Summary: After Damon and Stefan rescue Elena from Elijah, they forget to also rescue Maddison Bennett, also known as Maddie. Elijah ends up finding her and as time passes they grown an instant connection with one another. Maddie knows that it's wrong and she ultimately shouldn't be with Elijah, but she doesn't care. This is her story.
Review Responses from Chapter 38
Bella-swan11 - Thank you so much for reviewing! Hm, I've never thought about giving Elijah and Maddie a family but that's interesting. I hope that you enjoy this chapter! :)
PersephoneTheQueen - This is my first time really writing rated M, so I'm glad you like it. I had no idea if it was doing it correctly lol, thank you so much for reviewing! I hope that you enjoy this chapter. :)
A Huge Fan - Thank you so much for explaining. I have only watched bits and pieces of the 4th and 5th season, and by 5th season I just mean the 100th episode lol. I appreciate it so much! :)
MarshWolffe - So glad you're liking the story and I definitely will have to start catching up with the originals soon. I watched season 1 and then after kept missing and only watched here and there so I'm not positive on everything that happened. I took no offense to your comment, it was fine. Don't apologize and there was no need to feel bad! :) Hope you enjoy this chapter.
NicoleR85 - Thank you for always reviewing! :)
AndrianaWarrior7 - I'm so glad you're enjoy this story! Hope you love this chapter! :)
yasminasfeir1 - I'm really glad you're enjoying the Matt/Maddie bond. I wanted that to stay strong, especially since underneath it all Matt is really a good guy. Hope you enjoy some chapter! Some Damon in here, hint hint. :)
Shaniia. anonymous - Thank you so much for your support with this story! Here's your update! :)
kineret - So glad you're loving the relationships that I've been building. I hope that you enjoy this chapter! :)
Caladhiel999 - Here's your update! :)
Before the Sun Sets
CHAPTER 39 ~ What the Hell
I DO NOT OWN THE VAMPIRE DIARIES
Maddie did not ever want to leave North Carolina. Never. First, it was gorgeous. Second, the school was breathtaking and she loved every part of it. Third, their lacrosse team was great and so were the coaches. This was what she wanted. This was the school that she wanted. It was already set in her head. By the looks on Hannah's face she could tell that she felt the same way.
After doing a tour of the school and then meeting with the coaches for the lacrosse team, Hanna and Maddie got a chance to play. They had both gotten complimented. Maddie was pretty sure that they liked them both but she didn't want to keep up her hopes to high. She didn't even know if she had gotten into the school yet.
"Would you go?" Hanna asked her. The night before leaving the two had went out, separately from Hanna's parents. They had to check in every hour though. They found that reasonable. They were in unfamiliar territory after all.
Maddie nodded, "I would."
"This is definitely my favorite so far."
"Where else do you have to go?"
"Um well I love Florida so I'm going to look at their University and Tampa as well. I'm also looking at Stony Brook University."
"Long Island?"
Hanna nodded, "Yeah. I'm going next weekend. They have an amazing team and their nursing program is great. Where else do you have to go?"
"I don't really want to go anywhere else after coming here," she said honestly. "But I'm still going to check out Boston and New Orleans."
"Boston is so beautiful. I didn't go to the college but I've been there to visit family and it's awesome."
"I think Cordelia and I might go with my parents. Even if I don't go it'll be nice to have an outing with them before I go away to school. Then I'll barley see them." Wow. It was really starting to hit her. She was in her senior year of high school and it was going by way too fast. Christmas was right around the corner. Next thing she knew it would be New Years, lacrosse would start, spring break would come and then bam! Graduation. And in the mix of all of that she would have to come up with a college to attend. No pressure though.
"Same," Hanna noted. "I've been staying home instead of going out a lot this year and they have definitely noticed but haven't called me out on it yet. It's just thinking about not being here next year possibly I want to spend time with them."
"Well at least one things for sure."
"What's that?"
"We'll dorm together if we both come here."
"Absolutely!"
"Holy shit!"
"Hanna!" Her parents cried out from the driver and passenger seats. Both of them looked shocked. I mean it had been quiet before she had spoken.
Maddie chuckled slightly, "What happened?"
"There was a fire and a lot of the council members were there," she said quickly, scrolling through her phone.
Hanna's mom cried out, "Is everyone alright?"
Hanna didn't respond which gave them their answer. After a long pause she finally spoke again, "All dead."
"How was it?"
"I love it so much mom," Maddie said. She could feel Lucy snuggled up on her feet. She had gotten back from North Carolina early that morning. To her parents shock she did go to school. She didn't want to miss calculus, especially since it was becoming more difficult. Nonetheless she was actually doing good with it. She had Elijah to thank for that. However, that was the only class she had went to before she got her mom to call the school and sign her out. The minute she got home she washed her clothes before falling asleep.
"Really?" Janette was surprised. She didn't think that Maddie would actually like North Carolina.
"You like it more than Maryland?" Her father wondered. He thought about when they went there to visit with Cordelia two years ago. He personally had thought that Maddie looked more interested in the school than Cordelia. He was considering going back with her, just so that she could look at it again. Things changed within two years.
"Yes! It's my number one school right now." Maddie looked her father in the eyes. He actually seemed happy. She had a sneaking suspicion that he wanted her to go to Maryland but she could never really tell.
"Maybe we will visit Maryland again."
"Why?"
"When we went with Cordelia you loved it. But North Carolina is a greats school, I'm glad you liked it. Besides, new month you will start hearing back and we'll take it from there." That was a good point. She couldn't actually make any real decisions when she didn't know if she had gotten in or not yet. "And we still have to visit Boston and Loyola."
