Title: I FEEL YOUR PAIN
Characters: Damon, Alaric, Stefan, Elijah, Elena, Jeremy, Bonnie, Caroline, Liz, OC1, OC2
Genre: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Family, Friendship, Romance
Summary: Set around 4x02. Damon is saying his goodbye to Alaric's grave, unaware that three pairs of ears are listening. Stefan can feel Damon's pain and he is afraid of losing him. Will he be able to save his brother with the help of a few friends? And can they bring a certain someone back to the living?
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Vampire Diaries, but I do own my two OC; Marie and Annette
Chapter 10
Marie was lying in her bed, thinking of her sister. She finally learned the truth and her heart broke when she remembered how Annette looked when she returned. She remembered all those nights when she had held her in her arms and listened to her broken sobs when Annette cried her heart out.
She couldn't believe Elijah could've done something like that, betraying Annette like that. It didn't make sense. There was something fishy in the story but she couldn't understand what. She hoped with her whole heart that her sister would forgive Elijah. After all, he was her true love and they deserved to be happy.
Deciding it was no use to dwell on the past, she smiled warmly when events of their girls night flashed through her mind. With every day that passed, being here felt like home. Especially when she spend time with Caroline.
She started fumbling with the locket on her neck. They now knew what to do with them. She wondered if she would ever find her true love. An image of Jeremy appeared in her mind and she smiled, drifting into a peaceful dream.
She was awoken hearing an angry voice from downstairs and immediately recognized it. Alaric. Fearing something bad had happened, she rushed down and watched the drama in front of her. She wasn't the only one, everyone, except Jeremy heard it, but by the end, even he joined them. Hearing Alaric defending Damon warmed her heart, and strengthened her decision to bring him back.
Marie and Bonnie went into the basement and she casted a spell so they wouldn't be overheard, took a blood bag and sat on the chair near the fridge, waiting. She knew why Bonnie needed to talk to Damon and she was happy the young witch decided to put the past where it belonged. In the past. She was startled when Bonnie hugged her, but she returned the hug. They were becoming very good friends and she was happy.
IFYP
After hours of good time she spend with the girls she started to love, after the painful memories, Annette couldn't sleep. Still in her pajamas, she sat on the comfortable chair near the window, placed her feet underneath her and wrapped her arms around her waist. While she talked about how Elijah had betrayed her, she tried to stay strong and not cry, but now, all alone, tears rushed and she didn't bother whipping them off her face.
She still loved him. She will always love him. As she told the girls, he was her true love, but obviously she was meant to have him only for a short time...meant to spend the rest of her immortal life alone, and away from him. The betrayal was still fresh, even after over four centuries. The image of Elijah and Katherine, together, in their bed, danced in her mind, and she held back a cry of her broken heart. But, what hurt the most, was the denial that the betrayal ever happened.
BEGINNING OF THE FLASHBACK
She left the attic and the girls, seeing through the small window on the roof that it was the right time for her to bond with the moon. She had to know when would be the right time for casting the spell that would bring Alaric back. Taking the herbs, a bowl of water and the candles she required for the moon-bonding, as she called it, she walked outside. Finding the perfect spot on the lawn, not far from the house, she placed the candles around herself, sat down, lit the herbs in the water and started chanting. She loved this spell, it gave her peace, strength, it cleared her head.
Half an hour later, she had her answer. The next night was the perfect night for the spell. Sure, before they start, all three of them would have to do what she did right now. Ask from Mother Nature for the strength and guidance through the spell they will perform. She thanked the moon in the end, then the candles went off. She collected the items and headed toward the house.
/
''You looked beautiful there.'' A velvet voice that caused her heart to flutter, spoke from the darkness, and a second later, Elijah appeared, walking out of the darkness. ''It brought back the memories, seeing you deep in the chanting.'' He continued, since she said nothing.
''Yes, well...You did ask for us to come.'' She finally found her voice.
