Chapter 47
(Don't own squat please read and review thank you!)
Bellapov
"What's your deal?"
"What deal dad?"
I say sliding his plate over.
"You seem… well extraordinarily happy."
I shrug and sit down picking at my food.
"What's wrong with that?"
"Nothing just curious was all."
Charlie leans back.
"So you're really going to marry that boy?"
He curt looking to the ring on my finger.
"Haven't we been through this already?"
He sighs. If he only knew the entire truth he wouldn't be weighing so heavily on this. So dad you know Stefan's actually a vampire. Has been for centuries… What do you think about that? Oh by the way so is his brother and his crazy ass ex-girlfriend, Caroline and oh wait so am I? By the way his ex wants to kill me! I imagine Charlie turning a nice shade of white and passing out due to heart failure; that or my own father locking me up in some sort of sanitarium. That was just it though I knew eventually one day somehow I was going to have to come clean. If Caroline could do it with Liz then shouldn't I be able to with Charlie?
"Something on your mind?"
"Other than you trying to ruin my mood? Nope."
Charlie shakes his head cracking a grin.
Once we're done with supper I stack the dishes and wash them. Charlie heads out to the gym before work and I head to the shower. I was finally feeling freer and more at peace. Of course I'm sure being madly in love seems to help. Don't get me wrong I still stressed about the issues of being a vampire, a teenage girl and other issues I wished no to think about such as death knocking at my door constantly. I swore being a vampire it was harder staying alive more so than human.
The warmth of the water runs along my body as I scrub my hair. Tomorrow was our first day back to school since the holidays. I begin to think of what to wear, where in my backpack to hide a blood bag just in case and if Stefan was picking me up or not. We hadn't really discussed nor arranged this quite yet. I knew he had other things on his mind. Such as when is my psycho ex and my loving deranged brother returning to try and kill my fiancé?
I begin to think about Forks. I wondered just how different my life would be if I had remained there. If Charlie hadn't made us move after all or if Edward and I had worked out after all. I wrinkle my nose a bit at this. Edward and Stefan the two couldn't be more different. I always thought I was happy with Edward. That I'd simply die without him. I smile as I dry off. To think all that changed that was spilling my drink upon a stranger. I noticed that as well Stefan and I seemed to connect right off even if our relationship didn't right away. He was still hung up on Elena and I on Edward. However with Edward there was always this second guessing and on both sides.
I head to my room and put on my shorts and tank for bed. I brush my hair and hit play on my cd. A wave of energy hits and I'm dancing around acting silly. I even get down this move of doing this a back flip off my bed and go back to singing into my brush as if it were a microphone. Have to admit being a vampire has some perks. I could have never managed that as a human. I freeze however and turn as I hear clapping.
"Stefan!" I scold and throw my brush at him.
He catches it and starts laughing.
"Do you have any clue how sexy you are?"
I shrug.
"You're just sucking up to make up for the fact that you were spying on me."
"Stalking is more like it. I like to stalk my prey before I attack.
He says this and suddenly I'm on the bed and he's got me penned down. I flip the pen forcing his wrists upon the bed.
"Who says I wasn't setting you up? Maybe I was distracting you on purpose."
"You're not that clever." He says with a smirk.
He flips it back over.
"Stefan!"
"Besides if you truly wished for a distraction. Nudity, would have been in order."
His hand goes up my shorts as he feels for bare skin. He slightly moans scrapping his fangs along my neck.
"Is daddy home?" He hints.
I shake my head and he grins. He kisses along my neck and bites down. My back arches as he feeds. His hand goes up my shirt as he rubs himself against me. I'm lost in total ecstasy when the phone rings. Stefan stops looking to me.
"Keep going." I say breathlessly.
He softly chuckles and nods. The answering machine picks up.
"Um hey… Sorry Bella just needed to talk. Anyway call me back when you can." Ugh it was Caroline and she had been crying.
Stefan licks my neck clean and stops.
"I understand if you want to call her."
I love Caroline but I was having a selfish moment. This was the bed she made she ruined her love life and was now interrupting mine. Of course the minute this thought passes through my mind I felt like a jerk for even thinking it.
He rolls off me and I literally wanted to pout. I crawl over him kissing along his chest and neck. He says nothing as we start kissing he takes my top off. His hands run along my breast. The phone rings again. You've got to be kidding me. Once again I let it ring.
"Problem…" Stefan and both pause at the sound of his voice.
"I tried to call you're loverboy but I guess he's out and about. Consider this a bit of a courtesy call. Things are about to get a little…"
Stefan reaches over grabbing the phone.
"Damon…"
"Ah, you are there… Let me guess sharing the lovely princess's bed while daddy's away at work?"
Stefan rolls his eyes but continues to run his hands about me.
"Am I interrupting?"
"Just spit it out Damon." He barks but his touch continuing to stay gentle.
