Damon raced down the streets of Heron, paying no attention to the sped
limit signs or the stoplights. Here if he was pulled over he didn't bare a
striking resemblance to the crazed vampire from last year.
He chuckled. If Stefan had just lain low, none of this would have happened. But his hundred-year-old brother wanted to go to school. Damon laughed aloud at this. He had attended the regular classes and the university back when he was 'alive'. Why would any one willing return was beyond him. Ah no, if Stefan had just stayed out of the picture Elena would be right beside him now. After all, he HAD seen her first...
Stefan nodded and squeezed Elena's hand in understanding. 'She must be tired, she hasn't slept or eaten since she had been back', thought Stefan. They headed back to the boarding house the same way they had come.
The wind had picked up and the temperature had dropped. Stefan held Elena close to him to keep her warm as they walked. He knew if he felt cold, Elena would feel even colder. She wasn't like he was anymore. His heart sank again at this realization. He became frustrated with himself for feeling this way. How selfish could he be? She was alive and safe and above all she was with him. What more could he want? He knew the answer to that question...to be with Elena for eternity. He quickly snapped himself back from his thoughts. He hated how he could think of such things...after all that had happened...after all Elena had been through.
They quickly rushed up to the door of the boarding house and went up the staircase.
"Do you want me to fix you something to eat?" he said as they entered Stefan's bedroom. She just shook her head and fell to the bed, exhausted. Stefan pulled back the covers to get her completely under them and brought them up to her chin. He lay next to her stroking her hair. "I love you, Elena", he whispered to her. But, she was already asleep...
Caroline climbed out of bed and went into the bathroom. She surveyed her appearance. Hmm. the dark circles were nearly gone. Concealer could easily eliminate them. I'm gonna get my hair and makeup done today. She thought brightly to herself. Maybe do some shoe shopping. Maybe slink by Tyler's today and reconciliate. Or if bonnie doesn't want matt anymore. Hmmmm. although her parents' vote would be on the old money Smallwood's. She washed up and lingered in her closet. Finally settling on a short sleeved white peasant style belly top and Brazilian cut jeans that looked painted on. Her outfit accentuated both her slenderness and curves. She tousled her long hair, threw on some heeled sandals, sprayed some lemon perfume, grabbed her bag, and flew out the door. She got into her car and drove to the hair salon. When she entered, she was greeted by a skinny tanned girl with bleach blond waist length hair and smoky rimmed eyes.
"Caroline. Its been a awhile. What can we do for you today?"
Caroline smiled." I need my makeup done and hair to match this outfit" she sat down in the chair offered to her. A couple of hours later her once auburn hair was lighter auburn with chunky blonde streaks in it. It was towel-dried. So her hair hung in fat ringlets down her back. After her makeup was complete. She looked damned exotic. Like she belonged in Rio de Janeiro rather then Fell's church, USA. "Cheyenne, you always outdo yourself." Caroline praised. She paid and left the cosmetologist a hefty tip. She exited the salon and knew that many eyes were on her. Caroline Forbes was back. Mostly anyways. She strutted down the sidewalk towards the shoe store like some supermodel stalking the catwalk.
Meredith sighed and flopped on her bed. *Is Alaric ever going to call?? I don't have to wait for him to call...I could be out doing...something. * Waits for a few more minutes and then rolls off the bed and walks to the window. *Maybe I'll call Bonnie later. We can do something...or go visit Elena. *
Matt woke at the sound of his alarm clock. He didn't even remember setting it but he must have. Slamming his hand down on the snooze button he rolled over mumbling something about 5 more minutes. Suddenly the smell of bacon brought him to his sense. "Aw mom you shouldn't have." Getting up quickly he pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and turned the alarm off before heading to the kitchen. He stopped short at the sight of an empty kitchen. If there had been breakfast made here it had been while he was asleep. There wasn't even a piece of bacon left on the greasy napkin covered plate near the stove. "Thanks guys." he mumbled softly and went in search for his shoes. 'I've got a couple bucks on me. I'll treat myself to a sausage biscuit or something.' Finding his shoes under his bed he pulled them on over the socks he had forgotten to remove the night before. He didn't smell all that bad, hell he hadn't done anything to work up a sweat last night other than drive around like Maria Andrete'. Grabbing the keys to his truck he walked out the door careful not to slam it. The house was in bad enough shape as it is. He didn't need to add to the damage.
Bonnie had vaguely heard her sister come in and drop her suitcase on the floor. She really couldn't remember when she had fallen back asleep but she was aware of the sunlight starting to shine through the bay window. Throwing her legs over the side she padded to the doorway of her bedroom and looked around. It was quiet and she figured her parents had already left for work. Picking up her sisters luggage she carried it into Mary's room, laying it gently on the floor so she would wake her up. 'I didn't even know she had gone anywhere... shows how observant I've been the last couple of months. My mom could have grown a third eye and I wouldn't have noticed.' Bonnie walked over to her sister's bed and taking the comforter in her hands pulled it to where it covered her sister better.
Her stomach growled reminding her that all she had to eat was a sandwich at Stefan's house the night before. Walking silently from Mary's room she walked down the stairs and to the fridge. 'Hmmm pancake syrup... 'And tomorrow... I'm making waffles.'" she said in her best Eddie Murphy impression and giggled slightly. Grabbing the waffle mix and a bowl from the cabinet she walked to the phone. Dialing Meredith's cell she let it ring for a couple of times before the answering service came on. "Hey Mer didn't know if you wanted to partake in some waffles with lil ole me. I guess you're either asleep or talking to Alaric call me later. Bye."