''Thank you.''
''For what?'' Annette asked confused.
''For coming here, for doing this. I realized I haven't thanked you yet, so...'' Elijah answered.
''I'm not doing this for you, Elijah.'' Annette narrowed her eyes at him. ''I'm doing this because of Damon and Alaric. Their love deserves to live.''
''You used to say that for us.'' Elijah whispered softly.
''Don't.'' Annette choked, remembering that.
''What happened, Annette? What happened that day? Why did you decide it was over?'' Elijah asked, needing to know the truth.
''You didn't just ask that!'' Annette hissed and glared at the Original vampire.
''Yes, I did. I deserve to know why you decided all of the sudden to break up with me. Why you stopped loving me...'' Elijah said, watching how shock and then anger and rage appeared on, a usually calm face of the woman he loved.
The next moment, Elijah was gasping for air, dropping on his knees, feeling how every bone in his body was crushing and breaking. But, he still tried to hold the eye contact.
''What you deserve is death after what you did, but I'm not that vindictive, Elijah. ''Annette hissed, chanting in her mind to keep the vampire down and in pain. ''You betrayed me in the worst kind of way! And you have the nerve to ask why I broke up with you? I saw you with her in our bed! Are you're still denying it?'' She asked, her eyes blazing in fire he'd never seen.
''Annette...I...Who...?'' Elijah choked, not knowing what to ask first. His head was pounding, and he couldn't understand anything.
''Katherine.'' Annette hissed the name of the woman she hated more than Klaus.
''What?'' Elijah asked in shock and his eyes went wide, but what ever he wanted to ask next, was lost, because of what Annette said next.
''When this is over, I don't want to hear from you or see you ever again in my life! Do we understand each other? You are dead to me!''
She couldn't be around him anymore. She ran away before crumpling down as she did in her room, a few moments later. Broken sobs came out as she dropped on her knees beside the bed. Taking the pillow, she pushed her face in it to muffle the sounds. After her cry, she washed her face then returned upstairs, but not before casting a spell on herself to look like nothing was wrong. Like her heart wasn't broken. She had to act normal.
END OF THE FLASHBACK
Annette left, leaving Elijah lying on the ground, gasping for air he didn't even need. He couldn't understand anything. His chocolate eyes filled with tears when her last words ringed in his ears again. 'You are dead to me! Dead to me! Dead!' Tears started to fall, and he choked back a cry, because he felt his heart just broke. Until now, he had hope, but now, hearing those words full of hate, every last trace of that hope was gone. He had lost her.
When he saw her coming down the stairs, he immediately knew where she was heading. He excused himself, noticing a knowing smile on the ghost, but decided against saying anything. He followed her outside, and saw her bonding with the moon. He loved watching her like that, she looked serene, content, happy. It was her true essence. She was more a witch than a vampire.
And now, he had lost her. For good.
Suddenly, Alaric appeared beside him and he lifted his head up.
''Nothing is lost yet.'' Alaric said, wanting to touch him on the shoulder, give him some kind of comfort, but he was still a ghost.
''You are so wrong. Haven't you heard her? She hates me.'' Elijah said, and Alaric could hear the desperation in his voice.
''Elijah, think of everything she had said.'' Alaric said, emphasizing each word.
Alaric was astonished. The Original vampire who was, usually, so smart, now seemed incapable of deciphering one conversation. Everything was explained. However, he couldn't intervene, Elijah had to get there by himself.
''But, she said things I don't understand.'' Elijah argued. ''Something how I betrayed her and slept with...Oh my God! Katherine!'' He said thinking and then his eyes went wide. He looked at the ghost who was silent, then frowned. ''But, I never slept with her.''
''I think you have a mystery on your hands, and one conversation to do.''
''You are right. I don't know what this is all about, but Katherine does, and she has some explaining to do.'' Elijah promised in his serious voice and his eyes narrowed.
