Hello, my lovely readers. This final part was supposed to be up last week, but the U. S. election put me in a less than agreeable mood. Enough of that: tune in for laughter, and tears. On with the show...
Her Name Is Alice Part II:
"I'm not ready!" Hayley Marshall cried out. Her teeth were bared. Sweat and tears ran down her cheeks as she panted, shaking her head violently from side to side. She was propped up on her elbows, knees and feet spread across their bed as she let a scream of pain. Her hair fell back on the pillow while her head bent backwards. If only Elijah could take her pain, her fear, and anxiety, take it all away. And he could. He could compel her not to feel the physical pain, but she would resent him for taking her emotions away. So, all he could do was stand by, knowing it would be over soon. "Ahhhhh!" She screamed, hands going to her bare knees.
Freya entered the room with a bowl of water. She set it down on the nightstand in Elijah and Hayley's bedroom. His sister did not speak as she moved to stand beside her brother, exchanging a quick, worried look with him before she went to the other end to watch Keenlin work.
With nothing else to do, but to attempt to keep Hayley calm; Elijah dipped a cloth in the bowl of water. He squeezed it, feeling the cool water spray over his flesh. He raised his hand, placing the cloth to Hayley's fevered forehead. Drawing the cloth over her skin, their eyes connected, and he leaned forward to brush his lips against her forehead. "I know. It will be over soon." His free hand sought hers. She squeezed it tight enough to break a human man's hand.
"Hayley, push for me, mama!" Keenlin cried. The wolf looked up at the hybrid, nodding with a reassuring smile on her face. Hayley shook her head, whimpering. Fresh tears coursed down Hayley's face. "She's not waiting." Keenlin said, looking down. The doctor knelt on the end of the bed, ready to catch the newest member of the Mikaelson family. "Come on, Hayley. You are soooo strong. You can do this. Now. Push!"
Hayley let out a scream, clutching Elijah's hand as she bared down, sitting up, and panting as she pushed. Elijah moved to sit behind her, holding her as their child worked her way into the world.
"One more! Big push!" Keenlin shouted.
Hayley let out a scream, her entire body shaking against Elijah's. Then Keenlin called, "Okay. She's out!"
"Why isn't she crying?" Hayley twisted her head, trying to see what was happened while Freya cut the umbilical cord and placed a blanket around the baby.
"Elijah?" Hayley turned to give Elijah a round-eyed look. "What's wrong?"
Elijah frowned. Sliding out from behind Hayley, he made his way over to join his sister who held his child. When he saw a pair of wide eyes, blinking back at him, he smiled. "Nothing. She's perfect. Just like her mother." He held out his arms. "May I?"
Smiling, Freya held the baby out to Elijah who took her carefully into his arms. She blinked, a tiny whimper coming out before a cry ripped through the air. Hayley let out a relieved laugh. Elijah walked over, rocking the crying newborn over to her mother. He took a seat beside Hayley, easing their baby into her arms.
Hayley peeled the blanket back, to get a better look at their daughter. "Hello, Alice," she said, leaning down to nuzzle Alice's nose with her own. Leaning back into the pillow, Hayley offered Elijah a huge smile as Elijah took Alice's hand. Alice curled her fingers around his index finger, peering up at him curiously, and he could swear she was seeing straight into his soul. What a peculiar feeling, not as unpleasant as he might have once found it, not with this little girl.
~0~
"Alice's condition might not appear until she is an adult." Keenlin had repeated this information so many times; Elijah felt as if he could make the speech himself. Or it could appear any day now." Hayley seemed to need to hear the family doctor repeat what she knew of the disease. "We just have to keep an eye out for symptoms." And Hayley did. When Alice had a good night, and managed to rest, Elijah would find Hayley in his office. The mother would be using her laptop, to consult all the websites that she had bookmarked on Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Every day, she would tell Elijah anything she'd heard about new studies, treatments, and procedures, while Kol sought out his witch friends, trying to find anything supernatural that would help. But Klaus warned Hayley about using magic. Freya stood with their little brother on that issue. To use magic, attempting to treat this kind of problem could end in horrific consequences.
