A/N - Hey guys! Sorry for the long overdue update. Just so you know I went through all of the previous chapters and edited them. Some have only minor changes and others have all new scenes included. I would love it if you went back to reread those, but you don't need to in order to make sense of the story going forward. As always, let me know what you think!
"Here" Elena dropped a necklace onto my bed while I was brushing my hair. It was beautiful, and antique looking silver locket with flowery vine designs on the front on a delicate chain.
"What's this?"
"Stefan brought over some vervain. There's some in the necklace, it will keep you from being compelled" Elena explained briefly.
"Great. Hey, do you have one for Caroline?" she looked at me, confused. "I need to make it up to her for being so weird around her and Matt, about her and Matt" I sighed, feeling guilty about how I'd been giving Caroline the cold shoulder, even after our heat-to-heart a few days ago.
"Uh, sure. One sec" Elena left to go grab another necklace.
Hey, are you going to the dance?
I looked at my phone to see Tyler had texted me.
I don't know, no one has asked me to go yet.
I smiled as I replied to my boyfriend.
Well, Miss Gilbert, I would be honored if you would join me at the dance.
I rolled my eyes at Tyler's words.
I'd love to go with you. Meet you at the dance?
I smiled and put my phone away once I read Tyler's reply.
See you then!
"It's so pretty. Thank you. God, it'll go with, like everything" Caroline raved once I gave her the necklace at school. "What's the occasion?"
"It's an apology. For being so weird about you and Matt. I wasn't being a supportive friend, and I'm sorry." I told her sincerely. I meant everything I said; keeping her safer with the vervain was just a second motive.
"Speaking of me and Matt, I need to go talk to Elena" Caroline excused herself.
"Wait" Caroline froze as the word burst out of my mouth. "I need to talk to you about something." Caroline sat down again, her face serious at my tone. "What is it, Ella?" she asked gently.
I froze for a moment, unsure how to begin. "Elena and I found out that we were adopted" I finally said.
Caroline burst out laughing. I frowned, hurt that she wasn't taking this more seriously. She slowly stopped when she saw the look on my face. "You're… not kidding" she said slowly, realized I was being serious. I nodded sharply.
"It's weird, because on the birth certificate it states Miranda and Grayson Gilbert as our parents, but there's no doubt about it. Elena and I were adopted."
Caroline was silent, processing what I had just told her. She turned to look at me again, eyes staring at my face as is to analyze me. "How do you feel about it?" she asked. I was slightly surprised by her insightful and compassionate question.
"I'm not sure," I admitted. "I mean, in a way, it doesn't change anything. Miranda and Grayson were my parents. They raised me, took care of me, and encouraged me. Whoever gave birth to me abandoned me. But I can't help but be curious about who they are. Or were."
Caroline nodded understandingly. "Of course," she said, placing a hand on top of mine in a comforting gesture. "There is nothing wrong with wanting to know who your biological parents are. And if you ever decide you want to find out, I'm sure my mom would be willing to help," Caroline suggested.
I smiled gratefully at my best friend. "I hadn't thought if that. Thanks, Care."
"Of course. I'm just glad that you can still talk to me after all the drama. Speaking of, I still need to go talk to Elena. Are we good?" Care asked, collecting her things to leave, but waiting until I told her I was okay to be left alone.
"Sure, no problem. I'm glad you like the necklace." Caroline giggled and waved, going off to find Elena.
Elena came home late that night after having dinner with Bonnie at the Grill. She was obviously freaked out, so I simply pulled in her into a hug and cuddled her on my bed, wanting her to feel at least a semblance of safety.
"What happened?" I asked gently, not wanting to freak her out more.
"The vampire, the one that attacked me on the road. He called me. He was watching me" she explained in a broken whisper. She sounded close to tears.
I pulled her closer and began stroking her hair, knowing that it helped to calm her. "I'm here, you're not alone. Tomorrow we'll go talk to Stefan and see what he says" I told her softly.