''Be careful, Elijah. We don't want Klaus to think anything is amiss.'' Alaric said thoughtfully.
''Don't worry, Alaric. He won't notice anything wrong. If there is one thing I'm good at, it is how to deal with my brother.'' Elijah smirked, then smiled, looking at the ghost warmly. ''Thank you. It feels good knowing someone is looking and watching over me. When this is over I think you and I will be very good friends.''
''I know we will.'' Alaric smiled back.
IFYP
It was already late afternoon when Caroline opened her eyes for the second time that day and stretched in her bed. She loved sleeping here. The bed was so cozy, it felt like she was sleeping on a cloud. Even though the spell would occur tonight, she had a lot of time on her hands. She and Marie still didn't get the chance to play the matchmakers for Annette and Elijah. It was frustrating. It was as if they both knew what she and Marie wanted to do, and they have been avoiding each other for days. It so wasn't fair.
To her, they were perfect for each other. And she should know. She helped a lot of couples to be together. She was bored and she hated feeling like that. Then a thought crossed her mind. Listing the pros and cons in her mind, she sighed. After a shower and putting something decent to wear, she headed downstairs. Surprisingly, only Stefan was in the den, sitting at the table, writing in his diary. She rolled her eyes at the site.
''Hi, Stefan!'' She greeted him, and he gave her a warm smile. ''Listen, I want to go out and see my mom, if that's okay?''
''Sure. You are not a prisoner here, although it seems like that. Just be careful.''
''I know.'' She replied, but that wasn't all she wanted. However, she wasn't sure if Stefan would agree with her idea.
''Is there something that is bothering you?'' Stefan asked, noticing how nervous she became.
''Well...I kinda... I'd like to tell my mother what is going on, and maybe invite her to be here for a while.'' She blurted out, peeking at Stefan underneath her lashes.
''I kinda suspected you would want to do that.'' Stefan admitted. ''If you think involving her is a good idea, tell her, and she is welcome to stay here as long as she wants.''
''Really? You wouldn't mind?'' Caroline asked surprised.
''Care, she is your mother, even more, Damon's friend, and she'd been a lot of help before.''
''Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!'' Caroline jumped and hugged Stefan. ''It's just, after hearing from Alaric what Damon did for us, I want to be with her more. You know what I mean?''
''I know. Go see her, and tell her she is welcomed.'' Stefan smiled at his bubbly friend.
IFYP
Caroline walked through the door of the police station, where she was certain she would find her mother. And she was right. Liz was sitting in her office, looking at some papers and frowning. Since Liz didn't notice her, it gave Caroline a chance to observe her mother. She noticed how tired she looked. What her mother did next, warmed her heart.
Liz took the picture from the table, leaned back on her chair and looked at it. Caroline knew what picture she took. It was the picture of the two of them when they posed in front of the camera a few years back. Before all this thing with vampires started. When they had one decent day without fighting over stupid things. With her good eyesight, Caroline noticed the slight tremble of her mother's lips, and how her fingers gently caressed the picture in her hand. Hearing the footsteps that were approaching, she knocked on the doorframe, and her mother looked up.
''Caroline? Haven't seen you in a while. What brings you here?'' Liz asked, placing the picture back in its place.
''Well, I came to take my mother out for lunch. I'm sure you missed it.''
Just on cue, Liz's stomach growled and she blushed. ''Busted.'' Liz grinned and stood up.
''You need to take a better care of yourself.'' Caroline said disapprovingly.
On their way out, Liz stopped and turned toward the deputy at the front desk. ''I'm going out with my daughter, so don't call me unless there is something really extra important.''
''Really extra important. Is that a code for the V thing?'' Caroline asked on their way toward the Grill.
''Yeah. Besides, if I want to spend some time with my daughter, I can't have my pager beeping all the time, now can I?'' Liz answered.
''Can we take the food to go and sit somewhere private?'' Caroline asked and Liz nodded.
