If You Could See Me Now

by Alara Loumuth

Larissa is a fifteen year old witch from South Africa. She comes to Mystic Falls when Klaus calls her, asking for her help with some spells. Upon instruction, she befriends Jeremy and later Bonnie and company, while she and Klaus work together secretly. Will the others find out? And what is Klaus' plan for Larissa? AU, season 3

2. Chapter 2

Amount of words without A/N: 5 978.

Author's Note: Here's chapter two! I hope you enjoy it. I'm sorry for the wait, my beta and I are both really busy. Thank you so much to TheDreamy for reviewing – I appreciate it sooo much! If there are any mistakes, I'm sorry. I edited some stuff after NyxsReincarnation sent it back to me. So yeah, it's my fault xD ON WITH THE STORY!

Chapter Two

I didn't get any sleep that night. After what I'd said, Gabriel had stormed out of the house without another word. That hurt me really badly, and to top it off Nico also refused to speak with me. It wasn't like it wasmy fault I was chosen to go to Mystic Falls. I even told Nico how much I didn't want to go, but he just ignored me. To tell you the truth, I didn't think he even took in anything I said.

When my dad came home he was sad but understood that it was my time to work with the Originals. He'd sent me to my room to just relax and enjoy my last day at home. Not that I really wanted to spend the day in bed – I wanted to see my friends one last time. Dad refused to let me contact them, though, and I still felt so guilty for missing Tayla's birthday. And her parties. I knew that if I were to ever come back to South Africa, Tayla would not forgive me. I didn't think I'd forgive me, either.

A crack of thunder interrupted my thoughts and I sighed. The alarm clock next to me read 5:09 am, which meant I'd officially been awake for 24 hours. Knowing I wouldn't be getting sleep any time soon, I got up and walked out of my room. I trotted down the stairs, but this time I stopped to look at the photos of my mom. My mother was pale, like me, and had the most gorgeous mahogany curls that fell just past her shoulders. Her hair framed her heart-shaped face perfectly, and it softened her features somewhat. Her green eyes looked directly at my father –who was holding the camera taking photos of her – and her full lips were curved into a gentle smile. She wore no makeup, and wore her favourite sun dress Dad had bought her just after Nico was born.

I turned away and continued down the stairs to the kitchen. I was depressed enough already without adding the fact that I missed my mom, even after all of these years.

I still found it hard to believe the sun rose so early – but it was summer, after all. I filled our old white kettle with water and stared at it as I waited for it to boil. I didn't want to leave home. I would miss everything so much! The old kettle, the pictures of my mother, my family and my friends… what would I do if Klaus decided to keep me by his side forever?

The kettle was done, so I quickly made myself some coffee. I took my cup and put one large teaspoon of coffee and two sugars in. I took the last cookie in the cookie jar and took a seat at the small wooden kitchen table. My mind was fuzzy and I found it hard to concentrate. Wouldmy friends ever forgive me for leaving them without a word?

I jumped slightly when a large hand rested on my shoulder, but relaxed when I felt the rough lips pressing a quick kiss against my temple. The woodsy scent and the kiss told me it was my dad. "Would you like some coffee?" I asked him.

He nodded gratefully and took a seat opposite me. I stood up to prepare my dad's coffee. In his cup I put in two teaspoons of coffee, 3 teaspoons brown sugar, and a little bit of milk.I added the milk first, and then the still-hot kettle water. I handed my dad his cup and sat down again.

"How are you holding up, Larissa?" he asked me before taking a sip of his coffee.

I shrugged. "I'm alright, just sad to be leaving," I told him truthfully. I really didn't want to leave, especially on such bad terms with everyone.

My dad offered me a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry this happened to you, sweetheart. I'm still not sure how you got the magical genes," he said with a frown. "But at least I know that Klaus will keep you safe."

"Will he though?" I asked my dad immediately. "Keep me safe, I mean."

Tobias frowned at me. "Of course he will, Larissa. You're one of his witches now. As long as you're loyal to him, he will look after you."

I nodded, feeling relieved. At least I knew no-one could hurt me as long as I had Klaus looking after me. "What do you think he needs mefor? I mean, I'm fifteen! And I never thought Klaus would be the one to finally choose me," I wondered aloud. "Elijah, maybe, but never Klaus."

"You should never question Niklaus," my father said sharply. "Never. I've known since your thirteenth birthday that Klaus would be the brother to ask for your help."

My mind flashed back to my thirteenth birthday. A really attractive yet dangerous man, dressed in a fancy black suit…some talk about witchery, vampires, werewolves…a vampire named Katherine...I shook my head to clear it. Now wasn't the time to think of the past.