Elena nodded sleepily, finally calm enough to fall asleep. I followed quickly after her.
The next afternoon found us at the Salvatore Boarding House. We sat in the study while Elena explained to Stefan what had happened the previous night.
"Why me?" Elena asked once she had finished explaining. "What does he want with me? A-and if he's trying to kill me, then why call first?"
I squeezed her hand gently, trying to reassure her and keep her some-what calm.
"It's because we're predators, Elena. We hunt. We stalk. It's often as exciting as the kill," Stefan explained, slightly stiff.
"That sounds … terrifying" I said slowly, thinking about it. Elena shot me a look. "What? It does!"
"I want you to take this," Stefan said, handing a gold colored pocket watch to Elena. It looked familiar. After a moment I realized why.
"Is that the Gilbert pocket watch?" I glanced at Elena. "The one you gave back to Jeremy?"
"It is" Stefan nodded. "I took it from Damon, who took it from Logan, who must have taken it from you."
"That must be why he was suddenly showing so much interest in Aunt Jenna" I realized. "Poor Jenna," I moaned sadly.
"What happened to it?" Elena asked, examining the watch. She had a point. It no longer looked like a watch.
"Well, it's not just a watch," Stefan explained. "It's a – it's a sort of compass, but it points to vampires." Elena and I both immediately looked up at him. How was it possible for an old family heirloom to point to vampires? But just like he said, the needle of the compass whirled around briefly before settling in Stefan's direction.
"Why did our father have it?" Elena asked curiously.
"Gilberts were one of the founding families, and back in 1864 they were among those who sought to eradicate the vampires. The compass was used to find us," Stefan informed us.
"Did you know them?" I asked him, frowning. It must have been difficult having the people you grew up around hunting you.
"Yes," Stefan answered gently. After a moment, he added, "I want you to keep this. That way, you'll know if you're ever in danger."
"What about Ella?" Elena glanced at me with worried eyes. I waved at her. "So far, no one has made a move to hurt me. I'll be fine. You're the danger magnet" I joked, nudging her with my shoulder playfully to lighten the mood.
Hey. Haven't heard from you in a while. You okay?
I glanced at my phone to see a text from Matt. He was right, we hadn't talked in a while. Things were weird, but he was still my friend.
Good. How are you?
I got up to leave Elena and Stefan alone. Also, so Elena wouldn't bug me about who I was texting. I made my way home while talking to Matt.
I got a job now.
I wasn't surprised Matt was looking. Matt's mom was not around and with Vicki gone, someone had to pay the bills.
Congratulations! Where?
I arrived at my house in time to see Jenna getting ready for the dance. Mr. Saltzman asked her to help.
"Don't you look cute," I told her, looking at her costume. She was putting on her makeup and her hair was undone. "Want me to do your hair when you're done?" I asked her.
"Sure," Jenna smiled, relieved. I'm sure she was worried I'd be mad about her not telling Elena or I that we were adopted. I was planning on waiting to ask her about it until Elena got home.
The Grill. I'm a busboy.
I got out the straightened and sat Jenna down to straighten and tie up her hair for her in a classic 50s pony.
Hey, a job is a job. I'm proud of you.
"So, Mr. Saltzman asked you to go to the dance?" I asked her, a playful smirk on my face as I teased my aunt.
I wish Caroline felt that way.
"He was just making sure there were enough chaperones for the dance" Jenna rebutted defensively. I laughed a little. I knew she liked him.
What do you mean?
I tied Jenna's hair into a high ponytail and unplugged the straightener. "Sure, Jenna. Because he's totally not into you," I replied sarcastically.
She's being really shallow about the whole job thing. I don't think she understands that some people have to work to survive.
I bit my lip, not sure how to respond. I could agree, and potentially keep Matt and Caroline from ever becoming a thing and increasing my chances with Matt. But I was already with Tyler and if I did that I would hurt him and my best friend. I couldn't do that.
