Circumstances

Pairing: OC/Rebekah

Summary: As much as everyone thought they knew, Jacqueline always managed to prove them wrong. People claim to know who she is, what she's done, what's she's been through - and yet none of them can see all of it. What happens when she meets a certain Original Vampire who sees every little thing about her. From the way she walks to the way she acts... but will Jacqueline allow her supernatural mate to see her past as if they experienced it themselves. Elena bashing.

...

"People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us actually who do"

Isaac Asimov

SETTE

Jacqueline = 18 yrs old
Elena = 15 yrs old
Jeremy = 13 yrs old

Walking down the stairs Jacqueline was Instantly on alert when she heard someone in the kitchen. She swore that neither Jeremy or Elena were awake yet. Shuffling into the kitchen Jacqueline froze as she realised who was in her house.

John Gilbert.

"What the fuck, John?!" Jacqueline grunted in annoyance not bothering to attempt hiding her dislike. Hell Jacqueline wasn't sure if there was a person that actually liked John Gilbert!

...she really doubted there was though.

John looked equally as thrilled as she did when he turned around and spotted her in the doorway. "Jacqueline" he nodded curtly

Jacqueline scoffed, "What are you doing here, John?" She demanded as she moved to make herself a coffee. Leaning against the counter top, Jacqueline stared expectantly at John. Waiting for him to give an answer as to why he had made himself comfortable in her house as if he had any right to be here.

God she hated that asshole!

"Greyson gave me the key" John said making it clear he didn't feel that he owed her any answers.

Shit.

Jacqueline had almost forgotten that Greyson even has a key to the house. Greyson hadn't spent a night here in years. The only time you could find Greyson Gilbert in this house was for an hour or so at a time when Miranda was on her benders. Or if Jacqueline had sought him out and demanded his presence - which she didn't do very often. At least not unless Elena or Jeremy specifically asked if Greyson would show up for something.

...like birthdays or Christmas.

And even then he didn't stay long with them. It was really just a visit before he went back to Whitmore campus or work. Jacqueline was pretty sure that Greyson was dating his receptionist. The receptionist who's name Jacqueline hadn't bothered learning, had been awfully curious about Miranda's whereabouts. Even managing to sound spiteful when Jacqueline implied that Miranda and Greyson were still happily married. If Greyson wanted to start a new life without his children Jacqueline didn't particularly care.

Not anymore.

Not when he had stopped being around for them years ago.

Least Greyson could do though was be honest about it and drop the act. Especially when it involves making decisions to invite John over when nobody actually wanted the man here. It wasn't like Greyson was actually going to have to see John anyway.

Staring at John now Jacqueline couldn't help but feel her anger rising. "That's great" she commented dryly, "But what are you doing here?"

John sighed, "I'm not going to get in your way, Jacqueline. I'm just staying here while I'm in town"

"There's a hotel about 5 minutes away, John. Why don't you stay there instead?" Jacqueline said angrily. "In fact. I'll give you the money for the room if you leave now"

"Am I not allowed to see my family?" John sighed

"Not when said family wants nothing to do with you" She retorted. "Miranda is in California researching for her book and Greyson has been living in Campus while completing some medical project. I know for a fact that Elena and Jeremy don't like you - so if you want to see family? Go stay at Whitmore with your brother"

John looked briefly surprised at the fact his brother wasn't here but Jacqueline didn't give him a chance to say anything she walked out of the room. Heading up stairs Jacqueline quickly got dressed. Her anger had yet to face but she didn't immediately want to hit John.

Which is significant improvement.

Pulling on her boots Jacqueline sighed and headed back down stairs. She could hear Elena's voice in the kitchen and huffed at the knowledge that John is still here. Couldn't the guy take a hint? Jacqueline wasn't sure how many more non-violent ways she could spell out to him that he wasn't wanted here.

Elena barrelled up the stairs meeting Jacqueline half way with an angry look in her face. "Jacqueline!" Elena shrieked loud enough for everyone in the house to here. "Why is John here?! Jacqueline! Make him leave!"

Jacqueline held back delighted laughter as Elena yelled loud enough that there was no way John hadn't heard. Placing her hands on Elena's arms she comforted her sister. "Elena. I'll talk to him, okay? Greyson gave him the key - said he could stay... why don't you go see what Matt and Bonnie are doing today?"

Elena calmed down and sighed, "Okay. Are you still going to take me to the mall though? For the spa appointment?"

