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o.O.o
Chapter Ten, House Search
From the shadows of the street, a figure emerged and crossed the pavement in front of the Gilbert home. Vague and blurry I noticed him move through sleep-filled eyes, but I was warmly nestled into my bed. It was early.
I didn't bother turning to see how early, but I knew it was before five, or else at least a sliver of daylight would have broken through the inky-black sky. However, someone standing across the street and slowly I sat up, careful to entangle Elena's limps from mine. Last evening she'd come home in tears and she'd clung to me as if I was the only thing keeping her standing.
I hadn't slept in my sister's bed for years, but she'd been unwilling to be alone and I gently pushed a lock of long brown hair behind her ear. She didn't even stir and when I stared out of the window again, the figure was gone. Elena inhaled slowly and I leant back again, circling my thumb gently across her lower-back like I'd seen mom do and her breathing turned even again. I wondered if Damon or Stefan were staking out in front of our home, trying to keep Elena safe. It was a likely scenario but my mind felt troubled. I was too tired to think about it—
When I awoke again hours later, the dust danced like shards in the beam of sunlight slicing between Elena's thick curtains. It took some careful prodding, but I managed to untangle myself from my sister's arms, she had rolled over, tucked her head beneath my chin and had wrapped her arms around my waist (tightly, if I might add). Silently, I prowled towards the window. Yawning, I moved the curtains a few inches away and peered outside. There was no trace of our nightly visitor and I watched groggily as our neighbour walked his dog. Rubbing my eyes, I pulled Elena's comforter up till under her chin and silently picked up my phone, before I stepped out of my sister's neat bedroom.
It was still far too early to get ready for the day but ever since I'd heard about Klaus the grazed vampire-werewolf original, sleeping in was no longer an option. At least things had become easier with Jeremy home. With him being in the loop, I was in the loop. He was informed of all that was going on in Mystic Falls or at least going on with our sister and her two boy toys, while I was considered an unknowing outsider.
As far as I was concerned, being the labelled unknowing outsider right now had its perks. After all, it kept the Salvatores away from me. The two brothers fell in an obsessive kind of love. I didn't know any of them very well, but even I could tell their love wasn't healthy. To me, it seemed that the moment they loved someone nothing and no one else mattered anymore.
Elena didn't seem to be in the same boat. As much as I thought she wanted to live, she did not want anyone to interfere, for fear of Klaus' repercussion. I feared Klaus repercussion too, but I couldn't fear it enough for my older sister to just go and die.
"How is she?" Jeremy whispered appearing suddenly almost as if he'd hidden in one of the darkened nooks. Perhaps he had and I smiled tiredly.
"She's asleep," I answered softly and yanked my younger brother closer so I could hug him tightly. "I think she feels a bit better, but— She's terrified."
"I know," Jeremy admitted. "She tried to give herself up to Klaus two nights ago."
"Excuse me?" I whispered softly and he nodded.
"Yes, I know. Bonnie wants to do a spell— To destroy the Moonstone."
"Ah, I see," I stated before remembering something. "But Katherine has it."
"Bonnie dealt with that," Jeremy admitted, looking a bit pained. "We tried something but it didn't work."
"You did something, didn't you?" I asked slowly and he averted his eyes. He'd never been the best liar (than again, I had always been skilled at detecting the most subtle changes in the demeanour and expressions of others). "Oh God, Jer, what did you do?"
"Bonnie wasn't strong enough. I thought I could help her, but now—"
"Now what, baby-brother?" I hissed softly, slightly aware of the chill of the wooden floorboards seeping into the flesh of my bare feet. "What did you do?"
"I tried to take it. We have it now, but Anna is locked in the tomb as well. Katherine tried to stop me from taking it, took me instead and Anna had to help me." He whispered and I gave him an irritated look.
"She could enter, but not leave, couldn't she?" I asked slowly and exhaled loudly: "Wonderful, now I have two vampires to feed."
"What?"
