Hayley's POV
As we sat across each other and sipped on our starbucks coffees I felt Klaus watch me carefully.
"What?" I asked as I bit my lip "Why are you staring?"
"I have to confess something" he said
I sat up straight and threw my hair back. I intertwined my fingers and listened to him, something I usually do when I'm worried.
"It's nothing bad. It's not bad, it's just that…"
"What Klaus? I didn't think you were one to be shy"
"I asked about you to Gia. I asked her because I wanted to know more about you, know when to stop, which boundaries not to cross…"
"Why would you do that?" I asked angrily "Why didn't you just ask me?"
"Because you don't just ask someone to talk about themselves. I know you're fragile, and I know I need to take easy steps to get closer to you"
"What if I don't want to get closer to you?" I asked
"I want us to be friends love, surely you can permit that"
His voice echoed in my ears as I remembered being told that before
"You're a bully, stay away from us!" I shrieked as I knelt down by my crying schoolmate
I was only 15 at the time, but I felt overprotective of those who weren't strong enough to defend themselves
"I'm not a bully. I didn't make him cry" William tried to defend himself
"I was told people are saying homophobic slurs to him, now I find you by his side as he's crying"
"I'm not homophobic Hayley Marshall. You don't even know me. I was here helping him out"
"Jack is that true?" I asked as I cupped the younger boy's cheeks
"It wasn't him, it's a group of girls"
I took a deep breath, regretting the way I had attacked the new classmate
"William I'm sorry…"
"As I said, you don't know me. Guess who the bully is now"
"I'm sorry, I just assumed…"
"You know what they say about assuming. It makes an ass out of u and me"
I giggled at his idiotic joke as I helped Jack up.
"I will find those girls. Do you know their names?"
"It's alright Hayley, I'll be fine" he replied as he ran away
"I want to help him" I said as I turned back to William
"You can't help everyone"
I bit my lip
"I'm sorry again"
"It's alright. Why don't we meet up later? So we can get to know each other better"
"What makes you think I'd like that?"
"Firstly because you wouldn't make random accusations if you did"
"Come on…"
"Secondly, because I'd like to be your friend. I'm sure you can allow that"
I gasped at the parallels between the two moments and spilled the coffee on the table.
"Hayley are you alright? Where did you drift off to?"
"I'm sorry Klaus, I think we're close enough…too close some might say…so I'll just see you around school"
I stood up and hurried away but he didn't just let me leave this time. He held my arm and pulled me to him, bringing us eye to eye.
"Klaus let me go…"
"I know what it's like to lose someone you're attached to. I know the guilt that comes with moving on, but it's bound to happen. I'm sure William would want you to do the same"
"How dare you? Just because you heard about what my relationship was like you think you have the right to comment on it or make suggestions? I will never move on from Billy, do you understand that? Never. So leave me alone and go find someone else to flirt with" I snapped and pushed him away
Klaus' POV
"I understand that it's painful to lose the person you love" I roared angrily as I paced around Rebekah "But come on. What is this? Can't she just put down her guard and let me help her? She could give me a chance and goddamnit I just want her to stop being so distant, you know?"
"Niklaus no one told you it'll be easy. Her past is obvious. If you aren't up for the challenge I'll ask Elijah instead"
"Rebekah stop saying that" I roared angrily "You know how he is lately, I don't him around her"
"Nik that sounds like something a man who actually cares would say…you're not supposed to care about her"
"Stop being a smart ass Rebekah. You know she means nothing to me"
"Whatever. Where is Elijah anyway? We supposedly came here to see him"
"If he's not coming I'm going back. The boys are waiting for me at the Fraternity house"
Suddenly the door lock was heard and Mr. Cooper walked in, seeming disappointed to see us
"Elijah, how are you?" Rebekah asked as she walked up to him
"I thought this was my house. You two moved out"
Elijah was cold, what a shocker.
"Elijah we're here because we're worried about you. You supposedly got better but we have no proof that your psyche is actually better"
"I do admit, what our mother did to me…the memories she brought back…they did have a toll on me, but I'm fine now. Thanks to you I built a new life for myself as a teacher and I'm reattaching myself to sanity"
"I'm sorry about the way I spoke to you earlier brother, but please understand me…Hayley is mine. She's going to be mine. I just don't want you to have any wrong impressions"
"What gives you the right to declare ownership over someone?"
