Disclaimer: I only own my OCs, unfortunately :(
I stared at Logan as my exhaustion left me. The dick had the nerve to dump my aunt through an email and now here he is. Standing on our doorstep all nonchalant. I narrowed my eyes at him and let out a low growl. Aw hell! I'm starting to act like Damon!
Logan must have heard me. He looked at me and his smirk deepened. Aunt Jenna noticed and turned around to face me.
"Alexa, go up stairs," she said, her tone discouraging any arguments that could have happened. I nodded sharply, glared at Logan, turned and went upstairs. I stopped at the top and leaned against the banister. Normally, I would go and sit with Elena, but she was still with Bonnie and I didn't want to go anywhere near that minefield. Oh no no no. All that angst and crying. It was enough to drive someone crazy. I was not crazy. Shocking, I know, given the amounts of times that I've fought with Vampire Damon. But I'm not crazy.
I couldn't hear what Aunt Jenna and Logan were saying, but I definitely heard the door slam shut. I sighed and walked down the stairs. I rested against the banister at the bottom and watched my aunt. She didn't look too happy and I don't like it when people upset my aunt. I love my aunt.
"Want me to go and beat the crap outta him?" I asked casually. Aunt Jenna jumped slightly and spun around.
"I thought I told you to go upstairs," she remarked.
I smirked at her. "You said go upstairs. You never said anything about staying up there."
Aunt Jenna shook her head, a small smile on her face. Result.
"You're terrible," she sighed teasingly. I am, aren't I? Oh, I love it.
"I know," I grinned happily. "But seriously, do you want me to kick his ass? Cause I will. Happily. With a lot of pleasure."
Aunt Jenna thought for a moment before shaking her head. "Don't bother with him. He's not worth it."
Why does no one let me beat up their boyfriends/ex-boyfriends?
I shrugged, "You're choice." I opened my arms and pouted. "Huggle."
Aunt Jenna smiled and walked forward. I buried my face in her hair. I was close to my Aunt Jenna. She was always my favourite aunt as a kid and she knew how to have fun. Plus, I really enjoyed hugs. I pulled away and smiled at her.
"Sweet dreams, Aunt Jenna, see you tomorrow."
"Night Alexa," Aunt Jenna smiled softly, pressing a kiss to my forehead. I walked upstairs and to my bedroom door. But I didn't open it. Instead, I turned around and walked into my brother's room.
Jeremy looked up from where he was sitting on his bed in surprise as I waltzed in and slumped down on his bed, placing my head in his lap.
"Hey Jer," I smiled up at him. He looked at me suspiciously at me for a moment before shaking his head. Why does everyone always suspect that I am up to something when I do that?
"Hey," Jeremy smiled back, regaining his composure. "Alexa, what are you doing?"
"Well, we haven't exactly seen each other much, and I wanted to spend some time with my big little brother," I replied, smiling up at him innocently.
Jeremy rolled his eyes dramatically, the cheeky kid.
"So in Alexa talk that translates to: I'm bored and I wanted to annoy someone, and as Elena is involved in a sobfest, Jeremy is that person," he snarked.
I gasped in mock horror and pressed a hand to my heart.
"Thou doth wound me, dear brother!" I cried dramatically. I could feel my darling baby bro shaking with laughter. I grinned happily and closed my eyes in contentment. Ever since this whole vampire business started I hadn't been able to spend much time with my darling Jeremy. Hell, since mum and dad died I haven't been able to do this with him. So many things changed. His drugs problem and my alcohol issue had sent us off in different directions and we were never both at home to spend time together. I opened my eyes and looked up at Jeremy.
"Draw for me Jer," I sighed. Jeremy glanced down at me in shock. "I miss watching you draw. You were so peaceful and calm." I looked up at him, my green eyes looking deep into his brown ones. "And you always got me a good grade in art."
At that, he let out a snort of laughter. He looked over at the bottom drawer of his desk. I moved my head and he got up. I watched carefully as he opened the draw and got out his drawing kit. He sat back down on the bed and I rolled onto my stomach and watched as he flicked through his previous drawings. I had always loved watching Jeremy drawing. He looked so content and happy whenever he did so. Jeremy picked up one of his pencils, turned to a clean page and started sketching. I smiled and rested my head on my arms. Slowly, but surely, my eyes closed and I fell asleep.
XXX
Jeremy POV
I glanced over to see Alexa sleeping. She looked so peaceful. Nothing at all like the sarcastic smartass she pretends to be while awake. She had those all walls around her heart and she didn't let people in like she used to. I sighed and turned my attention back to my sketch. Portraits of real people weren't really my thing, but I think that I've made a good start. Alexa was a complex person in real life, let alone in drawing.
"Bugger off Damon!... Stupid idiot!" Alexa mumbled, turning her head slightly. I smirked at her. She didn't know that she talked in her sleep and it was the easiest way to find things out from her. It was obvious that she liked Damon Salvatore, despite what she said, well, shouted. No one has been able to irritate her as much as Damon has. Not even Tyler. I was willing to bet that her crush on Luke had faded ever since she had met him.
I looked down at the nearly finished sketch. I swore to myself that it would be finished for the morning. A little something to brighten up Alexa's day.