"I can't seem to find Elena."
"Of course." Stefan says behind gritted teeth.
His eyes go black as he raises up.
"Remember my warning…" Stefan hints the dark veins spreading about his face.
I run a hand along his face and he nods kissing my hand.
"Yeah, yeah we shall see."
"This isn't a joke Damon."
"Believe me brother. I know. I'll be in town soon."
I sigh as Stefan tosses me my tank top.
"I'm sorry." He says looking as though he was about to lose it.
"Why? You've done nothing."
He shakes his head. Stefan leans against the window looking outside. I come up behind him and kiss his shoulders.
"You should get some rest. I'll keep watch."
Not this again… I go to my closet and toss something his way as it pierces through the wall barely missing him. He raises his brows pulling out the stake from the wall.
"You seem to forget I can take care of myself."
He half smiles shaking his head.
"Actually no I don't. By the way I imagine Charlie isn't going to like this." He says flaking off the pieces around the hole in the wall.
He sends the stake spiraling back at me as I catch it. Stefan then appears in front of me. He caresses my cheek but then slams me against the wall with one hand.
"I haven't forgot how you handed me my ass."
I smile and shove him upon the floor holding the stake an inch away from his sternum.
"And don't ever..."
"That really shouldn't turn me on." He says narrowing his eyes at me.
"You're right it shouldn't."
He sighs but pulls me in kissing me.
"Hey… we're gonna be late for school."
I tiredly roll over seeing that Stefan hadn't left. His arms were still wrapped around me. I look to the clock and see we got exactly 15 minutes.
"Stefan!" I hit him with my pillow and he starts laughing.
"But you were sleeping so beautifully."
"Grrr!" I rush to the bathroom in vampiric speed I wash my face, brush my hair, brush my teeth etc…"
He however leans against the door already changed and looking like his usual sexy self.
"How'd you do that?"
He shrugs and winks.
"You're such a…"
"Wonderful, fun, loving?" He questions kissing my neck.
"That's not fair."
He grins.
"We better go." Stefan says grabbing my backpack.
"Meet you outside, taking your truck."
I nod and rush downstairs. Charlie's burning his toast as it pops out of the toaster.
"Hi and bye dad!" I call out before sprinting out the door reminding myself human speed.
I don't even give him a chance to respond. Stefan's already got my truck running.
"Who said you could drive?"
He shrugs and peels out of the drive.
"Careful Stefan she's an antique."
"Nah she's just fine." He pets the stirring wheel.
"Starting to make me slightly jealous." I tease.
"I happen to like your truck."
"You'd be the first."
Stefan pulls into the school and parks. We both give each other a certain glance; one that pretty much says it all. He gets out and walks around opening my door. Stefan takes my hand and we make our way to class.
Stefan swings open the door and I make out a pair of legs kicked about the desk. A newspaper is in front of their face. Stefan and I exchange the same confused glance but take our seats. We hear the clearing of a throat.
"You're both late. I will not tolerate such disrespect. Let this be a warning."
I swallow back a bit looking to Stefan wide eyed. The teacher lowers their feet then lowers the paper revealing himself with a smile.
I cover my mouth to keep from laughing. He writes his name on the board Alaric Saltzman.
"Some of you might remember me. I'm sure the rumors have been flying. I can assure you however that only a handful of them are true."
Stefan and I discreetly high five one another, I couldn't believe this all worked. Ric had his life back and he was like this freaking bad ass hunter that was a teacher by day. How cool is that? I turn to Jeremy in thought. He's leaning back in his chair and he waves. I wave in return. It's like everything was just finding its own place. We were rebuilding our lives. I guess you could even say we were healing.
Caroline scribbles something down during class and flashes me her notebook. I look to see it reads. He called… With smiley faces. I smile in return but truly hoped she wasn't giving her hopes up. Tyler was pretty hurt. Hell he almost lost his life thanks to her. I didn't see him forgiving her anytime soon or changing his mind for that matter. If he called I assumed it was just to make sure she was doing ok. I knew he truly cared for her and probably always will. But there are something's you just can't take back.
This was about how things seemed to go. Gradually I begin to forget that Damon had ever called. Things were calmer than ever and life was almost normal well for a vampire anyhow. A couple weeks later we're in class. Alaric kicked back as usual reading his paper as we're doing an assignment. The entire class focused on what they're doing. I didn't even hear the door open. Obviously neither did Alaric or anyone else for that matter.
I'm answering a question when a pencil is stabbed through my hand. I grit my teeth through the pain and look up. Her smile demonic as ever… this was my chance. I could take her out right here. End this fucking insane bitch once and for all. The only thing stopping me was revealing myself and possibly everyone else I cared about in this room. I remain quiet but continue to stare her down as I remove the pencil from my hand. It hurt like hell. I write something on my paper just for her.