"Elijah I'm asking you to stop building any feelings for her if you already are"
"I don't have feelings for her, she's simply a friend. Don't worry Niklaus"
"You owe me this, after what happened with Tatia, you owe me enough to let me be with the girl I want without interfering"
"I had no intention Niklaus"
"Great" I replied "I'll see you later. I need to meet the boys"
"I need to go to the Sorority house. I'll see you later Elijah. Do take care of yourself" Rebekah added and joined me as we walked out
Elijah's POV
I laughed to myself as I watched my siblings drive off from my window. I owed him? It wasn't my fault that the girl he fell in love with chose me over him centuries ago. It wasn't my fault that Hayley chose to get closer to me and distant from him. It wasn't my fault and I owed him nothing for it.
I walked into my backroom and opened turned on the lights, revealing all the artwork I had been working on lately. I was no Klaus Mikaelson, but I did have a talent for it as well.
My drawings were the same. Her glare, her smile, her eyes, her. It was all about her. Some would call me obsessed, so would argue that I had a serious problem.
But wanting something didn't make anyone crazy before, why should it make me?
I pulled off the cloth from my final project, revealing her leaning on a red door, covered in blood, just like in my visions.
It wasn't far. I was going to taste her soon. She was going to be mine.
Hayley's POV
"Don't tell me it's because you like the new professor" Gigi said as she sat opposite me
"No Gigi, I am not keeping away from Klaus for Professor Cooper, I am keeping away from him because I don't want to give him false hope"
"False hope? Hayley what's wrong with you? Why don't you give yourself a chance to rebuild a life?"
"I don't want it Gia"
"Why not? Listen, if this Elijah guy is more your type I'd understand. I just want you to be happy again"
"I see Mr. Cooper as an older brother, a good friend, someone I can talk to. Klaus, Klaus is different. I have no idea why but he's different"
"Hayley, if you too realize that there is something different between you guys why are you fighting it?"
"Because I don't want to be vulnerable again. I don't want to give my heart to someone and watch it break into a million pieces again. I don't want to be hurt again"
"Hayley I understand that losing William made you scared. I know you're scared to fall in love again and I know you feel guilty about moving on, but it's bound to happen"
"Or not. I could just spend the rest of my life living with his memory"
"And become a crazy old cat lady? I don't think so"
"Gia it's too soon. If I'm going to give my heart to anyone I need to know that I can trust them with it"
"That's alright! You don't have to hold his hand and call him your boyfriend! Just give him a chance to express himself. Get to know him. Let him tell you why he deserves you and why you should let him in. Maybe he's a bad guy? Maybe he's secretly evil and only wants to hurt you? You won't know unless you give him a try"
"Gia isn't it just safer to stay away completely?"
"The Hayley I know, the Hayley William fell in love with never stayed safe. She was never afraid of taking risks. Don't disappoint any of us Hayley. Give your heart the freedom it desires"
I took a deep breath and nodded, to which she exclaimed like a child to
"How do I test him? How do I know he deserves me?"
"There is no manual, but you can start by seeing and judging the way he behaves around you this Friday, at the party"
"That's…actually not a bad idea" I said as guilt built up in my stomach "But this is so wrong, it hasn't even been a year"
"Hayley, this guy…ever since he came into our lives you seem more lively, you look more awake, you smile, you joke…don't you think William would like to see you like this?"
"He would, wouldn't he?"
"He definitely would" she replied
Friday Night
I was not particularly dressy, nor was I a bore. I was simply simple and calm, hoping to attract no attention.
Klaus hadn't arrived yet, even though most of the Fraternity boys had. I tried not to make it obvious that I was looking for him, but it was impossible to fight.
I sipped some punch and walked around, trying to make sure everyone was happy. As expected, the food the caterers had brought were laying on the tables, stone cold. Everyone had ate before arriving and no one was interested in carrying plates around as they got stuffed. But one of us had made a suggestion, and I had no right to ignore it.
"Whose bloody idea was the food? We need more chips and shit" Lisa said as she came up to me "This is a college party not one of our parent's goddamn fundraisers"
"Its okay, next time we won't"
"It smells like food and it's making me nauseous. Once everyone is drunk it'll be worse. Let's get rid of it, please Hayley" Anna added
"I don't really care, if you guys are getting uncomfortable then so be it, but please don't be rude to Rebekah about it once she arrives" I warned
They nodded and began removing all the dishes. It wasn't a terrible idea, and I understood why she felt that it was necessary, but that's not how things work in New York.
"Hayley" I heard a familiar voice call out, one that I did not expect to hear
"Elijah? What are you doing at a college party!?" I exclaimed
"One of my students insisted that I come by. Apparently I am too young to stay at home and read a book"
"It is true, you're not even thirty Mr. Cooper" I said as I handed him a glass of punch
"I'm glad to see I'm welcome"
I smiled at him. He had told me he wasn't necessarily a social being, so I'd love to make him feel more so"
"Have you shaved today?" I asked as my eye caught a red stain on his left cheek
"No, no I haven't. Why?"
