Rebirth

Hayley ripped the side of the cradle from the base and flung it across the room. It shattered into pieces as the wood made contact with the wall, but she didn't even notice. She didn't care. She swept her arm across the shelf sending various objects onto the floor before she made her way back to the crib. She wanted it completely and utterly destroyed. Hayley tore the foot of the crib away and it collapsed. It was then that Elijah entered the room.

"Hey! Hayley, please!" he yelled as he tried to restrain her arms, but she was having none of that. She backed away from his grip, not wanting to be anywhere near him at the moment. He looked at her with concern and maybe a hint of pity, but all she could see was Francesca.

"I killed her," Hayley stated. She took in a shaky breath and clenched her teeth. "Francesca looked me in the eye and begged me for her life as I tore her apart." Hayley shook her head slightly and felt the lump in her throat begin to get bigger.

"But I don't feel better! I don't feel peace! I don't feel anything," she yelled while clenching the front of her shirt.

"It's perfectly natural given what you're experiencing-"

"Nothing about what I am, Elijah, is natural!"

"As a hybrid, you will begin to experience feelings with a greater intensity. It will take time to master control," Elijah tried to explain, but Hayley wouldn't listen. The tears started to build and all she could do was shake her head at him.

"I don't want to live like this, Elijah. I hate it!" she said. She paused and reflected on her time in the bayou. "When I was living with the Crescents in the bayou, I finally understood the... purity of being a wolf... the nobility." Hayley took another breath and collected herself somewhat.

"I killed eight wolves tonight before I got to Francesca. Eight of my own people. What's noble about that? I acted no better than a..."

"...Than a vampire?" Elijah finished for her, full of sorrow. For a moment, Hayley felt bad for what she had said, but it was the truth. She was a bloodthirsty, vicious beast that would prey on the innocent. She was a hybrid. She was Klaus.

"Everything has changed… and not just for me," she whispered as she stepped towards Elijah. He cocked his head at her wondering what she could possibly mean.

"I saw the way you looked at me before. And, I see the way you look at me now-"

"Stop."

Hayley was taken aback by his forcefulness of tone and the way that his demeanor immediately changed. The muscles in his jaw flexed and his eyes burned holes in her own.

"I know you are hurting, Hayley. I know you're confused and angry and upset, but don't you dare for one moment doubt what I feel for you," Elijah said sternly. His words struck a chord with her and her anger subsided, but the pain was still fresh in her heart.

"I'm different now. Everything is different," Hayley whispered. "I used to be a mother and now I'm a monster."

"Then what am I? A saint?" Elijah countered. He took a step towards her and slowly reached a hand out to touch her cheek. Hayley did not move, but flinched slightly as his hand grazed her face.

"Yes, you are different. You are a hybrid now and you have lost part of yourself," Elijah said. A tear fell down her face as he finished his sentence, but he brushed it away with his thumb. "But you are still you. You are still the brave, beautiful, selfless woman that I have grown to care for deeply. And nothing will ever change that."

A silence stood between the two as Hayley let silent tears roll down her cheeks. Damn that man and his impeccable word choice. Soon she found herself with her forehead on his shoulder as he enveloped her in his arms. She clutched onto him for dear life and the sobs began to rack her body, but he stood strong and solid for her. Elijah brushed his hand through her hair and pressed a delicate kiss to her temple.

"I don't know who I am anymore," Hayley whispered into his shoulder. Elijah shushed her and pulled away so he could look at her. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and looked at her with as much love and understanding as he possibly could.

"I do."

With that, he placed a gentle kiss to her forehead and ushered her out of the now destroyed nursery. Hayley turned at the door and took one last look at the damage, but Elijah positioned himself behind her so that her view was now blocked.

"Come. I'll deal with this. Undress and I'll run you a bath."