Bonnie hung up the phone and began her futile attempt at making waffles without making a mess also.
Mary stretched as she walked into the kitchen. "Morning."
Bonnie looked up from the waffle iron, "Hey," she smiled. "Where've you been?"
"What?!" Mary couldn't help but laugh. "Don't you remember I went to see Julia and Nina? This hardly merits a souvenir."
Bonnie's heart-shaped face brightened, "Oh yeah! Now I remember. How are they?"
The girls sat down at the table as Mary updated Bonnie on her friends. Almost half an hour had past when Mary's nose wrinkle, "What smells like it's burning?"
"My waffles!" Bonnie exclaimed. Small tendrils of black smoke drifted up from the waffle iron. She quickly unplugged the waffle iron. She looked up with a frown at her sister, "I'd offer you a waffle, but..." Her voice trailed off when she opened the waffle iron, revealing the two black and shriveled waffles.
Mary's gentle features beamed with a warm smile. "Good."
"What?"
"I said good. This means I get to take you out for breakfast. It's about time we get to know each other." She frowned for a moment, "We haven't actually sat down and talk in a long time." With a sigh, the smile returned to her face. "So, get dressed and we'll go eat."
Bonnie looked at the mess she had made and grimaced. "Let me clean this up and get changed. Mom would have a fit if she came home and saw this." Cleaning up didn't take as long as she thought. It was done in a matter of minutes with her sister's help. Leaving the waffle iron plates to soak she bounded up stairs to her room. Walking to her closet she chose a pair of light peach jeans and a black floral flowy peasant top with flowers the same color as the jeans and green leaves. Leaving her now straight hair down she gave herself a once over in the mirror, noticed that she hadn't bothered taking off the emerald jewelry Mary had given her and shrugged, it matched the green in the shirt anyways. She slipped the same sandals on from last night and headed for the bathroom. Brushing her teeth quickly, she applied a decent amount of makeup to her face and dashed down the stairs into the kitchen were Mary was seemed to be staring off into space.
"Ready." she said brightly and looked at her sister then widened her eyes in mock horror. "Hey! You're not ready yet and you talk about me taking forever." She laughed and dodged a wooden spoon her sister threw at her before heading up stairs to change. Feeling a bit mischievous Bonnie grinned and stuck her head in the stair well. "You should have asked me to lunch instead cause that's probably about the time you'll be done." Hearing her sister growl something inaudible Bonnie sat down on the stairs not quite successfully suppressing a fit of giggles. It felt good to laugh.
Getting up from the stairs, her giggles gone, Bonnie walked over and picked up the spoon her sister had tossed at her. "Do you see how dangerous she is?!" she said in a mock brit accent. 'I've watched to many rental movies lately.' she thought sadly. Putting the spoon back where it belonged she walked to the front door and opened it. 'Ah fresh summer air.' Her stomach rumbled and she cursed herself for burning the waffles.
What was taking Mary so long? Walking out to the mailbox she opened it and found what looked like a weeks worth of junk mail. 'Parental units must be out of it too. Looks like no one's checked the mail in a couple of days.' Taking the mail back into the house she stopped at the table in the living room. Leafing through it she saw a sales add for shoes. 'Hmmmm Keds...' Dropping the mail on the table she started up the stairs. "Mary I was joking about the lunch thing for crying out loud!" she shouted up at her sister as she reached the second story landing.
Ok wise guy," a playful smirk danced about Mary's lips. Her black suede pants hugged at her shapely form. The sleeves of her purple silk top ended at her elbows with generous ruffles; the neckline was cut in a tempting V and lined with ruffles. Her feathery red hair was flowing over her shoulders, lighter strawberry highlights were evident. Her brown, almond- shaped, eyes glittered with mischief. Sparkling crystal earrings dangled from her ears like entrapped fireflies.
Her fingers lingered for a moment at a small medallion that rested on at the base of her neck. It was a silver coin-like thing with intricate writings or some sort...it seemed foreign. Bonnie had never noticed it before. Perhaps it was something Mary had picked up while in the south.
"Let's go. I'm driving Ms. Daisy. You tell me where to go and I'll take ya there."
Bonnie walked to the hunters green Cherokee and tossed Mary the keys. "Dad said I could have it just as long as I did ok in school but I'll be nice enough to let you drive it today," she said with a grin. Bonnie didn't have to look at her to know her sister would roll her eyes. Getting in the car she buckled up and closed the door. "Anywhere huh? Well.... I dunno IHOP I feel like getting real waffles not imitation Bonnie-burnout waffles." Pushing buttons on the CD player she ejected the Darren Hayes CD she had left in there the night before and replaced it with The Cranberries No need to Argue. Humming along with the music Bonnie watched the houses went by as Mary drove them into town. Her gaze kept going back to her sister's necklace. 'Wonder where she got that. It's neat looking," she thought somewhat enviously fidgeting with her own gold chain with the emerald pendant.
