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Ciao everyone! Sorry I took like super long to update but I wanted to wait till summer to write and post my stories that way I could focus on school and then summer came but I became busy with summer stuff, baby sitting and family stuff. Now I only have like another month until school starts again (ughhhhh!), I'll be super busy again and I haven't posted anything yet. This is why I wanted to post some stuff now that way you guys aren't waiting forever for updates even though you guys already have been waiting a long time...again sorry!
Oh and just to let you guys know I have created a special twitter account where I will be posting updates on my all my stories. My account is mnstories91. I will be posting updates later on all my stories. You can also follow my actual twitter account RunWild144 if you would like as well since I do post updates there too. I also created a Instagram where I will also post updates on all my stories which is mnstories91 and I made a video based on this story! Here's the link: watch?v=JtrWc3JvTpU. It's part one since it's not finished but yet but I hope you like it!
Alright, that's all I got to say for now so please read and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries
Chapter 4: Family Ties
Dear Dairy,
Tonight's the Founders Party, the first one I've been to in over a hundred years. It's going to be strange going back to the Lockwood Mansion after being gone so long. I remember attending the very first Founders Party with my family. Of course it was sort of mandatory that we did go, after all the Salvatore's are one of the Founding Families. Damon, Stefan and I also convinced Alice to come. It took a while since she refused to come thinking it would boring. We thought so too but we made her come anyway. We were, however, proved wrong. By the time we arrived the mansion was already filled with people; it seemed like the whole town was there. This probably was true since Mystic Falls was, and still is, a small town. Everyone was drinking fancy wine, dancing to lovely music or catching up with others. It was actually fun and I enjoyed spending time with family; it was nice to see them all happy for once. That night would have been one of my fondest memories if weren't for well, perhaps that is a story for another day. It's funny how times change, yet stay the same all at the same time. Hopefully this time the night will go well, but knowing my brother Damon it probably won't.
Always,
Clara Salvatore.
I pick up two dresses and stare between the two trying to decide if one of them would be fit to wear to the Founders Party that night. One was strapless, short in length and red while the other was a strapless light purple gown.
"Too sexy." I say throwing the red one on my bed. I glance at the purple one again then sigh also throwing it on the bed. "Too long. Looks like its back to my closet."
I step back into my closet looking through my clothes for what felt like the tenth time when I sensed Stefan walk into the room.
"Sup bro." I say picking up an orange dress. Nope, not that one. I threw it behind me then turn around laughing when I saw it hit my brother in the face. "Oops."
"Ha ha very funny." He says pulling it off. "How many dresses do you have?"
I looked about my room noticing my bed was almost completely filled with different style and color dresses along with my vanity which had a few slung over the back, one on the seat of my chair and some even hung from the sides of the mirror.
I shrug. "A lot."
He raises his eyebrows. "Okay, but you got them all where?"
"The mall, boutiques…and before you ask no I did not steal…most of them." I say with a sheepish smile. "But, I did compel them so it's not like they know."
He laughs, "Because that makes it better."
"Oh hush! So are you here to help me pick out a dress or to annoy your sister?" I ask folding my arms.
He smirks, "Definitely to annoy my sister."
"Oh thanks." I reply rolling my eyes causing him to laugh.
"Actually," Stefan begins, "I wanted to see how you were doing."
I stiffened. I knew what he was talking about, or should I say who he was talking about: Damon. I haven't spoken to him since the football game and I don't plan to for a while. I just couldn't. Not only did it hurt to even look at him but I was angry. I know he didn't actually promise to not hurt anyone, but I thought he cared enough about me that he wouldn't. Guess I was wrong, because he killed a man right in front of me then looked at me and Stefan right in the eyes and said there was no good in him. I used to think he was wrong, that there is still good in him but maybe he was right. Maybe there is no good in him after all.
"I'm fine." I tell him, mentally cursing when my voice came out weaker than I wanted it too.
"No you're not. You're hurting." Stefan says softly. "I can see it."
"I don't want to talk about it, Stefan." My voice was stronger but I knew he could still sense the pain, "It hurts too much."
He sighs. "Alright, but if you ever do need to talk you know I'm here."
I give him a small smile. "I know Stef, thank you."
He smiles and gives me a hug. "Of course."