XXX
Alexa POV
I woke up the next morning to find myself still on Jeremy's bed. I blinked sleepily and looked around. Jeremy was sleeping with his head resting on my stomach. He looked so peaceful that I was loathed to wake him. But we had school today, yawn, and he had to wake up. I gently lifted his head and placed it on the bed. I dragged myself out of his bed and stood up. I looked down at what I was wearing which was, oh yay, it was the same clothes as yesterday. From the forest. How urgh.
I went and showered and changed before walking back into Jeremy's room. I sat down on the bed next to him and smirked. Slowly, I positioned my hands on his sides. Then, as quick as I could, I started tickling him.
Jeremy shrieked like a little girl and shot upright. I laughed at his reaction. Jeremy had always been very ticklish. He glared at me before rolling his eyes.
"Real mature, Alexa," he snarked. I stood up and bowed dramatically.
"Thank you. Thank you."
Jer rolled his eyes again and pointed to the door.
"Out," he ordered. I saluted him and left.
I stood in the hallway and looked at the door to Elena's room. Then, before I could convince myself not to, I opened the door and walked in.
Elena was the only person in the room. She looked up at me; her red-rimmed brown eyes stared into my own green eyes. By the looks of it, the poor darling hadn't had a wink of sleep.
"Oh my dear twin," I sighed as I rushed forward and enveloped her in a hug. Inside, I was cursing Stefan. I may have liked the guy, but he hurt my twin, which was unforgivable. Unless Elena managed to persuade me otherwise. But even then, I was unlikely to forgive such a transgression.
"You want me to go beat him up?" I offered for the second time that morning. Please say yes, please say yes.
"Alexa, he's a vampire, it wouldn't hurt him," Elena whispered as she rested her head on my shoulder.
"Huh," I thought for a moment. "I kinda forgot about that. Well, it's the thought that counts."
I puffed up my chest in a proud way, which made Elena laugh. Haha! Mission: Make Elena Laugh, accomplished.
"You feeling better twin?" I asked, moving back slightly so that I could look her in the face.
"Yeah, I am," Elena smiled softly.
"The Magic Alexa Touch," I stated proudly. "I need to get that trademarked."
I could become rich. Hmmm, it was a possibility. I was always cheering people up, so why not make money out of it?
… That sounds really bad, doesn't it? I didn't mean it like that! I swear!
"I'm going to get ready," Elena sighed as she reluctantly pulled back. "Wallowing won't help me at all."
"Awwww, you've finally listened to me! I have been saying that for years!" I wiped a fake tear away from my eye. "My sweet little Elena is finally listening to her wiser sister."
"Oh, get out of here," Elena laughed, swatting my arm.
"See you downstairs," I smiled at her as I left her room.
I poked my head around Jeremy's door to see him reading from some old, yucky book. Well, whatever floats his boat.
"Whatcha reading Jeremy?" I sang as I danced over to him and rested my head on his shoulder.
"The old Gilbert diary," he replied.
"Huh, sounds boring," I commented.
"Well, you would think that, Alexa," Jeremy laughed, the cheeky little brat.
"What's that supposed ta mean?" I exclaimed as I moved away to stand in front of him.
"You really want an answer to that?" my adorable, (note the sarcasm), little brother smirked.
I gaped at him before sticking out my tongue and storming from the room. I heard Jeremy laughing behind me. I think that he's been spending too much time around me….
I was just about to go downstairs when my phone vibrated. I pulled it out of my pocket and looked at it. Who the hell was calling me? No one called me. Well, except Elena, and that was to moan at me for something.
"Hello?" I answered. I know that I could have looked at the screen to find out who was calling, but hey, this was more fun.
"Hey Alexa," Luke's voice replied. Yay! It was Luke! I've missed Luke; I haven't seen him in ages.
"Luke! I haven't spoken to you in ages!"
"I know, it has been awhile."
"Well, whatcha want?"
"I've been thinking… recently I have been thinking… well, I guess you could say that I have been looking at my life… no, that's not right…."
I had never heard Luke sound so unsure. He was always so confident and knew exactly what he wanted to say.
"Spit it out, Lukey-Boy."
"Do you want to go out with me?"
I froze. I could not believe what I was hearing. Luke was asking me out. Luke was. Asking. Me. Out.
"I'm sorry, could you please repeat that?"
"Do you want to be my girlfriend?"
"Yes! I would love to be your girlfriend!
"That's great! Oh Alexa, I'm so glad you said yes. I have been meaning to ask for ages, but, well, life interfered."
"I know that feeling."
"I was thinking that we could out for dinner tonight?"
"Yeah, sure, where and when?"
"The grill?"
"Might as well, when should we go?"
"I'll meet you outside your house at 4?"
"4 it is."
"And we can go to the careers evening together."
"Huh, I wasn't planning on going to that, but, ok, if I'm with you then I don't mind going."
"I'll see you at 4 then, bye darling."
"Bye Luke."
I hung up the phone and did a little happy dance. I was going out with Luke! I was going out with Luke! Oh I have been waiting years to be able to say that! I was so happy that I thought that I was going to explode into little rainbows and hearts and… that's a bit weird. Ignore that.
I wandered downstairs to see Aunt Jenna in the kitchen, getting ready to go out.
