Chapter Text
Caroline Forbes unlocked the door to an unnervingly quiet Saltzman residence. Leaving her suitcase and bags at the door.
Though it was still very early for teenagers to be awake, her daughters were always particularly energetic on the first day of a new school year. Lizzie would usually be dramatically rearranging the outfit she'd planned on wearing weeks prior. Josie would be there trying to quell the tornado tearing thru their respective rooms.
But at 5 AM there was no movement to be detected from upstairs, no faint light creeping into the hallway from either of the twins rooms. She creeped up the stairs not wanting to startle anyone by being loud. She stuck her head into Josie's room first since it was closest to her.
Thankfully the nightlight in the room, let her distinguish her daughters on the bed entangled together. They both seemed to be in a fitful sleep. Josie's eyebrows were creased and face tense as she held on to Lizzie. Caroline couldn't see Lizzie's since she had her face buried in Josie's shoulder. But her fists were clenched tightly around Josie night shirt. Gripping on to her like a lifeline.
Caroline was grateful the twins had eachother. But she was filled with worry on the toll this diagnosis would take and was already taking on her babies.
Moving from Josie's room she peaked into Lizzie's room. She switched on the light and found a warzone. Everything in disarray. Her bedding ripped and curtains laying on the floor. A room that was usually poised and pristine, even after the rush and mess of finding the perfect outfit. Lizzie, with the help of Josie, always left her room like it was never a mess to begin with.
Last night had been worse than she thought, Caroline concluded. She expected it to be bad. Lizzie's sobbing call pleading to come stay with her last night was an indication, but she didn't think the fall out was this bad. Her heart ached for her baby.
Her decision to move back into the Saltzman residence was solidified. Alaric clearly was out of his depth and the twins needed her close. But they needed stability and she and Alaric needed to be a united front.
She shut the door once more and continued to Alaric's room not surprised to find it empty. He probably fell asleep in his study going over lesson plans. She made her downstairs to start coffee and talk with Alaric. Pausing a moment at one of their most recent family photos just a year prior. The difference a year made she wasn't sure she recognized anyone in the photo.
"We'll get back to this." She swore to herself and everyone else.
---
Caroline decided it was best to start coffee before rousing the grump passed out at his desk. He was definitely going to have a stiff neck and be a pain in the ass for the rest of the day. Caroline pitied the students of Salvatore on their first day.
After starting the coffee she woke him up sending him to get showered and meet her in the kitchen after. While she waited she made a mental note of all the things that was needed in the kitchen. She could go grocery shopping while the girl's were at school. And after she'd take Lizzie to her appointment with Emma. Then have some time with both of the girls after the session.
"What are you doing here at..5:30 in the morning Caroline?" Alaric questioned entering the kitchen. He took a seat at the island where the steaming cup was placed for him.
"I've decided I'm moving back in." She said determinedly, letting him know that there wasn't much room for discussion.
"Because of last night? Caroline I have it under control."
"No I've been thinking about it for awhile now. Since Stefan..I've wanted to be with the girls more often again. And with all due respect you didn't have last night under control."
"You could spend more time with them at your house." He challenged not taking kindly to her call out.
"The girls, specifically Lizzie needs us to be a united front. They both also need stability during their senior year, so me moving in makes sense." She explained.
"This is all seems like you don't have trust in how I'm handling my daughters. I'd really appreciate if you were honest about your reason." Alaric doubled down on trying to challenge her.
"First off they're also my daughters, but I'll let it slide because you seem stressed. Secondly I was being honest and you know I'm right. If you'd leave your ego out of things that concern the girls I'd prefer it." Caroline said flatly not having the patience to go back and forth with him.
"I'm sorry you're right." He said sighing and admitting to himself that he definitely needed the help.
"I already knew that. I'm going to take care of the girls after school today by the way. So what really happened last night?"
Alaric informed over him telling Lizzie she wouldn't be able to do cheerleading this year. Which resulted in her refusing to take her medication and took Josie calming her down to get her to drink it. And then them disappearing into her room for the rest of the night.
"So you didn't check Lizzie's room?"
