CH 17. The Dream
"This is all your fault", Stefan declared as he flashes through the wood in search of Vicki, who had disappeared right after draining Logan Fell, with Damon being right on his tail.
"Sure Stefan, let's go with that", the blue-eyed vampire mocked, rolling his eyes at the accusation. "Because everything that transpires around you is my fault", he concluded sarcastically, following his younger brother who only scoffed in return. (Alright most of the time it might be his fault, but not in this case. Okay maybe a little bit, but at least not entirely his fault).
Stefan simply flashed away in return, heading in his search for the vampire who was his responsibility despite what she did to Logan. He had promised Elena that he will take care of the situation and that's exactly what he was going to do.
The Gilbert watch was still clasped in Damon's hand as they zoomed through the dense forest, where the only source of light was the luminous moon.
Looking at it, he watched as the dial of the watch kept going back and forth between him and Stefan, occasionally pointing towards another direction. It was a smart decision to pick up the Gilbert watch, otherwise, there was a high probability that it would have eventually led the council to him and Stefan. And no way in hell was he going to let that happen.
He had decided to check up on his brother soon after he left Caroline's house, (through the window of course) because Liz Forbes had unexpectedly returned home early. Which only meant that the council was yet to discover Logan Fell's body. Colour him surprised when he found out that the morally responsible Salvatore had lost track of Vicki. Looks like munching on half of the population of defenceless animals in the wood wasn't doing much for him now, was it. This means that now they have an out-of-control, blood trusty baby vampire on the loose. This day just keeps getting better doesn't it, note the sarcasm.
As soon as he arrived, Stefan started with his baseless accusations (okay MAYBE not completely baseless) which annoyed him to no end. This is what he gets for actually being decent for once. He should have known that good comes out of him being nice.
And suddenly, there he was, in the middle of the forest with an anxious younger brother helping him (even though he is doing the bare minimum) look for a newly turned vampire (who might have turned because of him), following that potent, yet most rusty fragrance that mostly signifies that she had been right in that area.
"If you hadn't turned Vicki-"
"That's the thing, Stefan, I haven't," Damon interrupted before the younger Salvatore could go on yet another rant.
"WHAT?!, if you didn't, then who did?", clamoured Stefan, totally not expecting the sudden turn of events. Damon knew that it would come to this point eventually and he was right. His brother reverted to the character and reverted to the reason why he was always angry at him: because he's the villain and villains like to ruin everything around them no matter what their intentions are. At least that's what people thought.
Damon continued, "If I had-," and kind of paused before continuing "then I would be with her watching the chaos she causes instead of being here with my annoying little brother" and made an almost convincing smile.
"How should I believe you. How else would you explain her sudden turning", Stefan muttered under his breath, but his brother heard him anyway.
"Hmmm, I don't know, Stefie. Maybe it has something to do with the car wreck that happens to be about a mile away from her, which looked suspiciously like the awful truck the Donovan chick drove around," Damon taunted, with a sarky tone.
"But who knows I might be wrong. Since according to you I always am."
"She crashed?! That means that it was an accident. How did that happen?", his brother exclaimed, the surprise clearly visible on his face. Though he was somewhat guilty that he was so quick to jump to conclusions and denounce his brother, in his defence Damon is responsive for 90% of the mess-up things that have been happening lately, so you can't really blame him.
"I don't know," Damon mockingly pondered, rubbing his chin dramatically earning an eye roll from Stefan. "Maybe she crashed her car for the fun of it."
Before Stefan could contradict, Damon interrupts him. "Shush!", the dark-haired brother grumbles, when it felt like he heard something. Then he turned to Stefan who looked confused, "Don't you hear that?"
"No, I don't. What do you hear?" Stefan questioned as his eyes now fully gawking at his brother after trying to enhance his hearing but not picking up on anything useful.
"Wait, let me check", Damon replied.
Expanding his senses, he picks up the animals around him, the sound of tires screeching, soft music? and what sounded like a couple making out. They would have been his dinner if it wasn't for this predicament he has found himself in.
On a normal day, Damon wouldn't have cared about some newly turned vampire painting the town red, but now the circumstances were different. All he could think about is how he ended up in the middle of the forest with his brother. For once it would be nice if he could get his own house back, because he could do with some space for once. That is if they wanted to get out of this forest any time soon.
The council was already suspicious and on the lookout. And Zach dying just made it worst. Letting Vicki wander around with her fangs ready to bite down someone's jugular at any moment, would bring him no good. And a less pissed Caroline was just a bonus if they were to find Vicki before she does something. So he continued to listen on, standing completely still when he finally picks up on a familiar voice, or dare he say voices.
'I can't control it', the familiar voice whimpered.
'Control what?', another voice that sounded suspiciously like the Lockwood kid question. The confusion was clearly evident in his tone.
'I am so hungry, Ty. And it won't go away', the voice, that Damon was now sure belonged to the Donovan chick resumed.
'What are you on? What drugs did you take?', the voice accused.
That was all it took for the brothers to take action. Sharing a quick look with his brother, Damon dashed in the direction of the voices, with Stefan right on his heels.
"I want it. I am so hungry, Ty", Vicki cried out moving closer to Tyler who continued to look at her as if was crazy. And maybe she was, cause it sure felt like it. She didn't want to hurt Tyler, but she was just so thirsty. Her throat was so itching that it felt like she would die if she didn't do something about it soon.
"Okay look, I'll get you something to eat. Just sit back. Look, let's just get you home, okay?", Tyler said trying to grasp the situation. This is why he would never introduce Vicki to his parents. Vicki is a whole ass mess. They would never accept her and he was in no mood to disappoint his dad even more than he already has. And if he were being honest, he knows that it wasn't going to be a long-term relationship. It was running on borrowed time.
Taking her silence as her approval, Tyler decides to go get his car. But before he could move towards his car, Vicki steps forward. Losing her strength, she collapses right in his arms. "Whoa! Vicki! what is wrong with you?!"
Vicki couldn't take it anymore. The scent of the blood running in Tyler's veins was too strong. It was calling to her. Before she knows it her eyes blacken with veins darkening and fangs painfully extending.
