Chapter 10, whoo! Also, when I last checked, about three hours before upload, there was a hundred and one of you following, thank you sooooo much! Enjoy more ElijahSarah action.

Also, I'm elongating episode 15 (this one and chapter 11) just because I need it for Sarah, otherwise she misses too much.

As always, Read, Review, Favourite and Follow

Chapter 10

I laughed, and Mike pulled a face. "Still don't like it," he muttered, and tears started to roll down my face. He was glaring down at the bowl on the table in front of him. With my first official pay check, I bought us our customary lunch at the Grill. Naturally, he bought a club sandwich, while I, after a weekend of snacking, went for a salad, with a bowl of fries between us.

Now, the old man was frowning at my fork, stuffing a few fries in his mouth, as if to get rid of the taste. "That flavour, y'know, is called healthiness." I teased and he grunted.

I had spent most of Monday lying around, finishing off some last minute homework and hiding in my basement, making no noise and pretending I don't exist. Tuesday had gone well, though Elena kept glancing at Rebekah throughout the day, as if waiting for something to happen. Naturally, the blonde ignored her, as well as deflecting my questions on why it might be.

My shift at the cafe went well on Wednesday. Surprisingly, a certain Mikaelson was there when I arrived, hair impeccably spiked, suit as dashing as ever. Two women at the table next to him kept glancing furtively at him, but he didn't bat an eyelid. I didn't know how I felt about that.

He had already been served, sipping his drink delicately. I steered away from him, never getting too close. Why? It's not like you like him? Right? my thoughts made me stop. I didn't, right? It's like rule number one, you don't crush on friends brothers. Plus, I turn eighteen in February, he wouldn't be interested in a girl that's barely legal. Elijah would want a supermodel, sophisticated, intelligent sort of girl. And I didn't fit that bill.

If you've guessed, around half five, any patrons in the cafe start to leave, and we don't tend to get anymore. The Mikaelson seemed to be an exception, looking very relaxed as people arrived and left around him, twice ordering a refill, putting his paper to the side, playing with his phone, tapping away at the screen at an almost inhuman speed.

Angela was out, leaving early as one of her kids was sick. "Down with measles," she had fretted earlier, before pressing a key into my hand. "You wouldn't mind working a weeny bit later right? Most leave before six, so you'll only need to wash the last few bits and bobs before locking up." My boss pleaded, giving me that doe-eye look, the one where you feel like a bad person to refuse. You're not doing anything tonight, apart from bugging Mike and locking yourself in the basement. Do it, she'll pay you more. Yes, I am simple enough to be persuaded by the promise of money.

That left me in the kitchen, no one in The Red Bean but me, washing plates, with the radio playing a little louder than usual. "When I was your man," I sang along with Mr B. Mars, soapy suds sticking to my fingers, dripping as they were drawn out of the lukewarm water in the sink.

"You have an interesting voice."

I shrieked, spinning around, a cup clinking as it sank to the bottom of the basin. I raised my sudsy hands, as if the bubbles would protect me, only to meet Elijah with a hint of a smirk on his lips. No, that's too good of a look for you mister. "What the heck are you doing here? Giving me a heart attack?!" I demanded, panting and bracing my hands on the counter behind me.

"I heard someone singing, and I came to investigate." I cringed internally at his words, I knew what I sounded like.

"No, I wasn't murdering cats." I muttered and his lip quirked again. Stop that!

"I wouldn't put it like that," he tried and I shook my head.

"Yes you would. Anyone would. I know I'm not the next Adele and I didn't think anyone was here to be tortured..." I peered at him curiously. "Why were you in here, I thought you went home?"

Elijah did that half smile thing, like he expected me to know the answer. "Actually, I was here to offer to walk you home." He said and I stiffened. I had seen his house, his manor and mine did not compare to that. It had six rooms, all pretty small, and the Mikaelsons had closets bigger than my room. I didn't want him to see that. He could probably tell I wasn't rich like him, but if he saw, he would see just how much worse it is.

But how do you turn him down? He doesn't look like the kind that gets turned down often, nor the type that makes these offers regularly. Plus, I don't think I want to turn him down. He obviously didn't expect my hesitation either, judging by a strange, almost frantic look in his eye and his falling face. "I thought it would be safer than you walking them alone," he added, as if trying to coat me. He shoved his hands in his thick jacket, looking like he wanted to shuffle his feet. Am I making him nervous? I thought, a weird excitement settling in my stomach at the notion. Of course you're not, it's most likely something else.