"No? She was in Josie's room for the rest of the night." Alaric replied confused.
Caroline sent up a little prayer thankful he hadn't. "Ok so promise me you won't today-"
"Why not-"
"Just promise me you won't."she implored.
"Fine I don't want to know." He agreed.
---
Upstairs Josie started to stir, strands of Lizzie's hair tickling her. The faint buzzing of her phone letting her know it was 6 AM.
It was the first day of their senior year. Josie usually liked the first day of the school year. The fresh feeling of starting over, new classes, new goals and accomplishments. This year however she was filled with an anxious dread. It was going to be a hard day for both her and Lizzie. Lizzie would have to face school life after diagnosis and she'd have to face life post break up with Penelope. Josie just knew today was going to suck. She could feel it.
"Liz..Liz c'mon wake up."
"Five more minutes Jo." Lizzie just tightened her hold on her shirt and took one of her legs hostage.
Josie thought it was adorable and it reminded her of better times. It also made her happy to see the innocent pout on Lizzie's face. She started stroking the newly brunette locks soothingly. She'd never really loved the blonde look, the brunette made Lizzie look softer and fit her better.
"Lizzie we need to get up and get ready."
"I don't want to." She mumbled petulantly.
"We have to sadly."
Lizzie lethargically untangled herself from Josie. And got up from the bed. Stretching her limbs and cracking her back. Josie got up and got her stuff ready to shower.
"I'll take the bathroom first ok?" Lizzie nodded in agreement.
As Josie left Lizzie grabbed her mood journal and decided to write down how she was feeling compared to the night prior. She was trying to get into habit of keeping track of it, because it does offer her a reflective view of things. Even if it was hard to read back certain thoughts and feelings.
She let her fingers roam over the leather littered with constellations on it's cover with a quote 'you'll always be you' at the bottom. Josie had gotten it for her after she saw how cringy and superficial the mood journals were in the store. Opening it up to the last page she wrote on she reread last night's thoughts.
I hate this. I hate that this stupid disease is taking over my life. I also hate that my dad is using this as an excuse to control me. He has no right to tell me I can't cheer this year.
That was the only thing I was looking forward to and now I've been robbed from even that, because I'm apparently to fucking crazy to do something I've been doing since middle school!
I hate this! I hate my dad's stupid control freak tendencies. I hate myself.
"Wow last night got dark." Lizzie mumbled as she read her feelings back.
I'm feeling a mix of emotions all amplified to the point that it feels like white noise right now. I can't really distinguish them from eachother.
I'm regretful for the way I reacted. I'm still angry about his decision but I regret my outburst.
Speaking of which I trashed my room. I ripped my sheets a part because they were close in shade to the antidepressant my dad was trying to force down my throat. (I just remembered I threatened not to take my meds..that's going to be another lecture in the morning). I also tried pulling down the curtains because they were that hideous pink as well.
My room doesn't feel like my own, or maybe I'm the one that is now out of place within it. I'm sleeping in Jo's room because it feels better. I think mostly because she's the only thing that remained consistent throughout all of this. Anyway I'm going to try to sleep off the buzzing and irritability.
Lizzie was angry at herself for the things that went wrong last night. Specially threatening not to take her medication. The helplessness that came over her father was definitely something she never wanted to be the cause of, not intentionally.
She decided to add a quick paragraph before Josie got out the bathroom.
I successfully slept off the buzzing. It probably had more to do with Josie than the medication though. I woke up anxious because I know I need to talk to my parents about last night.
I'm also extremely anxious about today. The first day of senior year. I haven't seen anyone from class all summer, not since the end of the year bash. Hopefully everything about that night has been forgotten by everyone and I won't be haunted about the things I did during a manic episode.
Lizzie closed the journal and set it down on the dresser. She felt a little calmer having put her thoughts to paper. She grabbed one of Josie's grey sweaters to wear over a button up. She doused it with enough of her perfume she'd sure it would last her thru the day.
"What are you doing?" Josie questioned as she entered the room again.
"I took your sweater and was putting perfume on it?" Lizzie in a duh tone.
"I can see that, but why?"