His jaw slowly opens, wider still as he took several steps back from the young woman even though he was confused with what was happening to her. His eyes now show fear. "Vicki, no", he says with uncertainty as His fear eventually transfers to her, somewhat exciting her.
Just as she was about to bite into Tyler's neck, she was out of no far, aggressively pulled off him. Catching both her and Tyler by surprise.
"Aah! Let go of me!", Vicki exclaimed, struggling in Stefan's arms, who had a tight grip on her waist giving her no chance to escape.
This was one of those rare times where Stefan was actually thankful for Damon's sharp senses cause if he had picked up on Vicki's voice, the mayor's son would have most probably been dead by now.
As if he had heard his thoughts Damon appears with a pretentious smirk on his face, watching his brother holding back the Donovan girl as the Lockwood kid watched on, confusion with the whole ordeal.
"What's going on here, Stefan? What's wrong with her?", Tyler voiced out, eventually getting out of his trance.
"You shut up", Damon warned. He had no time to deal with this kid's shenanigans. They have to get out of here before they attract too much attention to them. Lucky for them the parking lot was currently empty, but it wouldn't take long for that to change.
"Screw you, dude", growled Tyler. He didn't like it one bit how he was been kept in the dark with whatever secret these 3 seemed to share. And Stefan's brother's attitude wasn't making him feel any better.
"Dude"? Really? "Dude"?", huffed the blue-eyed vampire as he strode towards his prey.
Noticing his predatory stride, Stefan worriedly yelled, "Damon, don't!"
"Oh, come on. Who's gonna miss this idiot?", he replied with an egocentric smirk.
That seemed to be the last straw for Tyler cause the next thing you know he punches Damon right in the face. Though he immediately regretted it when he noted the pure look of wrath that appeared on Damon's face. Coddling his face, he glared at the jock kid who was now running as far as his legs can take him. Unfortunately, Damon was faster as he easily chased after him, not letting him get that far. If looks could kill, Tyler would have been 5th feet under. Now he has done it. Great.
"Ooh! Don't you hurt him!", Vicki cried out, battling to get out of Stefan's clasp, as she watched Damon grab Tyler by the throat.
"Stop it, Damon!", Stefan warned. He was aware of the fact that was now furious. It wouldn't even take a second for him to snap the Lockwood's neck. Tyler should have just kept his hands to himself.
Pupils dilating, he before compels him, but not before taking his fill of the terrified expression of Lockwood's face as he struggled to breathe, "Forget what you saw here tonight. None of us was here".
With that Damon drops Tyler to the ground, before vanishing with Stefan who was dragging Vicki with him. Not noticing that he had left something behind.
"Where am I???", Caroline whispered out loud, as she stood in an unfamiliar place. It looked like she was on a set of some period drama but the difference was that this all seemed pretty much real rather than some made-up set. From the marble pillars to the endless hallways, everything screamed luxury. Yet there wasn't a single soul in view. This didn't do anything for the uneasy emotion that Caroline was feeling. It felt as if something was in store for her, though not in a good way. But she decided to ignore that feeling. There was nothing else she could do but ask herself, "What the hell?! How did get here?"
Looking up she observed the pitch-black sky. There wasn't even a single star in sight. It only in increasing the mysterious aura of this niche. The foyer was lit up with torches, making it seem like medieval times. When mysteriousness piqued Caroline's inquisitiveness, she moved to pull out one of the torches, (carefully of course she didn't want to burn herself or the ancient gown that she doesn't know how she ended up in) and start to move forward. This place might have seemed like someplace that one finds in an old horror film but Caroline finds out the more she finds out, the more she finds herself enthralled.
Her footsteps echoed throughout the hallways. As she began to move forward the archways started to appear. There were many archways to many rooms. The entry of the rooms with covered with a white silk cloth, which made it feel even more creepy. Caroline was really starting to feel a bit terrified, seeing as she wasn't sure where her next step would take her. Worst case she could just imagine coming across a room filled with a Jason or a Leatherface. She knew she was being irrational but could do nothing to stop it from being true.
But, Caroline was determined to really see what this place really was.
She didn't know where she was going all she knew was she felt the urge to follow. But follow what? She doesn't know yet. It is something, that's for sure. Whatever this was, she felt the pull. And it was strong.
Her whole being was screaming don't go, but curiosity got the best of her.
Like they say 'Curiosity killed the cat'. However, Caroline had no idea that how accurate it actually was going to be in this situation.
At the end of the path stood a huge archway. It was enthralling. The whole place was lit up with marble and stone torch towers, vines with small flowers decorating the archways, and the pillars. There was a small pond in the middle of it all, filled with water lilies, and lotuses. The moonlight reflecting from the water illuminated the whole area.
But all this beauty was not enough for Caroline to ignore the chill that ran down her as soon as she had stepped in.
She felt sweat beads forming on her forehead. Something was not right about this place.
And it didn't help that the weird feeling she was getting from the start seemed to have intensified.
Caroline shuddered when a cold gush of wind hit her as she walked in even further. She rubbed her arms up and down to get rid of the goosebumps while simultaneously looking around.
Suddenly feeling something creeping on her shoulder.
Caroline turned only to...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Get stabbed the right in the gut. The unexpected attack and the sheer force caused her to collapse on the ground with blood gushing out of the open wound getting all over her hands as she clenched her stomach in anguish.
Her vision blurred making it harder to get a clear view of her assailant. All she could make out was a stiletto of a woman.
"Why?!", Caroline cried out. Her voice cracked due to the immense pain she was in.
"I am sorry Aδελίνα, it had to be done", said the figure, taking a few steps back as if afraid of what she had done.
The last thing Caroline remembers is her blooded dress before losing consciousness.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyes snap open. Caroline was covered in a cold sweat, shaking, heart pounding. Her eyes wide open, she was motionless for a moment. She looked around the room suspicious and paranoid that the horror may have followed her here. She had a scared expression on her face as she gazed around expecting to see something that had just struck her but was only left with a large open window on the other side of the room. It was a magnificent sight to behold, yet not a peaceful one. Now alone, the night light surroundings flashed by in her vision. Glancing around, she let out a sigh of relief when nothing was in sight that would have possibly dared an attack.
Slowly rising up not before deliberately making sure not to disturb Jessica and Samantha who were fast asleep on the same bed, she gradually got out of the king-size bed in Jessica's room.