"Hello Aunt Jenna," I smiled as I hugged her. Oh this was such a good day! This was going to be one of the best days of my life!
"Hello, Alexa," she replied as she returned the hug. "You are scarily happy this morning."
"I know!" I exclaimed. "And I haven't even had any coffee yet!"
I started to make my way towards the magical coffee making place, but Aunt Jenna caught my arm and turned me around.
"I think that you should probably forgo the coffee, this morning," she said as she directed me into the hallway.
She let go of my arm to put on her handbag.
"Do you have your school bag?" she asked me.
"Do I have to go to school today?" I whined. School would ruin my happy happy mood. Aunt Jenna just looked at me, not even bothering to answer.
"Fine!" I pouted, crossing my arms. Be that way. Meanie.
"Jeremy's got his sketchpad out," Elena told us as she came down the stairs. She was carrying a bag with her. I knew it wasn't hers as hers was down here. Wait, a minute that looks like…
"Here's your school bag, Alexa," she smiled, passing me the bag. I glared at her as I reluctantly took it from her. Evil twin. How dare she make me go to school! Why would she do that to me? Why Elena, why?
Aunt Jenna looked pleasantly surprised about the fact that Jeremy was drawing again.
"You're kidding?"
"Nope but don't say word. The minute we encourage him, he'll put it away."
Well aren't you a budding young psychologist.
"Psychology major, check that!" Aunt Jenna laughed.
"Can I just say? I was the one who encouraged him into drawing again," I remarked proudly. My twin and aunt looked at me, shocked.
I have to admit, I was a bit insulted at their surprise.
"How?"
"I went into his room to bug him and ended up asking him to draw. So, to appease me, he started drawing," I explained.
"That sounds about right," Elena nodded. I pulled a face at her as she walked to her bag.
She looked at her phone and the sad face appeared. Uh oh, sad face is bad.
Aunt Jenna must have noticed because she asked, "Update on the Stefan situation?"
"He knows how I feel and where I stand and I know where he stands but it doesn't matter," Elena said as she got ready to go out. "He's leaving, moving away."
"And I totally hate him for that," I commented. How dare that stupid vampire, (and for once, I don't mean Damon), upset my sister and make the sad face appear!
"Where's he going?" Aunt Jenna asked, she sounded quite shocked.
"I stopped asking questions. The answers get scary," my darling twin remarked. And that was so true. The answers were getting rather scary. I'm starting to consider not asking questions.
"Um, just a thought, do you know if Damon is leaving with him?" I asked, attempting to sound casual. I knew that I had failed when I saw Elena and Aunt Jenna exchange glances.
"As far as I am aware, he is," Elena replied.
Oh, that's a shame, I don't want Damon to go… wait, that's wrong! I do want him to go! I do! I do!
"Oh, thank god!" I sighed happily. But Elena knew me too well to be fooled. I swear that that girl is psychic. She laughed at me as she opened the front door and we left the house.
"Well, yours leaves, mine returns," Auntie J grumbled. Oh yeah, Logan was back. I forgot about that.
"Logan?" Elena exclaimed. She didn't sound happy.
"He's back," I told her. "And Aunt Jenna won't let me beat him up."
"I didn't let him past the door," Aunt Jenna assured us.
"Good, hope you slammed the door in his face," Elena growled.
"It was only a medium slam," I interjected. "I would have slammed it harder."
"You would have just punched him in the face," Elena said to me before turning to Aunt Jenna. "Three cycles, Jenna."
"Yep, you're not even allowed to watch the news!" I chirped. Not that she would want to watch the news. Who would want to watch the news? I only watch the news when Elena or Aunt Jenna make me. Or when I can't be bother to get up and get the remote… that happens quite often, now that I think about it.
"Exactly," our aunt agreed. "No more Logan Scumfell."
"Hear, hear!" I cheered. I haven't felt this happy in ages. And I wasn't going to let anybody ruin it. This was going to be my day of happiness. I was finally going out on a date with the boy that I had been crushing on for years and the most annoying person that I had ever met was leaving town.
I was skipping along behind Aunt Jenna and Elena when my phone started vibrating, again. My, my, my, I was very popular this morning. I wonder who it could be? Maybe it was Luke again!
Elena paused when she heard the phone vibrate but I waved her on. I gestured to the car and she understood what I meant. Her and Aunt Jenna got in the car and drove off. I could either walk to school or just bunk... I choose option B. Of course I chose option B, it was me!
"Hello? Alexa Gilbert's phone, how may I help you on this fine, beautiful, wonderful morning?"
"Hello Alexa."
The dulcet tone of one Damon Salvatore returned my greeting. Noooooooooooo!
I groaned in annoyance. Just when everything was going perfectly, this dick phoned me. God, do you honestly hate me that much? What have I ever done to you?
"What the hell do you want Damon? No, wait, I'm missing something, give me a minute… there it is! How the hell did you get my number?"
"I need you to do something for me and as for how I got your number. Well, that's me for to know and you to dot dot dot."
I growled and Damon laughed. How dare he have the nerve to ask me to do something for him! Especially after everything that he has done! Or has he forgotten that just last night he savagely attacked Bonnie?!
"Why would I do anything for you, you dick!"
"Because it would mean that you skip school for this morning."
