*This chapter has been edited by my Beta Casey. Please let a review.*
I stepped out of the closet with the perfect dress in tow. It was a simple gown, but for me, that's what made it perfect. The eyelet lace halter top sparkled in the light as I did a twirl in front of the full-length mirror. I smiled as I admired my reflection; thankfully, the dress was ankle length, so I wouldn't have to worry about tripping on the stairs. I tended to be a bit of a klutz.
I decided on a loose side french braid for my hair, hoping to achieve a beautiful look with minimal effort. This seemed to be my typical philosophy because honestly, I didn't really have time to care or worry about what I looked like.
I patted a shimmery shadow overtop my eyelids, and swiped on some lip stain that matched the dark wine color of the dress. After sliding on my ballet flats, I gave myself one last once-over; I was passable, at least.
I rolled my eyes at the loud wolf whistle from behind me but had a difficult time hiding the smile creeping onto my face.
"Thank you, Beka. If you approve, then I obviously did something right," I said.
I gave her a grandiose twirl and nearly tripped over my own feet. Rebekah laughed merrily, clapping her hands to applaud my clumsy show.
"You better get outta here before you fall and break your neck — didn't you do that once?" she asked.
She bit her lip, trying to reel in her laughter at my expense. I sighed, shaking my head.
"Yes Beka, that was actually a death of mine. I fell down the stairs and broke my neck; the curse is a bitch."
I forced a chuckle at this, and Rebekah frowned. She had always been able to tell when I was faking humor to hide my sadness. She ushered me out the bedroom door before I could fall into a 'woe is me' depression.
As we were at the top of the stairs, Elena exited her room, phone in hand. I stopped dead in my tracks — she looked beautiful. Her knee-length orange dress complimented her brown hair marvelously. She'd chosen to wear her hair down, save a single strand on each side, and her sweetheart neckline highlighted her collarbones expertly. I tore my eyes from her gown; the expression she wore was making me nervous.
"What's up, Lena?" I asked.
Instead of answering my question, she bypassed me and bolted into Jeremy's room. I followed her and stood back, watching as she started hitting him.
"Ahh! God, what now?" he asked, covering his head with his hands.
Rebekah stood beside me, watching them in amusement. "You gonna do something?" she whispered, although only I could hear her. I shook my head, continuing to remain silent as my two siblings bickered.
"The pocket watch — Where is it?" Elena accused.
Jeremy looked at her incredulously. "What watch?"
Elena stepped back, her hands on her hips. "The one you stole from mom's box. Look, Mrs. Lockwood just called me freaking out. It was on the list, Jeremy, and she can't find it. She thinks she's the one who lost it."
I looked away from them for a moment, trying to remain impartial. It would do me no good to get involved, but it was hard not to. They could both be mad at me for not playing favorites if they wanted, but eventually, I wouldn't be here to play mediator. They needed to learn how to deal with one another without me.
Still, it was tough to remain neutral when Jeremy was the one who was supposed to inherit the pocket watch. Since it's technically his, he should've been the one to loan it out — and only if he wanted to.
Jeremy stared at Elena contemptuously and shrugged, "Maybe she did. Maybe Tyler took it,"
Elena looked at me as if I was supposed to jump in and yell at Jeremy for being childish, although she was acting just as annoying. I threw my hands out in front of me and shook my head.
"Not involved," I said.
Elena gave me her best 'so angry her eyes were bulging out' expression and turned back to our brother.
"Don't even play that card, Jeremy, you took it. If I go online, am I gonna find it on eBay? Is that how you pay for your pot?" she snarled.
At that, I stepped further into the room. Anger coursed through me — How dare she act so damned, holier than thou.
"Hey, Lena, that's not cool. You have no right to act this way — just 'cause Jer is handling mom and dad's death differently than you are, doesn't mean he would ever sell dad's watch." I said, jabbing my finger in her direction. "The one that was supposed to be his in the first place!"
They both looked at me in silence, shocked that I had said anything. It had been a very long time since I had gotten involved in direct family matters. After I took a few breaths, I nudged my head towards Jeremy.
"Where is it, Jer?" I asked softly.
He stood and walked over to his desk. Pulling out a drawer, he retrieved the watch and looked at Elena.