Still slightly shivering due to the aftereffect of whatever had just occurred, Caroline begins to rub her pounding head. She is now fully awakened. The sleep completely living her body.
Stumbling into the bathroom, she switches on the lights, before looking in the mirror cautiously, as if not sure of what she'll see. The blonde could still feel her heart frantically beating against its cage of ribs as she vividly remembered the vicious sweep of the blunt knife.
Caroline closes her eyes, before taking a deep breath, trying to calm herself, while placing one hand on top of the sink. She opens her eyes, looking at her reflection in the mirror; eyes red-rimmed, face slightly pale. But the moment she tried to figure out what was wrong, an extreme burst of nausea attacks her. The wave of nausea was like that of someone who had just ridden the Tilt-a-Whirl for three hours straight; that bad. Taking deep breaths she regained her composure up enough to even try to fight it back.
It was close to midnight, the moonlight gleams through the small window, washing away the vestiges of the dreadful scene, leaving Caroline relieved to return to her mundane existence. This was the first nightmare she has had in years since her parent's divorce. And it was kind of messing with her head but she decided to dismiss it. Twisting the tap, she began to splash some water on her face. When she looks back up, she sees a shadow move behind through the mirror causing her to jump.
She quickly turns around, only to find nothing there and it was all just her hallucination, or at least that's what she thinks it was. Maybe this was the aftermath of the nightmare. Feeling
jittery all over and a little afraid to that return back to sleep, slightly petrified that the nightmare would return, she decided to get some fresh air.
Turning around, Caroline enters Jess's room, closing the bathroom door behind her. She does the same thing to the window before turning to Samantha. For a moment she thought that Sam had woken up by the unexpected outburst, but then noticed that she was still sleeping peacefully. There was a smile on her face as if she was having a happy dream.
Stepping out of the room, Caroline move towards the balcony that Jess and Sam's apartment had, thinking about how this was a bad end to an amazing day. As long as she know her friends they always had a movie night and a sleepover. After a great night out, they would snuggle on the couch in their PJ's, munching on their favourite snacks, watching their favourite movies. She valued this time a lot. Best friends and a bag of popcorn. Life was really good. But the bad news was she could stop thinking about Damon and the mess he had created back home.
Caroline smiled when passed Samantha's room where Jones's brothers were crashing in. Normally all of them would crash here, but today Alexis and Noah had to leave early for some reason nonetheless, they all didn't mind. Let the couple have their alone time. She abruptly chuckled when she saw Liam shove Jacob off him who rolled over simultaneously stole the blanket before growling and going back to mumbling in his sleep. She watched as Liam tried to pull back the blanket still have asleep, with JJ not ready to give it up. Watching them go back and forth was sure entertaining; she had to stifle her laughter when she saw JJ jerking up in his sleep, shouting out random nonsense like "Don't make me do it again" and "Let go, let me do it" while he was still in his dream. Was he re-enacting the fight scene from another hit movie?
But all the absurdity was not enough to distract her from the weird nightmare that kept popping up in her mind. And she was getting more convinced that whatever the nightmare was it had something to do with Damon. Way too vivid to be just a dream. It had to be something paranormal. But at the same time, there was little to no chance for him to be involved as well. How would he be involved when he doesn't even know where she is?. She was tossing that around in her head as she got to the balcony. The air was really cold that Caroline wished that she had at least a light jacket to cover her. But she couldn't go back inside, not until she takes a breather.
She stood under the light so she could see the map the city laid out before her. Car lights continuously flicker on and off as they travel down the road making it seem like there was a flood of fireflies in the night sky.
"What the hell was that? And why did it feel so real?"
"Yes dad, I got grandma's meds", Bonnie assured through the phone walking towards her car with bags in hand, trying to search for her key while simultaneously talking to her worried father. It was close to midnight and she had to rush last-minute to the drugstore to get her grandma's meds that she had run out of. It had to be brought right away since Sheila had a night dose to take that she couldn't skip. Luckily for her, she made it right on time just before the drugstore closed.
"That's great", her dad exclaimed. He was getting anxious thinking that she would not be able to get her hands on them. If she hadn't then she would have to go all the way to the Mystic hospital. And there was no way he going to let her do that, not when bodies kept on dropping like flies in Mystic Falls. With all these "animals attacks" going around, it wasn't safe for his daughter to wander around so freely that to so late at night. Shaking off the chill that ran down his spine at the thought of something happening to Bonnie, he continued, "Where are you now?"
"I'm at the grill", Bonnie answered. "I thought that I would get us something to eat. Would you prefer a burger or some lasagna? Those were the only options left."
"Sorry baby, I won't be able to make it. There is a lot that I need to get done before tomorrow's meeting with the Mayor, so I have to stay behind. I promise I will be there next time", Rudy admitted. The remorse for missing yet another movie night with his daughter was pretty evident in his tone, but that didn't make Bonnie feel any better. He rarely spends time with her anymore. And even though he won't just come out and say it, she knows that it's because she has started to remind him of her mom, Abby Bennett. Who abandoned them when she was just an infant. At this point, Bonnie has been pretty much brought up by her Grams, Sheila Bennett. But lately, the brunette has been avoiding her, ever since the sexy subs incident. Nonetheless, it looks she would just have to crash with her Grams anyways.
"It's Okay Dad, I get it. See you tomorrow, I guess. Bye", Bonnie answered quickly hanging up before he could say anything, not bothering to hide the disappointment in her voice. She didn't want to hear any more fake promises and assurances that she knows her dad would never get down to fulfilling.
As she strode to her car, her gaze caught something, sparkling in the empty parking space near her causing her to squint her eyes, trying to get a better look. When curiousness got the best of her, she moved toward the object after placing her bags on the truck of her car.
Once she eventually got closer. Bonnie noticed that it was actually a necklace (which looked somewhat familiar) and it wasn't sparkling, it was just reflecting the streetlight onto her.
