The first night in our new house had been fun. Lacey and I had set up camp in the living room, throwing a blankets on the hardwood floor and staying up all might giggling and laughing and telling stories. She had distracted me from the bad night and I awoke grateful.
Henry had went out and bought us all breakfast, and now we sat down on the kitchen floor with coffee and donuts.
"Here's to starting over." Lacey said with a giggle holding up her half eaten glazed donut.
Henry and I laughed at her and said, "To starting over." And held up our own half eaten donuts.
We broke into another fit of laughter and for the fist time in what felt like years, I was happy. I was completely content no worries or stress. I felt like maybe I could make this place my new home, among new friends.
We had started unpacking some of the stuff that went into the kitchen, stacking the cupboards with dishes and food. Setting up the appliances and other little things, when Klaus showed up.
I heard a large truck pull up and my heart twisted. Reality came back to me and the precious happiness I had felt began to fade away.
He came in and found us in the kitchen. "Good Morning, All." He said, a smile plastered on his face.
Charlie stood behind him, glaring at us. We all mumbled greetings, and Klaus said, "I've made a decision. Charlie is going to be staying with us."
"What?" I asked angrily.
His good mood didn't waver and he said, "Is there a problem, Elena?"
"Yes. He tried to kill us. Do you not remember that?" I demanded, fuming.
"Well, my dear. He is under the control of my sire bond, so I don't think loyalty is a problem here." he sneered.
I crossed my arms with a huff, and said, "Whatever. Where's my room going to be?" I asked impatiently.
"Mm. That's another thing I have to announce. It seems our Elena has some big news." He said with a single resounding clap and rubbed his hands together, triumphant grin placed on his face.
I looked at him, tilting my head and furrowing my eyebrows. "What are you talking about?" I said slowly.
"Ah. Do you remember our deal Elena? Well now it's time for you to hold up your end of the bargain. Your getting married. Congratulations." He said with a cruel smile.
Time stood still, my head was spinning. "What? What did you say?" My voice came out hazy and confused. I thought I was going to faint. Lacey was by my side in a flash, holding me up, and I stood open mouthed, mind buzzing.
"Klaus," Lacey said timidly, "Are you sure that's necessary?"
"Of course. You see, Elena here has made a deal. Her little friends attempted rescue mission has caused some problems for me. The sooner she gets married the sooner she can't start a family and continue the Petrova bloodline, and then I have the reassurance that my species of hybrids can survive. Just in case something happens." The last part sounded like a threat, and Lacey's cool grip on my arm tightened slightly.
"Of course." She whimpered, looking a the floor.
"No. I can't do this." I started shaking me head back and forth, "I am not old enough to be married. Besides who would I marry? This is ridiculous Klaus. They're not gonna come looking for me." I tried my best to convince him, but he just gave me a cold, steady look.
"You will do exactly as I say. A deal's a deal, sweetheart." He said, his voice strong and full of power, the look he gave me was merciless and cold, and a shudder ran through my body leaving behind goosebumps.
I was mad, and upset. I should have been yelling or crying hysterically, but instead I did nothing. I just stood, and returned his piercing stare.
"When?" I asked in a calm, clipped voice.
"Well today seems as good as any, don't you think?" He laughed.
I was silent for a moment, but then repressed a small smile as I found a loophole in his plan. "That's ridiculous Klaus. They don't just give away husbands." I said evenly, crossing my arms.
He waltzed over, slapping Henry on the back. "Of course not, my dear. Henry would make a fitting husband. Don't you think?"
My mouth went dry. "Buh-but I-"I started, crushed.
"Unless, you'd rather marry Charlie." He challenged.
"No." I said automatically, repulsed at the idea.
I tried another route, stepping closer to Klaus, until I was less than a foot away from him, "Please?" I begged in a quiet voice, staring up at him with pleading eyes, "Don't make me do this." My voice was just above a whisper. His eyes went soft for a second, glistening a light, but then in an instant they were cold.
"You're not gonna change my mind Elena. Sorry." Then he was out of a room in a flash.
I looked up at Henry, eyes watering. "I can't do this." I whispered, my voice hoarse with emotion.
"If you don't he's gonna compel you." Charlie spoke up form his corner.
I shot him an angry look, but I knew he was right. "What are we gonna do?" I asked Henry desperately.
"Exuh-actly what he saysss." Henry said, emotionless and stoic.
"Why?" I demanded, suddenly all the anger and fury rising up inside of me in a sudden burst. "You don't have to do this!" I hissed angrily, shoving him back as hard as I could. My weak shove didn't move him, but he looked down at me with his soft, honey-brown eyes. "You can escape." I whispered.
"I'm suh-sorry Elena." he said, turning and walking away.
