Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 10: Exclusivity

"Knock knock!"
Josie opens up her door, revealing Hope's best friend, Raf, on the other side.
Josie and Lizzie had just finished getting ready to attend Hope's party for the Mystic Falls High football team, to celebrate the completion of their first week of practice. Josie isn't quite sure what her and Hope are as of right now, but she knows they have something special. She hopes the feeling is mutual.

She's excited to see Hope again, since they haven't spent any time together since their date. Hope had to be at practice everyday after school, and Josie had her own football practices to attend. She's thankful Hope had invited them and that Raf was willing to drive them all there: Josie, Lizzie, and MG.

Josie updated MG and Lizzie on the situation between herself and Hope, which they both responded very well to. Lizzie loves Hope's style and her humor, MG thinks she's pretty badass. Josie loves it all. Everything about the girl. She was amazing.

"Hi Raf, all ready to go?" MG, Lizzie and Josie had all been hanging out in the girls' room before the party.

"Yeah, Hope got back to her house a few minutes ago, a lot of people are already there." They make their way out to Raf's truck, heading to Hope's house. Josie isn't sure what to expect, though she assumes her house is rather large, since everyone seems to want to have parties there.

They drive out to the edge of town, pulling up at a large, white 2-story house, and there's already a ton of people inside and out.

"This house is huge." MG's jaw is to the floor.

"Yeah, you should see the other one." Raf's reply leaves Josie puzzled.

"What do you mean 'other one'?"

"Her family owns a ton of houses, two of them are in Mystic Falls. Hope just chooses not to go to the other one, but from what I've seen, it's legit a mansion." Josie knew Hope's family must've had other houses since they always leave and come back to visit Hope, but she didn't expect this.

They all get out of the truck, making their way through the sea of teens in the front lawn. Once they're inside, Josie begins to look around a bit more. There's beautiful art on the walls, but no family portraits. Many first edition novels on the shelves, no family photo albums.

Raf leads them out the back door, which opens up to a large pool and hot tub. Raf spots Hope before the others, having a drink on one of the lounge chairs, talking to Maya, Ethan, and some girl named Dana. Once Hope sees them approaching, she hops up out of the chair, rushing over to them.

"Hey guys, I'm glad you could make it!" She gives MG and Lizzie a wave, pulling Raf and Josie into a hug and leaving a peck on Josie cheek. "I've missed you."

Josie is pretty sure Hope is already tipsy, by the giddiness she's exuding. Maya walks over wrapping her arm around Hope's waist, an action Josie wishes didn't make her jealous. She and Hope aren't official and Maya is just Hope's friend, she doesn't have a reason to be jealous. "Little Red's already had herself a few drinks, isn't that right?" She turns her head toward Hope. Now with the nickname. Josie really shouldn't feel this threatened.

Hope nods her head, "It's been a looong week...Oh! I forgot! Maya, this is Lizzie, MG, and Josie. Guys, this is Maya, and Ethan's over...there." Hope points at him, and he waves from his seat. Okay, Josie actually thinks this is quite comical. Hope is usually the one with all of her ducks in a row, never stepping out of line. This is a new side of her that Josie's seeing. Relaxation looks good on her.

It takes a lot to get Hope feeling tipsy, since her body secretly heals supernaturally. She had a few extra drinks so that she could relax a little bit. She knows the feeling won't last long.