Disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries.
06
Apple pie.
The Gilbert family, minus Grayson, (who was busy with work,) arrived at the Marcus P. Stewart park one Friday morning to support the eldest child of the family in her new hobby, baking.
Alex had taken into her past life hobby after she had hit a rough patch during her 'research' for the right spell for a ring for Elena. It seemed like she had embarked in an impossible task as each attempt drove her further from her goal. Emily's help was only useful when it came to create the rings she was familiar with and the very same Alex was trying to stray from so she was forced to use her brain and come up with her own solution which led to her current situation.
She didn't need a crazy killer on the loose added to her list of problems in the future. So she was working hard to come up with her own spell, one that kept the amount of time a soul spent on the other side to the minimum. For the time being, she was full of theories and no results. It was her growing frustrations with magic that made her reconnect with her forgotten skill and one morning after another failed attempt the night before, she had woken up ready to recreate her old grandma's famous apple pie recipe, using her family and Carol who was visiting at the time, for feedback.
Alex, after the insistence of Mrs. Lockwood, had decided to bite the bullet and sign her 'delicious' apple pie recipe into the state fair pie competition. Also, she wanted the $500 first place prize.
Miranda walked ahead of her children, busy talking with another one of the members of the historical society about some other event they were organising later this month and something else that needed to be fixed for today's firework show. Honestly, Alex wasn't paying much attention to their conversation, distracted with the many attractions being built around them, she was particularly looking forward into visiting the haunted house with Elena.
Jeremy ran ahead of them when he spotted the cotton candy stand and after a warning from their mother of not eating too much of it that he definitely ignored, he disappeared into the crowd leaving the Gilbert girls on their own.
Elena readjusted the grip on the pie box she was holding, using her knee for support, "Can we eat this after the competition?" She tilted her chin and pursed her lips to point at the pie she was carrying.
Alex turned to her, slowing down to match her pace, "Yep, but only after everything is over. That's the emergency pie you're carrying."
"You're too paranoid sometimes. " Elena said, "What could possibly happen that would require you to have an emergency pie?"
"It's called being cautious-" she halted, raising her own box above her head as a group of children blocked her path. She shot Elena a 'I told you so look,' before continuing, "And knowing there's going to be lots of unsupervised kids breaking havoc around for one pie to survive unscathed."
Elena rolled her eyes playfully, "That still counts as being paranoid." She said, eyeing the stands curiously, "You think we'll get time to visit the haunted house? Last year we barely made it on time." She recalled, lamenting the fact they hadn't been able to finish the ride because of it.
The fair's haunted house was the biggest attraction every single year as the committee in charge of it always succeeded everyone's expectations with the decor, the sound and light effects and particularly with the group of actors that played the 'monsters', they had gotten one too many screams out of the sisters.
"That's because we were trying to keep Jeremy from riding go karts again and come with us." She reminded her, securing her grip on her own box as it had started to slip.
"We'll ditch him this time." Elena decided, grinning.
She nodded, agreeing with a compliant smile.
Miranda dropped them off outside of the tent where the competition was being hosted, not before she wished good luck to Alex and handed Elena a $20 bill to spend between the both of them.
"I'll swing by in a few minutes," Their mother promised, "I just need to help Jimmy really quickly-"
Elena cut her off, an understanding look on her face, "Go on, mom. We'll be fine. I'll cheer for Alex for all of us!" She said, setting the box in one of the many metal tables around.
"Go help Jimmy before he sets the place on fire like last year." Alex said.
That got Miranda moving, "I'll better get going then." She smiled sideways, "Wouldn't want a repeat of last year's disaster."
Now alone, Alex walked to the registration booth where Ms. Lockwood was happily handing the forms and engaging a woman in conversation.
'She surely knows how to multitask.'
Alex approached them, Elena by her side, she put a big smile on her face before talking, "Morning Mrs. Lockwood. Good morning- Ms. Bennett." Alex greeted, eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected to meet the older witch here, or never, for that matter considering she wasn't close with Bonnie.
"Good morning, Alexandra. Glad to see you followed my advice." Carol said.
Sheila repeated her greeting politely, turning to her sister with a kind smile, "Hello, Elena." She greeted, looking down at the box on her hands with a knowing look, "Are you participating too? I never knew you were into baking."
Elena shook her head, a bit embarrassed at the implication. She wasn't good with food, at all. It was a Sommer's thing, Aunt Jenna had told her once. It was their curse according to her, though her sister was the exception, "Ah, no, Ms. Bennett. This is Alex's emergency pie." she explained, looking at Alex.
Carol frowned as she repeated, "Emergency pie?"
