Her Forever and Always

My Protector

~Josie's POV~
I was finally released from the infirmary this morning. As I was walking out the door of the infirmary room I was in I tripped over something blocking the door. As I groaned and pushed myself off the ground I realize I am face to face with a very naked, very red faced Hope Michaelson. "We really need to stop meeting like this Hope." I laugh out. Then it hits me she is still naked. I take off my sweater and give it to her and turn around. I finally hear her soft voice, "You can look Jo." I turn around slowly. We stare at each other for a few seconds before one of us says anything. " Is something going on Hope? I know I was hurt, but we've never really been that close and all the sudden you are growling at my sister and always outside my room ?" I ask cautiously. She looks panicked. Great. Wrong question. "Hope relax please and just talk to me." I said cautiously. She sighed and finally blue eyes made their way up to mine. "I don't know what's happening. I just have to protect you okay? That's my job. I can't watch you get hurt." She said quietly. Once the words registered in my mind I couldn't help but smile. "It's not your job Hope. You are a kid just like the rest of us." I say to her. She stands there a few minutes fidgeting before she finally speaks again. "I don't need to protect everyone. I need to protect you, Jo." She said without making eye contact with me. My heart swelled in my chest at that. I decided not to pry anymore seeing as she already looked visibly uncomfortable. "Okay Hope you don't have to tell my anything else until you're ready okay?" I say to her while smiling. I feel my phone buzzing in my pocket. I tear my eyes off of the beauty in front of me and pulled out my phone. Lizzie. Dammit. Now is not the time. "Uh it's Lizzie I should get going before I have her worried" I say. She looks at me like a lost puppy. "Yeah of course. I'll see you later Jo." She replies. I slowly turned and walked away. Only Hope on my mind.