The smile still remained on my face as I hugged my brother. I felt a great warmth within me knowing that I at least had Stefan with me. A sudden memory of Damon flickered across my mind and my smile quickly melted into a frown. Damon was always the one to comfort Stefan and I were sad or hurt. Who knew he would one day be the cause of some of the hurt we felt. There's a part of me that still hoped there was at least a sliver of good somewhere in his heart despite what he did. That maybe one day I could get my brother back and he would be the one hugging me too.
"You told her what?" I ask Stefan annoyed as I sat at the bar drinking a coke. Normally I would have compelled the bar tender at the Mystic Grill to get me alcohol but unfortunately for me the Mayor was here and I didn't want to look bad in front of him.
"I'm sorry! You're just gonna have to get a date." Stefan tells me.
"You just had to tell her we don't get invited anymore." I sigh. "Who am I gonna ask? I don't know anyone besides You, Damon, Tyler, Matt and Jeremy! Obviously it's not going to be you or Damon, Tyler….ew, no way besides I just heard him ask Vicki, and going with Matt would be weird."
"What about Jeremy?" Stefan asks.
"No, he likes Vicki. I don't even think he wants to go anyway." I sigh again. "Looks like I'm gonna have to compel someone."
"Clara!" Stefan shouts sounding very much like a disapproving father. The thought almost made me laugh but I was too annoyed at him to do so.
"Well! You don't leave me very much choice." I tell him. "It'll be fine Stef, relax."
"Alright, I trust you." Stefan replies, "Look, I gotta go. I'll see you at home."
"Kay, bye Stef."
"Bye, Clara."
I hang up my phone and put it my purse. Taking a sip of my coke, I glance about the room deciding if there was anyone here I could take to the Founders Party. I notice Jeremy sulking at the end of the bar and frown wanting to go over there, but just as I was about to get up a boy walks up to the bar beside me and asks the bartender for a drink. He was pretty cute too. He had light brown hair, pale blue eyes, he was tall but lean and he looks my age. I smirk, looks like I found my date to the Founders Party.
"Hi, I'm Clara." I smile turning to him.
He looks at me then grins. "Danny. You're the new girl, Clara Salvatore right?"
I nod. "That's me. I guess words gone around huh?"
He chuckles. "Well, it is a small town. Don't you have a brother too?"
"Two. Stefan and Damon, they're both older. Speaking of town, are you going to the Founders Party?" I say quickly changing the subject.
"Yeah, I don't have a date though." He smiles at me. "Why?"
"Perfect." I smirk as I lean closer to him, making sure he looked directly into my eyes. His eyes dilated and I knew he was under my control. "I want you to take me to the Founders Party, okay?" He nods slowly. "Good, now ask me."
"Would you like to go to the Founders Party with me?" He asks immediately.
I smile. "I would love to."
"Cool." He says as his eyes return to normal.
"Yes, very." I agree.
"Here's your coke, sir." The bartender says as he hands him the drink.
"Thanks." Danny says taking it. He turns to me and adds. "So, do you want me to pick you up or-"
"Umm, how about I just meet you there." I say. "My brother just moved in, and things are a little hectic right now. It would be easier if you don't mind."
"Um, okay." He replies. "So, I'll see you tonight then?"
I nod a smile on my face. "Tonight."
"Wait a minute; you're actually going to this stupid thing?" Jeremy asks as we walk out of the Grill. After Danny left I decided to talk to Jeremy who was still sulking and found out it was because Tyler asked Vicki to the Founders Party, then being the good friend that I am tried to cheer him up. It worked for a bit, until Danny came over to us and told me he was excited for tonight before he left the Grill with his friends. Now, Jeremy is upset again…thank you Danny.
"Yes, and it's not stupid." I tell him. He gives me a look. "Fine, it is kind of stupid but I like it. It's a time where you can honor your ancestors and celebrate them."
"I guess." He replies. "I still can't believe you're going out with Danny Fell of all people."
"What's wrong with him? He seemed nice enough to me." I say stopping at Damon's car, which I borrowed earlier.
"Yeah wait five minutes, and then you'll see what a douche the guy really is." Jeremy remarks leaning on the car. I glance at him, as he looks down a scowl on his face. Why was he so upset about this? He wasn't jealous was he? No he likes Vicki. Why would he care who I went to the party with. Shoving the thought away I lean on the car next to him and give him a small smile.
"Well if it makes you feel any better, the only reason I said yes was to get into the party." I tell him.
"What?" He asks eyes wide in shock and confusion.
