Hope's Love

Chapter Four: Santorini

Hope's POV

I finally know where we are after landing at the airport. We landed in Athens and then took 5 hour or so. I was amazed when I saw this island. When we were younger my parents brought us 8 year old's here to spend some time.

As usual dad had an event here, and mom was to attend as well. Me being 8 year old and very clingy to my parents wanted to go with them. So
they took Arielle and Dylan too, as they were used to spending time with us since the day we all learned to walk.

Walking down a familiar path I remember I fell off that stairs and made a really big fuss out of it.
Arielle and Dylan were trying their best to help me up and calm me down. But I didn't, then a little older boy came in front of me with a big
chocolate in his hand and asked me if he would share this chocolate with us if I promised not to cry. I, being the greedy one, stopped crying and got up like nothing happened and extended my arm asking for the chocolate.

He smiled and gave it to me and then all four of us shared and ate it on that step of Santorini island.
That's when I decided to call that boy the step boy of Santorini. I really hope we can meet again someday.
I did not get his name but he told us his dad was the owner of the hotel we are staying in. I hope they are still the owner and I hope I can recognize him.

"Hey, come on, let's go and find more about that boy" Dylan yells as we come into the view.
I give him a confused look and say, " Do you think he would remember us? Do you think he would still be here?"
"Don't worry, babe. He will be here, if not we will find him"
Arielle says, putting her hand on my shoulder.
I really hope, we get to meet him. I am excited and really thankful to him for making such good memories. We all did become friends and spent
day with him. His name was Ares, well that's all. There must be so many Ares, I think.

*

After roaming and looking around for a while, we finally reached the hotel where possibly Ares could be.
We went to the receptionist and asked her if there is someone called Ares here.
She smiled and said, " Just a minute, I will check and let you know. But do you know his full name?"
All three of us shake our heads.
She looks at the computer and types something. She looks at us with a
sad smile and informs, "sorry, no one of that name is staying here"
A disappointment spreads in my heart, we thank the lady and walk out of the hotel.
But then I remembered something, "Wait guys, I will be back okay?"

I quickly ran to the receptionist again and asked her, "Do you know who the owner of this hotel is?"
"Yes, Mam. His name is Mr. Abacus Ares Eliopoulos. Ah... Ares ? Is he this Ares?" She gasps in realisation.

"Mam, I am so sorry I did not know that..."
I cut her off and assured her, " Don't worry it's not your fault. I didn't even know his full name. Can you please tell me if he is here or
not?"

She says, " No Mam, right now sir Eliopoulos is not here but will be returning to check here in a few days. If possible please leave your
number here. I will make sure it gets delivered"
I thanked her and give my card after writing a small message behind it.

I hope this can help him remember us. We went to the beach next and had some fun there, it's been a while and I felt this fully overjoyed. This
vacation was a good idea.
"Hey, let's go down to the market, we can do some shopping"
Arielle suggests, the shopoholic of our group as she chucks her orange juice.
We are strictly prohibited from drinking as it is not good for my health so my dear best friends are also not going to drink it. So nice of them, I
thought.

I sit on the couch and scroll through my netflix, thank god for netflix being here. It;s middle of night and I can;t sleep, all I can think about is
him. If I could get any more clingy. I have to forget him, but how can I when all I can think about is that moment and him. We were just so happy, I need to get myself together before I break myself even more.

My phone suddenly blinks and looking at the notification has my heart beating so fast. Calm down! Calm down, Hope! It's probably nothing. I try to keep myself calm.
I open my lock screen and read the entire message. I got the job, I got the job. Oh my god! I am so happy. A happy squeak spills from my mouth and I control my scream as the idiots are dozing off. I have to tell everyone, I was about to dial the speed dial No.1 but stop myself as I remember. That we broke up.

This makes me sad again and I sit back on my couch and a memory flicks in my mind, how we got caught by my parents on our first date.

10 years Ago

A baby blue dress was hanging in my closet, waiting for me to wear it tonight.

I am so happy, I am finally going on my first date with my crush Adrian. Yes, finally! He asked me out. I am so excited and thrilled and nervous, my emotions are all over the place.
"Is this the dress you're gonna wear?" Arielle asks as she gets out of the bathroom. I have a beautiful yellow medium length sundress in my
hands.

Dylan who is lying there on the couch sighs and makes a remark, "yes, b*t*h! I selected it"
Arielle takes my hand and twirls me around and says facing Dylan," At Least you have a good taste of fashion. Otherwise Hope could just go to the date in her Pyjamas"
They started laughing as I pouted looking at them.
"Mean" I murmured under my breath. They look at me with same look in their eyes, which means 'We just true, girl'

"Now, come on let's go, we have to return before 8:30" Arielle speaks as she rushes over to get her and my purse. Dylan visibly shivers and mutters, " If Kabir Mamu, got to know what we are up to than I think he will have our heads"

"No, idiot only your head. He loves us." Arielle teases him and pokes her tongue out.
I sigh before anything gets serious and they both end up fighting and speak with urgency, "Now come one, let's go. It's my first date"

*

I arrived at a restaurant which Adrian had chosen and told me to be here at 6pm. I see Adrian waiting for me and a bouquet on the table.
He notices me and gets up and checks me out from head to toe, I walk towards him and he realises it and gives me the bouquet which I thank him for and helps me sit on the chair.
" You look incredible.From now on, Yellow is officially my favourite colour." He compliments me and I go all red and hot.
" Thanks" I express and he waves for a waiter who comes with two menus in his hands.
I look through the menu and order myself a vegan burger, with fries, and a coke to go with Adrian orders the same except his is cheese burger.

We chat about school, our hobbies until dinner is here, and I tell him how I am a vegan and he tells me his mom is vegan too.
"What the f**k is going on here?" I hear a familiar voice behind me. I look up from my plate and I see an angry dad and my mom behind him
trying to calm him down.
Flashback Ends

After that I was dragged to the car and home, Dad threatened Adrian to kill him if he ever is found near me again. I didn't even know Dad owned that restaurant until Aarth bhai told me.
My luck was already bad, but the thrill to meet him secretly was so exciting. I smile as the memory fades away, hoping so does that person too.

—————

Sorry it took time, I was editing it a little bit.

Thank you for reading.