Right now, Hayley and Elijah sat across from Keenlin and Freya. Hayley said, "Maybe we should take her somewhere quieter." The previous three nights had been spent discussing the pros and cons of leaving New Orleans." Pros: Family. The Crescent Pack being close by. Keenlin being a good doctor who would always place Alice's well-being above a price tag. Cons: Enemies who still showed up at their gates. Niklaus having a bad day, and starting another war. Ordinary drawbacks of life in a large city with a child who may have a medical crisis.
Elijah bowed his head. He felt it best not to argue. Hayley was under enough pressure. He did have the heart to distress her further. If she decided it would be better to take Alice away, he would follow them. Of course, not everyone agreed with Hayley's opinion...
~0~
"What do you bloody well mean: You're leaving?" Rebekah Mikaelson crossed her arms over her chest, pursing her lips in contempt. "You can not blasted well take another precious gem of a child from her family! You need us!" She shot Marcel a quick look. He sat in a chair beside her while Rebekah stood up, glaring down at Hayley and Elijah.
Elijah remained calm, sitting to Hayley's right as she rocked Alice in her arms. They were sitting in the courtyard of the compound, on a perfectly, lovely summer day. The sun shone down on them as Rebekah's wrath threatened to cause storm clouds and a hurricane of emotion. Playing with Alice's hand, Hayley stared at the sleeping child, her voice low, as she spoke: "New Orleans is not safe-"
"It's safer than it was when Hope was born-"
"Hope does not have the same needs as Alice has-"
"Alice NEEDS her bloody family-"
"Then come and visit us!" Hayley's voice rose with her irritation. Eyelids squeezing, Alice let out a tiny mewling sound, rubbing her face into Hayley's top. Her tiny hands balled into little fists. Elijah took Hayley's hand and the baby began to relax. "You're upsetting the baby!" Hayley said, through gritted teeth.
"Elijah, take your child!" Rebekah commanded her brother. Brows coming together, Elijah's head rose, and he gave his sister a stern look. Sighing heavily, Rebekah waved a hand. "Fine. Marcel..." She looked from her boyfriend to her niece.
"No one is taking my child!" Hayley held Alice closer. Now Alice awoke, and let out a loud, pitiful cry of discontent.
Placing her hands on her hips, Rebekah rolled her eyes. "I am simply making a point!"
"Which is?" Hayley snarled back, baring her fangs at Rebekah.
A figure whooshed through the courtyard. Hayley sprang to her feet, her arms empty, and all eyes went to the new arrival, who rocked Alice in his arms. Niklaus smirked at them before looking down at Alice whose eyelids fluttered closed, her left hand clutching a fist-full of her uncle's shirt as he hummed to her. "The point is that all of you need to calm down. Especially you," his eyes flicked to Hayley, "Little Wolf."
Hayley wrapped her arms around herself. "If it isn't The-Father-of-the-Year! Come to parent-shame me, Klaus?" she snapped, glowering as Alice slept, lids fluttering, lips parted as she dreamed away.
"Hayley," Marcel got up and moved to place his hands on her shoulders, "I'm saying this as a friend: You need to sleep. Have you taken a good look in a mirror, lately. You look like the walking dead." He cracked a smile and Hayley lifted a hand to brush a tear away, her head bowing. "That's why you should stay. You've got people here. All of us will help you. We love that little girl. And, hey, look at that. She's already got the Mighty Klaus Mikaelson wrapped around her pinkie."
Hayley's lower lip wobbled as Marcel moved toward Hayley, to take a long look at Klaus walking slow circles around the courtyard, humming to Alice. "There is power in family, Hayley," Elijah whispered. He took a few steps forward, his arms going around her. Her hands covered his and her head fell back to rest on his shoulder. "Perhaps this is the best place for Alice."
