March 4.
Cherith woke up with a small yawn of satisfaction as her alarm clock blared, making her sit up in her bed with a small sniff, hair an unbearable mess.
She stood up from her bed, walking out of her room and into the bathroom, brushing.
Today, she planned on visiting Leslie.
She hadn't been to school all through the week and had told Cherith not to come over as it was a flu.
But the flu should be gone by now anyways…
Cherith planned to take some of her famous creamy chicken soup she'd prepared the previous night for her.
Cherith wasn't someone who easily got worried, but Leslie had never been this MIA before since she knew her…
And Cherith hated being worried about someone. It boiled her very blood.
After her hygiene routine, she dressed in a pair of sky blue loose tracksuit.
She put her hair up in a messy bun and paired her outfit with a white Jordans before grabbing her phone and purse and walking down the stairs.
Jenna was in the kitchen preparing for her little hangout with Mason and Alaric.
And, as much as she'd like to stay and watch, she needed to be sure Leslie was actually okay.
It was very disturbing… her usually hyper friend, not there to talk to her about the importance of boys and how she should be getting out of the house and doing teenage things.
"Absence really does make the heart grow fonder…"
She mumbled as she walked into the kitchen.
"Hey Jens… getting ready for your hangout I see…"
She said as she sat on an island stool and Jenna beamed.
It made Cherith smile, seeing her aunt acting her age.
"Yes… yes I am. I haven't seem Mason in… forever! It'd be nice to get in touch again. You sure you have to go out?"
Jenna asked as she moved around the kitchen and Cherith nodded.
"Believe me I kind of want to stay behind and quiz Mason on a lot of things, but I can't… I need to be sure Leslie's okay."
She stood up, grabbing the soup from the kitchenette and getting ready to leave and Jenna nodded.
"Well okay then. Be careful. And say hi to Leslie for me."
Cherith nodded as she walked out of the door to see Elena walking up the porch.
"Hi…"
She greeted her younger sister and Cherith rewarded her with a big grin.
"Bye."
She passed Elena by who sighed, shaking her head as she walked in.
Cherith quickly entered her car, thankful that she'd won a bet against Jeremy and he'd had to clean her car for her that morning before he left.
Cherith snickered as she turned on her ignition.
"Come on Pietro… let's go comfort a certain hazel eyed girl."
Greene Residence.
Cherith got out of her car, paper bag with her creamy chicken soup in hand as she walked towards the doorstep and knocked, waiting patiently to be invited in.
The door opened and Leslie's Gran smiled up at Cherith.
"Cherry dear… was wondering when you'd show up here."
Cherith smiled as she walked in.
"Hi Granny Greene! Sorry, couldn't stay back. Had to check in on her."
"A good idea too. Poor dear's been holed up in her room this past few days… keeping to herself and wearing a worried look. Maybe she'd open up to you more."
Granny Green suggested as she sat back down on a chair, quilt on her lap as she busied herself up again and Cherith nodded as she went to grab a spoon in one of the cupboards and jogged up the stairs.
As soon as she got to the door, she knocked softly so as not to startle her and a slightly raspy voice sounded from the other side.
"Come in…"
Cherith opened the door slightly, peeking into the room.
"Hey Les…"
She greeted slowly with a grin and Leslie looked up from her bed in surprise as she saw Cherith walk in and she quickly looked around her room, before a look of relief appeared in her face and she sat up.
"Cherry… what are you doing here?"
Cherry grinned, holding up the paper bag and dropping it in front of her unruly looking friend.
"Brought over my homemade Chicken soup. Everyone who has it miraculously gets better. It's an expertise of mine."
She bragged with a smug look and Leslie rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips as she brought the container out of the bag and Cherith opened the curtains of the room, letting in rays of sunshine and Leslie winced.
"Sheesh…"
Cherith snorted as she walked towards her friends bed and flopped down on it.
"You look like you've been hiding away from the sun for days now. Your skin's almost as pale as mine! What are you, Gollum?!"
