Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 21: Epiphany

January 3rd
Hope and Freya make it back to Mystic Falls early in the afternoon. Hope stays with Freya to help her unpack. Once they are done putting all of their stuff away, Freya can tell that Hope keeps shifting on her feet. It's obvious she wants to go see Josie, but doesn't want to be rude and leave her aunt there, "Honey, you've been with me for 3 weeks, you can go see your friends at the school if you'd like."

"Are you sure, because if you need me to stay—"

"Hope, go. I'm sure they want to see you too."

Hope smiles and hugs her aunt before leaving and heading to the Salvatore School. She isn't even parked before Josie is running outside to see her. Hope gets out of the car, and as soon as her feet hit the ground, Josie jumps up, wrapping her arms and legs around her girlfriend and putting her head into the crook of her neck, bringing her into a tight embrace, "I missed you so much."

Hope laughs as Josie clings to her, wrapping her arms around her girlfriend, "I missed you too, Jo."

Josie smiles, pulling her head out from Hope's neck, eyeing her lips as she lets her own legs release themselves from Hope's waist. Hope begins to lean in to kiss her, when she's bombarded again. It's Lizzie this time, not necessarily as clung to Hope as Josie had been, but it's still comical, "Lizzie, I asked for literally 10 seconds—"

"And I gave you 12, you're not the only one who missed Hope." Lizzie finally releases Hope.

"I missed you too Lizzie."

Lizzie sticks out her tongue at Josie, "See? She missed me too." Hope rolls her eyes at them.

"I think I've got you both beat, it's been months since I've seen Hope." Caroline walks up to the three girls.

"Hi Caroline, good to finally see you again," Hope walks over to her, pulling her into a quick hug. It's still so weird for Josie, her mom and Hope know each other so well. She definitely prefers this over them disliking each other though.

"Likewise, we have a lot to catch up on. If you don't mind, I'd like to see you in my office before you head home later." Hope gives her a warm smile and a nod, Caroline looks between her and Josie, noticing their joined hands and smiles, "For now, Lizzie I think we should give these two a minute to catch up. You can help me in my office."

Lizzie smiles, she hates working but loves spending time with her mom, "Okay, Jo don't forget to give Hope the—" Josie gives her a look that says 'shut up' and Lizzie realizes her mistake. She was about to spoil the surprise, "—the update on the shoes I got for Christmas."

Hope looks between the two of them confused as they give her innocent smiles in return. "Can't wait to see them."

Josie squeezes Hope's hand, "Well, we're gonna go now—"

"Hey, Little Red!" Raf comes running up to them, wrapping Hope in a crushing hug. Josie facepalms and Lizzie smirks at her sister's frustration.

"Hey Raf, how's your break been?" She's trying to be polite, but she also just wants to be with Josie alone.

"It was dope, we all hung out a bit, but you were dearly missed. I don't know how we ever made it without you." Raf pretends to be hurt by putting his hand over his heart.

Hope lightly shoves his shoulder, "Shut up. You know you missed me."

He chuckles as they hear yet another voice calling to them, "Hope! I didn't know you were coming home today!" It's MG. Great, more people. Josie can feel Hope rubbing circles on the back of her hand to ease up her frustration, but it doesn't work very well.