My mouth opened without my consent, words tumbling from it. "Yeah thanks. Can you wait a few minutes while I finish this?" I blushed at my own words, wondering where they confidence came from. Elijah looked a bit surprised as well, nodding mutely before wandering back out into the cafe. I suppressed the urge to squeal loudly, knowing he'd hear me, and turned back to the dishes. Why can't this be like Beauty and the Beast, and you're self-cleaning? My fingers shook, but I relaxed, dropping them back into the now cooler water, not wanting to hold up the Mikaelson outside.

He seemed so out of place here. With expensive shoes, long navy coat and cheekbones that could cut ice, he would look more at home on the cover of magazines, or on runways in exotic countries. Not in no cutesy cafe with nice cake and mismatching furniture. But the smile as I walk in erases any thoughts like that. All thoughts actually, but I don't think I care if he keeps smiling like that.

He holds out an arm, like we were in an old movie, and I flush, looking away, brushing past him. He acts like he expected that. I turn off the lights as I pass the switch, making sure Elijah is outside before I lock up, taking a few tries as the key slips and slides around the hole. Geez, if Sherlock saw, he'd call me an alcoholic. As soon as I dropped the key back in my pocket, Elijah pounced, interlocking my arm with his, giving me that melting smile. We started walking, nothing but silence around us, and the beginning of awkwardness.

"I need to swing by Sylvia's," I blurted, and he nodded, not questioning it. He probably thought ahead.

My hand slipped into my pocket as we walked, clenching my phone like it would protect me from the awkward chatting he would instigate in a few moments. And true to my word...

"I would like to ask you a strange question and answer me truthfully." Okay, not expecting that. A more outgoing girl would tease him, surely you'd save that kind of talk for the second date Mikaelson. Wait, what? Date? He's walking me home, not taking me to the Ritz, which judging by his 'casual' suits would be one of his 'date places'.

I nodded, and he took a deep breath. Oh God, he's not going to ask me that question right? No course not- shut up and listen. "What did you think about my mother?" I blinked, a little unsure how to answer that question. I feel that if I answered truthfully, I would offend him, and why would he want to know? Elijah saw my hesitation. "I understand it is a peculiar question, I assure you, and that you have only spoken to her once but I do want to know what you think." He implored. "As truthfully as possible," he added.

"I don't know. She acts more like a matriarch than a mother." I started.

Elijah cut me off. "What'd do you mean?" He asked, sounding affronted.

I blushed. Do I want to anger him? No, just stop talking, you've done what you thought you would, so just say sorry. "Sorry," I squeaked, not nearly as well as I was planning, but the look on Elijah's face softened, and he motioned for me to continue. "Well, er, it's more like she's the power head, y'know than the caregiver. When she talks about you or your siblings, she doesn't sound as proud as other mothers. And, like when she looks at you, see looks more cold and distant than most. If that makes any sense at all." I stuttered out at last, trying to hasten my rambles.

Elijah was frowning, staring off, probably pondering what I had said. "I may not be right," I mumbled but he caught it anyway. His frown added years to his face, his darkened eyes murderous, and I unconsciously leaned away, shivering.

"I think you are," he whispered hoarsely, a steel undertone and for a moment, I felt afraid. The same fear I woke up to after a nightmare a few weeks ago. An unnatural fear, an irrational fear of a man with a strange look on his face. I gulped wetly, the fear clawing at my insides. What the heck? Suddenly, Elijah looked down, breaking away, ripping his arm from mine. He sighed deeply before turning back to me. The grimace on his face faded. "I apologise."

Nodding slowly, I returned to his side, though didn't take the arm he offered. Silence regained it's hold over us, and Elijah looked too caught up in his own thoughts and revelations to notice me.

The Anderson residence looks like the picturesque American dream, complete with a porch and swinging chair, and a white picket fence, small shrubs growing along the inside. When we got there, I popped the key through the letterbox, hearing someone crying inside. Elijah looked as calm and collected as ever, though frowning up at the house, probably hearing the kid as well. "Her son's got measles," I explained and he nodded disinterestedly, going back to staring ahead. Damn, I cursed, this is why your meant to lie to people Sarah. They don't like it when you tell them the truth.

