The next morning, Lizzie finally brings herself to leave Hope's mansion and go home. She headed upstairs to her room and walked inside
Josie was sitting at her desk, working on something. She turned her head as the door opened. "Lizzie?"
"Hey, Jo" She greeted.
Josie got up. "Lizzie, I am so sorry for what I-"
Lizzie pulled her sister into a hug. "It's okay. Happy birthday to us"
"You're... not still upset? You were gone for a couple of days" Josie said. "If it wasn't for the locator spells I did, I might have thought you died"
"I'm sorry for worrying you. I just needed some space. And I'm sorry for everything I did that led to you saying what you said"
"It's okay" Josie said, even though it wasn't.
"I just want us to have a good birthday where we aren't arguing or distant from each other"
"I want that too" Josie said with a small smile. "I have a date to our party"
"You do? Is it that Finch girl you were intrigued by when we gave a tour to the school?"
"You noticed that?"
"Yeah, I'm your twin sister" Lizzie pointed out. "And she's definitely hot. So is it her?"
Josie nodded a bit. "We sort of had a date in this room yesterday. After I bailed on another date. I'm just glad she was willing to give me so many chances. I dont want to mess up again"
"Well anything is better than the she devil" the blonde rolled her eyes. "As it so happens, I have a date too. Hope. Granted, its a friend date, considering she is dating Landon. But she didn't mind going with me"
"Well, I'm glad you have someone to go with" Josie said honestly. "Whether its a friend or romantic"
"And you're finishing moving on from the Dark Lord" Lizzie said, glad to hear it.
Josie nodded but was silent. Then Penelope came to the doorway and announced that their mother was not going to make it to their sweet 16, and Lizzie, shocked and hurt, shut the door in Penelope's face. Their mom wasn't coming home. And not even just for a normal birthday. For their sweet 16. And they had to find out from the girl that broke Josie's heart and insulted Lizzie any chance she had.
Hope Mikaelson left her room, thinking of everything that was planned that day. She was going on a platonic date with Lizzie Saltzman to her sweet 16. She was glad she had been able to help this new friend of hers, but she also considered the fact the girl had had a crush on her and wondered if that was why she had asked her to come or if the intentions were purely friendship as had been implied. Either way, she knew Lizzie was well aware of her feelings for Landon and the fact they were in a relationship that, while it may not be sexual yet, was serious.
She head down the hall and descended the marble staircase. Suddenly, she heard her phone ring, and she pulled it out to answer it. "Hello?"
"Hope, good, you answered. It occurred to me when we got to the school, we never discussed what you are wearing" Lizzie said.
Hope blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected this conversation exactly. Though she had expected a lecture once Hope was at the school. "That's a good question. I was about to go through my family's things and find something"
"Well I'm wearing a light blue dress, so it would need to be something that would compliment it. Like red. Despite the fact that the official complimentary color of blue is orange" Lizzie said.
"I can find something red" Hope assured her. "You don't need to worry"
"Good. I'll be wanting to talk to you about what needs to happen when you get here. I've been planning this for the past 11 years. I want it to go right"
"Alright. I'll find you once I get there" Hope promised immediately.
"Alright, I need to go deal with a family emergency, but I just wanted to make sure things were settled" Lizzie said and hung up.
Hope lowered the phone with a curious frown before heading to the furthest room on the ground floor. They kept some of their period stuff in there like dresses. She started looking through the stash her relatives had brought here. She tucked her hair behind her ear and started sifting through all of the dresses that had once been Rebekah's. She hoped she would find one that could fit her.
Lizzie got off the phone with Hope and looked over at her twin. "Now we can go talk to dad about this. There better be a seriously good reason for why our mom can't make it to the birthday party we've been looking forward to for most of our lives"
Josie nodded a little at that, though she was sure her mother would be there if she could. Despite her very frequent absence the past couple of years, Josie knew their mother loved them very much. Especially Lizzie. They spent the summers abroad with her and visited her whenever they needed to. She had just been really busy lately, and Josie knew it would be difficult for her to manage Lizzie and find the students that needed to be brought to the school.
The two exchanged looks before heading down the staircase together, practically in sync, both wanting answers for this news they had to hear from Penelope Park, rather than their own father. The blonde siphoner witch pounded on the door once they reached Alaric's office, frustration growing with each passing moment
"Dad? Why is your door locked?" Lizzie questioned, irritated that she couldn't go into his office
"And when were you going to tell us that Mom wasn't coming back?" Josie asked
Their father spoke up from the other side of the door. "I was about to. There-There's a strike at the airport in Mozambique."
"She couldn't compel a pilot and hop on a private jet?" Lizzie questioned, doubting the words he was speaking. Just like her twin, she knew her mother wouldn't miss their sweet 16 because of a simple strike.
"She'll explain everything later. Okay? But right now I just need you to go because I am wrapping your presents."
"No, you're not. You're lying through your teeth" Josie said, and the twins exchanged looks before siphoning the barrier spell off of the door and magically throwing the doors open.
Lizzie stepped inside the office, taking in what was going on. Her dad and some brunette were standing side by side. She was a woman that could easily be a teacher here or a parent or perhaps her father had a secret lover, though this was a bad day to keep it a secret, Besides, the thought of her dad doing something with someone behind closed doors was enough to make her nearly wrinkle her nose in disgust. "Who's this trollop?" she said. But as she looked closer at the woman, she realized there was something oddly familiar about her, but Lizzie couldn't place who she could be.
Josie, however, had quicker recollection of who this woman was. "Oh, my God"
Alaric looked at his daughters, afraid for them to figure it out. The last thing they needed was to think they could meet their birth mother and it actually be a monster designed to look like her. And whether it was Jo or not, he doubted this would last. "I need you to leave - right now."
