Hosie : protector

friends

Josie's pov:

Josie stood waiting for a response from Hope. She needed to know why Hope had been watching her, following her and protecting her all these years. She had asked Hope and now she was waiting for her response. There was a long pause before Hope began to finally speak "Erm, that's a complicated question Jo". Josie looked at how uncomfortable Hope seemed, but couldn't help but ask again "Hope, all you have to do is tell me why you have been watching and following me for years". She watched as Hope shuffled from one foot to the other "I just.. I guess I like you and just want you to be safe, That's what friends do right?". Josie paused for a second thinking about what Hope just said friend's. 

Josie had secretly wanted Hope to admit she had a crush on her, and felt a little deflated that Hope thought her as nothing more than a friend. Taking a deep breath and stepping away from Hope. Josie forced a smile on her face before talking again "I guess a thank you is in order then. I appreciate you looking out for me, But you don't have to anymore. We've grown up and I no longer need a protector". Josie watched as Hope's face dropped into a sad look. She looked like a puppy who had just been kicked. it broke Josie's heart, but she didn't know what else to say. If Hope kept up protecting her and watching her, Josie knew she would catch feeing's even more than she had already begun to. 

Josie hugged Hope before she walked back towards the school. Once she got back, she headed back up to her room where everyone was still hanging out. Walking in, she saw MG and Lizzie talking about comics. well MG was anyway, Lizzie just seemed bored. While Raf and Landon were play fighting over something on the floor. Josie smiled, seeing the chaos she had walked into and figured it would be a nice distraction from what just happened with Hope. she sat on her twins bed and as she sat down. Lizzie instantly smiled at her, looking almost grateful "Thank god your back, Josie if I have to listen to MG talk about one more of his nerd porn books, I'm gonna faint". Josie giggled as Lizzie turned to MG "No offence".

 MG just chuckled, before calling to Landon and Raf who looked at him "How about we all go get some lunch?" Everyone nodded and agreed. But just before they left, Lizzie pulled Josie back into the room "Where's your emo girlfriend?" Josie raised her eyebrow at Lizzie "Who Hope? Hope is not my girlfriend, I literally broke up with Penelope like a day ago" Josie was flustered, trying to answer her twin who just stood there smirking "Right, your 'friend'. The one who is always watching you and has been really cryptic about it. It's like you have your own Christian grey". Josie didn't know what to say or where to look. She just stood there awkwardly. Before deciding to just leave her twin in the room and walk off, causing Lizzie to act all offended. 

Josie and Lizzie finally entered the canteen, and the first person Josie spotted was Hope. She was sitting, looking down at her lunch; seeming more distracted than usual. Josie decided once she had got her lunch, she would go and sit with her. Walking over with her tray in her hand, she put it on the table and sat down. Causing Hope to look up. Josie gave Hope a small smile before she began eating, earning a smile in return from Hope. They sat in silence for a second until Hope spoke "Hey Jo, I hope we're alright and that earlier wasn't awkward or anything". Josie smiled before looking up at Hope "Nothings awkward Hope, I'm glad you answered my questions" Josie watched as Hope smiled "Good, And anytime".

Hope's Pov:

Josie was standing and waiting for an answer, but Hope didn't know what to say. She couldn't admit that she had a crush on Josie, that might mess everything up. Instead, Hope took the safe option and tried to avoid the question. Much to Hope's Dismay, it didn't work and Josie once again asked the question. 

Hope Finally gave in and answered, Josie but she didn't tell her everything. Instead, she told Josie that she was looking after her like a friend would. Once Hope had said that, she immediately regretted it. Seeing a brief look of disappointment flash across Josie's face. As Josie stepped back from Hope, she Instantly felt sad at the space between them. But to not make things awkward, Hope just stood there. Standing in one spot. 

Hope wanted nothing more than to reach out to Josie and tell her that she liked her as more than a friend. But it was too late now. Hope watched as the brief disappointment on Josie's face turned into a small smile as Josie spoke. But every word that fell out of Josie's mouth hit her like a brick. She didn't want Hope's protection anymore, She didn't want Hope watching over her. Hope felt like someone had pulled her heart out, but she chose to ignore it. Instead, She stood as Josie Hugged her and headed back towards the school. Watching Josie walk away like that, made Hope's heart ache. If only she had been honest, maybe her and Josie could have figured something out.  

Hope stood there, at the ends of the docks for a while. Until she heard her stomach growl. Looking down, she rolled her eyes before heading back towards the school to get some lunch. Once Hope got back, she walked straight to the cafeteria; getting some lunch. She then went and sat down at her usual table at the end of the canteen. About 10 minutes after sitting down, Hope felt the sudden urge to look up and she knew exactly why. But She had to respect Josie's wishes and instead stared at her plate. 5 minutes after that, Hope saw a tray get put down, she didn't even need to look to know who it was as she could already smell the familiar perfume. Looking up, she saw Josie who sat opposite her and gave her a small smile, Hope smiled back and they sat in a comfortable silence until Hope spoke up. she asked if her and Josie was okay and was relieved when she said yes. Hope smiled once again and they both went back to eating.