''So? Where have you been? Like I've said, haven't seen you in days.'' Liz asked, after they sat under the tree in the park and started eating.
''I was at the Boarding House. Listen, there is something you need to know. I will tell you the basics, but Stefan and the rest of the group will tell you everything tonight, that is, if you want to come.''
''Tell me.'' Liz said, looking at her daughter in worry.
Caroline told her about Damon, Alaric and Stefan, about how they learned they were soul-bonded. She told her about Marie and Annette and what they planned to do. By the time she finished, Liz had tears in her eyes, which surprised Caroline. The only thing she didn't mention was the part about Klaus.
''I didn't know you liked Damon that much.'' Caroline confessed, surprised at the tears in her mother's eyes.
''Under that 'bad boy' act he is a good man, and I'm sad he is going through all this. Even though he is a vampire I can see good in him. I know he came in our town with bad intentions, but with time, we became friends. Besides, I owe him.'' Liz admitted.
Even though Caroline knew what Liz was talking about, she asked. ''You owe him? For what?''
''That is between him and me, Care. I'm sorry.''
''That's all right, mom. You can have a secret or two.'' Caroline sighed dramatically, and Liz knew she wasn't really mad at her for not telling the whole truth. ''So, will you stay in the Boarding House with us until everything is over?'' She asked after a moment.
''If you are sure I won't be in the way, I would love to.'' Liz smiled warmly at her daughter.
''Great! Then Stefan or whoever will tell you the rest.'' Caroline smiled back.
They finished their lunch and Liz went back to work, after agreeing that Liz would finish with her work early, go home to pack then arrive to the Boarding House. Caroline decided to take a walk around town. She was in deep thought when she heard a familiar voice saying her name. Hearing that voice warmed her heart, but then she remembered it wasn't Tyler but Klaus.
''Fancy meeting you here, love.'' Tyler/Klaus said.
''What do you want, Klaus?''
''I just saw you walking by and decided to say hello. Is that a crime?'' Klaus asked casually.
It was obvious he was offended by her hard tone and she knew it, but she couldn't help herself. She hated him for what he had done.
''Everything you do is a crime.'' Caroline retorted and started walking away.
''Oh, don't be like that, love.'' Klaus smirked.
''I'm not your love!'' She hissed at him.
''Not yet.'' He said confident.
''Not ever!''
''Fine, be that way. It's actually a good thing I ran into you.'' Klaus said, changing the subject.
''Oh? And why is that?'' Caroline asked, raising an eyebrow at the hybrid.
''Saved me a trip to the Boarding House, for one.''
''And why would you go there?''
''When will Marie do the spell that will bring the teacher back?'' He asked, then commented. ''I still find it hard to believe he and Damon are soul bonded.''
''Tonight. It has something to do with the moon. I haven't been paying attention to the details.'' Caroline answered. ''Why?''
''That is for me to know, love.'' Klaus answered cryptically, and Caroline didn't give anything on her face that she knew the reason.
''Well, this is my car. I would say it was good to see you, but that would be a lie.'' Caroline said, unlocking her car.
''It is always a pleasure seeing you, love.'' Klaus replied, walking away, when Caroline's voice stopped him and he turned around.
''Klaus? Why don't you leave Mystic Falls? Elena is a vampire now, there is nothing for you here. Just leave us be.'' As soon as the words came out of her mouth, she knew she made a mistake because Klaus's expression darkened and he spoke in a deadly voice.
''Tel Marie I will come for her in a few days.'' And then he was gone.
IFYP
Marie entered the library after her sleep, wearing a casual knee-high, red skirt and a white blouse, looking for a good book to read, and while she was searching, she noticed a sketchbook lying on the table. Curious, she opened it and gasped. She was fascinated with how good the sketches were. The drawings were absolutely perfect. So many details, the lines so accurate... She looked at the pictures of Elena, Caroline, Bonnie, Stefan, Damon, Alaric, Tyler, Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, and a few others she didn't recognize. Then she found pictures of herself. She was so focused on them, she didn't even hear someone entering the library.
