Ch. 4
So here we go, chapter 4! This chapter, while necessary, is more of a 'filler' chapter; so the chapter is not as long as my previous one. I want to thank everyone who's reviewed and/or added me to their story/author/favorite alerts, or is just reading this! It really motivates and inspires me, so thanks guys! I'm currently working on chapter 5, so hopefully the next update shouldn't be too long from now. So enjoy the chapter, and please review!
1.5 years ago – Greece (6 months after leaving Mystic falls)
Pulling on her sunglasses and keeping her head down, Elena navigated through the crowed marketplace. She was probably overdoing it with the amount of precautions she was taking, but Katherine had made it very clear the price she would pay if she were ever discovered. Elena was not about to take any risks. Besides, being on the run was something that Elena found she was surprisingly good at; especially with her new abilities. She wouldn't say it was second nature to her now, even with her new status as a 'non living, living person.' But Elena had always been a social person and avoiding any social interaction could never be instinctive for her, but Elena was smart enough to be able to disappear successfully. As she made her way through the local marketplace the foreign smells of fresh produce and exotic spices filtered through Elena's conscious, but she never stopped to appreciate them. Nor did Elena take the time to admire the stunning aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean, or the charming rustic architecture surrounding her. Elena just kept walking till she found what she was looking for. Taking a furtive look around, Elena slipped into the outdated payphone booth and dialed the number she had memorized, while her heart beat wildly. It was strange, when Elena was first turned it surprised her that her body, including her heartbeat, really did function quite normally as Damon had said; as long as she maintained a healthy diet of blood of course. Breathing deeply, Elena listened to the phone ring and tried to prepare herself for another 'check-in' with Katherine. Thinking of Katherine, made her think of home, made her think of Damon…
"Finally you've called Elena. Can't you follow simply instructions anymore, or is it possible you've gotten even dumber since our last conversation?" Katherine's voice, while identical to her own, sounded worse than nails across a chalk board to Elena. Most of the time Elena felt rather numb to her whole 'run away' experience, a professional may have called Elena depressed. She preferred the term 'realistic.' After all, what hope did Elena actually have while being blackmailed for all eternity by her stronger, unethical, vampire ancestor? Running her fingers through her wig, Elena looked around once again before continuing her conversation.
"Everything is fine Katherine. I'm at the location you specified, and I've followed all your instructions to the letter. It just took me awhile to find a functional payphone." Gathering her courage, Elena continued. "You need to reconsider allowing me to get a cell phone." Laughter greeted her on the other end of the phone.
"If you think that I'd actually allow that Elena than your not only dumb but insane. You'll call Stefan or Damon in a second, which will force me to take action. I don't think you really want to inconvenience me like that, do you Elena?" While Katherine's tone was playful, she heard the hidden malice underneath. When Elena had first been on the run she had been terrified of her required 'check-ins' as Katherine liked to call them. Mostly phone calls, with the rare meeting required, and Elena wasn't too ashamed to admit that she was scared of Katherine. As time went on however, and Elena found herself missing home and that certain someone, Elena felt almost blasé towards her older doppelganger. It wasn't that she didn't care what Katherine may do if she disobeyed her orders, in fact the only reason Elena was on the run was to protect those she loved. It was the fact that she knew as long as she kept up her end of the bargain, Katherine would have to do her part. Elena's certainty came from the knowledge that upholding the deal was beneficial to Katherine, and consequently herself. And if there was one thing predictable about Katherine Pierce, it was that she was a selfish bitch.
"You're the one who's annoyed about me not calling you the second you say so. It takes time to find a payphone, so either you deal with it or get me a phone. You know as well as I do that I won't contact anyone from Mystic Falls, it would defeat the whole purpose behind my leaving Katherine!"
"Ohh somebody's grouchy. What's the matter Elena hasn't any guy been able to pry your thighs apart recently? It is hard going from two guys servicing you at once to none, especially within such a short amount of time. Not that I would know of course, I've never had any trouble gaining multiple lovers, no matter where I went." Elena tried to take deep breaths in an attempt to control her temper. Snapping at Katherine, no matter how beneficial their deal was to her, was just plain idiotic. Katherine could be impulsive, not as impulsive as Damon but… "Elena! Are you listening to me?" snapping out of her ruminations, Elena heard the annoyance in Katherine's voice and figured now would be a good time to stop pushing Katherine' limited patience. All she wanted to do was get this whole thing over with. The sooner she finished this conversation, the sooner she could fulfill this disgusting mission, and get on with her bleak new life.
"Just tell me where to go Katherine; I want to get this over with as soon as possible." Elena couldn't help but check her surroundings again; already this phone conversation was taking far longer than she was comfortable with.
