Alexandria Gilbert

by JChavz95

Vampires, witches, werewolves and doppelgangers, oh my! All Alexa Gilbert wanted was a quiet life, a free drink and to party the night away with her friends without being nagged by her twin sister Elena, but the arrival of the mysterious Salvatore brothers may just ruin those plans... Starts Season 1, Episode 1, Slowburn Damon/OC, Now on Season 4!

11. Bloodlines

Disclaimer: I only own my OCs

A/N: This has always been a favourite episode of mine. And being able to put my own twist on it has always been fun! I've been considering doing a little AU version of this where Alexa goes with Damon instead, is this something that you would be interested in reading?

XXX

When I woke up the next morning, I went searching for my darling twin sister. I probably looked like some sort of zombie as I staggered out of my room. My eyes were half closed, my hair was all over the place and I swear that there was a bit of drool dried on my face.

Anyways, enough on my zombie impression. I made my way over to Elena's room and went inside. Well, I tried to go inside. Turns out, I don't have the ability to walk through doors. I crashed straight into the door and bounced back.

Uhhhhmmmm, what the hell just happened?

I pried my eyes open all the way and looked at the closed door. Well, that's just rude. How dare it not be open for me. And why is it still not open? Was the huge bang not loud enough to wake up my sweet sister?

"Alexa, what are you doing?"

Well, apparently it was loud enough to wake Jeremy up.

"Door... closed... went bang," I grunted before yawning. God, I really wasn't a morning person.

"The door actually has to be open, Alexa," Jeremy sighed. He walked forward and opened the door for me. "You're not Shadowcat from the X-Men. You don't have the ability to phase through matter."

Oh, could you just imagine what I would do with the ability to phase through walls? Oh the chaos that would be caused! The secrets that I would discover! The alcohol that I would steal!

Anyway, I digress. Let's move on.

"Thanks Jer," I blearily smiled up at him before slowly making my way into Elena's room. I stopped the moment I saw the bed. It hadn't been slept in. Elena had stayed at Stefan's last night.

Ooooh, naughty Elena. I bet you she did the deed with Stef. Oh I was so happy for her. That means that she and Stefan are finally together. Maybe they finally realised that they are perfect for each other. But she could have least told me. I did message her several times.

Ah crap, I just realised that that means that I have to go to the Boarding house now. Damn it. I don't even have a car, which means that driving is out of the question. Not that I would be able to drive it anyway. I really need to learn how to drive a car. Unfortunately, Elena has refused to get in a car with me behind the wheel. I am extremely offended by that.

... But I can see why she would say that.

I slowly made my way back to my room. As you could probably tell, I was extremely reluctant to go today. But, I needed to see my twin sister and see her I shall. Nothing shall stand in my way! Not even having to walk so early in the morning.

I pulled on some jeans and one of Elena's old jumpers. She didn't know that I had it so I probably shouldn't wear it in front of her... ah well, I don't care. Serves her right for not responding to any of my messages.

Besides, she's used to me stealing her clothes. Especially since she occasionally did the same.

I neatened up my hair and pulled on some decent walking shoes. If I was gonna be walking to the Boarding house, then I needed to wear some shoes that wouldn't give me blisters. They were a callback to my jogging days. But they were so comfy that I kept them even when I gave that up.

I made my way downstairs to find Jeremy and Aunt Jenna sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee. Mmmmm, coffee. Jeremy held up a mug for me to take and I gratefully accepted it. Isn't he just perfect?

"You certainly look more human now, Alexa," my little brother smirked at me. Well, I take back that perfect comment. I gave him a dirty look and drank my coffee. I would not lower myself to his standards. Which is why I didn't elbow him in the arm as I walked past him. Of course I didn't.

"Have you heard from your sister?" Aunt Jenna asked me when I sat down. "She didn't come home last night and she hasn't phoned. And after what I found out last night-"

"Jenna, breathe, I haven't turned my phone on yet," I interrupted her, giving her hand a squeeze. "So I don't know but I found out last night that Logan has been dealt with."

"Dealt with?" Jenna repeated, but it sounded like she already knew what I meant.

"He's dead," I winced but had to add. "So he won't be able to hurt anyone anymore. And we know what happened to him this time." Jenna nodded but there was a sad look on her face. I wanted to comfort her but first I needed to find out about my sister. So I turned to my brother. "Jeremy, be a dear and go get my phone. It's on my nightstand."

Jeremy raised an eyebrow and snorted, "Why would I do that?"

"Because you love me and you know that I could kick your ass without breaking a sweat."

"Oh, yeah, like to see you try."

"Bring it squirt. You, me, outside, 5 minutes."

"Jeremy, go and do what sister asked," Aunt Jenna interrupted our power play. Jeremy grumbled, but trotted upstairs like a good child. Haha! I win!

"Don't worry about Elena, Aunt Jenna, she probably got so exhausted from being naughty with Steffie last night that she couldn't drive home," I tried to sooth my aunt, she didn't deserve to worry. "And I'm sorry about Logan. I know you felt something for him, despite everything he did."

"Thanks, Alexa," Jenna smiled softly, a sad look still in her eyes.

"If you need to talk about it, my ears are open."

My aunt smiled in thanks before glancing behind me.

"Phone, darling sister of mine."

Jeremy dropped my phone onto my lap. Huh, I didn't hear him walk downstairs. Oh my god, my little brother is a ninja!

"Thank you, adorable brother of mine."

I smirked at his disgruntled look as I turned on my phone. He pulled a face at me so I stuck out my tongue at him.

Being around each other dramatically lowers our mental age. It used to drive our parents mad. And it drives Elena mad, too.

Speaking of Elena...

"She hasn't phoned, or texted."

"This isn't like her."

"She was probably too busy making love to Stefan to worry about contacting us."

I wiggled my eyebrows and grinned.

"Alexa!" Jeremy whined, giving me dramatic pout.

"Oh relax, I didn't say the 's' word. Your innocence is intact," I laughed before adding. "Not that you have that much innocence left."

"Guys, come on," Aunt Jenna groaned, rolling her eyes. Oh wow, she must have taken the news badly.

"Relax, auntie, I'm planning on going round to the boarding house, anyway," I told her, patting her hand.

"Ok, Alexa, thank you," she smiled up at me as I stood.

"Well, I am the responsible, good twin, after all."

My so-called family just laughed at me.

XXX

After a long and arduous walk to the Salvatore Boarding house, I found myself out of breath and cursing everything in existence. It wasn't hard. I moaned about walking, Damon, the weather, Damon, not being able to drive, Damon, stupid sisters who are too busy getting nekked to phone their family, Damon... you get the picture. Damon was supposed to tell Elena to call me. And if she has been at the Boarding house with Stefan, then he was bound to have seen her. Which meant that he didn't pass on my message. So yes, he had earnt being moaned about.

I knocked, (read: banged), on the door and crossed my arms while I waited for it to open. I wasn't feeling particularly patient at that moment in time. My sister had been out of contact for far too long. And that had always made me itchy, but the accident had only made it worse. I soon started tapping my foot on the floor.

My mind started to wander. And I thought about last night. Luke hadn't mentioned me after our date but I expect her was just busy with his sister. Their parents disapproved of drinking. Like seriously disapproved. So he was probably busy keeping her occupied in her room and sobering her up. And then there was Damon. It was unlike him, his visit. Even before, he never reached out to me. But for me to find him in my room like that, it was weird. maybe I had proven that I was a good friend? But I was pleased that he had. Damon didn't seem to trust many people and I was kinda hoping that he was beginning to trust me. I just wanted to be a good friend to him. He had already proved that he could be nice to me and I wanted to be able to return that.

Before I could let my mind wander any more down the puzzle that was Damon Salvatore, the door opened.

"Hello Alexa," Stefan's deep voice greeted me. At least someone was at home.

"Hello Stefan," I turned around and smiled at him. He really was such a nice guy, shame that he keeps having relationship drama with my sister. "Where's Elena? I need to speak to her."

Stefan frowned and hello worried feeling, "You mean to say that she isn't at your house?"

I snorted and rolled my eyes, trying to play it cool, "Nah, she came home and I thought I'd walk all the way here to ask for her to confuse the hell outta you. Of course she isn't at home."

She wasn't here? But she's not at home either! Where was she? Oh Elena, what trouble have you got yourself into now? And she said that I got into trouble!

Stefan gave me a look that reminded me so much of Elena's looks. It was one that screamed unimpressed older sibling. It had me taking a deep breath. Right, calm down Alexa, calm down.

"Where the hell is my twin, Stefan?" I asked, trying to stay calm despite feeling that horrible mix of worry and anger in my stomach. I curled my hands into fists and held them by my side. My hands shook and I had to take a deep breath. I couldn't take my anger out on Stefan. That would be unfair.

"She left," Stefan replied, showing his own worry. Elena hadn't been in touch with him either. And that was not like my sister. She would have called someone, be that me, Stefan, Jenna or even Jeremy.

"What do you mean left?" I groaned in frustration. Despite Stefan's comment earlier, I still had a bit of hope that my twin was still here. Stefan moved to the side and invited me into the house. I strode into the living room and painfully ignored the booze table. God, I needed a drink. "When did she leave?"

"Last night."

I froze, my hands in my hair. Last night? That means that she has been missing for so long. Oh god, something must have happened to her. She wouldn't have left last night and not called or come home.

"Why did she leave Stefan?" I asked, feeling sick. My twin wouldn't have taken off for no reason. She was a bit more rational than I was. And that's what worried me. It must have been for something important.

"There was a misunderstanding," Stefan sighed, looking truly regretful.

"What kind of misunderstanding? It must have been huge for her to leave," I slumped down on the sofa behind me, my head in my hands. "Oh god, where is she now?"

XXX

Elena's POV

Music was playing. Cosmic Love by Florence and the Machine. Alexa hates that song. Why on earth would she be playing it?