Care sometimes has a hard time empathizing with other people. You should talk to her, tell her how you feel.
Just then, Elena walked in, finally home from the Boarding House. "I spoke to the insurance company," Jenna told her when she spotted Elena. "Car's totaled. You can keep using mine for now." Elena glanced at her, but quickie looked away. I sighed in frustration.
"So, you're coming to the dance?" Elena asked in a bland tone.
"Yes," I answered pointedly to Elena. "Mr. Saltzman asked her to help chaperone. Isn't that awesome?"
There was an awkward pause before Elena, who had apparently built up her courage, turned around and faced Jenna. "Why didn't you tell us, Jenna?"
Jenna's smile dropped. I stopped what I was doing to look at her, wanting to hear her answer too. "Your mom was gonna do it eventually. I never thought I'd have to," Jenna sighed.
"If mom was here right now, and I'd asked, she'd tell me the truth," Elena said firmly.
"Elena!" I cried, shocked that she would be so rude to Jenna.
"No, Ella, she's right," Jenna stopped me. "Your dad was about to leave the office one night when this girl showed up. She was sixteen, a runaway, and about to give birth. He delivered her babies, twins, and he gave her a place to stay, but a few days later she disappeared. And there you two were," she smiled at Elena and me. I smiled back, walking over to her and wrapping my arms around her, resting my head on her shoulder.
"Your parents were trying so hard to have a baby. It just wasn't happening. All Miranda ever wanted was to be a mom. Then, she suddenly got to have the two of you."
"Well, why were our parents' names on the birth certificates?" Elena asked her, still confused.
"Your dad was a doctor. He took care of it. They didn't want to lose you, so they kept it quiet, told as few people as possible, but if anyone ever wanted proof, they had documentation," Jenna explained.
I frowned, thinking. "Do you know anything else about her? Our birth mother?" I asked Jenna, sitting up.
"Just her name," Jenna told us. "Isobel."
Still confused and overloaded with information, Elena went upstairs to get ready. I sat still for a moment, digesting everything Jenna had just told us.
"Hey," Jenna sat beside me. "You okay?"
"Yeah, I think so. It's just a lot to take in, you know?" I confided, staring at the floor.
"Well, you have plenty of time to think it all over, but tonight your job is to have fun. Want me to do your hair?" Jenna offered, trying to lighten the mood. I smiled up at her. I may not be related to her by blood, but she was the best aunt a girl could ask for.
"Yeah, I'd like that. Thanks, Aunt Jenna," Jenna smiled at me and sat me down. It was time to get ready for a night of fun.
Thanks, Ella. You're right.
Jenna drove me to the dance, leaving Elena at home alone. I left Jenna to find Mr. Saltzman as soon as we entered the gym. I wandered around a little, searching for Tyler. I didn't see him, but I did find Caroline and Bonnie.
"Hey!" I greeted them enthusiastically, smiling widely. They both smiled at me in return. "Shouldn't you be with your boyfriend?" Caroline teased me. Bonnie looked at me with wide eyes. "Boyfriend?"
I blushed a little. "Yeah. I'm, uh, kind of seeing Tyler now," I told her bashfully.
"When did that happened?" She cried, grinning at me. I shrugged. "Well, good for you!" she lifted her cup of punch, which was probably spiked. "To Ella's first boyfriend!"
Caroline raised her cup as well, with a "here, here!"
"Hey!" I cried in mock-offense, smacking Care's shoulder lightly.
Just then I saw Elena walk in. With a Salvatore on each arm. I frowned at the image, too close to what I had heard about Katherine. The Salvatores separated and Elena made her way to us. "Having fun?" she asked, looking distracted.
"No," Caroline answered slightly bitterly, "but this took about two hours, so I'm at least staying for half of that."
"What's Damon doing here?" Bonnie asked coldly, noticing the dark vampire across the room.
