Between Two Lungs
Since the day of my birth, my death began its walk. It is walking towards me, without hurrying.
- Jean Cocteau.
Chapter One: Coming Home
I've been away, searching for a reason another purpose to find.
I've sailed the seas, fought my many demons.
I've looked to gods in the skies.
I've stood in hell where many had to suffer.
I stared the devil in the eyes.
Walked many roads to witness ancient idols.
And found the great gates of fire.
~Avenged Sevenfold
It's been five years since she's lived here. Almost two years since she's set foot in this town. And now, she was pulling up to the Mystic Grill. It wasn't as if she had anywhere else to really go, this so happen to be the only restaurant in Mystic Falls. Mystic Falls, the small town she had been raised in, and now she was back. This started to feel more and more like a bad idea the more she stared at the sign outside the restaurant.
This was probably the dumbest things she has done. What was she thinking? Hiding out in this town? That was going to be near impossible, but she had already driven the miles and her Jeep was already in park.
"It's too late night now," Nilin whispered to herself. She looked behind her, to the back seat, where her guitar laid. Well, since she was coming back, she might as well come back with guns-a-blazing. She looked out her window towards the grill. It wasn't the fanciest of restaurants, but it was a part of the town. Currently, it was packed with people. Probably, another one of Caroline Forbs's parties, which are done to perfection. Would you expect anything less? Some things just never changed.
Still gazing out the window, Nilly mumbled to herself, "Can't believe I'm doing this." Before she could gather up enough courage to get out of the car, she adjusted her tank top, flipped her hair off her shoulders and tried to remember how to breathe properly. Finally she was able to grab her guitar and head for the entrance.
When she got inside, the restaurant was full of laughing, giggling teenagers. It smelled of guy's body spray, cheese fires and spilt beer. The air was hot and her heart was racing. This was a bad idea. Maybe she should just turn around and leave, pretend this idiotic idea never crossed her mind. She glanced behind her to realize that her only exit had been blocked by a swarm of people.Great. She ducked her head and retreated to the nearest shadow.
Pressing herself and her guitar against the wall, she slowed her breathing. Nilin recognized the song playing throughout The Grill. She attempted to focus on the lyrics instead of her panicking brain. It was an Offspring song, one of her favorites actually.
I'll be the one, spin me around, lifting you up, and holding me down.
Inside a heart is breaking, rivers running dry. I could run, I could hide
When I'm crashing down who's the one who saves me?
Oh, intertwined, wrap around me now with your thorns.
And we're holding on whenthere's nothing left to hold on to
So don't tell me when it's gone, cause' all I have left is you.
She could hear the rumble of voices over the music though. That kept her nerves frayed. Even in the dim light she could see the amount of people in the Grill. She was trapped in a public place filled with her past peers. This was dumb, this was so completely dumb. What was she thinking? What, was she going to hop up onto the bar and start jamming out then everyone would love her and then all would be good? When she put it that way, Nilin could see how crazy it sounded.
Anxiety was starting to make her skin clammy.
Nilin didn't realize she had been standing there, experiencing a civil war in her head until some buff guy in a football jersey barreled past and knocked her guitar out of her hands. It hit the floor, the stings vibrating and causing a low rumble of pitch to play. Nilin jumped to grab it off the ground, checking it over quickly.
No one even glanced in her direction. They still don't notice me, she thought to herself with a bitter smile. It was enough to cause the last of her confidence to wither up. Nilly shook her head and looked towards the entrance again. She needed to leave. Mistakes were made, and it was time to retreat.
She peeked out of her shadow, seeing her chance. Nilly quickly cut through the swaying crowd and straight to the doors she had just came in through. Before she could make it though, Nilin caught all too familiar blue eyes staring at her. Just like looking into the mirror, accepted her reflection's chin was dropped. She locked eyes, a smile turning up the corners of her lips when she saw the girl staring. Still smirking like the devil, Nilin winked at her cousin— Elena Gilbert, high school sweetheart, co-captain of the cheer squad, overall outstanding citizen.