"Cordelia wants to come with us to Boston."
"I'm sure she does," Christian sighed but he couldn't help grin. "I'm sure all three of you have plans for my credit card, don't you?"
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Janette laughed.
"Mhm."
"So," she turned her attention to Maddie. "Your sister was kind of enough to text us a whole bunch of things that she wanted for Christmas. Might we ask what you want?"
Maddie shrugged. She wasn't picky and was happy with anything. "I don't know. I'm simple."
"Not helping."
"Fine. How about gift cards."
"That's it?"
She smiled, "Well a new Starbucks cup would be nice to. But if I think of something else I will let you know."
Janette and Christian looked at one another. It was Janette who finally spoke though, "They are so different."
"Definitely."
Maddie laughed allowed, "What does Cordelia want?" She could only imagine the things that her sister was asking for.
"Gift cards, a new bag, sunglasses for the summer, clothes," Janette said, "and some other stuff that I can't think of."
"Money." Christian finished.
"Sounds like her."
"She's great, isn't she?" Christian wondered aloud.
"She's the best."
The trio finished there food in silence. Maddie was prepared to go right off to bed after she finished eating but instead she stayed there listening to her parents conversation. She had zoned out for a second but when she began to pay attention again she could see her mother shaking her head.
"Just awful," she commented.
"What?"
"The pastor's funeral."
"What about it?"
"Someone shot Tyler Lockwood," her father commented. As if it were nothing. Maddie gaped at him for a moment.
"They shot Tyler?" Her parents nodded. "At the funeral?" They nodded again. She was pretty sure that her parents were aware that Tyler wasn't exactly normal. She had never really discussed him with them but she figured they knew. "He's still alive?"
Her dad nodded, "Yeah, he's alive. Took a nasty hit though."
Her mom looked at her father, "I'm sure he's fine. You know he has those healing abilities."
"If that's what you'd like to call it." Maddie chuckled slightly at her father's tone. While he had been using sarcasm, it was in a humorous matter which was most definitely needed. Especially when you lived in Mystic Falls.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Maddie did not want to go to school today. But she had a lot to do. She had been gone about two days and hadn't gotten any of the work she needed to make up. Well except in math. So, she would have to get all of that. Not to mention her band concert was happening tonight so after school she would going to practice with her band teacher for her solo. While she was pretty sure she could do it she had been gone and wanted to make sure everything went perfectly. It was her last winter concert after all.
Rolling out of bed, literally she dragged herself into the bathroom for a shower. The water felt so good but she had to get herself out because she didn't want to be late. Not to mention she wanted to run to Starbucks. There was a strawberry refresher with her name on it waiting. Looking through her closet she picked out a pair of ripped black jeans. She slipped on a Turkish blue colored sweater and black ankle boots, that had a heal before putting her hair into a pony tail. She made sure that everything she had needed was in her backpack before departing. Her mom was still asleep so she left the house quietly.
The minute she got to school she went straight to class. She would need to go to her locker later but she was still kind of tired from the previous day and just wanted to relax. Matt was already there when she walked in. She gave him a small smile before taking her seat.
"Where have you been?" Matt wondered curiously.
"North Carolina."
"What were you doing there?"
"Looking at colleges."
"Well we're glad to have you back." That hadn't come from Matt. She did immediately take notice of his face dropping through.
Turning her head, she smirked, "Hey Rebekah."
"Maddison," Maddie rolled her eyes, "haven't seen you in a while."
"I was out."
"Might I ask where."
"North Carolina?"
"Any particular reason?"
"Visiting colleges."
"Nice," she gave Matt one last look before looking back to Maddie, "excuse me for a moment."
"Class didn't even start yet."
Rebekah threw her a small glance before walking out of the room. Maddie looked at Matt, "What's with the face?"
Matt looked away from the spot Rebekah had been standing in and looked to his friend, "What face?"
"Oh c'mon Matt. The minute she walked in here you were glaring at her."
"I'm not her biggest fan."
"Have you genuinely ever been?" She wondered. He instantly got quiet and she regretted asking the question. "Do I even want to know?"
"How much have you been caught up on?"
"I know about the council members. Which is crazy, I feel bad for their families. Does anyone know what caused the fire?"
Matt ignored her question, "Yes it is awful. What else have you heard though?"
"I heard about the funeral. About what happened to Tyler."
"Anything else?"
She shook her head. "No, why?"
"We'll talk later."
"Bio or lunch."
He nodded, "Bio or lunch."
She noticed Stefan and Elena walk in and go to their seats but she didn't pay much attention. It was shocking to actually see them in school for a change. A few seconds later Rebekah was back and handing out flyers, "Morning, everyone."
Someone yelled, "Hi Rebekah."
"So, I'm throwing a little anti-curfew party at my new house. Starts at fifth period and goes 'til whenever. Spread the word." Maddie watched her walk to Elena give her a sheet of paper, "You're welcome to join, Elena, if you'd like to bury the hatchet."
Coldly, Elena responded, "It's a pretty enormous hatchet."
"Well, I'm feeling generous of spirit."
"New house, huh? Did your brother finally kick you out?"
Irritation was immediately all over Rebekah's face. "He didn't kick me out. I left." Maddie could tell that Rebekah and Klaus were obviously in some kind of fight. She was glad she missed it. Even though she was sure she would hear about it later from Rebekah.
"So, you left the only person on earth that actually likes you?"