"He wanted to come," Elena explained vaguely, giving me a look. Looks like I'll be getting filled in on whatever I missed later. "I promise, he'll behave."
"So what, is this, like, a threesome now; you and the Salvatore brothers?" Caroline asked coldly.
"Care! Elena's not like that and you know it," I scolded softly. Care looked anything but apologetic at my words.
Elena gave her a dirty look. "No, but if I'm going to be with Stefan, then I have to learn to tolerate Damon," Elena explained. "It's not like I can kill him."
"There's a thought," Bonnie mused.
"Mmm, I'll help" Caroline smiled.
"Count me in," I huffed, crossing my arms as I watched Stefan and Damon talking.
Damon made his way over during a slow song, not perturbed by the cold glared he was met with. "Hi Bonnie," he greeted charmingly. "Want to dance?"
Bonnie glared at him. "I'm out of here," she made to leave, but Damon stopped her. "Please give me another chance." Bonnie simply rolled her eyes and walked away.
Damon turned to Caroline, who scoffed. "Back off, Damon," she said firmly before following after Bonnie. Just then Stefan walked up, standing next to Elena.
"What did you say to them?" Stefan teased.
"I was perfectly polite," then Damon turned to my sister. "Elena, would you like to dance?" Damon asked with a grin.
"I would love to," Elena said brightly before turning to Stefan. "May I have this dance?" The smile on Damon's face immediately dropped. Stefan offered his arm to Elena, who took it. They walked off.
Damon turned to me. "What about you, Ella? Would you like to dance?"
Actually," I caught a glimpse of a familiar figure over his shoulder, "I think there's someone waiting for me over there." I point over his shoulder before heading that way.
"Hey stranger," I looked Tyler up and down. "You clean up very well." He did. He dressed in a greaser style, white T-shirt, jeans, and slicked-back hair. It suited him, oddly enough.
Tyler grinned and eyed my tight blouse and even tighter light-colored jeans before wrapped his arms around my waist. "So do you. Want to dance?" he nodded his head to the dance floor.
I smiled widely at him. "I'd love to!"
I spent most of the night on the dance floor with Tyler, having a blast. I hadn't expected to enjoy my time with Tyler so much. I was pleasantly surprised. When he was putting in an effort, Tyler was kind and funny and fun to be around.
I smiled when I caught a glance of Jeremy at the punch table with a cute looking girl I didn't recognize.
"What's got that smile on your face?" Tyler asked, causing me to look back at him.
"I think Jeremy might have a girlfriend" I smiled. Tyler's smile dropped a little, causing me to frown. "Look, I know you and my brother don't get along, but his happiness is important to me. Please understand that" I pleaded with my boyfriend.
Tyler's face softened. "I'm sorry. Look, I may not like your brother, but he is your brother. I'll lay off" he promised. "Thank you" I grinned.
"IF" Tyler added playfully, "You make it worth my while."
I rolled my eyes, realizing what he meant. I smiled playfully back at him. "Hmm," I hummed. "Let's see. You mean something like this?" I asked before kissing him lightly.
Tyler smirked before kissing me again, deeper then the light kiss I had given him. I pulled away after a minute. "Mm, as fun as this is, the last thing I need is to get kicked out of a school dance," I reminded him.
"Alright" Tyler agreed easily. "As long as I get to spend some quality time with you later."
I rolled my eyes, but nodded, laughing. The music changed to a faster song, so I pulled away from him slightly, still holding onto his hands.
After a minute I noticed a strange feeling. I looked over my shoulder and saw Elena on her phone, staring in Jeremy's direction with a look of fear on her face. I turned back to Tyler. "Listen, Elena looks like she needs a hand. I'll be back in a minute," I told Tyler. He nodded and let me go, spinning me towards my twin.
"Don't you dare touch him," I heard her say once I was by her side. I followed her gaze to see a tall man on his phone near Jeremy, looking at Elena, and now me as well.