… Bugger. He had me there. And he knew that he did. It was scary, no, terrifying that he knew me so well.
"Oh alright, what do you need me to do?"
"Meet me at the grill in about half an hour and I will let you know."
"Oh joy, I actually have to see your ugly mug." I sighed. Not that that would be such a bad thing, seeing him face-to-face. "Fine, I'll see you in half an hour. Bye."
I hung up the phone before he could reply. Haha, victory for me. Petty, I know, but it was the small things in life.
I slowly started walking in the direction of the grill. I knew that Elena would be expecting me at school but I really didn't want to go. Even if Damon hadn't given me an excuse to bunk, I probably would have anyway. Ever since mum and dad died, I really haven't wanted to go into school. I used to go in everyday. I might not have done the work or behaved myself, but I always went. Hard to believe, I know, but it's the truth. But ever since that day a lot of things have changed. Too much has changed.
I got to the grill 5 minutes before Damon said to meet him and after a lot of self-reflection. I was feeling rather philosophical today. What the hell was wrong with me? Maybe being asked out by my crush was doing something to me, changing me.
I sat down in one of the booths. I didn't feel like sitting at the bar with all the tempting alcohol. I would probably have to be sober for whatever it was that Damon wanted me to do for him. I placed my arms on the table, rested my head on them and closed my eyes. I concentrated on the feeling that I had when Luke asked me to go out with him. This will probably sound really corny, but it was such a magical feeling. It was like I was floating, no, that's taking it too far. It was a good feeling. I smiled softly to myself.
"What's made you so happy?"
The vampire's voice brought me down to Earth with a crash. I sighed and opened my eyes. I slowly sat up to see Damon sitting in front of me. I wanted to go back to my happy place.
"You said that you needed me to do something for you?" I asked. I wanted this over and done with quickly so that I could go back to daydreaming about Luke.
"Well you're little miss business this morning, aren't you?" Damon smirked as he crossed his arms. I just looked at him. I was not amused.
"Get on with it, Salvatore," I told him.
"There is no need to be rude."
"Oh shut up, you hypocrite. You are the rudest person that I know, including myself. Now get on with it."
"Fine, there is another vampire on the loose in Mystic Falls."
I froze. Another vampire? What the hell is it with this town and vampires?
"And what has this got to do with me?" I forced myself to ask. I was absolutely dreading the answer.
"As much as it pains me to admit it, I need your help to find them."
I smirked smugly. Damon Salvatore wanted my help. Give me a few minutes to soak this up and appreciate it. Oh, this was brilliant! The big bad vampire wanted the help of a human teenage girl. Oh I am loving this!
"I'm sorry, can you repeat that please?" I purred smugly. I was going to milk this for all it was worth.
Damon gritted his teeth and hissed, "I need your help."
Ok, I should probably stop antagonising the big bad vampire, so I held up a hand and grinned, "Ok, I've had my moment of gloating. How the hell can I find a vampire?"
"With this."
Damon pulled something out of his pocket and laid it on the table. Hang on a minute... that's the old Gilbert watch! How the hell did he get hold of this?
"Where did you get this?" I asked as I picked it up.
"That's not important." I raised an eyebrow but allowed him to continue. "That watch also doubles a compass. You can use it to find vampires. Open it."
I looked doubtful, but I did as I was asked and opened it. Well, it was no longer a watch, that was for sure. There was a compass pointed in there instead of a clock face. And it was pointing straight at Damon.
"Are you feeling alright? Because you just told the truth."
"Ha ha Alexa," Damon deadpanned, rolling his eyes. "You're so funny."
"I'm glad that you think so." By the look on Damon's face, I realised that I should probably stop testing his patience. "So, you just need me to follow the compass until I find the vampire's location. Right?"
"And then you will phone me," Damon finished.
"Out of curiosity, why can't you do it?"
Damon rolled his eyes, "Because I interfere with the signal."
Oh right, how stupid of me to not know that.
"Fine, I'll find your stupid vampire," I groaned as I stood up, compass in hand. "Now scram."
XXX
I wandered around the town for about 3 hours. I have to admit, it wouldn't have taken so long if I had just walked quicker, but, hey, I was feeling lazy. And lazy Alexa equals slow walking.
The compass eventually led me to the old Fell warehouse. I hated that building, it had always creeped me out. I don't suppose it helped that me, Jazz, Luke and Tyler always used to sneak into it when we were little. It was one of our favourite places to tell ghost stories. Oh I miss those days.
Anyway, I stood outside the Fell Warehouse after doing a lap around it. This was the place that the naughty little vampire was hiding. I sighed and pulled out my phone. Time to phone Damon. Yay. Not.
I scrolled through my most recent received calls and found Damon's number. I should really add that to my contacts... I'll do it later.
Damon answered almost immediately.
"Well?"
"I've found your bloody vampire... no pun intended. Now get your ass over here."
"Where are you?"
"The old Fell Warehouse. And can you hurry up? I have a date to prepare myself for."
"What do you mean that you have a date?"
The voice didn't come through the phone, it came from behind. I shrieked and spun around.
Damon was standing right behind me, smirking at my reaction. I glared at him and hung up the phone.
"What do you mean 'what do I mean'? It's a date. You know, where two people who have feelings for each go out together. Just because you don't go on any."
