Fight With Me

Chapter 2

Hope POV

I was greeted by a pair of twins.

The blonde one, Lizzie, clearly didn't like me. She smiled too wide, talked too loud, like she was daring me to slip up. But Josie... Josie was different. Softer. Kinder. She actually listened.

Most of the tour ended up being me and Josie talking quietly while Lizzie took the lead, pointing things out like a tour guide who really wanted applause.

"And if you really think about it," Lizzie said loudly, throwing her arms out, "you'll be so happy to live and learn here at the Salvatore School!"

Both Josie and I jumped.

Josie looked at me with wide, hopeful eyes, like she was trying to convince me without saying it out loud.

I took a breath before answering. "It seems safe," I said honestly. "But... I've always lived and learned on my own. I'll get used to it, though."

Lizzie's smile tightened, irritation flashing across her face. Josie, on the other hand, practically lit up.

"Great!" Lizzie said, clapping once. "Then we'll go tell our dad that you, Hope Mikaelson, are officially joining us."

She turned toward Josie. "Come on, Jo."

But Josie surprised both of us.

"You can go ahead," she said. "I'm gonna hang out with Hope."

Lizzie stared at her like she'd been personally betrayed before storming off.

I watched her go, confused. Why would Josie stay?

Before I could spiral too far into that thought, Josie broke the silence.

"So," she said, smiling, "how do you feel about smoothie bowls? You can tell me more about yourself."

I smiled back without thinking. Her warmth was contagious.

"I'd like that."

She grabbed my hand, like it was the most natural thing in the world, and we walked off together.

⸻

Lizzie POV

What. The. Hell.

Why would Josie choose to stay with her?

Hope Mikaelson had been here for five minutes and already she was stealing my sister with her quiet, nice-girl act. I didn't buy it. Not for a second.

"Daaaad," I said, barging into his office. "I think you'll be pretty pleased with me."

"And why's that?" he asked, amused.

"She agreed to stay at the school," I said proudly.

"That's great, Lizzie. Where's Josie?"

I grimaced. "Ugh. Don't ask. She stayed behind with her."

"One—watch your language," he said. "And two—promise me you'll try to befriend Hope. She's been through a lot. She doesn't really have anyone."

I sighed, dramatic and put-upon. "She's kind of annoying, but fine. I'll behave."

I left still fuming. Hope Mikaelson had somehow gotten under my skin without even talking to me properly.

That should've been impossible.

⸻

Hours Later — Lizzie POV

I was heading to the kitchen for a late-night snack when I heard laughing.

Of course.

Hope and Josie.

"Hey, Lizzie, right?" Hope's voice cut through my thoughts.

"What?" I snapped, already irritated.

"You seemed annoyed with me earlier," she said calmly. "I just wanted to clear the air."

I scoffed. "Listen, freak. I don't know what game you're playing with my sister, but it ends now."

I grabbed Josie's arm, ready to drag her back to our room, but Hope was faster. Stronger than I expected. She pulled Josie out of my grip, and Josie immediately hugged her, whispering something I couldn't hear.

Hope just smiled at me.

I stormed off, rage boiling in my chest, with Josie trailing behind me, clearly annoyed.

How had Hope already gotten into her head?

This was going to be a very long few weeks.

⸻

Hope POV

After everything with Josie, I already knew we were going to be close. She cared. Really cared. And that was rare.

I was heading toward my room when Dr. Saltzman stopped me.

"Hope, we have a problem."

My body went alert instantly. "What kind of problem?"

"How do you feel about a golem?"

"...Why is there a golem here?"

"I don't know yet," he admitted. "Let's deal with it before jumping to conclusions."

"Should I wake the twins?"

"You don't have to," he said. "But it wouldn't hurt."

I rushed to grab my things, and ran straight into Josie. I explained everything quickly, and without hesitation, she grabbed a go-bag and followed me back, both of us moving quietly through the halls.

When we reached the office, Dr. Saltzman was unconscious. A stone figure loomed over him.

"Get off him!" I shouted, casting spell after spell. Nothing worked.

"Josie," I said urgently, grabbing her hand. "Repeat after me."

We chanted together, voices shaking but steady. The golem lifted, hovered for a moment, then shot backward, unable to withstand the magic.

"Well," Josie said, exhaling, "that's one way to do it."

"It might not be gone," I said. "We may need to go after it."

"Yeah," she said weakly. "Maybe with a bat."

I almost smiled. "I don't think a bat's going to be enough."

Dr. Saltzman groaned as he sat up. "Looks like we're taking a road trip."

Josie and I exchanged a look before following him out.