Eloise Trahan was running late. As usual.
Her long, thick brown hair bounced as she carried papers in her arms, having gathered them up last minute in a mad rush around her small studio apartment. Running out the door, she passed by her umbrella, making a quick decision not to grab it, her hands already full as it was.
But the minute she walked outside, she regretted that decision as she looked up into the sky. It wasn't raining...yet. But the wind was fierce and she knew it was only matter of time before the skies unleashed their fury. It was going to be a blustering day so much so she doubted that anybody would venture out for coffee this morning.
She was about a block from her workplace when the skies opened up. "Oh, crap!" Eloise made a run for it. She was blinded by the water splattering on her face, so she wasn't playing much attention to anything but her goal.
So, it was almost inevitable that she ran smacked into a body, pushing her backwards. She would have fallen, but a strong arm reached out to catch her, pulling her back up and setting her solidly upon the ground.
Her papers however were not so lucky, having scattered all over the sidewalk.
"Oh no!" Eloise cried as she rushed to pick them up.
"Do allow me to assist you."
Eloise looked up as an impeccably dressed man with an umbrella was picking up papers. He had brown hair and eyes, stubble on his face. His jaw was set and strong and he was undeniably handsome.
She blushed, frazzled, as he handed her the papers.
"Thanks." She carefully held the limp, soggy papers, praying they would not tear.
He nodded, "Where are you headed? I can accompany you so you do not get any more saturated than you already are."
She smiled then, her blue eyes lighting up, "I doubt that is possible, but I'd appreciate it all the same."
He helped her up as she said, "Lamplight Coffee, about three shops down."
"Come then."
He shielded her with the umbrella as they walked to the shop. Eloise reached for her keys in her bag, shuffling the wet soppy papers to do so. She undid the lock before punching in the alarm code.
"Do you want to come in?" she looked behind her.
He nodded and he came inside with her as she flipped on the lights.
"I seriously doubt anybody will come this early today with the weather, but I was running so late...and I should have grabbed the umbrella, but I didn't realize the weather was going to be this bad this early," she frowned as she began to carefully pry apart the wet soppy papers, praying they wouldn't tear.
"Here," the man shook out his umbrella outside before lowering it and stowing it by the door. He reached for the papers, "Are they important?" he studied the drawings and the childlike handwriting.
Ella ran her hands through her tangled mop of wet hair, absently, "To an eight year old, I'd say they are very important," Eloise said, putting her hand on a forehead. "They worked weeks on this. Do you know how hard it is to get a second grader to write anything coherent?"
"I wouldn't say I do," he began to separate the papers, his ring sparkling in the light. "Is it very hard?"
"Yes, it can be next to impossible. I should have never brought them. I just thought I could get some grading done if it was a slow day and I am behind on my grading."
"Are you a teacher then?" he asked, beginning to carefully place the papers apart on the tables.
"I teach second grade," Eloise stuck out her hand, "Eloise Trahan. Most people call me Ella though."
"Elijah Mikaelson," he shifted the papers to one hand, taking hers in his, "It's nice to make your acquaintance...albeit under such unfortunate circumstances."
She looked at him, "I'm sure it seems silly to most people, that this is upsetting, but..."
"No. You take your work seriously. It is a good quality to have."
She smiled at his understanding, "Oh, gosh, I'm getting water all over the floor."
"Ah, yes," Elijah looked down, "You are creating quite the mess."
"I have spare clothes in the back. I need to start the espresso machine."
"You go change and I will work on separating these papers and drying them out."
She let out a long breath, "Thank you. I'll be back in a minute."
"Take your time."
She went and changed into a navy blue and white pinstriped sundress that she had in the back and flipflops. Not appropriate for the weather, but it was all she had. She tied an apron around her and as she walked out, pulled her hair up into a very messy bun on top of her head.
"How are they?" Ella asked as she flipped on the machine.
"I do not know if they can be salvaged." Elijah had taken off his overcoat off, shaking it off and draping it over a chair. He had rolled up his sleeves and began to carefully spread the papers over the cafe tables to dry, careful not to overlap them.
Ella bit her thumb, her forehead creased in worry. "I guess there is nothing that can be done."
"Maybe it will not be as bad as we think."
She forced a smile, "Maybe not. We can hope for the best. Do you want some coffee? My treat, for all your help."
"I'd love some...a cappuccino, if you would join me."
"I doubt there will be many customers so I would love to join you."
She busied herself making the drinks, cappuccino for Elijah, a latte with two shots of vanilla for her, before sliding into the chair across from Elijah. "Mikaelson. I feel like I have heard that name before."
