Things between Addie and Elena were colder than absolute zero. The sisters avoided one another as much as possible. In the weeks since the Most Eligible Bachelor's of Mystic Falls, the closest encounter the two had shared was when Elena asked Jeremy if he was ok, while Addie held his crying had just found out that Vickie was dead. He confided in Addie that he believe she had become a vampire, based on all the books he read from Anna, who he confessed was a vampire, though Addie already knew that. Addie wasn't even interested in what was going on in her sister's life and had stayed clear of her diary. She didn't want to read about how awful she was or read any crap about vampires. As far as she was concerned, they were just a passing phase in her life and she would never have to deal with them again. Damon seemed to get the message as he wasn't harassing her anymore. She was curious to figure out how her history teacher came back to life, and not as a vampire, but not enough so to go asking Elena, Damon, or Stefan.
Addie and Jeremy were doing well, on the hand. Except they were currently trying to walk down the stairs at the same time, each with their backpack slung over their right shoulder.
"Watch it," Addie scoffed, pushing her way in front of her brother.
Jeremy used and elbow and shoulder to barricade Addie's. "You watch it, Ad!" he mocked, making his way in front of her.
It was slow progress down the stairs as each fought to be in front of the other. Halfway down the stairs Elena opened the door and all the Gilbert children and their Aunt Jenna were greeted by their Uncle John at the front door.
"Elena," he said cheerily, a toothy smile plastered to his face.
"Uncle John! Hi," Elena respond in a bit of shock and confusion.
His smile flashed to the next person closest to him but his voice wasn't so upbeat, "Jenna."
"John, you made it," Jenna acknowledge, sounding a bit disappointed.
Uncle John's smile didn't falter, "I said I'd be here before noon."
"Oh, what you say and what you do are typically two very different things," quipped Jenna.
"Uncle John!" Addie and Jeremy beamed together. Jeremy gave a casual "what's up" while Addie shove past her brother one last time and leaped down the last few steps to hug her uncle.
Jeremy clapped her uncle on his shoulder and walked out of the house. Addie took that as her cue to follow.
"I'll see you later, Uncle John," she grinned before chasing down the driveway to Jeremey.
It had been two weeks since Vickie's body had been discovered and she was kind of worried about her brother. She was seeing signs of the sullen sulky him again. Addie was glad that he wasn't a programed computer and was feeling emotions but she was afraid the compulsion would wear off and he would remember everything he saw the night Vickie died. Admittedly, she didn't think him strong enough to handle it.
"How ya' doing today?" she asked, looping her arm around one of Jeremy's as they walked towards the bus stop together.
She heard him sigh and felt his shoulder raise and fall in a shrug next to her, "Same. I haven't heard crap from the police. Everyone just wants to believe Vickie OD'd but she was buried, Addie. Someone had to do that. I'm telling you, someone killed her."
Addie didn't want Damon knowing the answer to any of his speculations.
"You're right about someone burying her but maybe they just found her and freaked."
Jeremy looked at her as if she was being ridiculous.
"You're right; even I can't force myself to believe that and I didn't even like the girl."
Jeremy tugged at the loose plait that hung down her back, "Has anyone ever told you not to speak ill of the dead?"
"Does that included vampires," Addie spookily grinned wiggling her arms out in front of her.
"You're such a dork," Jeremy laughed nudging his little sister's shoulder. "It's ghost that move like that."
"I know but the only trademark saying or gesture of a vampire is 'I vant to suck your blood' and I couldn't really work that in. Speaking of vampires, Mr. Saltzman was pretty impressed by your paper," Addie remarked casually.
Stefan had told Addie the morning following the apparent death of her history that he hadn't in fact died but was saved by some magical ring from his wife, Elena's birth mother. Most of her was relieved that Damon hadn't killed yet another person but a part of her couldn't help but understand why Damon did what he did. Had Damon not been a vampire, Mr. Saltzman would not have almost killed Addie. Of course, if Damon was less of an asshole or she had the sense to stay away from vampires then he wouldn't have almost killed her either. At least Mr. Saltzman had apologized after school on the first day back from the winter break.