She was a little miffed that her sister hadn't mentioned the change in her hair. A person just doesn't go from poodle to straight without some comment. She sure did get enough looks last night but none from her sister. The thought pleased her a little bit though, at least Mary hadn't looked at her as if she was a new science experiment or in Damon's case a happy meal with legs. Damon. She wondered what he was doing this very moment. She was sure he wasn't going to the IHOP for waffles. Bonnie pictured Damon sitting in the IHOP surrounded by people and most of all lil kids. It was enough to make her giggle. She figured Damon and kids didn't really go together. She was surprised to hear how well he had done at The Gilbert's house on Thanksgiving the year before. But then Margaret had had Katherine for a kitten. If Katherine the psychopath could deal with Margaret Damon obviously could.
As Mary pulled the Cherokee into the IHOP driveway and parked Bonnie turned the CD player off and unbuckled her seatbelt. Looking across the parking lot she caught a glimpse of Matt as he walked into the entranceway of the restaurant. 'Lookey lookey what turned up this morning.' she thought with a smile. He might not dress in expensive Italian cloths but he still looked good in whatever he wore even if it was... 'Last nights cloths!' Bonnie's mouth formed an 'o' of surprise. Quickly closing her mouth she took a glance at her sister. "Let's go." she said cheerfully and opened the door. She waited as Mary locked the door to the Cherokee with the push of a button. Getting caught up in the whole sisterly bonding thing she ran her arm through her sisters and they walked side by side like they used to when they were just little girls to the entrance of the IHOP.
As they were waiting to be seated Mary leaned over and whispered to Bonnie, "Nice hair, meant to tell you this morning, but the waffles interrupted me." She smiled a knowing smile just as the hostess return to show them to their seat.
The girls ordered their drinks and the hostess rushed off. "You know," Mary said, sounding very sober, "I have been meaning to talk to you about...things."
Mary had an odd look in her eyes, she seemed worried. Worried about what?
Stefan sighed and opened his eyes. The sun was shining brightly through his bedroom window. He didn't remember when he fell asleep; the last thing he remembered was watching Elena breathe as she slept. He turned his head to the side and saw Elena staring right at him. "Good morning", she said.
Stefan smiled at her and sat up shaking his head as if he were snapping out of a bad dream. "Oooh", he said putting hand to his forehead. "It doesn't feel like such a good morning." "Are you okay", Elena said, concerned.
"Yeah, I just don't think I slept very well last night", he said. "I'll be okay once I wake up a bit more". Stefan sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands and then stood up. Elena watched him. 'He doesn't look very well', she thought to herself. Stefan turned to look at her as if he had heard her thoughts.
"I'll be fine", he said. "Now, first you need to eat and then we need to discuss what to do about telling your family about your return."
"I just need to freshen up first", Elena said going into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and turned to look into the mirror. She stared at her reflection for quite a while, a little shocked at what she saw. It had been so long since she had been able to see herself in the mirror; she had almost forgotten what she looked like. She traced the contours of her cheeks and nose with her fingertips. 'I wonder if Stefan even remembers what he looks like?' she wondered to herself. 'It's easy to wonder if you even exist when you don't have the reassurance of a mirror to tell you that you are indeed still there'.
She brushed through her hair with the brush Meredith had brought her and used the toothbrush she had been brought too. It was nice to feel clean again. To feel.... human. When she was done, she opened the bathroom door and saw Stefan lying on the bed again with his arm over his eyes.
"Are you sure your okay?", she said.
"Yeah", he said standing up quickly as if he were trying to hide something. "Let's get you something to eat".
they headed downstairs to the kitchen. Stefan remembered Bonnie and Matt eating sandwiches the night before. "Do you want a sandwich?", he said. She nodded.
"That will be fine", she said watching him closely, looking for any clue as to what was wrong with him.
Stefan put down a plate in front of her with a ham and cheese sandwich on it.
"I hope you'll like it. I haven't prepared food in a long time.", he said sitting down next to her at the small round kitchen table.
"Let's go back to your room so we can talk", she said rising from the table, taking the plate with her. Stefan followed her up the stairs and closed the door once they were in his room again. She sat on the bed taking a bite out of the sandwich. Stefan leaned against the window looking out into the distance.
"So, how do you think I should go about telling my family; and the whole town for that matter, that I have miraculously returned from the dead", she said with hint of humor trying to get Stefan to smile. "I am not sure", he said solemnly, still looking out of the window as he spoke. "How do you tell anyone that the person they once thought to be dead and buried, is alive and well again? It's a lot for people to take in, I think."
There was something in his voice that bothered her. "Well", she sighed, watching him. "There has to be some way to make it easy for them."
Stefan broke his gaze from the window and looked down at the floor. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?", he said softly. She looked into his eyes. "I have to do this Stefan. I can't just leave my home. And I can't leave Aunt Judith or Margaret without telling them. They are my family.... the only family I have." She watched as his eyes fell to the ground again.
"I understand", he said. He sat on the bed beside her putting his arm around her. "We'll think of something that will be easy for everyone to swallow". As he said the last word, he realized that familiar feeling. He needed to feed soon...really soon.
Stefan watched from the window as Elena finished the sandwich and stood up to put the plate on the dresser. She looked up at him as she sat back down on the bed, and sighed with frustration. "We will think of something to tell your family, don't worry", Stefan said, feeling her frustration about WHAT they could possibly tell them.
