Chapter Sixteen. Best Served Cold.
Klaus dispatched his spies immediately to Mystic Falls. He wanted everything dug up on the doppelganger. Who she was, her friends, her family. Everything. That was Klaus. He was all about planning and preparation. He would not fuck it up, so to speak. Klaus had a large coven of witches but he would only need to bring Maddox and Greta with him. Werewolves were scarce but Greta had devised a spell to make them easier to track. She was a useful witch to Klaus and I supposed she was probably good in bed as well, but I knew there was more. I had a nagging feeling that Klaus cared about her and that made me worried. Part of me wanted her dead. And the other part just didn't give a damn.
Alexander found her charming. Greta was a flirt and it was obvious that even Alexander was bowled over. My son was sixteen going seventeen. Still in the throes of adolescence and raging hormones. I wondered if he was still a virgin. It was probably none of my business but I cared about him deeply. I also wondered of his love life and decided to ask Alexander straight out. He was playing his PS3 in my large apartment that afternoon. He hung out a lot there. I watched as he virtually drove an F1 car down the streets of Monte Carlo.
"Alex…do you have a girlfriend?" I asked as I flipped the pages of Glamour magazine.
"Yup…" He gave a nod.
"What's she like?" I asked my son.
"She's pretty, blonde blue eyed. She whines a lot and she wears too much make up but she's hot…People say we look like Barbie and Ken."
"Oh…" I uttered. I was surprised that Alexander would go for some Barbie doll type. I pursed my lips and realized that I actually wasn't that surprised. Of course Alexander would go for the hottest girl in school. "What's her name Alex?"
"It's Tamara or Tiffany or something…" He said easily.
"You don't know your girlfriend's name?" I stared at my son incredulously.
Alexander shrugged. "It's not serious Mom. I don't love her or anything. I'm still in high school. Father says that I need to weigh my options."
"Your father's a bastard." I said bitterly. Alexander laughed and looked at me. "But a powerful one Mom."
I sighed and looked at my son. "Don't you want to fall in love Alex?" I asked him. I snuggled close to him and Alexander leaned in my arms. I smiled as I ran my fingers through his hair.
"Love is for suckers…That's what Father says." He said. I chuckled and shook my head. I then kissed his cheek gently.
"Oh…Alex. You shouldn't listen to what your father says. He's not exactly the sharpest tool in the shed." I said wryly.
"How old were you when you met Father?" Alexander asked me.
"I was around your age…" I smiled at the memory. "Your father came to my house because his family wanted to ask for my sister's hand. His brother Elijah would later wed my sister. I came down the stairs because I was such a curious cat and then I bumped into him. I looked up and there he was smiling down at me."
"Was it like some corny Twilight movie moment where you fall in love at first sight?" Alexander asked and looked at me.
"Actually I didn't like your father at all. He wasn't my type. I prefer the tall, dark and handsome ones. Your father was cocky, arrogant and presumptuous…But he was so persistent. So your father seduced me and took my maidenhead one night…"
"Mom!" Alexander scowled. "I don't need to know that."
I rolled my eyes. "So Klaus ruined me and then he kidnapped me to church the next day and forced me to marry him…"
Alexander laughed. He then gave me cheeky smile that looked so much like Klaus'. "Father told me a different version…"
"Really?" I was rather curious. "What did he say?"
"He said when he first laid eyes on you, he knew nothing would be the same. He heard your heart beating and it calmed him down. He said he knew immediately that you were the One."
"Your father lied." I said and frowned. Alexander laughed as well. "That's what I thought…just seems a little too corny and romantic even for him."
I smiled at my son. He wasn't all Klaus. Maybe physically in looks. He had some of me as well. I'd like to think that his best attributes, Alexander got them from me. His sharp wit and his intelligent mind. I looked at Alexander closely and saw that he was wearing some silly bead necklace thing on his neck, same one that Klaus was sporting.
"What is this?" I asked my son as I held the necklace.
"Oh Greta gave it to me." He said with a shrug. I bit my bottom lip as my eyes glazed over in fury. Oh…That witch crossed the line. She could charm Klaus all she want but not my son. I would not have it.
"Take it off Alexander." I told him sharply.
"Mom!" He was surprised at my sudden rage. "It's just a gift she got from Trinidad…"
"I don't want that woman to give you anything. Do you understand me Alex? You don't accept any gifts from her."
