Hope

Hope POV TIME has finally come to see my roots. Last week, I graduated from University with a Nursing Degree. My childhood dream was to become a flight attendant, but the pay was just too — let's say it's not enough to pay for the things I want in life. The only consolation it has with the job is I get to travel and see different places. With Nursing as my second choice, I get to stay home close to my family, and the salary is much more rewarding. Don't get me wrong. I like this profession. The passion for helping others lives within me. As if not busy enough, I even took Business Management at the same time. Please don't ask me how I did it; having a photographic memory is incredible.  By society's standards, we are considered filthy rich. You could say I'm an heiress since my father is a shipping magnate. He inherited it from my grandfather, which was handed to him by the ones that came before him. But that's old money, and I want to make mine someday.   It was five in the afternoon when I arrived at Keswick Falls — my parents' hometown. The last time I was here was fifteen years ago. The caretakers maintain our house. I know how to pick locks if they are away — courtesy of Sawyer. I wasn't one of those snotty teens growing up, so I made a lot of friends. I only have one wealthy friend, Harper, who, by the way, will be joining me here along with her boyfriend Dominic later tonight. A few more friends from a middle-class family — Nikki, Sawyer and Liv will arrive tomorrow before noon.   My parents send the caretaker money to maintain the house and pay the utilities on time. Electricity and water won't be a problem for us. There's also cable and WiFi to keep us company. I only plan to stay here for a couple of weeks. I didn't tell my parents about this trip. I mean — they know about me taking a trip, just not in Keswick Falls. I told them I would be at a farmhouse -- Magnolia Ridge. Harper's family owns it. She already made the necessary arrangements, so my parents won't know I'm lying. The truth is, I didn't want to lie. But they forbid me to come here, and I want to know why. Besides, I want to see my friend.   I stopped the car in front of a white Victorian mansion. How do I describe it? The exterior has a combination of wood and has a symmetrical shape. You can also see that it has wings and bays in a lot of directions. The roof is steep and imposes rooflines with many gables. My favourite part of the house is the large, wraparound porch with ornamental spindles and brackets.  My ancestors handed this house from generation to generation. The caretakers trimmed the front lawn, and daisies are growing everywhere. I reached for my purse in the shotgun seat and got out of the car.   "Hope." That deep baritone voice I only hear from the phone. I turned around and looked to make sure who it was.   "Lucas!" I walked towards him and gave him a warm embrace. "It's so good to see you finally." "Whoa!" I heard him gasp. I was expecting him to hug me back, but he only patted me at the back. Maybe he's not used to hugging. After all, it is a small town, and people tend to be a little shy than usual. Whereas in Creedan, people are more open and modern. Feeling a little embarrassed, I took a step back and folded my arms across my chest.   "How was the drive?" He smiled sheepishly and asked while keeping his hands in his pockets. Oh boy, his charming smile is enough to drive any woman wild.   "It was fine. My car did not breakdown, and the scenery was beautiful while I was driving."   "That's good to know."   "By the way, do you know if Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez is home? I didn't tell them I was coming today."   "I saw them left this morning. Mr. Rodriguez said they would be away for five days. So by Friday morning, they will be back."   "Crap." I wonder if there's food in the house. I only have crackers and water in the car.   "Do you have keys?" He furrowed his brows when he asked.   "Unfortunately, I don't. But I can pick locks, so I think I am all good." I grinned at him. It's not something to be proud of, but here I am bragging about it. I was hoping to impress him a little, you know?   "Okay, thief. Let's see you pick the front door's lock." He grinned back at me. He looked more relaxed now than earlier.   We walked towards the ten feet wrought-iron gate. Thank God it was left unlocked, so we got in quickly. Now here I am, standing in front of the Mahogany front door.  "Well?" Luc gave me a nudge. He was getting impatient.   I winked at him. "Watch and learn."   I knelt and placed my purse beside me on the floor. I carefully took one of my hairpins and started to pick the lock. Luc was looking at his watch from time to time. It is as if he is telling me, 'Wow, you bragged about this?'   It took me three minutes to open it. I turned the knob and was about to enter inside when I saw what Luc did next. Luc bent down and moved a potted plant. I tried to see what he picked up earlier. It looked like a small piece of metal.    I gasped. A key! "You knew it was there this whole time??"   He laughed. "Yes, but it was fun seeing you pick a lock. Sorry, not sorry." This time, he is the one who gave me a wink.   I smirked at him and punched his arm. "I hate you!" I tried to grab the key from his hand, but he put his arm up. Lucas is about six feet tall, while I am only five feet five inches.   "You don't mean that." He was moving his arm while I was trying to reach for his hand. My eyes widened, and that's when I realized I lost my balance.   "Oh sh*t!" I closed my eyes and prepared myself for a fall. Thanks to his quick reflexes, his arms wrapped around me immediately. He saved my face from hitting the marbled floor.   "Be careful. You don't want to mess up this beautiful face."   He helped me stand while his hands are still on my waist. I finally dared to look into his eyes. Oh, boy, it's a bad idea. I saw him slowly leaning over. Not knowing what to do, I just closed my eyes until I felt his lips touched mine.   My first kiss.