Pick a time and place bitch. I'll arrange the funeral myself.
She leans down and whispers.
"You're in my seat."
"Ah, Ms. Gilbert… How nice of you to join us. It's been a long time hasn't it."
Elena halts and closes her eyes for a moment. I'd swear she grew pale. Stefan, Bonnie, Caroline and Jeremy all look up at this point. I put a hand upon Stefan as his eyes react to seeing her. His hands clinch up into fists.
"No." I mouth.
"Won't you please have a seat?" He leans into her ear whispering with severity.
Her eyes open again and she turns.
"Impossible."
"Isn't it?" He says without blinking.
She continues to stand there dumbfounded.
"Sit Elena!" He demands forcing her into a seat.
I bite my lower lip to suppress the sneaky grin. Stefan was in suffering. Jeremy looked crushed. Alaric just looked pissed. I rise up to turn in my paper. Ric looks to me.
"Are you ok?" He whispers.
I simply nod. He looks to my hand as its healing.
"You've got to be fucking joking!" Elena hisses.
Alaric closes his eyes momentarily I could tell it was taking all he had.
And that was it… that very moment was the one Elena decided to expose us all.
My entire body is slammed back across the room. She eyes me with vengeance and I can no longer restrain myself. I felt my eyes grow dark the veins crawling across my face. Every part of me became alive. I grind my teeth together and fly back at her. The students scream out as the war begins. Alaric does his best to get the innocent ones out of the room safely. Once he does this it just leaves me, Elena, Stefan, Jeremy, Bonnie, Caroline and Alaric. A battle Elena simply cannot win.
"You took everything away from me!" She yells in my face as we continue to charge each other about the room destroying anything in our path.
"I did no such thing! You did this to yourself!"
"You took my seat at the cafeteria, my seat next to Stefan, you took my friends, you took Stefan, and now Alaric?!" She turns to Jeremy.
"What about you Jer?"
He shakes his head.
"She's right Elena. This… All this was you're doing…"
She grits her teeth and looks to me.
"My brother… YOU TOOK MY LIFE!"
Stefan grabs her at this point holding her back I snap off one of the legs of a nearby desk. He holds her back giving me the go ahead. Jeremy turns his head. Alaric sighs but stands still. Even Bonnie remains quiet. I go to end it once and for all.
"Not so fast…" I feel a set of arms wrap around me as I'm right at her heart.
"Damon!" Stefan warns angrily.
"Just give me a damn minute." Damon smarts.
Damon turns and rears his head back.
"Ric?"
Ric nods.
I watch as Damon swallows back. I can see it in his eyes the confliction. His best friend was back but this was Damon he didn't think like the rest of us.
"I really did miss a lot didn't I?"
"You sure did buddy."
"Huh…" Damon nods and paces the room looking to each of us.
He turns to me then to Ric.
"So even you can't bring her back?"
Alaric slowly makes his way over. Stefan continues to hold Elena back.
"Look at me Elena." Alaric caresses her cheek and she looks down.
"I said look at me!" He demands forcing her chin up.
"You were never turned off! We both know this. All this Elena! All this was your choice. Why? Just come back to us Elena. Please you can make that choice! You can still have a life!"
"THIS ISN'T A LIFE! THIS IS HELL!"
She screeches breaking out of Stefan's hold. Surprising all of us as Stefan protectively goes to cover me she dives after Alaric. I take notice of Caroline sneaking out of the room. A hint of anger hits me as I witness this. Why would she leave?! After everything she turns her back on us?!
Elena sends Alaric through the chalkboard into the next classroom. My jaw drops and Stefan and Jeremy grab hold of her. However Alaric gets up as though it were nothing. He dusts himself off as though merely annoyed. He walks up to her as they hold her back.
"The irony." Alaric says and I knew it was about to be at Ric's hands this ended.
"WAIT!" Damon shouts and grabs me.
I go to fight this and he has something sharp aimed at my back.
"LET HER GO!" Stefan growls and grabs Elena in a neck snapping position.
Damon twirls me around. His fingers brush through my hair and he winks. My body however is shoved down to the floor. Stefan shoots pass and grabs Damon.
"Gotta trust me brother!" Damon yells shoving him back as Stefan goes to stake him. Damon manages to yank the stake from Stefan's clutch. It was then I realized that Damon was holding me up with no other than a pencil.
I gasp however as I see Elena about to snap her own brother's neck. Damon slams Elena into Alaric's desk and pens her down with his entire body. He uses the stake he took from Stefan and shoves it into Elena's heart. Each of us sharing the same expression as she… Pure shock…
Damon looks upon her and moves her hair out of her face.
"Damon…" She mutters in disbelief.
Stefan puts his arm around me.
"I love you… I'm so fucking sorry. You leave me no choice." He says with actual tears in his eyes.