"My family has a long history in New Orleans, but my brother, sister and I recently returned."
She nodded, "I am not from the city, but went to College here and stayed. My friends scattered though."
"And yet you stayed?"
"There is something compelling about this place. Well, and the fact, the city needs teachers. It's hard to keep them here. The kid are sweet enough, though some are a bit odd. And I got involved at St. Anne's...found a home there, well, before..." she paused and took a sip of her drink, "everything that happened."
"Ah, I heard of that."
"I knew him. He was the most gentle soul...a friend. He is the one that took me to St. Anne's to begin with, even though I am not Catholic, I found a home there. And then he decided to take his vows and then..." Eloise shuttered. "He was a good friend. And...it was like he was possessed to do such a thing. There is a darkness that is in this city, I just...I stay for the children."
"A noble cause."
"And I try to keep busy...which is why I work here as well. I'm afraid I am quite boring though. Not big into the party scene, but I do love the music and the festivals...I keep to myself, it's just easier that way." She forced a smile.
"But you are lonely."
"A little," Eloise admitted. She took another long sip of her latte.
"I have been lonely before. But thankfully, I have my family...they do keep me busy."
"Family drama?"
Elijah gave a small smile, "You could say that."
Eloise laughed. "Why do I find that to be a bit of an understatement?"
"Perhaps, because it is," Elijah responded. "Why is it that you do not get out? You are young, beautiful...this city would have so much to offer you."
"Well," Eloise blushed, "I am a bit introverted to tell you the truth."
"You do not seem that way to me."
"Around crowds, I'm uncomfortable. It's like I don't know what to say or how to be sure in my own skin. I'm afraid I'm much more comfortable inside with a cozy book and blanket. Honestly, I am a bit of a nerd."
Elijah look at her intently, "You say that as if it is a negative trait."
"Isn't it?" Ella titled her head, challenging. "Most men seem to think so."
"I wouldn't say so," Elijah answered, easily, "I often find solace in a good piece of literature."
"Do you?" She smiled. "Okay, then. Favorite book?"
"Heart of Darkness."
"Conrad," Eloise held her coffee mug between her hands. "Interesting choice."
"Yours?"
"Crime and Punishment."
"Dostoevsky," Elijah took the measure of her, "Surely not."
"Oh, I loved it."
He looked at her skeptically, "Do tell."
"The relationship between Sonja and Raskolnikov. It's so redemptive. Better than any love story."
"And that is what you loved about it?"
"Among other things," Ella took another sip. "Then there is the Great Gatsby."
"Fitzgerald. Living vicariously?" he said, amused.
"No, if I could live vicariously in any novel, that would be Pride and Prejudice."
He chuckled then, "I see. What others do you enjoy?"
"Streetcar named Desire. Count of Monte Cristo. Jane Eyre."
"Anything modern?"
"I don't want to give you the wrong impression as I do love a good chicklit," Eloise admitted, a pretty blush creeping on her features.
"Naturally." He continued to observe her, in a causal way, and her blush deepened.
"I told you I was a nerd." Eloise said, almost shyly, the color still heightened despite of the gooseflesh on her arms.
He looked at her intently for a moment, hesitated and then reached across the table to lightly run the back of his fingers over her cheek, "Do not be afraid of being too drab, Eloise."
"It must seem very much so to you."
"What makes you say so?" he dropped his hand.
"I can tell...you have been places..."
"You are very astute to ascertain that after only a few minutes in my company."
"Am I wrong?" she titled her head, a challenge in her eyes.
"No, you are not."
"And yet you returned here."
"As you said...there is something compelling about New Orleans."
"Where have you traveled?"
"Everywhere. Where have you been?"
"I went to Vienna a while back with my college roommates."
"Ah, Vienna. The music. The cafes. The art."
"I loved it. But other than that, I am afraid I haven't been many places. I want to...but teacher's salary and all." she shrugged.
"Where would you go?"
"Italy next. Then Paris."
He nodded his approval, "Everyone should go to Paris."
"London." Eloise got a far off look in her eyes, "I have so many travel books. One day."
"I have no doubt you have many adventures ahead of you."
"You have spent a half an hour with me and you know what already?" Eloise challenged, her head titled.
"I do think so," He stood, "it has been a pleasure, Eloise, but I must be going."
She stood with him and began to gathered their mugs.
"Eloise?" Elijah put his coat back on, and waited for her to look up and meet her eyes. "You are not wrong. There is darkness in this city. You would do well to take care."