Rebekah looked down, obviously hurt by Elena's comment before she immediately picked herself up, "Well your boyfriend liked me once." She looked to Stefan, "Actually a lot more than once." She smirked at the end which made Maddie let out a small chuckle. Matt semi glared at her which caused her to shrug her shoulders.
"Why are you still in town, Rebekah?" Stefan asked. "Don't you have anywhere else to?"
"Well, history's my favorite class." Rebekah stated as if everyone should know that fact about her. "Actually, where is Mr. Saltzman?" She turned her head before looking back at Elena, "Oh, that's right," her voice then turned into a whisper, "I killed him."
Maddie's mouth opened wide. Maddie dropped his head slightly, shaking it. Before Maddie could even blink she watched as Rebekah caught a pencil. She turned her head to see Elena glaring at her. She looked back just in time to see Rebekah throw it at Elena. She could hear Elena's small whine in discomfort. Rebekah was grinning.
As the bell went off Elena stormed out of the room, Stefan on her heels.
"Well that was fun," Rebekah noted.
"As fun as that was I'm not sure your brother would like you tormenting his favorite blood bag."
Rebekah glared at Maddie, "I don't care what my brother would or wouldn't like. Besides she's no longer of any use to him."
"And why's that?"
"If Alaric died then so did she." Rebekah said sitting down.
Opening her mouth Maddie gaped like a fish for a minute. If Alaric died then so did she. If Alaric died then so did she. If Alaric died then so did she. Those words kept ringing in her head, over and over again.
Holy shit.
Elena was a vampire.
Bzz. Bzz. Buzz. Looking down at her phone, which wouldn't stop buzzing along her desk she quickly picked up and turned it onto silent before looking to see who was texting her.
Rachel – OH MY GOD! James isn't coaching lacrosse this year.
Katy Kat – Shut up!
Courtney – What?
Kristen – Can't be true!
Rachel – I wish it wasn't true.
Mary – So who's coaching this year?
Maddie couldn't stop reading the text messages. She kept staring at the words, everything about Elena long forgotten. They couldn't be serious. She could see new messages popping up but she ignored it. Getting up out of her seat she got her things and left. She was aware that people were staring but she couldn't bring herself to care. Knowing that James had off first period she headed straight for the science office. Opening the door, she saw him sitting as his desk. He looked up from his paper work. First, he looked shocked to see her but that quickly went away. Recognition was soon the look that took over and she knew that it was true.
"Why?"
He sat back, smiling a tad, "It was time."
"Not good enough." She said, shaking her head, "You have been the head Varsity girl's lacrosse coach here for twelve years. People have switched school districts to come here and that's just so you could coach their girls! So much talent has been developed here, because of you! You waited for Cordelia to hit middle school so that you could immediately put her on varsity. I mean you practically groomed her while she was on PAL teams. You did the same with me and you continue to the do the same with the people you see talent in. And now you just want to give that all up?"
James sat back in his chair, letting her rant. "You make excellent points."
"This isn't funny."
"I know." He looked her straight in the eyes. It was silent for a moment before he finally cleared his throat and spoke up again, "I have been thinking about this for a while now. Before you try and talk me out of it let me tell you that I have loved the last past twelve years being head coach. I've got to work with amazing people, I've won and I've lost. The talent in this program is amazing I'm glad to say that I helped to develop some of the most amazing players careers, including yours and your sisters." He sat back in his chair a little, "Now let me tell you what I've missed out on. My wife, my kids, my family. Being this involved comes with a price. I've missed school events, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and so much. I'm not getting any younger and when I'm on my death bed reminiscing I want to think about more than amazing lacrosse games."
She didn't speak, instead walked over and took the empty chair that was across from him. Never had she thought about what he might have been missing out on. She knew he had a wife and kids of course but she never considered the fact that he might not have been able to see them because of everything he did for her and all of the other girls he coached.
"I never thought of it like that."
"Don't beat yourself up over it."
She didn't respond. It was quiet. The two were no longer making eye contact, both in their own thoughts.
"So," she spoke again, "who's taking over as head coach?"
"I'm not sure yet."
"The season is going to start soon!" She snapped without really meaning to. "I mean technically end of February but you always had us start workouts and stuff in January."
"And you girls will. I will still be there until we find the right choice."
"So that means you have someone you're considering? Or have people come up wanting the job."
"A mixture of both."
"Great."
"It's not going to be that bad."
"You're kidding me right? We all know you aren't coaching and I'm sure I'm not going to be your only visit today."
Just then the door swung open. Both Maddie and James looked to see Hanna come in. She looked pissed.
"Don't you have late arrival?" Maddie asked with a laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
"Well who could sleep in when they're wondering who's going to be there new head coach this year. There last year," she gave James a pointed look and made sure to put emphasis on the word last.
"Good point."
"Hi Hanna," James said coolly. As if nothing was wrong.
"You couldn't just wait until next year?" Hanna asked. "We would have been gone." She gestured to herself and Maddie, "I mean not that it wouldn't suck for everyone else but at least we would have still had you."
James chuckled slightly, "I will still be around."
"But you won't be our coach."
"No, but I will still go to your playoff games. I mean if you girls make it there." The last part was supposed to be a joke but it was obvious neither Maddie or Hanna found it funny. Maddie found herself questioning silently whether or not they would actually be able to make it or not. Considering that every time they had made it James was with them.
"Don't make that face," James said allowed. "I want you girls to prove that the coach doesn't make the team, the team makes the coach."
"Hello?"
