Finding my family again| N. Mikaelson

Chapter 13: One Overprotective Hybrid

She laughed, nudging my shoulder with hers. "Come on, Rose. You can't deny there's something between you two."

I scoffed. "Please. We're friends. That's it."

Haley raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "Friends, huh? Friends who spend every waking moment together, who share those looks that speak volumes without a word, who practically have their own language of inside jokes?"

I shifted uncomfortably. "That's called camaraderie. We've both been through a lot."

Haley leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And what about those moments when he looks at you like you're the most important person in the world? Or the way your eyes light up when he walks into a room?"

I sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and resignation. "You're reading too much into things."

Haley chuckled softly, her gaze softening. "Rose, I've known you for a while now. I've seen you at your best and your worst. And I've never seen you this... happy."

I glanced at her, my guard momentarily slipping. "I'm pregnant, Haley. My emotions are all over the place."

She nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Sure, that might be a factor. But I think there's more to it. And I think you know that too."

I sighed, staring out at the road in front of us. "Haley, you're my friend. Can't you just let this go?"

She patted my back gently. "I'll drop it for now. But just remember, Rose, sometimes the things we're most afraid to admit to ourselves are the things that matter the most."

With that, we arrived at the meeting spot. I couldn't help but ponder Haley's words. Maybe there was more to my feelings for Klaus than I could admit. But for now, I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment and the uncertain future ahead.

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As we waited in the dimly lit warehouse, the tension in the air was palpable. I watched Haley check the perimeter, ensuring no unwanted guests would disrupt our meeting. With a nod of reassurance, she returned to my side.

"Everything's clear," she whispered, her voice calm and reassuring.

I nodded, my nerves getting the best of me. "Thanks, Haley."

She gave me a knowing smile. "Don't worry, Rose. Your mom's probably just as nervous as you are."

I let out a shaky laugh. "Yeah, right. My mom, nervous? She's more likely to freeze hell over than to show any sign of nervousness."

Haley chuckled. "Okay, maybe not nervous. But concerned, maybe. It's not every day your daughter is getting hunted down because she is pregnant with her future grandchild."

I sighed, fidgeting with my hands. "I just hope this goes smoothly. I don't want any unnecessary drama."

Haley leaned against a nearby crate. "Hey, I get it. But remember, she's your mom. She might surprise you."

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "We'll see."

Haley seemed to sense my unease and decided to change the topic. "So, what do you think she'll say?"

I shrugged again. "Who knows? Probably something about how disappointed she is that I got pregnant. She always said it was her biggest mistake getting pregnant with me so young."

Haley chuckled. "Sounds about right. But you know, she might also just be worried about you. It's not easy being a mom, especially when your kid is involved in all sorts of supernatural craziness."

I sighed, my shoulders slumping. "I know. And honestly, if she's here, it's not because she suddenly wants to mend our relationship. It's probably business-related."

Haley raised an eyebrow. "Business? What kind of business?"

I shook my head, a wry smile on my lips. "Let's just say she's not the kind of person who shows up for family reunions."

Haley's lips twitched into a sympathetic smile. "Well, whatever it is, just remember you're strong. You've dealt with worse."

I nodded, grateful for her words of encouragement. "Thanks, Haley. I appreciate it."

As we continued to wait, I couldn't help but wonder what this meeting would bring. Whether it was business or something more, one thing was sure – my mother's presence in my life was bound to cause a storm of emotions and complications.

Not too soon after, I heard footsteps entering the warehouse. I turned around and looked into their eyes. Not too soon after, I heard footsteps entering the warehouse. I turned around and looked into their eyes.

"Hello, Mom"