"Maybe someone dropped it?", Bonnie thought out loud. Deciding to get a better look, she bends down and picks it up, only to realize that it was the same necklace she saw at Caroline's. She was pretty sure it belonged to the older Salvatore, that the blonde may or may not have been involved with. Maybe Caroline finally got rid of it. Cause everyone knows that Caroline Forbes does not just lose things, especially when she considers them of some sort of value. And she definitely recalls that this ugly necklace certainly had some kind of significance to the cheerleader.
Determine to complete the task that Caroline left incomplete, Bonnie moved towards the trash can near her, to get rid of it once and for all. But out of nowhere she suddenly changed her mind and decided to do the exact opposite, by stuffing the necklace in the pocket of her jacket, instead of getting clear of it, as she got into her car, driving off to her grams house.
Not knowing that this necklace would change her life forever.
The night sky was clear with a full moon beaming down on it's inhabitants. The myriads of stars were almost unbearable to look at they were so bright.
Caroline leaned against the railing, a cool breeze brushing against her, causing goosebumps to form.
"Restless night?", Liam asked as entered the balcony. His voice brought the blonde out of her stupor, as she was in a haze, staring at the bewitching gloaming sky.
"Nah, just needed some fresh air", Caroline answered as she turned around and leaned against the bannister, greeting the brunette with a smile. "What about you? Why are you awake?"
"Let's just say that I have been kicked in the gut 4 times and pushed off the bed twice", Liam grimaced, remembering the sudden shots of pain he felt throughout the night.
Caroline chuckled at his distorted expression, earning a glare for the brunette before they both burst out laughing.
"It's hard being JJ brother, huh?", Caroline said in between her chuckles.
"Oh, you have no idea", he answered with a smile, looking at her happy face, the lost and disturbed look getting replaced by her playful smile.
They stood in silence for a while, before their conversations started to get a bit too wordy. They both chuckled and continued their activity.
"So, I was wondering...", Liam started to when he felt Caroline stiffen form next to him, as she thought that he was going to ask her about the nightmare and she doesn't even what to think anymore. But what he ask next was way worst.
"You have been distracted and worried the whole night, has something happened?", he asked with an arched eyebrow, but took his eyes off her to look at the sky.
"I was just wondering if you would like to, um, talk about it?", he asked with hesitation.
Caroline looked at him with surprise, not expecting him to ask.
"Well…", she started to say, but stopped, not able to find the right words to continue. She doesn't want to involve in in the mess that is her life.
"If you don't want to, I understand, I really do. But, I just want you to know that you can talk to me. I am always here for you…you know that right", he finished.
To which Caroline smile in response. Getting all the confidence she needed, she began, "So, I got this call last night from this guy... who is my um... PARTNER yes partner, we are working on a project together".
"Okay, so what was the call about?", Liam asked, urging her to continue.
"He has like messed up big time and I need to go back to go damage control. Do you think that the gang would mind if was to leave in the morning? I know had the whole day planned, but..."
"Oh don't worry about it, I don't think any of them would mind, I don't. Go and show that guy who's boss", Liam answered with a smile. "No one messes with Caroline Forbes".
"Thanks, Liam. You always know what to say", Caroline said with a smile of her own. She hated that she couldn't confide in him with the whole truth, technically she wasn't lying, right?. She and Damon were working together, so they were partners. If partners meant her doing his every bidding. But that's going to change from now on.
"By the way, why were those professors of your's calling you on a Saturday. What was all that about?", Caroline asked, remembering how Jess kept cribbing how Liam was a teacher's pet to incite JJ up. And JJ fell for it each time. What she didn't notice was the look of distaste that flicked on Liam's face, on the mention of his professors.
"It was nothing. Just them wanting me to join their organization", he answered, sounding slightly irritated.
"So are you going to?", Caroline inquired.
"What?"
"Their organisation, I mean".
"Oh, HELL NO", Liam yelled out, repulsed with even the thought of joining that messed up club. "Let's just say that it's NOT my cup of tea"
Caroline just looked at him before bursting into a fit of laughter at his comical reaction causing Liam to join her as well. They talked the whole night They talked the whole night and barely noticed the sunrise, the sky slowly lightening and the horizon becoming more and more defined. And before they knew it, they were standing on the chaise long, standing next to each other, looking up at the blue sky. The soft wind blowing the hairs that hung loosely around their faces. Everything was perfect.
"What happens now? Because my brother is out there searching for her with the rest of the town. What do I tell him?", Elena asked infuriated with the situation they were currently in.
"I'm working with her, but it's gonna take time. She's a very volatile and impulsive personality. She's a drug user. I mean, all that's gonna play a part in how she responds to this", Stefan explained hoping Elena would understand his point, but clearly, she didn't. She had stopped stress walking and stood before him, while Stefan leaned against the wall, near the window next to her.
"Oh, so I should tell my brother that you need more time to get to know her. Is that what you're saying?", she implored while covering her face with the palm of her hands in frustration.
"Just be patient Elena, let me do my best", he said while placing his hand on her shoulder.
"So, she's a vampire with issues? What am I supposed to do? Because I'm lying to everyone that I care about. What's gonna happen to her?" Elena questioned, drowning in all the emotions that were emanating from her.
"You're not responsible for what happens with her. This is something that she'll have to confront for herself. I promised her I would help her through this. I gave my word. That's what I'm here for. I'll do what I can to help her change for the better." He said with sincerity. When he looked up towards Elena, his hand still on her shoulder he could see the tears in her eyes.
"I'm gonna keep her here with me until I know that she's safe", he replied.
"Oh! how melodramatic", Damon voiced monotonously from the couch, eyeing the couple's heads snap towards him at the sound of his voice. This was the most boring contention ever. And here he thought that he would finally get some entertainment when he had heard them arguing through the back door. He had even poured himself a drink of his favourite bourbon to relish but alas it wasn't even worth it. He missed Blondie at least she was fun to be around, unlike this boring couple before him.
"When did you get here?", Stefan asked stunned to see him there causing Damon to give him a bored look in turn. Playing mind games was probably the only thing that made Damon's life even mildly interesting. Except for Caroline and some random woman he had known over the years. But Elena and his brother had nothing new. And he needed a new distraction from the eternal darkness of his life.
"Just got here. Yours is a very strong bond little brother. Seems like it could break with just a flicker of a finger. But how would I know, I'm no dating expert", Damon asserted not once taking his eyes off the couple, who were going through a most unsavoury conversation. He had to make a joke...