Elena ran her fingers through her hair and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Stefan watched her chest move up and down as she breathed. He walked to the side of the bed and sat next to her and put his hand on her own and said quietly, "Everything will be alright. I promise". She closed her eyes and rubbed his hand in acknowledgement. Stefan watched her chest rise and fall again almost mesmerized by its movement. His gaze moved to her throat as she swallowed. He caught sight of the large blue vein under her soft, white skin. He could almost hear the rushing of blood through it, almost...smell it...
Realizing suddenly what he was thinking of and WHO he was thinking of; he quickly stood up and moved away from her. He moved to the window again ashamed of what he had done. He looked out the window and then to the floor, not wanting to look at her.
"I have to go. Please forgive me." He said as he headed for the door. "Please forgive me"
Stefan looked up at the night sky as he wiped the crimson stain from his mouth with the back of his hand. He had needed to feed. That was obvious from the two dead rabbit carcasses on the ground. Usually, he would have felt bad for killing them, but it was better than what the alternative was about to be.
His heart sank again when he thought of what he had just done to Elena. He hadn't meant to frighten her.... he hadn't meant to threaten her. He clenched his fists in anger, wanting to smash them into something.
'How could I have let myself get to that stage? How could I have lost control?', he thought to himself. 'I am so stupid'. He paced back and forth, lost in his thoughts of self-loathing and shame.
"She has been through hell and back and this is how you welcome her back? Stupid Stefan, stupid", he spoke allowed to himself this time. "You are so SELFISH! The girl you love comes back to you from the DEAD and you can't even stand that she isn't like YOU anymore. That she has returned as a HUMAN! Alive and breathing!!! You are so SELFISH!!!" He shouted this last word to the sky, smashing his fists into a nearby tree. Blood dripped down his fingers from his skinned knuckles. He stared at them for a moment; watching the wounds heal as quickly as he had made them. He sank to the ground with is back to tree, putting his head in his hands. "I hate myself. I hate what I am. I hate..." he stopped, startled by a sound above him. A bird flew over him, obviously disturbed by the noises down below. Watching the bird fly away; Stefan's mind turned to thoughts of Damon. 'I bet he would love to see me this way. He loves to see me upset.' Stefan thought to himself. 'I wonder where he is anyways?'
Damon had Elena in his arms. They were dancing together, swaying to the soft music. He was playing with her, claiming her for his own. He whirled her about the room, her long full dress twirling about behind her. He was trying to lure her away from Stefan, just to hurt his brother.
But deep inside Damon was falling for Elena, just as he had when he tried to take Katherine from Stefan years ago. He bent his head to Elena's, and kissed her so gently. His mind whirled in a chaotic jumble of confusion.
Suddenly Elena pulled back from him, "I love Stefan...Stefan...Stefan..." Her voice echoed in the room, in his head.
He was back in the crypt, tied to the gate, his blood running down his body, dripping onto the floor. For some reason, Katherine had chosen to hurt him the most. Then Elena had died. Damon watched as Katherine disingrated into nothing, but Elena, she simply closed her eyes
. Damon leaned over her, wishing it wasn't true. Suddenly Elena sprang up and grabbed Damon by the throat, ripping into his flesh with her teeth.
Damon shot up from the bed, his breath coming in short spasms. "My God." He said into the air.
"What's the matter?" Mumbled the girl who lay beside him in the hotel bed. She rolled over and laid her hand on Damon's chest. "Did you have a bad dream?"
Damon pushed her hand off of him, and swung his legs over the side of the bed. "You should leave." He told her while he stood, pulling his pants up over his hips. He buttoned them and reached for his shirt thrown casually over the lampshade.
"That's it?" The girl asked incredulously, sitting up, and holding the sheet against her chest. "Wham, bam, thank you mam?"
Damon chuckled. Welcome to the 80's. He pulled the black t-shirt over his head, and sitting back down, reached for his shoes. "I'll call you."
The girl stood, up and started dressing herself. "When?" She asked, a quiver entering her voice. Damon shrugged, "Whenever." He didn't bother straightening the room before he left. That's what they had maids for right. He knew when he returned, the room would be sparkling. Hell for $150 a night, it better be. He locked the door behind him, and the girl followed him most pathetically to the parking lot.
"What?" He asked turning on her before he unlocked the door.
"Aren't you going to give me a ride home?" She asked, wide-eyed, confused, hurt.
Damon pulled twenty dollars from his wallet and tossed it on the ground in front of her. "Take a cab." He got into the car, rolling down the illegally tinted window. The girl stared at him incredulously.
"When will I see you again?" She was transfixed by Damon. She stood there, watching him, obviously tossed to the curb, but not caring how undignified she looked.
"I'll call you." Damon repeated, he pulled out the parking lot and left the girl standing there alone.
"But you never asked for my number." The girl said, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
Damon didn't know where he was going. He had the radio blaring, his fingers drumming a tune out on the dashboard. Unconsciously he guided the car back to Fell's Church. Back to the boarding house. He realized where he was, only when he turned the car off. He thought exactly what Bonnie had thought earlier. Damn town wouldn't let you leave.
He sensed Elena inside the house alone. He was tempted to go in. To reclaim her as his own. But not yet. She was still recovering from her miraculous resurrection. She wouldn't fall for his charms again, not so soon.
Stefan was in the woods. Damon could sense him as well. Feeding off of an animal for Pete's sake. Damon shut the car, set the alarm, and headed for the woods.
He came up behind Stefan. "Delicious, isn't it?" He asked sarcastically.
