Chapter 3
Rose hadn't expected to see him. First of all, he was supposed to be dead but then again he was an original. Second, why would he bother coming to see her? She was dying. Was he coming to gloat?
She looked up at him and never blinked away from his gaze, holding it defiantly. She was still furious against him: he killed Trevor. But in her heart she felt a soft sense of happiness at seeing him by her side, alive.
-Can you do anything?
Rose recognized Elena's voice.
-You promised to protect my family and friends. She is my friend.
Stupid humans and their obsession for saving every soul. Rose thought but then again she envied the girl. God how much she would be willing to pay just to be human again?
-There is nothing I can do. Elijah said simply, still looking at her.
She closed her eyes. Of course. She was going to die, she knew it already. Suddenly she felt a hand on her cheek. She kept her eyes shut and leant unconsciously under the touch. Why was he so gentle? Was it true? Did he care?
She opened her eyes and looked at him. He was sad. He had tears steaming in his eyes. She wanted to wrap her arms around him and kiss him and tell him not to be sad. But she couldn't. Elijah, as if reading in her mind, bent down and closed the distant between them before planting a kiss on her lips. It was soft and gentle and fired electricity throughout her entire body. She had been dreaming of his lips on hers since that night at the party and it felt so good. He parted from her and kissed her forehead.
-Goodbye Rosemary. He said simply.
And he turned to leave. He walked around the bed and before heading towards the door, stopped next to Elena.
-Tell Damon it's useless to talk to the wolf: there's no cure. Tell him as well to stay out of trouble.
He was about to leave but Elena grabbed his hand and for a second she almost was scared that she had stepped out of the line. But she swallowed her fear.
-You care about her. She said trying to lower her voice but Rose could hear. She was still a vampire and not dead yet. She closed her eyes, still giving them her back.
-She is the only woman I have ever loved.
It surprised Elena.
-Then why?
He knew what she was asking and so did Rose. If you care so much, why did you spent 500 years hunting her to kill her?
-Family is family. Elijah said simply but a tear falling on his cheek betrayed him.
Elena was taken aback.
-I…I'm sorry.
-Don't let 'em see your tears. Rose's voice echoed, weakly.
She was still giving them her back but she knew, she could feel it. She coughed.
-No one is worthy enough of your tears.
Elijah turned away, he walked until he reached the front door of the boarding house. Elena who had followed him until the top of the stairs stood there, watching him. He opened the door and before disappearing a small "you are" escaped his lips. It was low but it was alright. He knew it had reached her ears and it did.
Rose closed her eyes and let a tear fall on her cheek as his words echoed in her mind. You are as well.