"Look, Damon is most likely going to go with Caroline and anywhere he goes trouble ensues. I just want to make sure he doesn't do anything stupid." I explained.
He looks at me still confused. "Wait, why couldn't you just go by yourself?"
"Because, the Salvatore's aren't really invited anymore." I say using my brother's excuse. "So, the only way to go is if someone invited me. Oh and you cannot tell anyone I told you this. Promise?"
He laughs. "I promise."
"Isn't that Damon's car?"
"Wait, he's here?"
"I didn't see him."
"So, why is his car here?"
"I don't know, wait I think that's his sister. Maybe she borrowed his car.
"She's fifteen. She can't drive."
"Do you think we should say something?"
I frown at the sound of Caroline's and Bonnie's voices. I did not want them to ask why I had Damon's car or why I was driving it, mainly because I didn't know how to answer them.
Jeremy puts a hand on my shoulder. "Clara you okay?"
"Huh? Oh yeah I'm fine." I smile. "Wanna ride home?"
He smiles. "Sure, thanks."
I smile and give him a wink. "My pleasure."
He laughs as I pull the keys from my purse and unlock the car. We both get in and I started the car just as Caroline and Bonnie were about to walk over. They stopped seeing I had pulled out of the parking lot and I drove off relieved we got away in time.
"Wait, aren't you fifteen? How do you have a license?" Jeremy asks.
I smirk. "I don't."
He smiles raising his eyebrows. "Really?"
"Yup, and I never once got caught." I grin proudly. With compulsion, you can get away with anything.
"Cool." He says.
I laugh. I guess it was pretty cool. It did come in handy sometimes, but I would never use it against someone like Damon does. Speaking, of Damon boy he is gonna be mad when he finds out I stole his car. Oh well, he deserves it.
Ugh! This is taking forever! How am I supposed to find the right dress when the party starts in five hours! I plopped down on my dress filled bed in annoyance and sighed. Maybe I really will have to do some last minute shopping.
"To spend time with you Zack. Family's important."
"I know you. You always have a motive. So what is it this time?"
I instantly sat up listening to Damon's and Zack's voices. It was silent for a moment until I heard the sounds of Zack choking. My eyes widen in horror.
"You are in no position to question me."
I gasped and sped down into the living room where I saw Damon holding up Zack by his throat choking him.
"I didn't mean to upset you." Zack sputters.
Damon smiles. "This is not upset Zack."
"Damon! Let him go!" I shout.
"Oh relax." He tells me dropping Zack who falls to the floor gasping for breath.
"What's going on?" Stefan asks walking in as I helped Zack up making sure he was okay.
"Having a family moment, Stefan. Spending some quality time." Damon says as he pats Zack's back and walks out of the room. I sigh and shake my head.
"Are you okay?" Stefan asks walking over to us.
"No! I'm not" Zack says pushing himself away from me. "And neither are the two of you! How many people have to die before you see that?"
"I do see it, alright Zack. I see it." Stefan tells him.
"I do too." I say.
"Then why aren't either of you doing anything about it?" Zack demands.
"I can't, Zack. I can't. It would take human blood. It's the only way to stop him and I can't do that." Stefan says quietly. I place a hand on his shoulder. I knew why he stuck to his Veggie diet, and I also know he can't break it. It would ruin him.
Zack turns to me. "What about you? You drink…." He cringes. "Human blood."
"I-I…" I sigh and look down sheepishly. "I'm sorry Zack, but I can't either….I just don't think I'm strong enough."
"Vervain could weaken him if he ingested it." He says after a moment of silence. "It would help give you the upper hand."
"Vervain hasn't grown here since 1865, Damon saw to that." Stefan tells him. "The little I had, I gave to Elena."
Zack looked at us, and then looked around as if making sure no one was there.
"What?" Stefan and I ask.
Zack motions us to follow him. We do as were told while glancing at each other in confusion. He leads us to our underground cell (I have no clue why it's there) and opens the cell door. Both our eyes widen at what we saw. Many pots of Vervain lined a long table that stood in the center of the small room.
"You've been growing it." I say staring at the plants in shock.
"It's just something that's been passed down generations." Zack replies. Stefan and I turn to him still confused. "Blood only runs so deep when you're related to vampires. Damon would kill me if he knew I had it."
"But you're telling us. Why?" Stefan asks.