Alexander just stared at me in disbelief. He saw how serious I was and nodded. I then pulled the necklace from him. I stormed into Klaus' room where Guess what? Greta was making herself comfortable lying in the chaise lounge, wearing only a silk robe reading the very same Glamour magazine I had read.
"You fucking bitch…" I said in a harsh, soft tone and stared at her. Greta looked up from her magazine and gave a surreptitious smile.
"What you do with Klaus is your business. But you leave my son alone! Do you understand me?" I strode right in and dropped the necklace right on Greta's lap.
"It's for Alexander's protection," Greta replied. She wasn't at all affected by my words. She looked at me in a rather haughty way. "Klaus wanted to make sure that his son is protected. The necklace is like an amulet."
"I don't care for the mumbo jumbo magic of yours, but if you ever talk to Alexander or even look at him in a disturbing way. I will crawl in the dead of night and slit your throat even with Klaus beside you…" I told her in a harsh, cold tone.
Greta gave a smile. It was obvious she wasn't threatened. She then gave a nonchalant sigh. "You know I wasn't the one to come to Klaus. He came to me..."
"You can have Klaus Greta! I don't care. Just leave my son alone!" I warned her.
I saw that smug look on her face. He'll get tired of you anyway…He always does. See Greta, I've been with Klaus for so long...his mistresses come and go. In the end, he'll come back to me…like he always does. I wanted to say that but I didn't. There was no point really. I didn't really care anymore. I hadn't for quite a while. Let Klaus do as he wished. My son was what mattered. Alexander. He was my whole world and Klaus, he was just an afterthought I supposed.
Klaus came into my room later that evening. I refused to come down for dinner. He stalked in, dressed in a white tuxedo silk shirt and jeans. He stared at me as I watched the TV, not even acknowledging his presence.
"What did you say to her?" Klaus demanded. He sounded really angry. "To Greta?"
I rolled my eyes and pressed the remote control, switching the channels to watch Desperate Housewives. Klaus got annoyed that I was ignoring him. He came in and snatched the remote from my hands.
"Elly. I asked you a question..." Klaus said sternly and looked at me.
"I told her to leave Alexander alone." I spat back.
"She's only trying to help. The amulet will protect Alexander." Klaus sighed. "Now she's upset...and she's packing her things."
"So I hurt her feelings...Big fucking deal..." I said angrily.
"I want you to apologize to her." Klaus told me icily. I saw the look in his face. He wasn't kidding.
"Are you crazy Niklaus?" I screamed. I scoffed at the thought of it. He wanted me to apologize to his mistress. Has he gone insane? I would never! Not in a million years…
"I'm not kidding Elly!" He bellowed and I stared at him as he continued in clipped tones. "You will go to Greta tonight and say that you're sorry. And then you will behave yourself whenever you're around her."
"I would rather die..." I seethed in anger.
"Do you think I'm just going to let you disobey me?" Klaus demanded, eyes staring coldly at me.
"I don't care Klaus. I will not apologize to that whore of yours!" I screamed. He grabbed my arm and pulled me up from the sofa.
His angry face bobbed right in front of me. "You will apologize Elly. I will not lose one of best witches just because you threw a tantrum!"
I struggled in his grasp and managed to move away from Klaus. I was about an arm's length from him and I saw the fury in his face. I didn't know why I did it. I just lunged at him and started slapping his face. I beat and punched his chest and clawed at him. Whatever anger, resentment, frustrations everything that I had kept inside just erupted with such rage and drama.
Klaus just stood there and let me hit him. He wasn't bruised at all of course. It was nothing to him. I didn't think he even felt any pain. I finally calmed myself down after a while. Klaus just held me in his arms. He let me recover from my rage. I breathed in and leaned against his body. It was quite cathartic actually. A good way to release whatever anger I had. My very own Original punching bag. I had been his for years anyway.
I looked at Klaus and smiled. "Fine I'll apologize…"
He gave me a doubtful look back, probably wondering why I had a change of heart. I didn't of course.
"On one condition. I don't want her to be in this house." I told Klaus.
"That is not possible!" He snapped and stared at me.
"She has her own apartment in the city Niklaus! Why must she stay here?"
"Because I want her to be here." Klaus told me.
"I don't want to be under the same roof with her!" I screamed and gave my ultimatum. "Either I move out or Greta does!"