Elena was standing in the one corner of the Grill, an arm braced against a table. She watched Elena's reaction as the sight playing out in front of her registered in her brain. Then she saw Elena's beautiful wide smile as she clapped her hands over her mouth. Nilin lost sight of her as she dashed through the crowd.
Elena's frantic movement was enough to drawn attention. Heads started turning towards Nilin, who had been standing there, awkwardly holding a guitar. Nilly looked at the crowd's faces again, this time placing names with them.
Not too far from her, sitting at a table, was one of her cousin's closest friends. Bonnie Bennett was talking to two other girls, unaware that Nilin was there. Nilly had grown close with Bonnie when they were little girls. She was probably one of the few of Nilin's closest friends her in Mystic Falls.
Then she caught sight of a swirl of blonde and she immediately knew who it was; the hostess of the party Nilly was currently crashing, Caroline Forbes. Caroline had made it her mission to make Nilly's life miserable since they were little— despite being another one of Elena's best friends.
Why? Well, Nilly could never figure out. Caroline had spotted her, her forehead creasing in confusion. Nilin just decided to give her a dazing smile and a wink. She saw the realization hit Caroline's face before it pinched up in a scowl and she turned on her heels, disappearing.
Suddenly, someone came at her fast. Elena had finally cut through the crowd and had reached her. It wasn't even a second thought as Nilin dashed towards her and wrapped her arms around her cousin.
"Holy crap," Elena gave a breathy laugh as she hugged Nilin tightly. "I can't believe you're here."
"Me neither," Nilin admitted, holding onto the slight girl as if she was solid ground. Elena only hugged her tighter.
"I'm not dreaming, am I?" she wondered.
Nilin laughed, unrestricting her arms from around Elena and allowing her to breathe. "If you're dreaming about me, then I think we might have a problem here."
Elena just rolled her eyes, but a smile stayed plastered on her lips. "Why didn't you call or anything? I haven't heard from you in forever."
"I know, I know," Nilin said, feeling that twinge of guilt. "I've been going through some stuff, hence why I'm here. I needed to come home."
She had a surge of sudden emotions that went through her heart, making her chest tight. Nilin took it as a conformation that coming back was the right thing to do. Elena just wrapped her arms around Nilin again. Hugging her cousin, Nilly knew she was home. She'd missed her family so much since she'd left. Elena and she were only a year a part. Nilin being the older one, she protected Elena throughout the years.
People would say that they were so close that they were like "best friends" or "sisters", but it was much more than that. They had grown up together, going through most of the childhood milestone by each other's side. The connection they had, there wasn't a word for it really.
They had pulled each other through the hardest times and now she looked at Elena's face, which frighteningly resembled hers, and smiled. "Oh god, I've missed you," Nilly said, hugging her tighter.
She was forced to unwillingly let go of Elena, because another pair of hands were grabbing her. She turned to find a scraggly haired Jeremy behind her. "Jer," she laughed and swung her arms around him. She had to stand on her tippy-toes to hug him, because he had gotten so tall.
"Well, looks who decided to come back," he said, sarcastically. Jeremy was yet another Gilbert, and her younger cousin. He was like the brother she never had and they were just as close. Truthfully, Nilly's never seen neither Elena nor Jeremy as cousins. They had been sharing the same crib since they were born. They were her sister and brother and she didn't know where she'd be without them. Nilly let go of him and looked around her.
"Well, now that I'm her, I think we should celebrate," she said grabbing Elena's hands. In return, they both gave her eye rolls as she led them towards the pool table.
Maybe Nilin was wrong, maybe things had changed here. She just didn't know if it was the town of Mystic Falls or if it was her.
It couldn't be, it just wasn't possible,there was just no way that what he was seeing could be true. Stefan was stunned, which was not an easy feat for him. Not many people have been able to shock him in his 162 years of life, but right now, at this very moment, he was completely and utterly in shock. He watched her as she approached; she had her arms linked around Elena. They were smiling.
