herophine - Trouvaille

Chapter 22

Los Ángeles, 2023

- Are you sure you're going to be fine? - She insists, doubting if it's a good idea. 

- Yes, Katherine. I'll be completely fine. 

Her sister doesn't look very convinced, but she has to leave. Katherine starts filming in three days the third season of Cursed and she has to travel to Berkshire, England. Even though she doesn't tell Jo, she is a bit scared of leaving her little sister alone. Of course Josephine can live by her own, she has been doing it for some years now. However, it's been only two months since she started receiving treatment for her depression and two months since Katherine decided to spend most of her time at Jo's apartment. She felt that Jo needed her and if that was what she needed, she was going to be there for her. 

- Maybe you can come with me? To England? - Katherine proposes.

- No! - The question catches her by surprise. - I mean... I can't. - Josephine tries to relax. - Lena will call me next week for new projects. 

- Okay... But, don't stress too much and take it slow. 

- Yes, Kath. Don't worry, okay? - Jo assures.

- I will see you in Perth, right? For Christmas holidays. - The brunette girl asks. - You have to go Jo. If you don't go, this will be the third year without seeing mom and dad. I am sure they are already so worried about you... they have to know what happens. 

- No. - Josephine says serious. - Katherine, promise me you won't tell them. Please. 

- They should know, Jo... 

- Please, Katherine. I don't want to worry them even more. Please. - She begs. The last thing she needs is both of her parents on doctors' mode with her all the time she spends there. - I will go to Perth on holidays. But, don't say a word to them.

- Fine. - Katherine sighs. - I love you Jojo. - She says before hugging her. 

- I love you too, Kath.

Crosby, Liverpool - England, 2026

Five missed calls from Katherine. 

Josephine hasn't replied to her message, yet. She still doesn't know what are her plans for these next days. She also realizes that she doesn't know what are Hero and Sofía's plans for this Christmas. Sometimes it feels like eight years have passed since she stepped Crosby for the first time, although it has only been eight days.

Hero had to take Sofía to school and then he had a meeting with other coaches from the soccer teams he trains. Josephine went back to her hotel room to spend the morning, before she goes back to their house in the afternoon. 

After breakfast, Sofía has not refered again to her as her mother. Nevertheless, it has been a big step for Jo that she mentioned that word. She understands that there isn't much to do for Sofía, more than being present for her. Josephine, a bit impatient by nature, strives to give her the space she needs. She lets the little girl decide the distances and the times. 

- Hello? - Finally, Josephine chooses the green button instead of the red one. 

- Josephine! Was it too hard to pick the damn phone up? - Katherine scolds her.

- Well, it was. - She rolls her eyes. - Nevermind. Why are you so persistent?

- Your manager called me. She doesn't know where you are and you don't pick up the calls, neither from your assistant. - She starts. - Where the hell are you, Josephine? 

- I had to travel. - She is not lying, nor she is telling her the truth.

- Yeah, I know. To freaking Liverpool, England! - Katherine is already freaking out.

- How do you know? 

- Your assistant knew. You haven't given any signs of life for the past week and your manager was trying to contact you like crazy. They had to call me, so you would pick it up. - Her sister explains. 

- Oh. - That's the only word that comes out from Jo's mouth. - I don't know why they are freaking out, though. I quitted the movie I was in before travelling. They know that. 

- You were able to quit the movie just because they were still on the first week rehearsal. They are not calling you for that, Josephine. Apparently, you are still the image of several brands. You have some contracts and you can't dissappear whenever you want. - Katherine's voice is serious. 

- Shit... Okay, tell them I will call them. 

- You should call them now. - She insists. 

- Katherine, I will call them tomorrow, okay? - Josephine hears her sister's sigh. 

- Why are you in Liverpool, Jo?

Josephine is not ready to tell her. She will tell her, but she needs to figure out first what she will be doing the next days and she wants to know how her relationship with Sofía evolves.

- I'm fine, Kath. Don't worry, okay? - She says calmly. - I love you. 

- I love you too, Jojo. 

________________________

Hey,

what so you think about this chapter? Happy birthday, dear Katherine!

hope you are all doing good!

Xx.