I opened my eyes and frowned. I was in a car. A moving car. And it was morning. Why was it morning?

Last night's events came rushing back. The car crash. The man. The picture. Damon saving me…

I quickly shot up and looked around.

Damon Salvatore was sitting in the driver's seat.

"Morning," he smirked, glancing over.

I groaned softly and put a hand to my head. My head was throbbing. It felt worse than when Alexa got me drunk last Christmas. That hangover was nasty. Not that Alexa felt it. even when she was hungover she acted like her normal self. It was something that I was quite jealous of.

"Where are we?"

I blinked blearily and looked out of the window. I didn't recognise any of the scenery. Where are we?

"Georgia," Damon drawled, looking smug.

I froze. Georgia. As in the state Georgia. But... that's not possible. That's just not possible. I could not be in Georgia. Why would I be in Georgia? What was Damon thinking?

"Georgia?" I couldn't help but question. "No. No. No, we're not."

"Say it enough times and you may eventually believe it," my companion smirked, glancing over at me. What was wrong with him? He was such an ass.

"Seriously Damon, where are we?"

I doubted that he was even capable of being serious, but I had to try. I needed to try.

"Seriously, we're in Georgia."

Oh my god, Alexa and Aunt Jenna must be going spare. I hadn't had the chance to phone or text them. I hope that they just think that I am still at Stefan's. Alexa would probably start threatening everyone in Mystic Falls if she found out that I was missing. And she would most likely end up staking Stefan for upsetting me.

Oh lord, Stefan. I groaned softly and dropped my face into my hands.

"How ya feeling?"

Is he asking because he cares or because he feels as though he has to?

But now that I think about it; my head is still throbbing and my body aches. I felt like crap. Well, I felt like I was just in a car accident.

"I-I..." I stuttered. I wasn't sure how much I should tell Damon. There was no way of knowing if he would use it against me at some point. Alexa was the one who usually dealt with Damon. She had a knack for dealing with him. I usually tried to avoid spending time with Damon, especially after he tried to get me to kiss him. And now I know why, it was my resemblance to Katherine. So Alexa stepped in. Even after he held her hostage for a day, Alexa just naturally gravitated towards Damon. I think they might even be becoming friends.

"There's no broken bones," the elder Salvatore assured me. "I checked."

"But my car," I struggled to break through the chaotic memories. I vaguely remembered, but vague wasn't good enough. "There was a man... I hit a man. But, then he got up. His bones cracked into place and he stood up." I looked over at Damon. "Who was that?"

I really hoped that he knew. The guy was obviously a vampire. No human could have survived a collision like that. Let alone stand up and walk towards me. As much as I was glad that I didn't kill anyone, driving into a vampire was not good.

"That's what I would like to know," Damon didn't sound particularly happy. He was probably angry that another vampire had appeared in his territory. Damon definitely struck me as the territorial type.

Oh, Alexa won't be too happy to find out that there is another vampire in Mystic Falls. Especially since he caused me to crash my car. Hopefully she won't find out, as I have no intention in telling her what happened. That girl has serious issues with people trying to hurt me. I'm willing to bet that she has even considered wrapping me in bubble wrap to keep my safe. Which is quite amusing since I am the older twin and I should be the one wrapping her up in bubble wrap. That would actually be a good idea, what with the trouble she gets herself into.

Speaking of my sweet little twin sister, I'd best let her know that I was alright. I patted down my pockets... but there was no phone.

No, no, no. I need to my phone! I need to let someone know where I am! I need to go back to Mystic Falls. I couldn't stay here, alone, with Damon.

"Where is my phone?" I demanded, turning to Damon. I knew he had it. It was in my pocket when I had the accident and the pocket was tight enough that my phone couldn't have fallen out.

The vampire just looked over at me, an innocent expression on his face. It didn't fool me for a second. Innocent expressions normally meant that they had done something they shouldn't.

"Damon, we really need to go back. Nobody knows where I am. Alexa doesn't know where I am," I was basically pleading him. "Pull over. Damnit Damon, I mean it! Pull over! Stop the car!"

"Ugh. You were so much more fun when you were asleep," Damon groaned, but he pulled over to side of the road. Finally! Now to get my phone back.

When the car stopped, I slowly opened the door and climbed out. I grimaced in pain. That really hurt. I closed my eyes and hunched over. I felt awful. My head spun and I had to focus on not passing out. Now that I was on my feet, I felt the effects of the car crash even more. I was lucky that had escaped with just a few scratches.

There was a rush of air and suddenly, Damon was standing by my side, gently grasping my arm.

"Hey," he said softly. "Don't push yourself."

I turned my head to look at him. My brown eyes looking into his blue ones. There was a look of genuine worry in his eyes. Hmm, perhaps he does have a heart.

I gently pulled my arm from his grasp and stood up. I glanced around at the unfamiliar surroundings and sighed. He definitely wasn't lying about being in Georgia. Right, Elena, time to be firm.

"We have to go back," I declared firmly as I paced forward. I needed to get back. After what I learnt at Stefan's, I just wanted to see my twin sister. I needed her to help me get through this.

"Oh come on," Damon mock-groaned as he moved next to me. "Look. We've already come this far."

"Why are you doing this?" I snapped angrily, reaching the end of my presence. All I wanted was to go home. "We can't be in Georgia. I wrecked my car. I have to go home. I need to let my family know that I'm alright. This, this is kidnapping!"

It was a bit dramatic. But true.

"That's a bit melodramatic, don't you think?" Damon smirked infuriatingly, placing a hand on my shoulder. This guy was unbelievable. I'm surprised that Alexa hadn't yet tried to kill him out of annoyance. She must have a lot more patience than I thought.

"You're not funny," I told him angrily. "You can't do this. I'm not going to Georgia. Emphasis on the not."

If Alexa was here, she would probably tell me that I was starting to sound like a broken record. Oh Alexa, I wish you were here.

"Well, you're in Georgia," Damon stated smugly as he leant against the car. "Without your magic little necklace, I might add." My hand immediately went to my neck where there was only smooth skin. And no necklace. "I can very easily make you... agreeable."

He's not suggesting that he would compel me?

"What are you trying to prove?" I glared at him. I had the really strong urge to just smack him. But, unfortunately, I knew that it would have no effect. He was too strong and I wasn't exactly in the healthiest condition.

Before he could answer, a phone started ringing. Sister Sledge's 'We are Family' was blasting out. Hang on a minute, I recognise that ringtone. That's my ringtone for Alexa. Alexa was phoning me. Oh thank god, my sister was calling.

The music was coming from Damon's jacket pocket. I knew he had my phone! The jerk in question tried to look all innocent, but he failed, miserably.

"That's my phone," I growled, taking a step forward.

"Hmmm, it's your darling twin sister. I think I'll take this call," Damon smirked wickedly. I winced in anticipation. This was not going to be pretty. "Elena's phone."

"YOU! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY SISTER?!"

I could hear Alexa's screech of outrage perfectly clear from where I was standing. I saw Damon wince at the volume of her voice and smiled. He should have known that she would be freaking out.

"Where is my sister? Is she alright? Why is she with you? What happened? Oh my god, why didn't she answer the call?"

"Oh relax, your precious sister is standing right next to me and she's perfectly fine. Not a scratch on her."

I looked down at the cuts on my hand and raised an eyebrow. I moved closer to Damon so that I would be able to hear what was being said a bit easier.

"I want to talk to my sister. Now."

I went to reach for my phone but stupid Damon slapped my hand away.

"Why do you want to talk to her? I would love to talk to you more," he said to her, shotting me a smirk.

"Damon, let me talk to her. I need to tell her that I'm ok," I protested, trying to grab my phone again.

He shushed me and whispered, "I'm on the phone."

"Damon, normally I would love to play this game with you. But I really need to talk to my sister. So please, give Elena her cell and let me talk to her."

Her tone was deadly serious. I think that was what got through to Damon. Her tone was serious but it was easy to hear the fear in her voice. Damon sighed as he passed the phone over to me.

"Alexa?" my voice trembled slightly even though I tried to stay strong.

"Elena? Oh god, Elena, are you alright? Honestly?"

"Define alright."

"I'll take that as not alright. Shit, where are you? I'll send Salvatore the Junior Idiot to get you."

From the little dig at Stefan, I'm guessing that she had realised that he was partly responsible for my disappearing act. But as it didn't sound like she had killed him yet, he must not have told her the whole reason why.

I bit my lip as I tried to work out how to tell her, "You really don't want to know where I am."

Telling Alexa that I'm in Georgia would not be a good idea. She has major anger issues and telling her that I was in another state would probably drive her into one of her tempers. And then she would do something stupid to try and get to me.

"Elena, tell me, please."

"I'm in Georgia."

There was silence on the other end of the phone line.

"Alexa? Are you still there?"

"I'm still here. But I must be going crazy. As I could have sworn that you just told me that you were in Georgia. With Damon. And without your vervain necklace."

Ah, she had been told that bit then. I was hoping that Alexa wouldn't find that part out.

"Look, Alexa, I'll be fine. You know me. I'm the sensible twin. I'm more worried about you."

"Me? Why are you worried about me?"

She sounded so offended. It was actually rather sweet.

"Because we both know that you are the one who gets into the most trouble. And I'm not there to bail you out."

"Well... that's just rude. And because of that, I am going to ask that you put Damon back on the line."

"You going to put the fear of god into him twin?" I laughed, feeling better having talked to my sister.

"Try the fear of Alexa. Now, be safe Ellie, I can't lose you. I'll cover for you with Aunt Jenna for as long as I can but I can't make any guarantees. Goodbye my twin."

"Thank you Lexa, I'll see you soon and stay out of trouble."

"Hey, it's me! There is absolutely no need to worry!"

"Alexa, it's because it's you that I'm worried!" I laughed before passing the phone over to Damon, who had been listening to the conversation with a strange smile on his face.

Alexa never failed to cheer me up. She always knew what to say. Well, with me she did. With others she had bad foot-in-mouth syndrome.

