A/N: Big apologies for the lack of updates. Things have been chaotic to say the least...working two part time jobs and homeschooling my youngest has combined into me working 12 hours days. It's been exhausting, but one day...and one chapter at a time, right? If you have subscribed and are still reading, a big thank you!
And Happy Thanksgiving!
Chapter 16
"Eloise," Elijah's voice was deep and low, rousing her from her faint. She regained consciousness, vaguely aware of Elijah's hand cradling her head against his chest, supporting her. She moaned, her brain grappling to catch up to recent events.
"What happened?" Eloise struggled to sit up, but he held her fast against him, them on the settee together.
"No, no, don't move yet," he entreated, his voice calm and soothing.
"Where am I? God," She gripped the side of her head, the throbbing significant. She felt so drained and woozy. "I'm so confused."
"Shh," he admonished gently, "I have you. There is no need to upset yourself."
"It's this feeling...of doom," Eloise struggled again. "I just can't remember...exactly...what's wrong." She racked her brain, "Davina? Olivia?"
"The girls are fine. They are with Camille. You must calm yourself. Your rapid heartbeat is distracting."
"Distracting?" Eloise shifted again, unable to sit still.
"More because I am worried for you," he said, his voice low, his fingers lightly squeezing her shoulder. "I do hate to see you distressed. Relax your body, Eloise. Take a breath. Now another. Focus on evening your breathing..."
Eloise took a few cleansing breaths and Elijah rubbed his hand against her back,
"There we are."
"Am I safe?" she whispered, her voice hoarse.
"Of course."
"Promise me?" her voice cracked.
"I do. I am here. As for our location, we are in Niklaus's room."
"Niklaus's room," Eloise repeated, slowly, "Okay. Why?"
"We required a quick exit," Elijah explained, "No matter. Just give yourself a moment to recover. If you quiet your mind, then perhaps we might get somewhere."
"I don't think," she paused, "I don't think I can do that."
"Why can't you?" He asked, patiently.
"I feel so strange," she muttered. "Disoriented. Shaky. Like I can't grasp my thoughts, they are swirling around like fireflies on a summer's night."
"That's very poetic," Elijah said, rubbing her head, his touch light, comforting. "You do have a way with words."
"We've been working on description in 2nd grade," Eloise explained. "I've had to practice developing myself as a writer to help my students."
"Ah, I see," Elijah retorted, as he moved to massage her temples, "Does your head hurt?"
"It does," Eloise winced. "And I'm so tired. Like I am never going to find my energy again."
"Hum," Elijah's fingers were deft. "Close your eyes. Focus on my movements. Good. Now, think. Do you remember what happened?"
Eloise let out a shaky breath, remembering why her head was throbbing, "You and Niklaus... The blood was rushing to my head as it does when you...well, you know..."
"Feed?" Elijah's voice held a hint of amusement.
"Yes, that," Eloise bit her lip, "But I was handling it...I mean, not handling it well...but you know, I do think I wasn't doing too poorly all things considered..."
Elijah chuckled then, "Not at all. You were very brave."
"And your hand was..." Eloise blushed, "distracting."
Elijah fought another laugh, "You required a distraction. Was it a welcome one?"
She leaned up her head to look at him. He quirked his eyebrow, a small smirk upon his lips.
"Elijah," 'she whispered.
"Was it?" His gaze held hers...his eyes holding his amusement, but also something else...
Her heart thumped out of her chest, the draw to him...so intense. She reached up to touch his face, the rough stubble.
"Eloise," his voice held a warning.
"What?"
"We cannot. Not tonight."
"Do you feel it?"
"Of course," he reached to remove her hand tenderly, kissing it returning to her lap. "I wish you to have all your faculties intact when we choose to further our relationship and I do hope you do not take offense at this next statement, but at the moment, you are a bit..."
"Cray cray?" Ella asked, biting her thumb.
"No," Elijah drawled, "I was going to say disoriented."
"What we were talking about?"