"Yeah. It was an interesting topic so it was easy to write about. I got the idea from Anna; she showed me this whole section of Mystic Falls folklore at the library. It's complete nonsense but it was fun to write as if they were real. It wasn't even like doing extra credit," Jeremy smirked, leaning against the stop sign that marked their bus stop.
Addie looked at him skeptically, "You sure you don't believe? I read that journal by Jonathan Gilbert that you used and he definitely seemed to believe. Gilbert insanity might just be hereditary on the Y chromosome."
"Very funny," Jeremy glowered, sticking his tongue out at Addie.
It was a rare occasion that Addie and Elena both had the door open to the bathroom at the same time, particularly during the Cold War they were facing off. Addie hadn't closed it when she left Elena's room earlier and almost always forgot to close her own, as she felt she had nothing to hide and Elena's side was almost close. However, when Elena came home she either didn't notice the door was open or she didn't bother to shut it. Addie didn't particularly care what her ever-so-perfect sister did as long as she didn't enter Addie's room. It wasn't Addie's fault if she could hear everything that went on in Elena's room.
"Ah, just like I remember," purred a silky, perverted voice.
If Addie wasn't in such an intense Pokemon battle on her old Gameboy DS, she would have gotten up just to shut the door and not hear his voice. Her sister and Damon were the main reasons she was faking a stomachache to get out of attending the Founders' Day celebration later that night.
Addie could almost visualize Elena's eyes rolling with her next statement, "Stop messing around."
"Did you know that your uncle has been kicking it with the Founder's Council?" Damon said with that smug, arrogant tone that appeared when he always spoke of something others knew nothing about.
Addie finished off the boss as Elena incredulously inquired, "What?"
"Yep," Damon chirped as Addie stood and stretched.
Walking to her sister's bathroom doorframe she heard Elena say, "Perfect, we'll just add it to the growing list of how everything is falling apart."
"Frankly, I think Uncle John on the council is a wonderful thing. We still have two rabid vampires running around and someone needs to take care of the vermin in this town," Addie relaxed against the frame nonchalantly, inspecting her nails for nonexistent dirt.
Elena took a menacing step towards her sister, "You should just shut the hell up and mind your own damn business."
The two sisters glared at each other, speaking for the first time since the night Damon boasted about feeding on Elena's birth mom in front of half the town.
"I'm sure Stefan will be glad to know you're cozying up to his brother, just like Katherine did. Maybe, just maybe, I'll get lucky and one of them will be stupid enough to turn you and Uncle John can stake all three of you." Addie shrugged and added, almost as if it were an afterthought, " And just because I'm you're sister, I'll request that he burn the three lovebirds together."
Damon took in Addie's fierce, offensive intrusion with great interest. He couldn't read if she was pissed more at him or at Elena. None the less, he liked this dark side of her. He could see Elena getting ready to strike back and didn't feel like being in a cat fight.
"Well, too bad you can't tell John anything he doesn't already know. He knows what Stefan and I are," Damon grinned wickedly.
Addie shrugged, "I expected as much. John is smart; that's probably the reason he's the only relative I like. Although I can tell Elena something she doesn't know about her father, but that wouldn't be much fun wouldn't it? Do you really deserve to know if you can't make 2 plus 2 equal 4 my dear sister." Addie smiled far too innocently and sweetly before returning to her room, making sure both bathroom doors were closed.
It hadn't taken her long after seeing Uncle John's ring to figure out that he was Elena's father. If her speculation wasn't enough, the baby photos of Uncle John next to those of Elena confirmed it. Elena looking nothing like their mother but a good deal like their father made perfect sense.
The slamming of a door startled Addie from a deep sleep. Glancing at her alarm clock she saw that it was only a quarter to nine; her family would still be at the Lockwoods Founders' celebration party. As footsteps thundered up the stairs she stealthy crossed her room and grabbed the heaviest object she could find; a 1st place trophy for the regional 2 mile run from her previous year in track. Hearing Elena's door open, she crept into their adjoined bathroom and raised the trophy like a baseball bat before silently opening the door that connected to Elena's room.
"Jeremy?" she cried out in surprise, dropping the trophy to her side.
Her brother briefly looked over his shoulder before turning back to rifle through Elena's dresser drawers, "Were you really going to defend yourself against an intruded with that?"
