Chapter 15
With the sunlight cascading into her bedroom, Louise had guessed it was at least mid-morning. Turning her head, she was surprised to see Guy there. Hearing the voices of her aunts and uncles from downstairs, Louise rolled her eyes, “Some things never change,” she whispered to herself.
“Do they ever stop?” Guy asked.
“Eventually,” Louise replied truthfully, “It’ll probably be a long day of it,” She carried, looking apologetically at Guy.
“Do you ever get annoyed with it?” Guy asked.
Hearing the question, Louise smiled nodding her head, “Yes, but for now, I’m just glad that I can be with them,” She admitted, keeping her gaze on her husband, “They are family, just like you are now,” she pointed out, just grateful that he had allowed her to have Christmas with her family.
Being at Nottingham Castle, Sage was very confident on what she needed to do. Making her way into the hall, she made her way, down the stairs, into the hall, wanting to get this over and done with.
“Ah, Sage,” The Sheriff said, smirking slightly, “Are you going to be Lady Gisborne’s new friendly person?”
“I am,” Sage replied, “Although the introduction will have to wait for a week. My partner has made plans for me and him to spend it with his family,” She explained.
“Of course,” The Sheriff said grinning, “See you in a week’s time,” he said, dismissing her from the room.
Turning around, Sage smirked to herself, leaving the room. At least now, she had a week to come up with a plan of how things were going to be. Leaving the room, she noticed another female who seemed to be watching her- as if she was suspicious of her. For now, Sage put the woman to the back of her mind, making her way out of the castle as soon as possible.
“You know, you two could help,” Rebekah called out, to Hope and Louise who was sat at a table in a porch around the back of the house.
“Nah, it’s just nice to sit and watch,” Hope replied, glancing to Louise, a cheeky grin on her face, “And plus I’m having a break from homework,” Hope explained.
“Any excuse to get out of helping,” came a female voice from behind them, “I struggled to get her to do any last year,” Hayley remarked.
Upon hearing the voice, Hope had nearly jumped of her seat, a smile appearing standing up, “Mum,” She greeted Hayley, giving her a hug.
“Well, she did have a lot happening last year,” Louise said, turning around to look at Hayley.
“Louise,” Hayley said happily, surprised to see her pulling her into a hug when she was close enough, “You have been missed.”
Hearing Hayley’s words, Louise smiled slightly, “I’ve missed you too.”
“Is Klaus inside?” Hayley asked, walking into the house.
Hearing Jackson’s voice, Louise turned to him, smiling slightly. She had the whole family together and bizarrely there was no arguments, no shouting and more importantly no violence- well for the time being.
“How long are you staying?” Hope asked Jackson.
“Just until the holidays are over,” he replied, “Although I think it may have been extended seeing Louise. Its nice to see you again.”
“Thanks,” Louise said, sitting back down, “It’s nice to be back with family.”
“So, Guy’s brother Archer, have you meet him?” Rebekah asked, glancing at her niece, “Just he’s been invited for the next few days.”
Hearing Rebekah’s words, Louise raised an eyebrow and was about to reply when she heard Hope’s voice.
“What? Matthew’s coming,” Hope said, shocked with Rebekah’s words.
Rolling her eyes, Louise shook her head in disbelief, sighing in annoyance. This was now becoming a habit of Hope’s. It was like Hope revelled in telling these secrets.
“Hang on, didn’t you go the Yule Ball with someone called Matthew?” Kol asked, an amused expression on his face, “And more importantly is it the same person?”
Hearing the question, Louise swallowed hardly. Taking a deep breath, Louise glanced at Kol, “Yes,” She whispered with her voice giving out on her.
“Yes, to both,” Rebekah replied, glancing to Louise as the other Mikaelson’s stared at her suspiciously. “They need to know Louise,” Rebekah said, before turning to her brothers and sister, “Matthew came by the house a few weeks ago and he kissed her.” Rebekah explained.
There was silence with what Rebekah had said and with that Louise just wanted to disappear. She didn’t want to see their disappointed looks on their faces. Realising that the family was now looking at her, her thoughts was soon filled with what they must be thinking about her. For now, Louise seemed to be in a world of her own, losing control of her emotions. In the background, she could hear that they were all asking her questions. Feeling someone take her hands, Louise glanced to the person who had took them. Seeing the face of Freya, Louise focused on her.
“I’m sorry. I should have told you all sooner,” Louise whispered, “Nothing happened,” she said, hoping that Freya would believe her.
“It’s fine,” Freya said quietly, glancing behind her, “Although, I think we should give Louise some privacy,” Freya said loud enough for the family to hear.
