Falling Back: Alex Rider FanFic

~Chapter 22~

Alex's (POV):

Polly nodded, reluctantly tearing her gaze away from Hope. "Hey Lucy? I should probably be getting home soon."

Lucy smiled, "No problem. I'll grab my keys, and we can head out."

The air outside was crisp as Lucy and Polly prepared to leave. I walked them to the door, Hope in my arms, still radiating warmth and comfort. Polly turned to me, her eyes full of gratitude, "Thank you for suggesting the name, Alex. Hope suits her perfectly."

I smiled, "thank you. Drive safe."

Lucy's (POV):

The drive home was filled with the gentle hum of the car engine, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Polly sat in the passenger seat, a warm smile on her face as she glanced at the small bowl I had placed on the floor beside Hope.

"Alex really took a liking to that kitten," Polly remarked, breaking the comfortable silence.

I nodded, my eyes on the road. "Yeah, it's incredible how a little creature like Hope can make such a difference. Did you see the way his face lit up when he suggested the name? It's like a weight lifted off his shoulders."

Polly agreed, "I did notice that. It's been a while since I've seen him genuinely happy. I'm grateful you stumbled upon that kitten today."

I sighed, "He has been through a lot, hasn't he? I'm just glad we could provide a bit of light for him, even if it's in a very unlikely form."

Polly placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, "You're doing a great job, Lucy. He's changed so much since he first got here. And sure it's been a bit bumpy, but he is getting better. And today, with Hope, it's like a spark has ignited within him again."

A thoughtful expression crossed my face. "It's not just about the kitten, though. I think it's the sense of hope, the idea that there's something to look forward to. He's been struggling, but when we asked for name ideas, he did suggest Hope. That has to mean something."

As we pulled up to Polly's house, I parked the car and turned to my friend. "Thanks for helping out today, Polly. It means a lot."

Polly smiled warmly, "Anytime, Lucy. And thank you for being there for both Alex and me. It's good to see him getting better, even if it's one small step at a time."

I returned the smile, "We're all in this together. And who knows, maybe little Hope is exactly what he needed."

Polly nodded in agreement, and as we bid each other goodnight, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected turns life had taken, leading to newfound connections and the promise of brighter days ahead.

I pulled up to Polly's house, the headlights casting a warm glow on the quiet street. Polly unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to me, gratitude in her eyes. "Thanks again, Lucy. I really appreciate it."

I smiled, "Anytime, Polly. If you don't mind, I'd like to talk to your mom while I'm here."

Polly nodded, "Yeah of course!" She stepped out of the car and closed the door. I was just a few strides behind her as she walked toward her front door.

Mrs. Quinn opened the front door just as Polly reached it. "Polly! I'm so glad you're home! Even after Lucy called, I knew you were safe with the Browns but... after what happened last time you were caught there during a storm, I couldnt help but worry."

Polly's face softened with understanding as she stepped inside, hugging her mom tightly. "I know, Mom. I'm sorry I didn't call sooner. We found a stray kitten, and things got a bit busy."