"This can't be," he muttered to himself. Then, they reached where he stood and Elena turned to him. She did it hesitantly with her shinning blue eyes and long dark hair. Elena was still cautious of him; it hadn't been too long again that she found out about his darkest secret. But, he could see she was trying, which, must mean she loved him. Right? But he couldn't think about that right now because standing next to Elena was a girl who looked exactly like her. "Stefan, I'd like you to meet my cousin, Nilin," she said with a smile.
"You can just call me Nilly," the girl said with a sweet smile.
She couldn't be Katherine. Katherine's been dead since 1864. But what other rational answer was there? That's when it hit him; Elena introduced her as Nilly. So, if Elena knew her she couldn't possibly be Katherine. Katherine was dead, of course.
"Stefan? You okay?" Elena asked.
"So you're the famous Stefan, huh?" Nilly grinned. "I've heard all about you." Stefan just stared at Nilly. She looked exactly like Elena from a distance but now, with her standing right in front of him, he could clearly see the difference.
Nilin had long brown hair like Elena's, except Nilly's hair held a delicate wave to it, with bangs that cut across her face. It was the same dark brown color as Elena's, though. Their facial features were more identical though; from their sharp cheek bones to their slightly peaked noses. The only difference Stefan could make out was the slight silver scar that ran through Nilin's left eyebrow.
Then, Stefan saw her eyes. From a far they were as clear blue as Elena's, but now he could make out golden colored flecks in them that deepened the color. Nothing like Elena's… or Katherine's. Katherine's eyes had been dark, like the deep parts of the ocean. He tucked that information back into his memory.
Stefan was so enthralled by Nilin that even when she reached a delicate hand up and waved it right in front of his face he couldn't say much. "Hello?" she smiled, "Not much of a talker is he?" she said to Elena.
Elena starred at Stefan, touching her hand to his arm. "Stefan. Are you okay?"
Stefan found his voice as the shock began to wear off. He cleared his throat and gave a reassuring smile to Elena. "Sorry, just lost in a thought." Then he looked to Nilin. "Nice to meet you, Nilly, I didn't realize Elena had any cousins."
"Yeah, Elena doesn't like to brag," she winked. "Nice to meet you too." That's when he realized another difference. It was slight but Stefan needed to build more evidence for his psyche. They sounded different. Nilin's voice was somewhat rougher than Elena's, as if she was familiar with lighting a cigarette every now and then.
"Drinks. We need drinks," Nilly declared, pulling Stefan out of his thoughts again.
"Oh, I'll go grab some. Be right back." Elena offered, touching Stefan's hand then Nilly's shoulder as she left. He turned back towards Nilly, who was smiling at him. He couldn't help but smile back. Now he seemed to easily be able to separate her from Katherine. Nilly seemed to be warmer, sweeter with a youthful innocence. He could almost feel the electricity coming off of her, as if her eyes held a secret fire. She reminded him of someone else now…
"Stefan Salvatore, the one who stole my little cousin's heart, in the flesh." Stefan heard her say, pulling him out of his thoughts.
He surprised himself by laughing. "I guess that would be me," he admitted. Though with Elena, it was more of a two way trade.
There was a pause. He noticed as she looked him over critically before she questioned him, "You're not a drug dealer, right?" putting a slight finger to her chin.
"No," he chuckled. "No, I'm not."
"Ex-con? You got some criminal record Elena doesn't know about?"
"I'm clean."
"Junkie?"
"No."
"Serial killer?"
He didn't answer immediately; the question had thrown him off guard. "Uh, sorry, no."
"Just checking," she smiled, eyeing him. "It's my job."
"Really?" he laughed a little, relaxing.
"Yeah, see being the older one, I have to protect her. I have to make sure she's making right choice. I'm the interrogator, you know, to make she's not dating any dicks."
