Chapter 9

The day had come to take Ottilie for a check-up at the hospital. The brothers had done a lot of research into her condition. Stefan had taken to reading his old medical textbooks, whilst Damon had laughed at him, and turned to the internet for advice. Ultimately, they knew they'd have to take Ottilie to the hospital for a proper check.

'I don't understand why we're here,' she said to Damon, as they entered the imposing building. 'We aren't ill, are we?' He shook his head.

'No sweetheart, nobody's ill. You know your scar on your chest? We just need to make sure that it's all okay.' She nodded, trusting him.

The appointment went smoothly, and Damon and Stefan held her hands throughout the uncomfortable bits, hating that she was in pain or discomfort. At last, the tests were over and the doctor sat them all down. 'Well, Ottilie, it's a pleasure to have met you. I'm pleased to tell you that there is nothing wrong with your heart that requires immediate treatment.' Damon let out a breath that he didn't know he'd been holding. 'However,' continued the doctor. 'It is vital that we keep an eye on you with regular visits here. You have a condition called Long QT syndrome, and triggers like stress or fright can set it off. You'll feel your heart beat very quickly and you might faint or have a seizure. Has this happened to you before?' he asked kindly. Ottilie nodded. 'It's not surprising, my dear.' Stefan swallowed. This was a lot to take it. 'Is there anything we can do?' he asked. The doctor smiled at him.

'Presently, I'm not inclined to do anything except avoid the triggers that could cause an attack. She needs to avoid stress, sudden noise and strenuous exercise. If she has an attack, her heartbeat should return to normal within a few minutes. If it doesn't, you'll need to call an ambulance as she could go into cardiac arrest.' Damon's jaw dropped. 'Oh please don't panic. It's very rare for that to happen. As I said, we will keep an eye on her, and if we deem it necessary, we can start her on medication. She's so young at the moment that I'm loath to do that.' The brothers nodded and Stefan held Ottilie's hand a little tighter. They thanked the doctor, taking the information booklets he'd given them, and went home. Ottilie was very quiet. 'Are you okay sweetheart?' asked Stefan gently. She nodded slowly, and her eyes filled with tears. 'I understand if you don't want me anymore,' she whispered, trying not to cry. 'I can go back if you want me to.' Stefan and Damon crouched down to her level. Damon put his fingers under her chin and lifter her head to look straight into her eyes. 'Ottilie, please don't ever think that. We love you for who you are, and we are going to take care of you. Forever. Do you understand?' she nodded tearfully.

'Come here, baby' said Stefan, and he pulled her into a hug, feeling her little heart flutter against his chest as she sobbed. 'Shall we go and make some food?' he asked and felt her nod.

Later that night, Stefan and Damon were talking about Ottilie. She was upstairs, sleeping soundly. 'We should tell the others,' said Stefan. 'It's important they know what to look out for.' Damon nodded.

'We will tell them while she's at school tomorrow' he replied.

Stefan and Damon gathered at the grill with their friends, and told them about Ottilie's heart condition. They were met with concerned eyes and questions. 'So she just needs to stay calm and relaxed?' asked Caroline. Damon nodded. 'Shouldn't be too difficult…' she said. The Mikaelsons were quiet. 'This is worrisome indeed,' said Elijah. 'Oh to be human and fragile.' Klaus smiled, however, and said,

'Ah yes, but don't forget, she's got the strongest people live looking out for her. She just doesn't know it.' The group laughed, relieved that the tense conversation had come to an end. Only one person didn't join in. 'Great,' thought Elena. 'Now they'll have even less time for me. Well that's going to have to change.'