''Oh, you found it.'' A voice that send shivers down her body spoke behind her, and she turned around.
''You drew this?'' Marie asked in shock.
''Yeah. It's something I do in my spare time.'' Jeremy answered shrugging his shoulders.
''They are really good. The way you capture the emotions on their faces... It's quite excellent!'' Marie said truthfully.
''Really? You think so?'' Jeremy asked in surprise, but she could tell he was happy she liked them.
''Yes, I do. And believe me, I should know.'' Seeing a question in his eyes, she explained. ''I paint. Learned from a master. Have you ever thought of painting, not just drawing?'' Marie asked curious.
''Well, no, to be honest. But, I'm planning to go to art school, and they teach everything there. When I draw with a pencil, it's easier, I just flip the page and start. But, I would love to try. Don't have the time for shopping, though.'' He joked.
''If you want, I would love to show you some tricks and methods with the painting.'' Marie suggested, and was rewarded with a beautiful smile and a nod. ''Let's see, first, take a look at these books. I've noticed the Salvatore's have every book ever printed, even about art.'' She smirked.
A few moments later, on the table, in front of Jeremy were dozen of books. She used her vampire speed to collect them and noticed with a surprise that he didn't even flinch. He was so accustomed with vampires around him, that it didn't bother him one bit.
For the next couple of hours, they went through four books already. They talked about everything regarding art. It was so easy, they didn't even notice the time flying. Suddenly, they heard a cough at the doorway and they turned around. Marie inwardly groaned, seeing a knowing smirk on Caroline. Jeremy excused himself, blushing, since he knew the blonde vampire. And he was certain she figured he was falling for Marie. He didn't want to hear any teasing and he left in a hurry, but not before taking the books he still had to read, with him.
''Thank you, Marie.'' He smiled warmly, praying that the fast beating of his heart wasn't betraying his feelings. ''I hope we will continue with this.''
''We will.'' Marie promised, smiling back. ''And, you are very welcome.''
''Caroline.'' Jeremy greeted, walking past the blonde vampire.
''Jeremy.'' Caroline smirked, and watched him go, then looked at Marie, walking toward her. ''Sooooo, Marie...'' Caroline drawled, clear mischief visible in her eyes.
''Yes, I like him. A lot.'' Marie admitted before Caroline could ask the question.
''You took all the fun out of it, you know that?'' Caroline asked dramatically, then turned serious. ''Don't get this the wrong way, but he is too young, and he has been through a lot.''
''I know, Caroline. Stefan told me the basics about him.'' Marie sighed. ''You don't have to worry. I only like him. It's not like I fell in love.'' She added, rolling her eyes.
''I'm just saying.'' Caroline said, lifting her hands in surrender. ''But, keep in mind this little thing. Liking someone is just one step away from loving them.''
''Right. Well, rest assured, nothing is going to happen between me and Jeremy. Like you said, he is too young.'' Marie said, but even while she was saying that, part of her hoped that in a couple of years things would change.
''I ran into Klaus earlier.'' Caroline said, changing the subject, heading toward the den, Marie following. ''He said to let you know he will come for you in a few days.''
''We will be ready for him. I will not help him return into his body.'' Marie said, sharing a look with Annette, who was in the den with everyone else. ''Where is Elijah?'' She asked, looking around, noticing he wasn't there.
Before anyone could answer, they heard a familiar voice, screaming bloody hell, and a second later, Elijah came, dragging Katherine with him. He was enraged.
''You are hurting me! Let go!'' Katherine cried, but he only tightened his hold around her upper arm.
''Now, you will tell Annette the truth!'' He ordered.
''And what truth would that be, darling?'' Katherine asked seductively.
She started touching Elijah's chest with her other hand, collecting herself in a second after seeing Annette in front of her. 'So, she is also here. Interesting. Klaus will be very pleased with me.' She thought, already making plans in her mind.
