A.N. Warning, angst alert. (I own nothing but the original characters and this plot. Everything else is borrowed.) Sorry it took so long to get this up. I had a lot of trouble with this chapter for some reason. Man, I built up all this anticipation for who the redhead is, and then I realized...she's not all that exciting. (winces) Sorry guys.

But that was so weird.

Sabrina, you're supposed to be helping me with my English essay.

Sabrina ignored Elyssa and snagged another Dorito from the bag. I've never seen an entire room freeze like that, have you?

Elyssa sighed. So, I put the comma inside the quotation marks, right?

Crunch, crunch, crunch.

Rolling her eyes, Elyssa got up from the kitchen table and crossed over to the fridge. Grabbing a couple things from the fridge, she shut the door with her foot and set her choices on the counter, proceeding to make her ultimate de-stress drink: chocolate milk. She had discovered at an early age that the more chocolate in her system at one time, the calmer she felt, and, at the moment, she was counting on that reaction.

What could they have seen? Sabrina mused.

Just a guess, but could it have been my birthmark? Elyssa offered with false cheer, pouring milk into a glass. Chocolate milk?

No thanks. But no one's ever reacted that way before. And certainly not thirty people in one room, at the same time.

That's true, Elyssa agreed blithely, squeezing more chocolate into the glass.

And then Quinn's speech.

Elyssa yanked open a drawer and pulled out a spoon which she plopped into her chocolate milk and began stirring vigorously. What about Quinn's speech?

Yeah, what about Quinn's speech?

Elyssa glanced over her shoulder and grinned when she spotted Quinn lounging in the doorway. Hi! Want some chocolate milk?

Quinn raised his eyebrow and straightened his compact frame, approaching the counter to look over her shoulder at the creamy liquid. Still drinking that stuff, huh? Wrinkling his nose, he stepped back. I don't think so.

Oh, come on, Quinn, Elyssa wheedled playfully, gesturing towards the glass on the counter. You'll like it. I promise.

You know, I'm not really a chocolate milk kinda of guy. Humor bubbled up into his eyes as he stepped closer again. I'm more of a blood man, myself. Grabbing Elyssa with lightning-fast hands, he pulled her close and pretended to nip at her neck.

Familiar with the childhood game, Elyssa giggled and squirmed as he tickled her, attempting to break his firm--but ever-gentle--grip. Suddenly, Quinn froze and Elyssa pulled free of his hands, laughing and trying to catch her breath.

Turning to chastise Quinn for his antics, she saw Sabrina staring at the door with a faintly concerned expression, and, following her friend's gaze, found Thierry standing in the doorway. His face was expressionless, but his eyes, which always gave him away, were crackling with an intense emotion.

Quinn smiled sardonically and leaned back against the counter, folding his arms across his chest. Hey, Thierry. What's shakin'?

Thierry slowly stepped up to the threshold of the kitchen, nodding tightly at Quinn before glancing between the two girls. You two disappeared right after the meeting. I was just wondering if you were okay.

Elyssa smiled shakily. We're fine.

His smile was gentle, but those dark eyes of his were still in turmoil.

His silence was intense and Elyssa's eyes fluttered away, unable to bear the contact for long. The feeling of guilt that swept through her surprised her. After all, she'd done nothing wrong; leaving the meeting was as much her choice as attending.

But his eyes had felt almost accusing and she frowned helplessly, trying to sort out what had gone wrong. She knew her confusion must have shown on her face because when she met Thierry's eyes again, the edge in them softened and he stepped fully into the room. Relief spread through her body, and she picked up her chocolate milk to take a sip.

As she smiled at Thierry, he walked over to stand next to her, putting a hand on the counter behind her to support himself as he leaned. She offered him the glass and he shook his head silently, amusement overwhelming the tension in his eyes. Elyssa looked over at Sabrina, a giddy smile on her face at Thierry's proximity, but Sabrina was studying Thierry and didn't notice Elyssa's giddiness.

Quinn said, moving to sit at the table with Sabrina. What were you saying about my speech?