"Precisely my point," he tugged her thumb away from her mouth, "We were discussing what happened while Niklaus and I were partaking of your blood."
"Oh, yeah. Right. You are Niklaus were feeding...but then..." Eloise paused, reaching for the memory, trying to push away the fogginess of her jumbled thoughts.
"What happened then?" Elijah inquired, his voice gentle. "Focus, Eloise. What happened then?"
Eloise visibly flinched, "My mother."
"Are you quite certain she was here, Eloise?"
"I know I am acting like I've lost it right now, but I am. It definitely was my mother. She keeps coming to see me and I can't..." she paused, swallowing down the lump in her throat. "Why would she come to me in that moment of all moments?"
Elijah paused and then reached out a hand to swipe a stray hair from her face, gently taking it and tucking it behind her ear, "You feel shame. For your mother to see Niklaus and I feeding on you."
She flinched, "No. Yes. I mean...I just don't know, Elijah. It was just...disconcerting. I'm sorry."
"Do not apologize for that, Eloise." His hand dropped to her shoulder, resting on it, comfortingly. "I do not fault you for that."
She still felt bad over her swirling emotions, but wisely dropped it, "So...what are we going to do?"
"Can you figure out what was she trying to say to you?" Elijah asked, his voice low. "It would help. Any clue."
"So you believe me?"
"Of course I do," Elijah countered, "Did I not rise as soon as you told me it was your mother? I trust there is a level of..." he paused, "Intimacy and honestly between us. Don't you agree?" he asked, his hand still on her shoulder.
The flush rose again and she gave him a small smile, "There is."
"Now then, you must think," Elijah entreated, his hand dropping to his lap. "Focus your mind. What was she saying?"
"I don't know. I don't think she could tell me what she has to say. It was more that I could feel her emotion, do you know what I mean?"
"I am unsure."
Eloise rubbed her hands over her face. "I know...it's strange. But I know she has something to tell me, Elijah...and there is this force, it's keeping her from me. It's making a barrier and whatever this thing is...it's scary. I could feel her fear. And it made me scared...and..." her voice caught, "I don't think I am safe. She is warning me." She dropped her hands and turned and held his gaze, "Something big is going to happen. And it's bad. And I think it might be bad for me too. I mean she is my mom. She would want to protect me, right? That's what mother's do, right?"
"Supposedly," Elijah retorted, dryly.
"So...the logical conclusion from this is that it means...I'm in danger as much as you or Niklaus are. I'm going to be killed, aren't I?"
"No, darling," Elijah pulled her against him again, his hold tight and protective. "Not on my watch. You are safe. I will keep you safe, Eloise. It is my vow to you." He then pulled her away so their eyes could meet, "Do believe me when I tell you that?"
She gave him a brief nod and then sighed, "Of course I do...it's just I can't gather my thoughts together. It's like I am in a fog and they are swarming around like mosquitos near the bayou. i've never quite felt this scattered in my brain...it's weird. And it's freaking me out."
"More charming descriptions," He ran a finger against her jaw line, "Did you eat?"
"Eat?" She stilled, "Dinner?"
"Yes, dinner," he paused, eyeing her, a small frown upon his lips, "Please say you ate."
She looked at him and forced a flirty smile, "Sure, I ate."
"Dinner?" he pressed.
"Well..." Eloise drawled, "lunch." She winced at his severe look.
"Eloise," Elijah's voice was admonishing, "You had two vampires feeding on you and you didn't think that you would need nourishment to sustain yourself? No wonder you are so affected tonight by it."
"Well..." Eloise made a move to slide away from him, but he caught her, pushing her back down.
"Yes?" he raised an eyebrow. "Do explain yourself."
"I thought I might throw up if I ate. Like when you and Niklaus started to eat...I was worried about it because...well, to be honest, I was really worked up about our charade and the thought of it was making me queasy to begin with."
"Couldn't you just tell me that?" Elijah said. "And I gave you alcohol too. I'm not the least surprised you fainted...visits from your mother aside, you had two vampires feeding on you. We could have figured out how to get you nourishment without you feeling like you were overeating and at risk of vomiting in front of everyone."