Elijah narrowed his eyes at Katherine and swatted her hand away. He noticed the hard look Annette had when she saw them, but, in order to learn the truth of what happened four centuries ago, all three of them had to be there in the same room, because he was sure he never slept with Katherine. Especially when he was in love with Annette. He paid no mind at the shocked gasps around him, or the fact his action might be a downfall for their plan, but he had to know.
''Yesterday, Annette told me something that doesn't make any sense. She said I've betrayed her with you. Now, I know that that is not true and I want to know why she thinks that. You know why? Because I would never sleep with you.''
''Oh, sweetheart, is that all this about?'' Katherine asked in her false charm. ''However, we had slept together, and your love saw us. You were great, so gentle and passionate in the same time. Just the way I always thought you would be.''
Elijah was speechless. He couldn't believe what he just heard. There was no way he did that, betrayed Annette like that. The shock on his face was visible for everyone to see. Marie was glaring at him, and Annette... She moved toward the window, away from him, away from this uncomfortable silence.
''No...'' He choked, shaking his head. He couldn't remember that ever happening. ''No! That is not the truth.''
''Yes it is. We did sleep together that night. However, the only difference was...I knew I was kissing you...You thought you were kissing Annette.'' Katherine said, not knowing what made her tell the truth.
Maybe it was the pain she saw in his chocolate eyes. She always liked him, more than Klaus, and she was jealous at what he had with Annette. She wanted that one day for herself. Thought she had it in 1864 with Stefan, but...
''Excuse me?'' Elijah hissed through his teeth, and even Annette looked at her.
''Klaus and I had a plan to break you and Annette apart. Even if she was a vampire, she and her sister were powerful witches. And, I don't have to tell you about Klaus. He wanted them. He still does. And he never forgave you.'' Katherine explained. ''I used a witch I knew, and masked myself, masked my scent. She put you under a spell so you wouldn't notice. You actually thought I was Annette, kept whispering her name. Some time later, you fell asleep and Annette showed up and saw us. I played my role, acting as your mistress.''
''I'm going to kill you!'' Elijah said, vamping out and throwing Katherine across the room.
''Elijah!'' Everyone yelled, but it was Annette, who touched and held his hand, before he killed the woman who ruined his life, that managed to stop him.
''She is not worth it.'' Annette said.
''What?'' Elijah asked in shock. ''How can you say that? Because of her, we've lost four centuries of our lives!''
''I know. And she will pay for it. But not now.'' Annette said. ''Think of everything that would be at stake if you do this.''
''Fine.'' Elijah caved, moving from Katherine, who for the first time in her life, looked totally petrified.
During that time, Elena got an idea and started writing something on a piece of a paper. When she was done, she showed what she wrote to Marie, who was closer to her. Marie's eyes went wide after reading it and she nodded. She walked to Annette and Elijah, showed them the note and with one nod, they agreed. Marie started chanting, and a few moments later, Katherine fainted.
''What the hell?'' Caroline, Bonnie and Jeremy asked, not understanding what was going on.
''Elena had one great idea.'' Marie said, looking around. ''Alaric will be with us starting tomorrow and we will lose one advance we have against Klaus. So, if we have someone who is close to Klaus that would inform us of his moves...''
''And the two of you think Katherine as our inside leak?'' Stefan asked, shaking his head. ''She will betray us as soon she walks out of here.'' Then he looked at Elena and spoke gently. ''Darling, I know you felt sorry for her just a moment ago, but she is Katherine, devious and someone we can't trust.''
''Not if she thinks she has something to gain out of it, and as a back up plan, she will be spelled to tell us everything.'' Marie said.
''Hmmm. That does change things.'' Stefan mused.
''Sis, I think being a vampire is good for you.'' Jeremy smirked. ''At least you came up with good plans. Usually, they all end in disaster.''