"It's comforting." Was all Lizzie offered up in reply, shrugging her shoulders.
Josie smiled softly at her. It was nice to know she could be a support to Lizzie, even if she couldn't be physically present at all times.
"So hair up or down?"
"Mhm down with slightly curled ends." Lizzie suggested as they appraised eachother in the vanity.
---
After getting ready in somewhat matching outfits, Josie in a navy blue sweater and high tops and Lizzie in the grey sweater and ankle boots. They headed downstairs.
"Mom?" They asked shocked when they saw Caroline at the stove preparing breakfast.
Caroline felt happiness bloom in her chest at the underlying happy tone of their voice. Just a few months ago they were apprehensive in using the term around her. But they moved forward and were comfortable using it again.
"Morning babies, have a seat breakfast is almost ready."
"All right mom. Morning dad."
"Morning girls." Alaric replied.
"So big day today. I swear I was just dropping you off on your first day of kindergarten." Caroline gushed as she placed a hearty breakfast in front them.
"Gross mom, if you're going to start breaking out the throwback pictures I'll head to school now." Lizzie teased.
"I'm allowed to be emotional about my kids growing up. Time sure did fly and now you're all grown up and i-..I need a moment." Caroline dramatically wiped fake tears from her eyes and pretended to be choked.
Her dramatic portrayal earned laughs and big smiles from everyone seated at the island.
"So you came all the way here to make us breakfast and a show? Not that I'm complaining, the food is good." Josie questioned.
"Actually girls I've decided to move back in. We think it'll be good for your senior year and I missed having you guys around all the time." Caroline told them cautious of Lizzie's reaction.
"Cool." Josie said happily.
"So the warden went out and got reinforcements?" Lizzie questioned accusingly.
"Caroline showed up here with her suitcase I was unaware, but I support it." Alaric answered.
"C'mon Liz having both parentals in one place is better." Josie nudged her.
"You're right. I'm happy you're here mom."
They ate in silence. The twins clearing their plates quickly. And insisting they do the dishes.
"All right family I'm off to school. I need to clean out my cheer locker and hand Cheryl the reigns." Lizzie said slightly bitter. She'd accepted it but she was still unhappy.
"Uh about that. Your mom and I, have come to the conclusion that you shouldn't drive yet until you're fully adjusted to your meds and are no longer experiencing side effects." Alaric explained calmly, hoping to not set her off this morning.
Josie grabbed on to her hand, letting her grip it as tightly as she needed. "Breathe." She whispered to her. And just like that Lizzie felt centered again before she lost herself in her emotions.
"Ok that's fine." She spoke thru clenched teeth. She understood why they were concerned but she didn't have to like it.
She made a show of taking her medication just to reaffirm, she didn't like their decision. She stuck out her tongue to prove she swallowed.
"How am I going to get to school? I'm definitely not starting senior year seen in your jalopy!"
"A decrepit automobile. It's our word of the day." Josie supplied helpfully to their parents that stared at Lizzie in confusion.
"My car is not decrepit." Alaric grumbled to himself.
"You can get a ride with Josie and Penelope for today and then maybe Josie can drive you guys until further notice." Caroline offered as a solution.
"Ew I'd rather walk."
"Uhm actually me and Penelope broke up."
Josie flinched at the chorus of concern that flew her way. She felt her resolve slipping because it was the first time she'd acknowledged the relationship being over. She was fighting to hold back tears. She didn't want to breakdown in front of her family.
Lizzie's hand squeezed hers once again and she felt anchored once more. She just shrugged off their concern and gave them a vague answer about it happening over the summer.
"Ok how about this today I drop you guys off and as of tomorrow Josie drives to school?" Caroline offered. Which earned her two nods in agreement.
"Glad that's settled. I'm off to the school and be a principal. See you later girls, I love you."
---
On the other side of town a cranky Hope Mikaelson roused from slumber. She angrily turned off the blaring alarm. Checking her phone she saw she got a few messages.
Two being from broadcasts from the school and fencing team which she promptly ignored. One from Penelope asking to be picked up because her car was in the shop. She shoots a quick text informing her she'd be there.
