herophine - Trouvaille

Chapter 29. Part I

London - England, 2020

- Just for your information, my sister is like crazy saying you'll be going together to the mall. - Hero rolls his eyes.

Jo smiles at the screen due to his face expression. It is barely nine o'clock in the morning and she just woke up with Hero's phone call. They have always done Facetime, but lately and since Bulgaria they try to call each other everyday. She is still in Los Ángeles for Moxie's promotion, although she can't wait to fly to England and see Hero again in a few weeks. 

It will be the first time she travels to that country and she is beyond excited. She has always wanted to go and visit the London Eye, the Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and the famous Big Ben, just like a real tourist. It's true that when Hero invited her some days in February before the promo, she doubted at first because she was not sure about their relationship yet. However, even they haven't put a name to what they are, she was willing to discover it. 

- I will be glad to go, so don't roll your eyes. - Jo chuckles. - She is being nice. I can't wait to meet her either. 

- I know, but I wanted to spend the time you're going to be here with you. - He pouts. 

- Well, you can always come shopping with Mercy and me. - She shrugs funny. 

Crosby, Liverpool - England, 2026

Some minutes ago, when the show finished, all the parents picked up their children. Sofía run happily to where they were waiting for her at the main entrance, talking non-stop about how she was able to remember her lines. Now, they are waiting in the parking lot for Mercy to come and pick up Sofía.

This is not the way Hero had ever planned they would be meeting for the first time. Not in a school, not with a daughter in common. However, Mercy wanted to see her niece after the performance and take her out for lunch. And besides, soon or later they would have to meet.

On their wait, Hero exchanges a look with his daughter to confirm her aprovement. An aprovement that both father and daughter had been discussing that morning, before Josephine came as every morning to walk with them to school. 

- Me and Sofía have thought that maybe you can stay with us at home.  - He finally proposed her.

Jo opens her mouth several times as a fish out of the water, trying to find the words, and she can swear that Hero is smiling at her reaction. She looks at Sofía, but she finds her playing with the tinsel she wore at the show. Josephine understands that Hero wouldn't have invited her if the kid wasn't agree. Nevertheless, both agreed that morning that if Jo will be staying more time (none dares to say out loud how much more time), maybe it is better if she stays with them. It is a bit difficult due to the lack of bedrooms, but there is no sofa that cannot solve the problem.

- Thank you. I would love to. - She answers timidly.

Right after and before they can say anything else, Mercy parks her car next to them. 

- Auntie Mercy! - Sofía greets her loudly, running towards her. 

Mercy opens her arms to catch her and they both hug tightly. It seems that height is a strong strait in the Fiennes-Tiffin family, because Mercy is also very tall. She has short-straight-blonde hair and an amazing body. The make-up she is wearing fits her so good and she definitely knows about fashion, which would make sense on why she is studying Fashion Design.

- Hey. - She says smiling when she walks to them. - How are you?

The situation is less awkward than Hero or Jo expected, which they are very grateful. Mercy doesn't judge Josephine anytime or look at her with disdain. She could be spiteful to Jo for giving up on her own daughter and leaving Hero, but she is being the opposite to that. Mercy has decided that as much as she was angry too with Jo at first for what happened, if her brother has now given another chance to Jo, she should be respecting it and making it easy for them.

- So, we will be going to The Good Catch to eat lunch. - She informs after a brief introduction between Jo and her. - I will bring her home around five o'clock, because I have to do some errands later. 

- Sure. Text me when you finish. - Hero says before taking out Sofía's car seat from his car and giving it to his sister. - See you later, baby girl. - He kisses his daughter's cheek. - I love you.

- Bye daddy. - She says and holds Mercy's hand to walk away to the other car. - Bye Jo! - She looks back and waves her goodbye.

Neither of the three adults unnotice how she calls her "Jo". Still not "mom", but not "Josephine" anymore.

Once they see Mercy drive away, Jo excuses herself to go back to the hotel and pick up her things. She is afraid that they change their minds and uninvite her from the "pyjama party".

Hero offers to drive and come along her.

He could look for many excuses: that the hotel is too far away, that Crosby's streets are not very safe to walk alone or that suitcase is probably too heavy to carry. Yet, he just wants to be some time alone with Jo after so many emotions.