"There's something red on your cheek"
"It must be paint" he explained as she tried to clean the wrong cheek
"Here, let me" I said as I dipped my finger in the punch and rubbed it on the stain
"You two should get a room" Klaus, who had arrived while I was busy talking, said
"Klaus when did you get here?" I asked as I pulled my hand back
"Moments ago, but right on time to see the professor-student romance" he snapped
I just realised that he himself had arrived with Rebekah Frederickson
"Niklaus please" Elijah said "This is none of your business"
I appreciated that Elijah defended me, but I didn't like his suggestive tone.
"I understand, I'll leave you two to it then. I'll be around, love" he said and stormed off
I turned back around to Elijah, slightly disappointed
"I am sorry, I thought he was bothering you. I can go and explain…"
'No, not at all. I owe him no explanation. So, you didn't tell me you're an artist!"
"Not that talented, but I am an amateur one yes"
"What were you painting? With the red paint I mean"
"A red door"
"A red door?"
"A red door and a girl in white, trying to open it"
"Does it mean anything?"
He shrugged
"Nothing of importance"
I nodded, trying to act interested when in truth I just wanted to go and talk to Klaus, end the tension for good.
"Well, I'll see you around then, I have to take care of some things"
"Of course" Elijah replied
I walked towards Klaus and stood opposite him. He eyed the boys next to him to leave. We were alone to talk
"What are you doing?" I asked as I folded my arms
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought this was going to be some sort of a date for us"
"I agreed to no such thing" I snapped playfully
"Don't tease me Hayley, you and I both know we did unofficially agree to spend this night together"
"I am free to spend the night with whomever I wish. I am not looking for a date and you know this"
"Fine, go and spend it with Elijah then"
He turned his back to me like a child, which made me laugh. I walked to his front and forced him to look into my eyes
"As if you are one to judge, you came here with Rebekah"
"Rebekah? Rebekah and I have nothing going on"
"I've seen the way you look at her. You care about her, it is obvious"
"Rebekah is my sister" he blurted out
"What?"
"I have known Rebekah for years, she's like a sister to me"
"You have?"
He nodded
"Sometimes I feel like I've known her for centuries"
"Oh…well I see Elijah as a brother too, even though I only know him for a month"
"So no romance?"
"He's a professor! Besides, you know I'm not open to that kind of thing. Gia must have told you"
He nodded and looked away, almost feeling ashamed for assuming.
"Dance with me" I suggested which made him smile. He grabbed my hand and we danced together
"Dance with me Billy!" I exclaimed as I ran into his arms, drunk off my arse
"Dance with me my love" he replied as he pulled me to his arms
"You're something beautiful, a contradiction" I sang along to the song
He laughed and kissed me in return
"You will be the death of me…" I continued singing
"I would never let you die, but I'd be honoured to die for you, because of you, murdered by you…"
"Don't say that" I said as I punched his shoulder
"It would be the best way to go" he smiled and pulled me in for a kiss
"Ooh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah!" I sang loudly as I snaked in his arms
I felt shaken as I slowly stopped dancing. This time instead of running away because of the flashbacks I chose to stay put.
"You remembered him" Klaus pointed out as he cupped my cheeks "Do you want to talk about it?"
"I remembered dancing with him, that's all. We don't have to talk about it. It's just this, whatever this is, I can't do it without feeling guilty…"
"Hayley no one is asking you to remove him from your memories or replace him. I am willing to help you live on with the memory of him by your side"
"Its too soon Klaus" I whispered
"Trust me, I have been through many losses. There's never a perfect time to move on, never a perfect time to stop expecting the pain to just fade away. You need to live with it until one day you stop noticing the ache in your soul"
"Those are the most honest words anyone has told me about how to move on till today" I said as a tear fell off my cheek "Thank you"
"This is not a party to cry at. It's winter-coming!"
"Stupidest excuse to party, like ever!" I added as I wiped my tear off
"Klaus, some of the boys got a bit too drunk. They're fighting out back"
"Immature idiots" Klaus said under his breath "I'll be back in a moment love"
"Make sure everyone is alright, the night is still young, don't let them ruin it"
"Of course not"
I smiled and watched him walk away like a boss. Because of Alexander I didn't like Klaus' role in the fraternity, but there was something about how in control he was that attracted me.
