My Heart Skips a Beat

The Date

After a 20 minute drive they pull into the Mystic Mall parking lot. Hope parks the car and turns off the ignition. "We're here" Hope gets out of the car and walks over to open Josies door.

She takes Josies hand gently into hers and helps her out of the car. "Thank you." Josie says softly. When she gets out of the car they grab her white stick and start walking to the mall entrance.

As they walk into the mall Hope starts listing the stores that are near by. "Ok, so they have Forever 21, H&M, Hollister, Spencer's...and....Victoria Secret." A light blush climbs onto Hopes face as she says the last store.

"Jeez Hope, on the first date at least take me to dinner first." Josie teases. Hopes eyes widen and she starts to panic. "NO-that's not what I meant, I was just-It was one of the stores around us-I wouldn't do that on the first date-unless...I mean-" Josie starts bursting out laughing.

The people waking by looked at them weird. The blush on Hopes face is now bright red. "Hope, Its fine I was just joking" Josie says out of breath. Hope shakes her head.

"Can we just go buy the sweater now." Hopes says embarrassed. "Awww, Ok let's go to...H&M. I have a feeling you'd like the store." Hope grabs Josies hand and they walk into the store.

Hope guides Josie over the the fall section and they start sweater searching. "Here this one is similar to the one you had on the day we met. Ooo but this one feels the same to that one." Hope continues to collect a couple more sweaters.

"You remember what I wore that day?" Josie asked in awe. Hope chuckles nervously, "Uh, yeah...it's kinda hard to forget, it was yellow." Josie smiles at this. After they've picked out a descent amount of sweaters they head to the fitting room.

When they get to the changing rooms Hope hands Josie the sweaters. "Here, I'll close the door and you can pick out which one or ones that you like the best. I'll just be on the other side of the door." Josie smiles again. "Ok, thanks Hopey." Hopes smile drops.

"Really! You too?!" Hope groans. Josie giggles as Hope closes the door. As Josie starts trying on her clothes one of the H&M employees walks over to Hope. She's a little taller than Hope with tan skin and raven black hair. "Hi" the girl says. Hope turns to the girl. "Hey" The dark haired girl leans against the wall and eyes Hope up and down. Great.

"I'm Penelope." She says with a small smirk. Hope feeling uncomfortable but not wanting to be rude reply's back. "Hope." The girl, Penelope, moves a little closer  and Hope moves back. "I'm sorry did you need something?" Hope asks. "Yeah I was wondering if I could get your number?"

"No, I'm sorry I have a girlfriend." Hope says backing further away from the girl. Penelope only walks closer. "Really I don't see her." Before the girl could get any closer the fitting room door swung open.

"She's right here." Penelope turns around and Hope takes this chance to run over to Josie. "Really, this is her?" The girl says unimpressed. Josie bows her head with a sad expression on her face. Something flips in Hope and she suddenly feels protective over Josie.

"Yes. This is my girlfriend and if you have a problem with that then I suggest you pick your next words very carefully. I could make your life a living hell." Hope says sternly and takes a threatening step forwards. Penelope was about to make a snarky retort when she sees the Mikealson crest on Hopes necklace.

Her eyes widened in realization. She doesn't think twice to scurry off away from the two girls. Head bent down and Hope could hear her mumble under her breath something about her 'not being that hot'. It doesn't matter. What matters now is Josie.

Hope turns back to Josie and takes her hands into her own. "I'm sorry you had to hear that." Josie smiles. "It's fine at least now I know you're loyal." Hope let's out a light laugh. "Was there ever a doubt." Josie hums. "No not really."