CHAPTER ONE
It had taken three years for Klaus to find me. I remember seeing the hurt faces of my closest and dearest friends. Shane's look of horror. Michael's confusion. Eve's anger. And by far the hardest, Myrnin's woeful eyes. They looked at me like I was this completely different person. I tried to explain, but no-one wanted to listen. I was an Original. I was a liar. The journey home to Mystic Falls was awful. I sat in silence, refusing to even acknowledge the fact that my brother was beside me driving. Seeing the sign of Morganville was like a wave of emotion that all crashed down upon me, not caring if I drowned. I'd never be returning; Claire Danvers was dead, and in her place was Claire Mikaelson.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror. It's funny how the whole misconception of vampires being unable to see themselves in the mirror is so popular- if anything, we can see our true forms rather than a shallow creature staring back at you and calling itself your appearance. My current 'appearance' is awful. My face is paler than usual and my eyes are dull, which is probably the lack of blood. It's been two weeks and I haven't heard anything from Shane. I had hoped he would have called by now, told me how none of this matters and that he still loves me, but now I am beginning lose all hope. I sat on the edge of my bed and stared out of the window. What I'd give to have a normal life; go back to Morganville and live a long, happy life.
I was broken out of my trance when my phone rang. I picked it up and a familiar voice made my insides tingle."Shane?" I took an unnecessary breath."We need to talk, Claire." His reply was short and I felt a pang of sadness."Of course" I began. "But before we do, I just wanted to apologise and I know that you probably dislike me right now, but as much as I hid the truth I really did love you."He sighed. "Claire, I don't dislike you.""Oh, Shane-""I despise you." His words were like a slap to the face.I stuttered. "Shane, please you have to understand! I was sick of being a vampire. I wanted a normal life; a normal life with you.""And what about the future Claire? What about when I began to age and you didn't? What about when we wanted to start making a little family for ourselves? We wouldn't have been able to do that would we?" I stayed silent. I had never thought that far ahead; he was right. A tear fell down my cheek."Shane. I'm so sorry.""Goodbye Claire.""Wait! Shane please don-" The call ended. A stream of tears drenched my face. He was gone. All of my pain, guilt and regret rose up from the place it was hidden. I screamed aloud as I threw my bed across the room. He was gone. I lost him. I screamed once more and punched a hole through the wall. All of my sadness was turning into anger. But, maybe it could all go away. I could turn it all off with the flick of a switc-No. No way. It was time to go somewhere that I could drive away my promblems. Drink them away.