"I'm sorry. How old are you?" Jo questioned, looking at the twins.
"16. Today" Lizzie replied, straightening herself up a bit. "It's our birthday."
"You're twins?"
"What are we interrupting here?" Lizzie asked.
"I'm serious. Do as I say and now just go" Alaric said, looking at his daughters firmly, wishing they would just do as they were told
Josie nudged Lizzie just slightly, still shocked over what she had realized "Lizzie."
"What?" Lizzie looked over at her sister.
"Lizzie, it's her"
"Her who?" Lizzie questioned, wondering where she had recognized her from.
Josie walked over to their dad's shelf and picked up the wedding photograph. She carried it over to her sister and showed it to her. "Her."
Lizzie looked at the photograph before looking at Jo in shock as the news settled inside her. "Holy crap. You're Bio-mom."
"This is impossible. I wasn't even showing at our wedding. How..." Jo trailed off, looking at them in shock, wanting some explanation for what didn't seem possible. Fortunately Alaric was more than willing to answer these questions at least.
"Your family's crazy coven magically implanted them in Caroline when you died. She's their birth mother."
"Caroline? So... - you two..."
"No. She married Stefan Salvatore. Who basically died on their wedding day, too, but that's a long story."
"They're still very close." Lizzie said coolly, not wanting their birth mother to think she could just erase and take over their entire history of Caroline being their mother.
Besides, Jo was supposed to be dead. So none of this made sense. And she didn't want to open her heart up to this stranger just to get it crushed again. It didn't make sense how she was here. Now of all times. If this had to do with all of the other monsters, then it would just end in heartache. Besides, she didn't want to be disappointed in her birth mother. So it was easier to not care about her. She was just a woman in a photograph. DNA. And as long as Lizzie felt that way, there wouldn't be as much heartache.
"We opened this school together." Alaric explained.
"She's overseas right now doing very important recruiting work. I'm Lizzie. After my mother's mom" Lizzie said, making it clear that Caroline was who they considered to be their mother. That Caroline, who had spent years helping her with her emotions and being there and supporting her was the one who behaved as a mother should be. Jo had died.
"And I'm Josie. Josette. Like..." Josie trailed off, looking at Jo, a small smile on her face.
"Me" Jo said, looking back at her.
Lizzie looked between them both, silent. She watched and listened as their dad interrogated Jo using the truth orb. Her gaze went to the orb each time, only to see it light up blue every time. She wasn't lying. About any of it. Unless she was able to surpass it with abilities. But Lizzie didn't think so. But that didn't mean there wasn't more to it then that. She kept her opinions to herself, however, only commenting when Josie started acting like this was the time to start finding out about their parent's past. She was too hopeful about this, and Lizzie didn't want either of them to get hurt because of this. However, once it seemed to be nearing the end, the blonde couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm going to go find my date" Lizzie said. She then looked at her sister. "Remember that we have a party that we will need to get ready for" Without another word, she headed out of the room to find the tribrid if she had gotten here yet. She knew that her date was strictly platonic. However, she didn't want to tell this woman that was her biological mother that she couldn't get a romantic date to her own sweet 16 party.
When Hope finally arrived, Lizzie led her to the Saltzman twins' dorm room. The blonde had wanted somewhere quiet they could talk and not be interrupted by any of the other Salvatore School students. So far, she hadn't gotten any happy birthdays or anything. She wondered if anyone had even realized she was back from her small trip away. Of course they did, she told herself, pushing away how she felt to the best of her ability. She didnt want to feel bad on her birthday. And here was Hope, her best friend if she was being honest. Well, her best friend that wasn't family. Which was proven by the first thing that came out of Hope's mouth once Lizzie had dragged her up to the dorm room.
"Happy Birthday" Hope said with a smile as she looked at Lizzie.
"Thanks" Lizzie said softly
"Though I could have done without literally getting dragged up to your bedroom" the tribrid teased with a small laugh.
"Yeah I just wanted to get things straight to the point. Not waste any time"
"Alright. Well, my dress is in this box. And then this one is for you"
Lizzie reached out and took the box Hope was holding out to her. She took a seat on her bed and opened up the box curiously, pulling out the book that was inside. She raised an eyebrow at the title on the cover of the book. "I'm not really one to read classical books" she said blunty.
The tribrid chuckled softly. "Open it"
Lizzie looked at her curiously and opened the book, only to see spells written on the inside. She turned the pages curiously, seeing information on offensive magic as well as how to make elixirs (unharmful ones of course).
"The school doesn't teach offensive magic" Hope explained. "So I thought I'd give you something to help you learn it if you want. Especially if monsters do keep making appearances. You'll need to be prepared"
"I dont ever want to hurt anyone" Lizzie admitted
"I know. But if the dragon and gargoyle and arachne taught us anything, it's that its better to know how to defend yourself" Hope reasoned.
Lizzie nodded and pulled out a small container. "And what is this?"
"It contains a small amount of healing solution as well as a vial of my blood. My blood should be a last resort, but if anything happens and you need it, it's here. Due to my tribrid nature, even though my vampire side isn't activated, my blood still heals and turns you if you die with it in your system. It cures werewolf bites and heals wounds faster than regular vampire blood. Not by much but it might be enough"
"Thank you" Lizzie said with a small smile. "Speaking of the monster situation, my very dead biological mother just showed up looking very much alive. Dad and I are suspicious of her. But Josie isn't. She wants to find out as much as she can from her.