"Screw you. I would never sell this, okay? At least someone still understands me," he said, looking at me as he held the watch firmly in his hands.
I stepped away from Elena and put my hand on his shoulder. Elena sighed and looked anywhere but at us.
"Then why did you take it?" she asked.
I scoffed quietly. Of course, she didn't understand...
"Because it's supposed to be mine, just like Ellie said. Dad told me it goes to the firstborn son. His father gave it to him, and…now what?" he asked, handing the watch over to Elena.
I shook my head and walked back over to the door.
"...And he was gonna give it to you," Elena said, finally understanding.
Jeremy looked at me, and I nodded in support.
"Yeah," he said.
Elena looked down at the watch, frowning. "Look, Jeremy, it's still yours, okay? Mom promised Mrs. Lockwood. What do you want me to do?"
I bit my tongue trying to say out of it, but to no avail, I couldn't keep myself from calling Elena out on her bullshit. It was the classic Petrova 'only I matter' philosophy — they can't bring themselves to understand unless it matters to them or affects them directly. She was slowly proving to me how very much like her ancestors she was becoming.
"I don't know Elena, you could tell her to shove it. That the watch was never yours, nor moms, to give out. It was Jeremy's, and dads, and it's all he has left of him." I huffed.
Jeremy sent me a grateful smile and my rigid shoulders relaxed. He needed someone to understand him without judgment, and I could give him that — for now.
"Just take it and get out, Elena," he said, turning away from her.
Elena brushed past me with a harsh look in her eyes, directed at me, of course. I had chosen a side (something I really didn't want to do), and to her, it had been the wrong one.
Looking into the teary eyes of my brother, I knew I had chosen correctly. He was the one who needed me the most. He had no one, yes Jenna and Elena tried, but neither of them was willing to simply be there for him all while allowing him to make his own mistakes. They pushed and pushed, judging him for everything he did. I walked over and sat down beside him on the bed.
"This room is...musty. Maybe open a window," I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
He forced a chipped chuckle and leaned against my shoulder.
"Thanks for trying sis," he said.
I smiled at his tone of voice, it was soft and warm — something I usually didn't get from him. He was always blunt and sarcastic; I could often appreciate that — well, most of the time, at least. I was just as sarcastic as he was, but I did miss my brother. The one who used to sit beside me on the porch swing while I read, drawing pictures of our neighbors or random wildlife. He used to be so fun and care-free...then we lost our parents, and he fell into a dark pit.
One that even I couldn't get him out of.
He was drowning, and I just left him. I told myself it was to save him more heartache once I died, but in the end, it wasn't for him. It was for me.
I was pulling away from everyone to save myself. I wanted to hide away until my birthday. I knew now that I couldn't do that anymore. I had to be there for my family until I no longer could. I would save him. He was my brother — my responsibility. I had lost so many people already, and I was sick of it. Maybe Damon and Stefan were right. Perhaps I could fight this...
"I love you Jer, I'm sorry — I've been so out of it these last couple of years, but I'm here now," I whispered, "I'm back."
He pulled away from me, attempting to wipe the tears from his eyes without me noticing. I looked away so he could retain his 'manly dignity.' I bit my lip to keep from smiling and looked back when I knew he had composed himself.
"I'm glad. I've missed you. Aside from mom and dad, you were always the one I could depend on," he said.
I ruffled his hair, much to his displeasure, and then stood up.
"Well, I'm here — If you ever need anything, let me know. I'll get the watch back for you Jer, I promise."
I smoothed my gown as he smiled brightly. I made to exit, and he followed me out to the hallway.
"Hey, Ellie," he called to me once I reached the top of the stairs, "You look beautiful, by the way,"
I pulled my dress up and curtseyed for him with a laugh.
"Why thank you, good sir," I said, with my best southern belle impersonation.
He bowed to me and took my arm to help me down the stairs. By the time we had reached the last step, we were both laughing so hard we had tears in our eyes. It felt wonderful to laugh with him again.
Jenna was waiting for us at the bottom, a bright grin on her face. She appeared to be stifling back tears.
"You look lovely, Elara," she said.