"I made a deal with her, Jer," I answered. "And I was on it too, but—"
"That's good!" Jeremy grinned and I stared at him as if he'd lost his mind. "The others don't want to risk letting Katherine out, but you— you know Anna. She doesn't deserve to stay there."
I pressed my lips tightly together and exhaled noisily: "I'll go and see them after meeting with Tyler today. Do me a favour, keep Elena out of my hair."
"She'll probably be all over me, worried I'll try visiting Anna again, anyway. Bonnie will be coming too— as if I need two dishonest watchdogs. They think I need to be watched even at school—"
"Can't imagine why," I muttered sarcastically and moved inside my bedroom, slamming the door in my brother's face. And to think I'd been so happy to see him and have him home. Anna being in the tomb complicated matters. I liked Anna, or at least, I liked the idea of her since she made my brother so crazily happy. Moreover, dealing with one starved vampire was already hard enough.
I didn't think having two of them would make my job any easier and I slowly rubbed my fingers along my temples. Just as I accidentally kicked over a heap of clothes, my cellphone chirped noisily and for a moment I thought Katherine might have messaged me (again). She had a habit of messaging me when she was thirsty at the most inopportune moments and I crossed my bedroom to my nightstand. It was from Tyler: I'm sorry for ignoring you. I can't do this anymore. I know you want to help me, but you can't. Please give me some time.
I swallowed the lump that nowadays accompanied thoughts of Tyler and rubbed my fingers along the bridge of my nose. He'd been ignoring me, ditching and avoiding me ever since he turned and although I understood he needed time and space, I'd thought we could talk about everything. He spoke to Caroline after all, and inhaling deeply, I typed out a reply; Okay.
Tiredly I moved around the heap of clothes (that only seemed to grow larger) and riffled through the layers of jeans and hoodies on my chair until I found my apple printed summer dress (practically the only good dress I owned) and pressed it against my chest.
If Tyler was going to continue ignoring me, I'd have to accept that and continue with my plans. With Anna being in the tomb, I had to move them up a bit. How long would it take for Jeremy to try and get her out of it with a barely thought-out plan again? I shook my head and moved into my adjoined bathroom, dropping my clothes on the sink. I took a long shower, enjoying the hot water running down my back, before dressing myself. My hair was still wet, when I went downstairs, grabbed my house keys from the fruit bowl and picked my Thermo cup from the highest shelf of the largest kitchen cabinet.
"You're up early." Aunt Jenna remarked, shuffling into the kitchen just as I spooned large quantities of ground coffee beans into the coffee maker's filter.
"Hm," I agreed, scrunching my nose a bit, "yes, I have quite some homework to catch up on. " Jenna nodded tiredly and I settled a mug in front of her. Pouring the coffee into my Thermo cup, I caught her eyes "How's your thesis going?" Jenna snorted and I offered her the sugar bowl. "Perhaps if you put a tiny bit more effort—"
"You better watch it, I have the power to ground you." She snipped and I grinned before leaning down and kissing her cheek. She looked at me through bleary eyes. "Are you wearing your woo-me-dress?"
"Yes," I agreed and took Elena's car keys off the hook. "I'm taking Elena's car."
"She won't like that."
"Jer said she was getting a ride from Bonnie," I answered, dropping my Thermo cup in my bag.
"Right," Jenna muttered and wrapped her fingers so tightly around her coffee cup, her knuckles turned white, "If Elena tries to kill you—"
"I'm sure I'll be fine," I answered dryly ('Besides, if she succeeds in getting herself killed it will be mine anyway,'), while pushing a reddish headband in my hair (fitting with the Woe-me-dress). I left the house in a brisk walk. An early morning breeze blew in from what I thought was the east and carried the strong scent of rain. The summer dress was a bit too cold for rainy weather, but I didn't care.