He looks at us. "Because, I trust the both of you. And you're going to need if you're going to get rid of him."
I frowned, feeling the twinge of pain in my heart. We're we really going to do this? Was this this really a good idea? Honestly, I wasn't sure but looking at Stefan's expression as he stared once more at the Vervain, he seemed determined that this was the only way. We stood in silence for a while until Zack walked away leaving us to our thoughts.
"Stefan are-"
"Yes, Clara. We have to." Stefan tells me.
"I don't know if I can do it, Stefan." I say softly.
He sighs. "I know. You said you didn't think you were strong to stop him, but I know that's not true. You're more than capable….but you won't.
I stare at him. "Look, I know you and Damon hate each other and apparently you have no trouble hurting each other…but I can't. He's my brother….our brother. I won't hurt him, Stefan. I won't and it would be the same if the situation was in reverse. I wouldn't and couldn't hurt either of you."
"He's hurting innocent people, Clara. He almost killed Zack!" Stefan replies as his eyes flickered to the cell. "We need to do this."
"You're going to lock him in here aren't you?" I whisper staring at it as well.
He frowns. "I don't want to do this as much as you do, and I wish things could be different but they're not. Damon is dangerous, he needs to be stopped."
He was right. If we didn't stop Damon who knows who else would be hurt or killed. Damon wasn't going to stop until he got what he wanted and I didn't have a good feeling of what that was.
I took a deep breath and nod. "Okay."
Stefan wraps an arm around my shoulders giving me a comforting squeeze. I sigh and try to ignore the guilt that crept through me. It had to be done. Damon had to be stopped.
I finally decided on what dress I would wear. It was a coral one shoulder dress with a sequined belt and flowed down to just above my knees. It was perfect. After I finished cleaning up my room, I laid the dress out on my bed and picked out the accessories. I decided to keep in simple, so I picked out a rose gold heart chain bracelet and some Jimmy Choo nude colored peep toe heels. Once everything was laid out I went into my bathroom and picked out coral nail polish for my toes and light pink for my fingers. I did my makeup and painted my nails then sped down stairs where my brothers were getting ready.
"What are you doing?" Stefan asks while I checked to make sure my nails were dry.
"Drying my nails. I found the polish dries quicker when I use my super speed." I explain.
"Okaay" Damon says rolling his eyes.
"Are you checking yourself out in the mirror again?" I ask noticing he was standing in front of the full length mirror with black pants and no shirt.
"Maybe." He smirks as he put on a dark grey button up shirt. "It's cool not growing old. I like being the eternal stud."
I roll my eyes. My brother Damon, completely conceited and knows it too. Typical.
"Yes, being a hundred and fifty year old teenager has been the highlight of my happiness." Stefan remarks holding up his glass of alcohol and taking a sip from it while Damon throws on a black jacket.
Damon chuckles. "You cracked a funny, Stefan. I should have a drink and celebrate."
As he walks over to the bottle of alcohol to pour himself a drink, I grab Stefan's out of his hand knowing that the bottle was filled with Vervain.
I take a sip of it and hand it back to him. "Thanks."
Stefan rolls his eyes. "You're welcome."
"1864. Stefan, you and Katherine were the perfect couple." Damon suddenly says. "It was hell watching you dance with her."
"My happiness was short lived, as you well know." Stefan replies.
Damon nods. "I remember." He grabs the bottle and the glass. "I left the party early, I was waiting for her. The night you dropped her off, I was waiting just inside. You were such a gentleman, gave her a kiss on the cheek. When what she really wanted was…." Stefan turns and looks at Damon as he pours out the drink into his glass. I looked away ignoring the guilt that was creeping up on me again. "Oh, well. Here's to history repeating itself, huh?" Damon winks and puts the cup to his lips but instead of drinking it he pours it on the floor and drops the cup.
"I admire your effort Stefan." Damon says. "Pouring yourself a drink then spiking the bottle with vervain. Oh and let's not forget Clara taking a sip out of Stefan's drinking knowing the bottle was spiked." Stefan and I look down. "I'm not some drunk sorority chick, you can't roofie me. But I can't help but feel a little used. I thought we were having a moment." He sighs as he fixes his cuffs. "I have to go to the party angry. Who knows what I'll do."
"Damon I-" I stop as Damon turns to look at me eyebrows raised. I study his face for a moment, noticing a bit of hurt in his eyes, but it quickly disappears into its uncaring mask. I glance at Stefan whose face remained expressionless, though it was clear what he was trying to tell me. I sigh. "Never mind."
