A/N: And here is chapter four! Enjoy!


o.O.o


Chapter Four, Research

My Converse-clad feet slapped noisily against the sidewalk and the blazing sunlight blinded me slightly. It was still chilly, yet, spring was in the air and crocuses were already poking up from the grounds. I let my left arm limply hang on my canvas laptop bag and inhaled deeply. Even though the sun was out and about, it was a watery morning, with a wispy layer of morning mist swaying above the backyards I passed. Brushing a lock of dark hair out of my face, I pushed the hood of my jacket up over my head and pushed my hands deep inside my pockets. I was still slightly reeling from the whole ordeal of last night and my head felt painful. It had taken hours until I finally found the diary I was looking for, hidden beneath the windowsill and now I had it pushed away into the recesses of my book-bag.

It had also taken hours to fall asleep, although I wasn't a hundredth per cent sure if I had fallen asleep at all. Crossing my right arm over my chest gripping the bicep of my left, I pulled my mobile free from my pocket. It was ten o'clock and I was reasonably sure the school library would be deserted. It usually was at Saturdays when only the students who'd received detention would be around. It was the way I liked it. Especially now that I had research to do. And moreover, I hoped my sister wouldn't look for me there. I might have liked the library reasonably enough, I did not like school as much.

Letting my eyes rove over the silent school yard, I crossed over to the wooden double doors and pushed inside. The school always looked different without the couples making out against the lockers, the jocks throwing over someone's backpack or the clique of girls that would give you derisive expressions. It was empty, quiet. I'd walked these corridors countless times before and breathed in slowly when I entered the library.
I'd always reasonably enjoyed the library. It was my welcome reprieve and even when doing things my parents were not happy about, I could keep my marks up and perfect and that would settle their irritate feelings enough to leave me alone after a while. Also, I really loved the smell of worn parchment, of wood polish and occasionally the scent of new books. However, now, I couldn't really enjoy it much. I had a different purpose. Uncle John's story had scared me enough to research the subject more thoroughly. Normally, I would have asked Jeremy, but, although he would tell me, I had the feeling not even he knew everything. I knew what my sister was like. She'd be in her I'm-the-older-sister-mode and be totally unreasonable.

I settled at a table in the back, near the computers and hid myself behind several stacks of books. At least I'd always been methodically in researching a subject.

As I flicked through my sister's dairy I wondered if I'd even needed any other research method. Stefan was a vampire (I'd known that) and her boy friend (I'd known that too), Damon, Stefan's older brother was one and a bit (if not a lot) of a monster. They'd metaphorically set Mystic Falls on fire and as I read on, I realised Uncle John was right. Elena had a vampire twin; Katherine. At least, that made more sense than my older sister stabbing my uncle. I was furious by the time I caught up to Founders Day. Elena had been living a double life and had been endangering everyone we knew for the past four months.

It was not hard to see it Uncle John's way.

Not really. Although, when Jeremy had cradled his girlfriend — Anna the Vampire — to his chest I'd been so pleased. He'd been so down for so many months and I'd seen it in his face, but— Uncle John wasn't exactly wrong. The evil twin vampire certainly was the worst kind of them and I ground my teeth together.

"Sam,"

I squeaked throwing over a stack of books and starting to push the diary into the recesses of my canvas bag. Jeremy Gilbert was moving my way, girlfriend Anna behind him and felt my shoulders droop. "Jer,"

"You took Elena's diary?" He smiled slightly at that. "She didn't get better at hiding it I suppose."

"Jeremy…" I answered slowly and I peered at the girl behind him, "And Vampire Anna."

"Just Anna, really." She answered slowly and I nodded moving up to my feet jerkily.

"I wanted to let you know, at least." Jeremy softly explained and I felt one eyebrow rise critically.

"What do you want me to know?"

"I'm leaving."

"Hell no!" I whispered horrified and my eyes flitted to Anna's form. "You can't be seriously considering leaving with her? What about Elena? What about Jenna?"

"Don't speak of Elena!" He hissed and I waved my hand dismissively in front of my face. "And you!"

"Yes, I know I kept the witch thing from you. But in my defence I wasn't even aware what it was and the last time I told people of something weird happening around me, everyone shunted me!" I retorted.