"Don't worry Elena, your ….tension is about to be relieved. Use the picture I gave you to I.D the target. You can find him in the tavern tonight at midnight. Don't screw this up Elena. I'm being nice and giving you a warning. You know what will happen if I don't get what I want." Elena heard the dial tone immediately after Katherine's last words. Hanging up the phone Elena made sure her sunglasses and wig were still in place. Taking a deep breath and leaning against the dirty wall of the phone booth, Elena allowed herself to relive one memory before venturing out towards her fate. She thought of the Mystic Falls dance and the partner she was never supposed to have.
Taking a deep breath and pushing the memories of her former life away, Elena stepped back out into the hot sun. Elena had a couple of hours to kill before she had to start preparing for her midnight encounter, and exploring the area might prove useful. Taking a stroll around one of the less populated areas of town, Elena spotted a stunning church. Although not religious, even less so since her transformation, Elena indulged her impulse and entered the church. Not wanting to draw attention Elena slipped into a darkened back corner. For the first time since leaving Mystic Falls, Elena felt a semblance of peace flood her body, as the drafty building cooled her overheated body. Just sitting in a darkened church pew, with no one around her, Elena didn't have to pretend to be something she wasn't. Right then and there, Elena decided that she would allow herself this one indulgence. Whenever she visited this church, Elena would allow herself to think of her past life without hesitating. She didn't know for how long she sat there, but Elena lost herself in memories of her family and Damon. She barely took in the colorful alter depicting breathtaking Christian artwork. Instead, Elena saw in her mind, as clearly as if she were watching a film, her memories play out. A rush of emotions filtered through Elena, and for the first time she allowed herself to feel what she really felt. Thinking of Damon, tears ran down Elena' face. Although she'd thought of all their moments together, Elena had never really let herself consciously recall their kiss. Sitting in the dark, with no one to see her, Elena closed her eyes and remembered the feeling of Damon's body pressed hard against hers, and his moist lips molded against her own. Feeling her stomach clench sharply in longing and her heart ache painfully, Elena opened her eyes and admitted the truth to herself. She may be in love with Damon Salvatore, and she may have been for a long, long time.
6 months later
1 year ago (6 months since walking into the tavern)
Riding down the highway with the windows open and the wind blowing in her hair, Elena found herself thinking that she hadn't felt this alive in a long, long time. A rush of victory and amazement surged through her as she regarded the events of the day. Turning towards her companion Elena couldn't help the smug smile that spread across her face. "I saved your life." He turned his beautiful face away from the road and looked at her. Elena was surprised when he simply replied with a heartfelt "I know." Feeling lighthearted for the first time in ages Elena continued with the almost flirty banter. "And don't you forget it." Later whenever she thinks about that trip, she thinks that it was the first time that she truly felt it, their connection.
Gasping, Elena startled awake.
"Darling, whatever is the matter?" Taking a deep breath, Elena turned to the man beside her. She was still unused to waking beside this male body day after day, even though it had been 6 months. Forcing a smile upon her face, Elena tucked her curly hair behind her ear and leaned over to give him a brief kiss.
"Nothing's the matter; I'm only excited to spend the day in bed with you." The vampire's eyes softened and he reached out a hand to trace the shape of her face. Elena couldn't help but feel guilty. He seemed to truly love her, or the 'her' Elena was pretending to be at any case. And here she was, dreaming about another man. He started to kiss her more passionately, his soft kisses traveling towards her neck. Sighing, Elena responded. Although she was thinking of another vampire, the one in her arms was not unattractive, and he had been so very good to her. Elena owed it to him, to at least try to reciprocate his affections, even if this was helping Katherine.
"That night you came to me at that tavern was the best night of my existence." He held Elena so close that she felt the vibrations throughout her body as he spoke. His deep, accented voice was pleasant and she felt slight affection rise within her, at war with the loyalty she felt for another.
"If only you could have come sooner, my darling. All these wasted years." Elena steeled herself for this conversation. She had become a first rate actress with all the lying she had to do. She felt guilty, but not enough to stop herself and all the lies. After all, she was doing it for him, and for everyone else she loved back home. Elena pulled away from the man's arms and looked at him beseechingly.
"I told you before; I had loose ends to tie up." With a saucy flip of her hair Elena leaned seductively closer to him while licking her lips. "You know how I like them tightened." Elena tried to make her eyes wide and innocent, her stomach turned with guilt, but Elena had no fear in selling her story, Katherine had taught her well. Elena sat up and took his hand within hers and began. "Do you remember when we first met back in 1492? That was the best moment of my life. Our stolen moments became everything to me." The man ran his fingers though Elena's hair.
"For me as well, I remember every moment perfectly. I love you so much Katerina." Elena tried to smile and reply with as much affection as possible in her voice.
"As I love you, Elijah."