Hosie~ One Shots

The Birthday Present Part 2

As Hope drove back to the house, her mind was in a fog. The lights from the streets blurred as she gripped the steering wheel, thinking about all the things she should have said. How had it all slipped through her fingers so quickly? By the time she arrived back home, the weight of missed opportunity sat heavy on her chest.

Meanwhile, back at the house, the Supersquad was still gathered, talking among themselves.

"I wonder what Hope's going to say to Josie," Lizzie said, pacing the living room as the rest of them sat on the couches. "I mean, it could go either way, right?"

MG, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, shrugged. "I think it's going to be good news. Hope looked like she was ready to make a move, you know? Maybe this is finally it for them."

Cleo glanced over, thoughtful. "But if she hesitates, if she isn't sure, then this could really complicate things for them. Josie's been holding these feelings in for so long... It could be heartbreaking."

Kaleb chimed in, arms crossed. "Yeah, but Hope's not the type to run unless she's sure. If she went after Josie, it means she feels something too, right?"

Jed nodded in agreement. "Right. But it's Hope. She's not the best at dealing with her emotions. It could've gone either way."

Lizzie stopped pacing, turning to face the others. "So what do we do? I mean, we'll know soon enough if it's good news or bad news. We just have to wait and see what Hope says."

The room fell quiet as they all exchanged uncertain looks, the tension hanging in the air. They were all thinking the same thing: whatever Hope had to say could change everything.

The sound of the front door opening made everyone jump to their feet. Hope stepped inside, looking exhausted, her face shadowed with sadness.

Lizzie was the first to rush toward her, followed by the others. "Hope! What happened? Did you talk to her?"

But then they saw the look on Hope's face, and the hopeful energy in the room deflated. Lizzie's voice softened as she stepped closer, her worry evident. "What happened?"

Hope let out a long breath, her voice thick with disappointment. "I... I missed her. She'd already gone through the gate, and I couldn't talk to her."

There was a heavy silence as the words settled in. MG ran a hand over his face, clearly frustrated on Hope's behalf. "Oh no..."

Kaleb cursed under his breath. "Damn, that's rough."

Lizzie, her heart aching for her friend, gently touched Hope's arm. "Are you okay?"

Hope shook her head, her eyes welling up with unshed tears. "I was too late. I ran all the way to the gate, but she didn't hear me. I tried to send a message, but I don't think she got it."

Cleo stepped forward, her voice gentle and supportive. "You'll still have your chance when she gets back. Two weeks isn't forever."

Hope gave a small nod, but the sadness in her eyes told them it felt like forever to her. "Yeah. I just... I didn't want to wait. I wanted to say something now."

Lizzie gave her a sympathetic look, squeezing her arm. "We know. But Josie will be back before you know it. And when she is, you'll have all the time in the world to talk to her."

MG tried to offer some lighthearted encouragement. "At least you know how she feels now. That's something, right? Maybe this gives you time to think about what you want to say."

Hope offered him a small, tired smile. "Yeah, I guess. I just hate that it feels like everything's up in the air now."

Kaleb nodded in understanding. "You'll figure it out, Hope. It's Josie. She's not going anywhere."