Leslie gave her a look as she practically inhaled a huge amount of the soup.
"Oh shut up you… and this really is delicious. Have you been holding out on me?"
She gave Cherith a glare and Cherith snorted.
"Please! I only whip this out when I know it's actually needed. So!"
She settled in front of Leslie, a serious look on her face.
"Talk to me… what's really wrong with you?"
She questioned and Leslie looked down at the bowl, spoon hanging loosely in her hand.
"Nothing…"
She mumbled and Cherith gave her a look.
"Oh come now Leslie Greene! I know you… there is something obviously weighing on your mind. What's the problem? You know what they say… A problem shared is a problem solved."
Leslie looked away, still not able to say anything and Cherith sighed, standing up.
"Alright. Come on!"
She tilted her head for Leslie to follow her and Leslie frowned, looking up at her friend.
"Wait… what? What's going on?"
Cherith took the half eaten soup from her friend who whined.
"Hey! I'm not done with that!"
Cherith rolled her eyes, walking out of the room.
"I'll keep it in the fridge. When we're back you can act all primal on it again. Get down in 5 minutes!"
She chimed out.
"But—"
"5 minutes!!"
Gilbert Family Residence.
"Thanks for letting me invite Caroline. She could use a day of distraction."
Elena said to her aunt as they arranged the table and Jenna shrugged.
"Well, she's not the plus one I'm worried about. Why is Damon coming?"
She gave Elena a look and Elena sighed.
"Because Alaric is a pity taker. Come on Jenna, be nice."
"I'll be nice when Damon learns to keep his paws off you."
Just then, Mason walked into the kitchen holding a bottle of booze and shot glasses, a grin on his face as he held them up, making a playful laugh.
"Aha! Good news! I found the shot glasses!"
"And that would be my exit."
She mumbled as she looked at Mason and walked off.
Jenna beamed, laughing at Mason.
"You're here for 10 minutes and I'm already back under the bleachers at the pep rally!"
"Like old times, huh?"
Mason smirked before a contemplative look appeared on his face.
"Only I didn't swipe this bottle from my old man."
He gestured to the booze.
"Where's your niece anyways? Cherith Gilbert?"
Jenna looked at him slightly surprised.
"You know her? I'm surprised… It's been a while you've been in town."
Mason snorted.
"Well, she sort of made long lasting impression. Rather adorable too. I heard how she punched the living daylights outs of Tyler."
Jenna snorted.
"Yeah, she can be like that. You should probably take a while before you see her again… Cherry should be taken in small doses or she leaves you questioning your very reality."
Mason chuckled as Alaric walked in, joining their conversation.
On the road…
"Where are we going?"
Leslie asked Cherith as she turned to the redhead who was driving… well more like speeding, towards a destination.
"And why are you speeding?! Are you trying to kills us?!"
She asked exasperatedly and Cherith scoffed with a smirk.
"Please! Pietro is perfectly capable of handling his speed just fine! You should see what he does at twist and turns."
Leslie grimaced and shook her head.
"No thanks… I'm perfectly happy with myself this way… legs complete, arms complete, eyes—"
"Yeah, yeah… whatever… say bye to Mystic Falls why don't you?"
Cherith gestured to the 'Welcome Mystic Falls/Goodbye' sign as she zoomed past it and Leslie's eyes widened in shock as her head whipped back to stare at the gradually reducing in height and length sign.
She turned back to a maniacally grinning Cherith.
"What the hell?? Cherith, where the hell are we going!??"
"Dunham Lake."
Cherith answered plainly and Leslie looked at her like she was crazy.
"Dunham?? Why the hell are we even going to Dunham?!"
Cherith shrugged.
"To hangout at my parent's Lake House. Don't worry… it'll be fun!"
She beamed and Leslie sighed, running her hands through her hair.
"Oh God…"
About an hour or so later, after quite a high level of speed, they arrived at the Gilbert Family Lake House.