"Didn't you say that you were leaving?", Elena said interrupting the brothers.
"It's my house, Elena, I can come and go whenever I please", he said casually while waving his bourbon in their direction. "You are the one who barged in uninvited".
"So then what are you doing here?", Stefan interrogated ignoring his comment while Elena fumed.
"I'm getting a few things from my room. But come on guys, please continue with the enlightening conversation you guys were having ", Damon said sarcastically. "You know you should let Vicki go. Let her take in some fresh air. Maybe she won't harm anyone"
"She threatened me", Elena yelled out exasperated.
"That's great, all the more reason to let her go", Damon exclaimed with a smirk earning a glare from Elena.
"Shut up, Damon", Stefan yelled, before turning towards Elena. "She's on edge. Imagine every sense in your body operating at super speed. I mean, she's uncomfortable in her own skin. And then when you throw in her other issues..."
"How long before it settles? Hours? Days? Weeks?", she questioned. This all was too much to take in.
"There's no rule book"
"Well, how long before you learned to control it?"
"A while, But I didn't have anybody helping me. I had to do it on my own".
At that Damon snickered receiving a shut it look from Stefan. Had no help, what a joke. Didn't he have that pesky best friend of his? Damon was the one who was truly alone.
"The thing is it's hard to resist certain people especially when you're new, it's difficult to lust, anger, desire...it can all blur into one urge, hunger", Stefan explained.
"And so you're saying she could turn on the rest of the town?"
"Yes"
"So what's gonna happen to her?"
"It depends on her. I'm gonna help her the best that I can, Elena."
"I mean, what's gonna..." she was cut by Damon's comment "Oh Elena, Elena...".
"What?", she said ready to scream at the dark-haired brother. But he was sure there was a curious tone in her voice. "What do you know?" she asked.
"You are asking the wrong person about control", he said while taking a sip of his bourbon.
"What do you mean? What does he mean Stefan?", Elena asked.
"Ignore him, Elena. He is just trying to instigate you", Stefan quickly replied. Trying to divert her attention from Damon. He was not ready to open up to her about his dreadful past yet.
"But I am not. You know what I am talking about Stefan, don't you", Damon said smirking, watching his brother grimace.
"Let's get back to the topic in hand, okay?", Stefan voiced before Damon could reveal anything else, while Elena tried to stare Damon down, cause something told her that Damon wasn't lying. Stefan was definitely hiding something from her.
"Like I was saying- Stefan began before things went out of hand -Jeremy can't see her, not now. She might not be able to resist him, and she could hurt him"
"Or worse", Damon clapped with a smirk
Noticing Elena's worried expression, Stefan continue firmly, "I'm not gonna let anybody get hurt"
"I need to get going", Elena exclaimed.
"Elena..."
"Please Stefan. There's only so much I can take", she pleaded, causing Damon to roll his eyes. How annoying can she get? No one asked her to be here in the first place.
"Then leave. No one asked you to be here anyway", Damon voiced, done with her drama. "This is vampire business and from what I recall you aren't one. So kindly get your ass out of here".
"You..." Elena began furiously, but before she could give Damon her peace of mind, the doorbell rang, interrupting her from whatever rant planning on giving.
Sharing a look with the younger Salvatore, she notified, "I'll get it", stepping towards the door
""Are you our new doorman now? ", Damon quipped as he took a sip of his drink "A little change of looking at the world, huh Elena?"
"Shut up, Damon", Stefan said, his façade of calmness clear.
Caroline?!", Elena explained startled to see her best friend standing at the front door. The blonde was the last person she was expecting to see.
"What are you doing here?", she continued with a smile on her face, coming out of her initial shock of seeing the unexpected Blonde. But her smile dimmed getting replaced by a shell shocked expression on her face when she heard what Caroline next.
"Is Damon here?", Caroline asked skipping all the pleasantries and getting straight to the point.
"Um..., I don't think you should see him anymore Caroline", Elena replied, hoping that her friend would heed her warning and take her advice. "He is not good for you".
At the brunette's reply, Caroline rolled her eyes. Elena continued to rant about how she should stay away from Damon, bla bla bla. Honestly, Caroline gives zero fucks at this point. She had no sleep last night, had to rush right after brunch that she had with the gang (who were super understanding with her leaving early by the way) and had been driving for two hours straight, without even bothering to go to her house first before arriving at the Salvatore boarding house. She didn't even have time to conceal the almost fading bit mark on her neck and had to cover it up with a bandana. So believe her when she says that doesn't have the time or the patience to deal with Elena right now.
Stefan turned his attention to the conversation happening by the door once he heard the blonde's name. He continued to eavesdrop while looking at her near-perfect skin, magnificent hair and lustrous blue eyes. The scarf around her neck added to his suspicion that Damon was still feeding on her. But, one thing that caught his attention was the determined look on Caroline's face. She looked like she was here on a mission. But what he failed to notice was the delighted expression on Damon's face as soon as he heard Caroline's voice.
"I don't have time for your shenanigans, Elena", Caroline said, interrupting the brunette's extremely irritating rant. She was in no mood for it. "Is Damon here or not".
Elena paused, not expecting that. "Um...", she began not knowing what to say. It was like she was literally searching for the right words but was unable to find them. "Caroline..."
"Blondie! I see that you are back a day early. Did you miss me that much that you couldn't even wait for another day", Damon voiced walking towards the entrance. He noted the look on Caroline's face as he eavesdropped from the couch, sipping on his 2nd glass of bourbon. She looked like she was planning to a homicide. His to be specific. To be honest, he was thrilled when he had first heard her voice (even if she sounded a little pissed). Yesterday had been so boring that he had Vicki out of all people to keep him company.
"How was Daddy dearest?" he asked with his signature smirk, causing Caroline to roll her eyes. He knows he's in trouble. No matter how many times he flashes his charming smirk her way, it's not going to help him one bit.
"I need to talk to you right now", Caroline said, trying to get him to follow him, but that was turning out to be more difficult than she anticipated. Elena was still standing in the doorway. Not willing to move even in the slightest, being her same irritating self. "It's urgent", she added.