She blushed, "Yes. But..." she paused.
"Yes?"
"You can be a bit intimidating."
His look softened, considerably. "I am sorry. I do what I must."
"Yes, I know. You are Elijah. Legendary...at least in this new world I have discovered."
"Yes, but..." he paused.
"What?"
"It's just..." He let out his breath. "I don't wish to wield my name between us," he said, "I wish you to be comfortable with me...I don't wish for you to feel like you cannot be who you are, Eloise. It would be all wrong if it was to become a charade between us. I need you to be you. For...I care about you. Do you see what I mean?"
"I do..." she said, softly, "But I am awkward, Elijah. And that is authentic."
"Point taken," He gave her a charming smile, "And my point is that you don't have to be."
"Of course," Eloise sighed, "And yet, I am. I'll work on it."
"I do like some of your awkwardness, Eloise. I just wish you would embrace it."
"Embracing it now," she gently disentangled herself from him and this time, he let her. "Thanks for carrying me here. Hopefully, I didn't make too much of a scene."
His wave was dismissive, "I am unconcerned. Niklaus's point was made and received. And it was so loud. Most of them missed the drama." He stood and then reached for her hand, "Let's find you something to eat. And I need a blood bag. Stopping midfeed makes me cranky, especially considering it was your blood."
Eloise blushed. "I'm sure my blood tastes like any old blood. Not very tasty."
"I wouldn't say that," Elijah studied her, an amused smile creeping up on his lips, "I didn't mean to embarrass you, Eloise."
Eloise twisted her bracelet which was still concealed, so it merely looked like she was itching her arm. "I blush alot around you."
"You do," Elijah said, his mouth twitching, "but it is also how I know you are feeling better...your color is back, and in full force."
"Ah, perspective," Eloise grinned at him, "you always make things feel better Elijah."
"Then, my mission is accomplished," he said, smoothly as he began to guide her towards the door.
"Is it?" Eloise looked at him, her look long.
"Well," Elijah cleared his throat, "of course, not entirely. There are many things I wish to accomplish with you, Eloise. Quite a few indeed."
She stared at him, "Quite a few," she murmured.
"Much to acquaint you to," Elijah's voice was low. "if you wish to be...acquainted to things."
"Do you have a mental list?"
He nodded. "In fact, I do."
"Care to share?"
"If I share," Elijah leaned to kiss her forehead, affectionately, "your blush would deepen even further. No, some things must come in their due time, darling Eloise."
She swayed ever so slightly, feeling suddenly woozy as his words took effect and Elijah immediately wrapped his arm around her, "First thing on my list. Make sure you eat three meals a day and limit your coffee intake."
"Oh God no!" She laughed, "Good luck with that. I'll limit my coffee, if you limit your blood bags." She poked at him, playfully.
"Now, Eloise," Elijah drawled as they walked together to the kitchen, "Blood bags are nourishment, coffee is not."
"Coffee is nourishment for a teacher," Eloise said, her glance at him wry, "Caffeine is the only way to survive, especially this time of year."
"Your blood tastes like it," Elijah said, reaching to pull open the door of the kitchen.
"You are making crap up," Eloise laughed.
He grinned at her, "Yes, but I wouldn't be surprised if it started to." He inclined his head, "Now sit."
"Bossy," Eloise grunted playfully, but did as he said. He poured her a tall glass of ice water and then slid it down the island counter to her. She took several sips.
"Don't you need to get back to things?" Eloise said, as she watched him rifle through the refrigerator.
Elijah shook his head, "No, not now. Niklaus is handling our soiree. And I'll get back once I feed you and tuck you into bed."
"You don't have to stay with me, you know," Eloise said, quietly, adjusting the end of her dress when she realized how much leg she was showing without the cover of a table to hide. Finally she slid off the stool.
Elijah pulled out meats and cheese for a sandwich. "What are you doing standing?"
"My dress is riding up and..." Eloise moved to quickly find the sandwich bread, pointedly ignoring his look.