The doorbell rang, giving me an excellent excuse to escape her teary gaze. As I headed to answer the door, I noticed Elena pull Jeremy to the side, a determined look on her face. I frowned until I saw dad's watch in her hands. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't even have to guilt her into giving it back.
I opened the door to reveal a handsomely dressed Matt Donovan. He was smiling broadly as I ushered him inside. He gave me a quick once-over.
"Wow, Elara. You look amazing," he said breathily.
I moved my weight from one foot to the other, unsure of what to say. He was my sister's ex after all, and I didn't want to give him any reason to believe this was more than what it was. Matt was a great guy, but he wasn't for me.
"I'm almost ready Matty. I just need to grab my clutch and talk to Jeremy about something," I said, slowly backing away from him.
"Okay, I'll be here," he replied.
I headed back up the stairs and ignored the greyish spirit that was leaning against the wall, eyeing me suspiciously.
"So, who's that?" Rebekah asked as I reached for my clutch on my desk.
"He's just a friend — Elena's ex actually. He asked me if I would accompany him to the party. He is still not over Elena," I explained.
She gave me a tight-lipped frown and stared me down.
"What Beka? I promise there is nothing romantic between us," I turned to face her, narrowing my eyes. "I'm wondering, why would that bother you, though?"
Rebekah turned away with a dramatic huff. I crossed my arms and tapped my fingers against my elbow — something definitely was bothering her.
"What is it, Beks? After all this time, you should know I won't be angry with you. No matter what it is."
I reached out, and my hand hovered over her shoulder. She spun around her eyes, glassy with unshed tears.
"It's completely insane," She said, shaking her head, "It's just...when I saw you with him...it felt like you were betraying my brother. It's crazy, I know! I honestly don't even care if you do. It's just... your relationship with him gives me hope, and deep down I wish you two could work it out." she looked at her feet, then shrugged sheepishly, "Even though I know that is impossible..." she added, her voice cracking.
My heart sank further and further with every word she spoke. It was like hearing all my deepest and darkest thoughts expressed out loud. Should I tell her that I secretly wished for the same thing? That when I'm alone, and there is nothing left to distract me, my thoughts always find him?
"Rebekah, I understand. No man will ever possess my heart the way your brother does — not even Damon. You have nothing to fear, and even though we both know how insane the thought of a relationship between Nik and myself would be, I will never truly give up hope,"
I struggled but somehow managed to hold back my own tears. Rebekah gave me a half-hearted smile and ran her hands over her face with a small shake of her head.
"Okay, okay — enough of that! You have a party to get to, and I should check up on my brothers," she said, with a disgruntled sigh.
I ran my hands down my dress and checked my hair, smiling mirthfully "Okay, give them my love,"
"Yeah, I'll do just that," she laughed.
I gave her a quick nod and smiled at her lovingly. "See ya later Beks,"
I headed down the stairs and found Jeremy in the living room, talking to Matt with a stern look on his face. Oh no, what now?
"Hey, guys. Everything okay?" I asked, tilting my head at them.
Jeremy looked me up and down with a bright smile, his eyes crinkling. He looked so proud, and it made my heart lift and heal after the dark talk with Rebekah.
"Yeah, I was just making sure Matty here knows the rules. Ya know — different sister, different rules," Jeremy said, with a sly grin.
My mouth dropped open. I could feel my cheeks reddening. I opened and closed my mouth like a fish out of water. It wasn't often that I was speechless.
"And I was explaining to Jeremy that this wasn't a date. Just two friends." Matt said, speaking for me when he saw how flabbergasted I was. Always the gentlemen.
I closed my mouth and tried to control my blush as my brother watched me intently, his smile growing at my discomfort.
"He's right, Jer. This is strictly a 'friends' thing." I said, tartly.
Jeremy nodded at us both and slapped Matt, none too gently, on the shoulder.
"Okay, don't stay out too late sis," he said, grinning.
Matt took my arm and led me to the door. I turned partially to see Jeremy over my shoulder and gave him the finger, which only earned me a thumbs up and a loud laugh. When Matt tried to turn around, I pushed him forward and allowed him to open the passenger door of his truck for me.
I thanked him and watched Jeremy laughing at me from the living room window. I pulled my phone from my clutch and sent him a series of hateful texts, full of colorful language. I watched him receive them as Matt joined me in the car.