Alex was the one to clear her doubts, "Yes, Mrs. Lockwood. You know, in case something happens to this one," she lifted her box, smiling, "Elena says I'm too paranoid." She fake glared at her younger sister who was now talking with Sheila, away from them.
"Ah, I see." Carol nodded, smiling as well, "That's an excellent idea. It never hurts to be prepared for the unexpected. Our committee could use someone like you since it seems something always goes wrong at the end." She shook her head, "Is your mother assisting Jimmy? I told him to find her a while ago."
"She is," Alex responded, "He intersected us as soon as we arrived."
Carol's smile dropped a little, "I apologise for that. Miranda is the only one who knows how to fix most things and I'm busy here."
"It's okay, I understand how important these events are for the town. And to you as well, Mrs. Lockwood, as you're the one behind most of them and their success."
'Ass kisser.'
Carol laughed, pleased at the compliment, "That's too sweet of you, honey." She said, handing her a form, "Fill this quickly and drop your pie over there," she pointed to the long tables lined with pies, "I'm sure you and Elena want to go and enjoy the games."
Alex accepted the form, "I don't have to stay here?"
"Don't worry about it, honey. The judges will proceed with their tasting and discussion and then they'll announce a winner before the fireworks. No need to stay here and watch them eat hundreds of pies."
She waved the form, "I think I better fill this and take my leave then. Thank you for the advice, Mrs. Lockwood."
"Any time, honey. Now go have fun with your sister."
Alex smiled one last time and went over to where her sister was still talking with Bonnie's grandma.
"Hey, you got a pen?" She asked her sister, who shook her head before Sheila offered the one she was using, "Thank you, ma'am-" the moment their hands touched Alex felt a chill go down her spine that almost made her drop the pen.
Elena touched her shoulder, "Umm, Alex. You okay?"
"Ah, yes. Just got distracted with my thoughts."
She avoided Sheila's piercing gaze as she turned to fill her form, using one of the tables for support she quickly scribbled her information and handed back the pen, making sure to avoid the woman's touch.
"I just need to put this over there," she pointed to the tables lined in the center.
"Wait! Let me do it. That way I can ask someone where to drop off this one as well." Elena offered, already taking the box from her hold, "I don't know about you but I don't fancy carrying this around for the rest of the day and not eating it."
'No! Don't leave me!' She screamed in her head, watching her sister's retreating form.
Maybe Sheila would ignore her?
"Bonnie told me about you." The woman interrupted her thoughts and Alex's head snapped in her direction, "She doesn't like you. Said you gave her a bad feeling, the heebie jeebies she called them."
Alex didn't back away from her unwavering gaze, "So I noticed."
Sheila's lip twitched upwards, a teasing smirk bloomed on her face, "I apologise for her reaction. She's never met another witch before and doesn't know how to act around them."
'Well fuck. I didn't expect her to drop the bomb like this.'
Her expression must be a very funny one as Sheila laughed at her, "What's with that constipated expression? You didn't believe you were the only one around, did you?"
Alex puffed her cheeks, embarrassed, "You caught me by surprise, that's it. I just didn't expect you to talk about witchy things in public where someone could overhear us." She lowered her voice, looking around to make sure no one was close enough to eavesdrop.
Sheila sobered at that, "I take it your sister doesn't know?"
"No, ma'am, and I would like to keep it that way."
Sheila nodded, "Very well. We can keep this conversation some other time as I have many questions for you."
Alex stared at her, puzzled, "Questions? About what?"
"About why I can feel a connection with you despite not being blood related."
"That would be Emily's fault. It seems I'm her errand girl as of late."
At the mention of her ancestors name, Sheila's eyes widened and her jaw went slack but when she was about to question Alex, Elena arrived and the woman quickly put herself together, excusing herself from both sisters.
Elena frowned as she watched her leave the tent, "Is everything okay? Ms. Bennett looked a little pale."
"I don't know." Alex replied, faking innocence, "We should leave too. We have wasted enough daylight as it is."
"Yeah, and whose fault is that?" Elena sassed playfully, hands on her hips.
"Carol's Lockwood." Alex locked their elbows, a mischievous glint that promised no good appeared in her eyes, "Let's eat our weight in junk food!" She said, dragging her giggling sister out.
(...)
Alex hugged the pink bunny plushie Elena had won for her as they watched the fireworks. Jeremy stood next to them, eating some cheesy nachos that he shared with Elena. Another round of fireworks were launched at the night sky, casting a rainbow of colour over the siblings faces as they watched in awe.
"I still can't believe you broke Dereck's records," Jeremy spoke loudly thanks to the fireworks, shoving a nacho on his mouth.