"It has a marble base, the pillars are sterling silver and gold plated and the ornament is solid gold," Addie defended her choice of weapon. "It would cause enough damage to incapacitate someone."
"Not if they had a gun," Jeremy muttered, moving to another drawer.
Addie strolled over to her brother and placed a hand on her hip, know she was about to win this argument, "So you want me to walk around with a loaded pistol all the time?"
Jeremy scoffed and bit back a laugh, "Have you seen your Call of Duty scores? You'd kill yourself."
"So exactly how do you propose I protect myself, oh wise one?"
"Trophy is fine," Jeremy responded distractedly, his search becoming more frantic.
Addie rolled her eyes, "I'm probably going to regret this but I do know this room 100 times better than you; what are you looking for?"
"Your sister's diary," Jeremy said simply.
Addie walked to the bookshelf and pulled out a copy of Sense and Sensibility that hid her diary from view. Tossing the book to her brother her eyebrows furrowed as she frowned, "I don't think she's my sister anymore. I'm fairly certain we've decided to disown each other. I'm a traitour whore and she's just the perfect saint who can't be associated with such filth."
Jeremy looked at his sister confused, "I knew you guys were being cold to each other, well, more than usual but what are you talking about?"
Addie nodded to the small book her brother held, "You can hear the only side anyone will believe in there. That book will answer all your questions; even the ones about Vickie."
Addie scurried back into her room before her brother could say anything. She laid in bed for hours tossing and turning. Had she done the right thing by giving him the diary? She and Elena knew what was out there; didn't he deserve to know, too? Though she knew he would be so hurt when he read about Vickie's death and Elena's role. She didn't want that but she knew how angry she was at Damon still for messing with her free will that she felt Jeremy should have all his memories, or at least know they were taken from him. Or was that the damn compulsion she was under that made her give Jeremy the diary? It was so hard to separate what was really her choice and what was a decision based on the compulsion to take control of her life.
Caroline eagerly linked arms with Addie as they exited Algebra 2 together. Addie was a bit ahead in math so it was nice to have someone she knew in her class, even if it was Caroline. She spaced out, adding the appropriate nodded and single syllable of agreement or disagreement when needed but she was quite tired of hearing about the Miss Mystic Falls Pageant. It had been all Caroline would talk about for the past two weeks, with the occasional pause to discuss Matt Donovan, which wasn't much better. She trusted Caroline to not let her walk into any poles or people and only joined reality when her companion gave a shriek of delight and bounded away from her. Addie spotted what Caroline had and a broad smile erupted on her face.
"Bonnie! Bonnie! Thank god you're home!" Caroline said, throwing her arms around the smaller gir.
Addie practically shoved Caroline out of the way so she could get in a hug of her own. ""I know we talked practically everyday but I missed you so much," Addie softly said so only Bonnie would hear.
Boonie squeezed her back tight, "I've missed you too, Addie."
The two separated, not noticing Elena's pouting look.
"How are you doing?" asked the wonderfully tactful blonde.
Bonnie shrugged, "Better. Better. You know, glad to be back and trying to keep myself busy."
"Caroline and I can definitely help you with that," Addie grinned, her deep blue eyes shining. "Help me help Caroline find a dress for the Founder's court that isn't meant for a hooker. Then help me find a dress I won't end up wanting to burn."
Bonnie laughed; she was the only one who knew that Addie had tossed Elena's forest green dress into the Salvatore's oversized fireplace.
"The Founders' court? Did I miss something?" interrupted Elena, hating that her best friends were centering around her immature little sister.
Caroline looked at Elena like she wanted to wear brown shoes with black pants, "The Founder's court! You know, Miss Mystic Falls. The announced it today and you, Addie and I are both on it."
"Addie?" Bonnie's voice hitched in surprise.
Addie scowled and loosened the lime green skinny tie she wore over a black button up. "My mother either forged my signature or got me to sign in my sleep. I'm pretty sure both should automatically disqualify me but I already talked to Carol Lockwood. She will have to see my dead body before she lets me out of this nightmare."
"Oh, it's going to be loads of fun," Caroline squealed pulling at the younger girl's arm.
Elena tried to steer the conversation back her way, "Oh my god. We signed up for that so long ago… I completely forgot."
