No Pairing
Thursday, January 4, 2011
Late Afternoon
Rachael woke up to see Vanessa sitting by the bed.
"You're still here?" Rachael asked in surprise.
"Of course, Rachael. I wanted to make sure you were okay," Vanessa said.
"Any word on my sister? My brother?" Rachael said getting up.
"Yes, actually, they are hoping to get your brother out tonight.
Apparently, they have a lead on the vault and their is some lunar event tonight. Are you still sore?" Vanessa asked.
"A little actually, guess I should learn not to swear, huh. God, don't take this the wrong way, but I really need a smoke!" Rachael blurted out.
"Sweetie, you're only 14. It will be hard, but you can quit. How about you go take a shower? That will wash the salve off and you'll heal completely, probably after you have some extra blood. And Rachael, that thong, what I was saying is you're probably better off just not to wear any underwear than wear those around the house. They are just not comfortable," Vanessa said getting her a regular pair of underwear and sweatpants out of the drawer.
"Sorry, I just thought maybe that was what guys liked. I never really had a boyfriend. I mean, the stuff you bought me was nice, but kind of...," Rachael started.
"Frumpy? How about we'll go shopping together soon? We can bring Penny and hopefully Freya and your sister. You would have loved shopping with Rebekah. She always finds everyone the best clothes... Actually, I guess I hated it when my mom would make me wear stuff I hated. She criticized me, not matter what I wore, even if she picked it out," Vanessa said, getting some towels out and starting the water for Rachael in the bathroom.
"Is she still alive?" Rachael called.
"Yes, she's a pretty cold person, though. I haven't seen them since I turned. I know she would never accept me as a vampire. I had a pretty serious heart problem as a human and she always treated me as damaged goods. She only ever cared about what other people thought," Vanessa revealed.
"Oh, I guess I never realized that other people have problems, too. Sorry," Rachael added.
"Oh, no, Rachael, everyone has problems, really. But I'm sorry if I overreacted about your outfit yesterday. I just I just didn't want people judging you. You're beautiful and strong, the truth is, you should just wear what the hell you want. Just make sure you are doing it for the right reasons," Vanessa said finally.
"Yeah, I will. I guess yesterday I just wanted to shock people, that's not really who I am. Thanks, Vanessa. Can I come out of my room after this? I guess I should try to make things up to the boys. Try anyway," Rachael admitted.
"Of course. We love you, Rachael. I know it's not easy to get through all the challenges without some bumps in the road, but you're not alone. Not anymore. All is forgiven now. I'll let you shower. It might sting more until you get the salve off. Maybe try some soap on that sea sponge," Vanessa suggested.
She hugged Rachael tightly. Rachael thought she should have felt awkward since she had no pants on, but she didn't. She could tell that Vanessa, this kind and gentle new vampire, truly cared.
Elijah was happy to hear that Finn and Henrik had a good day at school. They seemed to be making friends and getting interested in new things outside of home.
"Penny, dear, how was it?" Elijah prompted.
"Nice, I guess. The teacher was nice and these girls showed me around. They liked my hair and said I looked like Snow White from the story. This girl asked me if I could come to her house sometime, just to play," Penny marveled. After academic testing, she was in the same grade as Finn, but in another class. She saw him at recess.
"That's great, Penny! So you and Finn are in the same grade now. Did you two play together at recess?" Elijah asked.
Finn laughed as if Elijah should have already known the answer and said, "No Dad! It's too cold. We stay inside our classroom playing games."
"Oh, my, I suppose I should have known that. How silly of me!" Elijah quipped.
"Was Sadie alone all day?" Henrik worried.
"Ah no, actually, the other kids got in a little bit of trouble today and end up back at home. I think Sadie was with Connor and Erik all day," Elijah remarked as they walked back to the house.
"Did they get in trouble?" Finn questioned.
"Yes, it's very bad to get sent home from school. I'm sure that will never happen to any of you. But Uncle Niklaus, Uncle Kol, and Aunt Freya will hopefully be home soon," Elijah answered.
"What did they do?" Penny asked suspiciously.
"Oh Penny, it's a long story. I don't want the three of you to worry about it. Now, is there anything you need to do tonight?" Elijah asked trying to change the subject.
Early Evening
Vanessa came down to greet the younger kids and get them something to eat. She gave Penny blood and the other two milk with their cookies. Elijah usually cut up apple slices and carrots, but he hadn't had time today.
Elijah asked Vanessa, "How is Rachael? Is she awake?"
"She seems...great actually. We talked, maybe for the first time for real, she asked about her brother and sister. I told her what you told me. I also said that we'd go shopping together for some clothes she likes. I might have been channeling my own mother there...the way she would hound me over my appearance constantly. I don't want to rehash all that now. The younger kids seem to have had a good day," Vanessa finished.