"Do you wear a bathing suit at the beach?" he asked, taking the bread from her.
"Of course," Eloise said, going back in the refrigerator for mayo.
"Then, I fail to see the problem," Elijah said, his voice low, reaching for a knife and taking the mayo from her.
"I can do that," Eloise said, "You don't have to fix it for me."
"I wish to," Elijah said, inclining his head, "Sit down."
"I guess it's also because I'm a teacher and I have to pay attention to things like the length of my dress and such," Eloise said, sliding back down on the stool.
"I can understand that," Elijah said. "What kind of bathing suit do you wear?" he put the cheese on and then the meat, before sliding it towards her.
Eloise took a bite, "Are you asking how my teacher modesty extends to summer?"
"I'm curious," Elijah said, sitting next to her, bumping his leg purposely against hers.
"Why?" Eloise took another bite.
"I wish to understand," Elijah paused, "how comfortable you are with your body."
"I feel like you already understand the answer to that," Eloise countered. "Tankini, not a bikini. And I usually wear a cute coverup."
"Because...?" he prompted.
She showed him the paleness of her skin, "I get very bad sunburn for one."
"Understandable, you are quite fair skinned," Elijah nodded, "And?"
"I may have a roll or two in my stomach," Eloise said.
"Surely not the way you have been eating of late," Elijah said, his voice quiet.
"My weight has fluctuated like all my life," Eloise shrugged. "I gained tons of weight my first year in college and had to really work to keep it down."
"I know."
"How?" Eloise frowned.
"Social media...you need to tightened your settings."
"Oh God," Ella groaned, "I should delete those."
"Absolutely not," Elijah countered, "That would imply you are ashamed. Perhaps your weight wasn't very healthy, but you were still Eloise. Eat your sandwich," he tapped on her arm.
Ella took another bite, "You facebook stalked me."
"Of course," Elijah said, smoothly, "I also googled you...and questioned people about you."
"Charming," Ella grinned, "And you still weren't scared off by how boring of a life I lead?"
"You have met my family," Elijah said, "Your version of boring is a welcome reprieve...though you are considerably less boring than when I met you."
She laughed, "That sounds conceited."
"Ah, well, all I meant," he gave her another smile, "that upon your introduction to the supernatural world, you have shown that like most women, you have many facets to your personality."
She shrugged, "I still would much rather spend a quiet evening at home with a good book or movie, in my joggers and t-shirt. And if I had a choice, I'd never shave my legs. And I hate wearing make-up."
He laughed, "I know all of that."
"And, you still want to pursue this?" Eloise asked, skeptically.
"Of course, my darling. Eat your sandwich. It's time for bed."
She rolled her eyes but took another bite.
"Elijah," Eloise strolled into breakfast the next day, her phone in hand, "What is this email about?"
"No phones at the table," Niklaus drawled, "That is my rule."
"Niklaus, this is important," Eloise said, her head titled, "They cancelled school! Why would they cancel school? What is happening? Is this about last night? About my mom or..." her voice trailed off as Niklaus extended his hand,
"Phone, little teacher. Hand it over."
Eloise glanced at Elijah, who gave her a smile.
"Elijah," Eloise grunted, "Could you please..."
Klaus cleared his throat loudly.
"I personally agree with that rule," Elijah offered, lightly.
"Well then," Eloise made a face at him, "We all know you and Rebekah check it under the table," she said.
"Little teacher," Klaus gestured at her impatiently.
"Oh, fine, whatever," She grunted but moved to put her phone in his hand, "I'm glad I have it password protected."
"It's your birthday. You really should have been more creative," Niklaus said and Eloise glared at him.
"Don't look so disgruntled, little teacher. You may get it back after breakfast. It will do you good to be a way from obsessively checking your work email." He gestured to her, "Sit."
"I wasn't going to eat yet...I got distracted. I'm in my pajamas."
"And yes, while that is against the rules as well, you clearly are quite in need of nourishment. Must be the excitement of last night...Now, do be a good girl and do as you are told."