I grinned smugly as he quickly stepped away from the window, eyes wide. I leaned back in my seat as Matt pulled out of the driveway and down the street. I watched the scenery pass by with a genuine smile on my face.
The driveway of Lockwood Mansion was packed full of cars as we pulled up. I leaned forward and looked at all of the people piling out of their vehicles and heading inside. I could see Elena and Stefan heading through the door as a man approached the driver's side window. He told Matt to pull up closer to the house, so the Valet could park his truck for him.
"You ready for this?" I asked.
His face was slowly losing color — he wasn't much for this kind of thing, and I felt sorry for him. But he was under the Petrova spell and couldn't help but want to be around Elena.
"Yeah..." he quietly said.
I allowed the Valet to open my door, and I carefully hopped out. I looked up at the beautiful brick house adorned with white pillars and fought back the memories associated with the last time I had been here. Thankfully, Matt ignored my pink cheeks as he fixed his black suit. Gently taking my arm, he led me inside.
"Let's do this," he whispered to me as we passed through the massive front doors.
The entryway was packed full of guests and waiters alike. A tray of champagne was in front of us, and I reached towards it, pulling away two glasses. I handed one to Matt.
"Drink quickly before we come across Sheriff Forbes, "I joked.
I almost spit out the tart liquid when he started chugging his down. He really didn't want to be here.
I could see Elena and Stefan looking at a display a few feet in front of us and pushed Matt away from them and towards Caroline, who was picking at a plate of food she held. I took his empty glass and sat it on a passing tray.
"Here, talk to Care for a bit. I'm gonna find Elena,"
He tried to object, but I wanted to warn Elena that we were here so she could keep the PDA to a minimum. I didn't want Matt hurting any more than necessary. I pushed through the crowd and grabbed myself another drink. I sipped slowly when I came upon Elena and Stefan.
"Your parents?" Stefan asked her.
Elena shook her head a melancholic expression on her face.
"There's a lot of history here," she said, taking a glass of champagne from a server.
I stepped beside them and noticed our parents wedding set inside the display case. A wave of memories passed through my mind, and I placed my hand on Elena's shoulder. She jumped slightly, the gesture pulling her from her thoughts. Once she realized it was me, she put her head on my shoulder as we both lived within our memories for a moment.
After a few minutes, Elena headed to the next display, and I followed closely behind her with Stefan in tow.
"Hey, Elena. I wanted to let you know I came with Matt," I started, as she read the old Founders registry.
Her head snapped towards me for a moment, pure shock on her face.
"Oh...well..." she started before someone behind me caught her attention.
"So, the oldest Gilbert twin and Matty blue eyes. Ya know, I didn't peg you as the type to go after your sister's ex," the voice, one I recognized instantly, said from behind me.
I growled quietly and turned to face Damon Salvatore.
"Hello, Damon," I plainly said.
I tried to avoid his crystal gaze but couldn't help being drawn in. His eyes were clouded and expressionless. Something was bothering him.
"So, you and Matt?" he asked.
I rolled my eyes and repositioned myself to face my sister.
"It's not like that, Lena. He texted me and asked if I would join him as a friend. I wanted to let you know so you and Stefan could keep things G rated, for Matt's sake," I explained.
Her eyebrows raised, and she placed a hand on her hip.
"And since when do you care how Matt feels?" she asked.
I rubbed my forehead and tried to keep myself calm. My sister seriously knew how to push my buttons. I downed the rest of my champagne in one swift gulp.
"I've always liked Matt... Just be kind, okay?"
Damon took the glass from my hand when I tried to snag another. I grumbled at him and pushed past the small group to find Matt and Caroline. Once I was out of Damon's line of sight, I grabbed another glass and stood next to Caroline. She was talking to Matt about her mom. I listened in to their conversation until Caroline excused herself and made her way to Damon's side.
I followed her and was just in time to hear her ask Stefan to dance. She led him to the dance floor, and Damon used the opportunity to make his move. I had to admit, I was starting to become ready for Katherine's return.
Maybe after he realized Katherine was safe, and that she was never in the tomb, he would finally leave Elena alone. Hopefully, the big reveal will get the Petrova's out of his system.
I stepped to the side, just out of sight, to listen to their conversation.