"Fine…" Klaus said tersely. "You can have the apartment in the city Elly. You'll stay there temporarily with Alexander if you want…"
"Oh…" I uttered. I was surprised that he would choose Greta. But my marriage was over anyway, at least that was what I felt during the time. It didn't sound like a bad deal. Away from Klaus and away from that whory witch. My own apartment in the city. I was pondering about it in my head. Just me and Alexander. It would be a good change.
"I will still keep tabs on you Elly…" Klaus told me, it almost sounded like a warning. "It is temporary. I'm too busy with the curse to be babysitting you all the time."
"I'll take it then…" I told Klaus and crossed my arms. He shook his head and sighed. "I can't believe I'm letting you do this."
"Think of it like a separation Darling…" I gave Klaus a sweet smile. "Absence does make the heart grow fonder…" I said in a rather caustic tone.
I stood beside the dark green Range Rover, carrying my pink Birkin bag with me. I sighed as I looked at the grand palace that was home for so long. I wondered if I would miss it. I wondered if I would miss Klaus. Alexander stood next to me. He had his backpack on. My son didn't seem so sure and looked at me.
"How long will we be away?" He asked me.
"Forever I hope…" I said wistfully.
"Mom…" Alexander frowned. He didn't look pleased. I sighed loudly and patted his arm. "You need to lighten up Alex."
"Yeah sure…" Alexander grumbled in a sardonic way. "My parents are separating and I need to lighten up…Great advice Mom."
"You're all set?" Aidan asked as he walked to us. He helped put our trunks and boxes into the SUV. I smiled at him. Aidan had been a really good friend to me. I didn't know what I'd do without him.
"Where's Father?" Alexander asked as he looked around.
"Probably busy fucking the witch…" I said prickly.
"Mom…seriously…" Alexander groaned. He shook his head and went inside the SUV, opting to sit at the back. He slammed the car door hard for effect, which made me roll my eyes. Aidan looked at me and chuckled.
"He has his father's temper…" I lamented.
"I don't think it's only Klaus' temper that he has…" Aidan made a comment. I kept quiet and looked up.
I saw Greta standing by the window, looking down at me. She had that small satisfied smile on her face. She probably thought that she won. I was leaving and the wench had Klaus all to herself. I smiled brightly back at Greta and gave her the finger which made Greta drew the curtains close. I went in the car and Aidan drove down the long curving driveway till we reached the large iron wrought gate, about half a mile down the hill. I felt nothing but the most intense relief when the car went through the gate, almost as if I was a prisoner freed from decades of incarceration.
"You know this could be fun," Aidan commented. "Both of you in the city, a great big apartment, nice view of the harbor. You might really like it…"
"Yeah…" I said and leaned against the window. I was really looking forward to this semi or quasi independent living. But then there was this teeny twinge of sadness in my heart. Klaus would rather have me live apart from him than have Greta leave the house. Had he really fallen in love with the witch? Was it the beginning of the end for us?
The apartment was huge about 3500 square feet of space. A penthouse apartment that overlooked the bay and the beautiful view of Mt Rainier. It was close to many fine dining restaurants and art galleries. There were plenty of cafes nearby and it was about fifteen minutes drive to Alexander's school that was outside the city. Seattle at its best. Greta actually had nice taste. The décor was quite beautiful. Luxury accents like a crystal chandelier and an antique armoire and of course some contemporary designs. She chose simple elegant colors like cream, white, gold and silver.
I went into her bedroom. The huge poster bed was right there. Hmmm…Guess that was where she and Klaus spent most of their time. There were of course the framed photographs on the wall and on her desk. I was nauseated seeing the photos of her and my husband. They were hugging and embracing. The displays of affection were making me ill that I turned the frames down. Greta's walking closet was huge filled with shoes and designer clothes and of course Klaus' clothes were there as well. I was suddenly curious of their relationship. I wondered what it was like for her to be the other woman. Did she really love Klaus? Was it passionate and crazy or was she a calming presence in Klaus' life?