"Keep walking," I heard him say over the phone.
Elena started moving and I followed close behind. "Through the door," he began walking towards Jeremy and I felt my heart pounding in fear. Elena hung up and ran. I followed her closely, glancing behind to see the man walking right past Jeremy. Some part of me felt relieved.
Elena and I ran through the halls, trying to get away from the, I'm assuming, vampire while leading him away from the dance. When we got to the door out of the hallway, we found that it was chained shut. I turned to see the vampire slowly stalking towards us. We were trapped.
I grabbed Elena's hand and dragged her into the cafeteria, hoping the door outside would be unlocked. It wasn't. He was right in front of us when we turned around.
Elena tried to run, but he grabbed her by the hair. I grabbed his arm, trying to make him let go, but he was infinitely stronger than me. He flung my sister over a table and knocked me back into a wall. I met the wall with a solid thud, and pain shot up my back.
I could only watch as he shoved Elena against a wall and growled at her, fangs exposed. I struggled to stand, but I was in a lot of pain and the adrenaline was making my hands shake.
The vampire went to bite her, but I saw Elena shove something in his chest, causing him to back off. I was surprised and proud of her ingenuity. I finally managed to stand up and stumbling my way over to her.
He pulled the pencil out and went to grab Elena again, but she shoved another pencil through his hand. I watched as she stabbed him again, forcing him back until he slid on the papers scattered across the floor and fell onto his face.
I fell slightly against something as Elena and I backed away from him as he tried to stand. I looked to see what I had run into, only to find a janitor's mop and bucket. It gave me an idea.
I pulled the mop out and used my foot to break the handle. As the vampire stalked over to my sister and I, I shoved the sharp handle into his chest. I knew I wouldn't hit his heart, but it should be painful enough to keep him from attacking us long enough for Elena or I to come up with another plan.
Unfortunately, he grabbed the handle before it touched him, tossing it carelessly across the room with a grin. Elena and I both screamed as he went to bite Elena again, only to be pulled away by Stefan.
"Hey, Dickhead," I heard Damon's voice from the door. I looked over to see him casually holding the stick the other vampire had tossed away. "Nobody wants to kill you. We just want to talk."
The vampire hesitated a moment before rushing towards Stefan, Elena and me. Damon tossed the wooden handle to Stefan, who quickly used it to stake the other vampire near the heart. He collapsed onto his knees.
I felt Elena jump slightly from beside me at the sight. I had to admit, it was slightly gruesome. "Now you feel like talking?" Stefan asked him carelessly while Damon walked over to us.
"Screw you," the vampire's voice was surprisingly clear for how much pain he must have be in. Stefan violently shoved the stake further into the other vampire's torso. "Wrong answer. Why are you doing this"
"Because it's fun," the vampire admitted. Stefan shoved thee stake further. "What do you want with Elena?" Stefan asked again.
"They look like Katherine. She just happened to be the one on the road that night," the vampire said casually, like it was no big deal. I felt so shocked and scared as I watched the vampire who toyed with my sister for fun be tortured.
Stefan and Damon shared a surprised look. "You knew Katherine?" Damon asked him as Stefan stood and backed away slightly.
"Oh, you thought you were the only ones," the vampire laughed dryly through the pain. "You don't even remember me."
"Tell me how to get in the tomb, hmm?" Damon asked him.
"No" the vampire gasped.
Stefan glanced at Damon before leaning over and shoving the stake even further into the vampire, who groaned in pain. 'The grimoire," the vampire rasped.
"Where is it?" Damon asked urgently. When he didn't answer, Stefan against shoved at the stake. "Check the journal. The journal. Jonathan's journal. Jonathan Gilbert's"
"Who else is working with you?" Stefan asked him, he and Damon both straightening up.
"Who else is there?" Damon asked him.
"No," the vampire shook his head, looking up at Damon. "You're gonna have to kill me."
