Chapter Thirty-Nine:
Being back at school felt like a good change of pace. Rebekah had decided to go back to tormenting Elena and Caroline by re-joining all their classes and social events.
"Miss Mystic Falls pageant will be in a few weeks. Are you ready?" Caroline asked while we walked through the halls to the cafeteria.
"No?" I answered.
How did I have time between everything at home, in my life and the fear of Klaus popping up around every corner. She scowled, giving me a light smack to the arm.
"Jordan. You have a chance this year."
I rolled my eyes. This wasn't my idea of a good time. Elena and Jeremy had filled in the paperwork. I groaned.
"Why can't Jeremy do it? we are twins." I added when seeing Caroline glare.
"Because it's Jeremy." She huffed. I rolled my eyes. Caroline was on a mission, being last years winner. She had agreed to help take on the responsibility. "Who is your date?" she asked.
"Stefan?" I shrugged.
"Well that's…..different." she mused.
"What?" I asked, feeling like she was hiding something from me.
"I just thought you would ask Kol."
I shook my head quickly. Why make him suffer through something like that?
"Nooo."
"Why?" she asked a little confused.
"One, we have just redefined that we are now on friends' terms and not frenemies…" we had come to the agreement to be friends. Kol was more then happy with that, though he suggested we should get to kiss, I settled on a hug. I had told him about boundaries, and he huffed and groaned. He would stay away from the school unless I asked him to come. In return, one day a week I HAD to spend it with him. I rolled my eyes, he already booked out my entire Saturday day and night. I made him promise that he wasn't allowed to kill anymore, he had filled his quota for the remainder of the year. he had said he would limit it to one a day if he deems it fitting. I had sighed, not liking that but I guess one a day was better then twenty or more.
"Two…" I continued after a long pause. "I don't even want to go. Why would he want to?"
"Because he likes you and follows you round like a lost puppy." She finished.
"No, that's Klaus." I pointed at her. she groaned. "Speaking of, how was the date?" I asked.
They had to reschedule the date four times, much to Klaus's annoyance.
"Currently on pause. I keep finding excuses that work." Caroline shrugged. I sighed. Klaus was going to be snapping at some point. I chuckled. Klaus really did have a thing for Caroline. I felt bad for Tyler who was still trying to break the sirebond.
"I just wish Tyler would come home." She sighed. Caroline and Tyler had decided to put their relationship on hold, both needing space. I missed Tyler, he was a good guy. He had changed a lot over the last few years.
"Me too." I sighed.
The day had finished, I already had homework due by end of week and been handed a few exams preps. I felt stressed when walking into my house, I threw my bag by the steps, quickly heading into the kitchen, muttering the questions for the exams.
"How was school?" Alaric asked.
I turned to him with a frown.
"Hard." I answered. He chuckled.
"Do you need help?" he asked. I tapped my lip in thought, he could help me with some of my homework. I nodded, running to grab my bag before coming into the kitchen. I pulled out my History homework and watched his face furrow.
"Are you learning about this?" he asked. I nodded and cocked my head to the side in confusion. "I'm just starting to teach Elena and peers about this."
"I am in the higher classes." I pointed out.
"Yes, but still, this is more advanced that what I am teaching them." he blew out a breath before looking at me. "You definitely inherited the brains."
"Jeremy inherited the brawn." We both laughed, reading through the rest of my homework. Alaric looked frazzled by the end of it.
"I'm proud of you Jordan."
I had closed up my books, once we had finished. I glanced at him with a smile on my face.
"Really?" I asked. I felt this joy run through me. I loved my parents, but I felt like they loved Jeremy and Elena a little bit more. Jeremy being the boy and Elena being the pretty popular golden girl. I had always made sure my grades were good and never told how proud they were for it.
"Of course, I am, your grades are fantastic. You never complain…..well complain to me about school. I am just, really proud of you." He wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me to him. I leaned in, hugging him. I smiled, feeling proud of myself. the door opened. I turned my head to see Jeremy walking in. his eyes narrowed a little before he pointed a thumb over his shoulder.
"There is an original sitting on the swing."
I frowned, getting up and walking to poke my head out the door. Kol grinned up at me from the spot I usually sat in.
"Hello darling."
"Kol?" I blinked before turning back to see Jeremy watching me closely. I scowled at him, grabbing the door and shutting it, before stepping out onto the porch. I hadn't grabbed a jacket and the cool breeze had me shivering. Kol patted the spot next to him, grabbing the blanket and shaking it out. I walked over, sitting down next to him. he wrapped the blanket around me, before pulling me to him.
"We are still…."
"Friends. I know." He sounded a little annoyed with that.
I leaned my head against his chest and groaned a little.
"I have exams soon." My mind already thinking about the stupid prep questions I had in my bag.
"I take it exams are not fun?" he asked. I could feel his hand, rubbing up and down my arm gently. It felt nice, though I could feel my insides were starting to heat up.
"No. they are terrible. Horrible. Just no!" I finished with an aggravated sigh. He chuckled.
"Can I be of assistance?" he asked.
"Actually…." I bit my lip. It would be nice to have someone to do flash cards with. Caroline was always really good and loved studying for whatever reason. She had enough on her plate, between Miss Mystic Falls, school and Klaus. "I could use a study partner. I have flash cards."
"Well then, when shall we start with the…..flash cards?" he questioned. I snickered, explaining what flash cards were. I saw the understanding in his eyes before he grinned.
"My, my, I will have to brush up on my knowledge if I am to be your study partner." He mused.
"Probably a good idea to be honest. I usually use Caroline, but she has a lot going on at the moment."
"Ah, yes, Carol." Kol nodded. I shook my head with a laugh.
"It's Caroline….not Carol." I said.
"Yes, yes." Kol waved it off.
We stayed silent, just enjoying the peace. Kol's phone vibrated in his pocket, scaring me. I moved so he could get it out, he pulled me back once he had it in his hand.
"Ah, Nik wishes to know where I am." Kol showed me the message, I rolled my eyes.
"Bloody Klaus." I muttered darkly. He was like a Damon, always knew when I was in a good mood and went out of his way to destroy it. Kol sent a quick messaging saying he was busy before Klaus responded there was a family emergency. My eyes widened.
"Is everything ok?" I asked.
Kol leaned down, brushing my forehead with a kiss before he smiled.
"Everything is fine, my family problems are mine to deal with."
"Oh…..ok." I said a little deflated. He cupped my chin gently.
"Unless you want to be involved?" he asked. I shook my head.
"Only if it's bad." I said. He chuckled.
"I promise, you will be first to know."