I didn't even know why I was trying to empathize with her. It didn't make sense I supposed. For such a beautiful woman to willingly let herself be the mistress. It was obvious from her looks and beauty, Greta wouldn't have a hard time to find a single, available man. One who was not a murderous psychopath like Klaus was. I let myself fall on the soft bed and stared up at the ceiling seeing the skylights above. I was envious of Greta Martin. She had everything. She was young and beautiful and she wasn't the cursed one to be married to Klaus and stuck with him for all eternity. But still she chose to be with Klaus, whereas I was forced into it. Or maybe I really wasn't…
Greta must have really loved him I supposed. Sacrificing her relationship with her own family to be with him. I wondered if she knew that Klaus only loved himself. I then realized that I was just thinking too deeply into it. No. She was the enemy. I needed to exact my revenge. No more sympathizing with the Other Woman.
"Hey…"
I looked up at Aidan who was smiling down at me. He looked pretty handsome wearing his dark blue long sleeved sweater and black cargo pants.
"You're getting comfortable…" Aidan spoke, a bright grin on his pale, handsome face.
"I bet they lie in each other's arms and stare at the stars…Oh how romantic…" I mused bitterly as I stared at the skylights. I then smiled at him. Aidan grinned and get in the bed and lied right beside me.
"You know I don't get it…" Aidan said.
"Get what?" I asked him.
"Why would Klaus ever cheat on you?" He asked. "I mean look at you…you're perfect…"
"I'm not…" I frowned at him. Far from perfect actually. "I'm a crazy psychopath. He's probably sick of it. Sick of me and my tantrums. Sick of our crazy relationship…" I sighed. "I'm sick of it too…"
Aidan sighed and I leaned close to him. "Were you ever married Aid?" I asked him softly.
"Yeah…it was a long time ago. Her name was Anne and we had a son, Thomas…" He said. He sounded sad. He was probably thinking of them and that human life he once had. It was all gone.
"I bet you love them very much…" I said. Aidan nodded. "They're okay though. My son grew up, he got married had his own kids and so did his kids. They multiplied…The McCollins of Plymouth, Massachusetts. They still live there…I have like a whole clan of descendants."
"I think that's wonderful," I told him with a smile. "At least you left your mark in this world…"
"You did too…" He smiled gently at me. "You have Alexander."
"I think he's the only good thing I've ever done." I said. Suddenly I wondered about my son and the future he would have.
"You saved the Schweitzers," Aidan reminded me.
"No I didn't. Technically Klaus did." I told him.
"You raised Lexie…" Aidan said and I looked at him. I felt the pain. It was this tightening in my throat at the mention of Lexie's name. Aidan saw the look on my face.
"I'm sorry Elly. I shouldn't have brought it up…"
"No…" I uttered and took his hand, squeezing it. "It's fine…I'm okay now. I know she's somewhere better."
"I miss her too…" Aidan spoke. "Sometimes I think that she's still around. I'd just call her and talk like we always did all night long. Only now there's nothing. Just some lady telling me that the number is no longer in use."
"You're always a Sweetheart Aidan," I said with smile and bent to kiss his lips. There was nothing of course, no passion or lust. It was totally platonic. We were only two bestfriends lying next to each other on the huge poster bed where my husband had made love to his mistress. I lied closer to Aidan, snuggling in his arms. He smelled nice and warm like pine and sea spray.
Klaus came by one evening, much to my consternation. It was important he had said, to spend some time with Alexander and me. I was cold to him the entire time. It was supposed to be a peaceful evening at home, where I'd watch reruns of Sex and the City and eat Garret's caramel almond popcorn. Instead Klaus came by unannounced carrying Whole Foods grocery bags with him. He wanted to cook us dinner, which surprised both Alexander and I to no end. He never cooked before. I wondered what brought on this sudden culinary impulses.
So I sat on the barstool by the kitchen, drinking my glass of Pinot Noir and watched as Klaus started to chop garlic and basil.
"I didn't know you cook…" I commented.
"Greta likes to eat in," He replied with a grin and finely chopped the ingredients. I rolled my eyes. Of course Greta…Klaus would cook for her. I wondered if he'd even volunteer at the local animal shelter if she asked him to.
"Honey…I'm home…" I heard Aidan hollering from the front door. Klaus looked up and shot me an irritated look. It was obvious he didn't like it. I only suppressed a grin. Hah…Bless Aidan and his heart. It was a joke between us. We'd call each other pet names couples would.
Aidan walked into the open kitchen carrying Chinese takeout with him. He was surprised that Klaus was there. "Oh…" Came his rather awkward utter.
"Klaus is fixing us dinner…" I said and smiled sweetly.