"Thank you for being there with me. You know I never would have touched her without you there. I'll check in with her later. Actually, I'll go get the older boys now. They have been up there all day. I just hope Jeremy finished his school work. If not, he won't see daylight!" Elijah joked.
"I can help him," Vanessa smiled.
"No, my dear, it's algebra," Elijah said kissing her neck.
"Oh, forget it then. That's on you. I better check these backpacks. Freya's always so good at making sure they all have something for their lunches. She must hide the stuff because I think they ate all the snacks already," Vanessa frowned checking the pantry.
"And we never made it to the store today. I can go tonight or early tomorrow. Just let me know. Oh, how about Chinese for dinner?" Elijah suggested as he walked upstairs.
"Ah, kids probably would rather just have pizza again," Vanessa replied.
"Again? Really? Okay, pizza it is then," Elijah laughed.
Rachael put on the sweatpants and a sweatshirt after her shower. Like Vanessa said, after she got the salve off, she felt the heat and tenderness in her backside recede. However, she still felt a lingering itch and warmness when she moved.
Rachael knocked on Tyler, Connor, and Erik's door. Erik opened it and Sadie also ran up to the door.
"Hey Sadie," she said petting the dog on the head.
Erik pushed his blond hair behind his right ear and said, "Hey, I had to talk to you, too." He looked uncomfortable and sat back down on a bean bag chair near the video game system. Rachael gingerly sat on the small couch stiff.
"Um, so Elijah and Vanessa um, talked to me, I guess you can say and,-" Rachael stumbled.
"Nah, wait, I shouldn't have called you a bitch, no matter what. I'm real sorry, Rachael," Erik muttered looking down.
"No, Erik, I was a bitch. I had no right to look through your stuff and say that to everywhere. I'm the one who is sorry. I also got everyone in trouble. I don't blame anyone for being pissed at me," Rachael said plainly.
"It's okay. When I got here, I did worse, believe me. Then, I ran away and folks had to come and find me," Erik smiled.
"Really? You left here by yourself?" Rachael said surprised.
"Yeah, a lot happened with the Guerreras, but they came and got me and we fought them in the Bayou. I guess we got our revenge for what they did, if there is such a thing,-" Erik stated as Tyler and Connor came in.
Sadie ran to them and then heard the kids downstair and ran to meet them.
Rachael gulped as there was a moment of silence.
Tyler spoke first, "I hope you're happy with yourself. I had to give Matt and Jer my fucking blood because they could barely sit after Uncle Elijah was done using his hairbrush on them!" Connor glanced at Tyler as he thought that was an exaggeration.
"I came to apologize. I shouldn't have tried to blackmail you, I got in trouble too," Rachael admitted shamefaced.
"Oh, you got in trouble, huh? Well, go tell that to Matt and Jer, I'm sure it will make them feel better," Tyler snapped.
Connor intervened, "Come on, man. She said she was sorry. Let's let it go."
Tyler started to back down, but Rachael blurted out,"I got paddled. There? Are you happy? With that racquet thing you had to go get in the kitchen, okay?"
Connor was surprised, "Really, that's the worst paddle! Those holes really hurt."
"Well, okay, welcome to the club, I guess. Sorry, I was a dick, but it seems like girls get away with murder here when our dad doesn't put up with that shit," Tyler shared.
"Vanessa lit into me, too. Believe me, I'm good now," Rachael insisted.
"Wait, Vanessa spanked you?" Tyler asked incredulously.
"Yeah, what's the big deal?" Rachael retorted.
"Um, she doesn't even like yell so I'm just surprised. I always heard her talking Uncle Elijah out of spankings. I'm surprised she didn't put you in a time out and have you hug a teddy. Wow," Tyler gasped.
"Jeez, I must have that effect on people. So you're not mad?" Rachael prompted.
"Rachael, honestly, if we get stuck riding the bus, I'm not going to be happy and there's a chance our dad will beat the hell of me when he gets home, but not everything that happened today was on you," Tyler agreed.
"Thanks. I guess I'll go to see Matt and Jeremy. Wish me luck," Rachael said lightly, but feeling dread.
"Luck," Connor said.
Matt and Jeremy's room
Matt and Jeremy could barely look at Rachael when she came in.
"I don't know how to say it, but I'm sorry about today. I know you got in trouble and I did, too. I haven't been spanked in years and believe me, the last time was nothing like this afternoon...Look, just let me know what I can do to make it up to you," Rachael pressed.
Jeremy admitted, "Stop giving through our shit for starters. I just don't know what gave you the right."
"Nothin'. I was bored and lonely. And Matt? I was really dying for a smoke. I just was a total asshole about it. That's not who I really am, I swear," Rachael pressed.
"Rachael, I'm totally willing to let it go. I mean, I fucked up this morning and said something really shitty to Erik and he forgave me so, I guess I can't really hold a grudge against you. Also, I could have said no, so lesson learned there," Matt verified.
They heard a knock and Elijah opened the door.