"You listen to me Damon Vampire Salvatore and you listen closely. If anything happens to my twin sister while she's with you, then there will be nowhere on this planet that you can hide from me. Understand?"

Only Alexa would be foolish to threaten a vampire. Especially a vampire with Damon's reputation. Well, that's my twin for you.

"Hey, Stefan! Give me back my phone!"

Stefan's voice sounded over the phone line.

"Damon, what are you doing?"

"I have no idea as to what you mean, Stefan," Damon smirked, looking pleased that he could now wind up his brother.

"Don't joke around with me, Damon! Let me talk to Elena."

Damon held out the phone but I quickly shook my head. I couldn't talk to him. Not after last night. I needed more time.

"She doesn't want to talk to you, brother."

"Damon, I swear to god, if you touch her..."

"Mm-hmmm. You have a good day now."

Just before Damon terminated the call, I heard Alexa shout out, "Don't forget what I said, Damon!"

I shook my head. My sister was unbelievable.

Damon passed me my phone and I slipped it into my pocket. I knew that Alexa would phone me back at some point. And if I didn't answer the phone, she would most likely come Georgia to see if I was alright. It took of my persuasion skills to stop her before. If I went MIA again then nothing would stop my sister from coming after me.

"Look, Damon, I need to go back. Apart from Alexa, no one knows where I am. So can we please just go back?" I was practically begging by this point. Does he genuinely not understand or is he just being awkward? I want to go home.

"But we're almost there!"

"And where the hell is there?!"

"A little place outside of Atlanta ," Damon replied, trying his hardest to be persuasive. "Oh, come on, Elena! You don't wanna go back right now. Do you?"

"Yes, I do!" I retorted angrily, trying to stop myself from just storming off.

"Why? What's in Mystic Falls that is so important?"

"Alexa! I want to see Alexa! You know? Alexa, my twin sister?"

"I'm sure she'll be fine… mostly."

"Damon…"

"Just, trust me, ok? Time-out. Your problems and your twin will still be there when you get back. Step away from your life for 5 minutes," Damon was staring intently into my eyes but I knew that he wasn't compelling me. From what Alexa had told me, I now knew how it felt when you were being compelled. "5 minutes! And you know that's what Alexa would want. She would want you to take the opportunity to relax."

I sighed in frustration and ran my hands through my hair. What do I do? He was right. Alexa was always telling me to relax. But this was different. I was in a different state and so far away from my family. But maybe that was a good thing. No one knew me here. I could relax and let loose and no one would know.

But first…

"Am I gonna be safe with you?"

"Yes."

"You promise not to compel me? And I will know if you do."

"Yes."

"Can I trust you?"

A ghost of a smirk crossed the vampire's face.

"Get in the car. Come on."

Well, that's reassuring…

XXX

Alexa's POV

Stefan pressed the end-call button with an angry and worried expression on his face. I take it that Damon had managed to piss him off somehow. Well, from what I've heard, that's nothing new. But at least I knew that my sister was alive. That was a huge relief. And while her being with Damon didn't exactly fill me with confidence, I knew that he wouldn't hurt her. Even if she was Stefan's girlfriend.

I held out my hand, silently demanding my phone. Stefan roughly slammed it onto my hand before pacing away a few steps. Well, I know he's pissed off, but that's just rude. I was an innocent bystander here. He wouldn't let me take my frustration out him earlier, so he shouldn't take his out on me.

I sat down on the sofa. It was time to get some proper answers. Elena didn't want to talk to Stefan. Even though they were Damon's words, I knew that there was some truth to them. Elena fled this house last night and Stefan knew why.

"Right. I think you owe me an explanation," I stated calmly as I crossed my arms.

Stefan looked confused. Whether it was because I was so calm or he didn't understand my question, I don't know.

"Uh, what do you what to know?"

Aww, bless him. He sounds so adorably confused.

"First off, what upset my twin?"

The vampire hesitated before blurring out of the room. Hey! Come back!

"Stefan!" I hollered angrily. Just because he was likely to get it in the neck for whatever answer he gave doesn't mean that he can run away.

The man in question appeared a few seconds later holding an old photograph. He looked even more cautious than he did before. But I think Stefan understood that I needed to know.

"This... this is why your sister left last night," he said quietly as he held it out to me. "I didn't get the chance to explain the truth to her."

I looked at the vampire suspiciously but accepted the photograph. I looked down at it and gasped. The girl in the photograph looked exactly like Elena. And I mean exactly like Elena. If it wasn't for the inscription at the bottom, I might have thought it was my twin.

'Katherine 1864'. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that this is the Katherine that him and Damon fell in love with. But Elena looks just like her. Does that mean that Stefan is only going out with her because she looks like his dead lover? No wonder my sister ran. This must have been a step too far for her. Oh my poor sister, the questions that must have been going through her head. I desperately wanted to hug her but she was just so far away.

But it also made me think. Was Damon only spending time with me because I look exactly like her except for my eyes and hair length? No, wait, that doesn't matter. I was not important in this. Elena was Katherine's double. She was the one I needed to focus on. My issues and thoughts could wait.

"You better give me a damn good explanation right now, Salvatore," I growled, unable to take my eyes off of the photo in my hands. The calmness that I had felt before was but a distant memory. I was so angry for my sister. She must have been so hurt when she was this.

"Elena may look like Katherine, but I swear that she is completely different to her. She is the exact opposite."

Stefan's eyes were begging me to listen to him, to try and understand. I took a deep breath and tried to do exactly that.

"And because Elena is the most kind and caring person that you will ever meet, you're saying that Katherine is a complete bitch."

Stefan nodded fiercely, "Katherine's personality is more similar to yours than Elena's."

"Are you calling me a bitch, Stefan?" I asked dryly. Well, it's always nice to know what people think of you. I knew that he didn't mean it like that. But I couldn't resist. And Stefan deserved to be teased for what happened.

Stefan's eyes widened as he realised his mistake, "No! That's not what I meant. What I meant to say was while Katherine's personality may be more similar to yours; you actually have a heart, which is something that she lacks."

I nodded understandingly. But, he was right; I can be a complete bitch sometimes. Especially when my sister's happiness was at stake. And the happiness of people I cared about.

"So when did you realise that my kind, caring twin was nothing like Katherine?"

Stefan looked to the side and took a deep breath. I sure as hell wasn't expecting the answer that he gave.

"It was before I met her."

I snorted, thinking that he was just messing with me, "How is that possible? You psychic or something?"

"The first time that I met your twin was May 23rd, 2009."

I froze. But that was the day... oh god. That was the darkest day of my life.

"How-how was that the first time that you met her?"

Elena and I had gone to the Bonfire party despite it being family night. I had already been excused as I had asked before family night had been planned. But Elena had wanted to go as well. There was a small disagreement between her and our parents. But she was allowed to go. Ellie was off sitting with Matt, Bonnie and Caroline while I was with Jazz and Luke. I'd heard later that Elena had had a fight with Matt and called mom and dad to pick her up. They ended up driving off Wickery Bridge. It was a miracle that I still had Elena. No one knew how she got out of the car. Not even she knew. But I forever shall be thankful for that miracle. I knew that Ellie had blamed herself for the deaths of our parents ever since. She had wanted to go to family night. If she had just stayed at home, then they might not have died. It had crossed my mind too. But I didn't blame her. I couldn't. Shit happened. We had no control over it. And I could never blame my sister for our parents dying. Never.

"I was out by the woods, near Wickery Bridge. I heard a car drive off the edge. I ran to the river but by the time that I got there, the car had hit the bottom. Your dad was still conscious, he was the only one. I was able to get him out but he refused my help. He insisted that I save Elena first. By the time that I went back for your parents, it was too late."

While Stefan talked, tears welled up in my eyes. It was still hard, talking about that night. when that call came in, I thought I had died myself. I just remembered collapsing to my knees while Jazz took the phone from me. Sheriff Forbes took me to the hospital to be with my sister while they got my parents out of the water.

One thought stuck in my head.

"You saved my sister," I looked at him in gratitude. "You saved my twin sister. You're the reason why I didn't lose her too."

I took a deep breath and wiped away the tear that had slipped down my cheek. Stefan kindly pretended that he didn't see it.

"But why does Elena look exactly like her? Why do I look similar to her?"

Stefan hesitated before asking, "Are you sure that you want to know?"

That right there meant that I would not like the answer to my questions. But I had to know. Ellie would find out from Stefan herself, that I was sure of. But I needed to know now.

"Stefan, either you tell me now and I prepare myself to comfort Elena later, or I find out from Elena later while she's barely holding herself together," I told him, not bothering to mince my words.

Stefan sighed and sat down next to me, "I looked into your family history. The resemblance was too similar, it didn't make any sense. And then I discovered it. Alexa, you and Elena are adopted."

I stopped breathing. Like, literally stopped breathing.

"Alexa?"

A hand on my shoulder shook me from my stupor. I looked over at Stefan, my eyes wide.

"What do you mean? How can we be adopted? Our birth certificates have our parent's names on them," I was rambling. It was just so hard to believe. We couldn't have been adopted.

"You're right about your birth certificates," Stefan explained as he gave my hand a comforting squeeze. "They say that your surnames are Gilbert. Born in Mystic Falls General Hospital. But there is no record of Miranda Gilbert being admitted. Nor is there any record of her ever being pregnant, not even with one child."

"That is just... I can't believe it," I muttered, running a hand through my hair and giving it a tug. "It's just so much to take in." My green eyes locked with Stefan's. "You have to tell Elena. She deserves to know. She needs to know. And I," I had to pause to force the words out, "I don't know if I'll be strong enough to tell her."

"You don't need to worry about that, Alexa," Stefan reassured me as he gave me a one-armed hug. "I'll tell her when she gets back."

"Thank you," I rested my head against his shoulder. "You saved my twin sister; I am in your debt."

"Alexa..." Stefan started to say, looking uncomfortable.