"Just because I let you feed on me..." Eloise put her hand on her hip. "Doesn't mean that you are allowed to be bossy with me."
Klaus stood and approached her and Eloise flinched for a moment before he grinned, triumphantly, and then leaned kissed her cheek affectionately, "It would be natural for your pride to be sore about last night. And as such, I can forgive much."
"Very manganous of you."
"I thought so...now, would you please join us at breakfast, sweetheart? You are looking pecky."
Elijah cleared his throat, coughing loudly and Rebekah patted the seat of the chair next to her.
"Oh, fine," Eloise slid in beside Rebekah, between her and Niklaus, Elijah across from her. "You are totally missing the point, Niklaus."
"No, I do believe I understand your point completely," Niklaus said. "I am choosing to ignore said point. Questions? No? Oh, good. Beignet?" He passed the tray of sweets to her.
Eloise sighed, "Yes. Can we not talk about...?" her voice trailed off at Klaus's look.
"Eat," Niklaus inclined his head.
Eloise took a beignet from the plate and put it on the plate in front of her.
Elijah stood and went over to the side table, pouring a cup of coffee and then sliding it to her.
"Good morning," Elijah murmured as he kissed her cheek. "Did you sleep well?" he inquired, before taking back his seat. "I'm sorry I couldn't join you."
She coughed, choking a bit on her food. She reached to take a sip of coffee, "I know there was a lot of things to attend to."
He nodded and Rebekah and Niklaus exchanged a smirk.
"Has any one checked on Davina and Olivia this morning?" Eloise asked.
"I'm here!" Olivia bounced in the room, followed by Davina and Camille. "And guess what? Guess what? Guess what? We have the Festival this week and no school!"
"Liv," Davina admonished.
"Not that I won't miss you this week, Ms. Trahan, but..."
Eloise met Elijah's eyes, and then raised her eyebrows at him. He titled his head at her.
Niklaus cleared his throat and then stood, "Good morning," he greeted everyone, "We have beignets."
"Oh," Olivia clapped her hands, "good!"
Niklaus bent down and gently tapped up her chin, "But only for little girls that prove they can not interrupt breakfast with their wayward energy. Ms. Trahan is only on her first few sips of her coffee and she has a quite a..." he paused, "draining night."
Eloise nearly spit out her coffee, but forced herself not to respond.
"I can. I want a beignet. But...I'm just so excited!" Olivia explained.
"Naturally," Klaus said, seriously.
"Come sit here, Olivia," Elijah rose, "Beside me."
Olivia did so and Camille and Davina followed suit, in quiet chatter with Niklaus before settling down.
"Ms. Trahan, what happened last night?" Olivia asked. "Was the party super fun?"
Eloise smiled at her, "Oh, just loads of fun."
"What's on your neck?" she asked, squinting to see.
Eloise jolted, "I..." she struggled to come up with a reasonable explanation, "I scratched myself." She refused to look at either Niklaus or Elijah, aware of their eyes both on her, discerningly.
"Oh," Olivia said, seriously. "How?"
Eloise choked on her coffee. "Excuse me." She stood to go to the sidebar to pour some water...
"Never you mind," Niklaus said, handing her beignet, "More eating, less talking. Okay over there, little teacher?"
Eloise gulped at her water, "Great. Thanks." She went back to sit next to Niklaus, "So...Olivia, sweetheart, about this festival...I want to know all about it."
Elijah put his hand on Olivia's arm, signaling her to not respond. "You will not be in town for it."
Eloise frowned and titled her head, "Excuse me?"
"You and I are headed north."
"But..." Eloise bit her lip, "Were you going to tell me about this?"
"Of course," Elijah said, smoothly. "I hadn't had the opportunity. Do you have objection to traveling with me?"
Eloise glanced at Olivia and Davina and then looked to Klaus who smirked.
"It's not that..." she said, slowly. "The timing is suspect."
"Very astute," Klaus retorted. "It would do you some good to get away, regardless of the timing, little teacher."