I stood in the kitchen shaking and scared, the lonely feeling that once haunted me taking over again. I will not cry, I told myself over and over again. I stumbled over to the steel countertop, gripping it tightly. I focused on the smooth cold metal under my hand, trying not to fall apart.
My hands traced lightly over the detailed beading on my wedding dress. I stood in an empty large master bedroom, surrounded by boxes. I stared at myself in the large mirror, stunned by my reflection every time I looked. Afterall I was in a wedding dress of all things. The wedding dress was beautiful. It was form fitting at the top and perfectly detailed, and flowed out into a large white skirt at the bottom.
Lacey was staring behind me with pitiful green eyes. "You look beautiful." She said softly.
I didn't look at her, but kept staring at the mirror not really looking at myself. "When I was younger I used to imagine the day I picked out my wedding dress. In my head I tried on dress after dress, until I found the perfect dress. My mom was there every time telling me how beautiful I looked crying happy tears. Even though it was a silly daydream, I felt so happy afterwards, like I had something to look forward to."
I turned to look at her the dress swirling around me. "My future just seems so dim, like I will never be free."
Lacey's eyes were watering and she wrapped her arms around me in a soft embrace. "I'm so sorry, Elena."
"It's okay. I'll be okay." I said, hugging her back, warmth spreading through me, a little light in such a bleak, never ending nightmare "I'm glad I have you." I said, pulling back to look at her with a smile.
"Don't you think the dress is a bit dramatic?" She giggled in her tinkling voice.
I grinned, "It's Klaus. Of course it's dramatic."
I stood downstairs, fully adorned with my hair tied up neatly, the veil hanging loosely around me. I peaked out a the large backyard of the new house, which had a row of chairs, and a nervous Henry pacing in a tux.
Lacey came downstairs in a light purple dress that fell to her knees, and walked outside, first silently handing me a bouquet of purple and white flowers. I watched her as she went up to Henry and they spoke quietly.
Klaus came down the stairs, and I turned, the breath rushing out of me. He looked ruggedly handsome in his tux. He looked at me, jaw set and his blue eyes fierce. There was just a hint of a beard forming. I stared at him, unable to take my eyes away. He was looking at me too, I realized . When his eyes traveled up to meet mine, It took everything I could to just breathe.
My heart was pounding loudly, and I knew he could hear it. I flushed, the heat rising to my cheeks, and finally I was able to choke on word, "Klaus." My voice was shaky and my hands were clammy.
He walked over, closing the few feet between us quickly. Our gaze never broke, and he rose his hand and it hovered in the air. I watched as different emotions flashed in his eyes indescisesvley. Finally, with a defeated sigh his hand dropped, and I had no idea why all I wanted was him to touch me.
"I know this is a bit much, Elena." He started, his tone was apologetic, "Please understand. I care about you. I never planned on it. I thought you were weak and pathetic when you gave into me. When we made that deal, I had no idea, how restricting it would become for me." He shut his eyes and turned his head for a moment before continuing.
"You almost died, Elena. I realized how much of an impact you have on me, on my life. Knowing that I'm the reason for your misery is the worst torture I could imagine. All I want is for you to be happy. That's why I'm doing this, I want you to be happy." He finished, and bent down his lips pressing to mine gently, and then briskly waked away.
Everything Klaus had said to me, every word burned into my brain, and I repeated them over and over in my mind, and they never seemed real. My lips tingled with his kiss, and I felt a strange tingle throughout my entire body.
Suddenly I was being ushered out by Lacey, who walked in front of me. I din't bother with the fancy wedding march down the aisle like I would have in area wedding. I just waked slowly and numbly towards Klaus and Henry, Charlie the only person sitting in the six lined up chairs.
My eyes were trained on Klaus, who stood, his hands clasped in front of him, next to Henry. My eyes flickered to Henry who was crying silently, his eyes on Lacey. I was hit with a sudden realization and in my mind I asked Henry, You love her, don't you?
He looked at me a nodded, our eyes meeting quickly. My gaze returned to Klaus, and my heart twisted. Hot tears ran down my face, even though I promised myself I wouldn't cry.
I cried for Lacey and Henry, and their love that could never be. I cried because I shouldn't be getting married, and I cried for the life I was forced into living.
Most importantly I cried because, despite everything that's happened, I knew in my heart that I loved Klaus.
BAM. Intense chapter guys. It was emotional and dramatic and I know it was a bit crazy, but I hope you guys didn't find it too ridiculous, PLEASE tell me if you did. I mean WOW! I can't believe I reached this point. Please REVIEW! It would mean so much to me! I updated today because of ChloeMumford. :) Thanks for reading! :) XXX update soon!