"No, please, I have to thank you," I interrupted him, shaking my head. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to put into words what my sister means to me. And if I had lost her that night then I honestly think I would have died myself inside. But you saved her. And that means everything to me."

Stefan was silent for a moment before admitting, "I saw you in the hospital. While you were waiting for Elena to wake up." I glanced up at him. I don't really remember that time in the hospital. My memories were clouded with fear and misery. But I knew that I hadn't stopped crying. Even when Jeremy was around. I had wanted to be strong for him but I just couldn't. I do remember holding him tightly as we watched over Elena. I refused to let him go for hours, it took Jenna to get me to release him.

"Every time Jer left my sight, I thought I would lose him too," I admitted softly, for the first time to anybody. "I couldn't lose anyone else. It's part of the reason why I didn't want him to be compelled. By knowing, he's safer. He can take the precautions that he wouldn't have known to take if he had been compelled."

I think Stefan understood as he gave me a squeeze.

I slowly released a breath, "I think I need to go now. I have to go and deal with this somehow. Goodbye Stefan and thank you, for everything."

Stefan looked like he didn't want to let me leave in the condition that I was in. But he understood. He always understood.

"Bye Alexa."

XXX

I was nearing the town when I got out my phone. I needed someone to be with me and with Elena in Georgia, my amazing boyfriend was the next best person. He still hadn't got in contact with me since our first date. But I was in a lucky position. We had been friends for years. Which meant that I didn't need to worry about the dating rules and could just call him without caring.

I dialled his number and waited. Please pick up, please pick up, please pick up. I needed someone to talk to. And with Luke, he could distract me from everything that I had learnt this morning.

"Alexa?"

The sound of my boyfriend's voice filled me with relief. I was so worried that he wouldn't answer. Because I didn't know who else I could go to about this.

"Luke?" I choked; my voice thick with tears despite my best efforts. "Luke, I need you."

And I did. It was all too much. After everything that had happened these past few months, this was the straw the broke the camel's back. I was adopted. My mom and dad weren't my mom and dad. Some other people are. Complete strangers are. Everything I thought I knew about my life was a lie.

I needed my twin sister. But she was in Georgia. So was so far away.

"Alexa, where are you?"

"On the road to the Salvatore Boarding House."

"I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Ok."

I hung up the phone and took a deep breath. I wouldn't let myself break down. I would not. I just needed to deal with it. Preferably with a lot of alcohol. And I mean a lot. The buzz under my skin was impossible to ignore. I just needed to get absolutely smashed and blur everything out.

I don't know how long I stood there, but Luke soon pulled up beside me. He rolled down his window and looked at me.

"You look awful, Alexa," he frowned, quickly climbing out of the car.

"Thanks very much," I smirked weakly, unable to completely let go. "You know how to make a girl feel good."

Luke frowned but let me have my defences for the moment. He opened the car door, "Come on, get in."

He helped me into the car and carefully closed the door. While he quickly walked around to the driver's seat, I rested my head against the head rest and closed my eyes. Everything felt numb. It had been so long since things had felt this way. I thought I was getting better at dealing with this bullshit.

"Everything's so messed up, Lukey," I muttered when I heard him get in.

"What's happened?"

"I'll tell you when we get to your place."

"Fair enough. Where's Elena?"

"Not here."

"And why isn't she here?" Luke sounded surprised.

"It's not like she chose to not be here. Circumstances have prevented my twin sister from being here."

"What sort of circumstances?"

"Damon Salvatore."

"Oh, him."

There was hatred bordering on loathing in my boyfriend's tone. I was surprised. I didn't realise that they had even heard of each other. But Luke's tone spoke of a fierce hatred that couldn't have come from nowhere.

"You've gotta stay away from him, Alexa."

"Hmmm? Why?"

"Because he's dangerous."

I snorted, my eyes still closed, "Tell me about it."

"I'm serious, Alexa."

I opened my eyes and looked at him.

"Luke, trust me, he won't hurt me."

"And how do you know that?"

"Because I do."

Luke looked doubtful, but didn't argue. Hopefully he just trusted my judgement. But it's more likely that he knew that arguing with me would make no difference. Especially with the state that I was in now.

The rest of the drive was filed with silence.

XXX

Elena's POV

I decided to be polite. Afterall, if I was going to be stuck in Georgia with Damon for '5 minutes', then I needed to learn to be civil to the vampire. Even if he did infuriate me. But I did remember that he was nice when he found me last night. He kept me calm and helped me.

"So, where's my car?" I asked, deciding to break the silence. There was no way that Damon would leave it lying in the middle of the road... is there?

"Oh, I pulled it off to the side of the road," Damon replied, his eyes on the road. "I don't think anyone will bother it."

"Alexa's never going to let me live this down," I muttered, rolling my eyes. And it was so true.

Alexa had been begging for ages to learn how to drive. But the only answer that she had been given was a resounding 'no'. And for good reason. Uncle John even claimed that Alexa would be the one who was guaranteed to be in a car crash and I would never. And I just crashed the car. I will never hear the end of it. Maybe it was time for Alexa to learn. At least then I would be able to call for a pick up if Damon decided to take me on another spontaneous road trip.

"That does sound like something that she would do," Damon smirked.

"It's scary how well you know my sister," I remarked, glancing over at the vampire.

Damon didn't reply, he just smirked smugly to himself. Should I be worried that he knew my sister so well already? He had never hurt her and actually seemed to enjoy her company. I know that Alexa was disappointed when it looked like he was going to leave town. Somehow, he had earned her friendship. And when Alexa was friends with someone, she was loyal to a fault.

I decided to get the topic away from my sister and asked a question that had been on my mind, "What about the vampire in the road? Do you know him?"

Damon shrugged, "Never met him, wouldn't know him if I've never met him. After all, it's not like we all hang out together at the Vamp Bar and Grill."

I raised an eyebrow and looked at him. Vamp Bar and Grill?

But it was worrying that Damon didn't know who it was. That meant that we had to keep our guard up. And that wouldn't be easy for those who didn't know the truth.

Damon pulled up in front of a bar. 'Bree's Bar'.

A bar... he brought me to a bar? He abducted me from Mystic Falls to take me to a bar. Are you kidding me?

"You brought to me a bar? Damon, I'm not old enough, they're not going to let me in. Besides, Alexa isn't here with any of her fake ID'S."

And she has a lot. Really, she has a whole shoebox full. Hmm, that's not good, is it? Perhaps I should confiscate them when I get back. The last thing I want is for her to have some sort of alcohol problem.

"Why am I not surprised that your sister has a lot of fake ID's?"

Damon shook his head in mock-surprise and got out of the car. Ignoring my complaint as he did so.

"Damon!"

"Oh relax, they'll let you in."

He waved away my concerns and strode into the bar. I glared at his back and quickly followed him in.

The bar was nothing special. The actual bar was in the middle of the room with seats around the edge. There were a few people scattered around the room with one bartender behind the bar. There were no clues as to why Damon dragged me all the way across Georgie to this on specific bar.

The bartender looked over at us when we walked in and her eyes widened in surprise. She was a pretty black lady, her hair curly, one that looked like she had seen all the world could throw at her but was still ready to throw a punch of her own.

Damon rubbed his hands together gleefully as he walked forwards.

"No, no, it can't be!" the bartender exclaimed. I'm guessing that this is Bree. "Damon!"

Bree climbed over the bar and moved so that she was standing right in front of him. She was a couple of inches taller than him, which amused me slightly. But Damon stared up at her in delight, not caring about the height difference.

"Oh my honey pie," Bree sighed happily before pulling the vampire into a kiss which was happily reciprocated.

Whoa.

XXX

Alexa's POV

Luke pulled up in front of his house and we got out. I immediately walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him, needing the physical contact. He returned the gesture as we walked to the front door.

I was slightly calmer than I had been. There was nothing that I could do to change the fact that I was adopted. So freaking out about it would do nothing except stress me out. And I was already stressed out enough. And besides, being adopted changed nothing. My parents were still Miranda and Grayson. Just because they aren't my parents by birth doesn't mean that they aren't my parents of choice.

My boyfriend sat me down on the sofa and disappeared into the kitchen. Guessing Mr and Mrs Nolan were at work today. Mr Nolan worked in the local law firm and did a lot of the legal stuff for the Mayor and the Council. Mrs Nolan did, well, whatever it was that Mrs Lockwood did. Something to do with this Historical Society, I think. But either way, it kept them occupied.

I sighed and got out my phone. Elena needed me to cover for her with Aunt Jenna. And cover for her I shall. She's covered for me so many times that I have actually lost count. Besides, that's what twins do.

Aunt Jenna answered the phone almost immediately. She must have been worried about us. I know that her finding out about vampires shook her. Even if I did manage to reassure her that the Logan danger had passed. But I knew from experience that the fear and paranoia would take time to fade.

"Hello?"

"Hey Aunt Jenna, it's me, your favourite niece."

I forced myself to sound all happy and go-lucky, like I usually sounded. I couldn't let Aunt Jenna suspect anything.

"Alexa? Have you talked to Elena?"

"Uh, yeah, I have," I was thinking of lying but decided against it. Jenna knew the truth now and that meant that I didn't need to lie to her. "I'm not sure of the details but she has somehow ended up on a spontaneous roadtrip with Damon to Georgia."

"Georgia?"

"I know, I know, I don't get it either," I sighed, trying to keep my voice light. "But she is completely safe, I promise. And she has Damon to look after her too."

Jenna hesitated before asking, "Do you trust him with her?"

"Yes."

I think my answer surprised myself. I didn't realise that I trusted Damon with my twin. But, somehow, I did. I don't know why. But I wasn't worried that she was with him. Am I trusting him too quickly? Considering what he did to Vicki? I don't know.

"Ok, Alexa, thank you. I'll try not to worry."

"No probs, Jenna. And if you need someone to share your worrying, just give me a shout."

