herophine - Trouvaille

Chapter 39

Brixton, London - England, 2026

Hero has made sure that Sofía sleeps a good long nap after lunch, that way she is able to keep up awake the whole evening. At least until twelve o'clock, just in time for when the Big Ben's twelve bells marks the end of the year.

Everyone is gathered in Martha's living room with the television on, waiting patiently for the big moment of the night. Sofía can't stop spinning around to make her flare dress dance and shine. She is more than happy to have all her family together celebrating New Year's Eve. Hero, grammy Martha, Mercy, Titan and his girlfriend are all there as every year, so there is little difference with the previous celebrations. However, having Jo with them this year it's a big difference fro everyone.

Josephine can't avoid feeling nervous about tonight. During the dinner she was calmer because it looked like a regular dinner, despite everyone was dressed up too formal. But, right now while waiting in the couch next to Hero for the twelve strikes of the bells, reality is hitting her and the nerves of spending their first welcoming of a new year together are increasing rapidly.

The smile on her face is frequent when she looks at Sofía and her happiness filling the room. It is also frequent her subtle looks to Hero and her cheeks flushing. Even though Josephine didn't admit it during the firsts years, she has always found Hero very attractive. And in this exact moment, she finds him much more than just attractive.

It is rare to see Hero wearing anything that aren't sweatpants and a plain t-shirt. Every once in a while he wears track jeans which they fit him really good, however nothing can be compared to what he is wearing tonight. Black tight jeans plus a white long-sleeve shirt. Since when does Hero Fiennes-Tiffin wear a shirt? Bet that only for modelling inquiries and New Year's Eve. But because he is not a model anymore, could it be New Year's Eve every night? We need Hero wearing a shirt more often, Josephine needs him wearing it. 

- Okay, everyone ready. - Martha squeals in excitement. - Here we come 2027! 

The screen starts retransmitting England's capital all decorated with bright lights and a lot of people reunited in the main streets, not taking their sight from the enormous clock. Just like people will be doing at Times Square in Manhattan or at La Puerta del Sol in Madrid, cause saying goodbye to a year is a very special ocassion.

- Eight, seven, six... - Sofía gets down from her grandmother's arms and runs to her father's. Hero lifts her with just one arm, picking her up and placing her in the space between him and Jo. - Three, two, one... - They count in chorus. - Happy New Year!

They all have a big smiles of joy on their faces and raise their champagne glass to toast once again. It isn't their first glass of champagne of the night, but it is from 2027. Then, they begin wishing their Happy New Year's Eve to one another in between hugs.

Still holding his daughter, Hero hugs his mother and smacks a kiss on her cheek. Then they come soft pats to his brother and a warm hug to his sister. The best for last, obviously.

- Happy New Year, my baby girl. - He holds Sofía even closer, snuggling her into his chest and walking towards Josephine. - Happy New Year, Jojo. - He holds Sofía with one hand and surrounds Jo with the one he has free, pulling her close into a hug and kissing her hair.

- Happy New Year, Hero. - She looks him at the eyes. If looks could kill... - Happy New Year, Sof. - Jo smiles to her and caresses her chubby cheek.

- Happy New Year, Jo. - She answers with her dimpled smile.

For everyone's surprise, the little girl opens her arms letting go Hero's neck and tilts towards Josephine, who widens her eyes startled by her gesture. Jo stretches out her arms, Sofía lets herself picked up, and afterwards she pulls Josephine into a hug. Hero is as startled as Jo is, and he is pretty sure that Jo is about to tear up. They knew that the relationship mother-daughter was getting better, but their daughter's gesture really surprised them for good.

Minutes later, when the tender moment ends, they are all get ready to walk out the door. For most british, the party has just started. Titan is going to his girlfriend's parents house to continue celebrating. Mercy will spend her evening going to pubs, and Martha will probably also party until sunrise.

Hero instead, has other plans on mind.

After making sure that Sofía is wearing her coat and scarf, he leaves the house with both girls. London has cool ways to celebrate New Year, nevertheless Brixton does not stay behind. He drives to Brockwell Park, where they walk around for a bit when they arrive. They cross their path with many other Londoners and tourists on their way to celebrate too, although the darkness of the night helps them to go unnoticed.

Sofía is dazed and worried by all the people around, so she clings tight to her daddy's hand. Likewise, with her other hand she clings to Jo's hand. That way none of them get lost. She shouldn't be losing her parents, now that at last has two.

Holding their hands, they approach the location where the firework display is going to take place in the park. When the exhibition begins, Jo thinks about her first days with them when she felt like an intruder in their lives. Not even in the best of her fantasies would she have imagined what would happen next. Meanwhile, Hero's stomach shrinks as he sees both girl's same pair of blue eyes sparkling at the fireworks that rip through the sky.

The next hour they enjoy the live concert moving at the rhythm of the music. Josephine, emboldened by the champagne, holds Sofía's hand and drags her to dance with her. The kid can't stop laughing while Jo makes her spin around again and again, and Hero can't stop showing his dimples while watching them dancing and goofing around.

With a six year old almost asleep in his arms, Hero can't go party as he used to go. He can't go from pub to pub like his sister Mercy or like his old friends are undoubtedly doing right now. However, he wouldn't change any of the pasts New Year's for anything, much less this New Year Eve.

There are only a few meters left until they reach the car, when Hero whispers something in Sofía's ear. She rises her head, which she was resting on her dad's shoulder and looks at him for a brief second.

- Jo. - She calls her with a soft mumble, stretching her arm to pull Jo's coat and catch her attention. Jo gets closer to her, trying to hear her over the loud music still playing at the park. - Daddy just asked me to give you a message.

- Tell me, sweetheart. - Jo says after giving Hero a confused look, though he is distracted looking for the car.

- He said to me "tell mommy that next year we will be watching the fireworks from the London Eye". - Sofía slowly savours the word she hasn't used much in her short life, but which enjoys how it sounds from her mouth.

And just like that, with some days of delay after Santa Claus, Hero gives Josephine two of the best Christmas gifts.

Her daughter calls her "mommy" and Hero makes her future promises.

Sweet, strong and marvellous Hero, who has opened his life to her and confides his daughter, is willing to plan a future with her. Last time they played that game of promises it went wrong, and Josephine is scared of believing it at all. But, she has zero doubts about how she feels towards him. Towards both of them. 

She holds Hero's hand and squeezes it. Jo smiles at him and Hero responds with another smile. They keep walking hand in hand the rest of the way back to the car, oblivious from their daughter's smile. 

A smile much bigger than theirs. 

__________________

Hii,

nice and cute chapter to celebrate our Jojo's 24th birthday!

Xx.