"I mean...I can't just leave..." Ella said.
"You'll be back when school resumes," Elijah said, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "You can take your work with you, if you'd like."
She frowned, "When are we leaving?"
"As soon as you can pack," Elijah said.
She stood, "Okay. Can I go to my apartment on my own or do I need a babysitter?" Ella asked.
"I'll come with you after breakfast," Elijah retorted, his voice smooth, "We leave from there. Sit and have another cup of coffee. "
"We will just have to make more stops on the road if I do," Ella retorted.
"She is sassy this morning," Klaus commented, "How is it that every time you should be more subdued, it emboldens you..."
"Maybe it brings her confidence," Rebekah offered, "Which is not a bad thing, brother."
"I do not disagree," Elijah said, before Klaus could respond.
Eloise gave an exasperated sigh, but took Elijah's suggested and reached for the coffee.
"You are quiet," Elijah said as he drove on the interstate, speeding north in Elijah's snazzy ride. They had left the city an hour ago and Eloise had spent most of the time staring out of the window.
She looked at him, pushing her sunglasses up which had slid down her nose at her sudden movement.
"Just thinking about things," Eloise said, her voice soft. She reached up to smooth down the top of her hair which was pulled back into a messy bun.
"I know I didn't give you much of a choice about accompanying me," Elijah said.
"Yeah," Eloise reached to toss her phone back in her purse which was sitting on her lap, before tossing it to the back.
"Are you hungry?" Elijah asked. "We can stop for lunch, but I want to get further from the city."
"Not really," Ella responded, "Do you need a blood bag or anything?"
"Maybe water?" he asked.
She unscrewed the cap to her pink water bottle, "here, use mine."
Elijah took it from her hand, their hands brushing against each others...and Ella felt a jolt of electricity between them at their touch.
" You do realize that it isn't always like this," Elijah said, softly, taking a few sips before handing it back to her.
"What isn't?" she said, taking it back and screwing the cap back on before putting in the cupholder.
"The chemistry," Elijah's voice was low. "The connection we have, especially when we are at odds."
"Are we at odds?" Ella asked, lightly.
"You tell me, Eloise."
"This trip...school being cancelled...it threw me off. Especially considering last night. And you and Niklaus. And my mother." She paused and then sighed heavily, "Will you not tell me what is going on?" she said, softly. "There is a reason you rushed me out of the city."
"I think...considering your mother's warning...and the festival of the witches, the supernatural activity..." he paused, "We know so little of your history, Eloise. And perhaps that has become a liability in my ability to protect you. It seemed prudent."
"My family's history," Eloise said, clarifying.
"Yes," Elijah nodded. "But aren't the intertwined?"
"Suppose they did have some hidden past...I am clearly not...supernatural."
Elijah shrugged. "No, but...if there is some past grudge that we need to account for...then...we must account for it, Eloise. And prepare."
"What does Niklaus say?"
"That he could handle the festival and I should handle you."
"I hate that you feel that I am something you need to handle."
He raised an eyebrow in her direction, "It isn't necessarily negative, Eloise."
She bit her lip through her smile, and sought to change the topic, "Where are we going then?"
"Virginia."
"That's a long trip."
He nodded, "We will stop overnight."
She nearly jolted. "Will we?"
"Your heartbeat is pounding."
She poked a finger in his arm which was resting between her and him on the console. "Not fair that you have such strong hearing that I cannot hide things from you."
"You look terrified at the prospect," Elijah's voice remained even. "Why?"
"I mean...it's the first time...since we...decided...to...try...to have a relationship, so..." Eloise swallowed down the lump on her throat, "so I just don't know...like...what are you thinking about that?"
"Eloise," Elijah reached across the console to put his hand on her leg, "Relax. I have no expectations of you. I'm not going to initiate anything to further our relationship on this trip. Unless you decide to. In which case, I'd have no objections."
Eloise startled again and then turned her head, "But why?"
"Because as you said, so much has happened even in the past twenty four hours. The timing is wrong," Elijah said, "I want this right, Ella. And you need us to build this, otherwise it will not work."