"How could you not know?" Anna asked slowly, obviously only focusing on the first part of my explanation and I peered around. We were still alone, not even the librarian was around and I hugged my leather jacket around my shoulders.

"No one ever told me being a witch was a thing." I responded slowly.

Anna curled a lock of dark hair around her fingers: "I've never met a witch who did not know what she was."

"I'd never met a vampire before." I retorted tightly. "Till a girl who looked like Elena stabbed my uncle."

"What?" Jeremy hissed. "You said you didn't see—"

"I promised to not get involved. I can think about that promise pretending I don't know. Elena doesn't know I know. I wish to keep it that way. I couldn't exactly tell Elena I saw her evil twin if I wanted to keep it that way." I sniffed. "She thinks I'm compelled— I think it's called like that?"

"Yes," Anna agreed, "it is."

"Listen," Jeremy interrupted and dropped a hand on my shoulder. "I know you're shocked. When I learned about all of this, I was too, but I need you to understand this. You of all people— I need some time. I need this— to be away from Mystic Falls."

"But—"

"Anna will take care of me!" He said and I knew I should say something to make him change my mind. I should but he was looking at me with those trust-filled eyes and— really had I ever been able to deny him anything when he looked at me like that? I had never been the overly responsible one. I'd occasionally try, but I just wasn't. I wasn't like Elena… Evidently, I wan't and I bit my lip hard enough to draw blood, running my fingers through my hair, closing my eyes in desperation. My heart was beating fast and my fingers started to tingle.

I tried to calm my breathing when I noticed things around me starting to vibrate with energy. I managed partly but when I opened my eyes again nothing was irreversible broken. However, papers full of notes and books lay scattered along the floor.

"You don't really control it well, do you?" Anna asked softly and I took a surreptitious step backwards. She shot me a smile that was a bit more sly than it was sweet but the way she had inched half in front of my brother, protectively shielding him, made my breath hitch and my resolve crumble.

"No, I probably do need some help in that department." I agreed and Anna's expression faltered. I knew what she was thinking. Strangely enough, I could read it on her face and I crossed my arms over my chest. "I really want to make a scene. Scream, threaten you, but I want my brother's happiness more."

Anna's dark eyes widened for a moment before she made a sound in the back of her throat, almost like a growling sort of laugh. A faint flush crept up her neck as she dropped her head into her hands and Jeremy opened and closed his mouth. "Your letting us go?"

"You expected me to fight you? To lecture you?"

Jeremy shrugged, sunlight filtering in through the windows and framed his head like a halo: "Stupid, I suppose. You're not Elena after all."

"I could lecture you if you'd want?"

"No—"

"I want you to call me," I interrupted swiftly and he eyed me in a way that made him look a lot younger. "Every day. I will buy you time, making up excuses for Elena, but— I need you to call me. I need to know you're safe." And I turned to vampire Anna; "As for you, if you hurt my brother—"

"I won't Samantha. I promise you." She returned earnestly and seemed to mull over her words for a moment. "I— I could try and find a Grimoire for you? Sent it to you. You could learn from it and I could prove my intentions?"

I sighed. I understood that she felt the need to appease me, but there was really no need to bribe me. On the other hand her face looked so hopeful I could only just nod awkwardly: "Okay,"

She smiled briefly and I hugged my brother, tightly, blinking against the unexpected sting of tears. Jeremy's arms tightened around my waist, crushing me against him and I had no idea how I was going to go through all of this without some support. I felt Jeremy's heart beat quickly and when I let him go, I closed my eyes. I wasn't sure why, yet, when I opened them again they were both gone and I was alone. I heard the door swing shut behind them and it gave me a strange sense of foreboding. A loneliness I hadn't even felt when I'd practically fled to England curled in my stomach and I rubbed my hands together. Back when my parents had just died and I inhaled sharply. I'd had bad dreams for months. Dreams filled with muddy water closing around my body and taking away my breath, crushing down on my chest and limbs. However, it was almost a year ago and although I truly didn't like sitting in a car, I'd grown stronger.

I'd have to grow stronger again.

But first, I had to return Elena's diary before she'd miss it. Collecting my possessions I dropped them in my bag and hurried out of the library, still feeling cold and strange. My swift footsteps reverberated through the empty hallways and I inhaled in deeply, gratefully, when I threw open the doors and stepped out on the school yard and I made my way to the edge of the parking lot. The sun had warmed the asphalt and for several seconds I just leant against the low balustrade, watching out over the grass field were the cheerleaders practiced their routines. I really hadn't thought I would miss it.

