Letters to Juliet
Dear Jeremy,
I don't know how this is possible. Any of it. I mean, sure. I guess you could say that anything is possible in the world that we live in. What a screwed up world, right? Anyways, I'm going to allow myself the joy and hope that it is really you. I woke up in the Mystic Woods a day or two ago with the clothes that I slept in the night in my bedroom the night I disappeared on. I met a family, the Drauts. They're very nice. They have even let me stay at their house until I can get on my feet. Or at least until I figure out how to get out of here. Has Bonnie found anything out? These corsets are killing me. And Rachel insists that I wear one. I think I might just get ready in private and wear a bra. I'm already skinny!
I met Damon and Stefan last night. I think it was a welcome home ball for the soldiers, but I don't really remember too well. All I remember is being invited by Stefan and spending the entire night with his brother. They're nicer as humans you know. Not that they weren't awesome before... or after... but it's nice to be in the company of someone you know won't hurt you. After all, how many times have I almost died because of their careless vampire morals? Okay, well, Stefan isn't that bad. Which explains why I'm with him. But Damon could use some help. Make sure they stay in line while I'm here, okay, Jer?
Love,
Elena
Elena,
I will. But I'm not promising anything. Damon says he doesn't need to be looked after, and even though Stefan didn't say anything, I know he was thinking it. I'd just trust them if I were you, El. All they want to do is protect you. We met with Katherine. She was the one who stuck you in the 1800s, although we're not too sure she will get you out. However, she did say the spell can be undone at the next full moon. We're going to try to find a stronger source to get you out sooner. Hang in there.
- Jeremy
Dear Jeremy,
"Hanging in there" is actually a lot harder than you would think. Today the Drauts left me home alone as they went off on family business. It gets kind of boring here, seeing how I don't have any friends in this time period. And I don't know the human Stefan and Damon enough to just arrive at their home. But I guess it isn't that bad. I've found that the Draut's horse, Ellie, is a wonderful listener. How pathetic, right? Talking to animals? I think I'm going insane. Earlier today I began sewing. Sewing, Jeremy! Since when have I ever liked sewing, or knitting, or anything having to do with yarn? And on top of it all, I'm using a quill pen. I thought people in this era had metal pens. Wait... was that just the rich people? Wow. Now I can't even remember History lessons. This is really sad, Jer. I don't like one bit of it. I'm all alone in a house that has no air conditioning, and I feel like my entire life is falling apart. Please get me home. I miss you.
Hurry,
Elena
Elena,
Please don't freak out on me. I know this is hard, but we're doing the best we can. Jeremy is off at school. He said something about being behind and that he didn't want to disappoint you while you're away. We came up with the story of you being away visiting family in Denver. It may be lame, but it's the best we've got right now. Am I being difficult? Because I was quite annoying as a human. Not forward enough. I miss you. I guess it's good that I'm with you in some way, even though I can't really tell. We are beginning to develop memories of you being in our past, which is good and bad. Good because I get to see your face. Bad because that means history is beginning to alter. If we don't get you out of there soon, our entire life could turn upside down. I don't know how far it could go. But there is one thing that I know for certain. I will not stop until you are safe. I will do anything to keep you in my arms, Elena.
Stefan
Dear Stefan,
I am doing as well as I possibly can, Stefan. I'm trying not to think too much about it, but every morsel in my body is steering me towards the fact that I don't have you to protect me. You are human where I am. You are gentle and kind, much like you are as a vampire, but warmer. I don't know. Something about you as a human makes me feel alive... but also a little vulnerable. Without your ability to protect me... I am completely open for any attacker. I have no means of protecting myself. But I try not to think about it. Damon is different though. He has came to visit a couple times, just to talk or have some tea. And it's helpful. I need a little relaxation to sooth my nerves. He even gave me this journal, which I am now extremely grateful for because now I get to talk to you. I love you, Stefan. And I miss you more than ever. Please try and find out what is going on. I am all alone and I'm scared. The Drauts should be home in a few days. But I cannot wait that long. This house is so quiet. So empty. I have no where to go and nothing to do. The only thing that occupies my time is talking to you and yours and Damon's occasional visits. I can't last much longer.