Chuckling Jacqueline nodded not surprised that was what Elena was most concerned about. Jacqueline watched Elena stomp back up the stairs and into her bedroom. Slamming the door shut behind her as she did so. Jacqueline rolled her eyes and walked back into the kitchen trying not to be too smug. She grabbed a pop tart and turned to John who simply sighed and sipped his coffee.

"What are doing in town, John?" She questioned

Jacqueline might have been young at the time but she remembered clearly what John thought about Mystic Falls. Though she didn't disagree with the opinion it's a tiny, boring and full of wannabe elite assholes. Jacqueline just didn't see the reason John was back in town. He had never been that close with Greyson and thinks Miranda is a snob.

So why the fuck is he here now?

...she couldn't figure that out and it unnerved her. Especially when Jacqueline got the feeling that this was no random visit. John was hard to read but it was obvious that he was hiding something big. Something she now wanted to know.

"Where's my brother?" John asked disregarding her question. "You said he was staying at the University? Why?"

Sighing she begrudgingly answered with a lift of her shoulder and a look of utter indifference. "Something about a research project. Don't know to be honest. Greyson hasn't lived with us for officially three years now"

"Why?" John persisted

Grunting in annoyance Jacqueline glared at John. "Why don't you ask him, John? I don't fucking know. All I know is that he has his own life and we have ours!" She snapped

John seemed to be surprised by her anger and backed off a little. Though the prick looked more thoughtful than apologetic.

"If you don't mind... I have shit that needs to get done" Jacqueline snarked and got to making breakfast and ignoring John all together. It wasn't long before breakfast was ready and Jeremy had wandered into the kitchen - most likely having followed his nose.

Jeremy frowned when he spotted John then looked to Jacqueline for an explanation. "Who's that Jackie?" Jeremy whispered eyeing John hesitantly

"I'm your uncle John!" John gave Jeremy a smile as if Jeremy was supposed to know exactly who John is. Shit John hadn't been in town since Jeremy was 9 years old! And that had only been once for all of an hour... it wasn't like Jeremy had met John more than a few times as a baby.

Jeremy blinked and then looked at Jacqueline. She shrugged her shoulders in response and handed Jeremy a plate of food. Giving Jeremy the perfect excuse to leave the room and John. Jacqueline made a plate for herself and reluctantly made some for John as well.

Elena stomped into the kitchen not long after that. "What's for breakfast?" She asked

Jacqueline didn't bother answering before she plated up some for Elena. "Here"

Elena smiled, "Thanks" and took the plate of food eagerly. Shovelling the bacon into her mouth, Elena only paused when her phone dinged. "Jackie?" Elena sung sweetly

Jacqueline raised her brows knowing that voice meant Elena wanted something.

Elena smiled hopefully, "Matt wants to know if I can go to his house today?"

Just to mess with Elena a little Jacqueline pretended to think about it. "Is Matt's mom gonna be there?" She asked but then doubted that it would be safer if Matt's mom was actually there. That bitch was one big hot mess.

She made Greyson look good in comparison!

Elena sighed, "No. Matt says she's been staying with her newest boyfriend" Elena answered honestly.

Jacqueline didn't often say no to Elena or Jeremy but when she did; it was for good reason. Reasons that she explained and made her clear would always remain a no for until they were older. It meant that Elena and Jeremy were honest when they were asking to go someplace. There was no reason to lie when Jacqueline the person in charge wasn't unreasonably strict.

"No sex, no kissing, no alcohol, no removal of clothes" Jacqueline smirked as Elena's face grew a burning red blush. "Otherwise you can go"

"That's disgusting!" Jeremy called out and gagged for emphasis

"Yeah..." Jacqueline drew out dryly, "You say that now, Jer, but you only just about to turn 13. You won't think that for long. Hell when your 15 your certainty not gonna think it's disgusting"

Jeremy made a face of disgust as if he didn't think that would happen.

Jacqueline chuckled and looked at Elena who was still blushing furiously. "And your only 15" she pointed a finger at Elena. "You might not think it's disgusting but I'll cut Matt's dick off if he try's getting it anywhere near you"

Elena blinked then cringed in disgust, "Jacqueline!" Elena protested.