After, unlocking the door, I clambered behind the wheel. Adjusting my mirrors, I started the engine and tore away. The sun had turned the wooden Wickery Bridge a bright white but beneath the water swirled darkly. I accelerated, tapping my fingers on the wheel nervously and turned the radio up. Which slightly eased my nerves and by the time I turned the car onto the narrow road leading up to Robert E Lee High School, my nerves had eased enough to keep my breathing even. I parked the car at the far edge of the parking lot and noticed the line of cheerleader girls already doing warming-ups on the grass field. Caroline Forbes stood a few metres away from the girls, shouting orders.
I rolled my eyes amusedly while making my way up towards the school. Elena used to be a cheerleader as well. She used to be the one dancing on a table during a party The girl who came home so waisted even my wrongdoings (like stealing a car) couldn't match up and was once caught with Matt in one of the locker rooms doing more than just making out.
That Elena, I'd realised the last few weeks, was definitely gone. In its place, a girl had awoken, who seemed to be scared to live. I felt a tiny bit bad for being angry with her. Being angry with her, with Bonnie, with everyone who'd invited such danger in town— Even with myself. After all, I was the one who tried to make a deal with Katherine. Of course, Katherine could be a good ally. I hoped she would ensnare Damon and Stefan again. Then Elena could return to being herself without the supernatural drama. That was the initial plan.
Well, it was my only plan and I settled into the library, Thermo cup steaming with coffee, in front of me. If Jeremy was right Bonnie and Elena would be busy today keeping an eye on him, not visiting Anna. I hoped that also meant Elena wouldn't get the chance to try anything stupid either and best of all, I would be able to search Bonnie's house for the Grimoire I needed. The Grimoire that would tell me how to take the spell on the tomb down (Katherine seemed sure Emily's spellbook should be at Bonnie's). I just had to make sure Bonnie and Elena would be here (together and less likely to figure out where I would go off to). Taking Elena's car hopefully assured that.
As it turned out it did. Elena shot me a furious glare during our shared English class. Her face was already flushed when she stalked inside, Bonnie trotting in after her, and she remained in a bad mood all morning. Our morning schedule was rather similar, but right before lunch, I could slip away to science, while Bonne and Elena had calculus. Math had never been Elena's or Bonnie's strong suit. I hoped Mrs Cole would keep them busy while I could slip out of the school.
I left the parking lot quickly and drummed my fingers nervously against the wheel. Although magic was still difficult and new to me, I'd had most of the spells down (even though I was prone to losing control and breaking windows or— well, setting something on fire). Bonnie's grandmother used to live in a small cottage near the old playing ground where Grayson Gilbert used to take us when we were kids.
I parked the car in front of Sheila Bennett's lawn, hopped out of the car and followed the narrow path up to the front door. This had been the real reason why I chose to wear a dress today. Young dress-wearing girls didn't break into people's houses. Or at least, I hoped the neighbours would think that and carefully placed my hand over the brass lock. It was cool to the touch and I closed my eyes tightly, whispering the word — Aperta — I hoped would unlock the door. The click the lock made several seconds later was satisfying and I quickly moved inside.
The house was dim-lit, the red curtains were drawn tight and I softly dropped my bag to the wooden floor. My heart was beating fast, adrenaline surging through my veins like it always did when I was doing something wrong and I tiptoed across the landing. My witchy senses (I think Tyler would have liked that description) were tingling, telling me that I was alone in the house.
I had been at Sheila's house before, but that had been a long time ago. If I had to guess I had been thirteen and Bonnie's father and grandmother had made dinner. Our whole family had been invited for thanksgiving and I let my fingers slide over the large kitchen table. Aunt Jenna had come along too, having just broken up with her boyfriend (hadn't she been dating Logan Fell back then) and we'd all been seated around the table when Bonnie's dad came in with his special made chicken.
That had been a long time ago—
Nervously fiddling with the hem of my dress, I breathed out harshly. Laurell's Grimoire (the one Anna had sent me when she and Jeremy were doing the vampire variant of backpacking through America) said you could call for a Grimoire with the right spell and I lifted my arm, palm facing away from me. The curtains fluttered beside me and several books fell from the old bookcase, my eyelids fluttered in concentration and when I heard something sailing through the air, I opened my eyes just in time for a thick, old, leather-bound Grimoire to smack me in the face. I toppled over and bit my lip hard enough to draw blood. For a moment I lay dazedly on the wooden floor, having knocked over the dark-wooden coffee table as well. The Grimoire lay open on my chest and I was breathing hard.