He chuckled. If Stefan had just lain low, none of this would have happened. But his hundred-year-old brother wanted to go to school. Damon laughed aloud at this. He had attended the regular classes and the university back when he was 'alive'. Why would any one willing return was beyond him. Ah no, if Stefan had just stayed out of the picture Elena would be right beside him now. After all, he HAD seen her first...
Stefan nodded and squeezed Elena's hand in understanding. 'She must be tired, she hasn't slept or eaten since she had been back', thought Stefan. They headed back to the boarding house the same way they had come.
The wind had picked up and the temperature had dropped. Stefan held Elena close to him to keep her warm as they walked. He knew if he felt cold, Elena would feel even colder. She wasn't like he was anymore. His heart sank again at this realization. He became frustrated with himself for feeling this way. How selfish could he be? She was alive and safe and above all she was with him. What more could he want? He knew the answer to that question...to be with Elena for eternity. He quickly snapped himself back from his thoughts. He hated how he could think of such things...after all that had happened...after all Elena had been through.
They quickly rushed up to the door of the boarding house and went up the staircase.
"Do you want me to fix you something to eat?" he said as they entered Stefan's bedroom. She just shook her head and fell to the bed, exhausted. Stefan pulled back the covers to get her completely under them and brought them up to her chin. He lay next to her stroking her hair. "I love you, Elena", he whispered to her. But, she was already asleep...
Caroline climbed out of bed and went into the bathroom. She surveyed her appearance. Hmm. the dark circles were nearly gone. Concealer could easily eliminate them. I'm gonna get my hair and makeup done today. She thought brightly to herself. Maybe do some shoe shopping. Maybe slink by Tyler's today and reconciliate. Or if bonnie doesn't want matt anymore. Hmmmm. although her parents' vote would be on the old money Smallwood's. She washed up and lingered in her closet. Finally settling on a short sleeved white peasant style belly top and Brazilian cut jeans that looked painted on. Her outfit accentuated both her slenderness and curves. She tousled her long hair, threw on some heeled sandals, sprayed some lemon perfume, grabbed her bag, and flew out the door. She got into her car and drove to the hair salon. When she entered, she was greeted by a skinny tanned girl with bleach blond waist length hair and smoky rimmed eyes.
"Caroline. Its been a awhile. What can we do for you today?"
Caroline smiled." I need my makeup done and hair to match this outfit" she sat down in the chair offered to her. A couple of hours later her once auburn hair was lighter auburn with chunky blonde streaks in it. It was towel-dried. So her hair hung in fat ringlets down her back. After her makeup was complete. She looked damned exotic. Like she belonged in Rio de Janeiro rather then Fell's church, USA. "Cheyenne, you always outdo yourself." Caroline praised. She paid and left the cosmetologist a hefty tip. She exited the salon and knew that many eyes were on her. Caroline Forbes was back. Mostly anyways. She strutted down the sidewalk towards the shoe store like some supermodel stalking the catwalk.
Meredith sighed and flopped on her bed. *Is Alaric ever going to call?? I don't have to wait for him to call...I could be out doing...something. * Waits for a few more minutes and then rolls off the bed and walks to the window. *Maybe I'll call Bonnie later. We can do something...or go visit Elena. *
Matt woke at the sound of his alarm clock. He didn't even remember setting it but he must have. Slamming his hand down on the snooze button he rolled over mumbling something about 5 more minutes. Suddenly the smell of bacon brought him to his sense. "Aw mom you shouldn't have." Getting up quickly he pulled on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and turned the alarm off before heading to the kitchen. He stopped short at the sight of an empty kitchen. If there had been breakfast made here it had been while he was asleep. There wasn't even a piece of bacon left on the greasy napkin covered plate near the stove. "Thanks guys." he mumbled softly and went in search for his shoes. 'I've got a couple bucks on me. I'll treat myself to a sausage biscuit or something.' Finding his shoes under his bed he pulled them on over the socks he had forgotten to remove the night before. He didn't smell all that bad, hell he hadn't done anything to work up a sweat last night other than drive around like Maria Andrete'. Grabbing the keys to his truck he walked out the door careful not to slam it. The house was in bad enough shape as it is. He didn't need to add to the damage.
Bonnie had vaguely heard her sister come in and drop her suitcase on the floor. She really couldn't remember when she had fallen back asleep but she was aware of the sunlight starting to shine through the bay window. Throwing her legs over the side she padded to the doorway of her bedroom and looked around. It was quiet and she figured her parents had already left for work. Picking up her sisters luggage she carried it into Mary's room, laying it gently on the floor so she would wake her up. 'I didn't even know she had gone anywhere... shows how observant I've been the last couple of months. My mom could have grown a third eye and I wouldn't have noticed.' Bonnie walked over to her sister's bed and taking the comforter in her hands pulled it to where it covered her sister better.
Her stomach growled reminding her that all she had to eat was a sandwich at Stefan's house the night before. Walking silently from Mary's room she walked down the stairs and to the fridge. 'Hmmm pancake syrup... 'And tomorrow... I'm making waffles.'" she said in her best Eddie Murphy impression and giggled slightly. Grabbing the waffle mix and a bowl from the cabinet she walked to the phone. Dialing Meredith's cell she let it ring for a couple of times before the answering service came on. "Hey Mer didn't know if you wanted to partake in some waffles with lil ole me. I guess you're either asleep or talking to Alaric call me later. Bye."