"That's a bit harsh, don't you think?"
"After what you have done, no, I don't. Can I leave now?"
"If you must," Damon said, rolling his eyes.
"I must."
"Compass," the vampire demanded, holding out his hand. I rolled my eyes and placed the compass on his hand. My skin grazed his, sending tingles down my spine.
I shook off the feeling and smiled up at Damon.
"Bye byes Damon, any time that you need my help again, don't hesitate to call."
"Get out of here."
I smirked and saluted before turning and walking away.
I suppose that I should probably go back to school.
XXX
I made it to school just before history started. As luck would have it, Alaric was walking down the corridor towards the classroom just as I reached the door.
"Just in time, Alexa," Rick smiled.
I laughed, "That's sounds about right for me, sir."
I walked into the classroom and took my seat. Elena raised her eyebrow at me but didn't say anything. But she had the lecture face on, so I knew that I would be in for it after the lesson. Oh boy. She hasn't worn her lecture face for a while and I have to say, I haven't missed it. It was up there with the sad face in the list of bad faces.
As it turned out to be a very interesting lesson. One that I was glad that I attended. And I actually learnt something for a change. You know what; I think that I might actually be able to pass history this year. Amazing, I know. In fact, I think it may actually qualify as a miracle.
Elena corned me after the lesson ended. She grabbed my arm and dragged me outside. Uh oh, I was in trouble. Tell Jeremy that I love him!
I was pushed down on the bench as Elena stood in front of me. She placed her hands on her hips and frowned down at me.
"Where have you been?" she demanded. I knew that I shouldn't tell her about the fact that I was doing something for Damon. I dread to think what her reaction would be. She disapproved of me and Damon being alone together. Actually, she just disapproved of Damon in general.
"I was rather distracted this morning," I admitted. I saw her glance down at her locket before looking at my face.
"Distracted how?" she asked cautiously. If I didn't know better, I would say that she was slightly fearful. But I do know better and she wasn't slightly fearful. She was pushing the boundary between fearful and scared.
"Well, this isn't exactly how I wanted to tell you, but Luke asked me out this morning," I said. I smiled as the look on her face changed from suspicion to delight. I was so happy that she approved. I have to admit, if she didn't approve, then I probably would have reconsidered going out with him. Elena always knew what was best for me, better than I did. And I always knew what was best for her.
"Oh Alexa, that's brilliant!" she exclaimed happily as she gave me a hug. "I'm so happy for you!"
"Thanks twin," I smiled into her shoulder. Elena sat down on the bench next to me.
"How long have you been waiting for this to happen?" she asked. I counted in my head. It has definitely been a while, not sure how long exactly. But around a few years, if I had to guess.
"Hmmmm, quite a few years, I would say."
"I'm glad that you're happy, Alexa," Elena said softly, moving a piece of hair from my face. I grabbed her spare hand and smiled at her. She was such an amazing twin.
"Thanks Elena."
We sat there in silence for a while. It was a comfortable silence.
"We should so totally go on a double date."
XXX
As 4 o'clock grew ever closer, my panic levels increased dramatically. I was routing through my wardrobe, looking for something suitable to wear. Clothes were scattered around the room from where I had thrown them over my shoulder. I wanted something that made me look pretty but didn't make me look like a slut. It also had to be suitable for that stupid careers evening thing.
It didn't take me long, but I eventually managed to empty my wardrobe of all the clothes inside of it. What do I wear? I didn't normally care what I wore but this was my first date with Luke! The boy that I had been crushing on for years.
"Need some help?"
I had never before been so pleased to hear my twin sister's voice.
"Oh yes please Elena!" I near enough shouted as I turned around to face her.
"I take it that you are struggling to find something to wear?" she asked as she walked into the room. She raised an eyebrow as she looked at all the clothes that were scattered across the floor. "You know, if you had organised your wardrobe when I and Aunt Jenna had asked you, you may not be experiencing this problem."
I glared at her. "Not helping Elena," I grounded out through gritted teeth.
"Sorry Alexa," she smiled as she hooked an arm around my waist. "Now, it will take far too long for me to sort through all of this to find something suitable."
"No, no, no, that's bad news Elena, I want good news," I complained as I rapidly shook my head.
"Don't worry twin, I have good news for you," my darling twin laughed as she directed me out of my room and into her own. She deposited me on the bed and went and opened her own wardrobe.
"Now, this was a gift from Bonnie and Caroline," she said as she rummaged in the wardrobe. "But I think that you are more likely to wear it than me."
The dress she pulled out was perfect. It was made of black lace. The bodice and skirt had a pale grey underdress attached to it. The sleeves were left as the lace and the dress went down to an inch above my knee.
"Thank you Elena," I smiled softly at her as I accepted the dress.
"Good luck tonight Alexa," she said.
I nodded at her as I made my way back into my room. I quickly changed into the dress, fixed my hair and did my makeup. Once I actually knew what I wanted to wear, it was plain sailing from there.
The doorbell rang just as I was about to look in the mirror.
"Alexa, Luke is here!" Aunt Jenna shouted up the stairs.
