Hopeful fighter

CHAPTER 11

AT THE COURT

The day of the trial has finally come and both the Morris' and Hope Solo are waiting for the judge to come and pronounce the sentence. If the Morris' seem really confident, Hope, on the other hand, is worried. She is afraid she is going to lose her daughter once again. And there comes the judge. It's time, Hope thinks, it's now or never.

Judge:" The trial has come to an end. George and Gwen Morris, Hope Solo, will you please stand up?"

The two sides of the trial do what they are told.

Judge:" After the previous events, I declare Ms. Hope Solo in charge of her birth daughter Abigail from now on. Mr. and Mrs. Morris, you will undergo another trial for domestic violence and abuse regarding your adoptive daughter. The case is officially closed."

It's done, Hope thinks. She is now in charge of Abby and all she wants to do right now is hug and kiss her beautiful daughter. On the way back to the hotel, she decides to stop at "Baked and Wired" to get a giant donut for Abby. 10 minutes later Hope arrives at the hotel. Part of her teammates are down in the hall just chilling.

Hope:" Hey guys, do you know where Krashlyn and my daughter are?"

Alex:" They're taking a nap in their bedroom. Why? Did something wrong happen?" (worried)

Hope:" Nope guys, I won the trial. Abby will be back with me."

Everybody:" Heck yeah Solo! We're glad!"

Hope:" Yeah me too guys, I'm so freaking happy!"

Tobin:" Go upstairs and make her happy as well. She has missed you so much, Hope."

Hope:" I'm going, thanks Tobs!"

Tobin:" Anytime"

Hope slowly enters Ash and Ali's room and she is warmly delighted at the sight of the three of them curled up together. She is about to head out when she suddenly hears a low whisper.

Abigail:" Hopey, is that you?"

Hope:" Hey honey, yes it's me, shh... go back to sleep"

Abigail:" I'm not tired anymore!"

Hope:" Yes you are ahah, just sleep for a little more and then I'll wake you up, okay?"

Abigail:" Okay, can we pretty please cuddle?"

Hope:" You're already cuddling with Krashlyn ahah"

Abigail:" But I want your cuddles Hopey" (pouting)

Hope:" Fine kid, come here"

Abby cuddles in her mother's lap and, while she runs her fingers through her hair, she falls one more time... or not.

Hope:" Why are you so pretty little Abby? When I look at you, I'm the happiest person on earth. I've done lots of mistakes in my life, but you're my pride and, from now on, we'll be forever together. I won the trial, you know? I'll take care of you for the rest of our lives. I love you, even if I'm scared that, one day or another, you'll reject me. My past is not crystal clear, there are lots of un-answered questions and sooner or later you'll find out many things that will upset you. But for now, just know that I love you"

Abigail slowly starts waking up and hugs her mother.

Abigail:" I love you too Hopey, it's just you an I and the rest of the world can go fuck itself" (laughing)

Hope:" You weren't asleep, weren't you?" (laughing)

Abigail:" Nope, just pretending. Don't worry, I'll never leave you" (smiling)

SEVERAL HOURS LATER

It's dinner time, the gals eating and talking about their day. Practice time wasn't really succesful, Jill wanted more and more efforts and the team was struggling. Abigail is sitting with Mal, Ali, Ash, Hope, Carli and Kelley.

Abigail:" So how was your day?"

Carli:" Stressful, I'm exhausted"

Kelley:" Yeah, same."

Mallory:" I just want to go to sleep. Do you want to come Abby?"

Abigail:" Sure Mal, I'm so tired"

Hope:" You've been sleeping all day long honey ahah"

Abigail:" Whatever ahah I'm tired"

Suddenly, two boys make their way into the room and Abigail lights up. She smiles and runs over to the blond, hot guy that is now standing next to her.

Abigail:" Luke! Oh my God I've missed you so much!"

Luke:" Hey Abby, I wanted to surprise you. Gosh, it's been so long, come here"

Abby and Luke hug and the gals start cheering for them. The couple makes its way to Hope.

Abigail:" So Hope, this is Luke; Luke this is Hope, my mother"

Luke:" It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Solo"

Hope:" It's nice to meet you too Luke, but please just call me Hope. Abigail has been talking so much about you" (smiling)

Luke:" She did? Mm... interesting" (smirking)

Abigail:" Oh shut up" (blushing)

Ashlyn:" You're blushing"

Abigail:" No, I'm not"

Ali:" Heck yes you are"

Abigail:" Hum, stop it"

Luke:" Do you want to hang out? I'd like to introduce you to my friend Etienne"

Abigail:" Sure, bye guys!" (smirking)

Hope:" Curfew is at 10 alright?"

Abigail:" Oh, fine" (frustrated"

Abby and Luke leave with Etienne, an exchange student from France. He's spending one year at Saint Claire's High School and he's hosted by Luke's family. While they're walking in the park, Hope receives a weird visit at the hotel. A policeman enters the room.

Policeman:" I'm looking for Ms. Solo"

Hope:" Yes, I'm here. Did something happen?"

Policeman:" It's about Liam Johnston"

Hope:" What happened to him?"

Policeman:" He's back in town"

Carli:" Who's Liam Johnston?"

Hope:" It's Abby's father"

Hey guys! I'm back! Sorry it took this long for the update but I've been super busy. I hope you enjoy it! Let me know what you think so far! :)  

Ps. the boy in the picture is Luke :)