"Yes, father, I know," I sighed. I finished my coffee and checked the time. It was six o'clock – I was shocked, I didn't even realise so much time had passed!

"May I please go to school dad? Just one last time?" I begged, tears filling my eyes. I knew he wouldn't allow me to go, but I had to at least try. "I won't tell them anything, I swear!"

My dad looked sad as he shook his head. "I'm sorry but you can't. Jackson's orders. Besides, you need to pack."

My heart dropped into my stomach and I nodded sadly. I got up from the table, took the empty cups, and put them in the sink. I went back to my room and plopped down onto my unmade bed. My ringtone started playing – some 3Oh3 song which meant it was Tayla calling. I wanted to answer so badly I just stared at my phone. She stopped calling me after ten minutes. Instead I got a text from her.

To: Larissa
From: Tayla
Message: we waited 2 hrs for u yesterday at the mall. Where were u?! I thought you'd at least come to m private party, but no! U better be at school to explain, or u'll be in BIG trouble.

I switched off my phone without texting her back. What was the use? It wasn't like she'd ever see me again. Nope, one day all I'd be is a distant memory.

xxxXXXxxx

The next time I woke up, it was because of the stupid house phone ringing and no one answering it. With a groan I stood up and stumbled my way downstairs to the kitchen. I grabbed the phone and sleepily mumbled, "Hello?"

"Good day. Is this Miss Nieuwoudt?" a cheery voice asked.

"Yes, this is her," I replied, rubbing sleep out of my eyes. "What can I do for you?"

"This is Rayne Davis from the East London airport. I'm calling to confirm your flight to Johannesburg tomorrow morning at 11 am?"

"Oh, right. Uhm, yeah I'm flying tomorrow," I replied brilliantly around a yawn.

"Unfortunately there have been some complications and the flight has been cancelled. However, we were able to move you to another, earlier flight," she said, though she was starting to sound a little nervous.

"Which is when?" I asked, dreading the answer.

"Seven thirty...tonight. You'll have to be at the airport for check in a half an hour early."

I groaned into the phone and rubbed my temple to ward off the coming headache. "Alright, yeah. That's fine, I'll be there. Is that all?" I asked tiredly.

"Yes, thank you Miss Nieuwoudt. We apologise for the inconvenience," she replied and hang up.

I quickly ran upstairs and switched on my phone to call my dad. He picked up on the third ring. "What is it, Larissa? I'm in a meeting," he said impatiently, though still a little concerned.

"Sorry to bother you at work, Dad. I just got a call from the East London airport and there have been some complications and I need to be at the airport at seven tonight," I said all in one breath.

There was a muffled curse from my dad before he said, "Alright, I'll make arrangements at work. You go pack as fast as you can and I'll see you in a few hours." The line went dead.

Thanks for the concern dad, I thought sarcastically.

I grabbed some of the boxes from the spare bedroom where Nico was packing up his stuff –he was packing since he'd decided to get his own apartment even though he was only eighteen and a half. I went back to my room, all the way struggling with the dozen or so folded boxes in my arms. When I reached my room I immediately dumped them to the carpet floor. I pursed my lips and looked around my room. What to take? It wasn't like I could take a lot of stuff, but I could still make a plan, right? With a determined nod I set up one of the boxes and started to pack various items from my vanity – like my makeup, photos, jewellery, and etcetera. It didn't take too long and I quickly duct taped it closed. With a satisfied smile I moved on to my clothing and shoes. It took about an hour to pack everything – and I had to be careful to pack a little bit for every type of climate imaginable. I didn't have a clue what Mystic Falls was like.

After a while I moved onto my special Memory Box. It contained a few little trinkets and some jewellery I'd received from loved ones. First I carefully picked up the pure silver, heart-shaped locket nestled in the corner. It was something my mother bought me while she was sick – before the cancer had stolenher life. I could still remember the tears in my mother's eyes as she handed me the locket with weak hands. She died a few hours after that, while I slept on obliviously next to her. I sighed and carefully put the locket in a separate jewellery box for safekeeping – I was definitely taking it with me.

Next I took out the friendship bracelet Tayla once bought me. She bought it when she went overseas for vacation. She had a matching one. I loved it to bits.

Lastly I took out the two books I bought Tayla for her sixteenth birthday: The Afrikaans book Dis Ek, Annaand its English edition It's Me, Annaby Elbie Lotter. It was a heartbreaking book she'd wanted to read since forever, though her mother forbade her to. With good reason too, considering the fact that the book was about a sexually abused girl. Anyway, I placed a birthday card on top of the two books and left it on my desk for her to find.

