Beloved | Hope Mikaelson

01 | A WALK AND A WOLF

I NEVER EXPECTED TO become a mother at such a young age. Eve, my daughter, was my entire world, and my closest friend – however lame that sounded. I don't have many friends, and I really never have. Now that I have Eve, I'm never lonely. She turned five months old last week, and I spent the whole day crying, knowing that my baby was growing and I couldn't stop it.

My own birthday– my seventeenth– was two and a half months ago. Josie and Lizzie baked a cake for me, and we ate it together in their room, which I appreciated. I love them, even if we don't hang out as much anymore. I'm closer to Jo than I am to Lizzie, but I love them both the same.

Today, Hope Mikaelson and my father were bringing in a new student: a werewolf from Atlanta named Rafael. Supposedly, he had a foster brother that was human, that a vampire would have to compel. Lizzie and Josie were doing the tour for the new boy. While I was busy with classes, I was fortunate that our school counselor, Emma, could watch Eve for me.

"Come on, Essie," Josie was presently begging me, her hands interlocked tightly in front of her chin. She was sitting on the end of my bed while I got a little bit of makeup on. "Please, do the tour with us."

I turned around on my heel to face my little sister. I sighed, planting my hands on my hips. She'd been begging me all morning to do this tour with her and Lizzie. I didn't really want to, meeting people wasn't my thing, but I couldn't say no to her when she looked at me like that.

Eve had Josie's big brown eyes, which was dangerous, when it came to making me cave into things. I could only imagine what Eve would be like when she was old enough to beg me. I would certainly be toast.

"Fine," I sighed out, dragging out the word.

Josie was instantly on her feet, a wide smile on her face as she pulled me into a hug. Together, we grabbed Lizzie, and then the three of us made our way to the entrance of the school while we waited for Dad to get back.

"Welcome to The Salvatore School," Lizzie began in a blissful tone, her bright smile on display. "We're your tour guides."

"I'm Josie," Josie said, introducing herself to Rafael and Landon, who stood in front of us.

"I'm Lizzie," Lizzie repeated right after. She turned to me, "This is Esme."

I gave Rafael and Landon a small, polite smile.

"We're all sisters." Lizzie explained happily.

"Me and Lizzie are twins. Essie is our big sister by a little over a year." Josie further elaborated to the two boys.

"We're fraternal. Obvs." Lizzie playfully added, though Rafael didn't seem so amused.

"Rafael," Dad spoke up. "Why don't you go ahead with the girls while I talk to Landon."

Josie was moving in an instant, going over to Rafael to interlock her arm with his. Lizzie was right after her. I gave a soft sigh, hoping only I heard it. Though, I saw Hope Mikaelson give me a small, private smile, a twinkle in her eye. I blushed, realizing that she did hear me. I joined my arm with Lizzie's.

"Morning, Hope." Josie voiced to the girl.

"Morning," I softly greeted, turning to look at her once more, one of my small smiles on my face.

"Morning, Hope." Lizzie tacked on, not wanting to be the only one who didn't say something to her.

"Morning, girls." Hope's warm, smooth voice replied calmly. I had never realized it before, but she had an oddly soothing voice.

"More like despair." Lizzie just had to add.

"I heard that." Hope called after them as they began walking.