"Hey kids, we're getting pizza tonight. Matt, Jeremy, why don't you head downstairs and let Vanessa know what you want, okay. Let me talk to Rachael a minute. Jeremy, you finished your math?"
Jeremy answered, "Yes, I did. You can check it if you want to."
"I will, later. Good job. We'll be down in a minute," Elijah said sitting down on Jeremy's bed.
Rachael was a little ashamed to see Elijah. He read that in her face.
"None of that, come here. Let me hold you," Elijah said pulling her into his arms.
"I apologized to all of them. I-I don't think they h-hate me," Rachael confided.
"Of course, they don't, my dear. Being in this family means you can fight, but at the end of the day, we would all die for each other. Always and forever. You're a part of that now. It's not always easy because we all make mistakes. You know, I wasn't sure if I should punish you. But then I saw how miserable you looked and Vanessa thought that waiting for Freya would be torture. Dear, I didn't want to spank you, especially with that awful paddle, but we didn't know how else to get through to you," Elijah admitted as she wrapped her arms around him.
"You got through. I'm sorry that I threatened to siphon you and tried to take off the bracelet. I was just freakin'. It hurt more than I thought it would," Rachael confessed.
"I bet. It's all over now. I'm hoping your siblings and mine will be back last night if all goes well. Maybe Dana can stay with you and Penny tonight. We can always turn the game room on the third floor and the art studio into bedrooms if we need them. We could also move Niklaus' room from the second floor to the third. How well do you and Dana get along?" Elijah asked.
"Remember how I said the last time I got spanked was when I was ten? Well, that was because Dana and I...tried to kill each other. We're either best friends or worst enemies. She used to get kind of jealous if I had other friends besides her. Luckily, before our parents locked him away, Kai, was the only person who could get her calmed down. Our parents always seemed to encourage us to compete against each other to see who the best leader who be, sadly they thought that would be our psycho sister Jo," Rachael acknowledged.
"And Jo is Kai's twin? She's the one Kai will need to hide from? If not, Freya or Bonnie should cloak him right away," Elijah suggested.
"I can do a cloaking spell. I just need some magic this bracelet off," Rachael said.
"Well, see. Let's go down and see what kind of pizza they ordered. Penny was asking about you, remember, she still thinks you are Dana, so just a few hours more...," Elijah remarked.
"Good, I hate lying to her," Rachael said as Elijah put her on her feet. He stood and kissed the top of her head.
"Rachael, I love you and I want you to know that we will do what we can to protect all of you now," Elijah mentioned.
"Thanks. Love you, too. I appreciate everything you all have done. I know I haven't made it easy," Rachael admitted.
"None of that! Oh, I hear Penny yelling for you," Elijah smiled.
Friday, January 5, 2011
1 am
The jet landed and the party of five was chauffeured to the mansion.
"Hmm, this place is a shack. Did you all ever consider upgrading?" Kai quipped.
Klaus frowned and looked at Freya, "Does young Kai remind you of anyone?"
Kol looked offended, "Moi? I don't say a word and I still get lambasted. I guess that is the price of being the most handsome."
Dana noticed that there were lights on.
"Do you think everyone is up?" Dana wondered.
Klaus grumbled, "They better not be if they know what is good for them."
Kai blurted, "What? Do they turn into pumpkins after midnight?"
"No, but I will put any child I catch out of bed after 10 pm over my knee so consider yourself warned," Klaus growled.
"That s a lot to unpack. Glad I'm not a child," Kai said lightly.
"Sixteen years old is a child to me," Klaus intoned.
"What's the point of me going to be at 10 pm?" Kai pushed.
"School, that's what," Klaus offered.
"I'm not going to school here," Kai scoffed.
Klaus was getting irritated. Freya put a calming arm on him, "We'l talk about it later. Right now, let's get all of you inside and into bed."
"Not tired," Kai inserted.
Kol cringed, "This kid is like me, Kol junior."
To Kai, "Look, bloke, just do as you are told so we don't have a big row the first bloody night, okay?"
"And I should listen to you because?" Kai sassed.
"Because if you don't, I will throw you to the wolf here," Kol said indicating Klaus.
Kai deflated, "Fine. I have been on my own for many years. It's kind of hard to adjust and go from one prison to around."
"Mate, this isn't exactly a prison," Kol informed him.
"I know, I am grateful to be out of that 1903 prison world, you can't imagine how boring it was," Kai added.
"Well, Nik and I were around in 1903, so we might have a small idea," Kol stated.
Dana patted Kai, "You're out of there now."
His eyes followed her hand, "I wasn't allowed to touch people. My whole life, they were so afraid of what I'd do that I couldn't touch anyone. I guess with this bracelet on, I don't have to worry about siphoning. That's new."
Freya warned, "And don't take it off. I will feel it if you do. It's not only for your safety, but our safety. Okay, let's go."
Dana grabbed Kai's arm as they got out of the car. Their new life was beginning.