xp_logs | No way back: sneaking out

Wanting to aid her friend, Hope makes a radical decision... for her.

With a small hop Hope avoided the creaking step on the staircase, her hiking boots still dangling over her shoulder in an attempt to minimize the noise she was making. Downstairs she quickly stooped down, slipping on her boots and tying them firmly before making her way to the door outside.

Jason was having trouble sleeping and as a result he was downstairs getting a cup of coffee, giving up on sleep and starting his day far earlier than normal. He'd just finishing pouring up a large cup and was bringing it to his lips when his daughter popped into view.

"Hope, honey?" He squinted at her, to the clock on the wall, and then back at her. "Where are you going at this hour?"

Hope froze as she heard her father's voice. "I... uhm... I was unable to sleep, father and somewhat restless. I wished to see if a walk would be soothing."

Gesturing with his cup, he took a step toward her. "Coffee works wonder as well." He eyed her hiking shoes and frowned. "And you don't look like you're just going out for a simple walk dressed like that, Hope."

"Hiking boots are somewhat more comfortable for a walk then heels or even ballerina's, father." She quickly painted an innocent smile upon her face and kept her voice light. "And I did not wish to wake you or mother. I was planning on leaving a note."

"Were you now?" Jason still wasn't entirely convinced. He put his cup of coffee down on the kitchen table and turned back to face his daughter. "You know, now that you mention it that sounds like a great idea. Let me change quickly and I'll come along with you."

"I am terribly sorry, but I would really prefer to walk alone." Hope blinked quick, trying to remember how Maddie was always so good at looking innocent. "I need to clear my head for meditation later. Unless I wish to start projecting myself again..."

"We don't want that to happen, no." Jason agreed. "All the more reason I should come with you, to make sure nothing happens to you."

Hope frowned, staring at her father in dismay. She had not counted on this in her effort to slip out and go join the volunteers for the search party. Suddenly she startled as she heard a car pull up outside and she knew it was her friend, waiting for her to join her despite as of Amy's doubts.

"I'll be ready in a few minutes and then we can go." Jason took her silence for tacit acceptance and as far as he was concerned that was that.

Hope let out a sigh, knowing there was no way he was going to let her go. So she waited until he had left the room before calling Amy and quickly explaining the situation and calming her down. When her father returned, she had pulled on her hiking boots. "I hope you do not mind a car ride beforehand, father."

He frowned at that but had committed to going with his daughter wherever it was she was headed, so Jason just shrugged and agreed. "Of course not, dear. Shall we?"

"We shall... all the way to the Bald Mountain Recreation Area." Hope let that statement stand on it's own as she headed for the door.

"Bald Mountain?" he queried. "And why are we going there, exactly?" The thin excuse of going for a walk was long behind them now.

"To join the volunteers looking for a missing little girl."