"Well, I dont blame her. I mean... My dad was forced to not be in my life from when I was 2 till I was 7. And all I wanted to do was meet him. Then I had, and he was forced to leave again and I was without him. And all I wanted was to see him again"
"But thats not the same. You were seven. Of course you wanted to. But then after that, you already had memories of him" Lizzie pointed out.
"Perhaps not. Your sister had never gotten a chance to meet her before. But in the same type of situation as adopted children, most wish they had gotten a chance to know their biological parents, no matter how much they love their adoptive ones. So it makes sense for your sister to want to know her, no matter how much she loves your mom. And i think you do too. Even if you don't want to admit it. Wanting to know your biological mother does not discredit your love for your surrogate mother who raised you"
Lizzie looked at Hope for a moment before saying "Let me see the dress"
Hope opened up her own box and passed it to Lizzie, who looked down at it.
"It'll do" Lizzie said, pulling the dress out of the box and holding it up to see how it fully looked. "It would look good on you"
"Thanks" Hope said and watched as Lizzie showed her the light blue sparkly fringe dress she planned to wear to the party. The two began discussing the exact details of what Hope was supposed to do at the party as Lizzie's escort, and Hope suddenly began feeling like it was an assignment she could fail rather than being her date. But of course Hope wasn't going to say that. She was still glad to be able to be here for Lizzie and give her whatever she needed.
Down the hallway near her father's office, Josie Saltzman was watching from a distance. She had left her father's office as he requested, but she wanted to talk to Jo some more. So once Alaric left to discuss things with Dorian, Josie approached her father's office, glancing around to make sure no teachers were in the area. Though, they mostly stuck to their classrooms, based on past experiences. Even when monsters were fighting, Emma was the only one a little helpful, outside of Dorian and Alaric Saltzman. And she assumed Emma was probably with Dorian. The two had recently started seeing each other, though it wasn't public knowledge. Josie just tended to be observant about everything around her when able.
It was still strange to think about the fact her biological mother was here in the Salvatore School. That she could talk to her. Be around her. She wanted to get to know her better. Especially since she wasn't sure this would last. Of course, Josie understood why Lizzie didn't. But Josie wasn't Lizzie, something she wished her twin remembered sometimes. She was her own person. Which was why, without her twin who was usually joined at the hip with her, Josie walked inside her father's office and slowed to a stop as she once again saw Josette. Her biological mother. The woman who had died in the middle of her wedding ceremony with Josie's father.
"Josie" Jo greeted her with a warm smile.
"Hi" Josie greeted, looking at her. She knew the woman was trapped inside the room by a locator spell. She could feel it as she passed through it, being a siphoner and all. The feeling was very faint, but she could tell."I'm sorry about Lizzie earlier. She can be a bit... protective of..."
"Its okay. I know Caroline is your mom" Jo said. "She gave birth to you and raised you"
Josie gave her a small smile. "She and Lizzie are really close. And we don't know what's going to happen with you being here. And she just doesn't want to get hurt or feel like she is betraying our mom"
"It's okay. I guessed it was something like that" Jo said honestly as she looked at her daughter.
"Me, on the other hand, I want to take advantage of this and get to know you a bit" Josie told her as she took a seat in another chair in her dad's office.
"And I want to get to know you too"
The siphoner smiled at that. "How long did you know my dad? Before..."
"Less than a year" Jo said with a slight frown. "But I loved him. I hadn't even realized I could fall for someone as hard as I fell for your dad. I didn't exactly have a good love life before I met him. I don't know how much he told you, but he was a teacher at the college I worked at, and I was teaching the people wanting to be doctors and nurses"
"I know. He told us that much. But he hasn't talked a lot about you because it is too painful for him. And I don't usually ask because I don't want him hurting. But now you're here. I don't have to ask him. I can get to know answers, just from asking you."
"And I'm glad you get that opportunity" Jo said. "So your birthday party is today? Are you bringing anyone special?"
"I have a date. With a girl named Finch. We aren't girlfriends yet i dont think. But we both seem to like each other. And I'm glad she agreed to go to my party with me"
"Well, I'm glad you get to go with the girl you are interested in" Jo smiled warmly. "And your sister had a date too"
"She does. But it's a platonic one. She couldnt get a date in time, so she's bringing her friend Hope to the party so she isn't alone. She's been planning this party since we were five and didn't want it to be ruined. So she asked Hope. And Hope's dating Landon. Neither of them go to school here. But I think they will both be here tonight for the party. Landon's supposedly human. But he couldn't be compelled. We just don't know what he could be since there is no sign of special abilities beyond not being able to be compelled" Josie explained.
"Well, I'm sure you'll all find out what he is soon enough. I heard you all are having monster problems, of creatures you didn't know existed. Your father explained that to me when he was suspicious of me being one as well"
"Yeah, um, we've had to face a gargoyle, an arachne, Lizzie and Hope fought a dragon with Dad. And then Dad and Dorian met a dryad" Josie explained. "It's been a crazy semester so far."
"So I hear. I never wanted you getting caught up in danger. Though I suppose it runs in the family. But I'm glad you and Lizzie both get to enjoy your birthday party today and have dates, whether its with a friend or not"
Jo smiled a little and continued talking to Jo, wanting to take full advantage of the fact she was here, forgetting for a moment about her worry in regards to her leaving Lizzie's side.
Later that day, Hope was in the gym with Landon, nervously pacing. She wasnt a people person. She never had been. It might have to do with barely knowing anyone and then moving all the time. But the idea of being one of the ones at the center of attention was unnerving. She'd rather be kicking ass or snuggling with Landon. But at least she would be right alongside her friend Lizzie.
"It's going to be okay" Landon said, walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her. "I'll be right there in the crowd. Besides, they'll be more focused on Lizzie since it's her party, right?"