~0~
That night Elijah and Hayley lay in bed. Fingers intertwining, they stared into each other's eyes, mouths moving to begin a kiss that lingered for a long time. She pulled back, hands going into Elijah's hair as they rolled. Elijah slid her nightgown off, tossing it onto the floor. They had not been together in two months. Hayley's anxiety over Alice's condition put all amorous feelings aside.
An hour later, Hayley sighed. Her head fell on Elijah's bare chest, and he ran his fingers through her hair, kissing her temple as her heartbeat calmed. "I don't want to lose her, Elijah," Hayley murmured. Lifting his head, Elijah propped it up with his elbow. His free hand stroked the length of her back.
"I know." Elijah's hand moved to take Hayley's. He brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. "She will know that we love her, very much. She will grow strong, and know our laughter, and smiles, and joy, with each year that passes."
Lifting their hands, Hayley flattened her palm against Elijah's. "She will always have family by her side. She'll never be lonely."
"She'll hear many tales of the strange, and wonderful journey that brought her to us." Elijah peered down at Hayley who seemed to be going to sleep. "And she will meet her sister."
"And Hope and Alice will form a bond that can only rival the Mikaelson brothers." One eyelid popped open, and Hayley grinned at Elijah who grinned back.
"And parents who never stop fighting for her," Elijah said as Hayley drifted off to sleep. He closed his own eyes. Yes. Their child would have many people who loved her and who took care of her. She would want for nothing...
~0~
"Have you considered schools?" Caroline asked. She sat in the living quarters. Her hands were folded over her crossed knee. Elijah had seen Caroline Forbes in her position as headmistress of The Salvatore School enough to know when she was donning that role. She looked from Hayley to Elijah while Klaus sat perched on the arm of the blonde's chair, with a small smirk on his lips.
"School?" Hayley let out a shocked laugh, glancing at Elijah who sat beside her, one arm around her, the other rested on a pillow for him to articulate his opinions with a wave of a hand. "You're kidding! She's barely one!" Her eyes flicked to Alice, who lay on her back on the floor, mere feet away. Hope knelt in front of her baby sister, playing with the child's feet. Alice laughed and made attempts to grab chunks of Hope's long locks. Every time the tri-brid laughed, and ducked back, and out of reach.
"Time passes, quickly, Hayley." Klaus gave Elijah a look, and Elijah tipped his head, waving his hand in acceptance of his brother's statement.
Caroline stared at Hayley, for a long moment. Then the vampire spoke, again, "Yes, Alice is young. And, no, I do not expect you to enroll her right away. However, she is a supernatural child. She needs the proper guidance. You already know-from Hope's time with us-that we provide excellent care of our students."
Hayley smiled tightly. "Yes, Caroline. And I appreciate everything you have done for Hope. But Alice's needs are different. She has SMA-"
Caroline jumped back in. "Hayley, we are aware that your daughter's condition will create a unique circumstance, and we are prepared to meet her-"
"You don't have any children with special needs at your school!" Hayley snapped, eyes narrowing.
Opening her mouth and then closing it, Caroline took a deep breath as Klaus placed a hand on her shoulder. "That is not true. We have recently accepted a blind werewolf to our school, and she is-"
"There is a difference between blindness, and SMA!" Hayley retorted. "She could lose muscle function at any time! Do you have ramps? What if she chokes? Or can't breathe? Are all of your teachers prepared to help her? What about rooming? The other children will not know how to help her-if she had a crisis-in the middle of the night! And do not get me started on bullying, on-campus, let alone off!"
Alice's head turned to look at Hayley. Her lower lip began to tremble. But no one, other than Elijah, and Hope, seemed to note the child's sign of distress. Klaus added his own thoughts: "Alice is not a crystal doll. You can not, truly, expect to keep her under lock, and bloody key, for the rest of her life! None of us know how long your daughter has. At least give her an opportunity to enjoy her time!"