Sabrina shifted her eyes from Thierry to Quinn and leaned back in her chair. It was nothing, Elyssa interjected quickly, settling back until her hips rested on the counter. This position now put her a mere three inches from Thierry's arm and chest and she basked in the heat radiating from his body.

Beside her, Thierry tensed and she held her breath, hoping he wouldn't move away. She almost sighed with satisfaction when he slowly relaxed again. Taking a sip of her chocolate milk, she closed her eyes to fully enjoy the humming sensation she experienced by being around him. It was almost as if the air vibrated when he walked in a room. If every woman felt this around him, she really couldn't blame the redhead for moving in on him.

But right now, he wasn't with the redhead. He was standing next to her.

More happiness bubbled through her and she opened her eyes. Only to find three pairs locked on her face. Are you okay? Quinn asked.

She frowned at him. I'm fine. Why?

Sabrina just spoke to you, Thierry said, tilting his head to stare down into her face.

Knowing she was blushing, she turned so her hair fell like a curtain to block her from Thierry's eyes. She met Sabrina's eyes pleadingly. Help. Sorry. What did you say?

Sabrina hid her smirk admirably and repeated, I said, it wasn't nothing. She snagged another chip and added, It was surreal.

My speech was surreal? Quinn questioned wryly. I didn't think I said anything out of the ordinary.

It wasn't what you said, Sabrina insisted. It was how you said it.

And how did I say it? Quinn asked.

Elyssa struggled to concentrate through the haze invading her mind. Her heart was pounding so slow and hard that she was sure her body must be shaking with each beat. She was almost positive that Thierry's body had somehow gotten closer, so she knew she had to have inched over a bit (which should have been utterly humiliating and obvious), but she really couldn't bring herself to care at the moment.

If she just leaned over two centimeters, she'd been in contact with his chest and his arm would be partially around her. And she was just the right height that the top of her head would fit perfectly underneath his chin. Nervously, she started to move her head slightly so she'd be able to look up at him from under her eyelashes to see if he was paying attention.



Poppy's voice broke whatever spell had been pulling Elyssa towards Thierry and she jerked away, nearly spilling her drink. To add to her humiliation, judging from the way Thierry seemed perfectly composed, Elyssa knew he hadn't felt anything she'd just been feeling. His smooth movements as he moved away from the counter--not too quick, not too slow--made Elyssa feel like crying.

We're in the kitchen, Poppy, Thierry called.

I'm totally pathetic. And now he knows exactly how I feel, she thought with abject mortification. Cringing inwardly, she moved to sit next to Sabrina at the table.

Poppy's head appeared around the doorway. We? Did you find Elyssa? An inexplicable and inappropriate note of panic sat on the edge of Poppy's words.

Sabrina and Elyssa exchanged glances. Uh, hi, Poppy, Elyssa said, waving at her foster mother.

Relief spread over Poppy's delicate features as she hurriedly composed her voice. Oh, there you are. Walking over to the table, Poppy ran her hand down Elyssa's hair. You left so quickly. Is everything all right?

Elyssa smiled reassuringly and gestured to her notebook, lying open and nearly untouched in front of her. Yeah, I just needed to work on this paper.

How's your headache? Ash asked from behind Poppy.

Elyssa craned her neck to see him and smiled. It's all gone.

You had a headache? Poppy questioned.

Yeah, but it's gone now, Elyssa repeated, setting the notebook back on the table.

But why didn't you say something to me or Thierry? Eyebrows drawn together, Poppy ran her eyes over Elyssa's face worriedly.

Why couldn't she have said something to me? James asked from his spot next to Thierry.

Hey, James, Sabrina called with a jaunty wave.

Hi, James, Elyssa echoed with much less mirth.

What was wrong with her mentioning it to me? Ash asked, confusion marring his handsome features.

Well, what did you do about it? Poppy asked.

I told her to let me know if she needed to leave.

Ha! See, if she'd said something to me, I would have given her Tylenol, Poppy said triumphantly.