Hope nodded. "Theoretically. Though I've always attracted a bit of attention, despite my efforts to just stay the lone wolf. It worked well till I met you, and we became the lone pair for a little while" She grinned
Landon laughed softly and pressed his lips to hers for a moment before pulling away. "We did, didn't we? You even made us invisible so we wouldn't be bothered"
"Yeah it was peaceful" Hope said with a slight smile as she looked down, sliding her hand down his arm and intertwining his fingers with hers.
Landon looked down as well before smiling back at her, glad to be right here with her. Her hand felt right, intertwined with his. A rush of safety and security washed over him. He had spent most of his life afraid and unsure. But right next to Hope, he knew he was safe and felt like he belonged. It was amazing, Landon thought as he caressed the back of her hand with his thumb, how one girl could make such a difference in his life. How after a lifetime of suffering, just her mere presence made him happier than anyone else ever could. And she was the only person that didn't want him to leave. Well, the only person that had ever become a main person in his life. He was sure Freya and Keelin were rather fond of him as well. Which was another reason it felt right staying at the Mikaelson home.
"Everything should go fine. Its just a party and not even yours. And I look forward to getting to dance with you after you dance with Lizzie" Landon admitted with a grin. "Even if i still am not a good dancer."
"I look forward to that too" Hope smiled at him before pressing her lips to his and tugging him closer. She was glad he had gotten dressed up to come to the party too. She enjoyed his company. His mere presence made her that much happier. And it also gave her reassurance that he was actually okay. That some incident hadn't happened that had gotten him hurt or killed because of her.
Soon enough, Hope headed towards the exit, ready to finally go to the dance, but suddenly her body felt as though it walked into a wall, a magical ripple of color flooding the walkway before fading. "What the hell?" she murmured under her breath, only to see a teenage girl come into view.
"Nothing personal" she said, looking at Hope and Landon.
"Let us out of here" the tribrid snapped. "I have to get to the dance"
"Yes, I know you're Lizzie's date for whatever crazy reason, but that's exactly why I'm doing this. Though you could do better than Lizzie Saltzman" Penelope rolled her eyes a bit. "That girl doesn't think of anyone but herself"
"You're wrong about that" Hope said, shaking her head.
"You'll figure it out soon enough. If she forgives you for bailing on her. You'll be free in an hour." Penelope walked away without another word, a smirk on her face. Hope scowled but didn't do anything. Magic wouldn't exactly help her get free, and she didn't want to actually cause any damage. Especially if she might go here in the future.
"Ah, let's welcome birthday girl number one, and her lucky escort." The DJ exclaimed.
Lizzie slowly descended the staircase, looking around a little nervously. Hope wasn't where she had promised she would be. And if she got stood up at her own party, it would be utterly humiliating. Suddenly, MG was at the bottom of the staircase, wearing an unusual blue suit.
When she reached him, she took the extended arm but asked "Where's my date?"
She had had a plan and did not like when things were disrupted. It caused her to get nervous and worry things wouldn't turn out right. Especially right now while she was the center of attention. And the last thing she wanted was MG thinking they would be a thing. She couldnt. She couldn't start something with him, no matter how much he wanted it.
"You're looking at him" MG replied confidentiality, his expression not wary at her question.
"You're wearing sneakers?" Lizzie questioned, raising an eyebrow. She definitely wasn't exactly impressed with this so far, but she was grateful she hadn't been left alone.
"These are Concord 11s, Milady" MG replied, clearly not yet phased by her initial opinion.
"What if I told you my favorite was sunflowers?" Lizzie questioned, looking at him with a small frown, wanting to know how he would respond.
"I'd know you were lying."
Now, however, Lizzie Saltzman was shocked and confused. The only person in town that knew her favorite flower was Josie. Had he asked her? "How?"
MG made a gesture, and the witches did magic to make confetti start to falling from above them, just over them. Lizzie looked up at it in awe, unable to help the way this was starting to feel more magical than she had originally pictured today turning out when she woke up this morning, but she couldn't bring herself to acknowledge that verbally. Not when it would lead to false expectations. A small smile formed on her lips as she finally looked back at him.
"The same way I know that your favorite color is lavender, your favorite dessert is key lime pie, you like a blend of hip-hop and old-school Motown, and powdered bat wings make you sneeze" MG listed.
Lizzie's lips parted open as she looked at him. She knew he hadn't asked all of that from her sister, which meant he paid attention to her, more than anyone else ever really had. Especially considering he hadn't known her his whole life. He hadn't been at the school very long. The two of them began heading to the dance floor, arm in arm. Suddenly the song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun began playing, which caused the blonde siphoner to be even more surprised as she looked at him, her gaze softening even more as warmth flooded through her. A bright smile formed on her face as she looked over at him.
"My favorite song" she said, though she was sure he already knew it based off of the other favorite things he had already listed.
"I know" MG said, looking at her.
It was amazing how today was not going as planned, but each moment was starting to feel more and more magical. More than she had expected to enjoy and more than she felt she deserved. But she would let herself enjoy today. It was her sixteenth birthday after all. Her sweet 16. MG walked with her further to the dance floor and began dancing around her, causing her to laugh a bit, a smile formed on her face. She couldn't explain what it was, but something about him was so captivating. And as she watched him continue to dance as the dance floor cleared out to give him space, she saw how he danced like a sparkler. And soon she joined him, having a far better birthday party, having more fun, than she could have ever imagined.
Josie arrived at her party through a side door to not take away from the public interest her sister had. The spotlight where MG gave her everything Lizzie had wanted but never said. She saw Finch and walked over to her, a smile forming on her face at the sight of her.