"We're here!"
Cherith beamed as she turned off the ignition and got out, Leslie stumbling out slightly and groaning.
Cherith though, looked around the property.
It was quite and serene… a large body of water surrounding the are and a dock at the edge.
The Lake House was a 5 bedroom and 4 bathroom home that had been built in 1921 and bought by her father about 2 decades or so ago.
On the opposite side of the lake, there were 3 little lake houses privately owned as well.
The lake was perfect for swimming, fishing and just sitting down and staring into.
A little piece of quiet, more or less.
It brought back memories.
Memories she had been trying her best to move on from.
She felt a sob threaten to come out but pushed it down, blinking away slight tears.
Leslie walked up to her, I black leggings, pink loose hoodie and brown ugg boots.
"Hey… you okay?"
She asked with a look of concern and Cherith forced a smile on her face.
"Hm? Oh yeah! I'm fine! Great, Actually!"
"We don't have to be here if you don't want to…"
Cherith waved her off.
"No way… this place holds beautiful memories… besides, I brought you here so you could feel a bit better. Now!"
She clapped.
"Help me grab those boxes so we can get this show on the road!"
She beamed and Leslie rolled her head, a small smile on her face as she helped Cherith out with the bags.
They had done a little shopping as they headed out here, some food, drinks and snacks.
Leslie looked around the serene lake.
It really was beautiful.
"Come on! The water's cool this time of the day!"
Cherith shouted out excitedly as she ran to the docks, Leslie behind her and she quickly undressed, leaving her in only her underwear.
"What are you doing?"
Leslie laughed as she jogged after Cherith.
They'd arranged the pizza, drinks and snacks in the kitchen and Cherith had shown her the whole building and everywhere it spanned out.
Cherith grinned as she ran and jumped into the lake with an excited shout, making a splash and Leslie snorted.
"Didn't you tell me there were little fishies in the lake?"
She asked as she knelt down on the dock, looking into the water as Cherith swam up again for hair, her red hair wet and around her like a mermaid.
Cherith shrugged.
"Yeah so? Jeremy, Elena and I used to sneak out at night to do this when we vacationed here with our parents. Not a good idea, mind you but… hey! We were kids having the time of our lives!"
"Yeah… some things never change."
Leslie jested and Cherith brought out her tongue.
"Come join me! It's fun!"
Leslie shook her head.
"No thanks… I like myself dry thank you very much."
"Come on!"
Cherith splashed water at Leslie who shrieked and sat down on the dock, cleaning water on her face and glaring as Cherith chuckled maniacally.
"You witch!"
She shrieked out and Cherith laughed.
"Not a witch… more of a bitch, don't you think?"
"Well I'm glad you know what you are!"
Cherith laughed, swimming towards the opposite side of the lake and Leslie sat up.
"Hey! Where are you going??"
"To the other side! Come on!"
Leslie sighed, biting her lip and unsure before she sighed.
"Ah, fuck it."
She undressed as well, before dipping a toe into the water.
It was… slightly cold but easy to adjust to.
She jumped into the water, making a small splash before swimming after Cherith who was already halfway to the end.
"What are we doing here?"
Leslie breathed out heavily as she finally got out of the water, shivering slightly and Cherith grinned.
"Hunting."
Leslie blinked rapidly.
"Were going… hunting."
She replied unimpressed.
"In our underwear."
Cherith snorted amused.
"Well obviously not that kind of hunting. I'd have brought a rifle or something. Just going to find somethings I claimed as mine or discovered a few years ago around here."
Leslie snorted with a nod.
"Of course… What are you, Christopher Columbus?"
"Hardy ha ha… Just keep up with your two left feet!"
"Come here you!"
Cherith and Leslie laughed as they ran through the cleaner paths of the forest that afternoon, nothing clouding their minds, no problems, no worries. It was just two friends lost to the world.
Gilbert Residence.
Later that late afternoon, Damon is in the kitchen when Mason arrives, grinning at Damon.