Love,
Elena
Just as she had wrote in the journal, Elena sat in her bedroom, the house completely silent. The only sound to pierce the air was her quiet breathing and the occasional winey coming from the stables. She rested on her bed in her pajamas, her journal clutched tight to her chest as thoughts swirled around in her head. It had been a week since Jeremy had first messaged her. Just after the picnic in Town Square. Elena could remember opening her journal to begin an entry and seeing the barely legible penmanship. She knew it was her brother right off the bat.
She wasn't about to question the possibility of this. It was a way to contact her family and friends, and Elena wasn't going to turn down that opportunity. But to her, none of this made sense. If Katherine had been the cause of her being in 1863, she was up to something. Though... what would getting Elena out of the way do? It's not like she was a threat to her. Elena couldn't even bruise Katherine's ego. There was no possible way she could stop her from doing anything.
Pushing the thought aside, Elena placed the journal on her current bed and slipped off of the edge. Her bare feet against the cool wooden floor was refreshing to her. Elena's whole being was instantly soothed, the chill of the ground calming her nerves just slightly. The silence brought the ringing in her ears that annoyed her the most. It made her feel more alone than she had before. And for the first time in a long time, Elena felt empty.
Elena ventured through the halls of the Draut's home, observing the intricate patterns in the wallpaper; the flowers that aligned the borders and were dappled with the same sapphire hue that coated the walls. The borders were the perfect shade of white, not a spot of dirt on the finish, proving how tidy the family really was. A small chandelier hung in the center of the hallway, illuminating every corner of the small area. The household was not a big one, so it was quick to get from point A to point B. However, Elena always took her time, marveling at the beautiful architecture that belonged to the old ages she currently resided in. Everything was so much more beautiful than she thought it to be, making her stay in this time period somewhat bittersweet.
The doppelganger made her way silently to the kitchen, her stomach yelling at her for skipping lunch. She was too busy looking through the books that Rachel owned to even consider eating. The friendly family had given her permission to eat whatever she'd like. There wasn't much to pick from, but honestly Elena didn't mind. She was just glad the family had found her. If not for them, she would probably be out in the night, scavenging like an animal. Which wouldn't turn out well for her. Stefan had told her that Mystic Falls was flooding with vampires in these years. They'd all be out looking for an easy target. Luckily, she was in a household that didn't belong to her. No vampire can get inside...
Unless of course, they've already been invited in.
A quiet rapping at the door echoed through the still house, cutting off Elena's thoughts. She hadn't been expecting anybody, but she knew who it probably was. So she quietly approached the large wooden door and pulled it open, somewhat nervous. Elena wore her clothes from 2013. To anyone in these times, she was in her undergarments. Biting her lip, she widened the door to see who stood before the home.
A man in his early 50's stood just outside the door, his features so obviously worn from previous years of life, a scar or two gracing his cheeks. He held a hat between his hands as he greeted Elena, trying not to look at her attire. "Good evening, miss. My name is Giuseppe Salvatore. I'm here on behalf of my sons."
Elena's breath caught in her throat as she took in the visitor's words, her entire being frozen where she stood. As she looked closer, she could see Stefan in his eyes and feel the kindness radiating off of him as it does Stefan. Everything about his persona screamed Stefan, reminding her very much of him. But his stature was strong, his shoulders and chest broad as Damon's is. He was tall and lean, but Elena could tell he was stronger than he appeared and had experience that she hadn't. Much like Damon, he had an arrogant charm to him, as well as a confident smile.
She quickly opened the door the rest of the way and took a respectful step back. "Yes, of course. Please, come in and get comfortable. I will be just a moment."
After showing her visitor to the living room, Elena rushed upstairs to put something on that was considered decent in the 1800s. She went straight to Rachel's room and grabbed a rosy silk nightgown that was form fitting and fell right below the knees. Once she had slipped on a plush white cardigan, Elena made her way calmly back to Giuseppe.
He was seated across from the fireplace, which he took to himself to light. His glossy eyes watched the flames flicker with childlike wonder, as if he had never seen fire before. He seemed to be thinking of something that he was not before. However, the moment he heard her approach, Giuseppe straightened, bringing himself back into reality. A relieved smile inches across his stony features as he sees Elena in proper clothing and summons for her to join him by the fire.
"Now, you are the mistress Elena Gilbert, correct?" The eldest Salvatore's brows furrow as he asks the simple question, watching Elena as she sits across from him.
Elena nods, trying not to seem overwhelmed that she was sitting before the very man that Stefan had killed. The one who wanted to kill him too. "Yes, sir."