Ella nodded. "I will. But being a hermit makes it so I don't have much opportunity to get into trouble."
Elijah smiled, "Even so. Take care of yourself."
"I will do that."
"Goodbye then," he reached for his umbrella and left.
It was an hour later that a long package arrived via messenger.
"Thank you," Ella said, absently, to the messenger as she unfolded the note that accompanied it.
Eloise,
I am rarely wrong. You will travel the world one day and see all the wonder for yourself. In the meantime, I thought you could use this. It is supposed to rain all day.
Regards,
E. Mikaelson
She opened the box and then smiled. A sweater and a long umbrella.
She smiled, shrugging on her sweater before stowing the umbrella by the door.
"Allow me." Elijah handed money to the vendor before reaching for the large bunch of sunflowers the vendor had held for Ella.
"Elijah!" Ella grinned when she saw who had paid for her flowers. "It's so great to see you. It's been a while!"
"Yes, I was indisposed for a few weeks, but I am better now." He handed Eloise the flowers. "Here you are. I do think they suit you."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you," Ella smiled at him. "How are you doing?"
"I'm well."
"Are you enjoying the festival?" The crowd bumped into her and Elijah gripped her arm and lead her through the crowds, "I am. There is nothing quite like it."
"Coming from you, that's quite a recommendation."
"And how about yourself? Are you enjoying the day?"
"I am. It's such a beautiful afternoon," Ella twisted her hair off the nape of her neck with her free hand, "If not a little humid."
Eloise looked at the art work, which was a bizarre mix of impressionist and neoclassical. "What do you think of that?" Eloise leaned and whispered in Elijah's ear, almost mischievously.
Elijah hushed her and put his finger to his lips, guiding her away.
His hand reached for her arm before he leaned in her ear, the crowds swarming around her, "It was hideous."
She laughed, "But I wanted a painting for my wall. It might add a bit of character."
"Surely we can do better than that," Elijah said, amused. "My brother paints, you know."
"Is he better than that?" She asked, with a hand on her hip.
"Marginally so," Elijah said, dryly and Eloise laughed.
"Surely he is."
"Yes, he is. He can be quite good at times." Elijah pulled her down an alley filled with more booths but less crowds.
"Ms. Trahan!" Two little girls ran up to her, excited to see their beloved teacher. "Ms. Trahan! Ms. Trahan! Ms. Trahan!"
"Olivia. Audrey. Hello, my darlings!" Eloise grinned widely as she scooped down, the bottom of her flared jean shirt brushing the ground. "I'm so happy to see you both!" She put an arm around each, taking care not to crush her flowers, "Are you having fun?"
"We are!" Audrey said, a big smile on her face.
"That's awesome! What have you been doing?"
"I got my face painted." Audrey turned to show Eloise the rainbow on her face.
"Oh, I love it!" Eloise said, "What did you get on your face, Olivia?"
Olivia shyly turned her face, "A kitty."
"Oh my. I love it! Should I get my face painted?" she asked, almost conspiratorially.
"Oh yes!" Audrey responded, "Maybe those flowers! What are they?"
"These?" Eloise showed the young girl, "They are sunflowers. Aren't they pretty?"
"Oh, yes. Who is that?" Olivia asked.
She turned to where Olivia was pointing, "That's Mr. Mikaelson. Can you say hello?"
"Hello." The kids quietly said, somewhat shyly.
Elijah bent down to ask, "Do you mind?" he reached for the flowers.
"Of course not, what a great idea," Eloise said as Elijah carefully took two flowers out a bunch and handed one to each girl.
"It's very nice to meet you both," he said, formally.
"Thank you," each girl said, shyly.
"Ms. Trahan!" Olivia said, "I almost forgot! I made this for you." She pulled out a multicolored beaded bracelet. "Mama said it will give you protection when you need it." She reached to tie the ends around Eloise's wrist. Eloise felt a small tingle when she did, but she was sure she was just imagining it.
"I love it," Ella said, her hand on Olivia's head, "Thank you, Olivia. I will love it forever. Have fun today. I'll see you Monday. We will write about your weekend adventures."
"Will you write about him?" Audrey asked. "In yours, Ms. Trahan?"
Ella looked back at Elijah, "Maybe. We'll see."
"You won't drop our writings this time in puddles, will you Ms. Traham?" Audrey asked, her forehead creasing. She looked at Elijah, "It was an accident though."
"Of course it was so," Elijah nodded, seriously. "I do not doubt it."
