The Hook Family Secret (Former Title:Harry Hook's Secrets) (BOOK ONE)

Chapter 19

About 45 minutes later. Ben and Mal entered the eerily silent lounge room, what they saw brought smiles to their faces. Jay, Carlos and Evie were curled in Jay’s lap asleep. Audrey and Chad were asleep on the love seat, a forgotten book in their lap. While on the other sofa Thomas and Delphine were curled up on one side while Gil and Uma were on the opposite side with an asleep Faith in Uma’s arms reading something in Gil’s lap. Doug was sprawled across the floor on a cushion.

With a gentle “Ahem”, Gil turned to smile at both Mal and Ben who seemed to have sorted their differences out. Uma looked down at the sleeping baby in her arms before gently passing her over to her parents. Ben happily took his daughter. While Mal walked over to her friends laying a blanket over them being mindful of Carlos. With a shushing motion, Mal quietly helped Evie back to sleep, who had woken slightly. Jay’s arm tightened unconsciously around the two in his arms, bringing a smile to Mal’s face, she left light kisses on their foreheads. A reminder of the Isle.

Mal and Ben settled into a sofa to the side of the room, putting Faith down in the moses basket that Persephone had lent to them. Before, the two cuddled on the sofa with the basket in sight. Uma curled into the warmth of Gil as they looked towards the crackling fire dancing in its own world. The fireplace was beautiful in Uma’s opinion. The door to the room slowly inched open as an exhausted Diego came into view, he quietly walked around the room opening a cupboard to pull out an object which turned out to be a small box. Sharing a smile with the occupants he tapped Thomas’ arm as he passed. Thomas looked at the box and smiled knowingly before pointing at something on the wall. “Thanks” Diego whispered before pulling a painting off the wall and opening something within the wall. Finally reaching what he needed, he put the painting back securely. Turning around he found a few more occupants looking at him. “The Jolly Roger will be ready to set sail tomorrow night to get back to Auradon for the holidays. You all will be home soon enough and that includes your parents and the others who are currently in the east wing for the night”. Diego explained. 

“Why so soon?” Audrey asked. Diego shrugged, “I think there’s only so much we can do to keep you out of danger, that or Harry is ready to get off this island. I know I am”. Audrey smiled at the excuse before she stated, “It’s because of Hades, Hook and Adam isn’t it”. “Who knew one cutie would work it out” he cheekily replied, his smile grew watching a tint of pink grow on Audrey’s cheeks. Chad smiled at the banter relaxing further into the cushions, he enjoyed being in Diego’s company.

“I WILL NOT BE TALKED TO IN THAT WAY BY A MERE BOY!” a distinctive shout belonging to Adam echoed through the hallways. The yelling woke the occupants in the room, Mal held back a laugh at Carlos who’s hair stuck up in different directions as well as looking ever so tired. The struggle to wake up was evident on a few others faces. “YOU HOOKS ARE ALL THE SAME!”. “That's it!” Thomas exclaimed cursing as he stormed out the room in the direction of Adam’s voice.

“Hey, me and Gil will watch Faith and Carlos. How about you all find out what is happening” Uma suggested. Mal nodded in thanks as she dragged Ben by his sleeve in the direction of the yelling. Evie stayed behind as she didn’t feel like moving.

Arriving quickly Mal almost laughed at the site. Adam was trying to upstage the Hooks who were all together looking on, bewilderment evident in their features. Harry was lounging on Hades' throne as he watched Adam get himself worked up. “There is no way a mere child can rule Neverland!” Adam exclaimed. “How I don’t see a problem?” Captain Hook teased as Thomas spoke for the first time since listening in on the argument, “Why Auradon has a king from age 16”. “But, he is a villain!”. “You better watch what you say Adam as my father isn’t happy with anyone who doubts his youngest son!” CJ spoke. “BUT!...”