"Jenna just brought out 'Guitar Hero'. Might be time to mutiny!"
"Well, I just happen to like 'Guitar Hero'. So you, my friend, are barking up the wrong tree."
At that moment, Mason sighed, finally done with all the wolf puns Damon had been throwing at him all afternoon.
"Okay. Enough with the innuendos, you win, you're hilarious."
Damon smirked, giving Mason a mock bow.
"Thank you."
"Come on, man. You don't think I know what this barbecue is about?"
He gestured around him and Damon's eyes narrowed suspiciously at the werewolf in front of him.
"How do you know about me? Your brother was completely clueless."
"It doesn't matter; I'm not your enemy, Damon."
"You tried to kill my brother."
"That was a mistake."
"oh really?"
Damon asked sarcastically and Mason nodded.
"Yes. There was confusion. I couldn't chain myself up in time. I have no control once I shift."
Damon scoffed.
"What, no obedience school?"
"I'm serious. Let's not spark some age-old feud that doesn't apply to us. You think I'd really want to hurt Innocents like Cherith and Tyler?"
He scoffed, slightly exasperated and Damon crossed his arms, looking unbelieving at him.
"You expect me to believe that you are in Mystic Falls planting peach trees? No other… agenda?"
"I lost my brother, my nephew lost his father. I'm here for my family. Let's just be above this man."
He raises a hand for Damon to shake. Damon though, stares at him for a few seconds, eyes narrowing, before he hesitantly shook it and Mason gave him a nod, walking out.
As soon. As he left the kitchen though, Damon takes a silverware knife from the cutlery box, looking at where Mason had just left.
Gilbert Family Lake House.
The sky was already slightly dark and the orange of the skies was mixed with the slightly dark blue of it.
Cherith and Leslie were back at the dock, dried up and in their outfits again, sitting with a box of pizza between them, some drinks and some snacks, enjoying the beautiful scenery and just about taking in the peace and quiet.
"Thanks Cherry…"
Leslie finally spoke quietly, still staring into the waters of the lake and Cherith turned to her.
"Hunh? What for?"
Leslie scoffed playfully
"What? You didn't think I didn't realize that we came here to make me feel better?"
Cherith grinned unabashedly, shrugging.
"Hey… it seemed to have worked. Besides, it was also a good time for me to check out this place too. I haven't been here since… my parents passed."
She ended quietly, a sigh escaping her lips as she blinked rapidly to avoid any stray tears from escaping.
"Does it still hurt?"
Leslie asked and Cherith looked down, pressing her left hand to her heart.
"A bit, yeah… but, I obviously can't stay sad forever. I've just decided to keep the happy memories of my childhood in mind. It was sort of, another chance at life you know?"
She turned to Leslie who was looking at her curiously.
"As you know, my birth parents passed away just after I was born… well, my father passed a few hours before… but Grayson and Miranda sort of became new anchors… parents, for me. Without them… I'm not so sure where I would be now. How different I'd have been raised. Would I be this girl I'm seeing now? Or the worst sort."
There was a moment of silence before Leslie spoke again.
"You know… there's something I've also not told anyone not family before."
"Really?"
"Yeah… Actually uh… I'm, adopted too."
She whispered slightly and Cherith's eyes widened.
"Wait, what??? Really??"
Leslie sighed, a slight smile on her face.
"Yeah… the people of Mystic Falls don't know. See, my parents met while teaching at UCLA. They rarely used to come home during the holidays, so when they brought home a 6 year old girl, they just thought they'd had me in LA. Only the family actually knew I was adopted."
Cherith's eyes were wide as she listened to the story.
"Do you remember your birth parents? Or what happened to them?"
Leslie looked away slightly, not wanting to say anything again.
"No. They died or something. Can't remember. But!"
She turned to Cherith.
"Seems we have something else in common again hm?"
The 2 exchange small smiles, looking into the lake again.