"Where are your parents?" Elijah's sudden question struck me. What? Seeing the look on my face, he hastily added, "I apologise, I did not mean to intrude, I am just curious as to why you live with a man called Mike, as you have told Rebekah he is not your blood relation."

I gulped, rubbing the palms of my hands with my thumbs. I didn't tell people why, I just expected them not to ask. They didn't really care beside as Elijah pointed out, curiosity, so why should I tell him? You're going to anyway. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have asked." He murmured after the pause became too long. I shook my head.

"My mum and my sister died when I was a baby, and I guess I remind my dad of mum..." I mumbled, not looking at him. Why? Why did I trust him enough to tell him? I hadn't even told Rebekah, my only friend but told her brother who I don't know as well? What?

"I'm sorry, I know what it is like to feel like a disappointment to your parents," Elijah's baritone reply rumbled. I half-turned to him, a question bubbling up and before I could stop it, it spewed.

"Why did you ask about your mother?" Elijah sighed heavily, and for a moment I thought he wouldn't answer. "You don't have to-"

"It's a long story." Was his short answer. I looked at him until he glanced back at me, brown eyes almost black.

I shrugged. "I have time."

With another sigh, it looked like I had convinced him. "A long time ago," he started still glancing at me from the corner of his eye. Even though it was probably to see if I was keeping up with the story, it gave energy to the butterflies in my stomach, flittering wings like paper inside me. "While we were growing up, a terrible secret about Klaus was revealed." He hesitated. "It had turned out my mother had had an affair," my mouth fell open. "This, obviously, tore our family apart and my father was very upset at this news. This, in turn, made my mother very angry and upset at Klaus. Then now, she arrives saying she has forgiven us and wants to be a family again? I feel that something is wrong, but my siblings are arrogant, and believe my mother's lies." The last part of his speech he spat out with so much venom, I flinched away from him. His face was murderous; anger evident in every line, eyes flashing and darkening, lips curling back. But the fear felt strange, more like those actions were warning signs against something very bad. Something that felt familiar as well.

I mentally shook myself out of it. God, what is wrong with you today? You're meant to be comforting Elijah- it's not his fault his family sounds like a storyline out of a soap opera. "Maybe your both right." The man's head snapped towards me. "Maybe your mom does want to be a family again, but she also still has some... Residual anger, or something, which might be why she still acts weird around you guys." I said uncertainly. I hadn't met their mother much, but I knew that description didn't fit at all.

Elijah seemed to know as well and scoffed. "You said yourself she acts more like a matriarch," he retorted bitterly. I frowned a little at his words.

"But what if I'm wrong?"

"You're not." I was startled by his words. Huh? "It's just... I feel that you're not," he muttered at the end, not looking at me, and that was the end of our conversation.

We were only a block away from my house, and I started to worry a little. "You know, I can walk from here." Elijah looked at me like I was crazy.

"Nonsense, I've walked you this far, I might as well make sure you get to your door." He sounded like he was smiling. Winter was coming, nights like these dark enough that his hair glowed in a halo formed by street lamps, frost beginning to creep around during the night, freezing cobwebs and blades of grass in place.

"I'm capable enough to do that myself," I argued. It came out playful and light, nothing like our previous conversation.
"I have no doubt." Now he was teasing back. Oh my God, is he flirting? No, shut up, don't get your hope up.
"That's not what I'm hearing."
"Are you questioning my honour?" I could hear offence in his voice, but the smile was louder.
"Do you need to ask?" Where did this all come from Sarah?
"You tell me." He shot back, and as we passed by another streetlight, white teeth glowed with an orange tinge.

I stopped walking, and Elijah did too, frowning a little. He began to speak but I cut him off. "Thanks for walking me home." I mumbled, shame colouring my cheeks and words. Elijah blinked, glancing at my house.

"This is where you live?" I flinched at the words. In every scenario where Rebekah would come to my house, that tone was always the same; shock, surprise, and that tiny hint of superiority that came with money. I hadn't expected the bluntness of Elijah's words though, thinking of all the Mikaelsons, we would have found a nice way to put what he was thinking. Not the first time you've been wrong about a bloke.

"Yeah," I nodded, scraping the sidewalk with the side of my shoe. "Can't really afford much else." I could almost feel the clogs in his brain turning, churning out thoughts and ideas I didn't want to here about my sanctuary. "Night," I muttered turning away.