Hope groaned and went about her morning routine, she definitely wasn't looking forward to starting school once more. After a long summer away from Mystic Falls and all it's inhabitants, she wasn't keen on going back to school.
"At least today is the start of the last year of high school." She mumbled trying to find some positivity in it all.
She quickly went thru her morning routine quickly settling on an outfit she felt comfortable in and was intimidating enough that would stop some ego inflated freshman from approaching her. She was ready in record time, she quickly made her way downstairs to find her aunts making out in against the fridge.
"Ugh gross. It's literally too early for that." She accompanied her statement with dramatic sound effects of her dry heaving.
Freya and Keelin slowly pulled apart giggling at the teen's antics. Freya went back to preparing breakfast and Keelin moved to have a seat at the island where she was going over some case files. She patted the seat next to hers, inviting Hope to join her.
"It's never too early for that whelp, you'll learn that when you fall in love." She teased ruffling Hope's hair as she sat down.
Hope wondered if it was true. Would she ever be as carefree and in love as her aunts were? She thought she had fallen in love last year. But looking back at it her feelings for Landon were barely an ember compared to the forest fire like love she'd grew up watching between her parents and then her aunts. She really thought she loved him and maybe she did (still might) to some extent, but after this summer she was sure she was never truly in love with him.
"Earth to pup. What you thinking about so hard?" Keelin asked pulling her back to the present.
"Probably first day jitters." Freya teased setting down a stack of pancakes in front of them.
"I'm not nervous. Just want to get senior year over with." Hope grumbled as she started cutting into her pancakes.
"Don't rush it kid. You can't get these years back enjoy your time."
"Only people that peaked in high school think that aunt Freya." Hope replied.
"I for one didn't peak in high school, the fact that I got a hot wife can attest to that. However your senior year is the time to enjoy yourself. There's no time quite like it." Keelin added between bites of her breakfast. Her reply earned laughs from the two Mikaelsons. And loving kiss on the cheek from Freya.
"Lin I thought we agreed no work during meals." Freya chided.
"It's a new patient baby and it's so complicated, I'm sorry. I'll wrap it up." Keelin closed the file and pushed it away.
"Thanks for breakfast and the old people advice but I'm off to school."
"Already?"
"I have to pick up Penelope, catch up before I lose her to Josie's lips. Plus Mr. Saltzman always does that corny welcome to the new year beginning assembly and everyday is a promising new beginning, haza! There's only so many times I can hear that speech." Hope explained to them. As she grabbed her stuff to leave.
"Carpe diem and all that pup." Keelin waved her off.
"Have a great first day Jailbird. Make good choices!" Freya yelled after her.
Freya watched thru the window as Hope got into her car and left.
"We raised her right, right?" She questioned.
"We raised a kick ass young woman baby. There's no doubt about that." Keelin reassured her, embracing her from behind a kissing her shoulders.
---
Hope arrived at Penelope's house in no time seeing as she lived just a few streets down. Deciding on going in to say hi to Mrs. Park, so she could be the 'respectful little shit' Keelin raised her to be. The moment the door opened she was assaulted with a bone crushing hug.
"I've missed seeing your face around here Hope. It's good to see you."
"Morning Mrs. Park. How are you this morning?"
Hope was slightly uncomfortable, as the older woman seemed to try and decipher everything that possibly could've changed with her over the summer. There was nothing new about her, Hope chalked it up to it being a mom thing.
"God if only Penelope was as polite as you. I'm doing well thank you Hope. Penelope is upstairs with a friend head on up."
Offering a parting smile, she headed upstairs to Penelope's room. As she got closer, she heard a soft moan. Swallowing the urge to groan in annoyance. She decided to crash the posie make out session by scaring them apart. Creeping slowly to the cracked door, she peeped and could've only really see Penelope lying on who she assumed Josie.
"Aahh!" She screamed scaring the pair on the bed.
Penelope turned so quickly she fell off the bed with a loud thump. Which caused Hope to bust out laughing at her misfortune.