Elena smirked proudly, doing the same, "The proof is right there, being choked by Alex." She pointed at the pink bunny with the 2nd place ribbon pinned on its chest.
"It's true, Jer. I saw it with my own two eyes. Elena's a good shot. You should fear her. Right, Roger?" She asked the plushie on her arms and she used her free hand to bob its head up and down in a nod.
Jeremy snorted, "I'll believe it when I see it. And what kind of name is Roger?" He smacked the plushie dangling ears.
Alex swatted his hand away, "Don't listen to him, Roger. He's just jealous he didn't win anything for his favourite sister."
He scrunched his face, "Why would I want to win something for you?"
"To earn the spot of my favourite younger sibling of course!"
Jeremy shrugged, "Elena's my favourite sister then." He declared.
Alex gasped dramatically, "You're lying to hurt my feelings."
"I'm not."
"You traitor! After everything I've done for you!"
Elena quipped, raising one hand in the air, "I'm standing right here."
She was ignored as they continued their bickering until Miranda arrived, holding a plate of food.
"What are you two fighting about?" Their mother questioned.
Elena answered, "Something about me being their favourite sibling."
Miranda sighed, "Alright, cut it off you two. You can keep smacking each other once we're home but at least try to act civil in public." After a 'Yes, mom,' from the both of them, Miranda smiled at Alex, "Congratulations on winning second place, dear."
"Thank you, mom. Did you save my emergency pie?"
"It was already too late when I got there. I could only save one slice." She lifted the plastic plate on her hand that Elena snatched for herself.
"And it's mine." Elena announced, taking a bite of it as if it were pizza.
Jeremy grunted, "So you feed them twice and they couldn't give you the first place?"
Miranda scolded him lightly, "Jeremy, don't talk like that."
"This is really good," Elena complimented in between bites, "I would've given you first place."
Alex was feeling warm and fuzzy from her family support that she couldn't hide the bright smile on her face, "I can bake another pie just for us. Fuck the competition, I didn't needed the money anyways."
Miranda coughed at the swear word, ready to scold her as well.
Jeremy nodded eagerly, "Yeah, fuck them- wait, what money? How much are we talking about?"
"$500."
His eyes bulged comically, "And that didn't motivate you enough to win?" He asked, "That's it, Roger is my favourite sibling. You guys suck."
Elena stammered, wiping the crumbs from her face, "What did I do?"
"You didn't share the pie, you selfish girl."
"You didn't ask me too! How was I supposed to know?!"
"I shared my nachos. That should've given you the hint."
Miranda hummed, "He never shares his nachos, Elena." She frowned then, "Who's Roger?"
"Your new son, apparently." Elena said sarcastically.
(...)
After they returned home from the un-fair, as Jeremy called it. Alex had taken a long shower, changed into a clean pair of pyjamas and jumped in bed with Roger by her side. Her laptop was placed on her lap, one tab open with her MySpace page displayed where she wrote a short message about today's contests and shared a few photos Jeremy had taken. The post was immediately commented by Caroline, who congratulated her on her win, followed by another comment from Madeline, Devon and her new friend Juno along the same line. Alex responded to them and when she was about to close the tab, her eyes wandered to the search bar.
'What if...'
Alex typed the name quickly, not hoping for anything and pressed 'enter'. She scrolled past a few profiles of girls with the same name before she found the one she was looking for. She clicked on the profile of one Annabelle Zhu and quickly scrolled down her page to see what she was up to nowadays. Her last update had been a year ago, a simple photo of a lake with no caption.
Alex's hope had dimmed significantly when she wrote her a message, 'I'm opening the tombs soon. Call me if you want to know more,' she wrote along with her phone number, truly expecting nothing out of this, she closed the tab, set her laptop on her nightstand and turned around to sleep, one arm draped over her new plushie.
The sound of her ringer woke her up the following morning. Grunting, Alex reached for it, sliding her thumb across the screen to take the call.
"If this is some sort of trap I'm going to kill all your loved ones in front of you before I kill you myself." spoke the voice of a young girl.
"Good morning to you too, Annabelle." Alex yawned, rubbing her eyes with her free hand, "I take it you received my message?"
The vampire ignored her greeting, "Who are you and how do you know about the tombs?" Anna demanded.
"My name is Alexandra Gilbert-"
"My mother is on that tomb because of a Gilbert-"
"And a Gilbert is going to get her out. A little ironic if you think about it." She joked lightly, her brain still in sleep mode.
Anna growled, hissing her words out, "What do you want from me?"
"From you? Nothing." Alex said, "But I need something your mother has."
"The Gilbert invention." Anna concluded, "What do you want to do with it?"
"Nothing. I just want to keep it for sake keeping and sentimental value."
"I don't believe you."