"Goodnight," was his soft reply.

"Who was that you were with then?" Trust Mike to ask that question the minute I walk in.

"What nothing about how work or school was?" I asked bitterly. The old man regarded me for a moment.
"Didn't answer my question." His retort was a lot softer than I was used to with Mike. I sighed, staring back out the window. The expensive dark shadow of Elijah Mikaelson was strolling back down the street and I sighed again.
"No one." I answered sadly, and for once, Mike backed off.

Thursday morning was alright. I took my normal seat at the front of the class in History, Mr Saltzman strangely absent, but behind, I could hear Elena Gilbert and her two sidekicks, Bonnie and Caroline raving about something.

"I mean he wasn't even hiding it!" Elena hissed. I couldn't see her face, but I could imagine the snarl. "How could he sleep with her?!" Uh oh, someone's in the dog house tonight, I wanted to giggle. But wait? Is she talking about Stefan? Cuz I thought they weren't together because she was with Damon? Oh dear God Mystic Falls is a drama show.

Fortunately, my favourite teacher made a grand entrance, and behind me the angry whispers stopped, as well as the few consolations Bonnie tried to fit in sideways. Almost a second later, Rebekah waltzed in, smiling at me before he eyes trailed behind me and she raised an eyebrow in silent challenge to, presumably, the angry teenager behind. Oh God, Rebekah didn't sleep with a Salvatore did she? Nice to know she declared war on the Elena Gilbert gang last night, and I feel as the best friend to the enemy, I'm going to be dragged into it as well. Great.

I dropped down on the ground with an ungraceful flop, and the blonde rolled her eyes. Rain had caused us to migrate inside to the canteen, as it is was the only place to sit and talk. Or people-watch, but I wasn't planning on doing that today. "Hey" she greeted, and I smiled, not saying anything. I was on a mission after all.

Just go for the kill. "Did you have sex with a Salvatore last night?" I questioned. Most people, even if it was true, spit out whatever as in their mouth, go all bug-eye and deny it furiously. Not Rebekah.

She raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, the older one, how'd you know?" She asked back. I wanted to grimace. This could get bad and ugly quickly.

"Elena was telling Bonnie and Caroline earlier." I said, and she shrugged, popping a chip into her mouth. For a skinny girl, I didn't really see her eat healthy stuff. But then again, she had all that gymnastics cheerleady stuff.

"So?"

"Well it could get ugly," I admitted. I was a little worried: just because Rebekah was on the cheerleading squad, didn't mean she was safe. It just meant that people like her more, but it wouldn't stop the wrath of the three BFFs probably already plotting her doom. And possibly mine.

"So?" She repeated, and then crossed her arms huffily. "I don't get why Elena is so bothered." She complained.

"It's because she likes them. Like really likes them."

Rebekah rolled her pretty blue eyes. "Well she's got a funny way of showing it. This morning, she was yelling at Damon, saying how if he wanted to get back at her, sleeping with me wasn't the answer! Huh! Not everything revolves around her you know! And, she's playing both of them! What kind of person does that!" She scowled angrily, muttering something under her breath that sounded a lot like, "just like Katherine."

Katherine? I shook my head, ignoring that. "Just watch out alright? You've just declared war on them." I stated and Rebekah looked at me, annoyed, with a look that read 'do I look like I care?' A bell rang and I got out of my seat, heading off to class, watching around just a little more, paranoid.

Despite the Wednesday Night Tango between Damon and Rebekah, none of the Elena gang retaliated, or at least not in a visible way. They stayed eerily quiet, not taking revenge on the blonde for the deed, or me for association. And I was glad of that, but very creeped out. It was like a chess game, and Rebekah had taken her turn, but Elena was yet to reveal her move. I didn't like it. But here, at the Grill, with Mike present made me feel they wouldn't try anything here, especially since Mike hadn't actually given his gun back in when he retired.

Up at the bar though, Mr Saltzman was chatting with a brunette woman with a nice smile who looked vaguely familiar. She was a doctor, I think, at the Hospital... Fell. Two very familiar men sat down next to the teacher, one blonde, one brunette. Kol and Klaus wore matching smiles but there was no humour behind them. They were cold, calculating and predatory. I gulped, panicking at the tension I could see just looking at it from afar. Shits about to go down.