I took a deep breath and smoothed down my dress. I was so nervous. My hands were shaking and everything. After slipping on a pair of black pumps, I walked out of my room and head towards the stairs. I was about to walk down them when a black jacket appeared out of nowhere. I looked behind me to see Elena's door close. I shook my head and picked up the jacket. It was made of a soft fabric and looked like it would go with the dress. I slid it on and made my way downstairs.
Luke was standing at the door. He was dressed in a red dress shirt and black trousers.
"Hello beautiful," he smirked when he saw me.
I rolled my eyes at him and joined him at the front door.
"Hello yourself."
I turned around to see Elena hanging over the banister, Aunt Jenna poking her head around the kitchen door and Jeremy leaning against the wall. My darling little brother was glaring at my date.
I rolled my eyes and said, "Bye guys, I'll see you at the careers evening."
"Bye Alexa!" "See you later, Alexa." "Have a good time twin!"
Luke offered me his arm and I accepted it. He walked me to his car and we got in. I watched him as he drove us to the grill. I admired the way that the light reflected off his face. He was handsome man, I couldn't deny that.
We soon arrived at the grill and we went inside. Luke directed me to a booth near the back and out of the way.
"Seriously, you do look beautiful," Luke said seriously.
I blushed and smiled, "Thank you, Luke."
"No problem, babe."
I raised an eyebrow, "Did you just call me babe?"
He was saved by the waitress.
"What can I get you two?"
"Pepperoni pizza," Luke replied.
"To share," I added.
"With two cokes."
"Coming right up," the waitress smiled. Hmm, I think I go to school with her. Anyway, not important.
"How ya been, Luke? I haven't seen you in a while," I remarked. Luke winced.
"Sorry about that. It's just that we're having some problems in the family."
"I've heard that one several times. What problems?"
"The parents are being difficult."
"When aren't they?"
"Good point."
"All my points are good."
"Ego, Alexa, ego."
"What about it?"
"It's getting so big that soon you won't be able to fit through the door."
"Is that your way of telling me that I have a big head?"
"What? No!"
I laughed at the frantic expression on his face.
"That was mean, Alexa."
"That wasn't mean. That was justified."
"How was it justified?"
"Are you trying to tell me that you honestly don't remember all those times that you insulted me?"
"Of course I haven't forgotten."
"Good. This is my way of getting revenge for all of those times."
Our food and drinks had arrived during our conversation and once I had deemed that I had teased Luke enough, we started eating. We talked as we ate. It was a good conversation. One exactly like we used to have but with a lot more flirting. And I mean a lot. But it was perfect. A dream come true... that was really corny, wasn't it? Whoops.
We spent around 2 hours at the grill. After we finished eating, we just sat there, talking. We were even holding hands across the table. It felt so perfect and yet, I couldn't help but feel as though there was something missing.
"Do you want to head to school now? For that careers evening?" Luke asked as the conversation faded into silence.
"No, not really," I replied distractedly, I was too focused on the feel of Luke's warm hands resting in mine.
"Come on Alexa," he laughed as he pulled his hands back. I protested at the movement. "Let's get moving."
I just sat back and crossed my arms. I wasn't going to go to school when I didn't have to. I didn't go even when I did have to go. Luke sighed and got up. He moved around so that he was on my side of the booth and pulled me up by my arm.
"Why are you so eager to go that careers thing?"
He shrugged. "No reason."
I narrowed my eyes in suspicion, but didn't comment. If he wanted to keep a secret from me, then he could keep a secret from me.
Oh, who am I kidding? I would just put more effort into finding out later.
XXX
We got to school and we immediately accosted by Jazz.
"Hello, you two," she grinned manically as she tried to squeeze the life out of us. "How was the date? Did you have fun? Did you have sex?"
"What? Jazz? What the hell?" I exclaimed, I was absolutely mortified. Luke, however, just looked at her intently.
"You're drunk," he stated. He did not sound happy.
"No, I'm not!" she denied fiercely as she swayed slightly. Oh, she was definitely drunk. Something was wrong with her. She wouldn't normally get this drunk while she was around people. The only time that she would is if there was something really bad going on.
"Alexa, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to leave," Luke said apologetically. "I can't leave her here like this."
"Luke, it's fine, I'm completely understand."
And I did. It would be best for her to be at home.
"See you tomorrow?" he asked as he picked up his sister, bridal style.
"See you tomorrow," I smiled at him. I leant forward and gave him a small kiss on the lips. "Now get your sister home."
"Bye Alexa."
"Bye Luke."
I smiled softly as I watched them leave. He was a good brother and a good person. And I loved him.
... Speaking of brothers, I wonder if my family were here yet. Now that my date had left me I needed someone to annoy. And my darling twin fit the bill perfectly.
I slowly made my way through the crowd. I didn't bother looking at all of the stands. I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to own my own bar. I would never be able to work for someone; I really didn't react well to authority figures. Unless I respected them. And I've had a lot of experience with alcohol recently, so I wouldn't mind working with it.
I have to admit, it hasn't always been my intention to be a bar owner. I used to want to be a kindergarten teacher. Or someone who worked with young children. I always used to babysit for the neighbours. But then my mum and dad died, and everything changed. I changed. As much as I would love to work with children, I was too bitter to be able to do that now. I was too aggressive, too jaded.