"Oh…" Aidan grinned at me and whispered. "I thought we were going to have our Sex and the City reruns…"
"I thought so too…" I sighed. I looked at Klaus who ignored my comments and continued cooking. Klaus stirred the pasta and drained the water and he started with the Bolognese sauce.
"Maybe I should go…" Aidan whispered. He didn't feel comfortable especially with an Original vampire in the kitchen and the way Klaus was gripping the large wooden spoon was a little intimidating.
"No stay," I told him. I held both his arms and smiled at him and Aidan smiled back. We had our little mischievous moment and Klaus cleared his throat.
I saw the look in Klaus' eyes. He wasn't pleased. In fact he looked pretty furious. There I was being affectionate with another man right in his presence But it wasn't really on purpose. I wasn't trying to make Klaus jealous or anything. I truly, genuinely feel comfortable around Aidan. He was like the best guy friend every girl should have. He was sweet and loyal and he would do things for me no one else would. Aidan was a little like Anthony sans the poems.
Dinner was rather awkward. Alexander didn't know what to say and so did I. The Bolognese sauce was rather nice. I was impressed but I didn't say anything of course. I didn't even compliment the cook. There was an air of tension in the dining table. Aidan suddenly asked Alexander if he wanted to hang and play pool at the café that was pretty close to the apartment and Alexander agreed. So it was just me and Klaus alone in that big apartment.
"Aidan seems pretty comfortable around here…" Klaus remarked. We were sitting in the living room, watching the evening news.
"Yup…" I nodded. "He's here a lot."
"Hmmm…" I heard Klaus murmured.
I felt him moved closer on the sofa and I didn't like it all. Klaus moved his hand and he touched my neck stroking it gently. "Did you miss me Darling?"
I flinched and pulled his hand away. "No…" I told him off. "What are you trying to do?" I asked Klaus.
"I'm trying to make you comfortable." Klaus hissed. "I haven't seen you in two weeks Elly."
"Well…I'm happy these two weeks. You don't have to worry about me. You can go commune with your witches and do what it is that you do." I told him rather indignantly.
"Do you think I like this?" Klaus asked me his blue eyes blazed in anger. "Do you think I want my wife and son to be separated from me?"
"You chose her Niklaus!" I screamed at him.
"I didn't choose her Elly…" Klaus gritted. "I didn't choose anything. I just wanted some peace."
"Well I hope you found your nirvana and that you're happy…" I said plainly. "Because I am. I'm actually much happier without you."
Klaus only kept quiet but I could tell he was boiling inside. He gave me a cold look and I only breathed. "I don't want Aidan to come around here anymore Elly. Not when I'm not around." Klaus told me after the silent pause.
"You can't do that!" I said to Klaus. I was shocked that he would even forbid Aidan from coming to the house. "He's my friend."
"He's not Elly. He works for me. It's his privilege to serve an Original and he seems too chummy with my wife. That does not bode well." Klaus spoke in that tone.
"Aidan's my friend Klaus and he can come here whenever he wishes and you know what? Maybe the two of us could use a little vacation time to ourselves…I hear Jamaica is nice this time of the year or maybe even Trinidad!" I roared.
"I'm warning you Elly." Klaus said and looked at me. "If you really care for Aidan you won't be too close to him. Some wooden stake might just find its way right into his heart…" Klaus said in a melodic voice.
I blanched when I heard it. Klaus had threatened to kill Aidan. No. Not Aidan…He meant too much to me. He was a dear friend. I stared at Klaus and he gave a small nod, signalling his intent. He would do it without blinking. Killing off a minion of his, especially one that had been so loyal to him.
"I'm tired…" I told him after a pregnant pause.
"Then sleep Sweetheart," Klaus said with a smile. "I'm right here Elly…I won't leave you." He pulled me in his arms and I laid there nestled close in his protective embrace.
Klaus ran his fingers through my hair and hummed the tune. I closed my eyes and I felt his mouth nuzzling and nibbling my neck. Klaus bit in and the blood flowed. When I woke up, two days had passed. I found out from Alexander that Aidan had left for Boston. What I didn't know, and what was later revealed, was that Klaus had compelled Aidan to leave Seattle. I was saddened by it but I knew at least Aidan would be safe. That was Klaus, every time I get too close to someone he would snatch the person away from me. Klaus wouldn't have it. He wouldn't have me too attached to anyone. Klaus didn't even like the closeness I shared with my own son. The only person I should ever need was him and no one else.