With the rest of the family retreating into the house only Hope had stayed outside while Guy stayed by the door.
“You too Hope,” Freya said sternly before glancing to the door surprised to see that Guy was still standing there. She had expected him to retreat into the house especially with the revelation Rebekah had dropped. There was something in which didn’t add up- mainly his reaction. Thinking back to it- it was like he already knew- well knew some of it.
“Do you want Guy to stay?” Freya asked calmly turning her attention back to Louise, “It’s your choice,” She whispered, gently squeezing Louise’s hands.
Glancing between Guy and Freya, Louise was in two minds before eventually replying. She felt like she was too emotional for Guy at the moment.
“No,” Louise whispered.
In truth she didn’t want Guy to see her like this in case she lost control- if only she had been truthful with everyone in her life- then she may not have been in the position now. It was of her own doing.
Hearing Louise’s reply, Guy was surprised with it. His instincts were telling him to go to Louise and to wrap his arms around her. He had known that there was more to the story in which Louise had told. Yes, when he had heard Kol’s words, anger had seemed to sweep over him.
“Louise,” he called out, walking towards her. He didn’t like seeing her like this. Reaching where Louise and Freya were, Guy tentatively crouched down in front of her, placing a hand on her leg and then onto her arm.
Feeling Guy’s touch on her, Louise closed her eyes, debating on what to do. Whenever she had been on the verge of losing control only Freya had helped but it was different with Guy. His touches were like a blanket being wrapped around her. Opening her eyes, she immediately turned her attention to him, “I’m fine,” she said, trying to reassure him, placing a hand on his.
“You sure, Louise?” Freya asked, glancing to Guy wondering just how much he knew, “It seemed like you was about to lose control,” Freya commented, turning her attention back to her daughter.
“Yes, I am,” Louise replied, “I feel like I’m more in control now,” She explained, glancing to Guy who wore a confused expression.
“Good,” Freya said softly, “But let’s go inside. You must be freezing.” Freya instructed Louise feeling how cold her skin was.
Walking back into the house, Louise knew she would be inundated with questions, and she decided that she would answer them truthfully- after all lying would have gotten her nowhere. Walking into the living room, all of the Mikaelson’s except Klaus and Hope was there, along with Jackson. Seeing that Hayley was missing, Louise raised an eyebrow slightly.
“You, ok?” Rebekah asked, her voice filled with concern.
“Yes, I am,” Louise replied, smiling at Rebekah.
With the sound of glass breaking, reverberating through the house, and a door being closed, everyone glanced into the hallway where they saw Klaus and Hayley coming down the stairs. They both seemed to have a concerned expression showing and Louise immediately knew why.
“Hope has lost control, hasn’t she?” Louise asked.
“She has,” Hayley replied, glancing to Louise, “But it’s best if we leave her.”
“Best for who?” Louise asked, glancing between Klaus and Hayley, making her way towards the stairs but was stopped by Klaus standing Infront of her. In the past when Hope had lost control, Louise had managed to help Hope regain control but there was something which Klaus knew that she didn’t.
“Let he calm down,” Klaus said, keeping his gaze on Louise, “I don’t want Hope to hurt you.”
“She won’t,” Louise shot back determined, “I won’t let her, and you never had any problems with me helping in the past.”
“Louise,” Klaus said, “You weren’t pregnant,” he stated, keeping his gaze on his niece.
Hearing the words, Louise raised an eyebrow in disbelief. She could also tell that there was more to it- there was something in what Klaus didn’t want to tell her.
“Fine,” She whispered, turning and walking into the living room.
Taking a seat beside her husband, Louise’s gaze stayed on the floor wondering on why Hope may have lost control as it wasn’t like her, and it very rarely happened. To Louise, the reason in what Klaus had given her was rubbish and vague. She had never thought that her uncle would use her pregnancy as an excuse not to use Hope. Deep down, she knew that Hope wouldn’t hurt her- well wouldn’t hurt on purpose. Everything wasn’t making sense to Louise. She now realised that there was something else going of and all she wanted to do was get to the bottom of it.
Standing outside of Hope’s bedroom, Louise was in two minds on whether she should go in or not. The words Klaus had said was still playing through her mind but then Guy’s words of being safe would play through her mind for a couple of moments. Quickly glancing down to the hallway to find it was empty, a small smile appeared, gently tapping on Hope’s door. She would deal with the consequences later.
“Go away dad,” Hope said.
Hearing this, a frown appeared, opening the door, entering the bedroom, “It’s me,” she said quietly, glancing to her cousin.