With a last sigh I grabbed my one box of belongings and dragged it downstairs, then went back to fetch my large travelling suitcase filled with all the clothes I could squeeze in. At the same time my dad arrived and helped me to load my stuff into our Ford Focus. He told me to go call my brother, so I nodded and ran up the stairs. I knocked softly on the door, waited a few seconds, and knocked again. There was no reply. With a sigh I opened the door only to find the room empty. Tears gathered in my eyes as I looked at my brother's empty room. He wasn't even going to say goodbye to me… I stalked into his room and grabbed his favourite Superman hoodie lying on his bed. It was going to be my reminder of Nico. I pulled it on over my tank top and went back outside to my dad. He saw the look on my face as I slid wordlessly into the front seat, but he didn't say anything. He just started the car and we were off. The drive to East London Airport took about twenty minutes. The ride was filled with some chit-chat, but I didn't really know what to say. Was this goodbye? Would I ever see my dad, my family, again? I didn't know, and that scared me more than I'd like to admit.

We arrived at the airport at 18:55 and I quickly checked in for my flight to Johannesburg. My dad had a meeting (at seven thirty atnight!) and had to go. We shared a tight hug and then he was gone, leaving me standing alone in the busy airport. I sighed and picked up my carry-on bag from the floor. Luckily the airport was rather small and it was nearly impossible to get lost. I made my way to the WIMPY and ordered myself some coffee while I waited for my flight. My mind stayed pleasantly blank, even as my old Blackberry buzzed with text messages from my friends. I payed my bill when the time was right and went to board the small SAL airplane. I luckily got the window seat. The seat next to me was taken by a cute guy probably around the age of eighteen or nineteen. At first I didn't say anything, I just knew his name – he introduced himself as Janco. He was tall and had light blonde hair and brown eyes.

"Larissa," I replied. I was silent for a moment before it clicked. "Oh my glory, JANCO!" I exclaimed like a crazy person. "You're Janco Ebersohn, right? It's me, Larissa Nieuwoudt! You were my neighbour for a while, and buds with my brother Nico."

His eyes lit up in recognition and he gave me a quick hug. "Not just Nico's friend, I was yours too! It's so nice to see you, Larissa. How have you been? How's the family?" he asked.

"Everyone's great! Except that I'll be leaving them now, but hopefully I'll be back soon," I replied. "Nico and I have been really lonely without you."

"I'm sorry about that. I had to move," he explained. "You know how my parents were. 'You need to go to University, son, and make us proud,' " he quoted perfectly.

I laughed and shook my head. "That's alright, we understood. You were a 16 year old genius," I joked.

He chuckled. "I just happened to do really good in school, is all. That's what happens when you do homeschooling."

"Whatever," I replied, sticking my tongue out.

"And your mother? How is she?" he asked. "I miss her chocolate chip cookies."

My heart clenched and my eyes filled with tears. All playfulness left me. Her death was still a sore spot for me. "She…she's gone…" I whispered and looked down. I'd thought he knew…in fact, everyone knew about Doctor Sarah Niewoudt's death. She was famous, after all.

His expression softened and he squeezed my hand. "I didn't know, Larissa."

I smiled a watery smile at him and said, "It's okay, I'm fine."

"You know what fine stands for?" he asked me. When I shook my head, he said, "Fucked up, insecure, neurotic, emotional."

I laughed without any real humour. "Then I guess I'm fine."

After that it was silent. I guessed Janco felt bad and wanted to give me some alone time, which I appreciated. So I put in my ear buds and lost myself in my world of Eminem. I couldn't really concentrate on his lyrics for long, though. I kept having flashbacks.

It was my sixth birthday, and it was the worst birthday ever. Since my birthday was in the middle of the holidays, no one could ever make it to my party, not even Tayla who was my best friend.

"Hi," someone said. It was a boy – he looked 9 years old, like Nico.

"Hello," I sniffled back. "Who are you?"

"Nico's friend," he replied. "Are you alright? You look sad."

"I'm not okay," I admitted. "It's my sixth birthday and none of my friends are here."

"I'm here," he said strongly. "And I promise to be here forever. You're Nico's sister, so you're mine now, too."

I smiled at the memory. He kept his promise for longer than I'd ever thought he would – seven years. The next memory pulled me in again. I was ten.

"Why are you crying, Rissa?"