I wanted my revenge on Greta Martin and at least I got something in the end. It was pretty childish what I did but Hey…Who cares. Like they said, revenge was a dish best served cold. Although I think my version was tamale hot. While Alexander was going through the DVDs in the apartment he had come across and unlabeled disc. My son put it into the player only to be flabbergasted and shocked beyond belief at what was playing on the HD screen. There was Greta and my husband having sex.
"Oh my God!" Alexander gasped. I only stared at it with my eyes wide and my mouth opened.
"Alex close your eyes!" I screamed. I didn't want my son to be traumatized. I immediately covered his eyes.
"That is so disgusting…" Alexander spat and cringed. "I can't believe I just saw that!"
I breathed and took the disc out and then of course, an idea zinged through my mind. I wanted Greta Martin to pay. I wanted Klaus to pay. So I made a copy of the sex tape and emailed it to every single student, staff, parents of students that went to Alexander's fancy prep school. I used a dummy email account of course. It was so satisfying to click the send to all button and knew that Greta would face the worst humiliation any guidance councilor could ever face. She would be sacked from the school. The video would go viral. Everyone in Seattle maybe even down the entire Pacific Northwest would see it. I wouldn't be surprised if it crossed the country and go world wide.
I had Alexander's blonde girlfriend, whose name was Tamsyn by the way, to make flyers with Greta's naked picture and words that read, 'I'm a slut who sleeps with married men.' Distasteful I know and utterly juvenile of me. But it was 2010 and I felt like having fun while dishing out my revenge. I stood in front of my son's school and watched as everyone stared at their mobile phones and their laptops watching the sex tape of their sweet guidance councilor, Miss Martin. The flyers were distributed and everyone gawked, stared and laughed. The jocks were laughing about it giving each other high fives, the girls scrutinizing Greta's naked body from every angle, probably wondering if her boobs were fake. I just had that bright long grin etched on my face the entire time as I waited for my son.
Alexander came out from the school double doors and gave me a knowing smile. He shook his head as he walked towards me.
"I could get expelled for this Mom…" Alexander told me. "The principal was grilling me in his office the whole afternoon."
"You won't be expelled. I was the one who distributed the email. Besides I don't think it can be traced."
"Greta lost her job and some parents want to sue her for indecent behavior or something." Alexander sighed wearily. I only smiled more hearing the good news. Alexander then looked at me closely, I saw the concern in his eyes. It used to be sky blue when he was younger but as he grew older, the color grew deeper and darker, his eyes were almost the cobalt blue with hints of grey.
"How about you Mom are you okay?" He asked me.
"Just peachy," I said with a grin. Why wouldn't I be?
I heard the sounds of tires screeching and I turned to look. The car heading our way looked awfully familiar. Klaus had driven to the school in his red Ferrari. He came out of the car, furious as hell, slamming the door hard.
"Eleanna!" He screamed in such fury, people turned and stare. I gave Klaus a stubborn look back as he stormed towards me. My chin tilted up as my gaze met his in a defiant stand.
"Hello Niklaus…how is that guidance councilor witch of yours doing?" I asked Klaus calmly and gave a sweet acid dripped smile.
"You crossed the line Elly!" Klaus gritted in fury. He stalked up to me and grabbed my arm roughly.
"What are you doing!" I screamed and tried to pull away from him. "Let me go!"
"Father!" Alexander shouted and tried to help me.
"Don't interfere Alexander." Klaus told him sternly. "This is between your mother and I…"
Alexander just stared at me, not knowing what to do. He never disobeyed Klaus before. I needed to reassure him and I gave a nod. "It's okay Baby…I'll be fine."
Klaus dragged me into his Ferrari and drove away. I turned and looked back, my son was standing in the school car park watching as his parent drove away.
"I can't believe you did that!" Klaus screamed again. "Are you crazy Elly?" He continued grilling me. "A sex tape!"
"She deserves it Niklaus! You deserve it too!" I told him huffily and crossed my arms. "Did you really have to leave our son behind?" I asked him.
"Alexander's fine…It's you I'm worried about…" Klaus told me curtly and looked at his rear and side window.
"What do you mean…I'm alright. In fact I'm better than alright!" I told Klaus in triumphant tone. Klaus stared at me and stepped on the accelerator driving at really high speeds. "Greta got so upset, she called her father…He's going to cast a spell on you."
