The President's Daughter (Original) ✔️

8. Two Can Keep a Secret...

A/N: Because a reader is begging me to upload before the scheduled time, here's an early chapter. :)
Also note that Hope's Secret Service are in their car watching the house from outside.

Hope's POV

When I arrive home, I immediately start on my homework. If my mother finds out I'm not finished, she'll use it against me when I beg her on my knees to allow me to go. In retrospect, I should've asked for permission before even asking Damien on a date.

I decide to ask her sooner than later so it wouldn't be much of a hassle. I find her in the library, reading through some papers.

"Mom-"

"Ask your father," She answers without looking up.

"Please?" My voice comes out as a whine.

She looks up and scoffs. "Judging by the stupid smile on your face, you're here to ask me about a date aren't you?"

"What? No!" How can she read me so easily?

She smiles at me. "Ask your father. You know I'll say yes."

"I'll come to the state dinner?" I offer.

She looks back at her papers. "For real? I didn't think you had a choice."

"Mom-"

"Fine," She rolls her eyes but smiles as she gets up and kisses my forehead. "Have fun, okay? But not too much fun. I'll call Sean."

By the time it's 8:00 pm, I've completed note-taking of the rap battle between James Madison and Thomas Jefferson against Hamilton in Cabinet Battle #1, which was a little over half of the soundtrack. My mom and I would always tease my dad since he shared the same last name as James Madison.

Madison, you're mad as a hatter, son, take your medicine
Damn, you're in worse shape than the national debt is in!
Sittin' there useless as two shits
Hey, turn around, bend over, I'll show you where my shoe fits!

Before I know it, I'm having a pain-inducing mini concert. I start to get ready at 10, and by 11:30, I've finished my makeup and picked an outfit, my usual loose curls flattened until it's straight. I slip into a plum grey dress with white platform heels. I pick a small diamond stone necklace, a birthday present from my dad last year.

I make my way to the West Wing, greeting David Stokes, the National Security Advisor as he steps out of the Vice President's office.

"Your father's bowling," He informs me. I thank him and head down to the first floor. Sure enough he's in the Bowling Alley with my mother. It was built by Harry Truman in the late 40s before Nixon moved the location to near the Chocolate Shop. It's a usual hangout for my parents on the rare occasions that they have some time to spare before the night.

When I step in, my mom is hooking her finger into the hole. She pulls the ball into her chest before swinging it back, and then forward. Just as she's about to release the ball in momentum, my dad gently pushes her and the ball falls into the foul line.

"Jo, you're such a cheater!" She says pushing him back.

My dad laughs at her. "I don't know what you're talking about." My mom rolls her eyes before grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer to her. In a state of panic and cringe, I cough obnoxiously, finally getting their attention. That was about to escalate too quickly.

"I'm leaving," I say as soon as they turn their attention to me.

"You look amazing," My mom comments.

"Don't enjoy yourself too much," My dad says, his eyes narrowing.

"You know that's impossible since I've got stalkers watching me 24/7, right?"