"Go away," I mumbled into my hands. "I don't want to talk to you, Janco."

"Come on, Larissa. Tell me what's wrong so I can fix it," he pleaded.

I just shook my head. How was I supposed to explain to him that I was being bullied at school? It was too painful – and embarrassing – to admit to anyone, let alone my best guy friend. He'd probably just laugh at me, anyway, AND tell Nico.

"Please don't cry, I don't like it when you cry," he said, coming to sit next to me on the girls' bathroom floor.

Janco could get in serious trouble for even being in here. If I wasn't in this situation right now, I'd be laughing my behind off. But the fact was, I was feeling miserable and my side was aching from where Juan and Jennie punched me. They called me a "witch" and it hurt me really badly.

I was startled out of my thoughts when Janco put his arms around me and let me cry into his chest. I was really grateful. He kept whispering "You'll be okay," into my ear, and I found myself believing him. After about ten minutes I was done crying. "How did you know that something was wrong, and where to find me?" I asked him softly. I really was curious.

"I always know when something's going on, Rissa. I promised you to always be there for you."

Janco was thirteen at the time, and already he cared so much about me. He was the best guy friend a girl could ask for. I appreciated that.

I was so zoned out that the flight passed by relatively quickly, and I soon found myself a little lost at the Johannesburg International Airport. Janco walked with me to the baggage claim, and I was about to say my reluctant goodbyes when he noticed my lost, wide-eyed expression. "Do you even know where you're going?" he asked me jokingly.

I smiled sheepishly and shook my head. "I'm afraid not," I replied.

He offered me a smile and asked, "So, where you headed? Maybe I can help you out, since I know this airport fairly well."

"I'm getting onto an International flight to Virginia," I told him as I waited for my baggage to come.

"Don't you have school?" Janco asked, shocked. "You're like, fifteen right? I can't believe Tobias would allow you to get out of school."

"Dad's fine with it. He said it's for the new experiences, or whatever," I said to Janco with a shrugand grabbed my bag. I struggled a bit and he quickly helped me. I half-smiled in thanks as he grabbed his bag and I got everything else I needed. As we walked I told him, "Well I'm moving there to live with some of my extended family, including my half-sister. Well, I'm not exactly sure of the details. It was a surprise for me and I wasn't allowed any details." I was grabbing at straws, now, but who cares who I said I lived with? It wasn't like he'd see, anyway.

"You have a half sister? I never knew," he said, shocked.

"Neither did I," I said glumly.

He nodded and led me to the right check in. I raised an eyebrow as he, too, checked in. This was a little suspicious. "What?" he said, "I just happen to be visiting some family there, too."

I shrugged. We were told the flight left at nine thirty…tomorrow morning. I groaned and banged my head against the wall. Janco laughed and dragged me off to a Spur restaurant. The place wasn't really that full, and we were led into the smoker's section. I glared at Janco who just shrugged and lit a cigarette. I coughed on purpose but Janco just smirked at me. The waiter came to take our orders. "Uhm, I'll take a…um, I'll take a medium rare New York Sirloin?" it came out more like a question.

The waiter gave me a strange look. "Medium rare?" he asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, the food is still practically alive when it's medium rare," Janco chimed in.

I grimaced. "Thanks for that charming mental image, Janco, but yes I'm sure." I told both of them.

The waiter, Kagiso, shrugged and looked at Janco. "I'd like a chicken burger, please. And a Hunters beer for me, a coke for the lady," Janco said.

The waiter nodded and disappeared. "SO, what are we supposed to do until tomorrow?" I asked Janco. It was only nine pm now, so we still had like eleven hours to kill.

"Eh, we'll find something," Janco said, "Want one?" He offered me a cigarette.

I shook my head and wrinkled my nose in disgust. "Yeah, no thanks," I mumbled. "I didn't know you smoked."

He shrugged and took a drag. "Your loss," he said. After a while he put the foul thing out and his gorgeous brown eyes met mine. "So, where in Virginia are you headed to, if I may ask?"

I could see no harm in telling him. "Mystic Falls, Virginia," I told him, "And you?"

His eyes got really big. "No shit?" he exclaimed, "Me too! This is so weird but awesome at the same time."

I nodded with a half-smile. "Yep, quite. Do you know anyone there?"

"Nah," he replied, "Just my ma and pa. And you, besides your half-sister?"

I shook my head. "Nope, just my family," I said with a groan. It was a lie, though. I didn't know anyone. "I've got to ask," I started, "What are you doing now? And what about your father?"