It was gone when an unfamiliar blue Chevy pulled up beside me. The window rolled down and icy blue eyes twinkled at her: "You're Elena's sister, right? Samantha?"

I stared at him with narrowed eyes, survival instincts screaming at me to get the hell of there yet, he looked familiar and I cocked my head to the side. "I— Yeah? Who are you?"

He grinned and I had to admit he was handsome, with an angular nose a strong jaw and full lips and finally I remembered why he looked familiar. I'd seen him in my father's cellar but I didn't think it would be wise to admit that to him. "My name is Demon," he greeted lightly, "I'm a— ah friend of your sister's."

"Do you want a medal?" I asked, wincing slightly when I realised sarcastic might not be appreciated by a vampire but the man just laughed.

"My, feisty, I think I like it." He grinned again, winking at me and I concluded that this was the Damon Salvatore who so often irritated my sister and had murdered quite a few people including Mister Tanner. I wasn't sure if I should feel horribly furious about the latter and I readjusted the straps of my canvas bag on my shoulder. "Do you need a lift? You don't have school right? And after the whole ordeal that happened yesterday… I would feel really shitty if I just left you here."

I realised belatedly he must have been briefed by my sister. I realised even later that this was him inviting me into his car to interrogate me. If I could persuade him, I would be safe. Yet, I would have to act normal…

"I'm not sure—" I started slowly, hesitantly, yanking at a loose thread of my shirt, "You may say you're my sister's friend, but I don't know you."

"I could call her?" He offered lightly. "I just I don't feel right leaving you here."

I bit my lip. Even if he wasn't per se looking out for my welfare he did have a point. "Okay," I conceded. He grinned warmly at me this time and unlocked the door to the passenger seat. I made my way over with an increasing feeling of worry and fear but managed to drop back in the leather seat with just a soft sigh. "Just a heads up, I'm not a fan of cars."

He nodded, perhaps he'd learned of the car accident from my sister. If so I could downplay my nerves to the car. That wouldn't be so hard as I actually accidentally jumped when he geared up and drove away from the parking lot. The drive was silent, which I hadn't accounted for and I stole several glances at his face. Elena had been right. He really was unfairly handsome.

"So, Sam, can I call you Sam?"

"I suppose,"

"You've just returned to Mystic Falls, right?"

"Yes," I agreed, "I was part of an exchange project. It was enjoyable."

"Hm," he agreed slowly before turning to me, his eyes no longer on the road and I felt my heartbeat accelerate.

"Please, keep your eyes on the road."

"Don't worry," he said cheerfully, before somehow his eyes became really serious and his pupils dilated. "Tell me what you know."

"Know about?" I answered as stupidly as I could.

"What do you know about vampires? What did John Gilbert tell you?"

I furrowed my brow before spewing out what came to mind first. "Uncle John? You mean like twilight? I don't know— they sparkle in the sun?"

His concentration broke and his tight expression slacked. I concluded I could do so too and moved a bit away from him and hit my head against the window. He grumbled something, moved the car roughly to the side, parking it three streets away from my home and grabbed my chin. His nostrils flared and I had no idea what he was looking for, however, my heart was beating madly.

"What are—"

His pupils dilated again: "You will not scream."

My mouth turned dry immediately and one hand fisted in my hair, yanking my head to the side and baring my neck. Was he seriously going to bite me? My breath came out in short strangled pants and I tried to pull away a bit. This was bad. The more upset I grew, the higher the chance I'd blow something up. I'd broken someone's leg in England because he'd scared me so bad I couldn't control myself. I didn't know how to keep myself under control and I felt my fingertips tingle. The power that could curl through my veins was enormous. Damon's face had come even nearer until I felt his breath fan out over my cheek and neck. He was— sniffing me. What the hell?

"No Vervain…"

His voice was so soft I'd wondered for a moment if he'd actually said anything, but then pain shot up my throat and I couldn't stop the strangled gasp that escaped my lips. My hands went to his shoulders pushing as hard as I could but he was stronger. It felt strange, the sensation of someone drinking from you, he sat back. Both hands were now on my face keeping me in place and he looked at me again, dark veins protruding around eyes that did no longer look so human anymore.