The skies were darkening more again and the skies were reflected beautifully against the waters.
"This makes me want to buy my very own Lake House in the future."
Cherith mumbled as she looked around with a sigh and Leslie snorts.
"What? One isn't enough for you?"
Cherith wrinkled her nose slightly.
"Meh… can't share with my siblings. We'd have to choose times when we can come here without raining on each other's parade."
Leslie shook her head before closing the almost empty pizza box.
"We should probably get going now before it gets even more late."
"Yeah, you're probably right. I can't leave for too long anyways, else I find out that something happened while I was gone."
Cherith joked as they stood up, packing their things and heading towards the car.
As they closed the boot, Leslie hugged Cherith, startling her slightly.
"Thanks Cherry…"
Cherith rolled her eyes.
"It was nothing."
"No. It was something."
She argued, stepping back from her friend, a tearful look on her face which startled Cherith a bit.
"Come on Leslie. You'd do this for me, I know."
Leslie fought down a feeling of guilt in her chest as she swallowed.
"You're a good friend Cherry…"
Cherith shook her head, ignoring her friends emotions and moving to sit in the car.
"Let's head on home."
Salvatore Boarding House.
Elena walked into the boarding house early that night, looking around and wondering where Stefan was.
"Hello? Stefan?"
She called out, walking into the living room.
The room was now fixed up after her sister had destroyed the whole place apparently.
She called out again, wondering why he hadn't come down. Maybe he wasn't home?
"Stefan?"
But where could he be?
She turned around and her heart fell as she jumped slightly at her very carbon copy staring right back at her.
Same hair color, same eyes, same skin… petite figure. Everything! No difference, except for her curly hair.
Katherine smirked as she looked at her unimpressive doppelganger.
"You must be Elena."
Elena swallowed slightly, still in shock at seeing Katherine for the very first time.
"H-How is this possible? How do we look exactly alike?"
She demanded and Katherine rolled her eyes, looking at her from top to bottom as she walked over to her, not impressed.
Elena swallowed nervously as Katherine touches her neck with one finger, walking around her in a circle.
"You're asking the wrong questions. You're really not as bright as your sister are you?... I wonder though… do you even know what she's capable of?"
Before Elena could talk again, Stefan's voice echoed down the stairs.
"Elena?!"
He blurred over and she whips her head behind her but no one is there, making her sigh with relief.
Stefan walks up to her, his hands on her shoulders as he looked her over to be sure she was unharmed.
"Are you okay?"
Elena shook her head, slightly shaken up.
"Not really. Are you okay?"
Stefan sighs, shaking his head as well.
"Not really."
They embrace each other.
Gilbert Residence.
Cherith walks into her house, letting out a loud groan as she stretched and smiled.
"Ah… it's good to be back home."
Jenna peeked from the kitchen, Alaric there as well as he helped her pack things up.
"Oh hey! You're back from Leslie's? How is she?"
Cherith shrugged as she walked over to them, sitting on an island stool.
"She's definitely better now. Sup teach. How was the party?"
She greeted Alaric who sighed, a small smile on his lips as he turned to her.
"You know I'm still your teacher, right?"
Cherith waved him off.
"Not for long old man. Once prom is over and done with, only thing I'll be thinking about is graduation."
Alaric' shook his head and Jenna turned to her with a grin.
"Oh yeah! Prom! A very important time in a girls' life… even if a lot of unthinkable things always ends up happening after."
She grimaced and Cherith snorted, waving off her concern.
"It's okay Jenna, I won't end up losing my v card if that's what you're worried about."
Jenna sighed with relief before Cherith continued.
"I'll lose it soon though."
She promised and Jenna blinked rapidly while choking on a piece of chocolate and Alaric patted her back, giving Cherith a look.
"What?? She always tells me to say the truth! Can't blame a girl for doing that!"
"Yeah well don't go too far!"
Jenna gasped out, rubbing at her throat while glaring at her niece who appeared uncaring.