Elena turned and looked at Stefan who looked at her and who then looked back at Caroline who herself was looking at his older brother. Not paying even the slightest bit of attention to the other two in the room. A game of you-got-to-help-me-I-don't-have-any-idea-what-to-do kinda look. But honestly, Stefan himself didn't know what to do. So he decided to stand back and watch and not involve himself. Damon and Caroline have a weird thing going on which he still didn't understand, but one thing he did know for sure was Damon was somewhat attached to Caroline (even if he would disagree) and would not do her much harm, at least not yet.
"Sure Blondie lets-
"What do you want to talk to him about Caroline", Elena asked interrupting Damon. At this, the brunette turned from Caroline to look at Damon to make sure what her voice was really saying was what they were Hearing. Cause it seemed like they had forgotten all about her as soon as they looked at each other.
"That's none of your business Elena", Caroline replied, while crossing her arms across her chest. It's obvious she's mad at Elena for some reason. The last thing she wants is to shout at Elena but god was she being a menace. Why does she want to know everything? "Elena I love you but this is between me and Damon and I would like it if you could just let us be".
"Yeah Elena, stop being a nosy little bitch", Damon said, enjoying the way Elena's face had fallen at Caroline reply. Blondie sure had a fire in her.
At his statement, Elena glared at him while Caroline just rolled her eyes for what felt like the 10th time since she arrived at the Salvatore house. "What? I was just helping her read between the lines"
"Sure you were", Caroline scoffed turning to walk to her car knowing that Damon would be right behind, leaving the conversation before Elena could try to stop her.
"Anyways, Miss nosy, would you be a doll and take this for me?", Damon announced taking a final gulp of his bourbon as he turned towards Elena who looked confused. "Since you are already our doorman why not be a full time made as well. Don't worry, will pay you a hefty salary ", he continued, placing his now empty glass in her hands before following behind Caroline. Elena watched them get into her car and drive away.
"What just happened", she questioned the moment she heard the engine of Caroline car.
"I have no clue", Stefan answered as he walked towards her. They both stood alone
in the front door, watching the car going further, finally vanishing out of their sight. Completely forgetting about Vicki, who was long gone by now, taking advantage of the commotion downstairs
Damon settled on Caroline's bed watching her pace back and forth in distress. He had told her about the whole Vicki incident, from her turning into a vampire to Elena finding out to Logan Fell dying to him finding the Gilbert compass, as they drove to her house. What surprised him was the fact that she actually believed him when he said didn't kill Vicki, though she did lecture him quite a bit for putting the Donovan chick in this situation in the first place. But he didn't mind, cause it was the first time someone believed him right off the bat, without him having to convince them.That thought itself made him pleased.
To say that Caroline fretted was an understatement. The only day she was out of Mystic Falls things had to take a turn for the worse. Vicki was now a vampire with issues. Logan Fells was dead and his body was missing. And to make matters worse, Elena now knew about vampires, which means she would be extra nosy from now on. She loved her friend, but the brunette does have a habit of butting into matters that didn't necessarily concern her. She paraded around trying to think of a solution on how to deal with all this at once but could come up with anything.
Suddenly she stopped in her path before Damon's spot on the bed. She sat down still facing him with her phone in hand looking for any updates. "So there is not a single news about Logan. That means someone is covering it up"
Damon chortle. "Way to state the obvious, Blondie"
Caroline rolled her eyes. "I mean, why would someone try to cover it up? Wouldn't the council just declare it as another animal attack? What would they get from hiding it? Like come on, the dude was like a celebrity, someone's bound to notice".
Damon stopped laughing once her questions hit. His face turning blank. "You got a point."
"I wonder if it has anything to do with Vicki. Do you think that they knew it was her all along?".
Damon shrugged. "I don't think so. There wasn't anyone there except Me, Stefan and Vicki. So there is no way they would know. Do you think that they are the ones covering it up".
Caroline shook her head, "I doubt it. I mean why would they".
Thinking over everything they know so far, she continues, "I can't help but think that we are missing something. What if there's a third party was involved, who we have no idea about? Maybe they are working behind the scenes and messing up the circumstances even more?".
Damon couldn't help but wonder at her hypothesis.
Standing back up she announced, "I know that you are here for a reason Damon and I know that it's not to just annoy Stefan. Tell me, I need to know what I have thrown myself into".
She walked towards her bed stopping when she stood right in front of Damon. She looked him in the eyes, void to all emotions in her face, waiting for him to speak.
This made him kinda apprehensive, which was surprising since this was way off-brand for him. Caroline's face always held many emotions in them, but this right now was different. Her face was void of all emotions, making him wonder if this was what she looked when she was on a mission. Her ordering him around didn't feel right to him, but he let her off because he knew that she was the first and only one he could kind of trust after a long time. Caroline was staring at Damon with a determination that she's never had before it made him realize that there was nowhere for him to run. There was no getting out of this one. If he did she would find out eventually.
Caroline bothered that something way worse is about to hit them, asks him to tell her the truth, "I want to know everything, Damon. And don't leave a single detail".
Damon sighs, he knows he has no other choice, so he tells her everything about the life he had before her. He tells her about him and Stefan, Katherine, his father, the real history of Fell's Church, his past. He tell her about how Katherine was trapped in that tomb and how this might be the only chance he had to save her, but he hid the fact that Elena was an exact lookalike of Katherine and that there was more than one vampire trapped in the tomb.
Caroline listens intently to him, never blinking even once. When he was finished she asked, "So what do you want from me?"
Damon stopped, surprised by the question. "Oh, nothing Caroline. I probably didn't give you much thought before", he shrugs as he was not sure if the words were out of his mouth.
"What do you want from me, Damon".
The question and the seriousness in her voice caught him off guard. He was never asked about his wants or needs or desires. He always made the decisions because he was the one in charge, he was the leader. But now especially because of the situation though, he thought, he started to feel out of control and forgotten about.
"I need you to help me get Katherine out of the tomb", he finally answered. A part of him was actually curious at her response.
Caroline was not sure what to think of that answer. "But why me? There has to be at least one other person who can help you".
Damon's expression darkens and his utterance was so serious and so tense, that Caroline backed off a bit. "Do you trust me?", he quietly asks, voice low and eyes intense.