"Why are you out of breath?"
Maddie rolled her eyes before hopping onto her counter top. She rested her back against the cupboards. It was uncomfortable in a sense but she didn't care. "Because I was just ran downstairs to answer the house phone."
"Right."
"What do you need dad? Not that I don't want to talk to you."
"Are you busy?"
"No. What's sup?"
"Well I haven't spent time with my daughter and I was thinking if she wasn't busy she could come have lunch with her old man."
Her heart melted a little bit. Her dad was definitely tough about things, but overall he really was a sweetheart, "Well your favorite daughter would love that. What time should I be there?"
"How does two o'clock sound?"
"Perfect. See you then."
"Bye Maddie."
"Bye," she spoke before hanging up. Looking at the phone she looked at the time. It was twelve thirty. She put the phone back on the hook before running upstairs and grabbing her wristlet wallet, her cell phone, and her car keys before departing. To kill time, she was going to go to Starbucks and then the hospital. She could always hangout with some of the nurses there. Majority of them loved her and they were good people to talk to. Especially since she babysat for some of them. Considering the holidays were right around the corner she would make sure to casually talk about how she wasn't doing anything. The more money she could make the better.
"Ah, Maddison. What a lovely surprise."
Stopping in her tracks Maddie dropped her head back for a moment, before looking straight and smirking. She didn't bother to turn around. She knew Klaus' voice when she heard it. Sure enough, a moment later he was standing in front of her grinning.
"Klaus, what a surprise."
"A good one I hope?"
"Maybe. What are you doing here? This is a hospital."
"I'm well aware what this place is."
"Really? Because here people try and save lives, you try and take them."
Klaus, not at all deterred by what she said grinned, "Well I think it might interest you to know that I am here to help possibly save lives."
"Why do I doubt that?"
"You doubt me?"
"C'mon Maddie."
"You called me Maddie," she used her shocked voice. "Wow. We should throw a party or something."
"Right. Now is my brother doing?"
"I haven't seen him."
"Right, you just got back from your college trip. Tell me, how was it?"
"Great. I love North Carolina."
"Yes, it is quite lovely. However, you still need to travel down to New Orleans. See what it has to offer."
"I will."
"Now, I have to go but it was a nice chat." He turned from her and began walking. She looked at her phone quickly. She still had about forty-five minutes until lunch with her dad.
"WAIT!" Klaus stopped. "Well where are you going?"
"Nosy, aren't we?"
"Ha ha. Let's put it this way I have some time to kill and if you say you might be saving lives I want to know how."
"You know, I have my honorable moments."
"I'm sure they are few and far between though so I have to see this." She kept pace with him. "Where are you going?"
Klaus didn't respond, but she knew he heard her. Even if he didn't have supernatural hearing his sly smirk gave it away. He continued to walk until he entered a storage closet. There weren't many people around. It wasn't near a hectic part of the hospital. As they entered Maddie looked around. She couldn't see anything spectacular about the place. He walked behind a few of the shelves. She couldn't even see the door anymore.
"This is how you're saving people?" Klaus smirked, turning to face her. "Hanging around in a supply closet. I'm so impressed."
"You lack faith in me."
"I don't know if she has faith in anyone." Said a third party. A third unwelcome party.
She felt herself get tense immediately. "What is he doing here?" She didn't take her eyes off of Klaus as she asked.
"Relax, I'm the one who invited him." Damon said. "Technically, I didn't really invite you I wanted Tyler."
"And he was unavailable," Klaus commented.
"What is she doing here?"
"She brought herself."
"I didn't know he was going to be here," she gave her best glare to Klaus. Of course, he left out the fact that Damon would be there. It was such a Klaus thing to do.
"Relax Maddie," she finally made eye contact with Damon. "I would never hurt you."
"I've heard that before," she said crossing her arms. "What are we even doing here?"
"Setting up the guy who shot Tyler."
She remembered hearing about that. Tyler getting shot at the funeral for the council members who had died in the fire. "Why would someone want to shoot Tyler anyways?"
"Because he's a vampire hunter."
"Yes, a vampire hunter."
"Always something in this fucking town," she muttered. "But why are we in he-," before she could finish Damon had his hand around her mouth. She glared up at him and was going to fuss when she heard it. Someone had come in. She relaxed slightly but slapped Damon's hand gently. She didn't want to make noise and ruin whatever plan was in motion. Damon removed his hand quickly. She glared at him but he only smiled at her.
They listened. All Maddie could hear was quiet. And the sound of her breathing. But then she heard it. Light but there. Footsteps.
"Is the hospital really the best place for a germaphobe?" Someone asked. She immediately looked to Damon. Germaphobe didn't sound like a word in Klaus' vocabulary.
Damon stepped out from his spot. "Did I say that I was a germaphobe? Sorry," she knew he was smiling, "I meant vampire."
Walking out a little, she looked to see this mysterious vampire hunter. He was definitely tall. Bald. Dark skinned. Her mouth opened in shock when he pulled out what looked to be a gun, but before he could do anything something shot out and was in his arm. The gun falling to the ground. Looking around she noticed that Klaus was no where to be seen. The hunter bent down only to have an arrow in his other arm.
"Ooh," said Damon. He moved into a relaxing position watching. "Stings, doesn't it?"
The hunter reached down to grab the gun back, but it was kicked away just in time. Klaus. "Hello mate."
The hunter groaned in agony. He was trying to remove the arrows. Feeling safe Maddie came out of her little hiding position. She stood next to Damon who spoke, "Keep it up buddy, we'll be scraping you off the ceiling."