Jacqueline smirked in amusement. "I'm just sayin' Lena"

"I haven't even kissed a boy yet!" Elena assured, "But when I do, it has to be special. Like the kisses in the movies" she stated dreamily

Jacqueline patted Elena on the cheek gently before she smiled at her little sister. "And I hope that you can have that, Elena"

Elena beamed and then wandered off to call Matt and let him know she could hang out today. Leaving her dishes behind as she did so...

"Nice" Jacqueline snorted and picked up the dish to wash it with her own.

"Hey, Jacq" Enzo smiled as he sat up against the cell doors. He looked weaker than she had seen him look before. It made her heart squeeze painfully for him.

This was fucking torture!

Not science!

"Hey, Enzo" she tried to smile as she handed him a blood bag. He was gonna need the blood more now than ever before. The torture they were putting him through was worse now.

It would kill him eventually.

"How has the hunt for the witches gone? Still nothing?" Enzo asked as he drained the bag and handed it back to her to dispose of for him. "Your magic is more obvious now...and it's strong"

Jacqueline slid down the wall across from him and sighed. "It's been what? 2 years now?" She hummed thoughtfully. "Still nothing. Though I've gone through all the places I can find within a days driving distance from here"

Enzo shook his head sadly, "This is why nobody likes witches" he commented ruefully

"Yeah" she scoffed, "I can see why. Anyway, how are you doing?"

Enzo shrugged, "Same as always"

They both knew it was a lie but the question gave Jacqueline an opportunity to see the emotion swirling in his eyes. There was enough obvious worry and pain to know that he wasn't doing good. Thought considering the state they left him in - that was rather obvious.

"Graduation is coming up in a few days isn't it?" Enzo asked changing the topic with an almost proud look in his eyes at the mention of her graduation. Enzo had been her friend for 6 years now and he had been the only person to hear her most inner thoughts and feelings - he pretty much knew everything there was to know about her. Including her dislike of school and struggles to continue an education while looking after her siblings and working.

She nodded, "Yup. I'm graduating with an average grade but I never planned on going to college anyway"

Enzo nodded, "I never bothered compelling my way in either" he smiled. "Did you file for the custody papers over Jeremy and Elena?"

"Not yet" she admitted, "Elena is about to turn 16 in 2 months... she won't need Greyson's signature for anything. Technically it's more her decision than Greyson's. Jeremy just turned 13 a few days ago and I'm working on figuring out whether or not I even talk to him about it?"

Enzo nodded, "I think you should. Talk to them both and put the idea out there"

"I know" Jacqueline admitted on a sigh. "I know what I should do. The problem is actually making myself do it"

"Right" Enzo chuckled, "Isn't that always your problem though?"

Jacqueline shot him a mock glare but smiled a little as she nodded her agreement. He wasn't wrong - either she acted impulsively or she hesitated to act at all. Though if it was ever a serious situation, hesitation would never be her first reaction and of that she knew for sure. There were few times she ever hesitated, but unfortunately, this happened to be one of those times.

"Elena's finally stopped being mad at me, Enzo. I don't want to ask and have her get mad again. What if she says no?" Jacqueline explained to him, refusing to allow the anxiety that she currently felt welling up in her chest to show in her face of voice.

She might be feeling emotions, but she want going to show them!

Jacqueline wasn't a trusting person and she hated being vulnerable more than she had ever hated something before. If there was one thing that finding out your parents don't give a shit about her did, it's make her never want to be vulnerable enough to get hurt again. Jacqueline would never allow herself to be hurt in that way ever again and as much as she trusted and cared for Enzo - she couldn't give him any power over her by showing the emotions.

...although she had reluctantly learnt over the 6 years that she could tell him how she felt without showing it.

Her pride wasn't damaged as much this way.

"And John's in town!" Jacqueline spat grumpily. "Of all times to show up, that asshole picks now!"

Enzo gave her a dry chuckle at the bad timing. John was oblivious to any wrongdoing on Greyson's part and would never allow Jacqueline custody of Elena and Jeremy if he found out what she was attempting. It wouldn't matter if both herself, Jeremy and Elena told John about Miranda and Greyson's neglect... hell it wouldn't matter to John if Greyson himself told John about it!

John Gilbert would never admit that Greyson could be in the wrong.

And even if some miraculous event convinced John of the truth - that he and Greyson are not superior and invincible beings - John would never allow Jacqueline to take custody of her siblings.

Jacqueline knew that John would rather see her dead than taking Greyson out of the picture and away from his kids. John Gilbert would never be convinced that Elena and Jeremy could ever be better off away from the Gilbert family or Mystic Falls. It was that elitist mentality that both Greyson and John thrived in, to the point that they truly believe it above all else.