Why in the world would you be carrying Tylenol, Poppy? Vampires don't get headaches, Quinn pointed out. Elyssa glared at him, but he just smirked.

Because Elyssa gets them a lot, so I've started carrying it with me. Looking more than ever like a disgruntled fairy, Poppy crossed her arms over her chest and tapped a foot.

You get a lot of headaches? Thierry asked with obvious concern.

Just then, Nilsson stepped into the room and walked over to the second, smaller, refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of what looked like bright red wine. Good evening, everyone.

Sabrina and Elyssa waved, but no one else was paying enough attention to give him more than a

She was in the house, Poppy. If she'd needed Tylenol, she could have gotten some herself, James said logically.

Lowering his bottle of blood, Nilsson turned concerned eyes towards Elyssa. Did you have another headache?

I don't see why you didn't say anything to me, Ash, Poppy said, sounding annoyed.

Why would I say something to you? It was Elyssa's headache, not mine.

Have you talked to your doctor about them? Thierry pressed.

Besides, the meeting was about to start. Did you expect me to make an announcement to the entire room? Sarcasm dripped from Ash's voice as he ran a hand through his hair with obvious irritation.

Considering that things had escalated beyond logic, Elyssa began to speak, hoping to diffuse the situation. It was no big--

Um, hello?

Everyone turned towards the new voice emanating from the doorway. Elyssa's jaw dropped as she recognized the woman who had been superglued to Thierry's side earlier.

Great, she said to herself. Just what I need right now. It isn't enough that my entire adoptive family is treating me like a five year old. Oh no, just to rub it in, Thierry's new girlfriend needs to stop by so that I can feel even more lacking and childish in comparison.

Oh, hey, Thierry said, crossing the kitchen. Come on in.

The redhead looked slightly shy as she stepped into the room, which, under any other circumstances, Elyssa would have empathized with. The group of vampires was rather intimidating. But she felt no sympathy.

Which just caused her to feel guilty.

Meanwhile, Thierry was smiling serenely as his new girlfriend smiled around the room. You all remember Samantha, right?

Samantha? Why did that name sound familiar? Elyssa narrowed her eyes, searching the older woman's face. Now that she looked, Superglue Woman really did look kind of familiar. But why?

As everyone was going up to greet Samantha like an old friend, Sabrina leaned towards Elyssa and muttered, Samantha? Do we know Samantha?

I don't know, Elyssa whispered back. I...I don't think so, but... Her words trailed off as Thierry led Samantha to the table.

And you remember Elyssa, of course, he said with a smile at the two women he stood between.

Of course, Samantha replied warmly, smiling at the young blonde girl at the table.

Elyssa felt Sabrina glance at her profile, but ignored her and focused on the woman in front of her. Smiling tentatively, she stretched out her hand. Um, hi.

Samantha's smile faltered a little and her forehead puckered as she accepted the handshake. You don't remember me, do you?

The weight of everyone's eyes was bearing down on Elyssa as she shook her head apologetically. I'm sorry.

You don't remember Samantha? Thierry asked in surprise, exchanging a look with the beautiful redhead.

Elyssa controlled her wince at the obvious connection between the two and took a deep breath. No. No, not really.

Samantha glanced down at her feet and then back at Elyssa. That's all right. You were only nine when I moved to England. It's really not surprising that you don't remember.

Unable to think of anything else to say, Elyssa shrugged and repeated, I'm sorry.

Don't be, Samantha assured her, gently squeezing the hand she still held. I was your neighbor when you lived with Marla and Simon. I used to babysit you after school.

Marla and Simon? Sabrina muttered almost silently to herself.

But Elyssa heard and this time she couldn't hide her wince as she slipped her hand away. I see. Raising her chin, she offered a half smile. I...I really don't remember much from those years. I must have been too young.

She wasn't lying. She barely even remembered Poppy, James and Thierry from that part of her childhood. Granted, Thierry only came over on holidays and for the occasional dinner, so she didn't have much to go on in that corner, but Poppy and James visited often. And, even then, knowledge of an impending visit from Thierry would throw Elyssa into a whirlwind.