The hunter finally spoke again, "You two are going to kill me anyway."
"Well let's not get hasty, I feel like we're just getting to know each other."
The hunter looked away from Klaus. He then looked at Damon before his eyes landed on Maddie, "What are you doing here?"
She frowned. She didn't know him. She didn't want him thinking she was a vampire either though. It was a common thing, people rising from the dead and all. Ghosts coming back. She wasn't trying to be haunted for being nosy.
"Don't talk to her," snapped Damon. "Let's start with the basics. Where are you from? What do you know? Maybe you can cue me in on this greater evil because I fought this guy and there's not thing more evil than that."
Klaus grinned, taking the sheet of paper Damon had in his hands, "Yeah truth be told I'm as evil as it gets."
"I'm not telling you anything," said the hunter. He looked between Damon and Stefan, "You think if you kill me it's going to be over? There's another waiting to take my place."
"See this is what I like to hear. Vague threats. Ominous prophecies. Disappearing tattoos."
Klaus smile was immediately off. "What do you mean tattoos?"
"Don't bother you can't see the damn thing."
"I don't like the sound of that," Maddie said aloud.
The hunter moved one of his hands and dropped his face. Klaus walked closer and crouched down slightly. "There's more to you than meet's the eye, isn't there?" In a flash the hunter moved, but Klaus caught his arm. Maddie could see he had a stake in his hand. "Nice try. But I'm faster than your average vampire." He then twisted his arm before taking the stake, examining it.
"Guys," Maddie said. The hunter was moving and messing with stuff. She didn't like it.
The hunter looked at her, "What's your name?"
No one said anything. Klaus finally spoke, "You're one of the five."
"Guys," Maddie tried again.
"The what?" Damon asked.
The hunter finally spoke again, "I'm faster than your average hunter." With that he began pulling on something but before she could blink she was out of the room. As she was moved at wind speed she had time to hear the explosion. She could also see Damon laying on the ground. She caught a quick glance of Klaus before he disappeared, with the hunter. He saved them. Both of them. But why the huter?
"You alright?" Damon asked, quickly coming over to her.
She nodded, "Yeah."
"Good." His eyes stayed on her for a moment. "Go, get out of here." He didn't need to tell her twice.
Once dinner was over she helped her mom wash the dishes. Her father was still at the hospital. Instead of going right back upstairs she went into the living room with her mom. Her backpack was down there so the two watched TV while Maddie finished up her homework at the same time. When it was close to ten she decided to go back upstairs. Opening her door, she dropped her backpack off to the side before looking straight ahead. Elijah.
She practically ran over to him and jumping in his arms. "I missed you."
"I missed you to," he said, kissing the side of her head.
The smile still on her face, she kissed him after he kissed the side of her head. She could feel him smirking against her lips. She didn't care though. It had been so long since she kissed him. Well, four days but still. She missed him. He kissed her back gently, his hand cupping the side of her head, his fingers running through her hair.
Elijah pulled away, "How was your trip?"
"Amazing?"
"Yeah."
"Yeah."
"I take it you enjoyed North Carolina."
"I loved it. It's my favorite school."
"It's definitely great."
"You've been."
He laughed, "I'm over a thousand years old."
"Of course. Silly me." Taking his hand, she led him to her seat by the widow and she sat down next to him, "How have you been?"
"Fine."
"Really?" She studied him. Something was definitely on his mind.
"Really."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No, not really."
She didn't say anything but she tried not to let her face fall. This was one of the difficult parts of their relationship. Talking. Sometimes it came easy and other times it was like pulling teeth. He would give in and talk to her about stuff and it seemed like the next minute he was pulling away from her.
She tried a different approach, "Well while I've been away what's been going on here?" They hadn't spoken much besides his good morning and good night texts to her. She found them incredibly sweet.
Elijah looked at her face. She tried to keep it neutral. After about fifteen seconds he smiled down at her, "What is it that you want to know?"
"What happened while I was gone?" She didn't want to ask specific details. She wanted to see how much he would actually tell her.
"How much do you already know?"
She bit the inside of her cheek, trying to hide her smirk. "Not the whole story. Which is why my awesome boyfriend is going to tell me." He gave her a side look. She thought she saw him trying to contain a smile though. "You don't even have to give me the full version. You can give me the Elijah version."
"The Elijah version?"
She nodded, "Yeah, the one where you tell me the story and then at the end you help me forget it by kissing me." She moved her face closer to his, "And maybe doing some other things to me." She moved closer, her lips near his ear, "Naughty things."
"How naughty?"
"Very naughty," she spoke wiggling her eyebrows. "But of course, you'd have to tell me first what's going on."
"I'm sure you know Elena is a vampire."
"Yes, and how the hell did that happen?"
"Well Tyler, Stefan and Damon used a desiccation spell on my brother. Instead of throwing his body somewhere at sea, Elena called me. She wanted me to have it, as long as I wouldn't revive him. I was to let her live a long and happy life with her children. But, Alaric ended up getting ahold to his body and stabbed it with a white-oak stake."
"Then how is he still alive?"
"I'm not clear on all of the details, I stopped asking questions after a while. I believe it has something to do with your cousin. Anyways, Rebekah was so distraught that she went and stood on the bridge when your friend Matt and Elena were driving. He swerved to avoid her and the car went into the water."
"Matt?!" Holy shit, Matt! She hadn't even had a change to really talk to him today. With everything that happened at school. She could now understand why he didn't want to see Rebekah in class.