I spotted Jeremy through the crowd; Tyler was storming away from him. The Lockwood teenager didn't look particularly happy and I could just tell that Jeremy was the reason why. I sighed and was about to head over to him when a hand on my shoulder stopped me.
"Hello Alexa, fancy running into you."
Logan Fell. Oh yay. Just what I wanted. I turned to face the dick that hurt my Aunt Jenna.
"Scumfell," I growled.
"Now, now, Alexa, that's not very nice," he mock-scolded me.
"You dumped my aunt through an email. You near enough broke her heart! Why the hell would I be nice to you?"
"I didn't mean to hurt her."
"And yet, you did."
I was practically snarling at him by this point. I poked him in the chest with my finger.
"You're lucky that I haven't beaten you to a bloody pulp! The only reason that you are not unconscious and bleeding on the floor is my aunt. She asked me not to."
Logan smirked at me, "I doubt that you could have done that much damage to me."
"Oh yeah?" I hissed. "Why don't we go and disprove that theory?"
"Let's go outside then."
We were about to head outside so that I could beat up the Scumfell, but my phone went off, halting me.
'We're at the school, where are you? xxx'
"Saved by the bell, Scumfell," I smirked at him as I walked off.
I was about to reply to Aunt Jenna's text when I saw her through the crowd.
"Aunt Jenna!" I hollered as I pushed my way through.
Auntie J spun around in my direction and walked over to me. We met up and I linked my arm with hers.
"Hello, Aunt Jenna," I smiled up at her.
"Hello, Alexa," she smiled back. "How was your date?"
"It was good," I replied, smiling dreamily. "We went to the grill and had some pizza. Then we just sat there holding hands and talking. I know that we talked a lot before he asked me out, but, this was different."
I sighed happily and rested my head on my aunt's shoulder.
"I'm glad that you had a good time," Aunt Jenna said and I could hear the smile in her voice. "God knows that you deserve it."
"Awww, thank you Aunt Jenna!"
"You're welcome Alexa."
"Oh, while we're on the subject of boyfriends. The Scumfell is here."
Aunt Jenna's entire body tensed up.
"Please tell me that you're joking!"
"I wish I was. But he tried talking to me a few minutes ago. I was about to go and beat him up when you texted me."
Aunt Jenna sighed.
"Alexa, I thought I told you that you weren't allowed to beat him up."
"He said that I wouldn't be able to beat him up!" I whined.
"And you had to prove him wrong."
I nodded. "That's exactly what I had to do."
"Oh Alexa."
We walked around the school.
"So, what is it that you want to do now?" Aunt Jenna asked as we passed the Broadcast Journalism stand.
"I wanna own my own bar," I replied.
"Why a bar?"
"Because they always make a lot of money," I replied nonchalantly. "And people will always be drinking alcohol."
"Ok, I suppose that they are decent reasons."
It was then that I spotted Elena in one of the classrooms. In order to save myself from further interrogation, I pointed at her and said, "Look Aunt Jenna, its Elena. You should probably warn her that Logan is on the loose."
Judging by the look on Aunt Jenna's face, she knew what I was trying to do, but she humoured me and went over to my twin.
I sighed in relief and walked in a different direction. I was safe... for now. Now, who can I annoy?
I was walking down one of the corridors when I saw Jeremy. He was facing off against Tyler Lockwood. God, what is it with these two boys and fighting with each other?
Tyler must have said something that pissed Jeremy off as his face contorted with anger and he lunged at Tyler, pushing him against the lockers. The two boys started struggling with each other.
"Jeremy!" I growled as I raced forward. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Alaric and Mayor Lockwood do the same.
Alaric pulled my little brother off of Lockwood and pulled him to the other side of the corridor. Mayor Lockwood held Tyler against the lockers while myself and Alaric did the same with Jeremy.
I stood in front of my little brother and pressed a hand against his chest. His heart was rapidly beating and there was a dangerous look in his eye. What the hell did Tyler say to him?
"Jeremy, calm down!" I whispered to him. "Remember what Elena always says to me: murder is never an option."
"You two follow me," the mayor ordered as he pulled his son away. Jeremy shrugged me off and stomped after them.
"Excuse me!" Alaric shouted. Mr Mayor turned around to look back at us. "Where're you taking them?"
"I'm going to talk to them," he replied. "All fights should end with a handshake, don't you think?"
He turned back around and followed the boys outside.
I glared after them.
"Well, I'm going with them," I growled. Something dodgy was going on here.
"Oh really?" Alaric questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Really," I nodded. "That's my baby brother and I'm going to go support him."
"Well then, let's get going."
We followed the trio (in a non-stalkerish way) through to the school. When they went through the door that led to the staff car park behind the building, we swiftly followed.
"... So let's settle it. Fight!"
We caught the tail end of the Mayor's little speech to the boys. He wanted them to fight?! I was so gonna punch this guy! I don't care if the friggin mayor! No one's gonna fight my baby brother! Or encourage my baby brother to fight anyone! Except me. I'm the only one who is allowed to do that.
"Come on, dad," Tyler sighed. He didn't sound surprised, which made me wonder how regular an occurrence this was.
"That's not gonna happen," Jeremy protested.
Alaric and I slowly walked towards them. Jeremy glanced over at us and caught my eye.
"Are you alright?" I mouthed. He nodded slightly.