"I promise I will not. We learn from our mistakes, right? And grow from them. Even me." Ella said, with a smile.
"Even you!" the girls repeated together.
"Okay, off you go, you two. Have lots of fun."
"We will! Bye, Ms. Trahan."
"Bye ladies."
The two hopped off and Eloise straightened and turned to Elijah. "They are charming."
"They are very sweet girls," she lifted her hair again, "God, it's so hot." she said as they turned another corner.
Elijah nodded, the crowds pushing them along.
"Come," Elijah pulled her into a nearby pub. "Do you want a drink?" he paused, Eloise's eyes adjusting to the dark, "Forgive me," he said at the look that came across her face, "You do drink, do you not?"
"Not often," Ella said. "But surprise me."
"Go find us a table," Elijah said. He went to the bar and ordered their drinks. He delivered them to their table a few minutes later.
"What is it?" Ella eyed it.
"Vodka and Cranberry. Good for alcohol virgins among other kinds."
Ella blushed further as Elijah took off his coat, draping over the chair.
"How is it possible that you are so innocent in this city?" He raised an eyebrow, his eyes studying her, "Forgive me, I've embarrassed you."
"No," Eloise took a sip, "This is refreshing, thank you."
"So are you, Eloise. Those children adore you. I'm not surprised." He watched her take another long sip. "Do pace yourself." He took a drink of his whisky. "I make you nervous." he commented.
"No. Yes." She laughed, "Honestly, I don't know. Maybe a little embarrassed that I am so inexperienced at life."
"Surely not so on my account."
She shrugged and then nervously shook her flipflop off her foot. "Sorry."
Elijah eyes were kind as he suppressed an amused chuckle. "Do not fear. I have no desire to destroy your innocence, Eloise. But you do intrigue me." He pulled out a ticket from his pocket. "Opera ticket for tonight. Will you come with me?"
She nodded. "I'd love to."
"May I pick you up?"
"Let me have your phone."
He reached into his shirt pocket, handing her his phone. She entered her contact information and sent herself a text.
"I will text you the address."
Elijah drained his drink and then reached for his suit coat. "No flip flops." He poked at her shoulder once.
"I wouldn't dare." She gave him a bright smile and Elijah's heart stilled.
"Enjoy the festival and the rest of your drink."
"See you tonight, Elijah."
"Tonight." She watched him leave before she pulled out her phone and dialed a number.
"Cami? It's Ella. I need a favor."
Elijah waited at the door, politely as Eloise slipped out, shutting it behind. "I'd invite you in, but it's a mess."
"I understand," he said as she locked up and slipped the keys into her clutch which she held in her hands along with a black wrap. He surveyed her, a hand tapping his chin, contemplatively. "You look lovely, Eloise."
She was wearing a two toned dress- the top was white, sleeveless, dipping down into a v neck. It was structured to hit the jeweled sparkling belt perfectly. The black skirt flowed down to the floor- hiding her sequenced ever practical ballet flats. A black sparkly headband adored her head as she swept it up somewhat messy bun.
Eloise blushed. "You look surprised."
"You mistake me. I am not surprised in the least."
"It was a combined effort. I recently met Sean's sister. She has become a friend and she saved the day. I'm afraid there are alot of teacher dresses in my closet." She said, fighting the introverted tendencies that were all the sudden coming over her.
Elijah reached out to lightly touch her arm, sensing her reserve. "Shall we go?"
They went down the steps and out into the night.
"I have my car. We will drive there." He pointed in the direction of the black porche.
Eloise nodded and Elijah opened the door and she slid in and Elijah shut the door before heading for the other side. He settled in before reaching for a book that was on the console.
"Before I forget, I found this for you. It's a rare edition of a little known Fitzgerald work. I thought you might want to give it a read. Tell me what you think." He handed her the book.
Eloise's mouth dropped, "Good Lord. How did you get this?" she asked as she flipped through the yellowed pages.
"I have my ways," Elijah said, "I think you will like it...and you may even choose the twenties to live vicariously through."
"I'm sure I will enjoy it, thank you," Eloise said, "This is amazing." She put the book in her lap and turned her head, "So you are feeling better?"
"Much more like myself," Elijah said.
"I didn't ever thank you for the sweater and umbrella."
"You're welcome."
Eloise was definitely more relaxed, the book breaking the ice and she and Elijah chatted easily the entire trip to the opera and in the box before the performance began. Every thing from books, music, to travel...Eloise soaked up Elijah's wealth of knowledge and Elijah found Eloise to be completely charming.