She doesn't know that he wasn't dying to hear that from anyone, just from her. He wanted to know if she trusted him.But he didn't want an answer to give him an excuse to back down from his decision.
"Yes", she answered looking straight into his sky blue eyes unable to stop herself. The word fell right out of her mouth without her even realising. Gaining back her sense, she elaborated, "I mean you do some questionable shit most of the time and sometimes I wish I could hit you with a pan, but yeah, I do kinda trust you".
Damon was stupefied that she actually trusted him. And he surely did not expect the sudden wave of joy he felt as soon as he had heard her answer. He was so delighted at her answer, he smiled at her. Caroline was so confused by the smile. She had never seen Damon smile like that ever before. It was a smile that showed that he felt really genuinely happy for once and she felt like that smile belonged only to her. "Wow", she thought, "This guy's smile is really captivating".
She kicked the thought away and started to take a better look at his face. He was now serious and his eyes were still intense, even though the smile was still there. "So you will help me save Katherine", he asked feeling hopeful for the first time.
A part of her wanted to agree, cause she was actually pretty curious to see what Katherine was like. Her interest was peaked; she wanted to know if this Katherine was anything like Elena who she knew. "How special was she to have both the Salvatore brother be in love with her?" She wondered. "Would it be the right decision to release an old bloodthirsty vampire etc, etc?". She remembered thinking Katherine was actually pretty merciless with the way she played both the brothers. "Will she create more mayhem?".
She looked at Damon's face, trying to find answers only to notice him looking so downtrodden, making her realize that she has been silent for too long. He must have taken her silence as a no.
"Yes, I will help you, but only if you will tell me the whole reality", Caroline announced, crossing her arms across her chest.
"What are you talking about? I have already told you everything Blondie", Damon lied without batting even an eye.
"Ah ah ah, that's where you're wrong. You see, Damon you fail to improve me about the fact that your ex-girlfriend isn't the only one trapped in that tomb. I know that there are about 25 vampires trapped in that along with her", Caroline revealed astonishing Damon with the revelation.
His eyes widened in shock so much so, that she was startled too. As far as she knew,William Forbes her ancestor had mentioned something like that in his journal, but she had never believed it since he tend to over dramatise in his entries. But deep down she feared that it was all true, but she decided to better not be concerned until she knew for sure.
For the first time in a long time, Damon was speechless. He knew that she was trying to put him off by talking like this knowing what he was planning to do, but he couldn't give up.
"How do you know that Blondie?", he asked firmly, his face demanding the answer.
Caroline paused for a moment wondering if she should tell him the truth. After a moment of deliberation, she decided that she accepts him to tell her everything then she should disclose somethings as well.
"William Forbes, my ancestor had mentioned something weird in his journal, but I never thought it was true, until now", Caroline divulged, watching Damon's eyes brighten in realisation.
"Why didn't I think of that! Of course, the sheriff of the town would have a journal", Damon clamored pleased that he found a possible answer.
"It also talks about 26 vampires who were trapped in that tomb, not an exact 25", she tells him, unable to keep a straight face.
Damon threw his arms up in the air, "Why am I not surprised!", he shouted in frustration. All this time he thought he had been so clever and his brain was so sharp, but yet how come he never got a clue of a journal even the slightest bit.
Caroline laughed a little at his response, then stopped when she noticed that Damon stopped glaring at her. She had a feeling that he may have been a little too happy.
"Is that how you found out about vampires", Damon asked curiously.
"That's a story for another time".
"So, where is this journal?", Damon asked
"I have it somewhere safe, where you don't have to know", Caroline responded, smirking.
"Awww why not?", Damon asked, Caroline, found it weird how Damon seemed really excited with the journal.
"Because firstly I don't want to tell you", Caroline answered firmly
"... and secondly I haven't completely finished reading it yet", she said finally.
"Okay-" Damon paused "So you trust me enough to help me with Katherine, but you still doubt me enough not to trust me with the journal", he said finding it funny.
"That's not it Damon. I just don't trust you with my stuff just yet. I mean, what if you lose it. You did kinda forget your crystal with me the other day. And I want to read the whole thing anyway. That's why I don't want to show it to you yet".
Damon looked at her for a moment before concurring, "Fair enough", he sighed, knowing that he won't be able to get that journal to read. "But why do you need to read the whole thing anyway", Damon asked confused.
"I want to know what happens when William's wife finds out that he cheated on her", she answer seriously.
At first, he thought that he was joking but then after watching her thoughtful expression he understood that she actually being serious.
"You know that it's not a novel right", he asked amused by her reasoning.
"It ticks all the right boxes in my head, so why the hell not", she resorted frankly. She was even lying, William did have a way with words even if he was a dramatic soul.
Damon was amused but at the same time looked extremely disappointed but was not sure if he should press her more than he already has he began, "Fine. But there's one thing I want you to do for me before we do anything. You have to keep this between us, because if I find out that you have spilt the beans to anyone then I promise you, it would not end well for you"
The blonde was expecting threats but for some reason, it felt like he didn't even mean it but she could be wrong though. And she wasn't on to take warnings from a vampire of all people lightly, so she quickly dismissed, "If I was planning to spill the beans I would have done it long back"
"Good"
"So will you tell me the truth now?", Caroline prodded, demanding an answer.
Damon leaned his head back, thinking before saying the words, "What else do you need to know. I thought you already knew everything there is to know", he asked confused.
"Okay, how about you start by explaining- she paused looking down at her phone and tapping onto a photo before showing it to him watching his eyes widen in shock -why the hell does your ex-girlfriend look exactly like Elena?".
"Where did you get this from Blondie
?!", Damon yelled in full turmoil.
"Calm down Damon", Caroline said, trying to calm his rage.
"I am calm", he answered with irritation glaring at Caroline.
"Who are you kidding", Caroline responded, not understanding what he meant by this display childishness. Typical Damon tantrums.
"Okay, I am calm now. For real. Now tell me how did you get this", Damon demands an answer being much calmer than previously, but Caroline was still not having it. She had realised that Damon was purposefully trying to distract her. But little did he know that she was too smart to fall for her tricks.
"Doesn't matter. I want answers, Damon", she responded, eyebrows raised
"I bet you do", he mumbled under his breath.