Hayley glared at Klaus before turning to Elijah. "You can't possibly agree with them, can you?" she demanded.
A soft cry came from their daughter, and Hope scooped her up, holding her sister close. "Be careful with her," Hayley's remark was automatic. Hope's mouth dropped open and her wide eyes reflected hurt as her mouth turned downward.
"See." Klaus shook his head, seething. His eyes flicked to Hayley who got up.
"Hope..." Hayley began.
Hope shook her head. "I'm taking her downstairs." She strode to the door. Hayley moved to follow her children, when Elijah shot up, and between them.
"I will go with her." Elijah turned, to follow Hope into the hallway. Even at his niece's side, he could still hear the argument continuing: "Alice is not yours. You don't get an opinion here, Klaus!" Hayley said.
"Hope IS my child!" Klaus snapped.
Alice peered at Elijah with a doubtful expression. Elijah would think that the baby knew they were arguing about her. And she did not look all that pleased about it. That made two of them.
~0~
"Red!" Three-year-old Alice pointed a finger at the red water color tub with a smile, bouncing up and down on her heels. Her short, dark ponytail bounced as she grinned at her older sister. Hope grinned back, her nose wrinkling as she took the red and opened it for Alice.
With a nod, Hope offered Alice a paintbrush, "Red it is," she said. Hand going around Alice's, Hope bent to move their hands to a cup of water. "Just a little. Yup. Just like that," Hope instructed. "Now, we tap Mr. Paintbrush; so he's not super wet." They tapped the brush and Hope helped Alice dip the brush in a blob of red paint. Alice lifted the brush and made a slash across the canvas, looking to Hope for approval. "Very pretty."
Elijah stood on the lawn of Rebekah's and Marcel's new house, watching Alice and Hope paint. Hope selected a green and began to make little details in the corners of her own canvas.
"How's it going?" Hayley called, exiting the house.
Elijah looked back at her. "You should be in bed," he informed his wife as Hayley came to stand beside him. She held the top of her long sweater high around her neck, stifling in the heat. One of the unexpected side-effects of Freya's spell had been vampires who could catch colds.
Scoffing, Hayley waved him off. Then she dug in her pocket, to pull out a tissue, and blew her nose. "I'm fine." She glanced at Elijah. "I am not missing our daughter's first foray into the fine arts."
With a smile, Elijah slid an arm around her, and pulled her close. "Did I tell you, Mrs. Mikaelson, that marrying is one of best moments of my thousand years."
"Top five?" Hayley quirked an eyebrow.
"Top two. Alice being number one." Elijah placed a kiss to the top of her head and Hayley leaned her head on his shoulder.
Alice continued to paint. Her small tongue stuck out of one side of her mouth while Hope closed her eyes and swept her brush from side to side, imitating Zorro. Her flourishes ended with a final stab at the middle of the canvas. "New New Orleans!" she announced. The town looked like a bizarre group of paint monsters had swept through it, painting the streets purple, and the buildings, too, with one Godzilla-sized purple monster in the French Quarter.
Alice was delighted, clapping and smiling. "Pretty! Can I have it?" She waited for Hope's verdict, swaying from side to side.
"Who do you think I made it for?" Hope asked, winking.
"Hold still. I'm almost done!" Klaus called, popping his head around a canvas which was turned away from the girl's. He tipped a purple beret Alice had picked out for him before disappearing, again.
"Hello, all! I come bearing gifts!" Kol Mikaelson's voice alerted Elijah to his younger brother's presence. He came to join them with a bag in one hand.
"Uncle Kol!" Alice and Hope cried.
Kol gave Hayley a look. "What's wrong with you?" he demanded, backing away, and towards the girls.
"I have a cold." Hayley folded her arms over her chest.
"Bloody hell!" Kol said.
"Bloody hell!" Alice echoed with a giggle. She took the red tube of paint and sprayed it on her canvas.