"Hey" she greeted, looking at her.
"Hey" Finch replied. "I thought you would be coming up from the top like your sister"
Josie shook her head. "I didn't want to take attention away from her. And she seems to be having a great time with MG right now" she said, her gaze drifting over to her sister, whose expression was lit up as MG danced around her. She could tell her sister was drawn to him and this whole thing, but she also knew her sister wouldn't admit it even if she wanted to kiss him. Lizzie generally spoke her mind without hesitation. But when it came to any attraction she felt towards MG, she buried it. And Josie didn't push, not until it was more obvious and seemed like she should. She wasn't even sure her sister realized it. Maybe she didn't and maybe she wouldn't for a while. But there was something there. And the last thing Josie wanted was to ruin it on today of all days.
"Maybe you should worry about yourself and what you want for a change" Finch said, looking at her. From what she had gathered, that was not a common occurrence.
"I have what I want. I want to be here with you" Josie told her.
Finch smiled at her words. "Well, uh, I don't really have much experience in dancing, but I think I can manage dancing with my favorite of the birthday girls if you want. Even if its to this song"
"I'd like that"
Josie smiled back at her and taking Finch's extended hand. The two headed off a little into the crowd and started to dance. Finch's arm wrapped around the siphoner and drew her closer. Josie bent down and rested her forehead slightly against hers. The two had talked for a while last night and gotten to know each other better than they did before, and while Josie knew there was still a good bit to learn, she wanted this. She wanted to dance with Finch and hold her and be held by her. Maybe she was rushing it. But she had spent the time since they had agreed to go on a date convincing herself it was a bad idea. And while she still felt that way, today was her birthday. And she really just wanted to spend one night without worrying too much about everything else.
"Thank you for giving me chances" Josie said. "I never really meant to hurt you when I bailed on you. it's just... after my ex girlfriend dumped me and broke my heart, I was afraid of making a real connection again. And then there was everything else going on. But if I didn't make it clear yesterday, I really like you so far and would like to go out with you. Really. More than just my birthday party and hanging out in my dorm room. If that's something you're interested in"
Finch grinned. "Well, maybe later we can talk and figure out what we can do" she suggested. "Because I like you too, Josie. I have been interested in you pretty much from the moment I saw you, and its just grown as we talked. But I don't want to keep getting ditched"
"And I don't want to keep ditching you. I'm sorry I did before. But I don't want to keep running from this chance of happiness" Josie said honestly.
"I'm glad to hear that" Finch said and continued to dance with her, enjoying her mere presence. She wanted to be here with her and enjoying time with her, even if Finch wasn't a big fan of big gatherings. She was having fun. She just hoped nothing would end up going wrong to ruin it.
Slowly, Josie moved away from her. "I'm sorry but there's one more thing I want today. My biological mother is back from the dead, and I want her here. I'm not ditching you. I swear. I want to be right here with you. I just also want to have the memory of her at my birthday party. Especially since I'm not sure how long this will last"
"Alright. That's fine. Do you want me to come with you?"
"No. I just... it won't take long. She's in my dad's office. I'll be back real quick, and we can get back to dancing"
"Alright, I'll be here. Actually I'll be right along that wall over there, so you know where to find me" Finch said, giving her a small smile. Josie smiled and kissed her cheek before quickly leaving, barely having time to process the fact she had kissed Finch's cheek. They hadn't had a real kiss yet, and she had kissed her cheek instinctively before heading off.
She headed down the hall, shaking away the thought. She went inside her dad's office and walked inside the office and smiled as she saw Jo.
"Josie?" Jo questioned in surprise. "Shouldn't you be at the party?"
"Yes, but I... I wanted to know if you wanted to come too. I want you there. Especially in case you being here doesn't last. I want the memory of you being at my sixteenth birthday party"
"Well, in that case, how could I refuse?" Jo said with a kind smile. "Though are you sure your dad won't be mad?"
"Maybe a little, but he will be over it soon enough. It's okay" Josie promised. "I can siphon the barrier spell" Jo smiled at her and stood up before heading to the door. Josie smiled back and walked alongside her, "Lizzie's date bailed, but she's having fun with someone else" she informed her as she siphoned the barrier and headed out of the office.
"Well, regardless if it was her intended date with... Hope, was it?" Jo asked. At Josie's nod, she continued "I'm glad she is at least having some fun today at the party."
"I am too" Josie said, both because she wanted her sister to be happy and because she didn't want there to be an episode on their birthday. "And you'll get to meet my... well, we haven't put a label on it, but the girl I'm sort of dating. We didn't get off to the best start because I was a bit afraid of starting anything and getting my heart broken, but we finally started to work things out last night. I just hope I don't end up ruining it"
"Finch. You mentioned her before. I look forward to meeting her" Jo said honestly.
Josie started walking a little ahead of her. Jo's eyes turned completely white, and she struck Josie from behind in the back of the head. Josie collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Jo lifted her up and carried her out through a vacant side door and into the woods.
It had been 30 minutes since they were trapped, and Hope Mikaelson was still pacing in the gym impatiently, waiting for the clock to reach the hour mark. She had already made the ceiling transparent for Landon, though he hadn't needed it as much considering he had her there with him.. He wasn't sure how to help her like she helped him. Hope hated feeling like crap because of bailing on Lizzie Saltzman even though it wasn't her fault. And she had never been invited to a birthday party before. And the one time she did, she ended up trapped.
"I can't believe we're trapped in here"
Landon hesitated. "So you really can't... un-spell the barrier?"
Hope was surprised at the suggestion, and she stopped pacing to look over at him. A small chuckle escaped her lips as a tiny smile formed on her face. She shook her head lightly. "No."
