Key to His Heart (Sequel)

Only Everything

While Jake was in the bathroom, Richy texted Hope that they were pulling up outside. Her stomach clenched with anxiety. It was better with Jake still in the other room because she thought Lilly and Hannah should probably be sitting down when they saw him.

She took a deep breath and opened the door. She heard a cacophony of voices outside, with Richy hushing them. "Ladies, please, let's just go inside and then all your questions will be answered."

Hope stood quietly, looking at her friends she hadn't seen for so long. Richy and Jessy looked up and saw her first, and wide grins broke out on their faces. She felt tears stinging her eyes because she had missed them. They had been her lifeline when she couldn't be with Jake, and they were the first people who were her real friends.

"Hope?" Hannah said in disbelief. She rushed to her and hugged her tightly. "Oh, my goodness, it's so good to see you!"

"Please come inside," Hope invited quietly, taking Hannah by the hand and leading her to the sofa. As soon as she let go of her, Lilly reached for a hug as well.

"I missed you, Hope," Lilly whispered. "How have you been?"

Hope smiled. "I missed you, too. And I've been good. Please, sit down," she urged Lilly, worried that Jake would come out any moment.

She turned to Jessy and Richy and they bracketed her in a hug. "The three musketeers together again!" Richy cheered. "Where is he?" he whispered.

"The other room," Hope whispered back.

"Does he know?" Jessy whispered.

"What's with all the secrecy?" Lilly wanted to know. Then Jake was standing in the hallway. He met Hope's eyes and she smiled at him. He smiled back, then looked anxiously at his sisters.

Hannah screamed, and Lilly's hands flew to her mouth. "Guys, calm down," Richy cautioned as Hope flinched at the noise. Hannah kept screaming, and Jake moved swiftly across the room and gathered Hope in his arms, covering her ears from the noise.

He looked concerned for Hannah, but Hope was always his priority. "Hannah, please lower your voice and we can discuss this," he entreated.

Hope took his hands from her head and kissed them. "I'm alright," she told him. "Talk to your sisters."

"Hello," he said, feeling completely awkward. He sat down on the coffee table in front of them. "I–I am sorry that I didn't..." he sighed. "I don't even know what to apologize for."

"We understand," Lilly responded and took his hand. "I'm so happy that you're alive."

Hannah had quieted down and nodded, grabbing his other hand. "Jake, I'm the one who needs to apologize. What I did was so messed up. There's no excuse for my behavior."

"There might not be an excuse, but there were reasons," Jake replied. "Hope told me you went to counseling."

"Yes. I was so depressed, thinking that my–my deranged mind got you killed. And you don't need to say you're sorry for hiding it from me. I understand. I couldn't be trusted. But I swear to you I won't tell anyone. Not our parents and not even my therapist. I'm so happy to see you, and I'm sorry you had to get hurt so badly because of me..."

Jake sighed. "Um, can we not talk about this anymore?" He released both of their hands and stood up, then backed up until he was next to Hope again. He sat on a chair and pulled her into his lap.