"That is just so stupid Klaus. No witch would do such a thing…" I said and then suddenly I felt this acute tearing pain in my abdomen. "Ow!" I screamed in agony and held my tummy. What was happening?
"Elly!" Klaus shouted and held me.
"It hurts Niklaus!" I yelled. My insides felt like they were tearing apart. Like I was being stabbed a hundred times over. "Ow!" I moaned.
"Just hold on Elly…I'm driving you to meet Maddox. He'll know what to do."
The pain was too much. It was even worse than the whipping I had gotten from Lord Lucas centuries ago. I started to cough and then blood came out from my mouth. I was shocked to see bruises and cuts on my skin that just appeared out of nowhere.
"Klaus! What is happening?" I screamed in a panic. The pain was overwhelming. Klaus stared at me and I could tell he was surprised by the magic as well. I was hexed by Jonas Martin, one of the most powerful witches in the country. I started to bleed badly. Klaus tore his wrist and pushed his arm onto my mouth. I sucked his blood but the pain still persisted.
"It's not working…" Klaus said anxiously. He looked so worried I could tell. I would have been touched by it, if I wasn't so deep in pain thanks to his whory witch girlfriend and her father hexing me with their dark magic.
"Ow!" I scream again. I felt like I was being stabbed. "I'm going to die Klaus..." I sobbed. "Your girlfriend is killing me!" I winced in pain. My hatred and anger towards Greta had still not abated, in fact it grew in strength. "That stupid bitch!".
"I told you Elly." Klaus huffed. "All you have to do is apologize…You don't know how powerful and deadly the Martin witches can be."
"I would rather die than apologize to that whore!" I choked and more blood came out. The pain manifested itself in waves, wrecking through my body. I trembled from the invisible unseen torture. I was stabbed all over. Dr Martin was probably having a hell of time stabbing a poppet of me with needles and whatever sharp objects at his disposal. By the time Klaus reached Maddox's apartment in the warehouse district. I couldn't even walk and move. Klaus had to carry my bloodied and bruised body up the four flights of steps till we reached Maddox's place.
"Hurry!" Maddox urged. I was choking out blood again and I felt really weak, but numbed by the pain. I was smiling I supposed. So maybe I would probably die from this episode but the fact that I made Greta Martin and even my own husband to be glorified instant pornstars made me happy. Or maybe the intense pain was just making me a little too delirious.
"Put her in the circle." Maddox told Klaus and he did just that.
He laid me down in the middle of what looked like a pentagram, made from sea salt and maybe even graveyard dirt. There were candles all around. Maddox closed his eyes and started chanting. The witch or warlock or whatever he was, even levitated and the flames on the candles grew bigger. My vision blurred but I looked at Klaus standing there, looking so worried he was even biting his thumb. Goodbye Sweetheart… I wanted to tell him. Please take care of our son for me…
I didn't die of course. I woke up a few days later, and I found myself back in my big bed in the large mansion in the mountains. I smiled as I blinked my eyes open. Alexander was there. He smiled at me and I was happy to see my son. He bent and kissed my forehead and cheeks and hugged me close to him.
"You're awake…" Alexander spoke. He sounded so relieved. I tried to sit up and Alexander helped me up. I looked around seeing the IV drip and a machine to help me breathe. Wow…it must be serious…
"I had a weird dream…" I said and looked at him. I shook my head. It all seemed so strange and surreal.
"What was it about?" Alexander asked.
"I dreamed you were still a baby and I was singing that song…your father's lullaby…" I sighed. I looked around and wondered where Klaus went.
"Where's Klaus?" I looked at Alexander and asked him.
"Father's gone to Atlanta with Greta and Maddox."
"What?" I stared at Alexander.
"He wants to break the curse Mom."
"Now?" I was caught by surprised. That was fast.
"Mom you were asleep for months…"
"What do you mean Alex?"
"It's January 2011." Alexander told me and I just stared at him in disbelief. Seven months. I had been unconscious for seven fucking months!
"What the hell happened Alex?" I asked him. I couldn't possibly be asleep for that long,
"It was really bad Mom. Maddox tried to revive you but you lost a lot of blood and you were bruised pretty bad. He said it's going to take months for you to recover and you'd still be in pain. Father couldn't bear the thought of you suffering so Maddox did another spell, to let you sleep and recuperate for months. It's kinda like being in a coma…"
"Oh…" I uttered, feeling a little dazed and lost. I then looked at Alexander. "You must be so worried Darling…" I smiled and touched his face gently.