"Ah! Baby learns new words." Kol seemed pleased while Hayley growled. Grinning, Kol winked at Elijah before he turned to his nieces. "I have brought beignets."
"Thanks," Hope said, hugging Kol. He kneeled before Alice, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.
"How is Davina?" Hayley called.
"Resting, while we wait for our bouncing baby boy." Kol straightened up, placing his hands on Alice's shoulders. "Fatherhood will not stop me from spoiling you lot rotten," He promised the girls. He handed Hope the bag.
"Not before dinner!" Hayley called as Hope started to open the bag.
Kol moved back, and towards the house. "I'm going in to see how much weight Bekah put on, and to meet my newest niece." He was referring to Ann Gerard, born just a couple of months prior. "She'll be so pleased to see me."
Hayley smirked. "Rebekah?"
"No, silly. Ann! All she's had to look at is you lot!" Kol strode inside while the rest of them laughed.
"Finished!" Klaus called, drawing their attention his way. "It may not be as pretty as Kol, but it also does not drink all my liquor. Come and see!" He beckoned for them to view his work.
Hope moved to join her father. Taking two steps forward, Alice began to tremble, gasped, and fell to the ground. Her eyes were on the sky above as she shuddered. "Alice!" Hayley screamed, running to their child.
Elijah was right behind her as Hayley fell down beside Alice. "Daddy?" Alice said, still shuddering, her gaze far-off.
"Elijah, call Keenlin!" Hayley said as Hope and Klaus dropped down beside Alice. "It's okay, baby. You'll be okay..."
~0~
"How many candles is that?" Hayley asked, leaning close to Alice. The little girl's face was lit up by the candle light. She wore an impish grin and a deep purple party dress. "Six." Alice held up six fingers. Ann attempted to swipe a bit of frosting until Rebekah restrained the two-year-old who pouted.
"Cake!" Josh Mikaelson, on the cusp of two, and as impish as his cousin's smile, tried to grab some cake in a fist. Arms went around him, and Kol drew his son up, placing him on his hip. "Soon," he told the child, who looked as unhappy as little Ann.
"Cake, momma!" Josh said, shoving his fist into his mouth and sucking on it.
"Daddy!" Kol tried and Josh gave him a dark look.
"Cake!" Josh retorted.
Alice leaned over and blew out her candles. Satisfied with her efforts, she sat down. Only a tremor in her right leg gave away that she might be in discomfort. But she smiled so widely, no one seemed to note anything out of place. Her smile lit up the room better than the six candles had, and that is what mattered.
Hope snapped her fingers and the lights came on. "Shall we?" she asked Alice, holding a knife. Nodding, Alice got back up, allowing Hope to help her cut a slice of cake for everyone. It took some time. Elijah felt impressed with how his child did all of this work without complaint. But he also worried that she was in pain.
However, Alice did not flinch as she held out a plate to Josie Saltzman. The brunette went to take a seat on the floor.
Lizzie Saltzman was next in line. She gave Alice a wide smile. "Hey there, cutie. I like your frock. Very chic."
Alice glanced at her dress. "Mom helped me pick it for the party."
"Well, your mom has excellent taste." Lizzie said with a smile. Her eyes went down to the slice. "And you gave me a rose. So sweet." Lizzie took her slice and went to sit with her sister. The twins were in -town to celebrate both their mother's engagement to Klaus, and for Alice's birthday. Elizabeth Saltzman had grown fond of Alice because: "She's a stubborn, little fighter." Alice had fallen off a pony, but got back on during the twins first visit, and this earned Lizzie's seal of approval.
The next person in line was Hope's boyfriend, Landon Kirby. "Corner piece. You know me well." He smiled at Hope who waved him off.
Soon, Hope and Alice made their way over to sit with the others. Hope held their plates while Alice allowed Lizzie to help her into a sitting position. She accepted her plate from Hope and Elijah could see how happy she was. And he wondered if they were doing her a disservice, not allowing her to go to The Boarding School. Perhaps she needed to make friends. Friends her own age.