"Whatevs. So, did I miss anything at the party?"
"Not really. Though Mason did ask of you… you seemed to have made a lasting impression."
Jenna added and Cherith grinned.
"Yeah I'm sure I did. Beating someone like him in an arm wrestling competition. Not as easy, you know?"
Jenna's eyes bulged and Alaric nodded.
"Oh yeah! I heard about that. Good on you."
Jenna's head whipped to Alaric' who looked like a deer caught in headlights.
"You knew?!? How did I not know?!?"
Alaric' looked back confused.
"Sorry… I just thought you knew… it was Damon who told me in fact."
Jenna turned to her niece.
"And how the hell did you even beat someone that packed?! Are you on steroids?!"
She looked at her suspiciously and Cherith groaned out.
"Oh come on Jenna! Don't be ridiculous!"
"Well it's the only option I can think of!"
"Fine! I used magic!"
Alaric' choked as soon as she said that, heaving out dry coughs and Jenna stared at her niece unbelievably.
"Just because I believe a lot of things you say does not mean I'll listen to the crap you're presently spewing."
"Cherith… come on…"
Alaric gave her a warning look and Cherith looked at him unimpressed.
"I say what I want to say… to who I want to say it to."
She told him, eye to eye before turning to Jenna and sighing while tutting pitifully.
"It's a pity you've never been a believer aunty of mine… don't worry, I shall ease you into it little by little."
She promised before walking away, ignoring Alaric's exasperated look.
"Goodnight oldies!"
"You still haven't answered my Steroids question Cherith Iola Gilbert!!!!"
"Add Cadwallader! I already did a name change remember Jenna?!"
She shouted back, reminding Jenna of when her emancipation letter had arrived and she'd applied to have Cadwallader be joined to her Gilbert surname.
Her name was a huge mouthful now.
As she walked into her room, she saw a paper bag by the side of her bed and walked over to it, opening it and her eyes widened in glee as she saw two Glenlivet 18 year single malt whisky. Each 750ml and probably over $100 each.
Totally understandable what with the Lockwood wine cellar and all.
A small card was in the bag and she brought it out to read.
My bet is done Cherry. Had to give this to Mason to help sneak over to you. Enjoy it while it lasts cause you're not winning any bets against me again sweet cheeks.
Cherith scoffed, though an amused grin appeared on her face as she took a bottle, opening one with magic and taking a sip, grinning at the taste of the whisky in her mouth.
Yup. She was going to savor and make sure she enjoys it while she could.
Good way to end the night maybe?
So yes! Bonding time between Cherith and Leslie. Muhahahah!!!!
I know... We are meant to be suspicious of Leslie but... Cherith has no idea!
So it's gonna be that way for a while!
What are Leslie's motives though?!?
ON ANOTHER NOTE!
I SPOKE ABOUT ANOTHER FANFIC THAT INCLUDED BEACON HILLS AND I NIGHT BE RELEASING CHAPTER 1 BEFORE THE WEAK IS OUT OR SO...
LADIES AND GENTS... "THE SCARLET WITCH OF BEACON HILLS"
I WONT ALWAYS UPDATE LIKE THIS ONE THOUGH... THIS STORY IS GOING TO TAKE MY TIME... MY BABY...
BUT THE SCARLET WITCH OF BEACON HILLS WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM THIS ONE... WAYYYY DIFFERENT. NOT AS DARK AS THIS ONE, GOING TO START IN SEASON 3B AS WELL... WITH THE WHOLE NOGITSUNE SHIT.
AND PAIRINGS WON'T BE IMPORTANT AND ALL... JUST OUR NEW SCARLET WITCH SCARING THE CRAP OUT OF EVERYONE. DIFFERENT CHARACTER FROM CHERITH GILBERT TOO SO DON'T WORRY, IT WONT FEEL LIKE YOU'RE READING THE SAME THING AS WELL...
I HOPE YOU ALL LOOK FORWARD TO IT!