"So. you're dropping out then?" Caroline questioned, trying to hide the hint of hopefulness. She could beat a freshman like Addie, even with her tragic story but another junior with that story would be tough to beat.
Elena gave a half-smile and shrugged, "Guess Mrs. Lockwood won't let me out if she won't let Addie out."
Addie slung the garment bag over her shoulder, thanking Bonnie for the ride. Elena and Caroline had dragged them to no less than six dress shops before Addie lost the little tolerance for the pair and shopping that she had. In an effort to hopefully expedite the process, she had bought the first dress she tried on in the very first store. It was a royal purple bodice with a halter top and sweetheart neckline. Caroline had gushed about how it accented her chest and hips which "she definitely needed if she wanted a chance of even looking good" according to to the older girl. Elena's mocking comments about how the chiffon material wasn't classy enough for a win only spurred Addie to buy the dress even more. Caroline and Elena had taken their dresses to the tailor's but Addie decided hers was fine as it was. If she had her way, she wouldn't even be going to the stupid pageant, let alone partaking in it.
She fished her wallet out of her pressed black slacks and found the house key attached, knowing only Jeremy was home and the door would actually be locked for a change. Her sister and aunt were too trusting of people in this town. Walking in, she was pleasantly surprised to see Uncle John watching an old Baltimore Raven's game in the livingroom.
"Hey! The only team worth watching," Addie grinned, standing behind the couch to watch a few plays.
John patted the seat next to him, "Of course! Come, sit! Watch with me. What have you got there?"
Addie hung the dress in the coat closet, "It's my stupid dress for that stupid beauty pageant."
"It's a Rosewood tradition! You'll have fun," John grinned, ruffling her hair as she plopped next to him on the cream colored couch.
"You mean my sister will have fun, I'll be mad because pageants are degrading, and Jeremy will bitch and moan all night about me forcing him into being my escort," Addie huffed, propping her classic black and white Converse on the couch.
"Hmm," John contemplated, carefully considering what to say to his niece. "Elena does enjoy anything where she can put on a fancy dress. I don't think pageants are degrading but they can be superficial; you shouldn't have to be paraded around like a horse for judging to win a scholarship. Why don't you ask somebody else beside Jeremy? You're an amazing girl."
"I don't want to go with anybody," Addie sulked.
"It's just one night," Uncle John nudged her in the ribs and gave her a small, encouraging smile. "Who's your sister taking?"
"Stefan Salvatore. No doubt Damon will be there as her backup date. It's kind of gross how they both drool after her," Addie exaggerated, wanting to encourage her uncle to go after the vampires, at least Damon, without letting him know she knew anything about who they really were.
John stayed focus on the television as the Raven's made a third down on their own 10 yard line and kept his tone conversationally cool, "Backup date?That some new thing?"
"Nope. Why the hell do they bother to punt? Not logical. "It's nothing new; it's just my darling sister. One has never been enough for Elena. Remember that Christmas she had to get the scooter with rollerblade wheels and the one that had like bike inner tube tires because she liked the smoother ride of the bigger tires but the small wheels were more cool and popular? She wants it all," Addie muttered bitterly.
"Everyone wants it all, kiddo."
"Ok," Addie heaved an elaborated sigh. "My sister has to have it all. One Salvatore wasn't enough. It's not like she even knows anything about Damon; she just likes the idea of having the both fight over her because she knows they will."
"Someone sounds jealous," John sang.
Addie shook her head, having momentarily forgotten she was talking to Elena's father. "Don't confuse jealousy with repulsion, Uncle John. I know the demon that is Damon Salvatore far better than my sister. To want him fighting over you is disgusting. Would you want some barbaric cavewoman fighting for your attention, Uncle John?." Addie began beating on her chest with alternating fist and dropped her voice and spoke haltingly, " She-woman bring John big dead mountain lion as sign of love. She-woman view John as item not person."
John laughed at his niece and pulled her into a sideways hug, "Don't tell your sister but you're my favorite niece."
And your only one, Addie thought to herself.