Damon rolled his shoulders back in frustration before rolling his eyes and gesturing towards Stefan. Stefan pulled the stake out roughly before shoving it into the vampire's heart.
I stood beside Elena, frozen during the entire display. I hadn't processed the pain the vampire had been feeling until Stefan staked him. Then I felt every agonizing sensation and collapsed, unable to maintain control of my body with the pain coursing through me.
"Ella!" Elena cried, dropping beside me. "W-w-wait," I gasped, grasping her hand though I hadn't consciously moved it. Very slowly the pain faded away, leaving me feeling weak, dizzy, and sore. I quickly let go of Elena's hand.
"What happened?" Elena asked, looking around to see if anyone had the answer. "I don- I don't know," I gasped, sitting up slowly with Damon and Elena's help.
"What do we do know?" Elena asked the room, panic still filling her voice. "How are you going to find the others now?"
"He had to die," Damon informed us seriously.
"But…" Elena looked at him, confused.
"He… invited," I gasped, trying to explain what had just connected in my mind.
"Elena, he's been invited in," Stefan explained, causing her to glance from me to Stefan.
There was a loud crash, like a door closing. I stood, leaning against Elena gently to see the new history teacher through the windows in the cafeteria doors.
"He must be checking for kids who wandered away from the dance," I whispered, my voice hoarse but better enough that I could form a sentence. "Go," Stefan nodded at Damon. "I got this."
"I have to tell Tyler that I need to leave," I told them, grasping Stefan's sleeve so he was looking at me.
"Why doesn't Elena help you back to the dance. I need to talk to Damon, and then we'll take you both home," Stefan gently suggested. Elena looked like she was about to argue, but one look at me had her nodding silently in agreement.
She helped me hobble to the dance. I looked around to find Tyler, only to see him dirty dancing with Tracy Fallenger, his hands on her butt and her lips on his neck. I could feel my heart break again as I watched him pull her face to his and kiss her deeply. Just like he had kissed me moments ago.
A sob broke through my lips and Elena's arms tightened around me. I saw Tyler finally see me and he ripped himself away from Tracy. I just shook my head at him and turned to have Elena help me outside.
"Ella, wait!" Tyler ran to us.
"Go away Tyler," Elena growled for me. I was crying too much to speak with my throat as sore as it was.
"Not now, Elena. Ella, listen, just let me explain…" Tyler reached out to grab me and pull me away from Elena, but I curled further into her.
"Get away from her!" Elena yelled, catching the attention of the people around us. Some guys began to head over, looking like they were about it step in. Tyler noticed and backed away, hands up.
"I never want to speak to you again" I gasped at Tyler, using the last of my strength.
I didn't see the look on Tyler's face because I buried my face in Elena's shoulder as she walked me outside. Once outside, I fell against the building's wall and slid to the ground, too weak to stand while we waited for Stefan.
I was beginning to doze when I faintly heard Stefan's voice. "What happened to Ella?"
"We caught Tyler making out with another girl when we made it back to the gym," Elena explained. "Between that and what happened earlier, I don't think she's strong enough to make it home."
"Mind if I…?" I didn't hear him finish his sentence or a response from Elena, but the next thing I know I'm being lifted into the air and I assume Stefan is carrying me to the car. I go in and out of consciousness for a while, until I wake up in bed, in my pajamas, feeling much better than I had before. My head still ached, but everything else was gone.
My phone's screen was lit, and I saw that I had a text message. Several, actually. I had a bunch from Tyler, ranging from repentant to raging. I ignored those. Then I noticed one from Matt, and I felt my heart break all over again.
Thanks for the advice. I went for it and you were right. Caroline and I are now dating.
I threw my phone across the room with a scream. Elena came rushing in, stopping only when she saw I was physically alright, but with more tears streaming across my face. She laid down on the bed with me, wrapping me in her arms.
I fell asleep sobbing into her shoulder.
If this was love, I never wanted to feel it again.