"He's fine. Stefan saved him at the request of Elena. She however drowned and with her death came Alaric's."
"Ric is dead?"
He nodded, "Yes."
Ric was dead. Gone. And all because his life had been tied to Elena's. She shook her head without really meaning to. He hadn't been a bad person at all. Ric had deserved to live. He deserved a life. But he never got it. "I don't know what to say."
"I'm sure you've heard about the council."
"Yes, and Tyler getting shot by the hunter at the funeral." She noted.
"Why do I feel like you know more about that subject?"
She looked at him before looking at her hands in her lap. Instead of letting her stare blankly, Elijah grabbed her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. "Don't do that."
"Why not?"
"Because," she slightly blushed, "now I want to tell you everything."
"As you should."
"But you won't like it."
"No, I probably won't. But I'm not your father, I'm your, what's the term, boyfriend?" He smirked at the end. "No secrets between us."
She laughed a tad, "Yeah, no secrets." She looked past him at the wall before meeting his gaze again. "My dad asked me to have lunch with him today. Of course, I said yes and I planned to hang out at the nurse's station but then I saw Klaus. He said he was going to do something good so I followed him. We went to this storage closet of sorts and Damon was there. And then the hunter came in." Elijah tensed. "Um, they were able to corner him and talk to him and then Klaus said something weird."
"What do you mean weird."
"Something about him being a part of the five? I think that was it. I'm not sure." If she thought that he was tense before, he was definitely tense now. "What's the matter?"
"Are you sure he said the five?"
She nodded, "I'm pretty sure."
Elijah immediately stood. "I need to go speak to my brother."
She got to her feet as well and grabbed his arm, "Wait! Don't leave. At least not now. Wait until I'm asleep or something."
Elijah looked at her, his eyes warming when he saw her face. "Anything for you."
She grinned, "Alright. I'm just going to take a shower and then I'll be right back." She began to walk away from him towards her door before she stopped. Turning her body to the side she kept her grin on her face, "You know if you'd like you could always join me."
"Tempting. But not tonight."
"Buzz kill."
"Go take your shower."
She lowered her voice tone to a whisper, "Yes sir."
"Ex matasos. Ex matasos, vadamos. Ex matasos cas nast." A fire immediately emerged. Light now shining through the dark forest. Bonnie Bennett, on her knees, continued to chant. "Ex matasos. Ex matosos nos de cas." Even as the thunder began she stayed in place. Nothing was happening. She could feel her nose beginning to bleed but she ignored it. She had to keep going.
She chanted louder, harder. More fire came, more thunder. Her nose continued to bleed but she wasn't going to allow that to deter her. Not tonight. She needed to do this. Not only for herself but for him. continuing her chanting she raised her head from it's position. She had been looking at the ground but now she looked at the tombstone. His tombstone. She stared hard at the name that was displayed.
Alaric Saltzman.
"Rebekah?"
The moment Maddie pulled into the driveway she made out someone on her porch. At first, she wasn't sure who it was. Because of the hair she thought it might have been Caroline but once she walked up she saw that it was only Rebekah.
"We're friends!" Rebekah stated. Confusion was all over Maddie's face. "I mean I know in the beginning you didn't like me and all but that's changed right. We're friends now?"
Maddie smiled, "Yes Rebekah, we are friends." Turning towards her door she found her house key and unlocked it. Walking in she held the door open, "Come on in." Rebekah walked in, following Maddie into her living room. Maddie sat on the couch while Rebekah stood awkwardly. As if she didn't know if she was allowed to sit or not. "You can have a seat."
She sat across from her, looking around. "So many pictures." She commented. "Family pictures. Must be nice to have that."
"Yeah, it is." After she said it she felt awful. It was obvious something had happened and now Rebekah was here, seeking comfort. Talking about how great her family was definitely wouldn't help. "What happened?"
"Nik used me!" She yelled out, "He used me! He convinced Stefan to tell me he wanted my forgiveness but instead he just used me."
"I thought you two were getting along."
"After he snapped my neck, no!"
"He snapped your neck?"
"Yes. He never told me about his plan. After I watched Alaric kill him I was distraught. I mean he's my brother. I've been with him for centuries. Good and bad, it was always me that stuck around for him. Not Elijah, not Kol, not Finn, me. So, when I got captured by the council with Caroline and he saved her and not me, I was …," she couldn't' find the right word.
"Pissed?"
"Yes. I destroyed the last of Elena's blood so he couldn't make anymore hybrids. He told me I was nothing to him and then snapped my neck."
Maddie had no idea how to console her. All she could say was, "Wow."
"And then today he tells me that the five is still in existence."
"What the hell is the five?" Maddie asked.
Rebekah finally looked at her. "The brotherhood of the five was a group of vampire hunters."
"So, like Alaric?"
"No. They were skilled."
"Right." She didn't say anything more but she thought Ric was pretty skilled at what he did. She hadn't seen him in action a lot but from what she had seen she thought he was impressive.
"Where did you meet them?" Maddie moved legs up onto the couch, getting comfortable.
"It was the twelfth century. We were in Italy."
"You and Klaus?"
"And Elijah."
"Klaus, always a show off was eating and turning people left and right. He had no sense of preservation. And then Kol was off in the east doing the same thing. Some people were beginning to take notice."
"Hence the five?"