“Louise, you shouldn’t be here,” Hope said coldly.
“Why?” Louise asked, walking over to the window.
“Because I feel like you ever come when you’re in danger,” Hope replied.
Hearing Hope’s words was like a knife stabbing her in the heart. She had certainly not meant for it to be like this.
“I sometimes wish the tournament year hadn’t happened as that was when everything changed for both of us,” Hope said truthfully, keeping her gaze on Louise.
“Oh, Hope,” Louise whispered, sitting on the bed, “You are my cousin, my little sister and nothing is going to change that,” she said quietly, “And I know I’ve done wrong over the past few months and that is something I’m going to live with for the rest of my life.”
Hearing Louise’s words, Hope kept her gaze on her cousin, realising that she had regrets.
“I just feel that with everything we’ve been through whether at Hogwarts or not- I feel like you’ve been ignoring us. We were the ones who have been there- when your dad died- we were there, when we all thought Harry was dead, I was there. Whenever you needed help, we were there and it just feels like you’ve forgotten about that,” Hope said truthfully.
“And I will never ever forget those things,” Louise said, quietly realising just how hurt her actions over the past few months have been, “I owe a lot to this family, especially you- you have been there in my darkest times but I’m not going anywhere now. I may be married and pregnant, but you Hope, you will always be my cousin, my family, my friend and I hope that you will agree to being this child’s godmother,” Louise said, feeling tears threaten to escape.
“Of course, I’ll be child’s godmother,” Hope said cheerfully, pulling Louise into a hug, “Sorry for being a mean girl.”
“Don’t be. I probably needed to hear it,” Louise said truthfully, hugging her cousin back, “In truth, I should have come after the battle,” Louise admitted more to herself.
Hearing Louise’s last words, Hope squeezed her hand in reassurance that she understood. Afterall, there had been a lot going of in those first few days and weeks.
Walking into the living room, Freya was surprised to see Guy sat alone. Ever since they had arrived, Guy had always made sure he was with Louise. She couldn’t blame him, remembering the time he had first met the family.
“Where’s Louise?” she asked casually.
“Not sure,” Guy replied, realising that Louise had been a long time.
“How much do you know about her?” Freya asked, determined to find out how much he knew about Louise.
“I know she’s a witch,” Guy replied, looking at Freya, “And I also know about the battle- well just know there was a battle. Louise didn’t go into too much detail about what happened or where it was.”
Hearing his reply, Freya nodded her head, surprised with what he knew. She knew that Louise wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret from her partner for long.
“Did she tell you?” Freya asked.
“I figured it out. I overheard Louise and her friend’s talk about a battle, and I asked about it. With the explanation she gave, it reminded me of what someone called Peter Pettigrew said,” Guy explained, “Although, when I mentioned Peter’s name, anger seemed to be there.” Guy said, realising how Louise had gone through so many emotions in when he had said one person’s name.
“There’s a reason for that,” Freya said, “Although I had hoped she would have told you but from what I’ve heard between Louise and Hope talking, I think Peter was the reason Louise grew up with us,” She explained, “Her mother and step-father was murdered when she was one year old and her father ended up being imprisoned.”
“Murdered?” Guy asked, shocked, “That would be her adopted parents?”
“She knows?” Freya asked surprised with Guy’s words.
“Yes, Louise found out when she found out she was pregnant,” Guy explained, keeping his gaze on Freya.
“Sirius and Lily was going to tell her,” Freya pointed out, “And I was, when I felt the time was right,” she said truthfully, “However Louise, will always be my daughter, so take good care of her and I swear if you hurt her in anyway, I will not hesitate.
“Freya, you don’t need to worry, I won’t ever hurt Louise,” Guy said, keeping his gaze on Freya, “I love her.”
“Just make sure you do,” Freya said calmly.
“I guess we should go downstairs and explain about that year,” Hope said, glancing at Louise.
“Do we have to?” Louise asked after enjoying the last hour in Hope’s company. It was like the good times they used to have.
“Yes, we do, unfortunately,” Hope replied, “And plus I reckon I’ve got some apologising to do before,” Hope trailed of, “Is it Matthew or Archer?” She asked walking towards the door.
“I’ve got no idea,” Louise replied, truthfully, smiling following Hope.
With Hope opening the bedroom door, a quiet tapping noise could be heard from the front door.
“He can’t be here already, can he?” Hope asked, turning her attention to Louise, who also was in the dark about who was at the door.
Seeing Rebekah walking through the hallway, Hope and Louise just glanced at each other. With the door being opened and Archer standing there, they were about ready to head downstair when they saw Rebekah slap him around the face.