Lizzie grabbed a box and held it out for Alice. "Present time! Open mine first!"
Alice pulled the wrapping open, and then Hope leaned over to help her with the box. Hands going inside, Alice pulled out a teddy bear. "What are you going to name him?" Lizzie asked.
"It's a she. And she's called Lizzie Bear!" Alice hugged the toy tight.
"Lizzie Bear!" Hope said, laughing at Lizzie who rolled her eyes and smiled when Landon ran into her shoulder with his own. Lizzie pushed him over with both hands, knocking his cake on his shirt. She scooped up icing and tossed it at Hope. Hope let out a shocked laugh and tossed cake at Lizzie, hitting poor Josie.
"Oh, boy!" Hayley said, moving to stop them.
Elijah held her back as Alice fell on Josie, pressing icing onto the older girl's cheek who laughed and pretended to fight back. "Let her play." None of them knew how many more days like this Alice still had.
~0~
"I'm a flower girl!" Alice announced, proudly. Her eighth birthday had come, and gone, with the usual joy. But Alice spoke of the wedding so often that her birthday party was overshadowed by her duties.
Currently, Alice twirled in her lavender dress as well as she could on her crutches. Her rose petal-filled basket swayed to-and-fro from its red ribbon, tied to her left crutch. Her joy was contagious. The garland atop her head tipped to the side. Elijah placed a gentle hand down on her curly locks and eased it back into place.
Alice beamed up at her father before asking. "Is Uncle Klaus nervous?"
Cupping his daughter's cheek, Elijah shook his head. "No, dear one. Klaus is not nervous." Although there might be a number other words Klaus Mikaelson was feeling today. Nervous did seem to fit the category.
The door to his study opened and Hayley stood in the doorway. A deep plum-colored gown covered her long legs and fell off her shoulders. Her long waves were piled atop her head. Breath catching, Elijah found his wife to be as lovely as she was the day he met her. His eyes went down to find Alice giving him that knowing look she used so often. A small smile pulled at the corners of her lips.
"It's time," Hayley announced, waving for them to leave the room. On the way out, Elijah could already hear the excited chatter of guests as they moved out to the courtyard. Rebekah sat with Marcel. She looked up as Elijah came to join them. "You look handsome, brother." She pressed a quick kiss to his cheek while Marcel leaned over to shake his hand. The whole family was anticipating the event of the decade, or century, depending on who you talked to.
Kol made his way over with Davina. "He's fine," Kol said.
Davina rolled her eyes. "He tried to eat them. Just this morning. Bekah, do you think Ann would be willing to switch with Josh?"
"Davina, darling?" Kol said.
"It's starting!" Rebekah snapped at them. "Hush!"
Everyone turned to watch as Lizzie Saltzman made her way down the aisle. She wore a smirk and a long, simple lilac gown. Her hair was in a French twist, with tiny rose buds peeking out. Her twin, Josie Park, followed. The brunette wore a matching gown. Her hair fell in soft curls around her face with rose buds peeking out from a comb in the back of her hair. She was all smiles on the way down the aisle, doing her job as maid-of-honor with dignity. Her wife, Penelope Park, looked pleased from her position on the groom's side of the aisle, sitting cross-legged in a black suit. The girls looked at each other, and Elijah felt like love was in the air for many. He hoped that one day his Alice would find the same.
Now came little Josh. The boy ran down the aisle, hurtling straight into his father's arms as Kol shot out of his seat. Kol took the rings, and pocketed them, while Davina lowered her head and shook it.
It was Alice's time. She walked down the aisle very slowly. But she smiled so happily that the on-lookers began to applaud. She tossed rose petals with her right hand, pausing to wave at Elijah, and her aunts and uncles.