The opera started and Eloise was enthralled, moved to tears by the story...the tragedy unfolding.
At intermission, Elijah reached over to touch her hand, lightly.
"Tell me of your history with Sean O'Connell."
Eloise looked at him, startled. "We were very good friends. Honestly, I had a bit of a crush on him. But he wasn't interested. Obviously."
"How is that obvious?" Elijah studied her, intently, "How have you not dated?"
"I'm awkward. Can't you tell?" She asked, a small smile.
"I do not deny it, but not as much as you think you are. And I think that is not the reason."
"I don't have random sex. Like at all."
"Obviously."
She blushed at his intense gaze and then shrugged, "How am I supposed to know why?"
"If your only crime is being too innocent...too sweet...too full of light, then perhaps, you have just not met the right person, Eloise. The person willing to understand you. The person patient enough to see you for who you are."
"Maybe not." She said, "You do know I am no where close to being your type."
Elijah raised an eyebrow, "And yet, here you are."
"Why am I here?"
"As I said this afternoon, you intrigue me."
She looked deep into his brown eyes, their eyes linking for a few moments, before Eloise tore her eyes away.
"Forgive me, Eloise," Elijah murmured. "I shouldn't have said anything. Let us just enjoy our evening."
"It's fine," Eloise reached for her wrap, "It's cold in here." She paused, "You challenging me isn't a bad thing."
He gave her a small smile, "You have spirit, Eloise. You need to be challenged more often."
She twisted the bracelet on her arm, absently. "I forgot to take this off."
Elijah reached for her arm, "May I see it?"
She nodded and he studied it.
"Olivia was sweet to make it for me. She has had a rough time lately."
"Oh, how is that?" Elijah fiddled with her bracelet, his fingers moving the beads.
"It's just a bracelet, you know" Eloise said, watching him, "Do you think it has some magical powers or something?"
"No, of course," He released her arm, "How has she had a hard time?"
"Her sister is missing. It's been a few months, but it hit her hard."
"Missing?"
"Yes, it was after three other girls lost their sisters in a tragic car accident."
"You don't say" Elijah murmured. "How tragic."
"It's awful. She is struggling so much. I was glad to see her smiling some today."
"What's her sister's name?"
"Davina Claire." She studied him, "Do you know her?"
Elijah shook his head, "No. I do not. But I can ask around. If you'd like."
"I'd like that alot. Thank you."
"You are very welcome." Elijah said. "Oh, look, it's starting again."
The lights went down and Eloise began to be captivated again by the story, her hand absently rubbing the beads on her wrist as she watched. Elijah looked at her and then gently reached to put his fingers over hers, stilling them. She looked over at him, but when she did, his eyes were on the show.
He didn't attempt to move his hand.
"Where have you been?" Rebekah asked when Elijah returned home.
"The opera."
Rebekah looked surprised, "I would have gone with you. Klaus as well."
"I thought it was better to keep low."
"Did you go by yourself?" Rebekah questioned, drinking a glassful of blood.
"No, I had company."
"oh?" Rebekah raised an eyebrow, "Do tell, brother."
He raised an eyebrow and reached for Rebekah's glass, taking a long sip.
When he didn't respond, she reached back for her glass. "A vampire or a witch?"
"Neither."
Klaus came in a few minutes later, "I saw you at the festival today, brother."
"After weeks in a coffin, I felt that I deserved a bit of fresh air."
"And company?" Klaus asked.
"Is that a problem, brother?" Elijah tapped his fingers against the table, "You had company as well."
"I had run into a friend."
"I had as well."
Rebekah stood, "Now, brothers, let us not quarrel over it. Both of you can keep company from time to time. God knows some of us should have fun." She went over and kissed both of her brothers on the cheek, "And as Elijah said, he was cooped up for weeks."
"I will not quarrel with you, brother," Elijah said, "Only to say, the company I kept, she is innocent to this all. I dare say even you would like her."
"Very well, brother, I know I have much to atone for. I will not object if you wish for a diversion."
"Thank you, brother," Elijah said, reaching back for Rebekah's drink and draining it, "By the way, I do hope you do not mind, but I borrowed your Fitzgerald book."
Klaus raised an eyebrow, "You are quite taken then."
"I am intrigued..." Elijah retorted, and he held up his hand. "and that is all I will say on the matter, brother, so do not press me further."
Klaus smirked, the tension easing between the brothers.
But he said no more.
A/N: So this story follows cannonish, with a few exceptions (new characters). Up next: Ella visits St. Anne's and finds several surprises.