''Like Damon's.'' Alaric added, smiling.
''Very funny, guys.'' Elena huffed and scoffed at her brother and Alaric.
''Let's get the spell ready. I can't stand seeing this bitch here anymore.'' Annette said in a hard tone.
Both sisters started looking through their Grimoires, and Bonnie joined them with hers. Fifteen minutes later, they wrote a spell, and Marie kneeled near Katherine, placed her hand on the vampire's forehead, and started chanting. When she was done, all they could do now was waiting for Katherine to wake up. Marie explained to them she wouldn't have any knowing that she is under a spell or that she is betraying Klaus. It was something like a backup plan if the first doesn't work.
''What happened? Why am I on the floor?'' Katherine moaned, and stood up. In an instant, her eyes went wide from fear, as she remembered what happened. ''Elijah? Please? I'm sorry.'' She pleaded, but she could tell it wasn't working.
''I won't kill you.'' Elijah finally spoke in his emotionless tone. A tone he mastered living for so many centuries. A tone that everyone feared. ''Under one condition.''
''Anything.'' Katherine promised.
''First, you will not tell Klaus or anyone else Annette is here. And second, you will secretly, without Klaus finding out, or one of his men, inform us of his plans and moves.''
''He will kill me if I do that!'' Katherine argued, and then shivered as Elijah narrowed his eyes at her.
''You are good at deceiving people around you. I'm sure you will manage.'' Elijah said smiling, but the smile had no warmth, and it didn't reach his eyes.
Katherine looked around. She thought off all her possibilities. She could run away, but Klaus, and now Elijah, would find her. She could lie to Elijah, falsely agreeing with him, tell Klaus everything, but something within her dismissed that idea as soon as it came. Then there was one other thing. Klaus had only his hybrids and that Hunter on his side. Elijah had three powerful witches on his. He was obviously the stronger in this war. So it would be better is she joined them. She was tired of Klaus and his demands anyway.
''Okay.'' She agreed. ''And to prove I'm on your side from now, let me tell you this. Klaus and his Hunter are planning another massacre. 12 witches on the witches burial ground. He already has eight of them. His hybrids are bringing them here as we speak. When Marie returns him into his own body, he plans to kill them on the first full moon.''
''He will die before that happens.'' Marie hissed in anger.
''May I go now?'' Katherine asked. Seeing a nod from Elijah, she started walking away, then she turned around. ''I'm sorry for what I did back then. I know this is an excuse, not even a good one, but I was under Klaus's influence and I was jealous of what the two of you had. So, thank you for not killing me.''
''Thank Elena for that.'' Elijah said, not bothering to look at the woman who managed to ruin everything. ''She is the one who doesn't want you dead.''
Katherine's eyes went wide hearing that, and she looked at her doppelganger in shock. ''Thank you.'' She managed to say, and then she was gone.
''Don't, Elena.'' Stefan sighed.
''Don't what?'' Elena asked, looking at him.
''Don't start feeling sorry for her. Even if she did sound honest and sincere, she is still Katherine, and she will never change. It is in her nature. Think of how many times she had screwed us over.''
''I know, Stefan.'' Elena sighed. ''But, I can't help myself. I think she really meant it when she said she was sorry.''
''Maybe she did, but that doesn't change the fact she will do something that will push the good part of her away. Not that I think she has a good part.'' Marie said. ''Stefan is right. That is her nature. And there is nothing you can do about it.''
''You have to stop seeing only the good in people.'' Elijah said.
''Well, I can't help myself.'' Elena smiled. ''That is in my nature.''
''Now that the truth is out, why don't you kiss and make up.'' Caroline said, smiling at Elijah and Annette, rubbing her hands together.
''It's not that simple.'' Elijah shook his head at the bubbly blonde.
''You have to be kidding me!'' Caroline said exasperated. ''You love Annette, Annette loves you. Now you know what broke the two of you up four centuries ago, and still you search for excuses. Why?''