"It doesn't matter if you believe me or not. I'm still opening the tomb. Is up to you whether you come or not."
Anna mulled her words, "And what about my mother? What are you going to do after you get what you want?" Her voice was hard but Alex could hear a slight tremble to it sounding like a scared young girl who missed her mom.
For the third time, Alex said, "Nothing." She sighed, massaging her temples. It was way too early for this conversation, "You both get to live your life as you please and I get the artefact. Though, it would be nice to have the support of two powerful vampires in the future."
Anna chuckled bitterly, "Yeah, and what would you need us for?"
"That's yet to be seen. For now, you'll be my back up plan." She hummed, picking the peeling nail polish from her nails.
'I really need to get a manicure.' With that thought in mind, her gaze landed on the nail polish bottles on her vanity, "Blue or purple?" She said suddenly.
"What?" The vampire responded with surprise.
"Pick one. Blue or purple?"
Wary of this stranger and concerned for her mother, Anna decided to play along, "Purple." Perhaps this was some sort of test? "Why did you ask me that?"
"I needed help picking my new nail colour. Thanks for your help."
"You stup-"
"I'll be opening the tomb in," she paused to check her phone's calendar app, "12 days. Get some blood bags. Enough for two vampires."
"Two? Why?" Anna questioned, confused.
"I'm getting Harper out too. Unless you have any objection?"
"I don't. He's... good." She said the same thing Emily had said about the vampire and that was enough to validate Alex's decision.
"Alright then, see you in twelve days, Anna. Take care!" She said and hung up, drifting back to sleep.
Anna made her appearance that very same day. Gotta love vampire's super speed, though in that moment Alex was busy cursing their mere existence as Anna slammed her against a wall as soon as she stepped out of her house to water her mom's flowers.
Not wanting to ruin their tentative business relationship, she refrained from using magic.
"You're just a child!" Anna growled in disbelief, twisting Alex's arm behind her back.
She bit her lips, forcing herself to remain quiet so as to not alert her family who were gathered at the living room, only separated by a thin wall, "Good to see you so soon. How was your trip?"
"Stop with the stupid jokes!" Anna said, "Tell me how are you going to open the tombs."
"I will tell you once I get my arm back." She bargained and finally, the vampire let her go.
Alex turned around to face her attacker and with a fake gasp she mimicked her earlier words, "You're just a child!"
Anna glared at her, pursing her lips tightly, "Careful girl, I could rip your throat out in the blink of an eye and you wouldn't even notice until it's too late."
Alex's heart skipped a beat as she shrugged, pretending to be unaffected by her threat, "Do that and you'll never see your Mother again."
Alex was saved from the vampire's wrath when the door opened and Jeremy spoke to her, "Alex, dad wants to know if you want to have some of his special breakfast?" He said loudly before he shook his head and mouthed, 'Don't do it.'
"No, thanks, Jer. I'm not hungry yet."
Jeremy was about to leave when he spotted Anna. His eyes widened comically as he tried to smooth his bed hair, "Hi, a-are you a friend of my sister? I've never seen you before."
Anna smiled a little awkwardly, raising her hand to chest level in greeting, "Yes, I was just passing by to say hello. I'm taking my leave now. Bye Alex, Bye..."
"Jeremy," he said, smiling brightly at her, a faint blush covering his cheeks.
Anna gave him a tight lipped smile, "Bye Jeremy." She said, leaving the pair of them alone.
Jeremy, who was still watching her retreating form, sighed wishfully, "She's hot."
Alex raised a brow, "She's too old for you. Now, how about I make us some breakfast that wouldn't give us food poisoning?" Those were the magic words to get him moving, and once Jeremy was inside and safe, Alex turned back to check on Anna, only to find she was already gone.
This was going to be a long twelve days for Alex was sure this wouldn't be the last she would see of the vampire.
Sometimes she hated to be right as her prediction of Anna's behaviour became true. The vampire seemed to be following Alex around from a distance, like a lone stalker preying on her unsuspecting prey and when she no longer couldn't withstand the heaviness of Anna's stare following her every move, Alex called her out.
"Just walk by my side, Anna. It creeps me out that you're stalking me. I'm not that interesting."
Anna smirked, pleased to have irked the witch, "I'm not stalking you, witch." She cocked her head to the side, "I just happened to be walking in the same direction."
Alex exhaled softly, giving a dismissive wave of her hand, "You sure were. I'm going to the cinema by the way. Do you happen to be walking in that same direction as well?"
"As a matter of fact, I do." Anna said, taking the lead.
'Was it so hard to admit you just want a friend?!' She thought, following after the vampire.
(...)
Just two more chapters before we get onto the good stuff!
See ya next week.