"Will do, Alexa. Where are you, anyway? You don't sound like you are at school."

"With Luke. We're spending the day together."

"And what about school?"

"We're going to be spending the day together there as well."

Aunt Jenna laughed.

"Of course."

"See you later, Aunt Jenna."

"Bye Alexa."

I ended the call with a sigh and closed my eyes. Why was life so complicated? I felt as though I was drowning in it all. It was getting to be too much. I swear that if I discover one more massive secret I will have a breakdown.

I opened my eyes when Luke walked out of the kitchen. He was shoving his phone back into his jeans pocket, leading me to believe that he had just been on the phone with someone. At this moment in time, I honestly can't work up the energy to find out just who it was.

My man walked over and crouch down in front of me.

"Did you phone your aunt?" he asked, gesturing to my phone.

I nodded, unable to muster up the energy for any words. Luke sighed at my lack of an enthusiastic response and pulled me up. I slumped against him and trusted him not to walk me into a wall.

Luke directed me up to his bedroom and we laid down together on his bed. (And no, not in that way. Get your minds out of the gutter, you dirty minded people.)

"What's the matter, Ally?" Luke asked, stroking my hair. "What's got you so upset?"

I bit my lip, do I tell him? I mean, it's personal, family business.

... But he's my boyfriend. And my friend. And I need to tell someone. I couldn't keep this bottled up inside me. Normally, I would go to Elena but stupid Damon took her to Georgia. Jeremy was out of the question. I couldn't bring this up with him until I could admit it without falling apart. Besides, Elena needed to be there when I did.

"I'm-I'm-I'm adopted," I admitted quietly, barely able to admit the words out loud. It felt more real, saying it out loud. And I couldn't deny it if I admitted it. "Me and Elena, we're adopted. Miranda and Grayson Gilbert aren't my parents."

The hand that Luke was running through my hair momentarily froze before it moved to the back of my neck. He gently tipped my head up so that I was facing him. I was glad that I hadn't put any makeup on this morning as I'm sure it would probably be completely ruined by now.

There was a gentle sympathy in his eyes.

"Oh Alexa," he sighed before he leaned down and kissed me. I greedily returned the kiss. I needed the physical contact. I needed him. I ran my fingers through his hair and gently tugged on it. It was our first serious kiss. And now probably wasn't the right moment for it. But I needed it. It was something to take my mind off of what happened.

I whined slightly when Luke gently broke the kiss and pressed our foreheads together. Our breath mixed together as we stared into each other's eyes. His clear blue eyes held a warmth that made me feel all tingly inside. I was right to tell him.

"Do you think that your Aunt Jenna knows?"

"Does it matter? What's done is done. Even if she did know, I just don't care."

"Hey, now, what's with the defeatist attitude? The Alexa that I know would be cussing out the world by now. She'd be kicking up a storm and would be demanding the truth."

I arched an eyebrow. Seriously? Corny, much?

"Are you actually saying that? Or has learning the truth about my parents sent me insane?"

"Alexa, dear, you were already insane."

"Hey!" I elbowed him in the stomach, causing him to let out a grunt.

"Ok, ok," he conceded, rubbing his stomach. "What you would actually be doing is getting absolutely hammered."

Huh, that does sound like something that I would do. And something I actually need to do. It would make me feel a whole lot better about the situation.

"So, because I absolutely adore you, I am going to let you get so drunk that you can't walk."

"Why?"

"Because you need a distraction, a way to get your mind off of things. And this is the perfect way to do that. I know how you handle things, Alexa. At least this way, I can make sure that you are safe."

"But why would you do that... Hang on a minute. Why am I complaining? You are actually giving me permission to get so drunk that I won't be able to remember my own name. Where's the bottle? Gimme!"

Luke laughed that deep, throaty laugh of his and pulled something out from under his bed. That something was a bottle of whiskey.

"Have I ever told you that you the absolute greatest?" I muttered, my gaze transfixed by the bottle.

"Yeah, you have," Luke grinned, shaking his head. He passed me the bottle and I immediately unscrewed the lid.

The first swallow was heavenly. Just what I needed. I sighed contentedly as I cradled the bottle.

XXX

Elena's POV

Bree poured out shots for everyone, including me. She didn't seem to care that I was underage. Remind me to bring Alexa here one day, she would have so much fun here.

"Listen up everybody!" Bree called, drawing the attention of everyone in the bar. "Here's to the man who broke my heart, crushed my soul, destroyed my life and ruined any and all chances of happiness."

That does sound like something that Damon would do. And my twin sister has a crush on him. Isn't that just fantastic.

It's obvious really, no matter how much she tries to deny it. By the way she talks to him, the way she acts around him, the way that she always brings him into a conversation. And she forgets that she talks in her sleep. That's always a very big giveaway.

But I knew better than to say anything. She would deny it until the end of time. Especially since she is now dating Luke. But even before, she wouldn't let herself acknowledge her crush. My sister seemed to think that Damon would prefer me over her. And while my resemblance to Katherine is pretty suspect, I feel like he would get along better with Alexa. But maybe that was why Alexa didn't want to admit anything, because of Katherine. It was clear that Damon still loved her. And she was still alive. He just had to find a way to get her back.

"Drink up!"

I stared at the shot glass in front of me. I wasn't really a fan of the heavy liquor. Wine and beer are the only types of alcohol that I go for. Despite Alexa's constant efforts. She much preferred shots over a beer. But I knew that she had a weakness for wine.

Damon downed his and, after glancing over at me, downed my one as well. He quickly put it back in front of me before Bree could turn around. I smiled at him in thanks. But I was slightly suspicious. He was being abnormally nice. And I wanted to know why. Because if there is one thing that I know it's that Damon Salvatore does not do nice.

"So, how'd he rope you in?" Bree asked as she poured me another shot. Why does everyone keep plying me with hard alcohol?

And, she thinks that I'm dating Damon? Ewww, no way. I would never, ever date Damon freaking Salvatore. Not only is he so not my type, but I would never do that to Alexa. She's my twin sister. There is an unwritten code about these types of situations. One rule is: never date someone that your twin has a crush on. It'll only end in tears and heartbreak.

"I'm not roped in," I corrected the bartender. "I'm actually dating his-"

"Honey, if you're not roped, you're whipped," Bree cut me off, still smiling away. How rude. But then again, I was used to it. Alexa does it to me all the time, even though she doesn't always realise it. "Either way, just enjoy the ride."

I glanced over at the vampire sitting next to me. All that I could think was that if he was dating Alexa, then he would be the one who was whipped. My sister had a way of wrapping people around her finger. And she didn't even know it.

"Sure. Anyway, how did you two meet?"

"College," Bree answered, much to my surprise.

I'm sorry, college? Damon Salvatore went to college?! Now way. Just wait until I tell Alexa, she will never let him live it down. Damon had always shown a disdain for the education system. Learning that he went to college would be a huge surprise for her.

"You went to college?" I asked Damon incredulously.

"I've been on a college campus," Damon retorted before downing another shot. That's more like it. The thought of Damon going to college was too much to handle. He plays the bad boy role too well for people to think that he went to college.

"About 20 years ago, when I was a sweet, young freshman I met this beautiful man, and I fell in love," Bree told me, glancing over at Damon. "And then he told me about his little secret, made me love him more. Because, you see, I had a little secret of my own that I was dying to share with somebody."

Ooh, do tell.

Damon leaned over and whispered into my ear, "She's a witch."

But... don't witches hate vampires? From what little I've heard about witches, they were very anti-vampire.

"Changed my world, y'know," the witch smiled softly at Damon. I never thought that I would see someone look at Damon like that.

"I rocked your world," the vampire retorted smugly.

"He is good in the sack, isn't he?" Bree glanced over at me. Whoa. I wouldn't know. I don't want to know. The thought of sleeping with Damon Salvatore makes me want to cringe. Yeah, he may be extremely good looking, but his personality is a complete turn off. That, and I love Stefan. Well, I think I do. After what I saw last night, I just don't know anymore.

"But mostly, he's just a walk away Joe."

Bree finally lost her smile and turned her back to us. Why am I not surprised that he broke her heart. I glanced over at Damon to see an unreadable expression on his face. Did he regret breaking her heart? I didn't think he was capable to regret. But maybe I was wrong.

The witch sighed and turned back to face us. Her expression unreadable.

"So, Damon, what is it that you want?"

XXX

Alexa POV

The bottle was nearly empty when the bedroom door slammed open.

I looked up from where I was straddling Luke's waist. The whiskey bottle was in my hands and I had been pouring it in his mouth. I was no longer wearing Elena's jumper. It had been thrown off awhile ago, leaving me in the white tank top that I had worn underneath. You could see my red bra through the white but I just didn't care. Luke's shirt had also disappeared. My boyfriend looked so frickin sexy with no top on. Are we going to fast here? Probably. Do I care? Nope. Like I said earlier, I needed this. And it wasn't like we were gonna have sex anyway. Just a bit of topless, drunken snuggling. Nothing wrong with that.

Jazz was standing in the doorway with her hands on her hips and she did not look happy. Her blue eyes were burning with anger and they immediately narrowed at they caught sight of us. At first, I thought that she was angry over the position that she had caught us in before I realised that her glare was fixed directly at her brother. Either way, I rolled to the side and hid behind my boyfriend. Jazz could be terrifying when she was angry. And I mean terrifying. Her temper was impressive. She didn't get properly angry often, but when she did, it was like a volcano explosion.

"So, brother, what have you been doing these past couple of hours?" she snarled as Luke grabbed his top from the floor and quickly put it on. I just pouted in disappointment as the glorious view was covered up.

"Look, Jazzie, I can explain," Luke started as he held his hands up in the universal sign for surrender. He looked eager to get his sister to shut up.

"You promised that you would tell her!" Jazz growled, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her.

Uhhhhhmmmm, tell me what? Now that I was pleasantly hammered, I was able to muster up the energy to be curious as to what the siblings were talking about. And it could be a good distraction from my own problems.

