Our Hope

22 - Cole

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

His fast-paced, ear piercing alarm repeated. Cole had chosen that one to force him to get up. Yet, he did not need it today. It was Monday morning. The day of Professor Petrov's test, and two days after Skye left. He woke up earlier than Hope to surprise her and clarify that he was serious. He had taken a shower last night, so he could leave right away. He bounced out of bed, brushed his teeth, and put on the clothes he had laid out.

He checked the time and it said 4:50am. It was black in his house. He pressed the light button on his viewer and used it to guide him to the kitchen. Gurgling sounds and the aroma of coffee greeted him. He enjoyed the boost it gave his brain, so he filled his thermos and left.

He walked outside. His bare feet pressed against the cool and coarse sidewalk. He gazed over at Skye's old house. He had sent her a few texts, the day she left, but had received nothing. With Skye gone, he focused his free time and thoughts on improving the ETFE film. They spent this weekend preparing for Petrov's test, but after this finished, he would spend every effort on improving the membrane.

A spattering of raindrops ricocheted off his back.

He stared up and saw dark clouds moving in with lower and faster clouds rushing past him. He felt the wind increase, suddenly. It engulfed him, forcing him backwards. He fought to reach the safety underneath Hope's front porch. He wore shorts and his legs were cold. When he made it, he checked the weather forecast for today. Yesterday they predicted a 30% chance of rain and now they changed it to 100% chance of rain with thunderstorms. Stupid rain.

He snuck into Hope's house and tiptoed to her room.

The lightning temporarily highlighted her silhouette. Her sprawled body was in an uncomfortable, but funny way with her face smashed against her headboard. Her neck bent on a ninety-degree angle. This would be hilarious, but now was not the time for jokes. So, he used her dimmer and raised her light enough to take a picture, several for later.

Then he set up his computer and began reading in the same chair she had at his house. He put out his coffee to pretend that he had been here working for hours. He tapped her shoulder, and she wailed frantically, "COLE! COLE, DON'T LEAVE ME!"

He rushed over and comforted her by rocking her back and forth.

She continued. "Cole, where are you? I can hear you, but I don't see you."

He said, reassuringly, "Wake-up Hope. I'm right here. Everything is fine. I'm right here and I'm not going anywhere. "

She was cold, shaking and tears streaked her face.

It had been years since this happened. And now, that was twice in a few days.

"What's got you so scared?" he asked.

She looked up at him, "You. Leaving me. Us failing."

He caressed his fingers through her hair.

He stared into her sad blue eyes. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere," he repeated.

She grinned at him. Then hopped out of bed and asked, "What time is it?"

"It's 4:58am."

"Oh, thank god. I just assumed we were late because you are here."

"I woke up early and brought coffee."

"Awesome." She took his thermos and sipped some. That was his, but he could get more.

She entered her bathroom, rinsed her face, and brushed her teeth.

Heavy rain pounded the windows.

"Is that rain?"

"Yep." He tossed his viewer to her, and she played the weather.

The hologram of a cheery brunette-haired weatherperson appeared. The chance of rain is 100%. Thunderstorms throughout the day. A high of 49 degrees and a low of 33.

"33 and rain? It will be cold and messy."

A white-haired female news anchor stated, "I hope you're pl..."

"Name Jinx!" Cole shouted.

"That's two in a row."

He reached over and pinched her arm, trying not to injure her on finals day. He would never hear the end of that if he did.

"We haven't practiced in the rain," Hope stated, nervously. "It's always sunny here, so we practiced for the sun."

"Whatever. Mars is much colder. I'm still trying to win."

"So am I, but we have not won yet."

Their equipment in their backpacks was for dealing with the sun. They would need to switch to rain hats and jackets before leaving. The temperature had lowered day by day, but it was still hot and sunny at the peak of the afternoon.

"Let's go eat and re-read the test instructions to make sure we didn't miss anything."

"Yes. We will need to leave early too."

Hope's mom stumbled down the stairs into the kitchen. They met her there.

She wore a robe and slippers. She yawned. "I thought I heard voices. Good morning." She hugged Hope and Cole.

"I came down here to get coffee," Hope's mom said, pouring a cup.

"It' nice to see you here for a change. Normally, Hope has to leave to wake you up." She nodded at Cole.

"Good luck, today. Make sure you bring your rain gear."

"Yes. We will."

She went back upstairs.

Hope stated, "Although, consider this more of a measuring stick of what we need to focus on now that you're back."

They ate breakfast, reheated vegetable omelets, hashed potatoes, and orange juice. They made that last night after their parents spent dinner discussing the best combination of food. At one point, a Kale and beet juice shake was on the table, so he was content with this meal. He did not enjoy it because there was very little salt or flavor, but they selected it for substance, not pleasure. This was also their lunch.

They headed back to her room and studied. One hour later. There was a knock on the door.

His mom peaked her head through the door. "Good morning. Your carriage awaits."

Cole grabbed his pack and triple checked his clothes and tools.

Hope stated, "Do not forget that food."

They sat in the back of his mom's car and he napped during the fifteen-minute drive.