"Right. Figured there couldn't be a solution that simple" He said and walked over to her, taking her hands in his. "But if you can't do anything to get us out of here, then maybe you should relax."
"Right" Hope breathed out slowly, her body starting to relax as Landon's thumbs caressed her hands. "Relax" She let go of one of his hands but kept the other one as she walked over to the bleachers and took a seat. Landon sat beside her and let go of her hand before wrapping his arm around her. He reached across his own waist with his other hand and held hers. "We'll get out of here eventually"
"Yes, we will. In half an hour. And fortunately, there is a clock in here, so we can keep an eye on how long until we are out of here. I can't believe I'm being forced to not be able to be there to support her on her sweet 16. I mean yeah we haven't been friends that long. But I still promised her. And now she probably thinks I'm standing her up"
"Hey, when we get out of here, you just need to explain to her what happened and that being late wasn't your choice. She'll understand. Especially since she is a witch and understands how magic works" Landon reassured her, rubbing her arm a little.
"I know. I know. I just... I dont like this. I dont like feeling helpless and I don't want to let her down"
"I know" Landon said softly. "But like I said, she'll understand once you tell her what happened. We just need to sit and wait till the hour is up"
The tribrid nodded and pulled away a little so she could face him, and she held his hands, glad to be by his side. To have him here with her. "I'm glad you're here, and I dont have to wait by myself"
"I'll always be here for you when I can be" Landon said, looking at her. "You're the first and only person in my life that I have cared about this much and that has cared about me the same. I want to be here and anywhere else you want me to be" he admitted, looking at her.
Hope looked at him for a moment before moving closer to him. Her lips met his, she let go of one of his hands, moving her hand up his arm until she had her hand on his neck. She tugged him closer, enjoying his presence. She had been so wrapped up in worrying about something she couldn't control. It wasn't good. She wasnt used to not being able to do things. But this? This she could do. Spending time with her boyfriend while she was trapped in a gym.
Landon's now free arm drew her closer, and the tribrid moved onto his lap as she continued to kiss him, taking in the sound of his heartbeat and his scents. Hope deepened the kiss, her fingers tangled in his hair as she lost track of anything else that was important, though the back of her mind still whispered about Lizzie. But since she couldn't do anything yet to fulfill her promise, the thought was barely there. She pulled away from him and looked at him, breathing out slowly.
"Thank you" she said, looking at him
Landon looked at her, confused.
"For being someone that wants to stay and be here for me" Hope whispered, unable to bring herself to say the words louder. It meant more than he knew, though she was sure he could relate.
"You're welcome" Landon said, not asking her to elaborate more. He knew she would if she wanted to. "I'm glad I'm able to be here for you"
He leaned forward with a smile and kissed her again, both of his arms around her waist now as he tugged her closer to him. She ran one of her hands through his curls and continued to kiss him, her other hand around his waist. She didn't want to let him go, especially considering there wasn't anywhere else she could be. For once she was helpless, and she was going to enjoy time with the guy she loved if she couldn't do anything to help it.
After about 10 minutes, Finch was still looking around for Josie's return. She was up against the wall, observing the party. Everyone had a good time. And no one seemed to notice the absence of the birthday girl. Well, one of them. The one Finch cared about. The whole reason she was at the party. While she liked the wolves besides Jed so far, she still didn't feel like she knew anyone well enough to have a good time with them at a party. And she was not really much of a party person anyways.
But she liked Josie. She liked her a lot. Which was why she hated feeling like she was being stood up again. She pushed away the part of her mind that was criticizing her for giving Josie another chanece. But the other part of her was thinking about the fact Josie had promised she wasnt abandoning her. And that was enough to have Finch's heart aching with worry, considering the monsters that have been making appearances.
She made her way towards the exit and looked around, trying to use her senses to find her sort of girlfriend. She caught a faint scent of Josie's and followed it outside, where she saw Hope walking with a slightly worried expression. She had a shovel in her hand. Penelope was outside with a bottle of whiskey.
"Have either of you seen Josie?" Finch asked
Penelope straightened up, setting her bottle to the side.
Hope stopped and turned to Finch, looking between her and Penelope. "Actually I could use both of your help. The twins biological mother is back from the dead and her body was taken control of, and now Josie is buried alive somewhere in the cemetery"
Finch and Penelope both grabbed shovels and headed to the cemetery. Hope listened carefully, trying to pin point the sound. When she heard something, Hope quickly began starting to dig a little, but it wasn't Josie she reached. Instead, a zombie came out and threw itself at Finch, who had also come near to help get Josie out. Finch tried to kill the zombie, but it wasn't working. Not until Hope shoved the head of her shovel into the zombie's head.
"How did you know to do that?" Finch asked, looking at Hope.
"Landon showed me a movie about zombies once" Hope explained. "Figured it was worth a try. Alright, there's probably more of them ready to claw themselves out. I have an idea. Otherwise we could waste too much time trying to find Josie. But zombies are going to be all over the place if I'm right. So you're going to need to be ready"
Penelope and Finch both nodded and gripped their weapons, waiting. Hope backed up a bit and concentrated. The dirt started to rise up all within the cemetery, and Zombies started climbing out. Penelope and Finch started killing them once they were visible to help avoid greater risks, but too many were coming out. Hope moved the dirt to the side magically, Finch and Penelope coughing a little at the dirt in the air as it moved. But they maintained their focus and continued to do what they could.
A zombie attacked Hope while she was doing the spell, disrupting it. The dirt fell to the ground and so did Hope. She turned quickly and kicked the zombie away from her. Her shovel had fallen in a hole, and she reached for it, trying to get it to move to her magically, but the zombie grabbed at her leg. She reached for its head and snapped it, tearing it off. The tribrid grimaced a bit, not a fan of having to do that. She grabbed the shovel and shoved it into the head that was still alive before moving to help finish off the rest of the zombies.