That was also one of the main reasons that Johns hates Jacqueline.

His belief in being elite and superior to those around them was expected to be mirrored by Jacqueline - especially since she was the oldest and had come in contact with John the most of the three siblings. John expected her to be like Elena only more self-absorbed and snobbish.

Basically becoming the newest Carol Lockwood.

And Jacqueline was not that.

She never would be that and John considered that a betrayal to the Gilbert name that she had apparently been 'blessed with, despite not deserving it' whatever the fuck that actually means. He had always been a little more harsh towards Jacqueline but she proved to be just a much of a snarky bitch. Once again her pride had not allowed her to be hurt by the obvious hatred of yet another person that was supposed to care and love her.

So, Jacqueline knew she would have to hold off on any conversation about getting custody of Elena and Jeremy, because she could never risk John finding out.

...they would be worse off than if Miranda was left in charge.

Shaking her head Jacqueline said goodbye to Enzo and made her way to her car again. She needed to get home before Jeremy and Elena got back. God she was hoping that John had taken the hint and left the house... or Mystic Falls all together. Thought she suspected that was just wishful thinking, of course. Pulling into the driveway she spotted Johns car and sighed.

As it turned out, John had not cared about whether or not he was welcome to stay in their house. Not that Jacqueline was even remotely surprised by that though. The entitled prick always did what he wanted to do, regardless of what others thought. Walking up the stairs she kissed Jeremy's forehead as he passed her and went up to his bedroom for the night. John had promptly informed them at dinner that he would be staying with them for the weekend and thankfully that was only one more day.

Elena had called and asked to spend the night at Matt's and Jacqueline had agreed much to John's disapproval.

"I still don't think Elena should be at a boys house overnight" John huffed still attempting to make his disapproval known to her even though she'd said yes 2 hours ago.

Jacqueline rolled her eyes, "And I still don't care what you think" she retorted and moved into the living room to watch television.

After all, it was only 7:45 at night and she refused to allow John to think that he had driven her to change anything about her routine in order to avoid him. Jacqueline knew that Jeremy's early retirement to his room hadn't gone unnoticed by John but Jacqueline refused to do the same. It was like she was incapable of letting John think he affected her at all.

Even though his presence made her want to claw her own eyes out!

Or maybe just kill John instead of herself?

That sounded mush more appealing, the more she thought about it...

"Are you going to let Jeremy go up to his room? should he really be spending that much time alone? I don't think it's healthy to be so antisocial" John commented making Jacqueline think he was just nit-picking for the sake of it.

Jacqueline snorted, "He's not anti-social" she informed him taking a little amusement in the fact he had his head so far up his ass he can't see that he's the problem here - not Jeremy. And why the fuck would Jeremy want to spend time with his asshole uncle that he's seen three times in his life, all before the age of 10?

John rose a brow looking like he was waiting for her to let him in on the reason for Jeremys early retirement to bed. As if it hadn't crossed John's mind that he was the reason.

Maybe it hadn't?

Jacqueline wasn't sure how someone could be that oblivious though...

"He hates you" she dryly informed John who looked momentarily taken aback by the bluntness in which she delivered the information. "You're the reason nobody's here, John. Elena wasn't nothing more than to avoid her asshole uncle and Jeremy could barely stand sitting through dinner with you" she said indifferent to how that knowledge effected John.

John looked surprised but not hurt or saddened by the information.

Jacqueline shrugged a shoulder and turned back to the television. "I don't know why you're surprised. Maybe you should remove your head from your ass and take a good look around, John. Nobody wants you in town... nobody wants you here in this house. For someone who claims to know everything - you really do miss a lot of important shit" she hummed not bothering to look at him

John lingered there for a minute or two, just watching Jacqueline as she focused on the television again, completely unaffected by what she had just said to him.

Jacqueline knew he was watching her but she refused to act or comment when under his angry stare. She hadn't lied to him - only simply saying what she thought. He was an uptight asshole and he didn't give a second thought to making sure she knew he hated her and thought she was unworthy of calling herself a Gilbert, so why would she care about him in return?

Simple; She doesn't.

Which was why she made no move to follow or check on him when he huffed and walked back into the kitchen. Maybe he would leave earlier and then she would be able to continue with her plans over getting custody over her siblings?

Jacqueline could only hope.

.

.