"That's what I thought." He says shaking his head as he walks out the door.
I glare at Stefan and smack him across the head.
"Ow, what was that for?" He groans rubbing his head.
"It was your idea to spike his drink." I tell him crossing my arms.
"Don't worry I have a backup plan." He says standing up.
I raise my eyebrows. "Which is?"
"I'll explain on the way." Stefan tells her. "You still need to finish getting ready and we have to go soon."
"Fine." I sigh then hit him across the head again.
"Ow, what now!" He yells rubbing his head again.
"That's for forcing me to do this in the first place." I say. Stefan rolls his eyes as I speed up to my room. I hope his plan works and that Damon doesn't hate us afterwards.
I finished getting ready and went down stairs to see Stefan waiting for me by the door. He was dressed in a black suit with a dark blue button up shirt and black shoes. I give him a smile as I stood next to him.
"Aw, look who's dressed nice for their date." I teased.
He laughs. "I thought you still were iffy about the whole Elena thing."
I shrug. "I am, but as long as your happy then I will be."
"Thanks." He smiles. "And for the record, you look good too."
She smirks. "Well duh, this is me we're talking about."
"I think you got your vanity from Damon." Stefan teases shoving her playfully.
"I am not vain!" I reply laughing. "At least not really."
He chuckles shaking his head. "Anyways, I have to pick up Elena so-"
"About that…I think I'm just gonna speed my way there." I tell him nonchalantly as check my reflection in the mirror by the door. I'm just hoping he doesn't question the reason why I'm "walking" to the party.
He looks at me confused. "What? Why? You know I don't mind-"
"I know Stef." I say then look away nervously. "But uh…"
He crosses his arms. "But what?"
"But…my date is probably waiting for me. So, I probably should go. Bye Stefan!" I exclaim and speed out of the house. I know, probably not the best move but I really didn't want to tell him that Caroline and Bonnie saw me drive Damon's car when I'm supposed to not have my license yet. Though I was telling the truth about Danny though, he was probably waiting for me.
In less than five minutes I arrived at the Lockwood Mansion. After making sure my hair didn't look messy I walked through the front yard and smiled when I saw Danny waiting by the fountain.
"Hi Danny!" I smile walking over to him.
He turns and grins. "Hi. You look great!"
"Thanks." I reply. "You look great yourself."
"Thanks." He laughs then he held out his arm. "Shall we?"
"We shall." I laugh taking his arm.
As we walked to the front door, I began to feel a little nervous. What if one of the Lockwood's isn't near the door to let me in? Then what do I do?
"You okay? You look kinda scared?" Danny says looking at me.
"Oh, yeah. It's just…I haven't been to party like this in a while." I lie. "Guess, I'm a little nervous."
"Don't be. I'll make sure you have an awesome time. I go to these things all the time. My family is one of the Founders so it's sort of tradition I guess." He tells me.
"Really? So is mine. My brothers and I used to live here, but we moved when we were young so it's just been my uncle." I say.
"Zach right?" He asks. I nod. "I think I've met him before. He seemed cool…but he always looked tense all the time."
I sigh. "He has every right to be."
We reached the door just as I saw Damon and Caroline walk in. I have to remember to keep an eye on him. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I notice Mrs. Lockwood standing by the door greeting people. I mentally sighed in relief, now hopefully she'll say the right words to get me inside the house.
"Hi Mrs. Lockwood." Danny says.
Mrs. Lockwood smiles. "Hello Danny, whose this?"
"This is Clara, my date." He smiles turning to look at me.
I smile politely. "Hello. It's nice to meet you Mrs. Lockwood."
She grins. "You too, dear. Now come in, come in! Enjoy the party!"
"Thank you." We reply. Danny walks in as I take a cautious step forward. Thankfully, I was able to enter the house.
"Relax, everything will be fine." Danny says taking my hand.
"Right." I say fully stepping inside. "Thanks."
It was an hour into the party and I was actually having fun. Danny was a pretty cool guy and I couldn't see why Jeremy hated him so much. I kept wondering if he was really jealous, but I continued to shove the thought a way not finding a good reason for it. Danny and I stood by one of the food tables near the dance floor inside watching the others dance while we talked. I saw a caterer holding a tray of wine and I was very tempting to steal a glass but sadly I couldn't due to the fact that there was adults everywhere and it would look bad seeing a fifteen year old drinking wine even though I was twice the age of everyone here. I just had to be fifteen when I turned into a vampire, didn't I?