"Nah…I'm fine," Alexander grinned. "I went to Europe the entire summer with my friends. I even visited the Original's castle in Romania."
Alexander then moved and sat on the bed. He pulled me in his arms and hugged me tight. "I'm just glad you woke up Mom."
I rested my head on his shoulder and ran my fingers through his hair. That poor boy all alone without his mother. He must have been so afraid. Alexander pulled away and smiled at me. "Father was so worried. He slept next to you the entire time, and read to you your favorite books…"
"No…" I gasped. Did Klaus really do that? I turned and looked at the piles of novels at the side table. I wanted to laugh seeing a few romance novels that were there. "He read to me Pride and Prejudice?"
"Every single word." Alexander spoke. "He even read Wuthering Heights to you…" Alexander laughed softly. "You should hear him do a Heathcliff…"
I pulled the covers and saw that my toenails were painted. "He painted my nails!" I was surprised. I smiled absently at Alexander. "Your father used to do that when I was heavily pregnant with you."
"I'm going to call him and tell him that you woke up. Father would want to see you."
I was standing at the balcony when Klaus came home. I heard footsteps and I turned to look. He just stood there staring at me. It felt awkward, as if he was a stranger to me but he wasn't. Klaus marched towards me and pulled me right into his arms, embracing me so close to him, like he wouldn't let go. He hugged me tight and even lifted my feet up from the floor.
"I can't breathe Klaus…" I choked softly. Klaus was holding and squeezing me too tight. He let go for a while and stared at me. Klaus gently stroked my cheek.
"How are you?" He asked me softly.
"I don't know…" I shrugged. "It felt like I was only asleep for less than a week…"
"Seven months Darling…" Klaus smiled. "For seven nerve wrecking months I thought you'd never wake up…"
"You have Greta for company…" I told him coldly.
"She means nothing to me…" Klaus sighed.
"Don't lie Niklaus." I said and crossed my arms. "I saw the way you were with her. You tattooed your arm. You even learn to cook. You were pussy whipped."
"But I love only you Elly." Klaus said fiercely as he pulled me close to him again.
"Stop it Klaus." I said and tried to push him away. "I don't want to hear that…Your girlfriend almost killed me. I lost seven months of my life and the time I could have spent with Alexander." I breathed heavily and looked at him. "I think I've reached the end of the line…"
"What is that supposed to mean?" Klaus asked me, his brows knitted impatiently.
"Our marriage Klaus…I don't have anymore energy left in me. If you don't want a divorce then fine. I'll stay with you. For Alexander's sake. But that is all…don't expect anything else. I've given so much to you all these years. Too much…"
"Darling…" Klaus sighed and pulled me in. Klaus kissed me gently except I didn't return the kiss. "This is normal Elly, couples go through this all the time. They'll hit some sort of a rut in the romance. But you still love me and I love you. It's hard now…I know it. But things will get better my Love. Once the curse is broken, we'll be happy Elly. I promise you. We'll finally be happy…"
Klaus hummed that haunting tune again as he carried me to bed. He laid me gently on the soft beddings and slipped in next to me. He pulled close to his arms and let me rest my head on his chest.
"What's the song about anyway?" I asked him. Klaus smiled and kissed my lips tenderly.
"It's a sad song Elly, about two lovers forever cursed. They were separated from each other and all they could hear was the music in the wind and all they could see was the full moon."
"Something like us then…" I sighed aloud. "Forever cursed…"
"But we're not separated Darling," Klaus said and started to plant kisses down my neck and shoulder. "We have each other always, the both of us together Elly. Body and soul forever…"
I yawned and closed my eyes. I kept quiet as Klaus held me in his arms. I had nothing to say. He said that we'd be happy. I doubt it. There was nothing I could do anyway. I could try to run or leave. But I'd never get away from Klaus. I couldn't especially with my son around. Do I still love Klaus? Maybe I do. Maybe because we had been together for so long, we couldn't see any other way. We were each other's albatrosses hung around our necks. It was such a toxic relationship. Even Alexander knew that. Alexander told me once that he was swearing off commitment and marriage. He didn't want a fucked up relationship like the one his parents had. I always knew my son was a smart boy.