"You fell at school and cut your throat—" he started in that compulsory tone and I realised that no matter how difficult it had been, I'd succeeded, "—nothing else happened. I just picked you up and offered you a lift."

His hands fell away and his eyes returned to normal, expectantly staring at me. I blinked a few times before slumping back in my seat. It took several breaths before I trusted myself to speak. "I'm sorry, what were we talking about?"

He smirked, the remnants of blood gone from his mouth but he'd missed a speck on his chin. "You were telling me about your school."

"Right," I agreed flippantly. "It was fun. Really, rainy though— and the accent—"

He oh'd and ah'd on the right moments and when he pulled up before my house I grinned earnestly. Or as earnestly as I could and clapped my hand around my neck. The wounds were shallow, at least he didn't seem to have bitten me hard and I hurried out of the car. Damon clambered out of the car behind me and I slammed the front door childishly. Elena appeared from the kitchen the next moment and I smiled sheepishly at her.

"What happened to your neck?" She demanded horrified and I felt he childish need to push my sister's buttons.

"Oh," I replied as robotically as I could and shrugged simply, "I had an accident at school and cut my throat. I do feel kinda faint though, I think I'm going to lie down."

The front door opened behind me and Elena looked furious: "Damon!"

I ascended the stairs with a small smile listening to my sister's hushed tones as she berated him for biting me. I had just moved into Elena's room when I heard Damon hiss that she was the one who asked him to find out if I knew something and how else was he supposed to make sure I hadn't taken Vervain (I didn't think I needed it). I left them to their bickering, hid Elena's diary where it was supposed to be and quickly tip-toed towards my own room, locking my bathroom door behind me. Blood made a rust-coloured swirl around the ceramic sink and I stared at my reflection until the blood was gone. The twin bites actually looked a lot better than I'd expected and I treated them with a few bandages.

I remained staring at my reflection for several more moments before flicking off the light and dropping face-first on my bed. Feeling faint wasn't a complete lie and I moaned softly. I really didn't think I could do this alone. Lying to my sister— well, that wasn't the hardest part, but pretending I knew nothing about her Vampire boyfriends? I wasn't sure. I really needed help from Tyler in that department and suddenly my insides froze.

Tyler—

I hadn't even thought about him. "What horrible friend am I?"

And with a new sort of hurry I fished around in my bag until I found my phone. My phone which had been on airplane mode all day almost got into a frenzy when messages started to drip in. I'd missed nine calls from Uncle John, with three voicemails and several messages. My heartbeat turned a bit erratically when worry seeped through my body: "Okay."

Samantha,

Stefan and Elena came to see me. They'll probably try to figure out what you know. Take Vervain and act stupid.

Love,

Uncle John

"Gee, thanks for the heads-up, Uncle John." I muttered before ignoring the other pleading messages to message back and quickly dialled his number. He answered almost immediately.

"Samantha?"

"Yeah, it's me." I affirmed, suddenly remembering the heightened senses part in Elena's diary and blurted out the first thing I thought about. "How are you feeling? I met Damon Salvatore just moments ago. Was quite worried about you."

"Did he—

"He tried. Why again did that not work on me?" I interrupted him quickly. Hoping to be as curt and weird as possible so only my Uncle would understand me.

Uncle John was silent for a moment and I listened to his breath. It was a bit uneven. "I'm not sure. I could try and find out, but that's good— Sam, I'll have to leave for a while. It's not save for me, but I need you to—"

"I thought you didn't want me involved?"

He sighed: "I really wished you didn't have to. Just try and take care of everyone. And Samantha if you dare to get involved with—"

"No thank you, after the stunt Damon pulled I wouldn't even consider it."

Uncle John was silent for a moment. "What did he do?"

"It doesn't matter, just know I sold it. Where are you now?" I asked and I heard something rumble in the background. "Are you in a car?"

"Yes," he admitted. "I'm on my way in Denver. We have family there and I need a while to regain the function in my fingers."

"Right," I agreed slowly and I nibbled on my lower-lip, "Do me a favour, Uncle John, I really need that Grimoire you spoke about."

"You get it, I promise!"

To be continued...


A/N: What can I say; Damon is a bit of a d*ck. And, well I couldn't help the little jab at Twilight. I'm pretty sure VD had a few of those too? Let me know what you think.