"So, why isn't your uncle here?" Danny asks. We started talking about our family again…well my family actually which was getting a bit annoying. It's all he seemed to want to talk about…I mean we talked about other things but it didn't last long then he would just go back to my family for some reason. He told me his uncle was Logan Fell. I met him briefly before we decide to dance a bit which was kinda fun. Logan seemed nice but I had an odd feeling about him…I was starting to feel it with Danny too.
"Oh, he uh...couldn't make it. He was feeling sick." I tell him. I couldn't tell him he stayed home to prepare the cell for Damon because of obvious reasons; I mean that in itself sounded bad.
"Oh that sucks." He says. "Do you have any other family besides your brothers and your uncle?"
I shake my head. "Now? I don't think so…none that I know of anyway. Though, there were Uncle Zack's parents…and his grandfather I think his name was Joseph. I never met them though."
"Joseph…didn't he die inside your house?" Danny asks bluntly causing me to stare at him confusion and suspicion in my eyes.
"How did you know that?" I question.
"Oh uh, my uncle goes through old news records sometimes for his reports…he told me about it and how no one really knows how he died." He explains then with a sheepish smile he adds. "Sorry, I'm being too forward aren't I?"
I chuckle. "Sort of…it's very reporter like." And creepy like. "Anyways, it's okay but, yeah he died there. I don't really know much about it thought, it happened long before I was born."
He nods. "You know a lot people say you Salvatore's are cursed."
I raise my eyebrows. "Cursed?"
"Yeah, it always seems like bad things always happen to the Salvatore's…at least that's everyone says." He explains. Sounds right, in a way I suppose we are cursed. Lovely.
"Do you always believe what everyone else says?" I ask as I saw Stefan being pulled to the dance floor by Caroline. Wait Caroline? I thought he was with Elena…and where's Damon?
"No…at least not all the time." He responds. "Why?"
"Well that's how rumors are spread you know." I explain. "They start from those people who believe what everyone says…even if what they say isn't always true." I turn to him. "I think it's best if you stay true to what your heart says, that way you won't be misguided by others."
"You sound like you know what that's like." He says.
I nod. "In a way..."
"Well, well if it isn't my baby sis Clara." A voice says from behind me. I roll my eyes knowing it was Damon.
I turn and give him a half smile. "Hi Damon. Danny this is one of my older brothers Damon, Damon this is my date Danny."
Danny smiles. "Nice to meet you."
"Well of course it is. I'm me." He replies cockily.
"Yeah, Damon's manners are nonexistent." I tell Danny. "But he means well…most of the time."
Damon shrugs. "What can I say, I enjoy being rude…it's way more fun." I let out a chuckle. I can't believe he admitted he has no manners. He gives me a playful grin before turning to Danny and narrows his eyes. "So, you're my sister's date huh? You do know what will happen if you even think about hurting her right?"
Danny's eyes widen as he starts to look nervous while I stare at my brother in shock. Is he really giving Danny the whole "big brother talk" thing? I honestly wasn't sure if he even cared about me or Stefan anymore. He seemed like he didn't care about anything really. A small smile forms on my face, maybe he did care. Maybe he's only hiding it. Could there be a chance that my brother was still there beneath his mask of uncaring and hatred? Could Stefan and I still help him? I suppose there is still hope...
"Um…I…uh…" Danny stuttered his face red.
I sigh, trying to hide the smile on my face. "Damon don't scare him. Everything's fine."
"I'm your big brother Clara, it's my job." Damon smirks causing me to roll my eyes.
Danny shakes his head. "Don't worry, I won't-"
"What's going on here?" Stefan asks walking over to us.
I groan. "Great."
Stefan looks at me confused. "What?"
Damon laughs. "She's just mad because I embarrassed her by giving Danny the big brother talk. Now she's knows you're gonna say the same thing."
I frown. "Please don't."
Stefan smirks then turns to Danny. "He's right you know. If you hurt Clara, you'll have two angry brothers to look out for."
I glare at him. "Seriously!"
Stefan shrugs. "Had to be done, sis."
I sigh again as I face Danny. "I am so sorry about them."
Danny nervously laughs. "No, it's cool. I would've done the same if I had a sister."