"How do you know that I haven't?!" Luke demanded angrily, rising to his feet.

"Because she would not be lying there as calmly as she is. Nor do you have a massive black eye!"

Hey, I really don't have that much of an anger issue. And I wouldn't have hit him. Honestly Jazz, you have such a bad opinion of me at times.

"I could have gotten her drunk to calm her down," Luke protested as I sat up on my knees.

"Oh really?" Jazz's voice was dangerously soft.

"Alexa, darling," Jazz turned her gaze to me. I stopped mid sip and slowly lowered the bottle.

"Yessum?" I smiled blearily, hugging the bottle to my chest.

"Has your boyfriend told you anything during your time together today?"

I took a moment to think, "Uh, nope, nothing at all. Why? Was he supposed to?"

"You're taking her word over mine?! She's drunk!" Luke protested, giving his sister a dirty look.

"Hey! I'm not that drunk and you know it!" I exclaimed, very offended. He knew my tolerance and yeah, I was kinda drunk. But I wasn't that drunk. It took more than a few shots of whiskey to get me to that stage. Especially since this was just the cheap stuff. It wasn't exactly the strongest. It just didn't sit too good on an empty stomach. Luke shot me an apologetic look before turning back to his siter.

"Luke, if you don't tell her, then I will."

"Jazz, no! You promised that you'd let me tell her."

"And you promised that you would!"

"I'm going to tell her but I need to wait for the right moment."

"There will never be a right moment. You've just got to do it."

"Easy for you to say, you won't be the one doing it!"

"Because you want to be the one to do it! I was happy to do it myself."

"I'm her boyfriend now, I need to be the one to do it."

I watched the siblings argue. What the hell was going on? I wanna know!

"Oi! Shut it!" I shouted, finally losing my patience. Luke and Jazz paused in surprise and looked over at me. Huh, I don't think either of them expected me to interrupt them like that.

I frowned at them and asked, "What the hell was Luke supposed to tell me? I want to know and I want to know right now."

Luke hesitated before glancing at Jazz and sighing.

"Alexa, please don't freak out," he started as he sat down next to me. He carefully eased the whiskey bottle from my grip and took my hands in his.

"Then don't give me a reason to," I interrupted, slightly fearful as to where this conversation was going.

"Alexa!" Luke warned, looking very serious.

I sighed and nodded. I wouldn't interrupt and I wouldn't freak out.

"Vampires are real."

I froze. How-how-how the hell do they know that? Like seriously? How do they know about vampires? Oh my god, they know. So much for not freaking out!

The siblings must have thought that I was freezing up in fear because they were quick to reassure me. Jazz joined me on the bed, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

"Alexa, its ok," Luke soothed, running his hands over my arms. "They won't hurt you. I won't let them hurt you."

"How would you stop them?" I stammered, finally finding my voice.

"Because me and my family are vampire hunters."

XXX

Elena's POV

"Let's just say that I'm descended from Katherine," I stated. "Does that make me part vampire?"

Damon and I had ordered some food from the bar. Damon was paying, of course. He had moaned about it for a while before I pointed out that he had taken me from a car crash. I had no money on me.

I couldn't take my mind off of my call with Stefan. I hated fighting with him but this was just way out of line. He should have told me earlier. Yeah, it would have been a shock and I still would have questioned his intentions. But it would have been so much better than the way I found out.

"Vampires can't procreate," Damon replied before shooting me a wink. "But we do love to try."

I just looked at him. He got the hint and continued.

"If you were related, it would have to mean that Katherine had had a child before she was turned."

I hesitated a moment before asking, "Did Stefan think that he could use me to replace her?"

I knew that asking Damon would probably be a mistake, but no one knew Stefan better than he did. And I needed to know. I needed to know if I should actually try and stop Alexa from staking him when she finds out what happened. How could I tell her about this? It was so unbelievable. And I knew that she would question her friendship with Damon. Our likeness was too similar. It would raise questions for both of us.

"Kinda creepy if you ask me."

I shook my head, I should've known that the elder Salvatore wouldn't give me an answer. He was a tricky ass like that. But he knew Stefan better than me. He was my only chance for a serious answer before I got home. But I really shouldn't expect one from Damon.

I glanced over at the vampire before asking, "And is that why you're always around my sister? Because she also looks like Katherine?"

Damon didn't answer. He just smirked infuriatingly at me and glanced at my plate, "Come on, what? You don't like pickles? What's wrong with you?"

He snatched the pickles up from my plate and gobbled them down. Good way of avoiding the question. But it made me even more worried for the answer.

As I watched him, a sudden thought struck me, "How can you even eat?"

Damon looked over at me, his eyebrow arched up. I felt the need to defend myself.

"If technically you're supposed to be..."

I trailed off, not wanting to say the word. Saying it would make it all real. And reality sucked.

"Dead?" Damon supplied in an attempt to be helpful. "It's not such a bad word, Elena."

I glared at him. How dare he be all condescending towards me. I still wasn't used to all of this. It was one thing being around him and Stefan. It was a whole other thing acknowledging that they were technically dead.

"But anyway, as long as I keep a healthy diet of blood in my system, my body functions are pretty normal," Damon shrugged.

I looked at him suspiciously. I knew that I shouldn't ask the question that was on the tip of my tongue. But I just had to know. As this didn't just affect me, it affected my sister too.

"This nice act, is any of it real?"

Damon just smirked at me and went back to eating his food. Well that's... encouraging.

Bree came over and swapped Damon's old beer for a new one.

"Thank you."

Well, listen to that. Damon can be polite.

I stared at the beer. Alexa was always telling me that alcohol was good for relaxing and for taking a step back. I'd always ignored the advice, but perhaps...

"I'll have one too."

Oh what the hell. Might as well.

Damon looked shocked. Well, that's a bit insulting. Just because I'm the good, responsible twin doesn't mean that I'm not allowed to have a beer in a bar every now and then. And he did tell me to take a timeout. He surely must have realised that a timeout meant indulging a little bit.

"Timeout, remember?" I defended myself. "For 5 minutes? Well, those 5 minutes are going to need a beer."

"Here you go."

Bree handed me the beer as her and Damon exchanged glances. I rolled my eyes at them. I chinked my bottle with Damon's and took a swallow.

Hmm, not bad...

XXX

Alexa's POV

"You're what!"

This was unbelievable! Vampire hunters! They were vampire hunters! Oh my god, this makes so much sense. All this time, they've been aware of vampires and been hunting them. Their disappearances, their family problems since the supposed animal attacks started. How did I not see any of it?

"Alexa, calm down," Luke said, reaching for me. I pushed his hands away and climbed off of the bed, knocking Jazz aside as I did so.

"Calm down! You expect me to calm down!" I yelled, the alcohol in my system fuelling my anger. I was so angry and hurt and scared. I was angry and hurt that we had been friends for so long and they hadn't told me. I've told them everything about me all of my secrets, except for the fact that the Salvatore brothers were vampires. But that wasn't really my secret to share. The only one I had properly told was Bonnie and that's because she was a witch. The others had found out and I had to helped them rationalise what they had learnt I'd trusted them. And they hadn't seen fit to tell me that they were vampire hunters. I had known them for years. And they hadn't shared this with me.

But I was also so, so scared. The man that my twin sister loved was a vampire. Damon was a vampire. If they were discovered, then the Nolan family wouldn't hesitate to kill them. It would absolutely kill Elena to lose someone else, especially the guy that she loved.

And I... I couldn't lose Damon. He's- and curse him to hell for all eternity for it- he's grown on me. He was my friend. I don't know how, but he was. And I didn't want to lose him.

"I can't... I can't deal with this right now," I told them, shaking my head. "I've gotta get outta here."

"Alexa, please." "Alexa, don't go."

I ignored them, picked up my jumper and the whiskey bottle and left. I knew that I was acting irrationally and childishly. But I just couldn't. After everything that had happened these past few weeks, this was the last straw. I needed some space to absorb this latest secret.

I stormed out of the house. The cold December air hit me and I shivered. Damn, it was cold outside. Really cold. Ugh, I hated this time of year. The only good thing was Thanksgiving and Christmas. But we couldn't even enjoy them properly this year as it was the first one without our parents. That just put a dampener on the whole thing. I pulled on Elena's jumper and took a swig of the whiskey. It warmed me up almost immediately. That was the good thing about booze. It kept me warm when it was stupidly cold outside.

Sighing, I ran a hand though my hair. When did everything become so messed up? Like seriously. Life used to be so simple. And I miss that.

It was dark outside. Too dark. I didn't like the dark. Dark was nasty. I've seen the film Pitch Black too many times. I remember when me, Tyler and Luke were 10, we stayed around the Lockwood house and stayed up late to watch it. All of us had nightmares for weeks after that. Mom and Dad were so mad with me. They nearly grounded me for life. I wish they were still here. I miss them.

My mind wandered as I walked. I wonder how Elena was doing in Georgia with Damon. He was probably driving her insane. She hasn't yet learnt the technique to dealing with Damon yet. Perhaps I should teach her when she comes home.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realise that there was 2 people standing in front of me until I crashed into them. I fell flat on my ass. Uh, what the hell just happened? And ow, that hurt. Stupid floor.

I looked up to see Tyler Lockwood and Matt Donavon turning around to look down at me. Oh, really should have seen them. My bad.

"Alexa?" Matt asked, looking surprised.

"Hey Mattie," I smiled up at him as I hid the empty whiskey bottle behind my back.

I used to spend so much time around Matt, even before he started dating Elena. He was always very good at calming me down. 'Mattie's Magic Touch' Elena used to call it. I would always reply with some sort of lewd comment and we would start quarrelling.

But ever since twinnie and Mattie had broken up, I hadn't been able to spend as much time around. It was just too awkward. Especially since I look almost exactly like my sister. Which sucked as I missed Matt. He was a good friend and always had your back. I don't think I had ever met someone as loyal as Matt was.