Bonnie hung up the phone and began her futile attempt at making waffles without making a mess also.
Mary stretched as she walked into the kitchen. "Morning."
Bonnie looked up from the waffle iron, "Hey," she smiled. "Where've you been?"
"What?!" Mary couldn't help but laugh. "Don't you remember I went to see Julia and Nina? This hardly merits a souvenir."
Bonnie's heart-shaped face brightened, "Oh yeah! Now I remember. How are they?"
The girls sat down at the table as Mary updated Bonnie on her friends. Almost half an hour had past when Mary's nose wrinkle, "What smells like it's burning?"
"My waffles!" Bonnie exclaimed. Small tendrils of black smoke drifted up from the waffle iron. She quickly unplugged the waffle iron. She looked up with a frown at her sister, "I'd offer you a waffle, but..." Her voice trailed off when she opened the waffle iron, revealing the two black and shriveled waffles.
Mary's gentle features beamed with a warm smile. "Good."
"What?"
"I said good. This means I get to take you out for breakfast. It's about time we get to know each other." She frowned for a moment, "We haven't actually sat down and talk in a long time." With a sigh, the smile returned to her face. "So, get dressed and we'll go eat."
Bonnie looked at the mess she had made and grimaced. "Let me clean this up and get changed. Mom would have a fit if she came home and saw this." Cleaning up didn't take as long as she thought. It was done in a matter of minutes with her sister's help. Leaving the waffle iron plates to soak she bounded up stairs to her room. Walking to her closet she chose a pair of light peach jeans and a black floral flowy peasant top with flowers the same color as the jeans and green leaves. Leaving her now straight hair down she gave herself a once over in the mirror, noticed that she hadn't bothered taking off the emerald jewelry Mary had given her and shrugged, it matched the green in the shirt anyways. She slipped the same sandals on from last night and headed for the bathroom. Brushing her teeth quickly, she applied a decent amount of makeup to her face and dashed down the stairs into the kitchen were Mary was seemed to be staring off into space.
"Ready." she said brightly and looked at her sister then widened her eyes in mock horror. "Hey! You're not ready yet and you talk about me taking forever." She laughed and dodged a wooden spoon her sister threw at her before heading up stairs to change. Feeling a bit mischievous Bonnie grinned and stuck her head in the stair well. "You should have asked me to lunch instead cause that's probably about the time you'll be done." Hearing her sister growl something inaudible Bonnie sat down on the stairs not quite successfully suppressing a fit of giggles. It felt good to laugh.
Getting up from the stairs, her giggles gone, Bonnie walked over and picked up the spoon her sister had tossed at her. "Do you see how dangerous she is?!" she said in a mock brit accent. 'I've watched to many rental movies lately.' she thought sadly. Putting the spoon back where it belonged she walked to the front door and opened it. 'Ah fresh summer air.' Her stomach rumbled and she cursed herself for burning the waffles.
What was taking Mary so long? Walking out to the mailbox she opened it and found what looked like a weeks worth of junk mail. 'Parental units must be out of it too. Looks like no one's checked the mail in a couple of days.' Taking the mail back into the house she stopped at the table in the living room. Leafing through it she saw a sales add for shoes. 'Hmmmm Keds...' Dropping the mail on the table she started up the stairs. "Mary I was joking about the lunch thing for crying out loud!" she shouted up at her sister as she reached the second story landing.
Ok wise guy," a playful smirk danced about Mary's lips. Her black suede pants hugged at her shapely form. The sleeves of her purple silk top ended at her elbows with generous ruffles; the neckline was cut in a tempting V and lined with ruffles. Her feathery red hair was flowing over her shoulders, lighter strawberry highlights were evident. Her brown, almond- shaped, eyes glittered with mischief. Sparkling crystal earrings dangled from her ears like entrapped fireflies.
Her fingers lingered for a moment at a small medallion that rested on at the base of her neck. It was a silver coin-like thing with intricate writings or some sort...it seemed foreign. Bonnie had never noticed it before. Perhaps it was something Mary had picked up while in the south.
"Let's go. I'm driving Ms. Daisy. You tell me where to go and I'll take ya there."
Bonnie walked to the hunters green Cherokee and tossed Mary the keys. "Dad said I could have it just as long as I did ok in school but I'll be nice enough to let you drive it today," she said with a grin. Bonnie didn't have to look at her to know her sister would roll her eyes. Getting in the car she buckled up and closed the door. "Anywhere huh? Well.... I dunno IHOP I feel like getting real waffles not imitation Bonnie-burnout waffles." Pushing buttons on the CD player she ejected the Darren Hayes CD she had left in there the night before and replaced it with The Cranberries No need to Argue. Humming along with the music Bonnie watched the houses went by as Mary drove them into town. Her gaze kept going back to her sister's necklace. 'Wonder where she got that. It's neat looking," she thought somewhat enviously fidgeting with her own gold chain with the emerald pendant.
