Chapter 8 - Meeting Alaric, Girl time and Logan what?

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Gilbert Residence

Monday

Okay, so Stefan and Damon have been overprotective since our trip to New Orleans, they were over yesterday to make sure I didn't do anything 'reckless' because apparently you're not supposed to speak your mind and tell someone that they're an asshole if they're stronger then you or some bullshit like that.

Unfortunately, I'll always tell someone if I think they're an asshole for better or worse regardless. Just like I informed both boys that they're 'being annoying overprotective brats.' Yes BRATS.

I'm up early because I have school . .honestly I'm just glad that I'm taking enough art classes to make me feel somewhat happy about going.

Today I'm wearing a pair of flared pants with holes in them and a green tank top top with one of my brothers zipper hoodies and a pair of combat boots. Besides . . .Guy sweater = bigger = more comfort and I also won't have to worry about being leered at so much.

"JERE, it's time to get ready for school." I say as I walk down the hall. Besides I am actually going to get Caroline her vervain tattoo today, lord knows her mom isn't protecting her. .

Maybe I'll even make Lockwood get one, but then I'd probably make him suspicious so I may have to not do that.

"Hey Lena" Jeremy says while walking into the kitchen.

"Hey Jere-bear." I say all chirpy as I'm trying to teach Aunty Jenna how to cook breakfast.

We already mixed the ingredients so that's good.

Oh good lord. "No Aunty, you don't try to flip it yet, it hasn't even been on the pan for a minute yet." I say exasperated. "Wait until the top starts to bubble a little bit Aunty."

"Okay, okay, I can learn this, I can do this, I'm just learning to cook from my niece who is actually 28 plus 17 sorta years old yeah, that's what I'm doing, I got this" she says while trying to encourage herself.

Me and Jeremy look at each other and try muffle our laughter. She looks at us and playfully narrows her eyes and says "I'm watching you two."

Then we both can't help but burst into laughter. God we love her!

After a few minutes all the pancakes are done and we've eaten. Me and Jere have our bags and now we're ready for school! Yahoo. . . Not really... but yeah.

I had already let Caroline and Bonnie know that after school I plan on taking them both somewhere.

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Mystic Falls High School

I arrived at the school. Quietly I'm singing I Will Follow by Art of Dying as I'm walking to my locker, of course I'm aware that Stefan isn't to far away and can hear me and possibly Lockwood since for some reason once I arrived two minutes ago he's practically attached himself to my side.

Maybe I should get a baby carrier to lug him around in.

Considering I've been ignoring him since he did so I'll admit that I'm quite surprised that he's still beside me.

Then again that's probably why Stefan has a scowl on his face. He just can't let someone else walk with his almost exact Katherine faced replica (considering my eyes and hair are a different color because I died and now I'm her or something.)

I open my locker and turn slightly as I get my things in, and Lockwood is still there. Hmm. I stop singing quietly and put my things away. I turn to him fully with my hand on my hip and curiously ask "Do you need something Lockwood?"

"I'd like to talk with you privately actually." He says sheepishly.

I blink. . . Huh? "Why?" I ask hesitantly.

"It's, it's. . " he looks around, I follow his eyes as his eyes land on Stefan and then they both narrow eyes at each other. So he doesn't want to be overheard. Lovely.

What the fuck is going on with these guys?

I raise an eyebrow and turn back to Tyler. He groans, then he grabs my hand and drags me into an empty classroom and locks the door then turns back to me. I'm to curious to run off anyways soo.. maybe this'll be interesting.

I raise an eyebrow at him again and sit in a chair and wait for him to talk. He fidgets. "You were attacked by a vampire on Halloween and uh, saved by vampires, one of which goes to school here " he says hesitantly as if he expects me to deny it.

I don't "Yes." I say without hesitation. Honestly, he's going to find out anyways and I don't want Tyler Lockwood on my ass wanting to kill me. Well, not that I'd mind if he killed me, it's just revenge for revenge sake is boring and I'd rather be bluntly honest or honestly confusing them without any real answers.

He blinks at me "You didn't deny it."

"Nope" I say simply.

He's quiet now, then says. "Stefan is a Vampire"

Then the bell rings.

"Yup," I say , I go to the door and I unlock it, I'm about to step out when I feel Tyler's hand around my bicep.

He looks a bit unsure about himself and asks hesitantly "Does he, do they uh, do they hurt you?"

"No, of course not." I say staring back at him.

"Are you safe?" He asks almost urgently, his grip becoming slightly painful, but I don't make a sound.

I look at him confused and ask with frowned brows "Why wouldn't I be?"

"You were attacked by a vampire Elena and Stefan and his brother. . ."Tyler starts to say, his voice laced with worry.

I hold back a laugh not understanding what he's getting at, I was attacked, so what? And I know a few. . They're not to bad, sometimes annoy but not to bad. I raise my brow at him again "So what?" I ask.

He looks at me his face shows even more worry "So what?" He whispers out, oh he looks a little pissed now, his grip is painful on me now, like he's trying hard not to snap and his hold on me is keeping him from loosing it. . "So what?" He snaps out "You, you could've been hurt, or killed or, or something . . ."