"So you are content with..."
"Reveling in those little moments where I feel exactly how you are feeling...and how everything is new again, Eloise. Seeing how you view the world...and the newness of your experiences."
"So..." she titled her head. "Are you sure?"
"I am...You let me know...and in the meantime, the energy between us..." he paused, rubbing her leg with his fingers.
"It feels combustible," she said, softly. She held her breath, anticipating what he might say in response to admitting how much attraction she did have towards him.
"Yes. You can let out your breath now." He gave her a side eye, but his fingers still ran circles on her leg. "It will not combust now."
She let out her breath and then laughed. "I'm sorry I was quiet."
"I don't mind you quiet. It wasn't the quiet. You are often quiet. It was the stewing."
"Then I'm sorry I was frustrated by the situation."
"There might feel like times I am being commanding with you, Eloise. I cannot always relent, especially considering...the fronts Niklaus and I are fighting right now to protect our family, especially Hailey's unborn child."
"I know that. I don't want to complicate your life."
He squeezed her knee, but didn't remove his hand. "It is no doubt in my mind that it is not you complicating my life. You are bringing me moments where I feel..." he paused again, struggling.
"Where you feel what, Elijah?"
"Peace."
Eloise reached to threat her hand through his and he squeezed it. She didn't know how to respond to his admission so she opted for, "What's in Virginia, anyway?"
"Mystic Falls."
He had told her to stay put, but as the minutes dragged, the curiosity got to best of her. She put her sunglasses on the console and reached for her phone. Elijah had left the car running so she could stay in the AC, but it was cooler in VA than New Orleans so she shut off the car and took his keys.
Getting out of the car, she looked around. The house where they were was old, but Elijah had parked a little further down the lane. She began to walk when she was suddenly ran into a body.
"Sorry..." she said and then stared at the man in front of her. A flash of a memory flooded her brain and then disappeared, leaving her completely shaken.
"It's you."
"I'm sorry. Do I know you?" she asked, her voice trembled.
"Amy."
There was a rush and she was pinned against the tree before she could even process what was occurring.
"What type of magic is this?" the man growled, his face transforming.
"No..." she wiggled trying to loosen his grasp when out of a rush she was pulled from his arms and Elijah's hand was in the man's heart.
"Damon, we have discussed this before. The lack of respect for your elders..." Elijah tsked.
"This is my home," Damon drawled.
"And yet, I have my hand on your heart as we speak," Elijah said. "Speak. Why the sudden attack on someone you don't know? I did think you had changed from your ways..."
"She is trespassing. Sneaking around..."
"She is not. She is my guest. My girlfriend," Elijah squeezed harder.
"Your girlfriend?" Damon's voice was dry, "But..."
"Elijah," Eloise's legs shook as she managed to move herself and place a hand on his arm, "I think he mistook me from someone else. A natural response, considering whom he mistook me for."
"And whom might that be?" Elijah's eyes never left Damon's.
"I think it was..." she swallowed hard, "he called me Amy." Her voice broke.
Elijah's head towards to her, "Amy? As in..."
"Amelia," Damon said.
Elijah's hand loosened from Damon's chest. "Amelia. As in your..."
"My mother..." Ella's eyes filled with tears. "You thought I was my mother. Did you know her?"
"Yes," Damon's turned his head so his eyes met hers, "I did know her. You look like her, you know."
Elijah's voice was even, but his hand never left Damon's chest cavity, "How well did you know her?"
"Well."
It was a simple answer, but the implications were heavy.
Eloise's knees began to shake, feeling like jelly, but she managed to turn away from the two men.
"Eloise," Elijah's voice called after her.
"I need a minute," she turned back. "Just...please."
"Of course, you may have that minute" Elijah said, quietly, "Go back to the car. I'll find you after I have a chat with Damon here." He pulled his hand out of his chest cavity.
Ella held his gaze for another moment before glancing at Damon and then fleeing to the car...
and away from the man who may have the answers to her past.