"Well, now that we've got that settled. I have some…business to take care of. See ya later." Damon gives Stefan and me a wink before walking off to go who knows where.
"I should go find Elena." Stefan says. "Tenete d'occhio Damon." (Keep an eye on Damon.)
I nod. "I will."
Jeremy was right. This is boring. Hanging out with Danny was fun but he suddenly left to go talk to Logan about something so now I'm stuck by the table all by myself. I wish Jeremy could have come; we would have laughed at everyone's vacant expressions as they pretended to enjoy themselves. This Ball has been going on for years, I'm sure at least half of these people have grown bored of it. Sighing, I took a sip of my glass of apple cider that was given to me by one of the waiters. If only it was wine. After another minute of sitting still I decided to go find Stefan, when I saw Damon sneaking upstairs with Caroline following him.
Suspicious, I began to walk towards the staircase when a gust of wind whisked past me. I stopped a moment, confused. What was that?
My first thought was a vampire, because it seemed and felt like it could be. There are no windows open or anything else around that could make a large gush of wind and the only thing that actually could was a vampire…but who? I glanced around; everyone seemed to be engrossed in the party and was paying no attention to the staircase. I couldn't help but roll my eyes; you'd think people would be more aware of their surroundings especially in a town like this one.
I sped up the stairs and found the room my older brother and Caroline were in. It was wide open and I could see Caroline facing the entrance a bored look on her face and a glass of wine in her hand. I crouched low as I glanced in the room while staying close to the wall so I wouldn't be seen. Luckily, Caroline seemed pretty buzzed so I didn't worry about her spotting me. I started to wonder why she was just standing there when I noticed Damon about to pick up a wooden box from a mantle. His fingers barely brushed the box when suddenly he froze and turned around.
"Alice?" He whispers.
My eyes widen following his gaze to the window and saw a flash of bright blue eyes before they disappeared out the window.
It was Alice. She was here…and Damon saw her. She's alive! Well, as alive as a vampire can be but, how is this possible? I saw her get killed and she didn't know any vampire's so there was no way she would have gotten vampire blood in her system…right?
"Who?" Caroline asks turning around and breaking me from my thoughts.
Damon shakes his head and picks up the box, "No one…aren't you supposed to be looking the other way?"
She frowns, "Yeah but-um, you're not supposed to touch."
I glance inside a little more and see Damon open the box that was now placed on a side table. He pulled out an oval shaped amber colored crystal. It looked familiar, I felt like I've seen it before but I just couldn't place where. Wait, why does Damon need it? What is he planning?
"What is that?" Caroline asks. Well, that was my third question.
Damon stuffs the object in his pocket, "A very important Crystal."
Crystal? Why does he need a crystal? I quietly walked to the opposite wall and looked inside the room. Damon was placing a wooden box on a mantle while Caroline turned to him looking confused.
"How did you know it was there?" Caroline asks again.
"Because I put it there." Damon replies.
She frowns, "When?"
"A long time ago…" He answers. "Tonight, I'm taking it back thanks to you."
"Well, what's it for?"
"Never you mind." Damon says as he places his hands on her shoulders and turns her around. I quickly sped down the hall hiding behind a tall plant. Strangely convenient, but it works.
Damon pushes Caroline out the room as she continues to go on about the crystal.
"You just can't steal it."
"It's not stealing if it's mine. Come on." Damon tells her sounding annoyed while he pulled her down the stairs. Once I was sure they were gone I stepped out of my hiding place thinking of everything I've learned as I also walked downstairs. Damon hid a crystal at the Lockwood Mansion (why, I have no idea) and now has come back to get it. Was this why he came back to Mystical Falls to retrieve this crystal? Why does it do and again, why does Damon even need it? Ugh, so many questions and not enough answers. I need to tell Stefan.
"Clara! There you are!"
Glancing to my left I saw Danny walk towards me grinning. I inwardly sighed, horrible timing dude.
"Oh hey Danny." I say, "Listen, I have to go find my brother he-"
"The dark haired one? I just saw him and some blonde chick walk through here. Not sure where they went though." He tells me.
I shook my head, "No that's Damon, I'm looking for Stefan. It's really important so-"
"Can't it wait? I've been looking everywhere for you. I wanted to hang out more." He says placing his hand on my own before slowly moving it up my arm, the grin never leaving his face. Was he implying why I think he was implying?