The silence in the air was thick as Elena and Addie were left alone in the changing room. Elena's rambling back and forth with Amber kept the sisters from having to acknowledge one another but the poor girl had felt ill with nerves. If Damon hadn't ripped away control from her when he told her to take control, Addie would have bet she'd have been panicking so badly even Carol Lockwood would feel bad and let her out of the competition. Damn him. Tucking a curl behind her ear, she spied a reflection in the mirror.
Think of the devil and he shall appear.
"Hey, you can't be back here," Elena chided.
Damon pushed his way into the room and closed the door behind him, "We need to talk."
"Does it have to be right now?" Elena complained, shifting her dress to the other arm about to get changed.
Addie scooted around Elena and grabbed her own dress as she couldn't help but overhear them.
Damon signed reluctantly, "Normally I would have a completely different outlook of what I'm about to tell you but since it could really inconvenience me, I'll squeal."
"What are you talking about?" Addie hear Elena say as she changed behind the partition.
"Stefan's still drinking human blood," Damon let out in a rush.
Addie threw a victorious fist pump and called out, "I told you so."
"What?!" Elena gasped, speaking the same time as her sister. "And when did you ever tell me so?" she snapped.
"Oh, in my head back when the murderous history teacher was picking us up and asking you questions about Stefan being ok. I also kind of implied it way back when he first showed up pulling the reformed vampire routine and I told you I didn't buy it and that I didn't trust him. Remember I said there was something dark inside him? Well, it's obvious why; he's another human leech. Probably no better than his fucked up brother."
"I resent that," interjected Damon. "I happen to be the model of good behavior compared to Stefan when he is on human blood."
"All the more reason I should keep feeding Uncle John reasons to kill you both," Addie wickedly grinned, stepping out from behind the barrier and walking back towards the vanity. She could feel both Damon and Elena's eyes hot on her.
Damon sucked in his breath, "Oooo, yeah, hate to break it to you but your Uncle doesn't actually want me dead."
"What?" both sisters questioned in surprise.
"Yeah," Damon grinned, sliding his hands into his pockets, looking extremely confident and arrogant."You might say we're working towards a common goal."
Addie strolled up to Damon, her heels making her just inches shorter, meaning she didn't need to look up to him so much and feel inferior. She pointed a stern finger right in his face, "You're more delusional than usual. My uncle wants you dead just as much as I do."
Chills spread through Addie as Damon slowly wrapped his fingers around her wrist. "Don't put your finger in my face. Unless, that is, you want me to bite you," Damon grinned darkly, lowering Addie's hand to her side. "We both know you don't really want me dead."
"If I could, I would kill you myself," she spat back through gritted teeth. She ripped her arm from him and stormed out of the changing room, feeling her face flush.
Addie chewed on her lip nervously as she gripped the railing so hard her knuckles turned white. What the hell was Jeremy doing? Stefan had been a no show when Carol Lockwood called Elena's name to present her. Addie had watched Jeremy look around for Stefan before quickly taking up the job of escorting Elena so she wasn't left standing alone and embarrassed. Only problem was that Jeremy was suppose to be escorting her in approximately three seconds. He had stepped up to save one sister from humiliation, forgetting about the other.
Jeremy looked back up the staircase, clearly distressed. Of course he would remember two seconds too late. Jeremy was pissed at Elena for having Damon erase his memory but he saw her in trouble and his first reaction was to help. Addie couldn't be mad at him; she knew if her and Elena were in opposite positions, Jeremy would have temporarily forgotten about Elena to save Addie.
"Addison Gilbert escorted by," Mrs. Lockwood hesitated for a fraction of a second, "Damon Salvatore."
Addie's eyes flashed to the bottom of the stairs were the other escorts had been standing and there was Damon. He gave her a small smile and Addie found the courage to face the crowded room. She walked quickly, having missed her entrance cue as she was distracted and concerned about not having an escort.
"Where's Stefan?" Addie whispered accusingly, taking the hand Damon held out to her.
"I don't know," he said perplexed and distracted.
Addie drew in an unsteady breath as they walked outside and towards the other contestants. "Do you know the dance?" she muttered, avoiding the questioning look as they passed Aunt Jenna.
"I doubt it's changed in 150 years and lucky for you I have an excellent memory," Damon smiled, gently squeezing her hand. "Don't be nervous."
Addie snidely snipped at him, "Is that a compulsive order?"
