Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 39: Heirloom

Note: I have to say, these next few chapters are some of my absolute favorites of the entire story; I really hope you all enjoy them. Thank you for supporting the story thus far!

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Josie, Lizzie, and Alaric arrive at the Mikaelson Manor early in the afternoon. They get their belongings out from the trunk of the car, things to prepare for their party and their overnight bags. Rebekah offered for them to stay after the party ends, and Lizzie didn't hesitate to accept. Josie didn't decline the offer, since Lizzie told her that Hope would be staying overnight as well. The Saltzman's and Mikaelson's and Hope, all under one roof for an entire night. It's slightly unconventional, but Lizzie and Josie are excited regardless.

Of course, Freya, Vincent, and Davina helped Hope put up a strong barrier spell around their property, so that no monsters will be able to break through. Keelin and Nik are going to hide out toward the back of the house until the Saltzman's leave in the morning, since Josie has been introduced to the both of them as Hope's aunt and little cousin. They can't exactly reintroduce themselves as Mikaelson's now.

Lizzie called Hope early this morning, sounding desperate for Hope's help with her hair for the party, so Hope was sure to get her own hair and makeup done before the Saltzman's arrival to the Mikaelson Manor. She still remains in informal attire for now, considering they still have plenty of time before the party starts, and Lizzie hasn't even showed her the dress that she and her mom picked out for her to wear tonight.

Currently, Hope stands in front of a full-length mirror, observing herself and the details of her bedroom in the reflection her mirror provides. She knows it all seems so exquisite, the fine furniture, the luxury duvet and comforter of the king bed, the splendid drapes and decor, but as she studies herself in the reflection, she finds an emptiness still, opposing the implication of fullness in her surroundings.

She sees her gift for Josie, beautifully wrapped, sitting at the foot of her bed. Lizzie and Josie both told her not to get them anything else, considering she's already given them the expensive ballgowns and accessories that they'll be wearing tonight, but she couldn't resist her own urge to give this particular item to Josie.

She lets out a small sigh. Hope has lived her entire life bouncing back and forth from sophisticated homes, among a relentlessly protective family, with incredibly entertaining and supportive friends.

All of those things would suggest that she's had an utmost fulfilling life all along. And yet, she's come to realize that she had actually been living her life so elegantly desolate, utterly empty for so long... until she met Josie.

"Hope! The Saltzman's have arrived!" She hears Kol call from downstairs.

She adjusts a strand of her hair before exiting her room and making her way down the stairs. She looks toward the front door, seeing that Rebekah had already opened it to invite them in.

Josie catches sight of Hope descending the staircase as she steps through the corridor, her body freezes and her jaw drops instantly. A small astonished gasp leaves her lips. Hope looks to her worriedly, but Lizzie just smirks at her sister, knowing exactly why she reacted in that way.

A single word escapes Josie, sounding breathier than she'd like to admit, "Wow."

Hope approaches the Saltzman family now, a slight blush making its way to her cheeks as she realizes that Josie was admiring her appearance. She tries to dismiss the indirect compliment, "Jo, I'm not even dressed yet."

Josie swallows thickly, her eyes locking into Hope's, "You're absolutely perfect."

Hope opens her mouth to respond when Kol clears his throat, and Hope remembers that Lizzie, Alaric, and her entire family, aside from Keelin and Nik, are standing in the corridor with them.