herophine - Trouvaille

Chapter 46

Crosby, Liverpool - England, 2027

When Josephine exposed her desire of not living in Crosby and her arguments about it, she was expecting Hero's opposition.

But it didn't arrive.

Mainly, because Hero already suspected it. Crosby is just him and Sofía. He knows and appreciates Jo's effort during the last four months since she first arrived to the town. However, she feels as an outsider and he also feels her as an outsider. Therefore, he knows that the best thing to do is to start from zero all together.

Now, when and where? Those are the big questions. They only have clear "why".

They spend the following nights debating a place, with its pros and cons. But they never get to a conclusion. Josephine feels that in Los Ángeles they will be chased all the time by paparazzis. Bulgaria is too cold and too far away from his family, Hero discusses. It is a very complicated decision. They haven't even talked about it with Sofía, who probably won't be too happy with the idea of leaving her friends and the only house she has known.

Some weeks later they are about to flip a coin, when a new situation happens and is what makes them finally decide.

As every year, before the half-term holidays for Easter, Miss Mary calls every parent for an individual meeting and talk about the progression of their child. When she calls Sofía's, Miss Mary doesn't expect more than Hero's appearance. An interview where there were just the two of them would be full of awkward silences though, due to the cancelled date. However, to the meeting they appear Hero and the woman who Sofía already refers with total naturality as her "mommy". The teacher is aware of Josephine's story since it popped in the news, and she surely doesn't have positive thoughts about her.

When they get to the classroom, they greet each other in such a polite and cordially way that Mary Poppins would cry of proudness. Jo doesn't want to show how uncomfortable the situation seems to her, while Miss Mary tries to figure out what makes that woman special that Hero likes about her. The teacher has obviously noticed that he smiles much more now.

After having a short conversation about Sofía's skills during the course, it's time for Miss Mary to break out the big guns.

- We have already talked about it in other ocassions... As for me, I think that it would be good to start with Sofía the "High Capacity Students' Protocol". - By using the plural "we", Miss Mary has explicitly let Jo outside from the conversation.

Josephine turns immediately to look at Hero, trying to be subtle and not show that this is the first new she has about the protocol. Sofía is a really smart child, Jo knows it. The speed at making puzzles is a good prove of it. But not to the point of being necessary a protocol for high... how did she call it? Jo bites her tongue to not ask and look foolish because she doesn't know anything about children in general, including her own daughter.

Meanwhile, Hero avoids Josephine's glances. It is probable, that he omitted that topic in their conversations about Sofía.

- And, as we have already talked, I don't think that it is appropiate such protocol for a six-years-old. - He answers.

Hero believes he knows what he is talking about. He went through that protocol himself when he was at school. He knows how much preasure it is and he doesn't want his daughter to go through that. He is forgetting that the decisions about Sofía can't be taken all by himself now, though.

- I know, Hero. But, you have to understand that your daughter is a brilliant kid. It would be a pitty to waste all her potential.

They intertwine their arguments while Josephine limits to stare at them, feeling small and insignificant. She feels like she should contribute something.

- Do you think this school is the most adequate for Sofía?

Both adults remain silent and look at her. Perfect, feeling smaller and out of place is not what she needs right now. Nevertheless, the surprise is enormous when Miss Mary speaks again.

- Actually, I think there are other schools in United Kingdom that are more prepared to attend Sofía's necessities. - She tells and Jo nods.

- What about London? - She then asks without looking at Hero.

Miss Mary starts talking about all the schools around London and their characteristics. Jo pretends to listen her, aware that Hero is staring at her.

- Is London where you want to live? - He interrupts.

He knows it is not the moment nor the place to stablish this conversation, but he can't hold it back.

They have never talked about London as their forever home. Hero had assumed that Josephine didn't want anything to do with United Kingdom, and not talking about this place was an obstacle in their decision. However, he remembers how much she wanted to visit London since they met.

They finally look at each other in the eyes, and once again without using words they know that it doesn't matter where they live. Them together, is where home is.

______________

Hii,

i thought that posting a chapter was a good way to wish you a Merry Christmas!

i know this is not a very good chapter, but i haven't known how to continue writing the story and this is a slow transition to new ideas i have in mind. also, sorry because i have lost practice on my writing skills... please, be patient with me and i promise i will give you all the end you deserve and want for Jo, Hero and lil Sofía.

until next chapter!

Xx.

ps.: do you like the place where they will finally be living?