This Love (Calling My Name)

//5//

Josie rubbed her shoulder gently, wincing at how sore to the touch her muscles were. Thanks to Penelope, the morning workout the girl had given Josie made her whole body ache. Josie craved the sweet release of a warm shower, and the second her last class ended for the day, she raced to do just that. She opened the door to her dorm, her focus on getting a change of clothes and her shower bag; Instead, to her surprise, she was greeted by an unexpected guest. Perched on her bed was her mother, Caroline, her attention turned to her phone. The second she sensed her daughter's presence, Caroline slipped her phone into her pocket, standing to embrace her daughter. She pulled away when Josie winced under her touch, her face full of concern. Before her mother could fret over her wellbeing, Josie rushed to clarify herself. "We were sparring this morning- I'm just a little sore.", she explained, easing her mother's fears. "What are you doing here? You should be in Spain with Stefan." Caroline smoothed down her daughter's hair lovingly, ignoring her daughter's questioning. "Well, I'm here to see my beautiful babies, of course.", she stated happily. "As for Stefan, he's at our hotel. He'll join us later for dinner- how does the mystic grill sound? I know how you like their vegetarian burgers." Josie frowned; As much as she enjoyed seeing her mother, she knew there had to be another reason that Caroline would show up without announcement to see her and Lizzie.

"I'm just surprised to see you.", Josie admitted with a shrug. "You didn't call, or even text. I wasn't expecting to see you until spring break." Caroline paused for a moment, gauging her daughter's reaction. "Well...your father might have mentioned that you might be having some trouble with another student." Josie shuffled awkwardly, avoiding her mother's gaze. "I wanted to make sure that no one is messing with my baby girl." "You really shouldn't have gone out of your way like that, mom.", Josie protested. "I'm fine- dad just worries way too much." Caroline frowned at her daughter, feeling inclined not to believe her daughter's lie. "Josie, honey, I am your mother; You might be able to fool your father most of the time, but you can not with me." Caroline sat down on her daughter's bed, patting the spot next to her for Josie to join her. Josie did so reluctantly, dreading the conversation she knew was inevitable. "Talk to me, honey. Who is this person, and what do you want me to do to make sure they don't bother you again?"

When it was clear Josie was not going to speak, Caroline simply placed her hand comfortingly over her daughter's. "My sweet girl.", she cooed, squeezing Josie's hand gently. "You have such a big heart- kind, caring, generous. You see the good in everyone. I just want to make sure no one is taking advantage of that part of you." "I'm okay, mom.", she assured, forcing a smile for her mother. "I'm not a little kid anymore- if I have a problem, I can handle it." "I'm aware of that, honey.", Caroline stated, brushing her daughter's hair away from her face. "But I am still your mother, and your father is still your father. We will always worry about you girls, and though we might not always make a point of showing it, we will always be here to support you, because we love you." Josie rolled her eyes at her mother's affection but leaned upward to kiss Caroline on her cheek. "Thanks, mom.", she said, and Caroline laughed heartily. "You don't have to thank me, baby.", she stated warmly. "I'm your mother- taking care of my girls is just what I do." The bedroom door swung open once again, and Lizzie walked into the room, visibly surprised to see their mother as well. She scowled, placing her hands on her hips.

"And when we're you guys planning on informing me that mom is in town?"