"I want to apologize to you for being such a world-class jerk the other night when I tried to kiss you. There's no excuse. My therapist says I'm...acting out, trying to punish Stefan," he said.
When had Damon tried to kiss her? I felt anger stir in my stomach and tried to ignore it. I wasn't jealous, was I?
I rolled my eyes and continued to drink my champagne, it would be her own fault if she fell for his bullshit. I hoped she was smart enough to see through it.
"For what?" Elena asked him.
He inched closer to her without drawing attention to it.
"It's all in the past. I don't even want to bring it up. Let's just say that the men in the Salvatore family have been cursed with sibling rivalry. And it all started with the original Salvatore brothers," he told her a very fake, sad tone to his voice.
I turned my head to find Stefan and Caroline, who were both still dancing together. He was whispering something in her ear. I decided to leave Damon to his petty lies and save Stefan from an overly bubbly Caroline.
I set my glass down on the small silver table beside me and walked onto the dance floor. I swayed my way to them and stopped beside Caroline.
"Hey Chicka, mind if I cut in?" I said.
She looked past me to see Damon still preoccupied with Elena.
"Sure, Ellie," she said.
I switched places with her, and Stefan placed his hand on my hip. He allowed me to put one of my hands on his shoulder, and my other arm around his neck. A new song began to play, and I smiled at the choice. It was one of my favorites — Shut Up and Dance, by WALK THE MOON. We began to move as the first verse started. I looked past Stefan and watched Elena and Damon, who were still talking by the display cases.
"Thanks for rescuing me. I think Damon asked Caroline to pull me away so he could talk to Elena," Stefan said.
I gave him a coy smile. "I think your right. He was talking to Elena about the original Salvatore Brothers," I said.
Stefan's face fell for a moment before he controlled his reaction. "So that's his plan," he said flatly.
We continued to move across the dance floor, both of us dancing as if it were as natural as breathing. To us, it actually was — we'd had centuries of practice.
"You shouldn't have to worry about Caroline much. I made sure she had a nice supply of vervain," I said, as I twirled about. "Although, before I dosed her, he compelled her to have no fear, so that's something we'll have to deal with,"
We danced past Matt, and I sent him an apologetic wave. I didn't want him to feel like I abandoned him for the same person Elena had.
"Well, at least there's that. Isn't there something you can do for her? Using magic, I mean?" he asked.
I frowned and shook my head. "Yeah, but it isn't an option. It's excruciating and could potentially kill her. I'm thinking I wean her off the vervain long enough for him to fix it. Under supervision, of course," I added, quickly.
We started to slow our precession across the floor long enough for Stefan to dip me. I laughed merrily and saw Damon eye us from the other side of the room. Elena sent me a dirty look as he lifted me back against him once more.
"Show off," I laughed.
He shrugged and twirled me around. I giggled and added a few flares of my own to the dance. I lifted my leg and wrapped it around his midsection, allowing him to dip me once again. While I was lowered, Damon approached us. Stefan pulled me back up, and I dropped my leg. I spun behind him and pulled him with me further onto the floor.
Damon was stuck on the other side of the room, blocked by the many people who had joined us. I noticed Stefan was beginning to lose his momentum — as he searched around for Elena. The sympathy I felt for him made my stomach churn. He was always on duty, I couldn't remember the last time I saw him genuinely having fun. Yeah, he was enjoying his time with Elena, but he was always on guard and stiff with her. I think the only person I had ever seen him let go with was our old friend Lexi. Someone he wouldn't know I had seen him with, and a friend he didn't exactly know we shared. It was just something that had never come up between us, as Lexi rarely came around. Which was why Stefan so rarely had fun.
I pulled his face in front of mine and gave him my brightest smile.
"Let's have some fun, Stefan," I said, laughing, "Dance with me,"
His eyes lit up as I swayed in front of him, waving my hands out in a 'come hither' fashion. He laughed loudly and started moving with me. I threw my arms up and just gave myself away to the music. It was the most fun I'd had in ages.
He grabbed my hands and held them in the air with his, twirling me around and around. My red hair fanned around us as the lights from above shined brightly with the music. I was laughing hysterically as Stefan gyrated towards me, his eyes shining in the twinkling lights. His face was full of joy and laughter. It was a refreshing difference, and I was glad that for just this small moment, I helped him forget who and what he was.
