The Tribrid and Her Reflection {Book Two - - Complete}

It's Okay Not to Be Okay

Steaming porridge appeared in front of Hope, and she sighed with a small smile before picking up her spoon.

"What's wrong?" Newt asked with a crooked smile and a raised eyebrow as she skimmed the surface of her breakfast.

Hope shrugged and smiled. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how it will be a long time until I can have a Starbucks latte again."

Tilting his head to the side, he grinned slightly. "Is that something from the future?"

Grinning, she slid the spoon between her lips and pulled it out cleanly. "Don't worry. Nothing detrimental that will change the timeline."

It had been over a week since Hope's grand venture through the castle in an alternate universe. The mirror world side-effects were finally gone, and she felt more like herself again despite the constant urge to go hunting for the sick little weasel who kept screwing with her sanity.

Hope had been good to her word to Newt, though. She plotted with him and Albus and listened to their suggestions. She took them to heart rather than brushing them away simply because she disagreed. They were communicating on a whole new level.

Albus had become increasingly busy as news about something erupted at the Ministry, and he had been forced to deal with quite a bit of grief during his time off.

For most of this week, it had been herself and Newt. Obviously, much of their time was spent with the creatures, but the time that wasn't was used to research alternate dimensions. They hadn't much room for intimacy, and Hope grew with need each passing day.

The doors to the Great Hall swung open as Hope spooned more porridge into her mouth and glanced over.

Albus strode up to them with a broad smile and flushed complexion. It had been a while since he'd been present at the castle mid-day, let alone looking happy and relaxed.

Hope grinned and turned on the bench, leaning back against the table's edge as she crossed her ankles. "Why do you look like you just got some excellent-"

"I have some news," Albus interrupted quickly, casting a knowing look at her that held a playful edge, "go pack. We'll be leaving in a few hours."

Newt blinked as he set his spoon down. "What do you mean- where are we going?"

Hope, too, looked at him expectantly with a raised brow.

"Well," Albus chuckled as he sat on the bench next to Hope, he kept his voice lowered as he continued, "I just received an Owl from Queenie. She says they have three extra tickets for a play she'd like us to attend if we can. Seeing as I've been quite neglectful over the past week-"

Hope rolled her eyes. "Doing your job..."

Albus smirked at her but continued. "I would like some time away. A couple of weeks, I think, until I need to be back for the beginning of term responsibilities."

Excitement filled Hope like bubbling champagne. "In New York? For two weeks?"

"Or one," Albus nodded, "I had some thoughts to make a grand adventure of it. A week in New York and another week elsewhere if we choose."

Hope glanced at Newt and couldn't help but grin at his smile and bright eyes. A new anticipation filled the air, and it was contagious.

"We can think about that." Hope bounced a little in her seat, already thinking of what she needed to pack in her case.

"What play is it?" Newt asked at the same time.

Albus thought for a moment and nodded. "The Taming of the Shrew, I believe. A Shakespeare play."