Secrecy (Hosie)

Part 3: Intrigue

"Thank you for dinner!" Josie and Lizzie exchange hugs with their Uncle Damon and Aunt Elena after finishing their family meal. Their dad shakes hands with their uncle, and the three of them exit the house and head to their car outside. Once in the car, Josie looks out the window, observing the full moon as they drive back toward the Salvatore School, "Dad, are you still meeting with Hope to track that new werewolf?"

"Why can't we go with you, Dad? We are witches, too. We can handle a wolf just fine." Lizzie tends to be bitter anytime their dad forbids them from helping with supernatural issues. She wants their dad to trust them just as he would trust his other students, or in this case, Hope.

"Yes, I am still meeting Hope. No, you are not going. I can't have you girls getting hurt, or worse, while I'm trying to help a possible new student. You're much safer back at the Salvatore School, so I'm going to drop you off before I go." Lizzie crosses her arms over her chest, but doesn't push any further.

"And what about Hope? She could get hurt, too. If you think the Salvatore School is safer for supernaturals, then why can't you recruit her?" Josie has had the auburn-haired girl on her mind ever since they met earlier in the week. She was amazed by her magic and knowledge. She was blown away by her beauty. And now, she found herself concerned for the girl's safety, even though she hardly knew her.

"Sweetheart, Hope knows she will always be welcome at the Salvatore School. She made the decision to live as close to a normal human life as possible, and I have to respect that. I know how much you care for everyone, but I can assure you, Hope can take care of herself."

"Normal humans don't hunt werewolves on full moons," Lizzie adds sarcastically.

They have almost made it to the edge of town when Alaric notices Hope's car being parked.
The street is otherwise empty. Alaric slows down and rolls down his window as Hope gets out of her car. "Hope, what are you doing in town?... And what are you doing with my crossbow?"

Hope has retrieved Alaric's crossbow from her trunk and walks up to his car. "Hunting a wolf, remember?" She smirks, admiring the crossbow. Being in such close proximity to Hope again, Josie begins to feel the same tingling sensation in her fingertips, sensing the magic radiating from the older girl.

Lizzie looks at Hope in disbelief. "You're hunting a wolf? In town?"

Hope nods, "Should be somewhere close," she looks up at the moon, "Uh Dr. Saltzman, the moon's almost at its apex." Alaric directs his gaze toward the moon. At the same time, they hear the doors of the church just down the street open. A boy exits the church and situates himself on the steps outside. Hope notices people inside the church. "Bingo. What about them?" Hope is referring to Lizzie and Josie.

Alaric sighs and looks between his two daughters, "Girls, stay in the car." He gets out of the car, and Hope hands him the crossbow. The two of them make their way toward the church, Hope leading the way.
Once right in front of the church, Hope realizes who the boy on the steps is, "Landon?"

"Hope?" Landon didn't expect to see her there. He and Hope do have one class together, and Landon remembers serving her a milkshake when she was out with her uncle and sharing a single dance with her in the town square. She's pretty close with his friend, Rafael. They share many mutual friends actually, at Mystic Falls High. Of course, he had a crush on her. A lot of kids at school did, but she seemed very distant.

"You two know each other?" Alaric questions Hope.

"Long story." Suddenly, there is screaming coming from inside the church. Landon brings himself to his feet and Hope directs her gaze toward the door, "Dr. Saltzman."

"Yeah, I'm on it." Alaric walks up the steps to the door, tugging on the handle. It doesn't open. "The doors are locked." He moves out of the way.

Hope brings her hands in front of her, saying a spell to break through the doors, "Dissera Portus." The doors swing open with enough force to break the chains. "You're gonna want to stay out here, Landon, trust me." She makes her way into the church, Alaric behind her.