Hosie~ One Shots

Confessions At The Altar

The day of the wedding dawned with a perfect blend of sunshine and anticipation. Hope Mikaelson stood in the garden of the Salvatore School, her heart pounding as she watched the final touches being added to the elaborate wedding canopy. She wore a beautiful gown, her hair styled elegantly, every detail meticulously planned for her wedding to Lizzie Saltzman.

Josie Saltzman, Lizzie's twin sister and maid of honor, stood nearby, her nerves a jumble of excitement and worry. She smoothed down her dress, stole a glance at Hope, and offered a nervous smile.

"Are you ready?" Josie asked, trying to hide the tremor in her voice.

Hope turned to her with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Before Josie could respond, the guests began to arrive, filling the garden with chatter and excitement. Lizzie, radiant in her wedding dress, appeared at the entrance with their father, Alaric Saltzman, by her side. The sight of her sister about to embark on a new chapter of her life brought a mix of emotions to Josie—joy for Lizzie and a twinge of sadness that things were changing.

As Lizzie approached, Hope's gaze locked with Josie's, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. Josie noticed the hesitation, but she brushed it off as nerves. After all, it was natural to have doubts before such a momentous occasion.

The ceremony began with heartfelt vows exchanged between Lizzie and Hope, their promises of love and commitment echoing through the garden. Josie stood beside them, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She had always supported her sister's happiness, but a part of her couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss.

As the officiant asked if anyone objected to the union, a tense silence fell over the garden. Josie held her breath, her eyes flickering between Hope and Lizzie. But when no objections were raised, relief washed over her. Maybe it was just pre-wedding jitters after all.

Just as the ceremony was about to conclude, Hope hesitated. She took a step back from Lizzie, her gaze darting between the two sisters. A ripple of unease passed through the guests as they watched the scene unfold.

"Hope, what's wrong?" Lizzie whispered, her brow furrowed with concern.

Hope took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to say. "Lizzie, there's something I need to tell you."

Confusion clouded Lizzie's features, but before she could respond, Hope turned to Josie. The air seemed to still around them as Hope's next words hung in the air like a weighty secret.

"Josie," Hope began, her voice trembling slightly, "I can't go through with this. I... I love you."

The words hit Josie like a lightning bolt. She froze, her mind struggling to process what Hope had just confessed in front of everyone. The guests murmured in surprise, heads turning to see Josie's reaction.

Lizzie's eyes widened in shock, her hand flying to her mouth. "Hope, what are you saying?"

Hope turned to Lizzie, tears welling up in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Lizzie. I thought I could bury my feelings, but I can't. Not anymore."

Josie took a step back, her heart pounding with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. She had never imagined that Hope would feel this way, let alone confess it on her wedding day.

"Hope, you're about to marry my sister," Josie whispered, her voice barely audible over the gasps of the guests.

"I know," Hope replied, her voice thick with emotion. "But I can't pretend anymore. I can't marry Lizzie when my heart belongs to you."

Lizzie staggered back, tears streaming down her cheeks. "But... but I thought... I thought you loved me."

Hope reached out to Lizzie, her own tears falling freely now. "I do love you, Lizzie. You're my best friend, and I care about you deeply. But I can't marry you when I'm in love with someone else."

The garden was filled with stunned silence as the reality of Hope's confession sank in. Josie's mind raced with a thousand thoughts, but amidst the chaos, one truth remained—she loved Hope too.

"I... I need to go," Josie managed to say, her voice breaking with emotion.

She turned and fled from the garden, the sounds of Lizzie's sobs and the guests' murmurs echoing in her ears. She needed time to sort through her feelings, to understand what Hope's confession meant for their future.

Later that evening, Josie found herself standing at the edge of the school's lake, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the water. She was lost in thought when she heard footsteps behind her.

"Josie."

It was Hope. Josie turned to face her, her heart still raw with confusion and hurt.

"I'm sorry," Hope began, her voice trembling. "I shouldn't have said anything today. It was selfish of me."

Josie shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "No, Hope. You needed to be honest. I just... I never expected..."

Hope took a step closer, her eyes pleading. "I understand if you need time, Josie. But please know that I meant every word. I love you."

Josie searched Hope's eyes, seeing the depth of her feelings reflected there. Despite everything, despite the pain and uncertainty, Josie knew one thing with absolute certainty—she loved Hope too.

"I love you too, Hope," Josie confessed, her voice steady despite the tears streaming down her cheeks. "But this... it's complicated."

Hope nodded, her shoulders slumping with resignation. "I know. I'll give you all the time you need, Josie. Just... please don't shut me out."

Josie reached out, taking Hope's hand in hers. "I won't. But we need to figure this out, Hope. For everyone's sake."

Hope nodded again, squeezing Josie's hand gently. "We will, Josie. I promise."

As they stood together by the lake, the weight of their emotions hung heavy in the air. The path ahead was uncertain, filled with challenges and difficult choices. But as long as they faced it together, Josie knew they would find their way to a future where their love could finally be free.