"Alexa, what are you doing?" Tyler sighed as he bent down and helped me to my feet.

"I was thinking," I replied, giving Tyler a thankful smile.

"You? You were thinking?" Tyler acted all surprised. "Blimey, don't strain yourself."

"Oh ha ha," I responded dryly. "I am dying with laughter."

Oh I had missed this. Bantering with Tyler. I had missed Tyler. He was like that friend that as basically a brother. And these past few months without him had been the worst. I could tell him some things that I couldn't tell other people. And I knew that my actions had impacted him as well. Tyler had always had trouble opening up to people. But I was one of the few that he could. And I knew that he had missed that.

"Guys," Matt interrupted with a roll of the eyes and a smile. Tyler and I had always been quite entertaining when we got going.

"Seriously, what were you thinking about?" Tyler asked, wrapping an arm around my shoulder as we carried on walking. Oh god, I had definitely missed this. Next opportunity I get, I'm apologising.

"I was reminiscing," I responded, soaking up Tyler's warmth. "About the time that me, you and Luke watched Pitch Black."

"Oh, yeah, I remember that," Tyler smiled fondly, shaking his head. "Our parents were so mad."

"I remember Luke getting most of the blame because he was the oldest."

"Who's idea was it? To watch the film?"

"I think it might have been mine."

"And I had the film."

"Yeah," we sighed in unison, like nothing had never happened.

"Those were good times."

"You two are terrible," Matt remarked, cutting into our reminiscing. But you could tell that he was trying not to laugh. Like I said, we were terrible once we got going.

"Gee, thanks Mattie," I snorted, sticking my tongue out at him.

"What have I told you about that nickname?" Matt groaned, trying to give me a poke as I tried to hide behind Tyler.

"Hmmm, can't remember that far back," I countered, a cheeky smile on my face.

"You're unbelievable," Matt shook his head in mock despair.

"I know," I grinned proudly. I always loved making Matt laughed. He had it so tough, especially with Vicki's disappearing act, that any smile I got was an achievement. He was so lovely that he deserved to laugh without care.

"Come on Alexa, let's get you home," Tyler grinned as I curled up under his arm again.

I considered my options. Home sounded good. Bed sounded even better. Perhaps I could watch some of my gorgeous Dean Winchester to raise my spirits. And to ignore all of the information that I had been bombarded with today. Yeah, ignoring was definitely the way to go for now.

"Ok, let's go home."

XXX

Elena POV

"Go!"

I quickly picked up my shot and downed it. I relished in the kick that I felt. I clapped my hands together and did a little happy dance. I think the alcohol may be affecting me... ah screw it, it's my timeout.

"That's 3! Oh yeah!"

I glanced over Damon to see him wiping his chin. Hahahaha, silly Damon. Can't do shots without getting it all down himself.

"Awww, do you need a bib?" I mock-pouted at him, enjoying the buzz of the alcohol.

"Sorry I can't unhinge my jaw like a snake to consume alcohol," Damon responded dryly, rolling his eyes.

I snorted and shook my head, "You should see my sister when she gets going."

"It runs in the family then, I take it?"

"Nope, a skill that Alexa perfected then taught me."

"Why, oh why, am I not surprised?"

"Whatever. Now. Who's next?"

I looked around as I tapped on the bar. The crowd surrounding me were groaning and shaking their heads. Lightweights.

"Another round, Bree," I drawled. Now I know why Alexa was so fond of drinking contests. They were just so much fun. Especially when everyone else were lightweights. I could probably drink all of these people under the table. With the exception of Damon. But he didn't count. Vampires were automatic cheaters.

"Honey, you should be on the floor," the woman next to me slurred, resting heavily against the bar.

"I am not even drunk!" I exclaimed, dancing on my seat. "My tolerance is, like, way up here!"

I reached up on tiptoes, my hand high above my head.

The only reason that I had such a high tolerance was because of my sister. Hers was even higher. She always said that no Gilbert should lose a drinking contest so she taught me, and then Jeremy, how to increase our tolerance. I wasn't impressed at her teaching Jeremy; he was far too young. But he wanted to learn and Alexa could never say no to him.

"Alright, here you go," Bree started dishing out the shots.

I took mine and downed it. This was a brilliant 5 minutes.

XXX

I had somehow gravitated towards the pool table where I was playing Wendy. And I was beating her! Yay Hay! Apparently I was so much better at pool when I had a few shots in me. Maybe what Alexa said was true, booze does make you better at stuff.

The sound of a phone ringing caught my attention. It was coming from the direction of my coat.

... Oh! That's my phone!

I dropped the pool cue on the table, wincing at the clattering noise it made. But I had to reach my phone before it stopped ringing. I didn't know who was calling. It could be Jenna; it could be Alexa. As long as it isn't Stefan, don't want to talk to him yet.

I stumbled over and answered, "Hello?"

"Elena?"

Yay! It's Aunt Jenna!

"Jenna!" I exclaimed happily before I realised where I was. Crap. She's gonna hear the bar. Run. Run. Run. "Hold on, its loud in here."

I grabbed my jacket and started to leave. Can't go outside without it. Far too cold out there. With my phone to my ear, I struggled to put it on.

"Elena, are you alright? Where are you?"

"Hmmmm? Yeah, I'm good. Everything is just fine. Can you hold on a mo? I can't hear you."

"No, it's not fine, Elena! Alexa, told me you were in Georgia and you haven't called me all day-"

I slipped out of the door, still attempting to put on my jacket, only to crash into the post that was right behind the door. Uh, ow! That hurt. Why would you put a post right there? Anyone could walk into it.

My phone fell out of my hand and went sliding along the floor. Ah crap, please don't be broken! Please don't be broken.

I finally managed to get my coat on. Honestly that took me far too long. I mean seriously, those shots were beginning to catch up to me. I bent down and picked up my phone. And thank god, it wasn't broken.

"Hello?"

Before I could get an answer, a hand covered my mouth, muffling my screams.

I dropped my phone and tried to pull the hand away. Help! Someone please! Help me!

I was dragged off by the stranger.

Damon!

XXX

Alexa's POV

"Bye Alexa," Matt smiled, giving me a hug and a kiss on the cheek once the two boys had walked me back home.

"Bye bye Matt," I smiled back at him, returning the hug.

"Night Alexa, sweet dreams," Tyler picked me up and spun me around. Just like he used to. He had always been a dramatic one.

"Nighty night Ty-Ty," I grinned, unable to resist being cheeky. Tyler rolled his eyes at the childhood nickname but let me get away with it. I think he knew what it meant. It was an apology without actually saying sorry. And it would do for now.

I watched them walked back down the street before turning and unlocking the door. I had managed to slip my empty bottle into a bin without them seeing whilst we were walking. If either one had seen me with the bottle, they probably would have told Elena. And that would be very bad. And I couldn't let Tyler see it without it looking I wasn't taking this seriously. I mean, yeah, I would explain that I was trying to stop drinking when I apologised. But I couldn't let him get the wrong impression before then. Not after everything that had happened.

Jenna was in the kitchen when I got home. She glanced up as I closed the door behind me and I gave her a small smile.

"Hi Jenna."

"Hi Alexa," Jenna sighed as I wandered into the kitchen. "Have you heard from Elena? I tried calling her earlier but got cut off."

I shook my head, "Not since this morning when she first told me that she was in Georgia, of all places."

"I hope she's okay," my aunt sounded worried and that just made me even more aware of my own worry.

"She will be," I reassured my aunt, wrapping my arm around her shoulder. "Damon will look after her and bring her home."

"You trust him that much?" Jenna's gaze was piercing and made me feel slightly uncomfortable.

"He's my friend," I shrugged, avoiding eye contact. "And he knows how important my sister is to me."

"Even though he is a vampire?" Jenna hesitated over the v word and I sympathised. It was weird saying it knowing that they were real. It was hard accepting that they were real.

"That took some time to get used to," I sighed, sitting down at the dining table. "Especially with the way that I found out. But he's never hurt me and he's even taken the time to reassure me. Which is weird considering he is supposed to humanityless right now."

Jenna's gaze was knowing and it made me squirm, "You like him, don't you?"

I didn't know how to answer. But maybe it would do some good to talk to someone about it. especially with Damon so far away, there was no chance of him potentially overhearing.

"I guess? He's just, I dunno," I sighed in frustration, unable to find the right words, "There's just something about him. But yes, I guess I do like him, like that. But I know that nothing will ever happen. We're just friends."

"And you have Luke now."

I couldn't resist smiling, "And I have Luke now."

I hesitated for a moment before asking, "Did you know that we were adopted?"

It wasn't the way I wanted to ask Jenna, but when would the right moment be? At least this way, it was just us two here and I could try and keep some measure of control.

Aunt Jenna froze before closing her eyes, "Alexa."

The worry and fear in her tone had me speaking quickly, "It's okay if you knew. I'm not mad, I promise. I just… I just wanted to know."

"They made me promise not to tell," Jenna looked at me with such a pleading gaze that I just had to give her a hug. "And then they died and I just couldn't find the right moment. Not while you were still mourning them."

"I understand," I soothed her, resting my head against hers.

"It's weird," Jenna patted my hand. "I kind of thought that you would have been the one to react worst."

"Guess I'm just full of surprises."

XXX

Elena's POV

The man who took me was a vampire. He had taken me to an electrical building near the bar and deposited me on a ladder. I gripped onto the wood tight, unable to stop shaking. Without my vervain, I had no protection. I had now fully sobered up and I hated that. I was so scared and I didn't have any liquid courage left.

"Stay there," he ordered firmly before blurring away.

I looked around. I was screwed. There was no way for me to get out of this on my own. Damon. Where are you? He was my only chance of getting out here alive. And I never thought that I would be saying that.

And, well, you know what they say, think of the devil. Damon walked around the corner, clearly looking for me.