"Fuck!" I whispered softly, slowly sitting up, my trembling fingers tracing my lower lip, smearing blood along my chin. Why did no spell ever work exactly the way it should? At least I'd found the spell I'd been looking for and slowly got to my feet, peering at the immaculately written sentences and well-crafted illustrations. It would be a hard spell and I worried my lower lip. I'd realised that when I did magic, the harder the spell the more it took from me, but—
"I have to."
If not for Katherine (who I'd made a deal with), then for Jeremy. No matter if I thought it would be better if he found a nice human girl to grow old with, I wanted him to be happy. I wanted him to be happy so bad. Besides, for all my fear and anger at Stefan and Damon for terrorising my hometown, could I really judge? I was part of the supernatural world myself now.
My mobile phone suddenly chafed loudly, bringing me out of my thoughts and rattled on the floorboards where it had fallen out of my bag. I felt slightly sluggish, nerves of all kinds running through my system and I carefully picked it up and answered it mechanically.
"Hello?" I mumbled.
"Good afternoon, Samantha," Elena's voice answered cooly, only it wasn't Elena.
"Hi, Katherine," I mumbled sitting on the edge of one of the steps, "how nice of you to call. Didn't think you would make use of my phone so soon— again."
"Hm," she answered slowly, "are you coming by today? I'm thirsty."
Looking briefly at the time displayed on my phone, I sighed: "I don't know— My break is almost over?"
"I'm bored."
"And what— I'm your entertainment?" I asked, pinching the bridge of my nose.
"You're the one who gave me the phone."
"Yes. For emergencies only, but I'm glad to know where your priorities lay." I dryly commented, yanking a page out of a notebook and used it as a bookmark in the Grimoire. Going back home, and practising the spell or return to School. I only had French and Geography left (both subjects I was being decent enough in). It seemed like an easy choice.
"Sam?"
"I come tomorrow. That way I can get everything I need." I said and closed my eyes for a few seconds before getting to my feet, my phone pressed between my shoulder and my ear.
"Tomorrow?" Katherine answered, her voice taking on a tone of authority and I realised irritably the evil twin had the 'I'm-the-older-sister' voice too. "Fine, but take notes if you have to. I need another pair of pants, you got the size down and I guess student loan only takes you so far, so another pair of dull as dishwater denim pants will have to do. Second, I am thirsty. Take more blood bags, stack some at your home if sneaking into the Salvatore home is a bit too difficult for you and bring them to me. Third, Annabelle is starting to work on my nerves. Get baby Gilbert to come by. Must get her into a better mood—"
"Is that all?" I interrupted sarcastically and I heard a gruff sort of sound as if she was holding back a snicker or an irritated huff (I wasn't sure).
"No," she answered, "just get it done and—"
"Katherine," I interrupted again, "I've got the Grimoire. I've got the spell."
She was silent for a moment: "Why did you not mention that immediately, you stupid girl?"
"Always so pleasant. I'll need the afternoon to study it, get some necessities like candles and what not to draw power from. I'll get you a blood bag each. Please don't kill each other!"
"You better get it done, kid."
"You know, you could be more pleasant to me," I remarked and ended the call swiftly, already regretting what I'd done. Didn't my mother always warn me that if I played with fire I would get burned? I shook my head and left Bonnie's house quickly, silently apologising to whatever ancestor witch was listening. When I was done I would be returning it. That I was sure of.
To be continued...
A/N: Katherine, you're a bit of a bitch. This chapter and the last were difficult for me. I can't say why I just couldn't get them right. However, things will start going sideways very soon. Next update upcoming weekend.
Like always, let me know what you think!