"Ah, got it. Well, how am I doing then?" he said leaning back and folding his arms across his chest.
She thought for a moment, her head bobbing up and down slowly. Then she came to her conclusion. "I think I like you, Mr. Salvatore."
He smiled at her, realizing the shock hadn't fully worn off yet. "You gave everyone a pretty big surprise, tonight," he said.
"I thought I'd kick off my time here in Mystic Falls with fireworks," she admitted. Nilin must have noticed him staring at her guitar, which was now leaning against the pool table. "Oh, yeah that. That was a failed attempt to live my life as a rock star. I had plan on come in with a bang, but I opted out. It's been a while since I've been home," she explained
"You've lived here before?" he asked surprised. He wondered why Elena never talked about her. The other occasions in the past when he returned to Mystic Falls he usually kept to himself, but he'd remember seeing her around.
"Born and raised. My house was right down the street from my aunt and uncles, where Elena lives." Nilly explained. "I left when I was thirteen. My dad thought a new change of scenery would do us some good," she rolled her eyes and combed back her thick brown hair with her fingers. "When did you move here? I don't remember you around back then."
"Oh, well I just moved back as well. I used to visit family here over the years."
She nodded, "And what's your reason for coming back?" she asked innocently.
"Several reasons, mostly just to have a new start."
"You too, eh?" she smiled and casting her blue eyes down.
Just then, Elena returned. Juggling drinks in her hands. "Let me help." Stefan said reaching for the cups before Elena could spill them.
"I'm okay, I got it," she said setting the cups on the table. She let out a breath and turned to him. "Thank you though." A soft smile touched her lips making Stefan's heart swell.
He was about to say something when she turned abruptly. "Where'd Nilly go?..." she said. They both looked around them but she was gone.
Nilly retreated soundlessly from Stefan and Elena. Something had grabbed her attention, more like someone; Matt Donavon. He was sitting at a table across from a guy she barely recognized. Matt was the younger brother of one of Nilly's childhood friend. She walked over to Matt shyly. Thanks to several long phone calls and e-mails from Elena, she all but lived his and Elena's relationship— and their breakup. He saw her before she reached the table and called out.
"Nilly! Hey." He stood up as she made her way to the table.
"Matt! Look at you, it's been ages," she greeted, giving him a small hug.
"Yeah, I know," he chuckled. "How are you? What chased you back here?"
Nilly swallowed hard at his choice of words and let out a nervous giggle. "I've been better. And I've needed to come home for way too long, so I thought why not come for a visit? How have you been? Where's Vickie, she around?" Nilly asked hopeful. Vickie was the closest thing to a best girl friend Nilly had ever had, beside Elena. But Elena was her cousin, so she didn't really count. She and Vickie were in the same grade and both being kind of outcasted they learned to like each other.
Last time she'd seen Vickie, she was getting herself in to some trouble and Nilly had been worried for her ever since. The look on Matt's face didn't settle her concerns.
"You haven't heard from her?" he asked quietly.
"No, we haven't spoken since the last time I visited." Nilin told him. A nasty feeling was clawing up her stomach. "Matt, what happened?"
"Well, we think she ran off somewhere, skipped town to go hell knows where."
Nilly leaned against the table and shook her head. "Oh, Vickie…" she said quietly. She looked up at Matt, who nodded in empathy.
"She was gambling with the wrong people, drinking, drugs, all of that the last time I was here." Nilly said, more of a statement than a question.
"Yeah, it only got worse." Matt explained. "She was attacked, back in the fall one night in the woods and she just seemed to spiral down from there. Before she left she was acting really strange. Like she was coming down from a major high. Stefan and I tried to help her. You know, tried to figure out what was going on with her, but then she was just gone," he shrugged his shoulders, defeated.
"No letter? No phone call? Just left?" she asked.
"Nothing. She'll come home eventually. When she runs out of money or whatever dope she's on," he smiled, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"You said she was attacked? By what..?" Nilly asked, bile starting to wrench in her stomach.
