kelly and they seem like pleasant people. "Around where do you live?" they asked. "Oh we live at 307 West Comstock Street," Owen answered. "Woah we only live a few streets down on West Prospect Street," John replied. "Oh we should get the girls to hang out together," Kelly smiled. "Yes, absolutely!" I said happily as I saw Hope make eyes at me. We learned they just moved from Canada and they both work in cyber security. I kept an eye on Hope checking on her. After everyone exchanged numbers we walked away back to our spot. I noticed Hope not looking particularly. "Why'd you have to make plans for me?" Hope whined. "Because you should have friends your own age who aren't doctors at a hospital, plus Kelsie seems nice," I explained. "What's wrong?" Owen asked her. "How am I ever going to explain everything that happened to me?" she whispered looking down. I looked at her lifting her chin, "look honey, you don't have to tell her anything. Not until your ready. I think it's worth having friends your own age, even if its not Kelsie. So promise me you'll try okay?" "Yea okay," she agreed. Owen hugged her. "I love you both," she said. "We love you too princess," we both chorused. I kissed her forehead and we headed down back to our car.

A/n: sorry this chapter is so short I've been having wifi issues lately. Hope your enjoying! I'll try to keep my notes to a minimum. Feedback is appreciated! Also if you're wondering why I may have missed a week or something, give a follow so you'll get notified about my announcements.