"Maybe if you'd detach yourself from Josie's lips you'd be more aware of your surroundings." She taunted Penelope, wiping tears from her eyes, still laughing at them.
"Uh Hope.." Penelope said awkwardly. Just as the other occupant spoke up just as awkward.
"Uhm hi.."
"Oh Hey Josie...you're not Josie."
Hope sobered up quickly. Going from the unknown brunette to Penelope. The awkward silence stretched out for a solid minute. And as the seconds ticked by Hope felt her anger rise.
"Sorry do you mind if I borrow Penelope for a bit uh.." she trailed off not knowing the girl's name.
"Davina. And I don't." She filled in the blank.
Nodding in thanks Hope left the room to wait on Penelope. Penelope followed soon behind. Closing the door behind her.
"You're cheating on Josie?!" Hope whispered yelled. Going directly on the attack.
"I would never do that. What the hell Hope?" Penelope asked wounded that her friend would think she'd be capable of doing that.
"Then explain Davina."
"Josie dumped me ok?"
Hope was dumbstruck yet again. Josie would never do that. Penelope and Josie not being together just didn't make any sense to her. They were madly in love with eachother, not forest fire strong but they definitely had the potential to be.
"What? When?" She asked dumbly.
"Three weeks after you left." Penelope shrugged.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You literally told us you'd be in Peru with no internet connection. I knew you didn't want to be bothered so I didn't." Penelope said with some bite.
And she wasn't entirely wrong. Hope felt like an asshole for not being there for her closest friend. She could see the hurt in Penelope's eyes, she wasn't dealing with the break up well.
"We'll talk about this later. I'll be in the car waiting for you and Dani.."
"Davina."
"Yeah her."
Hope walked past her heading downstairs. She needed some fresh air. But before she could make her way out of the house, Penelope's mom motioned for her to come into the kitchen.
"I know this is a lot to ask. But can you give these to Josie? It's tradition and well I made them and I don't want them to go to waste. And these are for you." She explained as she handed Hope a container with cookies. And a separate one for herself.
Hope promised her she'd get them to her. And went to sit in her car. She quickly hid the cookies in her bag so it doesn't trigger Penelope. She knew it had been a tradition since they were in the 7th grade. Baking cookies for the first day of school.
The fact that her mom still baked it, was a sign that no one was taking the break up well. She wondered how bad Penelope took it. Judging by the fact she already bounced back with a new girl not well at all.
"There goes the dream of a drama free year."
She wondered what brought Josie to the decision to break up with Penelope. Josie had been in love with her since the sixth grade. She would never walk away without a reason. However it would be wrong to put the blame solely on Pen. Josie was the apple of her eye.
"Maybe Lizzie finally got between them." Hope mused out loud.
She hadn't thought about the blonde Saltzman in awhile. Awhile meaning, it was more like the two days since they got back from New Orleans. The taller Saltzman had been haunting her thoughts since the incident that led to her and Landon breaking up.
The first week of her summer she'd spend a lot of time thinking up ways she could get the blonde back. Something as equally terrible. The blonde had crossed a line that she never thought their petty rivalry ever would. And Hope wanted to get even. Well she did, she wasn't sure if she did anymore. At the start of the second week she'd received a text from the blonde apologizing.
Lizzie Saltzman did not do apologies. Alaric couldn't even force her to. The only person Hope had ever seen her sincerely try to apologize to was Josie, and even then she seldom actually used the words I'm sorry. So Hope was utterly confused when she woke up to a text from her doing just that.
I went to far. I'm sorry Hope.
Hope hadn't stopped thinking about that text since. Questioning if Lizzie meant it, if it was Josie that sent the text, was it just a ploy to rub salt into her wounds. Why would she apologize, sure she crossed a line, but she'd never shown remorse, ever. It left Hope perplexed.
"Are you high?" Penelope asked scaring her. She hadn't noticed the two girls make their way into her car.
"It's barely 7:30."
"You're the one staring into space like you're trying to solve quantum physics."
Hope couldn't help but chuckle. She'd probably have better luck doing that, than ever figuring out Lizzie Saltzman.
"C'mon let's get senior year over with."