Chapter 10: Perspectives

The light trickled in through an apartment window the next morning, and Rebekah sat on a sofa, dissatisfaction etched into her face. "You had her wrapped around your finger, and you blew it."

"Don't patronize me, Rebekah. You of all people know how complicated human affections can be," Elijah countered from another chair.

"Well at least we have enough to make sure she's always within reach," Rebecca divulged.

Kol emerged from the hall. "Especially during her busy weekends," he laughed derisively.

Elijah's eyes flickered with anger and disbelief. "You're following her?"

"Of course," Kol leered. "And after yesterday's rather heart-wrenching public display in the rain, I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands."

Elijah took a threatening step toward his brother and warned him evenly, "Stay away from her."

"Oh, I don't think so, brother. I rather enjoyed watching her brave attempt at saving that poor little girl."

"You were there?" Elijah breathed in astonishment.

Kol grinned casually, "Who do you think put the girl in the tree? It was fascinating to watch the human battle her deepest fears and still manage to nearly die."

Elijah's insides burned.

"Besides, she's such a pretty little thing."

Elijah flew across the room, smashing Kol into a wall with a hand pressed firmly around his neck. His voice remained composed but threatening. "Do not touch her. Do you understand?"

Kol spat at him and sneered, "She's a human. And you're weak."

Rebekah rolled her eyes. "Oh Kol, just give it a rest."

"Fine," Kol relented, and Elijah released him. "Have your moment in the sun. Once Klaus finds out about her you'll never get another," he added mockingly.

"Where is she?" Elijah demanded.

Rebekah inclined her head toward Elijah disdainfully. "She's pathetic, Elijah. You shouldn't bother."

"Tell me," he growled.

"Fine," she raised an eyebrow. "She's at a nursing home in her old town, singing for decrepit, lonely old men and women. If she's not there, then she's volunteering at the homeless shelter, with a hairnet and a smile," Rebekah taunted with narrowed eyes.

"So poetic, don't you think," Kol derided.

"I have no time for your petty perspectives on human life." Elijah headed to the door and turned back to face his brother. "If you go near her again, you're dead."

Kol grinned coolly, "But I am dead, brother."

Elijah shot Kol a final warning glance, then he swiftly exited through the door.

It was midday by the time Elijah reached Evangeline's hometown. He entered the nursing home and approached the front desk. A middle-aged woman with graying hair greeted him. "Can I help you find someone?"

"Yes, a young woman who sings here sometimes. Her name is Evangeline."

"Oh I'm sorry, sir," the woman apologized. "You just missed her performance. She's visiting individual patients now."

"I'm going to look for her if you don't mind." Elijah leaned in, compelling the woman.

She absentmindedly handed him a visitor's badge. "Of course, sir, enjoy your visit," she muttered blankly.

He traveled from hallway to hallway, listening for Evangeline's voice. In the third hallway he suddenly heard it. He listened intently to her conversation as he tried to single out the right room.

A woman's raspy voice spoke to Evangeline. "You are so sweet to notice I wasn't there, honey. I haven't been feeling well today." The woman wheezed slightly.

"Your stories are part of what inspired my song, so I wanted to make sure you heard it. I'm sorry you won't get to hear the accompaniment though. The violinist was perfect."

"Well, go on, honey, I know you've been working on this song for weeks."

Elijah finally found the room, and he paused by the door as Evangeline began to sing the same melody he'd heard the first time they met. The cadences tugged at him in a way he couldn't understand. Through the first half of the song his mind flashed back to memories with Tatia, but the scene gradually shifted in his head. Evangeline was suddenly the one in his arms. Evangeline was the one he leaned in to kiss.

The song ended, and Elijah froze outside the door, completely changed.

"Oh honey, that was so beautiful. Well now… What's the matter, dear?"

Evangeline had started to cry.

"Sweetie, don't cry, you know the humid air is bad for me," the old woman teased.

Evangeline sniffled and laughed. "Sorry, I just… have a lot on my mind."

"You know you can tell me anything, sweetie. I'll take it to my grave," the lady whispered. "And that might be tomorrow," she added lightly.

Evangeline lamented, "I was all wrong about everything. I thought love was something I could choose to give or not give, but I can't… not love him."

The woman sighed, "Oh honey, I know you're hurting, but he'll come around."

"I don't think so." Evangeline grabbed a tissue and dried her eyes. "He was so resolute and determined when he told me he couldn't be with me."

"Sweetie, take it from me. If he's worth it he'll fight for you. He'll ride in on his shining horse and sweep you off of your feet."

A knock on the door startled the two women. Evangeline gasped at Elijah as he swiftly entered. His eyes were wide and serious. "Forgive me," he briefly addressed the old woman. Then Elijah turned to Evangeline and stroked her hair softly. "Forgive me," he whispered. He gazed into her sparkling blue eyes, leaned in slowly, and gently pressed his lips to hers.

Evangeline lost sense of space and time. Everything in the whole world was suddenly Elijah. She grabbed his neck and pulled him in more closely…

"Woo," the old woman interrupted. "Dinner and a show."

Evangeline pulled back abruptly, blushing furiously. Feeling extremely self-conscious she stammered, "Um, so I'll see you next week?"

The old woman laughed loudly, "Get outta here, honey, you're messing with the temperature in my room."

With uncanny composure Elijah nodded to the woman and escorted Evangeline into the hall. "So this is where you go on weekends," he murmured nonchalantly.

"How did you know where to find me?" Evangeline puzzled.

"It's a long story, but your safety was in jeopardy, and I couldn't allow that."

She gazed at him in wonder. "What made you change your mind?"

Elijah deliberated for a moment. "Realizing you were in harm's way put a lot of things in perspective for me."

"But I don't understand. Who's trying to harm me?"

Elijah exhaled. "Perhaps we should go outside."

"Wait." Evangeline tugged his arm lightly. Her cheeks reddened. "Would you… kiss me again?"

A smile crept up the corners of his mouth as he leaned in closely.

End of Part I - Reviews are much appreciated!