Finally, the bride and her parents appeared. Klaus stood with a proud look on his face in a black suit. Hayley stood to the right, holding Hope's other arm. Hope's hair looked very much like Klaus' today, blonde highlights shining in the sun, curls falling around her face. She held a bouquet of red roses, and her simple white gown had a fine lace traveling along her arms, making her look every bit the princess.
Her prince exhaled a whistle which made Elijah chuckle. Landon Kirby's eyes were alight as his bride made her way down the aisle. When they made the announcement: two things happened. Klaus told them they were too young. And Alice requested to be a bridesmaid.
Right now, it was clear that love had triumphed over Klaus' fears that the young people were rushing things. "I'm older than Mom, or Caroline were; when they married!" Hope had argued with Klaus. The unspoken reason for why the wedding would take place while Alice could be part of the wedding. Both Hope, and Landon, loved the child, and she was integral part of their life (part of why so many members of the wedding party were wearing Alice's favorite color.)
Hope offered Elijah a smile as she passed her family. Hayley and Klaus relinquished her to her fiancé. Hope and Landon laughed as they took each other's hand while Alice came to join Elijah. Hayley also moved to stand with her younger child and husband. She and Elijah took each other's hands, without looking to the other as Hope recited her vows, giggling, tears running down her cheeks as Landon brushed them away before reciting his own.
Klaus looked to Elijah, with a quick half-smile. Then he turned his head as Landon dipped Hope, kissing his bride while the guests cheered. Alice moved as quickly as she could, to hug her sister, and newly-minted brother-in-law. It was another good day.
~0~
"Mom. Dad." Alice sat in her wheelchair, a very serious look on her face-for a girl of all of twelve years. Alice had lived so short a time, but had also used as much of her time as she could to experience what the world had to offer, thus far. "I have an announcement to make."
Hayley looked up from the list she had been making. Tomorrow, she would be heading out to The Bayou, to bring essential items to The Crescent Pack, after the latest hurricane. And Elijah had been in the midst of reading a new book Rebekah recommended. "Yes, honey?" Hayley said, folding her hands in her lap.
Alice said, "I want to go The Salvatore School."
"Okay." Hayley shot Elijah a quick look. "Well, let me do some research on schools best-suited to your-'"
"No. Mom." Alice's tone was firm. "I know where I want to go." Alice's eyes went to Elijah. "I did my own research. And of all the schools which work with supernatural kids, the Salvatore School is leading the way when it comes to working with disabled children. Hope has a degree in disability studies. She's heading her own department. Caroline has worked very hard to ensure that many of the faculty were trained to help, and has wooed a number of teachers, who are trained to work with the handi-capeable."
"Alice-" Hayley tried, again, to interrupt.
"No!" Alice shook her head. "This what I want." She turned her chair, but did not leave before adding: "We have an appointment on Monday, to meet with Caroline. You might want to make a list of questions." Then, she left. Elijah looked at Hayley. You could not win an argument with Alice when she was in this mood.
~0~
After three months, and three trips to The Salvatore School; Hayley permitted Alice to join the Salvatore School, on a trial basis.
"She'll be fine, Mom." Hope said. She stood in her sister's room, packing Alice's bags while Alice and Landon sat in the car, waiting. "I'm teaching three of her classes. Two of them are study hall, since PE is out of the question. Caroline is teaching another. And Penelope Park will be handling the rest. She's chilled out since she and Jo adopted Harry."
"Is his middle name truly 'Potter?'" Elijah inquired, attempting to lighten the mood. Hayley stood with her arms crossed over her chest, a frown on her face as Hope zipped the last bag.
"Yup. Jo lost that last bet with Lizzie. And so her kid is Harry Potter Saltzman-Park." Hope chuckled and hefted two bags while Elijah moved to pick up the remaining ones. "Looks like we're all set." She was in a chipper mood, trying to off-set Hayley's mood.
They went downstairs, to load the bags into the car. Alice looked at her mother, through the open back window. "You'll call. And write. Every day." Hayley held out a hand, cupping Alice's cheek.