''Caroline...'' Annette sighed, knowing that she meant well, but not everything could be simple.
''No! From the moment I saw you two I knew you love each other. It is that simple. YOU. LOVE. EACH. OTHER.'' Caroline emphasized each word, glaring at both Annette and Elijah. ''Why do you want to waste more time being apart when everything is explained. The past can't be changed. Move over it. You have a promising future together. Don't ruin it with this.'' She practically pleaded, then smiled, sensing another presence in the room. ''Hi, mum!''
Everyone was stunned hearing Caroline and her speech. Annette and Elijah felt scolded, even though they were much older than her. She was right, they both knew that, but it was hard moving past it, not after all the time that passed. They needed to spend time together, to forgive and forget.
''Care? Are you matchmaking again?'' Liz smirked, hearing enough of the conversation to know what her daughter was up to.
''Yup!'' Caroline smiled, looking at her mother. ''I don't believe you met Marie and Annette.'' Looking at them, she introduced Liz. ''Girls, meet my mother. Sheriff Liz Forbes.'' She said proudly.
''It is nice to meet you.'' Liz sad warmly.
''It is nice to meet you too, Mrs. Forbes.'' Annette said politely.
''Liz, please.'' Liz shook her head. ''Mrs. Forbes sounds so old and cold.''
''Okay. It is nice to meet you, Liz.'' Marie smiled, liking the woman in instant.
''So, Caroline told me mostly everything. I'm so sorry to hear what Damon is going through, Stefan.'' Liz said, looking at the younger Salvatore.
''I know you are. As strange as it sounds, you are his friend, and I knew you would want to know. Please, sit.''
''I will tell you the same thing I said to my daughter. I saw the real Damon underneath that 'I'm a bad boy, I care for no one' facade. We became friends, and I care for him.'' Liz said firmly but warmly.
''Thank you. It's good to know he has such a good friend in you.''
''Don't mention it. Now, why don't you tell me the rest. I know about the spell that will occur tonight, and about Damon and Alaric being soul bonded. What else is going on?'' Liz asked, getting comfortable on her seat, then she noticed Alaric.
''Hi, Liz.'' Alaric greeted her.
''Alaric.'' Liz greeted back. ''Wow, it's so strange talking to a ghost.'' She added, shaking her head.
''Not for long.'' Stefan added, then started informing Liz about Klaus and everything involving him.
She was frowning when he told her it was his Hunter who killed the Council and what else he had planned. When he was done, Liz was silent for a moment, then a thought occurred to her.
''You said Klaus is a part vampire part werewolf, right? Would vervain and wolfsbane work against him?''
''I suppose.'' Elijah answered. ''But we would require a lot of those. Which we don't have.''
''Yes we do.'' Liz said, surprising everyone.
''What do you mean?'' Stefan asked.
''Damon didn't tell you?'' Liz asked surprised.
''Tell me what?''
''He has been growing it on my property just outside of Mystic Falls. Alongside some other herbs. And when I say a lot, I mean A LOT.'' Liz answered.
''I remember that farm we own. It's huge.'' Caroline added, her eyes wide as she pictured those fields full of vervain and wolfsbane.
''You know, after all this is over, Damon and I will have a long conversation about keeping secrets.'' Stefan scoffed.
''That will be a fun conversation.'' Alaric chuckled. '' And I already know the outcome.''
''Meaning?'' Jeremy asked.
''What comes through one ear, goes out through the other.'' Alaric answered smiling, and everyone chuckled hearing that.
AN/ I've decided to stop here. So, now the truth of what happened with Elijah and Annette 417 years ago is out. Katherine, Katherine. *shakes head* And now, she is on our team. Liz knows everything. And Damon growing vervain on Liz's farm? That I didn't count on. The spell that will bring Alaric back is just around the corner, so keep an eye on the next chapter.
Thank you for reading and please review. Pretty please *puppy dog eyes*