"Damon! Be careful!" I shouted, letting him know where I was. I won't let him get hurt because of me. I couldn't.

The vampire appeared out of nowhere and smacked Damon in the knee with a metal pipe. I gasped and covered my mouth. Damon cried out in pain and feel to the ground. The other vampire just kept hitting Damon with the pipe, over and over.

"Damon!" I screamed before climbing down the ladder. I moved as fast I could, Damon's cries of pain motivating me.

"What the hell?!" Damon shouted as the stranger blurred away. I could honestly say that I was terrified. I had never seen someone hurt Damon like that. He was always so strong.

I had made it off of ladder and was running towards Damon when the other vampire reappeared. He started pouring gasoline over Damon. What the hell was he trying to do?

"No!" I shouted as Damon spluttered. "Leave him alone!"

The vampire turned his head and bared his fangs at me. I skidded to a stop. My heart was racing in fear as the other vampire continued to pour gas over Damon. I didn't know what to do to help. I was powerless and it killed me.

"Who are you?" Damon growled weakly from the ground. He was absolutely drenched in gasoline.

"Oh that's just perfect!" the vampire spat, throwing the empty canister to the side. "You have no idea!"

"What are you talking about? What did he do?" I shouted, trying to distract him so that Damon could get the upper hand.

Why am I not surprised that Damon did something to piss this guy off? That's all he did. And now I had been dragged into it too.

The vampire turned to face me, "He killed my girlfriend!"

I closed my eyes in despair. I knew that Damon's murderous ways would get him into trouble. How could I save him from this?

"What did she do to you? Huh?" the vampire yelled at Damon, pouring more gasoline on the downed vampire. "What did she do to you?!"

I had no idea who the hell the vampire was talking about. But it appeared that Damon did as he grounded out though gritted teeth, "Nothing."

"I don't understand!" I cried out, trying get his attention off of Damon.

"My girlfriend went to visit Stefan, and Damon killed her. Got it?"

I paused in thought while the other vampire cursed out Damon. It must have been recent or the vampire would have tracked Damon down before. And if it was recent, that meant it must have been…

"Lexi?!" I exclaimed in surprise. "Lexi was your girlfriend?!"

Ok, I can kinda understand why this guy wants to kill Damon, now. I had barely known Lexi but I was still upset by her death. She seemed like a good person and she was Stefan's best friend. They had known each other for so long and they seemed so close. All Lexi wanted was for Stefan to be happy.

"She told me about you," I said, desperate to get his attention off of my vampire. "She said that you were human."

"I was," he looked so heartbroken. And I felt so bad for him. He loved Lexi; it was clear to see. And now she was gone.

The vampire pulled a box of matches out from his pocket and looked down at Damon. He was going to set him on fire. He was going to burn him alive. He was going to kill Damon. I have to do something. I have to distract him in some way. Give Damon enough time to heal and be able to fight back.

"Lexi turned you?"

"If you want to be with someone forever, you have to live forever."

Oh that poor, poor man.

Damon once again tried to sit up but was, again, kicked in the face. I'd never seen Damon Salvatore looking so weak. It was kinda scary. I mean, you don't think weak when you think Damon Salvatore. And I was the only one who could help him.

"She loved you!" I cried, my fear getting to me. "She said that, 'when it's real, you can't walk away'."

And it's true. I love Stefan. And I know that he loves me. And I won't, I can't, walk away from that. I know that now. Whatever this Katherine thing was, we would get through it, together.

"Well, that's a choice that you're not going to have to make!"

But it won't be me making it. It'll be Alexa. She's grown fond of Damon Salvatore and it'll hurt her to lose him. And I can't let my sister get hurt again. She's been hurt too much.

"Don't. Please, don't hurt him," I begged, taking a step forward.

The vampire ignored me and lit the match.

"I'm doing you a favour," he refused to look at me. Maybe he didn't completely believe in his revenge. Maybe I can stop him. Because I needed to stop him. I searched my mind for anything that would make him stop. Anything at all.

"Lexi loved you," Lexi's name made him pause. "And she was good. So that means that you're good too." From the look on his face, I knew that bringing up Lexi would work. It had to. He loved her so much. And she wouldn't have wanted this for him. Lexi didn't strike me as the type to want revenge. "Be better than him. Don't do this. I'm begging you! Please!"

I could feel the tears well up in my eyes. I didn't want Damon to die. I couldn't lose anyone else. My sister couldn't lose anyone else. She was in our lives now, for better or for worse.

Lexi's boyfriend threw the match. But in the direction away from Damon. He bent down, picked Damon up and threw him against the building. The resounding crash made me wince. That's gotta hurt. Even for a vampire.

"Thank you," I breathed, sighing in relief and gratitude.

"It wasn't for you."

Lexi's boyfriend blurred away and after a moment, I ran over to Damon's side.

XXX

"Alexa?"

"Elena?"

"Hey, how are you?"

"I'm missing you. How are you?"

"I'm missing you too."

"Ellie, I found out two massive and terrifying things today."

"What are they, Lexa?"

"One of them I'm not allowed to tell you as Stefan wants to tell you first."

"That's ok. I understand. What's the second one?"

"Luke and Jazz and their family are vampire hunters."

"... Seriously?"

"Yeah, seriously. They told me. I just... I don't know what to do."

"Talk to them. Let them explain. And then we will work out something to do together, when I get back."

"How's Georgia?"

"Boring."

"Of course it's boring. You haven't got me there to make it fun."

"Oh, of course, how silly of me to forget."

"How's... how's Damon?"

"He's his annoying, smartass, irritating self."

"Nothing new then."

"No, nothing new. Although, I did save his life today."

"Ooh, really?"

"Yeah."

"You can so use that against him now."

"I was planning on it."

"Doesn't surprise me."

"I love you Ellie."

"I love you too, Lexa."

XXX

"So, why did you bring me with you?" I asked as Damon drove us back to Mystic Falls.

"Well, you're not the worst company in the world, Elena," he replied, looking over at me. "You should give yourself more credit."

"Seriously?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Well, you were there in the road, all damsel in distress-lie. And I knew that it would piss off Stefan. Alexa wasn't available for me to take instead as I would have loved to annoy her without interruption for a couple of days. And... you're not the worst company in the world, Elena."

"I used to be more fun," I replied seriously, tapping my knee. "When I didn't have Alexa around. I wasn't always this boring on my own."

"You did ok."

I smirked, glancing over, "I saved your life."

"I know."

The look on Damon's face was priceless.

"And don't you forget it."

"Just, don't tell your sister."

I laughed, "Too late."

Damon groaned.

XXX

Alexa's POV

The next morning found me standing outside of the Nolan household. Right. I was going to do this. I would not chicken out. I was going to knock on the door and see Luke and get an explanation. Come one Alexa, just knock on the damn door.

Before I could convince myself otherwise, I knocked on the door. Heather, Jazz and Luke's mom, answered the door.

"Hello Alexa, dear," she smiled, looking genuinely happy to see him. "What brings you here?"

"Are Jazz and Luke here?" I asked, smiling up at her.

"They're in Luke's bedroom."

Heather let me in the house and I made my way up the stairs. I know this place like the back of my hand. I had been here so many times. So I was able to go slow on my way up, trying to make my mind up on what I should say. I wanted to give them the chance to explain. But I also wanted them to know how I felt.

I paused outside Luke's door and took a deep breath. Right Alexa, you can do this. Just knock.

"Yeah?" Luke's voice called out.

I opened the door and walked in. Jazz and Luke glanced up from where they were lounging on his bed.

"Alexa!" Jazz exclaimed, jumping up and rushing over.

"Hey guys," I replied awkwardly, walking over to lean against the desk, dodging Jazz's hug.

"Alexa, it's good to see you," Luke said quietly, not moving from the bed.

"It's good to see you too," I smiled softly at him. "Both of you." My gaze flickered over to Jazz, silently apologising for dodging her hug. But I needed answers before I could do anything like that.

"You want an explanation," Luke said shrewdly, giving his sister a nudge.

"Yeah, an explanation would be appreciated," I sighed, crossing my arms.

Jazz started, "We've wanted to tell you for years."

Luke continued, "But, being with you, it helped us forget. Forget everything that we've seen."

"With you, we were just normal kids."

"And that's all we've ever wanted to be. Normal."

I winced, "I didn't realise that you felt that strongly about it."

I do feel a bit bad about my reaction. Maybe I should have waited yesterday and let them explain. But I was too emotional. And I had learnt too much already.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry for overreacting yesterday," I apologised, walking over and joining them on the bed.

"Don't be," Jazz was quick to reply.

"After everything that you went through yesterday, I'd be surprised if you had reacted in any other way," Luke winced, giving my hand a squeeze.

"Luke told what you found out yesterday," Jazz spoke up. "And I now understand why Luke didn't want to tell you. And I'm sorry for forcing him to tell you."

"Don't worry about it. I'm not mad at you. I promise."

XXX

"I thought that you would like to know that your twin sister is safely back in Mystic Falls and is currently talking to my brother."

I looked over from where I was sitting at the bar in the Grill to see Damon standing behind me.

"Thank you," I smiled softly at him before taking a sip of my coke.

"No whiskey?"

"No, not today," I sighed, ignoring the itch beneath my skin the best I could.

"You seem rather melancholy today," Damon sat down next to me and ordered a bourbon.

"It's been one of those days," I glanced over at the vampire besides me. "Actually, one of those weeks. And I didn't have my twin sister to help me through it."

I shot an accusatory glare at the vampire beside me who held his hands up in mock surrender.

"You have my most humble apology, Ms Gilbert."

"Damon Salvatore, apologising to me? What has the world come to?" I couldn't help smiling.

Damon just smirked at me.

XXX

A/N: Hope you all enjoyed! I've been starting to think on the last three seasons of the show, which I need to plan. I have up until the end of season 5 planned out so if anyone has any requests, I'm always happy to try and fit them in! Thanks for reading and please review xoxo