She was a little miffed that her sister hadn't mentioned the change in her hair. A person just doesn't go from poodle to straight without some comment. She sure did get enough looks last night but none from her sister. The thought pleased her a little bit though, at least Mary hadn't looked at her as if she was a new science experiment or in Damon's case a happy meal with legs. Damon. She wondered what he was doing this very moment. She was sure he wasn't going to the IHOP for waffles. Bonnie pictured Damon sitting in the IHOP surrounded by people and most of all lil kids. It was enough to make her giggle. She figured Damon and kids didn't really go together. She was surprised to hear how well he had done at The Gilbert's house on Thanksgiving the year before. But then Margaret had had Katherine for a kitten. If Katherine the psychopath could deal with Margaret Damon obviously could.
As Mary pulled the Cherokee into the IHOP driveway and parked Bonnie turned the CD player off and unbuckled her seatbelt. Looking across the parking lot she caught a glimpse of Matt as he walked into the entranceway of the restaurant. 'Lookey lookey what turned up this morning.' she thought with a smile. He might not dress in expensive Italian cloths but he still looked good in whatever he wore even if it was... 'Last nights cloths!' Bonnie's mouth formed an 'o' of surprise. Quickly closing her mouth she took a glance at her sister. "Let's go." she said cheerfully and opened the door. She waited as Mary locked the door to the Cherokee with the push of a button. Getting caught up in the whole sisterly bonding thing she ran her arm through her sisters and they walked side by side like they used to when they were just little girls to the entrance of the IHOP.
As they were waiting to be seated Mary leaned over and whispered to Bonnie, "Nice hair, meant to tell you this morning, but the waffles interrupted me." She smiled a knowing smile just as the hostess return to show them to their seat.
The girls ordered their drinks and the hostess rushed off. "You know," Mary said, sounding very sober, "I have been meaning to talk to you about...things."
Mary had an odd look in her eyes, she seemed worried. Worried about what?
Stefan sighed and opened his eyes. The sun was shining brightly through his bedroom window. He didn't remember when he fell asleep; the last thing he remembered was watching Elena breathe as she slept. He turned his head to the side and saw Elena staring right at him. "Good morning", she said.
Stefan smiled at her and sat up shaking his head as if he were snapping out of a bad dream. "Oooh", he said putting hand to his forehead. "It doesn't feel like such a good morning." "Are you okay", Elena said, concerned.
"Yeah, I just don't think I slept very well last night", he said. "I'll be okay once I wake up a bit more". Stefan sat on the edge of the bed with his head in his hands and then stood up. Elena watched him. 'He doesn't look very well', she thought to herself. Stefan turned to look at her as if he had heard her thoughts.
"I'll be fine", he said. "Now, first you need to eat and then we need to discuss what to do about telling your family about your return."
"I just need to freshen up first", Elena said going into the bathroom. She closed the door behind her and turned to look into the mirror. She stared at her reflection for quite a while, a little shocked at what she saw. It had been so long since she had been able to see herself in the mirror; she had almost forgotten what she looked like. She traced the contours of her cheeks and nose with her fingertips. 'I wonder if Stefan even remembers what he looks like?' she wondered to herself. 'It's easy to wonder if you even exist when you don't have the reassurance of a mirror to tell you that you are indeed still there'.
She brushed through her hair with the brush Meredith had brought her and used the toothbrush she had been brought too. It was nice to feel clean again. To feel.... human. When she was done, she opened the bathroom door and saw Stefan lying on the bed again with his arm over his eyes.
"Are you sure your okay?", she said.
"Yeah", he said standing up quickly as if he were trying to hide something. "Let's get you something to eat".
they headed downstairs to the kitchen. Stefan remembered Bonnie and Matt eating sandwiches the night before. "Do you want a sandwich?", he said. She nodded.
"That will be fine", she said watching him closely, looking for any clue as to what was wrong with him.
Stefan put down a plate in front of her with a ham and cheese sandwich on it.
"I hope you'll like it. I haven't prepared food in a long time.", he said sitting down next to her at the small round kitchen table.
"Let's go back to your room so we can talk", she said rising from the table, taking the plate with her. Stefan followed her up the stairs and closed the door once they were in his room again. She sat on the bed taking a bite out of the sandwich. Stefan leaned against the window looking out into the distance.
"So, how do you think I should go about telling my family; and the whole town for that matter, that I have miraculously returned from the dead", she said with hint of humor trying to get Stefan to smile. "I am not sure", he said solemnly, still looking out of the window as he spoke. "How do you tell anyone that the person they once thought to be dead and buried, is alive and well again? It's a lot for people to take in, I think."
There was something in his voice that bothered her. "Well", she sighed, watching him. "There has to be some way to make it easy for them."
Stefan broke his gaze from the window and looked down at the floor. "Are you sure this is what you want to do?", he said softly. She looked into his eyes. "I have to do this Stefan. I can't just leave my home. And I can't leave Aunt Judith or Margaret without telling them. They are my family.... the only family I have." She watched as his eyes fell to the ground again.
"I understand", he said. He sat on the bed beside her putting his arm around her. "We'll think of something that will be easy for everyone to swallow". As he said the last word, he realized that familiar feeling. He needed to feed soon...really soon.
Stefan watched from the window as Elena finished the sandwich and stood up to put the plate on the dresser. She looked up at him as she sat back down on the bed, and sighed with frustration. "We will think of something to tell your family, don't worry", Stefan said, feeling her frustration about WHAT they could possibly tell them.
