Legacies Imagines

Angel (Hope)

A trip to New Orleans changes your life forever when you run into Hope Andrea Mikaelson

I woke up to the smell of freshly made beignets. The lady who owns the shop downstairs makes the best beignets in all of New Orleans. Waking up today was bittersweet. This was my last day to enjoy and explore the city. I go back home tomorrow and how I despised that little town where nothing ever happens.

I took a shower and packed up my things so I wouldn't be rushing tomorrow morning. After everything was packed, I went down to have coffee with Ms. Loretta. She's the original owner having her daughters and granddaughter run the shop while the boys in her family were in charge of deliveries and keeping the cafe looking spiffy.

"Good morning Ms. Loretta." I smiled taking my usual seat across from her.

"Morning darling. Hope you slept alright." She smiled at me. "What are your plans for today?"

I smiled at her as her granddaughter, Lily, poured us each a cup of coffee.

"I was hoping you'd spend the day with me Ms. Loretta. I would love to see the city through your eyes."

"Oh, Maw Maw know all the best places in the city. She grew up loving jazz and art." Lily chimes in as Ms. Loretta shakes her head.

I smiled playful. "Is that so Ms. Loretta? You've been keeping all the best jazz spots hidden from me?" I teased her.

She laughed. "Child if you don't stop, I won't show you the hidden gems of the city."

I quietly sipped my coffee as I reached for a beignet that Lily had brought over.

"That's what I thought."

—

Ms. Loretta took me to a couple of places where they'd play smooth jazz. One place had real upbeat jazz everyone danced. She even had us stop to dance.

As the sun began to set, she took me down an alley way that opened up into this bright courtyard full of artist. So many different types of arts were on display while jazz filled our ears. It was absolutely breathtaking.

How could I leave this city after tonight? Ms. Loretta has shown me a whole world I'd love to be a part of. Such a shame I go home tomorrow.

"I'm heading back to the cafe darling." Ms. Loretta said a bit out of breath. "Will you be alright?"

I nodded. "Let me walk you back. I don't want you walking alone. The sun has set already."

She gently put her hand on my cheek. "You have such a good heart."

I smiled and walked Ms. Loretta back to the cafe. There her sons were waiting to take her home. They thanked me for spending the day with her and asked I say goodbye before I leave tomorrow morning. I told them I would.

After watching Ms. Loretta leave, I headed back to the secret courtyard. I was walking around amazed and saddened at the same time. I found the perfect place and I'll have to leave it tomorrow.

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts that I ran into a girl. We both hadn't been looking where we were going. I apologize before I had looked at her properly.

"Are you okay?" I asked seeing tears in the corner of her eyes.

"I'm fine." She kept walking.

I reached out pulling her back. I felt a spark as my hand touched her arm. "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

She held her head down refusing to look at me. "Did someone else hurt you?"

"Everything's fine. Have a goodnight." She pulled away.