A Love Split in Three

Chapter 26

Hope walked up to Lizzie after having a semi-awkward conversation with her ex Roman, "I need another task, something more strenuous if you have it." Hope said to Lizzie who was writing on her clipboard. Luckily Lizzie put the ring Hope gave her on a long chain, turning it into a necklace which she hid under her suit. She didn't want Hope to see her wearing it after her accidental rejection but she also didn't want to put it away, she found the ring oddly comforting despite it reminding her of her own stupidity.

"Does this have anything to do with the return of Roman Sienna?" Lizzie asked not looking up from her clipboard, avoiding making eye contact with Hope

"It's not Roman." Hope rolled her eyes

"Alright, whatever, I'll make you a list." Lizzie said finally looking up

Lizzie gasped, "The judges are here. Excuse me." Lizzie said quickly walking away

"Okay then.." Hope said to herself

"Mrs. Thompson. It is such a pleasure to see you again. I have your tea waiting for you in the Great Room. Earl Grey, Milk, Two Sugars. Dr. Brandt. I was so sad to hear about Muffin. She was a fine dog." Lizzie said sympathetically trying to win over the judges before the competition starts

"Lizzie Saltzman? Vera Lilien." A petite blonde woman said walking up beside the judges, with a pin on her dress, 'In loving memory of Dana Lilien'

"Dana's mom. Oh.." Lizzie said, putting on her best fake smile, immediately becoming intimidated

"My dearest Dana told me so much about you before she passed." The woman added, with a fake smile of her own

"All good things, I hope." Lizzie replied hopeful

The woman giggled, "Not remotely."

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Lizzie closed the door, "I am withdrawing from Miss Mystic Falls. Effective immediately" Lizzie said walking around to stand in front of the three witches

"I thought you had something important to tell us." Hope said sitting down

"Come for the underwhelming announcement, stay for the epic meltdown." Penelope said smirking slightly pointing at Hope who rolled her eyes

Josie lifted her hand signaling at Penelope to stop before speaking, "Okay, wait, why are you quitting?" Josie asked

"A personal issue with one of the judges. A direct result of that bitch Dana's sabotage." Lizzie said rolling her eyes

"She's dead, Lizzie." Hope said in disbelief

"Right, sorry. Correction: That dead bitch Dana's sabotage. Costing me the crown from beyond the grave." Lizzie said annoyed

"The head judge is her mother. The town pharmacist. There is always next year for me. But that does not mean that we here at the Salvatore School shouldn't bring home the title and stick it to those townies. So, I have studied all of the stats and advanced metrics, and I have chosen a replacement." Lizzie said seriously, gaining the attention of the three

"Hope Mikaelson." Lizzie added looking directly at Hope, whose mouth was open in shock

Josie's smile fell off her face, she thought Lizzie would choose her to become Miss Mystic Falls but she didn't, which made Josie both disappointed and confused. She didn't think Hope and Lizzie would become friends that fast.

Penelope was also disappointed because she knew for a fact that Josie wanted to be Miss Mystic Falls but as always it was about what Lizzie wanted. She was happy for Hope, of course, but she knew that wasn't her thing and she was only going to do it to please Lizzie.

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"I'm going to regret this aren't I?" Hope said as Lizzie pulled out a bunch of binders

"Regret it? You are the perfect candidate. You are pageant-pretty, reasonably well-spoken, and not to mention you have the added bonus of being an orphan. Classic charity case. Plus, you wanted strenuous. This is the fiercest competition in the land. Sorry, about the whole orphan thing by the way." Lizzie said

Hope sighed, "Okay.." she reached over and grabbed a binder

"My mother's research. She used it to prepare for Miss Mystic Falls the year she won. It's effective, but her methods? Quaint at best." Lizzie said standing up to grab a box filled with binders

"This is my research. I have studied every answer given, why every winner has won, and why every loser has lost. No one from the Salvatore School has ever come close. Until today." Lizzie said smiling, handing Hope a binder.

Little did they know what today had in store for them all.