Rebekah nodded, "Yes. The first time we saw Alexander," Maddie wondered who this Alexander person was, but she kept quiet, "he was showing off. He had captured a vampire and let it go in the daylight. Obviously, he died from the sun. But after that, he came up to me. Kissed my hand. Whisked me away." She noticed how Rebekah was looking in her direction, however she wasn't really looking at her. She was obviously remembering that had happened so long ago. "I fell for him, but you probably new that already, right?"
"No, I didn't."
"Well now you know, stupid Rebekah! Always falling for it. She's weak just because she wants to be loved, wants to be accepted." She watched as Rebekah wiped a tear from her eye. Getting up, she immediately went and grabbed her tissues from the kitchen. When she got back she had even more tears falling down her face. Rebekah took the tissues and wiped her face, Maddie patted her back before going back to her seat.
Maddie let the silence go on for a moment before speaking, "I don't think it's stupid. To look for love. To want love and with that acceptance. Besides, at the end of the day isn't that what everyone wants?"
"I guess you could say it is."
"If you don't want to talk about this anymore we don't have to. I'm sure pizza and a movie will get your mind off of it."
"No. I want to tell you." Leaning against the couch Maddie nodded. Rebekah took a breath before resuming with the story, "Where was I? Oh right, Alexander. I fell for him, thought he loved but he was just playing me. He stabbed my one night. Right through the heart. When I woke up he was dead, hanging from the wall. Nik was there though. Screaming at me."
"Screaming at you?"
"He wanted to know what Alexander promised me. Why would I ever fall for someone unless they promised me something?" Her voice was laced with sarcasm.
"Did he promise you something?" Rebekah's eyes snapped to Maddie's face. "I'm not judging, I'm just curious."
A moment went by before she spoke, "Yes. He did. A cure."
"A cure?"
Rebekah nodded, staring off into the distance, "A cure."
"If you don't mind me asking, what's the cure?"
"A weapon." Maddie's eyebrows raised. "A weapon that can end the vampire species."
"So what you're telling me is that there is a way to cure vampirism?"
Again, Rebekah nodded, "That's correct."
Maddie didn't know what to say. So instead she, like Rebekah, decided to stare of into the distance. The silence welcoming.
"Knock knock."
"Come in."
Janette entered Maddie's room, looking around. It was the same as she had left it when she re-did it for her birthday. Maddie was sitting at her desk, on her laptop. "What are you up to?"
"Homework."
Janette walked up behind Maddie, looking at her computer screen, "Looking at student reviews about North Carolina is not homework." The week was over and the weekend was now almost up. Maddie was still raving about North Carolina.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." She turned in her chair to face her mom, "Mom it's amazing. If I get in I want to go there."
"You still have some other schools to look at."
"I don't want another school. I want this one."
"Well, we'll see what happens."
"What did you need?"
"Can't a mother just spend some time with her daughter."
"She can, but when that mother rarely comes upstairs the daughter wonders what she needs."
"You aren't funny." Janette said with a frown that ended up turning into a smile. "I need you to pick if your sister from the airport."
"When is she getting in?"
"Next week."
Maddie looked over at the calendar she had above her desk. "What day?"
"She's going to be getting in sometime next week. She told me she booked her flight, I believe it will be on a Tuesday or Wednesday. She has a final and then she plans to leave campus for the airport right after."
Maddie nodded, "No problem. Just give me a date and I will be there."
"Thanks. Any idea what you want for dinner?"
Maddie thought about it for a moment, "Surprise me. Is dad home?"
"He is on his way now. He just texted."
Maddie nodded, "Alright. You can leave my door open when you leave."
"Kicking me out already?" The two of them laughed together.
"Hey Matt."
"Oh, hey Maddie."
"Where were you first period?" Maddie shrugged off her backpack, dropping it to the floor, before getting in her seat next to Matt.
"I came in late. Overslept."
She studied his face, "Is everything alright?"
He didn't respond to her, however she continued to stare. After she realized he wasn't blinking she tapped his shoulder. Matt blinked twice before turning his head to her. "Yeah?"
"You alright? You zoned out."
"Yeah, sorry. I just have a lot on my mind."
"Well do you want to talk about?"
He began to shake his head but then he stopped, "Actually I would, but I can't with you."
"Why not?"
"Besides the fact that you basically hate all of my friends," he laughed a tad, "I know you don't want to me mixed up in all of this."
"Whether I want to or not, it seems I always end up finding out anyways. So, tell me. I promise to try and keep my criticism about your friends to a minimum."
Matt looked over his shoulder, and then looked around the room. Once he seemed satisfied he turned back to Maddie, leaning in he said, "Connor took us captive."
"Connor?" The look that came across Matt's face made her move back slightly, "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I know you've been staying out of it but you haven't heard of him yet? He shot Tyler."
"The hunter?" She questioned. "That's his name? Connor?" Matt nodded. "Oh, I've met him."
"At the hospital with Damon and Klaus." She could see from Matt's face that he didn't know what she was talking about. "I'll explain later. But what happened? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No, Stefan got us out of there."
"Finally, he is useful for something." Matt laughed, "By us who did you mean?"
"April and myself."
"April?"
"April Young."
A frown came over Maddie's face. The name sounded so familiar to her. She just couldn't put a face to it. "Why do I know that name?"
"Pastor Young was her father."
Recognition now covered her features, "Oh my god! How is she doing?" She immediately felt bad for April. Her mother had died and then she went off to boarding school. Now her father was gone to.
"She's alright. Caroline was able to compel her."
"Right because compulsion is just the way to solve everyone's problems." Compulsion. She despised it. She understood that at times it was necessary, but it always seemed to cause more harm than good.