"I'm fine," I say, my brows frowning again, god what is with him? I feel him loosen his grip on me, he doesn't let go though. I hold back a sigh, I'm getting to used to being grabbed like this here. Wherever here actually is. Dead? Alive/coma? Whatever.

"We're going to be late, we've been here for most of first period now." I tell him. Really first period is almost over already, I bet Bonnie and Caroline and Stefan won't be happy about me missing first period.

I hear him sigh, then his grip tightens on my bicep again for a second. don't know what he's so worried about.

I take a deep breath, I won't mention that when he grips me that tightly it hurts, and ask "Why are you so worried Tyler?"

His grip loosens now but he doesn't let go "What if you. . . what if you get hurt?" He asks me, almost bashful. Huh. Guys are weird.

I let out a long sigh and say "I'm not afraid of getting hurt Tyler." His grip tightens again. But he doesn't say anything. God it's like playing ping pong just with my bicep and his gigantic hand.

It shall be called 'Giant hand vs Small Bicep' we'll have a tournament and everything. Sarcasm.

"Don't worry about me Tyler, I'm a big girl, you can let go now. I understand you're worried about the safety of the people . . ."

"No" he snaps, he pulls me closer to him. I wonder if his wolf trying to come out? It not being activated makes them more irritated and angry if I remember correctly. "I'm not worried about the others Elena." His face is in an angry scowl, and so very close to a growl. He grabs my other bicep and so far is gladly keeping me almost an arms distance away.

I tilt my head to the side and blink and blink again, I think, I don't think I understand. With as much talent as I can muster I say "Huh?"

"I'm, I'm worried about you okay." He says snaps at me harshly, as he drags me a little closer to him and shakes me lightly. Is he on something?

"Tyler, uh, Lockwood, are you sick? You didn't. . Uh. , you haven't take any drugs have you?" I ask reaching my hand up to check his forehead to see if he has a fever.

He barks out a laugh, a long winded laugh and he lets go of my biceps. Then he shakes his head and crosses his arms then says seriously. . "No, no I'm not."

I nod, then ask with a tilted head "Are you a pod person then? Or possibly possessed?"

He sighs and runs his hand over his face in I'm assuming exasperation. "No, God Elena I'm just worried about you." He snaps, his eyes upset and worried. Poor guy.

"Huh" I say stupidly. Then the bell rings, Thank God. Then I run out of the room as fast as I can to my locker to get ready for second period.

What is going on with him. . . Isn't he supposed to stay a total ass for awhile longer or something?

I see him walk towards me and to avoid another confrontation I look around and I see Caroline! Yes!

"Caroline" I shout out with a wave and a smile.

She looks over me critically. "Since when do you dress like this?" She asks curiously. Honestly? Since ever but I can't tell her that.

"New style, it's nice and comfortable you know and I have less people looking at me." I tell her.

She nods then says "it's because you normally don't wear things like this, it's not your usual style. You've changed so much since the year started." She said kind of sadly. Oh hun, it's because I'm not her.

I smile sadly at her "it's okay Care, I like dressing like this, it's simple and I feel less on display you know."

Caroline looks at me again. "Something bad happened to you huh?" She asks worriedly.

She's a sweetie, really. "Nothing happened to me Care." I tell her.

She narrows her eyes at me "You're lying to me."

I nod "I'm lying to you."

"Why?" She demands. I blankly stare at her.

I release a sigh, I've been doing that a lot lately, "I'll tell you the truth someday." She looks over my face for a lie and nods.

She nods and agrees "Someday."

Caroline then fidgets and says nervously "I like Matt."

I blink and nod then say excitedly, "Awww! That's so cute, does he like you too? You two would be so adorable!" I say to while basically cooing at her.

She laughs a little and asks "Are you sure it's okay for me to like him?"

I nod furiously "Damn right it is, you can like whoever you want Hun."

We arrive in class for second period. Stefan is curiously looking between me and Caroline. Tyler is trying to discretely listen in as well. God they're all like stalking eavesdroppers now or something.

"We're getting you a tattoo after school." I tell her.

We sit down next to each other. Stefan is a few sets over and Tyler is huh . . In front of me now I guess.

Now she blinks at me, "Why"

I tell her "To help keep you safe. I have everything ready for it too."

"How will a tattoo do that?" She asks curiously.

"I'll explain it to you at a later time, preferably not at school okay?" I ask her.

She nods "okay"

We both turn are attention back to the teacher as I try to ignore Stefan's eyes burning into the side of my head. I don't understand what's going on with him. . .

After second period third was art but I'm the only person I know except Jeremy who takes this class and he has it later on.

Before history class Bonnie and Caroline are standing with me.

"Bonnie, I'm taking Caroline to get a tattoo after school. Do you want to come?" I ask her.

She has her thinking face on. Then she nods and smiles "Alright, I'll come with."

School continues to pass, and now it's history class I guess.

Mr. Alaric walks in and says "Good Morning everyone. Alrighty."

Then Mr. Alaric proceeds to write his name on the chalkboard. Elena has her head down on the table but her eyes are watching him carefully.