After some cuts and bruises, the zombies were finally dead, and Finch looked around, spotting Josie who had pulled herself out of her own grave now that Hope had helped with the dirt. She rushed over to her in concern.
"Josie" the werewolf breathed out, worry obvious in her expression.
"I'm okay" Josie said, coughing a bit. She didnt look okay. She was clearly exhausted and shaking a little bit after being buried alive.
"Lets get her back to the school, so she can get cleaned up and be with her family" Hope said.
Finch nodded and helped Josie get up into a standing position before starting to walk with her, her arm around her to support her emotionally and physically if needed. Penelope's eyes were full of concern, but she didn't say anything. Instead she just watched Finch guide Josie away and back to the school.
"Mind helping me rebury these bodies?" Hope questioned.
Penelope tore her gaze away and nodded before starting to help Hope bury the zombies back in their grave.
After making sure her sister was okay and preoccupied taking a needed shower, Lizzie headed over to MG, who she saw had been watching with concern. "Hey" she greeted softly as she reached him. "She's shaken up a bit, but she's okay"
"Good. I'm glad to hear it. I wish I had been able to help find her. Vampire hearing and all."
Lizzie nodded. "As her sister that was too distracted by partying to notice she was gone, yeah I wish I had been able to help too"
"But she made it out okay, and that's what matters" MG said. "Don't blame yourself. You know your sister doesn't want to be in the middle of the spotlight. And you were enjoying your birthday party. No one expected for anything big to happen"
"I know. But knowing that doesn't erase the guilt of not knowing my sister was buried alive until she was saved"
"I know" MG said and hesitated before taking her hand and squeezing it a little reassuringly before letting go.
Lizzie looked at him gratefully. "I had a good time tonight. Like a really good time tonight. It was fun. More fun than I had expected. But I don't think its a good time to start anything more. And not just with you, with anyone. Especially after what's all going on these days. But I do like spending time with you. Maybe we could be... friends. More than we were before at least"
"I would like that" MG said, looking at her, though he wanted more than just friendship.
And Lizzie knew that. But he was a good person. Too good of a person. She had known that since they met, and the knowledge of it had only continued to increase over time. Sometimes she had acted the opposite. Like he wasn't good enough for her, even without her meaning to. But the more she knew him, the more she realized it was the opposite. That he was better than she deserved. And maybe if he moved on from his feelings for her, he could find a happy relationship with someone that did not have episodes. Did not lose control like she did. He deserved a safe and stable relationship. One she doubted she could give him.
She knew she was a lot to handle just as a sister and a daughter. But the reason she had never had a real boyfriend before was both because either they fled or because she knew it wouldn't last when it started. So she enjoyed the short lasting romance she could get and settled with watching rom coms and dreaming that she could have something like that.
Considering all of the events that had occurred that night, Hope and Landon decided it would be best to just crash in a dorm room at the school. She didnt want to leave so soon after Josie had been buried alive by the possessed zombie spirit of her mother. So Lizzie led them to a dorm room and opened the door to let them in. Her gaze was said as she both wanted to go and be there for her sister and biological mother but also didn't want to face it. Hope thought about about how everything that had happened as she went nearer to the bed, hand in hand with Landon. The blonde started to close the door after they were inside, but Hope spoke before she could stop herself.
"Wait"
Lizzie stopped and turned to look at Hope, who was now watching her thoughtfully. "What is it?"
"I promised you I would be your date to your sweet 16. But I had been unable to fulfill that" Hope said. "And for that I am sorry"
"It's alright. Its not your fault Satan in a crop top trapped you in a room. And then you were off saving my sister. If anything, I should be thanking you. If she had died- If I had lost her... I can't even imagine" Lizzie admitted, not liking how vulnerable she seemed but also being unable to help it at the mere thought.
Despite her sister's beliefs, Josie meant everything to her. If she was better at picking up cues, things would be a lot different. But she can't read minds. And she had hoped her sister would be as honest to her as she was to her sister.
"You don't need to thank me. I just did what anyone would have done in my shoes if they had found out Josie was buried"
"I know you did. But I didn't know. I was wrapped up in dancing with MG that I didn't realize Josie had left to go get Jo. Which is something I should be apologizing to Josie for. But the point is, thank you"
"You're welcome" Hope said honestly. "But I didn't just ask you to wait so we could talk about this. I also wanted to fulfill my promise to a degree"
"How?"
Hope shot Landon a look, and he let go of her hand before setting up some music for them to play. The song Lizzie had mentioned would be playing blasted a bit through the speakers on the cellphone. Hope held out her hand expectantly. Lizzie looked at her in surprise, slowly taking her hand. She drew the tribrid closer to her, one hand wrapped around her waist. The other one securely yet comfortingly holding her hand. Their bodies were pressed up against each other, and Hope looked up at Lizzie, hearing her heart beat.
"Thank you" Lizzie said, her body relaxing as she suddenly felt calmer than she did before. Her worries about Josie and her heart ache over Jo faded while she danced with the tribrid, raising their arms up do Hope could go under them before pulling her back towards her. "For doing this. It definitely makes up for you not being there when you said you would be. Not that that was your fault. I know it wasn't. But I still appreciate this. Especially considering everything that was going on"
"Of course" Hope said softly as she continued dancing with Lizzie, knowledgeable of Landon seated on the furthest bed. He was giving them their space and not interrupting. "You seem like you could use it, and we are friends. And I did make a promise. And even though I couldn't keep it, I wanted to do this much at least"
Lizzie looked down at the tribrid. "Have you decided if you're going to come to my school yet?" she asked as they moved around the room a little with ease.