She begins to cough up blood. Alaric grabs hold of Jeremy hiding his face amongst his chest. Bonnie quietly makes her way over. She takes Damon's hand and nods.
"Bonnie…" Elena pleads.
Bonnie closes her eyes and touches Elena's forehead. Damon then dives the stake in deeper and twist. I close my eyes not expecting my reaction. I mean this is it right? It's finally over? Then why the fuck do I feel the way I do?
I swallow and take a step back. The one person though I didn't expect looks upon me.
"Don't."
He says softly.
"Don't you dare!"
He appears in front of me as Stefan keeps his protective stance next to me. His hold tighter.
"This isn't your doing. This is mine. It was my blood that flowed through her. She was my responsibility. Elena had a choice. Each of us even you…" He turns to Alaric. "Even Ric… couldn't bring her back. She was just far too gone."
I nod but the tears fall anyhow. Why am I crying over freaking ELENA GILBERT? Her words stuck to me like glue. You took everything… I look around realizing she was right.
"Look at me Isabella. You're going to go on. You're going to be fucking happy. You will marry my brother. You will remain in this town and live your life the way it was meant to be."
He looks to Stefan.
"You're lucky. You have someone that will stand by you for eternity. That loves you unconditionally but furthermore kept her sanity through everything. That and well she's one hell of a brawler." He winks at me.
Alaric puts a hand upon Damon's shoulder as Elena's body begins to fall apart becoming nothing but ashes around us.
"Damon…" I say not sure what else to say.
"You and I we're good princess." He says as he turns away.
"By the way Stefan the mansion is yours."
"Where you off to?"
He turns with a smirk.
"Hell there's nothing left for me here."
"You're wrong Damon." I say out of desperation.
I felt as though this entire town was being affected by me. I was splitting up a brotherhood and tore Damon's lover away from him or at least what was left of her anyhow.
"People care about you Damon. You belong here just as much as anyone else here does."
"Relax Isabella… I never said I was staying away permanently. Besides if I don't make an appearance every now and then who will keep loverboy inline? Who knows maybe I'll find my swan…" He winks at Stefan.
"Take care brother."
Stefan nods and like that Damon was gone. So was Elena. My heart however skips a beat as I look back to Jeremy. Alaric's still got his arms around him and is walking him out of the room. Bonnie nods to me a certain way but not one of hostility. She too leaves the room. Leaving just Stefan and I. Stefan picks me up placing me on a nearby desk. He looks me in the eyes then presses his forehead against mine. He then kisses my lips.
"Stefan…"
"Shh… it's over baby. Let's just leave it be. Start from here."
I nod against his chest as he holds me kissing me off and on. I shed a few tears amongst his shirt.
"OK well that's all taken care of."
We both look back to Caroline's voice. I open my mouth in preparation to bitch her out.
"Our secrets all safe."
"You mean…"
She nods with a shrug.
"Well someone had to do something once Alaric sent the other's out word was soon to get out. Can't have that now can we?"
Stefan and I glance upon each other.
"You're crazy you know that?"
"Well you have to be in order to fit in around here."
However Caroline sighs and looks towards the desk where it all took place. A certain sadness resides in her eyes. I take her hand and she forces a smile.
"I'll give you two some space."
She says and pats my hand before she leaves.
We look around the destroyed classroom then back to each other.
"How are you though?" I say looking upon Stefan.
I knew that no matter what sort of brick wall he put up this had to affect him as well.
"I won't lie Bella. It's sad. I still remember the girl I first laid eyes on in the hallway."
I nod accepting this it hurt to hear but Stefan was honest and that's all I ever wanted. I put my hand to his cheek. He kisses it.
"That girl died long before today though. Part of me will miss her. I will always care for that person. Along the same lines in a way I suppose I owe her."
"Owe her?"
He nods putting his arms around me.
"Just as that Edward guy."
Ok now he's lost me.
"If it wasn't for them we'd never have this chance. I love you with every ounce of my being."
The knot in my throat becomes even thicker. I didn't know what else to say. So many lives had been affected some lost some returned.
"I love you too Stefan."
"You two might want to get out of here." Alaric hints as he peers inside the room.
"Caroline's story might not pan out so well if you two are still here."
Stefan takes my hand as I hop down from the desk.
"One more thing…" Alaric says.
We both stop before him.
"Damon was right, I can't believe I'm saying this but you should listen to him."
"I can't believe you just said that either." Stefan admits.
"You two take care. We'll get together soon."
We go to walk away but I turn back once more.
"How's Jeremy?"
"He'll be ok. He just needs some time to heal. He doesn't blame you. Either of you I hope you both know that."
Stefan nods. We turn taking that next crucial step the one leading to not only our future but our friends and family as well.
(One more chapter to come thanks for reading and all the reviews xox Jinx)