I glare at him, "Excuse me?"
"Come on! Can't we have a little fun?" He says his hand now on my neck. I could smell the alcohol in his breath but, I knew he wasn't drunk. Tipsy? Probably. Either way if he thinks he is going any further he's crazy.
I shove his hand off my body, "Sorry but no. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find my brother."
I start to walk away trying to shake off my annoyance and focus on looking for Stefan when his voice stops me.
"Why?"
I turn to face him, "What?"
"Why." He repeats his expression turning serious, "Why do you need to find your brother so bad and why were you upstairs?"
I narrow my eyes at him, "Why do you care?"
"Just curious." Danny replies leaning against the wall. "So?"
"It's none of your business." I tell him. There's something off about him…why is he asking all these questions? Could he have seen me or Damon go up the stairs? No, I doubt it. I didn't sense him before I went upstairs and I am pretty sure he was still talking to his uncle. He obviously saw me walking down the stairs though so maybe he was just wondering why I was up there...or maybe it's just the wine. Unless, did he know something? No, that couldn't be. How would he know about vampires?
"Is everything okay here?"
We both to turn to see Stefan, much to my relief, standing in front of us his arms folded across his chest.
"Relax man," Danny says rolling his eyes, "We're just talking."
Stefan ignores him and gazes at me silently asking if this was true.
I look at my brother for a moment before glancing back to Danny whose eyes never left either of us. It was like he was watching for something...
"Yes," I reply slowly, "He just wanted to know where I was."
"Where were you?" Stefan asks.
"With Damon." I tell him my voice and expression hinting that I needed to talk to him.
Stefan's expression hardened, "Sorry Danny, but we have to go."
Danny opened his mouth to object but stopped at Stefan's glare, "Alright...I'll see you later Clara."
I scoff, "We'll see."
Danny frowns, "Look I-"
"You can explain your stupidity later Fell." Stefan says once again interrupting him."I saw what you did." Danny's eyes widen and Stefan smirks, "You're lucky I'm the nice brother but next time...I won't be."
With that Stefan grabs my arm and pulls me away while leading me to the backyard.
"I think you scared him." I tell him after taking a quick glance at Danny who now stood with a frightened look on his face.
He laughs, "Good."
I shake my head, "No! Not good! Something was up with him. He was acting so strange..." Stefan glances at me confused as he finally let go of my arm, "Never mind I'll explain later. Look, I saw Damon upstairs. He took some sort of amber crystal. I don't know what it's for or why he wants it."
Stefan becomes silent as if he was contemplating something. After a moment of long silence he finally answers his expression solemn.
"It doesn't matter. He'll be locked away."
At first I was confused and then I remembered. Our plan to weaken Damon with vervain and then lock him in the cellar where he will desiccate until Stefan decides to revive him again. My gaze fell to the floor. My stomach began to twist and my heart throbbed in pain.
"I know you don't like it." Stefan says his voice soft, "I don't either but, it must be done."
Stefan and I watched Damon and Caroline from a few feet away hiding in the shadows of the trees. We we're in the backyard of the mansion, very far away from the house itself. Caroline was telling Damon she didn't say anything about the marks on her neck and arm that Elena just saw them. Damon calmly approached her wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck. I heard him whisper something about being over her before biting into her neck and drinking her blood. Caroline didn't scream, she must have been compelled but we saw her body weakening. Luckily we knew she would be okay. Damon continued to drink as he laid Caroline on the ground and then he stopped.
He stumbles back, "What the hell?"
He fell backwards sputtering. Stefan and I step forward.
"I couldn't spike your drink." Stefan tells him, "So I spiked hers."
Damon stared at us in shock before rolling over and coughing. Unable to watch him any longer I kept my eyes on Stefan as he checked on Caroline then gave her some of his blood. Damon let out another spluttered cough. My gaze flickered to him reluctantly and the sight made my heart break. I didn't want to do this. I know it's for the best and I know it would be safer for everyone but it just hurt too much. Dropping onto my knees, I sat beside my oldest brother as a lone tear rolled down my cheek.
"I'm sorry."
Aww, this scene is sad! At least things will get better...sort of...that's not really helping is it? Well, anyways...what did you guys think? A lot of things are going on this chapter and there is still a lot more to come. Can you guess what one of things might be? If you do please let me know in the comments and tell me what you think of the chapter! Thanks for reading guys!
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