"I'm doing you a favor," Damon reminded her, as they stood across from each other.
She bit her tongue as she curtsied to Damon and he bowed to her. It was hard not to comment about the last time he had done a "favor" for her. Her eyes fell to her feet as they began to dance. Out of the corner of her eye she saw her sister flowing gracefully with the music. Envy shot through her as she struggled to keep count and worried about what move came next. These things came so easy to Elena; it was part of why she had been a great cheerleader.
The final agonizing moments of the dance were nearing and Addie could feel the knot of tension in her stomach slowly untying. She looked up from her feet and caught Damon starring at her. He wasn't looking at her with scorn or that hint of superiority that laced everything he did; his eyes were softer than usual. Addie dared to lock eyes with him, tilting her head in confusion. Damon's lips tugged up at the corners. It was a smile she'd never seen on him; one of innocence and content. The music ended and Addie looked away from Damon, unnerved by that look. The skin on her back tingled from where Damon had held her, led her in the dance.
"Bonnie!" Addie whined in protest as she chased after her friend. "Let them go. It's not your problem," she pleaded as Bonnie tugged on her coat.
"Stefan's probably killing Amber right now, Addie," Bonnie stated clearly.
"No he's not," Elena snapped, stopping in her tracks and turning back to her sister and friend. She had already donned her coat and was on Damon's heels.
"You're right," Addie snarled at Elena, angry at her for jumping on Bonnie. "Amber's been gone for hours. Stefan's probably already killed her."
"No he hasn't!" Elena cried, shaking her head.
"Come on," Damon barked, pulling at Elena.
Addie put a hand on her hip and looked at Damon, "Do you think she's alive?"
"I think we need to go, Elena," Damon pushed, looking away from Addie. She could read the foreboding look in his light blue eyes. He didn't believe Amber alive either.
Elena nodded and turned back towards the door. Damon led her out, with Bonnie following them.
"Bonnie!" Addie cried again, walking swiftly to keep up. "He's not safe."
The older girl didn't falter in step, "I can help. I can stop him."
Addie wrapped her arms around her as she followed the three into the cold February night, "He's a vampire, Bonnie!"
A loud scream broke through the sounds of the celebration. Addie groaned in protest as Damon and Elena sped off towards the woods with Bonnie in tow.
"I give up!" Addie raised her hands in frustration before going back inside.
Addie finished scrubbing her face of makeup. She looked at the door that linked that bathroom to Elena's room. Hesitantly she knocked.
"Yeah?" her sister responded.
The doorknob was cool under her hand as she pushed the door open. Elena was pulling on a dark jacket, her hair and makeup still done from the pageant. She looked over her shoulder at Addie and stopped.
"Guess you're gonna tell Jenna I'm sneaking out?"
Addie shook her head and stepped fully into her sister's room. "Just be careful. Amber could have died tonight. I don't - I can't… We may want to kill each other 90% of the time and well, if anyone is going to kill you I should get that honor."
"Wow. Touching, Addie," Elena responded flatly, glaring at her sister.
"I can't support you putting yourself in that kind of danger by going over there, Elena! How can I after what I saw? I've already lost Mom and Dad; I can't lose you, too," Addie finished softly, her voice breaking.
Elena finished putting on the jacket and grabbed her keys off her dresser, "Damon will be there. I'll be fine."
Addie laughed bitterly, a tear escaping her eye, "Yes, Elena. That's the answer. Go have one insane killer protect you from another. You can't trust Damon to protect you!"
Elena ignored her sister and walked out her bedroom, letting the door slam shut behind her. Addie went back into her room and curled up into bed. She pulled her phone off her nightstand and weighed it for a few minutes. With a deep sigh Addie scrolled through her contacts for the number she hadn't used in over a month.
Addie: Thanks for stepping in tonight
She shoved the phone under her pillow and settled down to sleep. Just as sleep was about to overcome her, the vibrations of her phone traveled through her pillow and buzzed in her head. Instinctively she went to check her text messages before she stopped herself. Damon had still violated the little trust she had for him. He was still the self-serving dick that had compelled her. Addie turned over and left her phone untouched. Tonight didn't change anything; she still hated Damon Salvatore.
A/N: Thank you guys so much for your feedback and comments!