Elena ran her fingers through her hair and lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Stefan watched her chest move up and down as she breathed. He walked to the side of the bed and sat next to her and put his hand on her own and said quietly, "Everything will be alright. I promise". She closed her eyes and rubbed his hand in acknowledgement. Stefan watched her chest rise and fall again almost mesmerized by its movement. His gaze moved to her throat as she swallowed. He caught sight of the large blue vein under her soft, white skin. He could almost hear the rushing of blood through it, almost...smell it...
Realizing suddenly what he was thinking of and WHO he was thinking of; he quickly stood up and moved away from her. He moved to the window again ashamed of what he had done. He looked out the window and then to the floor, not wanting to look at her.
"I have to go. Please forgive me." He said as he headed for the door. "Please forgive me"
Stefan looked up at the night sky as he wiped the crimson stain from his mouth with the back of his hand. He had needed to feed. That was obvious from the two dead rabbit carcasses on the ground. Usually, he would have felt bad for killing them, but it was better than what the alternative was about to be.
His heart sank again when he thought of what he had just done to Elena. He hadn't meant to frighten her.... he hadn't meant to threaten her. He clenched his fists in anger, wanting to smash them into something.
'How could I have let myself get to that stage? How could I have lost control?', he thought to himself. 'I am so stupid'. He paced back and forth, lost in his thoughts of self-loathing and shame.
"She has been through hell and back and this is how you welcome her back? Stupid Stefan, stupid", he spoke allowed to himself this time. "You are so SELFISH! The girl you love comes back to you from the DEAD and you can't even stand that she isn't like YOU anymore. That she has returned as a HUMAN! Alive and breathing!!! You are so SELFISH!!!" He shouted this last word to the sky, smashing his fists into a nearby tree. Blood dripped down his fingers from his skinned knuckles. He stared at them for a moment; watching the wounds heal as quickly as he had made them. He sank to the ground with is back to tree, putting his head in his hands. "I hate myself. I hate what I am. I hate..." he stopped, startled by a sound above him. A bird flew over him, obviously disturbed by the noises down below. Watching the bird fly away; Stefan's mind turned to thoughts of Damon. 'I bet he would love to see me this way. He loves to see me upset.' Stefan thought to himself. 'I wonder where he is anyways?'
Damon had Elena in his arms. They were dancing together, swaying to the soft music. He was playing with her, claiming her for his own. He whirled her about the room, her long full dress twirling about behind her. He was trying to lure her away from Stefan, just to hurt his brother.
But deep inside Damon was falling for Elena, just as he had when he tried to take Katherine from Stefan years ago. He bent his head to Elena's, and kissed her so gently. His mind whirled in a chaotic jumble of confusion.
Suddenly Elena pulled back from him, "I love Stefan...Stefan...Stefan..." Her voice echoed in the room, in his head.
He was back in the crypt, tied to the gate, his blood running down his body, dripping onto the floor. For some reason, Katherine had chosen to hurt him the most. Then Elena had died. Damon watched as Katherine disingrated into nothing, but Elena, she simply closed her eyes
. Damon leaned over her, wishing it wasn't true. Suddenly Elena sprang up and grabbed Damon by the throat, ripping into his flesh with her teeth.
Damon shot up from the bed, his breath coming in short spasms. "My God." He said into the air.
"What's the matter?" Mumbled the girl who lay beside him in the hotel bed. She rolled over and laid her hand on Damon's chest. "Did you have a bad dream?"
Damon pushed her hand off of him, and swung his legs over the side of the bed. "You should leave." He told her while he stood, pulling his pants up over his hips. He buttoned them and reached for his shirt thrown casually over the lampshade.
"That's it?" The girl asked incredulously, sitting up, and holding the sheet against her chest. "Wham, bam, thank you mam?"
Damon chuckled. Welcome to the 80's. He pulled the black t-shirt over his head, and sitting back down, reached for his shoes. "I'll call you."
The girl stood, up and started dressing herself. "When?" She asked, a quiver entering her voice. Damon shrugged, "Whenever." He didn't bother straightening the room before he left. That's what they had maids for right. He knew when he returned, the room would be sparkling. Hell for $150 a night, it better be. He locked the door behind him, and the girl followed him most pathetically to the parking lot.
"What?" He asked turning on her before he unlocked the door.
"Aren't you going to give me a ride home?" She asked, wide-eyed, confused, hurt.
Damon pulled twenty dollars from his wallet and tossed it on the ground in front of her. "Take a cab." He got into the car, rolling down the illegally tinted window. The girl stared at him incredulously.
"When will I see you again?" She was transfixed by Damon. She stood there, watching him, obviously tossed to the curb, but not caring how undignified she looked.
"I'll call you." Damon repeated, he pulled out the parking lot and left the girl standing there alone.
"But you never asked for my number." The girl said, a single tear rolling down her cheek.
Damon didn't know where he was going. He had the radio blaring, his fingers drumming a tune out on the dashboard. Unconsciously he guided the car back to Fell's Church. Back to the boarding house. He realized where he was, only when he turned the car off. He thought exactly what Bonnie had thought earlier. Damn town wouldn't let you leave.
He sensed Elena inside the house alone. He was tempted to go in. To reclaim her as his own. But not yet. She was still recovering from her miraculous resurrection. She wouldn't fall for his charms again, not so soon.
Stefan was in the woods. Damon could sense him as well. Feeding off of an animal for Pete's sake. Damon shut the car, set the alarm, and headed for the woods.
He came up behind Stefan. "Delicious, isn't it?" He asked sarcastically.
