Chapter 4

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

"I really need to kill something", Kol said not being able to stop smiling stupidly. "But I need to know that my darling is safe so promise me that you will protect her with your life."

Elijah's self control was admirable. He simply nodded.

"Of course brother. Your darling is safe with me."

"Wonderful. And have you called that witch friend of yours yet?"

"Yes, we'll meet her tomorrow."

Tomorrow? Great. That seemed like eternity. Still Kol couldn't stop smiling.

"Thank you, brother", he said cheerfully.

Kol went to the bedroom. He hated to keep his angel tied up like this. He would take her to somewhere far away where she could scream if she wanted to. She was so cute when she scowled him. He sat to the bed next to her.

"Darling, I need to take care of few things but don't worry, I'll be back as soon as I can. My brother will stay here with you."

Gabrielle moved her head. Kol removed the gag. She took few deep breathes.

"I won't scream", she said tiredly. "Just please don't… I can't breathe…"

Kol was shocked.

"I'm so sorry my darling", he said stroking her hair. "Things will be easier when I find us some nice isolated place. Then I don't have to tie you up anymore."

Gabrielle's eyes widened.

"Listen, I'm sure you didn't do any of this intentionally. This was all just misunderstanding. Why don't you let me go and I won't tell anyone about this, I swear."

She tried to sound calm but Kol could hear how nervous she was. He kissed her forehead gently.

"There's no need to be afraid my angel, I would never hurt you."

"Let me go then. Please."

"I'm sorry but I can't do that. I must be with you."

Gabrielle was about to say something but changed her mind. Instead she smiled.

"Alright then. I'll see you when you come back", she said.

Kol was delighted.

"I miss you already my darling. May I kiss you?"

She hesitated.

"Sure."

Kol caressed her lips before he kissed her. She tasted so good.

"I'll see you soon my angel."

"Yes, good luck with your… things."

Gabrielle waited until she was sure that he was gone. She had to try to talk to that brother of his. Hopefully he wouldn't be as crazy. What was his name again, Elijah? No, no, she shouldn't use his name. It was better to pretend that she didn't know that. She didn't know anything about him so he could let her go.

"Hello?" she said trying to sound calm. "Is someone there?"

Her kidnapper's brother appeared to the door. He seemed like a normal guy wearing a dark suit.

"Do you need something?" he asked.

Gabrielle tried to smile politely.

"I was hoping we could talk. I'm sure you know that your brother needs some help and I absolutely understand that none of this is your fault. I don't blame your brother either, it's not his fault that he isn't… well. Could you please just untie me and we can forget all about this… unpleasant thing?"

He looked at her calmly and sighed.

"Look miss… I'm sorry, what's your name?"

"Gabrielle. Gabrielle Snow. I have a family who misses me and I play piano, not very well but I'm learning, and my favorite food…"

"Ok, ok", Elijah interrupted her. "I understand that you are a real person, believe me."

It seemed that he had read some basic psychology too.

"I know this must be difficult to understand but I can't let you go."

"I won't tell anyone about this", she said quickly. "I swear, I'll never say a word."

"It doesn't matter if you tell someone or not. Right now you just have to stay here. But don't worry; no one is going to mistreat you."

"Why are you doing this?" Gabrielle asked trying to hide her annoyance. "I mean, you don't seem like unbalanced type."

Elijah smiled.

"Appearance can be deceiving miss Snow. But the truth is that you wouldn't believe me even if I would tell you."

"Just tell me, how unbelievable can it be?"

Elijah seemed amused.

"Alright then. My brother is madly in love with you because of some kind of spell and we can't let you go before the spell is broken."

Gabrielle stared at him. She had definitely been wrong; he was just as crazy as his brother.

"Right…. And how are you planning to break this… spell?"

"We are going meet a witch tomorrow."

Gabrielle wanted to laugh.

"I see… Is a tornado going to take us to Oz? Maybe we can see the yellow brick road and some flying monkeys too."

Elijah laughed.

"Good one. No, she doesn't live very far and I don't think we need a tornado. A car is enough."

"This is just perfect…" Gabrielle murmured. "I'm curious; do all members of your family have mental issues?"

"Probably", Elijah said smiling. "No, make that definitely. You should meet our brother…"

"No! I really don't want to meet any more of your brothers. No offence."

"None taken. But is there something I can do to make this easier for you? Are you hungry?"

"A class of water would be great, thanks", she said tiredly.

It seemed that there was no point trying to reason with him. This was just great. She had no idea what to do. She was stuck with crazy and crazier. And tomorrow they would meet this witch. Maybe the Easter bunny would be there too.