Alaric then turns to the class and says, "Alaric Saltzman. It's a mouthful, I know. Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Saltzman is of German origins. My family emigrated here in 1755 to Texas. I, however, was born and raised in Boston. Now the name Alaric belongs to a very dead great-grandfather I will never be able to thank enough. You'll probably want to pronounce "Alaric" but it's "Alaric," okay? So, you can call me Rick. I'm your new history teacher."

Ugghhh, how exciting I think sarcastically. But at least I won't be bored right?

Besides I like Alaric, he's a good guy for Jenna. . . Or I could try to hook her up with Lijah, but then I'm all for whatever as long as Aunt Jenna is safe and happy.

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Elena's car

Caroline and Bonnie are in my car now as we're driving.

I turn to Caroline and say "The tattoo will have vervain in the ink, it'll help keep you from being compelled."

Caroline frowns her brow "compelled by what?" She asks confused.

"Vampires" Bonnie says bluntly. I nod my head.

"Is this a prank?" She asks curiously, her eyes narrowed.

I snort out a laugh and say "Nope, you'll understand, but this'll help keep you safe."

"Okay" Caroline agrees, probably more so to amuse me but whatever.

(We know ink stays in vampire skin, because Stefan has tattoos, we also know that while vervain can burn them that it'll stay in the body and that it can become tolerable and also make a vampire immune to it. So hopefully with the vervain in the ink and in her skin that even with the originals coming she shouldn't be able to be compelled. Considering the changes that have been made I want to make sure that hopefully Caroline will be safe from compulsion even as a vampire.)

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Tattoo parlor

We walk in. Caroline is checking the tattoos available as I walk up to the tattooist at the desk and say that the person who is here will be getting a tattoo with vervain in the ink. She nods her head and walks over to Caroline.

"Ma'am, what type of tattoo would you like?" The lady asks Caroline.

"Something small please." Caroline says politely.

About an hour later we leave and Caroline has a small flower on her leg.

It suits her.

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I dropped both Bonnie and Caroline at their respective homes.

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Gilbert Residence

After I get inside I see Aunt Jenna looking very happy and I notice Jeremy isn't at home yet.

"So, How was your day Aunty?" I ask her.

She smiles brightly and said "I met your English teacher, he's very good looking you know, much better personality then Tanner had and he's actually giving Jeremy a chance to improve his grades!" She exclaims very excited.

"I'm glad Aunty! You deserve to be happy and Jeremy definitely deserves a better chance to improve his grades in that class!" I say feeling happy for them.

There's a knock at the door and Jenna goes to open it ... not long after I hear my Aunt say "Logan" in shock. Fuck

I walk over and also say "Logan" my arms are crossed, I'm not happy he's here.

He ignores me, looking at my Aunt Jenna. "Gonna let me in Jenna?" He asks her.

Aunt Jenna shakes her head. I walk up beside her and then I push her behind me, keeping her from Logan's view and farther from the threshold.

Did I forget to tell her we suspected that he was turned? Fuck, fuck, fuck. . .

"My Aunt isn't going to let you in" I tell him sternly.

He looks into my eyes and says "Let me in"

I laugh, "Not a chance hunny, you touch my Aunt and I'll kill you" I finish saying with a snarl, no one will fuck with my family if I can do anything about it.

He snarls at me, his vamp face comes out, of course he can't go in, he hasn't been invited in. But the next thing I see is Stefan behind him and he quickly snaps Logan's neck. Stefan is looking at me intently now and it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. . .

I release a sigh and say conversationally "Hi Stranger, pleasant night it is yes?" What else am I supposed to say?

"You're a danger magnet, it's a good thing we've been checking up on the house, you could've been hurt." Stefan tells me sternly as if he's scolding a child then he picks up Logan's non-dead but dead-body and took off. So dramatic ugh.

I roll my eyes and then I hear a key in the back door and as I go over towards it I see Jeremy enter the house.

"Hey Jere!" I say happily.

He smiles at me, "Hey Lena"

"What's up Jere?" I ask him.

"I'm going to be writing my English paper for Mr. Saltzman about Vampires" he says.

Aunty walks over to us and I give my Aunty Jenna a big hug, she has a creepy Ex-who's a vampire right now she needs hugs. I tell Jeremy "Log-amp came for a visit"

"Log-amp?" He asks questioningly.

I hear Aunt Jenna quietly snickering at our name for him as she continues working on her collage stuff and day dreaming about Mr. Alaric.

"Yup, Logan Vamp is here." I tell him.

"Fuck" he says feeling frustrated.

I nod in agreement "Yup, Fuck. But I have already put liquid vervain in Aunt Jenna's shampoo, her perfumes, her laundry detergent too and I also put the powdered vervain in her coffee grounds. Hopefully the smell of it will repel the vamps"

Aunt Jenna's head snaps towards me and asks curiously, "You really did all that? Already? To keep me safe?"

I smile softly at her and say "Of course I did, I put it in a lot of Jeremy's stuff, but like I said the tattoos will keep you un-compellable anyways because it's literally in your body."

I pause and say in warning to both of them "I wouldn't go around telling anyone though, I'd imagine the sadistic ones would find that an exciting challenge."