"Promise." Alice nodded. She looked to Elijah. "Take care of her, for me."
"Always." Elijah placed his hands on Hayley's shoulders, and they moved back as Hope started the car. They watched the car, until it was out of sight. "She'll be okay." Elijah felt Hayley turning around in his arms as he closed his eyes, reassuring himself that his words were true.
~0~
"Do NOT tell Mom!" Alice's tone conveyed all of the life and death severity applied to any situation that any typical teenager would. She eyed her father as her brother-in-law, Landon, scooped Alice up in his arms.
Elijah held his hand over his heart. "Promise." His daughter grinned.
"You only turn sixteen once." Lizzie Saltzman smirked, bumping shoulders with her step-sister, Hope. They grinned before turning to watch the spectacle.
"Ready?" Landon asked Alice.
Alice laughed. "I was born ready. Fly me to the moon, Land."
The phoenix's wings sprouted. "How about just above the woods, this time," he suggested before rising in the air. Standing on the ground, Elijah did so hope that the young man did not drop his daughter. He would hate to have to find a way to make Hope a widow.
Eyes closing, Elijah found his center. His daughter's voice made him open his eyes, minutes after closing them. "Dad! Daddy! That was the best birthday present! Ever! You should go next!" She enthused.
Landon and Elijah traded looks. "Maybe next year," Elijah said.
~0~
Hayley's voice startled Elijah. He had been in the midst of composing a letter to Niklaus and Caroline. They were honeymooning in Tokyo, and talking about expanding the family, or had already. Kol had gotten drunk at the reception, and Elijah had to escort him out as Caroline gave their family the news.
Elijah's letter concerned Lizzie's, Josie's, Penelope's, and Harry's safe arrival in New Orleans. They were moving into the compound while beginning a new chapter of The Salvatore School in New Orleans. And he knew Caroline would want to know that everyone had arrived without incident. Elizabeth was still adjusting to life as a vampire, and Elijah had promised to help her.
"Eli-jah!" Hayley shouted. His pen fell atop the paper, and he was on his feet, rounding his desk at the same time that Hayley came in the door. Her expression made his heart stop. "Elijah," she gasped out. Tears were running down her cheeks. He moved to take her in his arms, and she shook in them. Her words were unreal to his ears.
~0~
The same day that Hayley gave Elijah the news, he drove to the airport, boarded a private plane, and set off for Mystic Falls.
~0~
Young women and men moved through the hall. Some of them knew Elijah and nodded, or said, "Hello, Mr. Mikaelson." One of the young men, Pedro, a former student of the Salvatore School, and now a research assistant, greeted Elijah at the door to the lab. "Hello, Mr. Mikaelson. Ms Mikaelson is expecting you." He held the door open for Elijah to make his way inside.
Alice sat at a table, examining a sample. "Hi, Dad!" she greeted him. Elijah examined her white lab coat, with a sense of pride. At thirty, Alice Mikaelson ran The Salvatore School's research department. Their current goal was to end leukemia. Given Alice's tenacious nature; Elijah had no doubt they would achieve their goal.
Finishing her current work, Alice turned her chair, to face her father and Her smile faltered. "Is everything okay?"
"Yes." Elijah pulled a stool over, and took a seat. "I have news." Alice watched him. "There is a cure. To your SMA. We will have to travel to Switzerland, for your treatment, but they found a cure."
For a moment, Alice said nothing. Then she began to laugh. "Sorry, Dad. But the look on your face... I thought something else happened. So, any real news?"
"You knew?"
Grinning, Alice nodded. "You were projecting since you stepped foot on campus." She smiled. "I've always known what you think, even when you try to hide it." So, it was true. Among her many gifts: Alice was telekinetic.
Alice watched him with an amused expression before she said, "You think Mom will let me date; now that I'm not so fragile?"
Elijah shook his head. "No." And they both began to laugh. This was a good day. One of many to come.
The End
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Be Safe,
-J