"You been compelled or something?"
"If I have I don't remember."
"Right. Well I'll tell you first hand that it sucks."
Yet you allowed April to go through it, she though bitterly. She didn't feel like arguing. "I'm just glad you're alright. But watch out for Connor. He's dangerous." She got the chills, remembering the way he looked at her when they had met.
"He won't be a problem anymore."
"Is he dead?"
Matt nodded, "Elena killed him."
"Surprised she hasn't killed me yet."
"Damon would never let her do that." She scoffed. "I know you hate him. You have every right to after everything that he has put you through. But whether you want to admit it or not, he does care about you."
She thought about the way Damon had thrown Stefan, the night of the decade dance. Then she thought about how he had told her to run after Connor had tried to blow them all up. And she knew from his birthday card that he still cared about her. But sometimes that just wasn't enough.
"Where is Rebekah?!" She hadn't seen her since she had confessed about the five to her.
"Nice to see you too," Klaus spoke, annoyance laced in his tone. He didn't even bother to look at her.
"It's great to see you. Where have you been? Oh wait, I don't care. Now where is your sister?"
Klaus still had has back turned, "Any reason in particular you're looking for her."
"Would you just tell me where she is?"
She watched as his tensed body language dropped. As he spoke, his voice lowered, "Rebekah will no longer be a problem."
Maddie let out a fake laugh, "You mean you daggered her." He didn't answer, "Really Klaus?!"
"I couldn't have her interfering with my plans. Although it does seem like a waste of time. Considering Stefan allowed Elena to run wild and kill the hunter."
"Forget the hunter!" She snapped, "You daggered your sister."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Klaus spoke casually.
She walked up to him and put her hand on his shoulder, turning him around to face her. Klaus glared at her. If she wasn't comfortable around him she would have peed him her pants. "Easy love. If you push I might forget that you're my brother's lover."
She felt like slapping him with something. "Not funny! Un-dagger Rebekah."
"Not happening."
"See, that's your problem right there! You use your siblings like checkerboard pieces. As soon as one pisses you off, or you need them out of the way you dispose of it."
"I don't really think that was a good comparison." Klaus spoke, looking down at her. His features did soften a little bit. "Not that it's not cute, but why are you here? Fighting for my sister."
"Because I'm her friend," she held his eye. "And at the end of the day isn't that just what everyone wants? Someone to fight for them?"
Klaus didn't respond. He did however think about what she said. "I'm not going to stand here and argue with you. But one day, when you need her, she won't be there for you. Yes, she can be, well herself," Klaus snorted, "but she isn't a bad person. Especially if she keeps sticking around for you."
"Maybe she won't be there, what do I care?"
"You care."
"I don't," he insisted. "I'm a hybrid, I don't care about anyone."
"You're impossible," she told him before turning on her heel. She was ready to leave. Before she could leave the room, she stopped, and turned back to Klaus. "You know that night, at the dance, when you said you were watching me for Elijah?" Klaus just nodded. "Instead of blaming it on Elijah, you could have just said you wanted me around because I am your friend. And whether you like to admit it or not, you are mine, and you care about what happens to me."
Klaus stared at her and by the time he opened his mouth to respond she was gone.
The sun was shining bright in the sky. The few customers that were inside of the Mystic Grill could tell from the way it beamed through the blinds. Damon Salvatore wandered to the bar. Looking at the bar tender he said, "Bourbon." As the bartender went to pour the drink he spoke, "Make that two."
Matt, who had been watching came over, "Still saving a spot for Mr. Saltzman, huh?"
"Say I'm in the market for a new drinking buddy. You're not qualified."
"You're in the market for a friend," Matt noted. "You know, since you messed up things with Maddie."
"Watch it Donovan."
"I know that you don't like me," Matt said, ignoring Damon's warning. "But I dug up some stuff about the explosion, at the Young farm. I kind of need to tell someone about." Damon gave him a look to proceed. "So April mentioned that her dad new the professor Shane guy. Which wouldn't be creepy, except he had all that info about the hunter's curse. And we live in a town where anybody who knows stuff is creepy, until proven otherwise."
"You're on the verge of impressing me. Drive it home."
"I got the sheriff to dig up the pastor's phone records. Turns out, he made like a call a day to the same number the last month that he was alive. And on the day that the council got blown up at the farm, he called it ten times." Matt knew he definitely had Damon's full attention now. "The office of professor Atticus Shane."
"Good work kid." Matt just gave him a look. "Was there anything else you wanted to share?"
"I want you to make up with Maddie."
"Now you're stepping on uncharted territory."
"I'm serious."
Damon rolled his eyes before taking a drink, "Don't you think I've tried."
"I think you settled. I think that as much as she tells you she doesn't want you in her life she does. She's hurt, and she has every right to be." Matt stayed a moment before he took a step away.
"Donovan." Matt stopped, "How is she doing?"
"She's Maddie." He said, before walking away. Damon sat in silence, finishing his bourbon.
"He's right you know."
Damon stopped. He knew that voice. But it was impossible. He let his head drop back, "Ugh, don't tell me we have a ghost problem again." He then whipped his head to the left.
And standing there, just like that was, Alaric Saltzman.
"You wish I was a ghost."
Thank you all for the favorite, likes/alerts and reviews! They are very appreciated.
Hope you enjoy this chapter! :)
In this chapter ... Maddie loves North Carolina and wants to go there. She see's Klaus at the hospital and follows him. Rebekah tells her about the brotherhood of the five.
Next chapter ... Cordelia is back!