"But you are in no relation to Johnathon Gilbert?"
She shakes her head in reply, her pony tail flicking this way and that. "I came from out of town. Well, I got lost. I was lucky that the Draut family found me."
Giuseppe offers a brief grin, nodding in agreement. "Indeed. Well now. I came on behalf of my sons, Damon and Stefan. They seem to have taken a liking to you."
A soft pink dapples across her olive cheeks at the mention of the Salvatore brothers. Elena smiles warmly as she tries to come up with a way to reply while sounding like she belonged there. "They are most kind to me."
"I am glad. Their mother spent most of her life teaching them to be proper gentlemen." He stated matter-of-factly.
"She has done a wonderful job."
"Elena," Giuseppe glances down for a brief moment, collecting his thoughts. "Are you aware of what resides in this town?"
Elena was about to say she knew all about the vampires, but then she realized that it wasn't the best idea to act like she knew everything and bring attention onto herself. Although everyone pretty much knew about them at the time, Elena couldn't show up and speak as if she had lived there all her life, even though she truly had. "Why, people Mr. Salvatore."
A light chuckle was emitted from Giuseppe's slightly chapped lips, obviously amused by her answer. "That's one thing. But what I mean, dearest Elena, is the darkness."
"There is a darkness that lives within these streets. It has been this way for many years. The nightfall brings a terror that you've never known. And trust me, Elena, you do not want to meet it. I am not trying to scare you. But you must be warned. If you are to be involved with my sons, there is no luring them out into the night. Do you understand?"
Giuseppe seemed to be a very good father, from what Elena had gathered. He was protective of his sons. But she was not the one that lived with him. For all she knows, there could be something entirely different occurring behind the walls of the Salvatore home.
"Of course. I understand perfectly, Mr. Salvatore." Elena nodded once to show her understanding to the man.
Giuseppe smiles, promptly getting to his feet and beginning to stride towards the door without question, Elena right on his heels to see him out. "It was a pleasure to meet you miss Elena."
He kindly took hold of her hand and simply held it between his own gloved hands without shaking it one bit. The gloves were cold to the touch and perhaps a bit damp, but Elena said nothing of it and just smiled in return. "The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Salvatore. I hope to see you soon."
And with that, he was gone. Elena glanced down at the hand that he had held, which was now slightly damp itself, and lifted it curiously to her nose. She breathed in ever so slightly to see what exactly it was that was on his gloves. The scent was musky, and smelled somewhat like roses, but with more of an edge to it.
Vervain.
She didn't think to watch Giuseppe walk home in order to insure his safety. The only thing Elena had on her mind was talking to Stefan, or Jeremy, or even Damon. Honestly, Elena didn't know what she would even say. It wouldn't be a surprise to the brothers that their father had doused her hand with vervain. He had every right to check her out and make sure his sons were safe. But Elena couldn't help but be afraid of the man. He was intimidating in every way, shape, and form. Perhaps it would be best not to come across him again.
Without blinking, she threw the wrap she wore onto Rachel's bed and stripped the gown off as quickly as possible, replacing them with her comfortable shorts and tank top. Elena scurried into the guest room that had been prepared for her, her mouse brown tresses falling out of the braid she had it safely knitted into. Her only thoughts were getting to the journal. And once she got to it, Elena completely ignored the reply that Stefan had so eagerly written for her doe eyes to be set upon.
Elena sucked in a deep breath, calming her nerves so her penmanship wouldn't be shaky. She didn't want to seem to upset to write. The thought of the Salvatore brothers across town from her rang through her head, her brows furrowing lightly. What if their father wasn't as nice to them as he his to her? Perhaps he doesn't beat them like a cruel man would do, but words hurt more than actions. Although, Elena knew the boys could hold their own. Even as humans, they're tough as nails.
With the thought clearing out of her mind, Elena began to write, not even bothering with the typical 'Dear Stefan' that she normally uses. Frustration filled her as the pen began to run out of ink, although she was able to finish the sentence with such brevity that she couldn't even finish off the rest of it. Once she was done, Elena collapsed onto the mattress, her eyelids sliding shut as she replays the day's events in her mind.
A/N
Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and whatever else I hit pause on this story for. This chapter was long overdue, so I hope you enjoy what little I came up with. Writer's block has an iron neck lock. Ouch. Anyways! Review, review, review! I love to hear your thoughts on the story.
~ Charlotte :)