Suddenly there was a sound of broken glass. Someone had dropped a bottle of beer.
"Damn it Natasha" I snapped "Why did you get drunk again?"
Elijah also came over and held onto her for me
"She needs to lie down, be escorted back to her room"
"She stays here, upstairs. Lisa! Lisa could you please help us out?" I called out
"I'll take her upstairs, take care of the glass before there are more accidents" Lisa said as she took over Natasha
I nodded and bent down to grab the glass pieces. Elijah joined me.
"You shouldn't do it bare handed, you might…" Elijah began saying just as I cut myself and hissed in pain "…cut yourself"
His eyes became fixated on the blood that was pouring from my fingertips. His pupils dilated and his mouth fell open a bit.
Elijah's POV
"You shouldn't do it bare handed, you might…" I tried to warn her but was interrupted by the stench that hit the air as the glass broke her skin "…cut yourself" I continued with difficulty
She looked up at me but I was in no state to control myself. I was seeing her blood before me. She was so vulnerable, so ready to snatch up and feed on. The image of her fighting to open the red door flashed before my eyes.
I could hear her call out my name, asking me if I got bad at the sight of blood. I tried to shake off the hunger and stay calm.
"Elijah do it. Grab her, taste her, do it Elijah" Tatia, who appeared by our side, ordered me "You know you want to. Remember the pleasure killing me gave you. Why not live that again?"
"Elijah!" Hayley said louder this time
"Let me clean that for you" I said as grabbed her hand and pulled the fingers closer to me. I took my handkerchief and dipped it into her blood
"Let her go!" I heard Niklaus roar as he came up to us and pulled her hand out of my grip
"Klaus he's trying to help" Hayley reassured him
"Hayley it's time we move this party to our mansion. Announce the change in venue"
"It's too early for the after party" Hayley insisted
"Your friend is upstairs unwell, there is broken glass and whatnot all around, I think its time for a change"
She didn't seem convinced but nodded
"Elijah will you be alright?"
"I just get uneasy at the sight of blood that is all" I told her
"Okay then, I'll see you in a short while" she said as she went on to announce the change in plans
"Elijah are you alright?" Klaus asked me
"I'm fine"
"You didn't seem yourself. You were on the brink to lose control"
"But I didn't"
"Your psyche is in no state to control itself or your actions. I cannot allow you to harm anyone, especially not her. You need to leave"
"NIklaus I am well" I insisted
"Come Elijah, I'll take you home" Rebekah, who had only now realised what had happened, told me
"Fine, I'll go on my own. Enjoy your night dear siblings" I snapped and left without a goodbye
Once I arrived home I walked into my backroom and opened my handkerchief. I wanted to get the exact same red as her blood on my artwork.
As I held the handkerchief the smell took over me once again. I had to taste it, to get a hint of what she was like.
I held it to my lips and my eyes turned veiny and vampiresque as I sucked the few drops of blood in. The taste, to my surprised, wasn't innocent and clean as I expected. I grabbed my phone without a second thought and dialled Niklaus.
Klaus' POV
"Are you having fun?" I asked as Hayley came and sat by me
"The most fun I've had in months" she replied and smiled at me while she bit her lower lip "Does that make me a bad person?"
"Having fun? Not at all" I said as I pushed the hair that fell over her eyes back "Not at all"
"So many guys have tried to flirt with me these last few months" she said with the bravery the alcohol gave her "Why do you have to be the one I let close?"
"Why shouldn't I?" I asked as I leaned in
We looked eye to eye and there was a moment, a moment that could lead to something, until we were wildly interrupted by my phone
She pulled back immediately and stood up, going up to Gia to talk. I stood up angrily and accepted the call
"What?" I snapped "This better be worth it Elijah"
"How much do you know about Hayley?" he asked
"What do you mean?"
"Who are her parents? Where is she originally from?"
"Well…I have found out that her parents are wealthy businessmen from the Upper-east side…wait why are we talking about this again?"
"Because I just tasted her blood"
"Elijah…!" I exclaimed as I turned to check on Hayley who was fine, before remembering he had soaked up some of her blood with his cloth "Keep away from her brother"
"I just tasted her blood Niklaus" he repeated
"And?"
"It's not human"
"What? Of course it is"
"Niklaus this is not human blood. It's werewolf"
I stared at Hayley, my jaw slightly dropped, as the novelty regarding her hit me. She waved at me from afar but I was in no mood to return the gesture. I tilted my head towards Rebekah and she walked up to me momentarily, realising something was wrong
How could she be?
Leave a review and share your assumptions about the future chapters please!