"Not yet. I plan to eventually. But now is not the time. There are answers I need to figure out. And if I'm going to make friends here, I want to make honest ones. Like you. I don't want to have to keep things from them. Even something as simple as my last name or my species I can't tell them. I'm used to lying. But at a school where its full of the supernatural? I cannot fathom how difficult that may become. I'm pretty sure I'd end up slipping up"
"Well, if you do decide to come to the school, you know you've already got a friend here waiting for you" Lizzie pointed out with a grin.
"I know" Hope smiled at the blonde.
Lizzie smiled back at her before her expression began to falter. "I should go. I need to check on Josie and deal with everything. But thank you. For getting my mind off of it for a little while"
"Of course. And if you need anything, let me know" the tribrid said softly, slowly pulling away and stepping back.
"I will" The blonde said before heading out of the room.
Hope watched her go before sighing and turning around, only to find the guy she loved approaching her.
After her shower, Josie headed down the hallway, lost in thought. She had been thinking a lot since she was saved from being buried alive. Since Finch, Hope, and Penelope had saved her. Finch had brought her back to the school to the shower and had left her alone at her request. Josie kept thinking about how if she had just left Jo in, this wouldn't have happened. When she looked up, she caught sight of FInch getting up from a chair and approaching her. Apparently the werewolf had stayed nearby for when she had gotten out. Finch wanted to be there to check on her as soon as she could.
"I'm glad you're okay" Finch said, looking at Josie. "When you never showed back up at the party, I got worried and went out to search for you. To make sure nothing happened"
"Well, something was definitely wrong." Josie wrapped her arms around herself a bit. "We were heading to the party when she struck me from behind. I wasn't thinking about the possibility of something being wrong with her. I just tried doing what I want for a change. Something I usually suck at doing because I want to make sure everyone else has what they want. And I wanted to bring her to the party and then dance with you again"
"And I wanted you to have what you want. You deserve to have happiness of your own. Especially with everything you have to deal with"
"Its because of everything that I really shouldn't. There's too much going on to be focusing on myself. There is a bigger picture. Larger things that need to be handled"
"No offense, but that's bullshit" Finch said. "You're running from your own needs, whether that's desires or problems you're facing. You focus so much on others in order to pretend everything is fine and not have to deal with your own stuff"
Josie recoiled at her words. "You haven't known me long"
"No, but I can tell. And I can't make you focus on you and don't want to control you. But I am going to say this. Your sister may have needs. She may need you by her side or she can handle herself. You'll never know if she can be fine on her own if you don't let her be sometimes. Even being close to her, you don't need to hide things from her. If you want to be in the spotlight, be in the spotlight. If you're upset about something, say it. If you want to do something, do it. Sometimes it will end up tonight. But if you push away your own desires, you'll never be happy. You can't be. Your life will be miserable. And deep down, I know you don't want that. So maybe you'll consider that before continuing to always put everyone first no matter how it feels"
Josie looked at her and stepped closer to her. "You think I should do whatever I want?"
"Yes I do"
"Even right now?"
"Even right now. If you want to do it, do it" Finch looked at her.
Josie bent down and pressed her lips to Finch's. Her hand went to Finch's neck as she kissed her. Lightbulbs around them exploded. Finch pulled away and looked around at the sparks flying everywhere, looking at them in surprised fascination. Josie looked at it in surprise as well, definitely having not intended to do that.
"Does that happen every time you kiss a girl?" Finch asked, looking back at Josie.
Josie shook her head a bit. "That's never happened before"
Finch grinned and kissed her again. Josie smiled back into the kiss and tugged Finch closer to her, slowly deepening it. She didn't want to let go. If she was going to focus on herself today for her birthday, she was going to enjoy it. Because who knew what would happen tomorrow. She nearly died today. She could die tomorrow. And she didn't want to do that without kissing Finch. Sure they hadn't known each other long, but she had been drawn to her instantly. And by some miracle the werewolf had given her more chances than she had deserved. The siphoner did not want to waste them.
"May I have this dance?" Landon grinned, looking at her.
"You may" Hope said with a soft giggle as she took his hand, a bright smile on her face. He drew her closer go him and wrapped an arm around her as they swayed to the music still playing.
"I know I wasn't your official date, but I did want to dance with you" he told her.
"I wanted to dance with you too" Hope said honestly with a bright smile as she looked at him, her eyes shining with affection. "I'm glad you're here with me"
"Always" Landon said sincerely. He twirled her under his arm and drew her back to him, a little awkwardly but still in a very enjoyable way for them. He grinned at her, glad she was by his side. "I think you should go here if you want. I know you'll still have to lie. But you get to be more of yourself"
"I dont want to leave Mystic Falls High until you do" Hope said firmly, looking at him.
"I know I'm supposedly supernatural, but I have no idea if I am. Much less what I am" Landon said. "I dont know if i should be here if i don't. I mean I just want to be where you are. You're the person that means the most to me in this entire town. But while I like the idea of being special, I also want a place to belong. And even here I wouldn't. But I'll let you know if it seems like it could. And then we can go here together"
"Alright. we can do that" Hope said, resting her head on his shoulder as they danced.
A bit later, Landon pulled away a little to look down at her. "You saved the day today. Saved Josie"
"I had some help"
"True. But you still saved the day. Which is so sexy by the way" He bent down and pressed his lips to hers.
She smiled at the pressure and kissed him back, the swaying ceasing as she let go of his hand and slid it up to his neck, pulling him deeper into a kiss.