Marla thought it was just the cutest thing ever and, while Elyssa would take extra pains to dress nicely and stay clean, Marla would take at least fifteen minutes longer dressing up Elyssa's fine blonde hair. Aside from their final day together, those dinners and the preparations for them were Elyssa's only clear memories of the years she'd spent with Marla and Simon.

she whispered.

Her eyes narrowed and she studied Samantha's delicate face, removing ten years and lightening her hair several shades. Yes, that was a face she recognized from around the dinner table. This was the woman she had sat with until Thierry came to take her home.

Has your hair always been so dark? she asked. Wasn't it a strawberry blonde?

Samantha's eyes lit up excitedly. Well, it's gotten darker as I've gotten older, but the sunlight here used to lighten it considerably.

Forcing a smile, Elyssa nodded. I remember now.

Thierry was grinning, and Samantha was smiling, and everyone looked so happy that Elyssa wanted to scream. Good little Elyssa, remembering her old babysitter and Thierry's girlfriend. How could she be happy remembering this woman? This woman who Thierry was clearly involved with.

Elyssa stretched her lips into another smile and glanced at Sabrina, who looked thoroughly confused. This is my best friend, Sabrina. Sabrina, this is Samantha.

No real friendliness was visible in Sabrina's eyes as she offered a hand to Samantha, but her smile was polite. Nice to meet you, she said, her tone falsely cheerful.

Samantha, not recognizing Sabrina's cheer as counterfeit, took her hand with a large smile. Nice to meet you, too.

You said you're from England? Sabrina asked, feigning interest.

Actually, I moved to London eight years ago to help set up a branch of Circle Daybreak, but I'm originally from Las Vegas.

I see, Sabrina said with her catlike smile. Did you come back just for the meeting, or are you moving back permanently?

Samantha smiled at Thierry, who--the cad--smiled in return, before meeting Sabrina's eyes again and shrugging. I'm not sure yet. I'll have to see how things pan out.

Elyssa was starting to feel sick to her stomach and glanced around the room, her eyes landing on the first face staring back. Ash smiled and winked at her, only to frown as she smiled wanly in return.

I'm sorry, she said, then wanted to kick herself for sounding so meek. But I really need to work on this paper. It's due in a couple of days, and Sabrina is supposed to help me finish. She inwardly cringed at her babbling, and forced herself to cut off the speech. It was nice to...see you again, Samantha. I assume you'll be staying here? she asked, backing away, holding on to Sabrina's arm.

Please say no, she prayed.

Sabrina said, looking a little lost as Elyssa reached the door.

Oh, goodie, Sabrina muttered darkly, already halfway out the door.

Then I'll probably see you tomorrow, Elyssa chirped. Good night everyone, she called, rushing down the hall before they had a chance to answer.

Well, that was...weird, Sabrina announced as they reached the staircase.

My life is weird, Sabrina, Elyssa said, trudging up the stairs.

Reviewers:

Deborah-Thanks for reviewing! Sorry it took so long for the next chapter, like I said before, I just had trouble with this one. I hope you enjoyed it!

Terriah-Thanks! I really like writing this story, it's fun. It's getting kinda angsty in this chapter though...I think I'll have to cut down on that. Hehe.

misty!-Thanks for your review! I can't wait for her to find out about being Hannah and all, either. But I have no idea when that's going to happen. :p It's pretty much writing itself. It shouldn't be too much longer, though.

thelotuspath-Yeah, teleportation HAS to be the next big invention. I just hope they come up with something that guarantees all our atoms are in the right order on the other end. Wow...a reincarnation of Blaise Harman would be so cool! Unfortunately, the lady isn't all that exciting. :p

Charlotte-Sabrina was so stiff because she noticed Marissa staring at Elyssa, like, studying her. And, as we've noticed about Sabrina, not only is she kinda nosy, but she's pretty protective of Elyssa. Sorry if that wasn't clear in the chapter. :o/