"The doctor said some type of animal." Matt explained.
"Oh wow." Nilly said, trying to calm her stomach. Just an animal attack, that happens when you're in the woods at night, she said to herself. But no matter how many times she said it, that voice yelling in the back of her mind wouldn't go away. Just an animal attack. Just an animal attack.
"We'll find her Matt. Don't worry." She gave him a reassuring smile. "I've got to get back, see you around, okay?"
"Yeah, it's good to see you again Nilly. Be careful," he said and walked away. Nilly froze, ice went down her back. Where did that come from? she wondered. 'Be careful'? Be careful of what? She swallowed hard. Then something touched her shoulder. She jumped out of her skin and let out a yelp.
"Whoa, sorry Nilly! I didn't mean to scare you." Nilly turned towards the soft familiar voice. Standing behind her was a petite Bonnie, with her curly dark hair, which was a few shades darker than her skin. She grinned, "Jumpy are we?" Then her arms enveloped around Nilly.
"Bonnie!" Nilly said hugging her.
"I was waiting for you to make your way towards me, but I couldn't wait any longer," she admitted as she released Nilly. "What a surprise, pretty sure no one saw you coming."
"Yeah, I thought this town could use a little living up." Nilin laughed. "I was going to perform a little number to go along with that… but… you know me."
Bonnie smiled, knowing exactly what Nilin was talking about. "You always were an amazing singer, just too shy." They both laughed.
"Remember that time you and Elena bribed me to do that middle school talent show? And I had a panic attack before I went on stage," she recalled, elbowing Bonnie.
"Oh god, I forgot about that! We black mailed you until you signed up. Then you almost passed out on us!" she said, breathless from laughter.
"Why'd I ever forgive you guys for that?" Nilly smirked, narrowing her eyes.
"Because you love us and you would die without us." Bonnie smirked back.
"Right, actually I'm gonna die because of you two," she said giving Bonnie another hug. "It's just a matter of time."
Bonnie shook her head. "Come one," she said, grabbing Nilin's hand. "Let's turn this party into a welcome home party," she instead. Nilin didn't see any reason to object.
He had been silently watching her this entire time. Sitting at the Grill's bar, bourbon in hand there was little that could tear is eyes off the ghost of the girl that was now laughing with that little witch.
His ears easily picked up on everything the two were saying, despite being on the other side of the room. "It's only a matter of time." A grin appeared of his lips. His eyes followed them as they walked away together, arms linked until someone obscured his view. "What?" Damon barked as he took a sip from his glass.
"Bonnie still has your necklace," said Caroline. She had her arms crossed over her chest and wouldn't look him in the eye. She tried to hide behind her summer blonde hair. Caroline talked too much for his preference but she was good for getting information. Most of the time he wanted to wring her pretty little neck out, but at the moment he still needed her to get what he wanted. "Damon? Are you even listening to me?" she wined.
"Not really," he said.
"Oh, well then." Caroline said, floundering.
"I want my necklace back, Caroline. Now."
She was pouting now, which only caused his urge to commit homicide to grow. "She won't give it up!"
"Just take it then," he demanded, getting agitated.
"I tried but, the damn thing shocked me, or something." Caroline looked down like a little lost puppy. God, was she getting on his nerve.
"You're useless," he informed her. He wanted her gone, before he really did strangle her. She looked up at him. "You can't do anything can you? No wonder no one can stand you." He took another sip of his bourbon, turning away from her. "Goodbye, Caroline." She stammered something. Damon swallowed the rest of his drink and slammed the glass on the bar.
He turned back around just in time to see Caroline scurrying off to the ladies room. He smirked and ordered himself another drink. Now it was time to have some fun.
Check Out the Outfits:
Go to Polyvore DOT com and attached the following to the end of the url
Nilin: /chapter_one_nilin/set?id=90395280
Elena: /chapter_one_elena/set?id=90396152
Featured Song:
All I Have Left is You by The Offspring
