A/N: Hello again! Sorry my writing is so interrupted these days, unfortunately I do have school and a whole lot of tests, (like 8 tests in 5 days!) and with other family dramas it never seems to stop! I'm thankful I get an hour or two now to come up with something to keep you wonderful people happy! Thank you to my lovely reviews and story favouriters/alerters; your support is what keeps me going and it's so nice to know you guys actually like it! Now, on with the chapter!

Chapter 2

I open my eyes slowly, surveying the damage before I attempt to sit up. I see Bonnie and Caroline standing over my face while Stefan is at the window and Damon is in the doorway. I contemplate closing my eyes again and pretending I was never awake but I know if I do I'll see his face again. So I let out a groan to alert my friends that I'm awake and watch as they scurry over, asking meaningless questions. I tell them all I'm fine and it takes a few moments before they all back away and accept my answer as the truth. I sit up quietly and Damon comes over to talk to me, presumably about my sudden episode but thankfully I'm saved by Jenna coming in and bringing tea.

"Thank you," my voice sounds raspy and I can't help but compare it to his smooth baritone and wonder how it would sound when he completely lost control. I shook my head and tried my best to distract myself, all the while wondering how my whole perspective of someone had changed in a matter of hours.

"Elena, are you okay? You just seemed to, I don't know, blank out back there." Ah, Jenna. It's nice to have someone in the world that doesn't look at you like you're someone else; because that is the way I can tell both Salvatore's are looking at me now. Even Bonnie and Caroline can't help but see me as Katherine's doppelganger. Maybe that's all I am, a doppelganger. A double of another person, thinking and feeling how they do, falling in love with the same two irresistible brothers.

"Elena?" I turn my head to see Jenna staring at me worriedly. I forgot she was expecting an answer.

"Oh, um, yeah I'm fine Jenna. I just haven't been sleeping at all this past week, probably just exhaustion." I lied through my teeth and I'm pretty sure no-body but Jenna believed it.

"Oh, okay, well are you going to be alright to go tonight?" I wanted so desperately to say no, but my curiosity was piqued and thinking back to my dreams I did wonder if a certain original vampire had anything to do with them?

"Uh, yeah, I'll be fine Jenna. Just give me 20 minutes to change." I smiled at her and she left the room. I was then left alone with three vampires and a witch, who all wanted the truth. They all started to speak at once so I shook my head and raised my voice to get their attention.

"Guys, chill, I've just been having a few bad dreams is all! You know a kidnapping and a few attempts on your life will do that to you." I thought back to the kidnapping, Rose, Elijah. Okay, new topic! "I was actually going to ask Bonnie later if she could make some kind of herbal potion that would help me sleep," Bonnie nodded and I took it as I sign that they were all starting to believe me. "Trust me, there's nothing to worry about. Now, all of you need to get out: I have a historical society meeting to prepare for!" I ushered them all out with a fake smile on my face. Damon put up quite a fight, as did Stefan but in the end they were out the door with the promise of a phone call later. I turned around and shrunk back against the door and sighed: now to figure out what to wear. I had no Idea if this was a formal or casual dinner, but I'd put money on it being formal since Jenna said the words 'Historical' and 'Society'. As soon as tonight came into my mind I started to think about Elijah. Hot tears formed at the corners of my eyes as I questioned what trickery this is. What about him could possibly have me so paralysed that I could barely breathe when he came to mind? I decided firmly that I would stop thinking about it till' I came face-to-face with the man in question; I'd never get anything done otherwise. I stood up quickly, fully prepared to rummage through my closet to find any dress that would fit when I saw a note on my bed from the corner of my eye. I walked towards it and found a dress next to the note.

Elena, it read:

I don't know what's going on or why you aren't telling us but I do know that hitting your head that hard will SERIOUSLY impair the fashion part of the brain, which you need right now!

You can thank me later,

Caroline xx

I swore in that moment I'd never take her for granted again! I turned to the full length mirror as I put the dress on. It was white and strapless with a sweetheart neckline and a bodice that flowed down to mid-thigh, where it cut off diagonally. There were a few simple diamantes on the top around the bust but overall it was simply beautiful. I threw on some cream heels and curled my hair slightly before grabbing a matching cream leather jacket and heading downstairs. I found Jenna in the kitchen drinking a glass of red wine next to Ric. I smiled at both of them and thanked them when they told me I looked beautiful. Jenna was wearing a short purple dress that showed a little too much of everything but was captivating Ric, so I appreciated her effort.

Moments later we were in Ric's car and driving down to the Lockwood Mansion. The drive was short and filled with awkward silence as Ric didn't want to say anything potentially inappropriate and Jenna was haphazardly trying to cover more of her legs. Needless to say when we arrived I was relieved. My relief was short lived though, as two men in crisp black suits with bowties came striding towards Jenna, Ric and I. I tensed up as one man leaned in to give Jenna a hug and the other shook Ric's hand firmly. Jenna then stepped aside to introduce me to the man who has haunted my subconscious for weeks and has only recently captivated my body and soul, twisting and moulding it into a shameless worshipper. He held out his hand to me and I couldn't help but gasp as he pressed his soft lips to it. He smirked at my reaction then began to speak in a voice I had dreamed about hearing for so long.

"It's nice to meet you, Elena. My name is Elijah. I do hope you and your family find this evening to be enjoyable." He turned to look at Jenna, expecting her to reply, not realising she was halfway up the stairs flirting with Ric. Elijah turned back to me and offered me his arm. I was unsure at first of what he was asking; being in close proximity to this man is enough to make everyone a little dizzy. Eventually I conned my brain into raising my arm and linking it with his. He walked beside me up the stairs, keeping our arms locked at all times while silently supporting me and keeping my jelly legs from giving way and toppling me to the ground. As we reached the entrance he turned to me and opened his mouth to say something before I intervened.

"I'm sure the evening will be lovely, thank you." I nodded to him in regards to his previous question and walked inside alone, already missing his presence beside me. On the outside I appeared bored and disinterested but on the inside I was screaming, and thanking the lord that I had made it this far.

Dinner was served shortly after our arrival and I was very glad for this as I hadn't socialised with anyone besides Mayor Lockwood and Carol and I had the distinct feeling that Elijah was trying to find a way to strike up a conversation with me; I had made it this far, but I certainly didn't want to push it! I was seated next to Ric and across from Elijah. I watched him look down before I felt something tap my leg. I looked down to find beautiful handwriting across a serviette.

Elena

I request your company after the meal outside in the courtyard. I wish to speak with you.

Elijah

I gulped before nodding at him and getting a brief smile in return. He then proceeded to cut up his steak and I took that as my cue to start eating also. Dinner went by all too fast and dessert was as quick as a flash, and suddenly I was moving on autopilot out to the courtyard. I looked around a moment to find it completely deserted before a rustle behind me made me spin around. I looked up and found myself face-to-face with my beautiful nightmare.

"Good evening Elena. Now let's get you away from here!" I didn't quite register what was happening until I was hoisted over Elijah's shoulder and whisked away at the speed of light.