"Do you want to tell me, or not?"
"You're bluffing. Why would I trust you unless I know why you're asking this in the first place?"
Caroline scoffed, "So you want me to trust you but at the same time you don't trust me? Hippocrite much?". Looking down in irritation, agitated in silence having every right to know the truth in this situation, she continued looking back up at him, "And why wouldn't I want to know why a 100 something year old vampire looks exactly like my best friend? What if this Katherine is from an alternate earth or something and is like Elena's doppelganger?".
"Doppelga...what?", he asked perplexed.
"It's a Flash reference, you won't get it", she responded in nonchalantly. She had a pretty good knowledge of comics cause of JJ's constant ranting about them.
Damon chuckled in amusement, "A comic book reference from Barbie. I'm impressed"
"So what is the reality?", Caroline asked impatiently whilst rolling her eyes at the same time.
"The reality is that I have no idea. I don't really have answers yet, Barbie", he answered back, truthfully, watching her huff becoming more infuriated by the second. Damon was quiet for a moment before responding, "But my best guess is that maybe Elena is Katherine's descent".
"So what? I am just supposed to believe that God just gets bored of creating new faces everytime and just repeats the same, identical face every few decades?", she questioned.
Damon was at a loss of words at her perception, before answering with a little chuckle, "I guess".
"Eh, at least it's better than my theory", she responded trying to change the topic, but he quickly turned it back on her, "What was your theory?", he asked as Caroline glared at him to keep quiet.
"I just thought that maybe Elena was Katherine reincarnation or something. But there's no way for that theory to be right because for that your ex-girlfriend would have to be dead"
"I did not say that she was dead Damon. So would you stop glaring at me?", she quipped when she noticed his scowl.
"There is no way Katherine would reincarnate into such a boring people", Damon contended before beginning again, "And why do you keep calling her my ex-girlfriend", he implored, still unsure with the continues use of the term.
"Because I don't think I can call her your girlfriend. Not when that weird love triangle was going on between you, Stefan and Katherine. She was pretty much dating you both if dating was a term back in the 1800s", Caroline responded, scoffing
Damon chuckled silently before responding with a smirk, "My goodness, you sure are observant".
"When am I not", Caroline shrugged.
"So I guess that makes her your half-girlfriend. Yeah that's what I am going to call her from now on, your half-girlfriend".
"I am going to ignore that comment", he huffed, scowling at her.
Caroline let out a chuckle at his expression irking Damon even more.
"Your not funny Blondie", Damon said annoyed as he glared at her to keep quiet. "And how do you know all this anyway".
The amusement flashed through her body took a 180 as she felt a little annoyed at herself for giving him the news about the journal thought, after all, he wasn't planning to be nice about it. But still, she had already let him know, so what harm would it do, to tell the actuality.
"No, The Sheriff knew. I mean, he was close to your father after all. As I said, he had pretty good stories about you some good some bad. But he acknowledges your existence too."
"William Forbes, The Sheriff?", Damon asks looking genuinely surprised. She nods her head to affirm the question.
"I also got the rest of the information from a newspaper article as well. Did you know that you were the star in most of them, but I can't say that it was a good thing", Caroline said, putting emphasis on the word most.
"So you know that I was crowned reigning king of the town fair for five years," Damon said laughing to himself.
"Well that was about the only time the articles were kind of positive ", Caroline answered truthfully causing him to grin.
"How did you get them anyways?", he asked looking at her curiously.
"Just some digging", Caroline grinned back.
"I'm guessing that I was on top of your list of things to do, right?", he smirked.
"Nope. Not really. You just forced yourself on it", she resorted with a smirk of her own
"And Come on Damon. This is a small town, of course, they would have been important documents and articles dating back to the year Mystic Falls was founded, though not in the best of conditions I must say", Caroline responded mockingly. "I don't know if you're aware, but just about every town has artefacts for different things that occurred in their history"
"So you researched me?!", he asked annoyed, but she just shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly.
"Duh. I needed to know what I was getting myself into".
"Thus I put my clever detective skills to the test and found out everything I needed to know", she continued mentally giving herself a pat on the back for her amazing detective work.
"You never fail to surprise me Blondie"
"I am going to take that as a compliment".
"By the way, I want you to-" she began before getting interrupted by Damon's loud ringtone.
"Hang on a minute", he paused before answering the call. "Stefan?"
"Where is she?", Stefan demanded getting right to the point.
Confused, having no idea what he was talking about Damon uttered, "Who???"
"Vicki"
"How would I know? Wasn't she at the house?", the blue-eyed vampire replied while Caroline watched him curiously.
Stefan scoffed, "Don't lie to me, Damon. I have searched everywhere for her, she has to be with you".
"Why would she be with me. She was your responsibility, not mine I don't give a dam with what happens to her", Damon retorted nonchalantly because continuing "And by the way, I am still with Blondie if you have forgotten"
"Why don't you talk to her yourself", he quickly added before handing Caroline his phone.
"Stop lying I know -
"Hello?" Caroline interrupted cutting off Stefan's tirade.
"Caroline?!", Stefan utters shocked. He was totally not expecting her as he thought that Damon was bluffing him once again.
"Hi, Stefan. Is something wrong? Cause if you need Damon I will send him there to help", Caroline said sounding so sincere that anyone would believe her.
"No that's okay Caroline. I will manage", he replied hastily before hanging up.
"He hung up. How rude!", she exclaimed as she handed Damon his phone back as he grinned.
"I must say, you are a brilliant actor", he complimented as he stuffed his phone back into his jean pocket.
"I know", the blonde mumbled pridefully. "So Vicki is missing. Shouldn't we like do something?"
"Nah, Stefan will manage".
"Okay... Anyways, So like I was saying, I want to see the tomb", she disclosed startling Damon yet again.
"What?!"
A/N: So that's it for this chapter. I know that it's been a long time since I have updated. I guess I got caught up in life. Anyway, now that I am back I am going to try to update frequently as much as possible.
So how did you guys like this chapter?
What do you guys think was that dream about?
I hope this long update makes up for the delay. This is probably the longest chapter I have written yet. Almost 12k words.
I read all your comments about Liam in the last chapter. So I hope you all got your answers.
Until next time