Fight With Me

Chapter 6

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Hope's POV

There was no doubt in my mind that my relationship with Josie had the potential to be something real. Something important. That scared the hell out of me.

Everyone I cared about ended up hurt or gone. I couldn't stop the thoughts from creeping in. What if I dragged her into my mess? What if she realized being close to me was too dangerous and walked away?

No. I wouldn't let that happen. I would protect her. No matter what.

"You guys ready?" Dr. Saltzman asked, pulling me out of my head.

"Yep," we both answered at the same time.

I sat in the backseat with Josie on the drive home, music low in my headphones as I stared out the window. At some point, I felt a soft weight lean into me. I looked down to see Josie asleep against my shoulder.

She looked peaceful. Too peaceful for someone who carried as much as she did.

I stayed still, afraid even breathing too hard might wake her. My hand hovered a second before resting lightly over hers. She shifted a little and smiled in her sleep.

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Hope POV — A Few Hours Later

We finally pulled up to the school, and I gently nudged Josie.

"Hey, Princess. We're back."

She groaned softly, eyes barely open. "Already?"

"Unfortunately," I said, smiling. "You slept the whole ride."

"Good. I missed my bed."

We walked inside together, fingers laced without thinking. I felt the stares immediately.

"Why is everyone looking at us?" she whispered.

"Probably because you're holding hands with the new freak," I muttered.

"Oh. Right."

She squeezed my hand like she didn't care.

Then she froze.
"Oh shit."

"What?"

"My ex. She's coming over here."

I followed her gaze and watched the girl approaching, confidence written all over her posture.

"Well," I said calmly, "I guess I should say hi."

"Penelope Park," the girl said, holding out her hand.

"Hope Mikaelson."

Her expression shifted slightly at my last name.

"Mikaelson," she repeated. "Interesting."

"There's no competition here," I said evenly. "But if you're looking for one, you won't find it."

Penelope smiled like she enjoyed that. "I like you."

"Nice," I replied. "but I'm not trying to be liked."

She laughed, then turned to Josie. "We'll talk later."

When she walked off, Josie let out a breath.

"So," I said, smirking. "You have a thing for chaos."

"Absolutely not."

I raised an eyebrow.

"...Is it that obvious?"

"Painfully."

She smiled despite herself.

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Hope POV — Getting Ready