USWNT - High School

Chapter 47

Hope's POV

I was terrified of going back home, but I knew there was no getting out of it. Judy's car was still right there in the driveway, so my night wasn't over just yet.

I was thankful to Melody for calling Kelley, simply because I never would've done it myself no matter how much I needed her. My pride and ego would've gotten in the way as usual, but I'm done doing that now. If she actually goes through with her words, if she gives me a second chance, I'll do everything different. I'll be good to her, try my best to give her what she deserves and more so if possible.

Nevertheless, I need to survive this night first. The house was quiet, which was both scary and comforting at the same time. I felt bad for having left Melody alone there for this long, but then again I'm sure they had more to talk about then I did with Judy. Cause I didn't have anything to say to her, not at all.

"I got all the signatures I need." I could hear Melody speak quietly as I entered the house, and the two women didn't seem to notice me.
"Good. That's good." Judy spoke next, and her voice was still so unfamiliar to me. It was the voice of a stranger. "I guess I should get going then." She older woman continued, and I quickly realized they were heading my way.

"Hope." Judy was the first one to spot me by the door, and I was as surprised even though I shouldn't be. Her face in my house, it was not exactly a common sight.
"You okay?" Melody followed shortly after Judy and walked over to me. She put an arm around me and gave me a worried look. I nodded, not wanting to speak up in front of Judy again.

"I have signed off all my legal rights towards you, Hope. Melody is officially your guardian until you're legal yourself, and you don't have to ever see me again." Judy spoke now, and I was taken aback by her words. Was that what she came her for, to officially not have any responsibility for me ever again.
"The two of you have been doing just fine without me, you always have, and I have no right getting involved now. I've given you nothing but struggles and for that I am truly sorry. Let me just say this, if you ever want to ask me anything or somehow let me be a part of your lives, there's nothing I want more. For what it's worth, I regret leaving you more then anything. It'll always be my greatest failure." Her voice was cracking, but I still couldn't find it in me to feel sorry for her. I don't know if I believe her words, and frankly, her saying this is just extremely unfair. She's gonna put it on us now, let us be the bad guys for not forgiving her and letting her be in our lives.

"Don't forget your coat." Melody broke the silence, clearly feeling somewhat of what I was feeling. She simply walked over to the door and opened it, waiting for the older woman to exit. I saw the tiny bit of hope she had vanish from her eyes and the heartbreak she must be feeling inside, but it wasn't up to me to avoid that from happening. She had caused me so many heartbreaks over the years, she's watched that light go out in my eyes more times than I can count. She's walked out knowing there was a little innocent girl breaking down by it, and she never cared. And guess what, it's too late to start caring now.

Judy sighed deeply, before taking her coat and walking painfully slow out the door. I'm sure she was hoping one of us would break and give her a chance anyways, but she doesn't know us. She got two strong and stubborn girls that won't give in that easily, not that she'll get any credit for that.

Melody closed the door behind her, exhaling deeply as she leaned against it and closed her eyes. I could easily see how she was mentally exhausted from this, and I can only imagine what happened when I was gone.

"Wow." Melody let out a short word, looking more confused than anything else.
"You okay?" I asked back, knowing she wasn't as good at hiding how she really felt. We're different in that way. She looked up, visible tears in her eyes now, and I felt my heart tremble in my chest. She looked so broken.

"I'm just a bit overwhelmed, but I'm okay." She spoke up now, dragging her hand though her hair. She moved to go sit down on the couch in the living room, closing her eyes again.
"Did you meet up with Kelley?" She continued, still with her eyes closed. I didn't know what to say regarding the other subject, so went along with talking about something else.

"I did. Thank you." I answered, knowing it was all thanks to her. "Good. I'm glad." She breathed out, almost sounding like she was falling asleep. I was debating on whether or not to get a blanket and let her sleep here for a moment when she spoke up again.

"I like Kelley. She's good for you. Don't screw it up again, will you?" She continued with her sleepy voice, and I couldn't help but smile. It was strange having a family member care about who I was dating. I'd never had that before. Sure, there's always been Carli and Ashlyn who's been pretty vocal about it but hearing Melody say it was something else. I'm glad she likes Kelley. I know the two got to spend some time together when I was in the hospital, and hopefully we can all hangout again under better circumstances soon.

"I won't." I said sincere, just whispering it out. Melody's breathing was slowing down, and she was far gone by now. I get it, this day had been exhausting for lots of people. I got a blanket like I initially thought and carefully placed it over her. She didn't move.

I turned off the lights and got myself to bed as well. I felt the exhaustion hit my eyes the second my head hit the pillow, but my phone lighted up just before I could close my eyes.

'You're hopefully asleep by now, but if not then I just wanted to make sure you're okay. Call me in the morning regardless, will you? And Hope, it's going to be okay. I know it will' I read the words out loud in my mind, and couldn't stop smiling as I did. Kelley was thinking about me. I was likely the last thing she thought about before going to bed, and that means something, right? She went out of her way to make me feel better, and even though I don't deserve someone like her, I'm gonna do everything I can to keep her.