“Aunty Bex!” Louise and Hope said simultaneously in shock.
Hearing both Hope and Louise’s voices, Freya walked out of the living room, seeing exactly why? Why is nothing simple with this family? One thing for sure- she wasn’t about to apologise for what Rebekah had done. She would have done a lot more.
“Rebekah,” Freya said, coming to stand beside her, “You must be Archer?” She asked, recognising him as Matthew from some photos Hope had.
“That’s right,” Archer replied looking between the two women, “And you two must be Rebekah and Freya,” Archer asked, remembering the names from when he had been at Hogwarts.
“You should come in,” Freya said, allowing him to come in, glancing upstairs to see Hope and Louise.
With Archer coming into the house, Louise and Hope glanced at each other with Hope wearing a mischievous look and Louise a worried expression.
“You’ll be fine,” Hope whispered to Louise.
“I thought I said no violence in the house,” Klaus said towards Rebekah, not approving of her antics, “And I thought I told you no, Louise,” Klaus said glancing to where Louise and Hope were.
Hearing Klaus words, Louise rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disbelief.
“That’s you well and truly told,” Hope whispered, a cheeky grin on her face.
“Definitely,” She whispered, with both girls heading downstairs.
Walking towards the living room, Louise had a funny feeling that Guy wouldn’t have agreed with her talking to Hope but it needed to be done. Stepping into the living room, she saw Guy and Archer, a warm smile appearing.
“It’s nice to see you again, Archer,” Louise said, stopping beside her husband.
“How much do they know?” Archer asked, glancing at Louise.
“Archer,” Guy said, glancing to Louise.
“It’s fine,” She said quietly, “Everything,” She stated truthfully.
“You should know but Marian came with a warning,” Archer started, “The Sheriff…” Archer stopped, upon seeing Sage walking through the hallway. She looked like the woman, Marian had described, especially with the red hair.
“Archer,” Guy said, immediately noticing that Finn and Sage were back.
“What is she doing here?” Archer asked quietly as both Louise and Guy glanced at each other wondering on what to say but it was Louise who broke the awkward silence first.
“She’s family. Sage is Uncle Finn’s partner,” Louise explained, knowing that there would probably be a thousand questions being thrown at her.
Hearing the explanation, Archer’s eyes widened in shock.
“You know she’s working for the Sheriff,” Archer whispered, but seeing Louise and Guy glance at each other, he raised an eyebrow. It was like her was missing some information.
“We know,” Guy said quietly, allowing his gaze to stay on his brother.
“Then why?” Archer started.
“Because Sage is family and…” Louise started not knowing on whether she could trust him with the rest of the information.
“Because with me working for the Sheriff, I’m going to be protecting Louise from him,” Sage explained, standing in the doorway of the living room.
“You’ve got to be joking?” Archer asked, “What if goes wrong? Have you forgotten about what he did?” Archer asked, completely not believing he was hearing.
“We won’t let anything happen to Louise,” Guy said, completely taken aback with Archer’s words.
“She’s pregnant Guy,” Archer spat back.
“It was my decision,” Louise said, not prepared for Archer to be speaking to Guy like that.
Seeing that Archer was looking at her in disbelief, Louise quickly glanced to the door in where she saw the rest of her family.
“Why?” Archer asked, keeping his attention on Louise.
“Because I’m not going to allow another miserable old man ruin my life again,” Louise replied truthfully, “Why does it matter so much to you?” She asked.
“I love you,” Archer blurted out, before he could stop the words.
Hearing the words, Louise’s eyes widened in shock. Why couldn’t he have said that four years ago. If he had, then maybe things would be different now.
“And I’m not that fourteen-year-old anymore,” Louise spat back, “That girl went missing when she saw her dad murdered,” she said tears threatening to escape.
“I think you’ve said enough,” Hope said coldly, walking towards Louise, wrapping her arms around her, “And we are coming up with way to protect her. Although that may not be of your concern anymore.”
Since Archer’s last words, Guy’s mind was spinning, especially with what he had heard. He had no idea, how he hadn’t lost it and thrown him out. In truth, he hadn’t even heard Louise’s reply, but it was Hope’s words which had brought him back to his senses.
“Hope, will you take Louise upstairs?” Guy asked, glancing to Hope, pleading with her. It was then he saw the tears in Louise’s eyes. What exactly had she said to cause them?
“We’ll be in my room,” Hope stated, leading Louise out of the living room. Whatever was about to happen, Hope certainly didn’t want Louise to see.