I saw Damon and Elena make their way through the crowd and knew our fun was over. I leaned against Stefan and whispered in his ear.
"The fun's over. I think we're in trouble. Thank you for dancing with me," I said, pulling away.
His face fell, and he leaned into me.
"No, thank you," he said simply.
As he pulled away, the song ended, and the fun suckers had joined us.
"Looks like you guys were having a blast," Damon said, his eyes flashing irritably.
I ignored his hateful tone and forced a smile for Elena.
"You have to get Stefan to dance more. He's a great dancer," I laughed.
I pulled her beside me as a new song played. She shrugged me off and frowned.
"I think we should go, El. It's getting late,"
I huffed and looked around me for Matt. Unfortunately, I couldn't see him.
"Okay, party pooper. I'm gonna look for Matt,"
As I pushed my way through the crowd, I could feel someone following me. I ignored them; instead, I continued looking around for Matt. Of course, he must have seen me with Stefan and decided to leave. I stood by the front door and debated my options. I really didn't want to go with Elena and Stefan — being the third wheel is never fun.
"Matty leave ya behind?" Damon asked from behind me.
I ground my teeth together and turned towards him.
"Yeah, looks like it. You wouldn't mind giving me a lift, would ya?" I asked exasperatedly.
I hated myself for asking. After I had found out Damon had made a move on my sister, he was the last person I wanted to be alone with.
"Sure, I can't just leave you to fend for yourself, now can I?" he said, smirking
I bit my tongue and started outside, sending Elena a text that I was on my way home. I stood beside his car until he unlocked it and then slipped inside. The driver's door opened, and he was seated before I could blink.
Stupid Vampire speed.
I turned on the air and sat back as he pulled out of the Lockwood's driveway. The tension in the air was thick, and I hated the awkwardness of it.
"So, since when are you and my brother buddy-buddy. Was it not his fault you died in our time?"
His tone was laced with venom. I closed my eyes and let out the breath I had been holding in.
"That was not his fault, and you know it. Your brother and I are on friendly speaking terms, and we were just dancing. I'm surprised you even noticed, with how enamored you are by my sister," I spat back.
His brows furrowed and his grip on the steering wheel tightened, causing his knuckles to go white.
"That wasn't what it looked like," he grumbled through clenched teeth.
I couldn't help the sarcastic laugh that escaped.
"So, the kiss you tried to share with her, was accidental than?"
I couldn't believe he was trying to tell me he had no feelings for Elena. He looked at me in surprise. Obviously, he hadn't known I had heard them.
"That was a mistake. One that won't happen again," Damon said softly.
I avoided his gaze and looked out my window.
"What you do with Lena isn't my business. You are free to try for her affection if you want. But I'm telling you right now, she is more like Katherine than either of you realize. This will not end well," I said, finally meeting his gaze.
His blue eyes were emotionless, and I hated the fact that he looked as lifeless as Stefan had. I could still remember how full of life they had once been. Katherine really had destroyed not only their relationship but their souls as well.
The car pulled up beside my house, and he shut off the engine.
"What happened to us, Elandra?" he whispered.
I kept my eyes on the house beside us.
"I don't know. We are both different people now. You fell in love with Katherine, and her love not only changed you but everything and everyone around you. We can't go back to how we used to be, Damon,"
"I really am sorry, El. I never wanted any of this to happen. I need you to know that I still love you, in spite of it all," he said.
I looked at his face and found nothing but the truth his words held, and I knew that a part of me still loved him.
"I know. I still love you too, but that doesn't change anything. You still love Katherine, and you have feelings for Elena. I can't and won't be a backup." I said.
His face filled with regret. "I wouldn't ask you to be," he said.
I opened my door and looked back at him one last time.
"Can we be friends? As cliche as that sounds." I asked, with a small smile.
He gave me his signature smirk.
"Yeah, you won't get rid of me that easily," he said.
I shook my head at him and got out of the car. I closed the door and leaned into the window.
"Of course not. Life without you? How boring," I said, with my own smirk. "Goodnight, Damon."
He smiled back at me, nodding.
"Goodnight, Elandra."