Tyler went to leave. He walked past his father who angrily pushed into Jeremy.
"I said fight!" he shouted.
"Whoa, what's going on here?"
Alaric revealed our presence to the mayor. I glared at him before rushing forward to my brother. I reached up and took his face in my hands. I looked deep into his eyes before pulling him into a hug. After a few seconds, I pulled back and looked over at Tyler.
"You alright, Tyler?" I asked him. The only answer that I got was a brief nod.
Mayor Lockwood plastered a fake smile on his face and turned to face Rick.
"I'm just letting these two kids work it out. We're good here. Go back inside. That means you as well, Miss Gilbert."
I snorted as Rick said, "I don't wanna go back inside."
Like hell I was gonna go inside while my baby brother was out here.
"What I want is an answer for me question: what's going on out here?"
"Who do you think you're talking to?" the mayor demanded with a touch of anger in his tone. "Do I look like a student?"
"No, you look like a full grown alpha male douchebag," Rick shot back.
My eyes tripled in size and my mouth hung open. Tyler's and Jeremy's copied my own. Did Alaric really just talk to the mayor like that?
... Alaric Saltzman, I love you.
"You don't talk to me like that!" Mayor Lockwood grounded out as he walked towards Rick. "I could have your job like this."
He clicked his fingers. Alaric just laughed. Oh dude, you are so badass!
"You do that. Then it will be you and me in this parking lot, working things out. You cool with that?"
"Just watch yourself," the Mayor growled.
"Ok," Rick smirked. Mr Mayor glared at him before turning to look at Tyler. He got the hint and walked away, his father swiftly following.
I turned and laughed into Jeremy's shoulder. That was brilliant! I've never liked the mayor. I've always thought of him as a complete dick and it has been one of my missions in life to avoid him.
"You alright?" Alaric asked, looking at Jeremy.
My adorable baby brother smiled and nodded.
"Thank you, sir," I smiled gratefully at my history teacher.
"You're welcome, Alexa," he smiled back. "Now, let's get both of you back inside."
He gestured for us to go in and he followed.
"Goodbye Alexa, Jeremy," Rick said as we got inside.
"Bye sir," we chorused.
"Thank you," Jeremy added.
The amount of people who were inside had decreased dramatically. We made our way through the school until we found Aunt Jenna.
"Guess whose back," I smiled as she turned to face us.
"I was wondering where you had disappeared off to," she said.
"Speaking of disappearing, where has my twin gone?" I asked as I peered around.
"She left with Stefan," I was told.
"Without saying goodbye?" I gasped, placing a hand over my heart. "How dare she."
Oh well, I'll just corner her later. Or just phone her... No, it would be safer to just corner her later. God knows what she is doing with Steffie boy, good ol' Mr Morality.
"Well, I suppose that I should get you two back home," Aunt Jenna sighed. "Before the Scumfell makes a reappearance."
"Oooh, you ran into him," I winced sympathetically. "That's nasty."
"And I don't want to talk about it."
"Good, ignoring the problem is always the best thing to do."
I nodded happily until I saw Jeremy and Aunt Jenna staring at me.
"I got that they wrong way round didn't I?"
They nodded and I winced.
"I always do that."
"Oh Alexa, I'm really not surprised," Jeremy smirked, slinging an arm across my shoulder.
XXX
When we got home, I wished my family good night and went to my room. After such a hectic day, all I wanted to do was lie in bed and watch my favourite tv show. Which was Supernatural. Not only was there a brilliant plot, Dean Winchester was so fricking hot! If he was a real person, and a few years younger, I would so date him!
But anyway, I digress. It was my intention to go to my room and admire Dean, I mean, watch TV, but when I opened my door, an unwelcome sight greeted me.
Damon freaking Salvatore was once again lounging on my bed.
"What the hell do you want?" I complained.
"Is that anyway to greet a guest?" he smirked up at me.
"No, but it's the perfect way to greet a dick!" I retorted.
He sighed and tutted me. I glared at him and crossed my arms.
"You didn't answer my question: what the hell do you want?"
"I want a lot of things."
"Oh stop being facetious."
"Ooh, that's a big word."
"Shut it Salvatore!"
"Make me."
He smirked that infuriating smirk of his. I growled, itching to smack it off his face.
"Don't tempt me."
"As for what I want, well, that's for me to know and you to worry about."
I frowned at him and just as I was about to ask what the hell he meant, he blurred out of the room. I was left there, mouth hanging open, looking utterly confused.
I remained like that for a few moments before shrugging and continuing with what I was originally going to do.
I didn't bother worrying about what Damon was up to, I knew that I would find out, sooner or later. And I would probably wish that I hadn't.
A/N: Words simply cannot describe how sorry I am that this chapter took 11 months. All I can say is that A-Levels and work simply took over my life. That, and this chapter simply didn't want to be written. But, I eventually managed to get it done. Hopefully it is worth the wait. I have no idea when the next update will be, but I promise that it won't take 11 months. Thank you to all of you who have reviewed, favourited and alerted this, you are all amazing. Thank you :)
Alexa's dress for her date:
www. glamourmagazine .co .uk /fashion /news /insider /2010 /10 /pearl- lowe- christmas- peacocks- dress-c ollection