"I'm working with my father as a boer," he said. "But it was only for a little while until I was able to get my visa to leave this place forever. I've gotten a teaching job at Mystic High School."

"That's so cool!" I exclaimed. I always wanted to get to know a farmer's boy, and now was my chance. "Who would've guessed you of all people would work on a farm?" I wondered aloud. It was true – he didn't look like a farmer or anything. His skin wasn't really tanned and he wasn't extremely muscled. He also hated getting too dirty. Oh well.

Janco burst out laughing. "Yeah, no one can believe I'm working on Dad's farm. But oh well, ons Afrikaners is plesierig," he joked. (TRANSLATION: We AFRIKANERS ARE PLEASANT.)

I bobbed my head in agreement. Afrikaans people were, for the most part, pleasant - just like he said. The waiter came just then and handed us our drinks. "Thanks," I said as he walked away. Janco took a sip of his beer and asked, "If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would that be?"

I was quiet for a moment. I honestly didn't know. I've always wanted to visit Australia – I had two aunts who lived there – but I wasn't sure if I would be able to stand the heat. Then I'd wanted to go to Paris – not the Paris in the Free State here but overseas. Now that I thought of it, more and more places popped out in my mind and I found it impossible to choose only one place. So I simply said, "Everywhere. I want to travel the world."

Janco nodded, looking thoughtful. Before he could say anything, my Blackberry started vibrating. I fished it out of my short pockets and checked the caller ID – Dad. I lifted a finger at Janco in a "one minute" gesture and answered the phone. "Hey, Dad. What's up?"

"Hello Larissa. I just wanted to hear how things are going?"

"Things are great, thanks Dad. My flight leaves tomorrow at nine thirty, and I have no idea what to do with myself until then," I told him. "And guess who I just saw? JANCO!"

"That's great, sweetie. Please tell him I said hi." I quickly told Janco, who grinned and said the same. "Just remember to be careful,"Dad warned. "You should keep checking the Blackberry Jackson gave you – he might let you know something."

I nodded, only to remember he couldn't see me. "Okay, Dad, I'll do that. He hasn't said anything yet, though. I can't say the same for my friends back home." My voice took on a bitter tone that my dad immediately picked up on. "They won't stop messaging me."

"You can't talk to them, Larissa, you know that. I'll have Nico tell them you moved or something,"he said sternly in a don't-argue-with-me tone of voice.

"Nico isn't even talking to me, Dad! Or did you forget? And it's not fair that I have to abandon my friends," I argued. "Just because I'm moving to Mystic Falls, doesn't mean I can't still talk to them! I even missed Tayla's birthday, and she'll never forgive me for it. It's your fault, Dad. You could've at least allowed me to say good bye." My voice was all choked up so I hung up, not wanting to talk to my dad anymore. My throat was closed up so I took a gulp of my coke.

"Are you okay?"

I jumped – I'd forgotten completely about Janco's presence. I nodded at him. "Yeah, I guess. Thanks for asking," I said as strongly as I could.

His brown eyes peered into mine doubtfully but finally he nodded. "Lovely weather isn't it?" he asked randomly.

For a moment I was confused. We were inside – there was no way we could see how the weather was. Then it clicked and I grinned thankfully at him. "Oh yes, absolutely. Hot with not a cloud in sight," I joked. "A lot of humans, though."

"No problem," he told me cheerfully. Just then our food arrived and we were silent as we ate. The medium rare sirloin was delicious – just like I'd said it would be. I even managed to force Janco to eat a piece, and he'd reluctantly admitted that it was nice. I rubbed my victory in his face…a lot. When we were done we paid the bill and left the restaurant. We walked out of the airport and grabbed one of the taxis. Janco told them an address that I didn'trecognise and we were soon driving.

The drive was silent and over soon. We'd arrived at a small, cosy-looking house. I raised an eyebrow at Janco as we climbed out. He grinned at me and motioned me to follow him. I did. Most people would think I'm crazy for following some guy I haven't seen in two years, but I was a witch. I could take care of myself. Add that to the fact that I trusted him with my life.

I followed Janco to the front door where he knocked twice. "Coming!" came a muffled voice from inside. I tapped my foot and crossed my arms. "What's this about?" I whispered to Janco. He just smiled. Soon the door was opened by a tired-looking woman who looked to be in her early thirties. She had a kind face, with short blonde hair and sparkling green eyes. Her facial features were similar to Janco's, so I guessed they had to be relatives. She was dressed in sweat pants and a tank top. When she spotted Janco, she gave a delighted squeal and threw her arms around him. "Boetie, I'm so glad you're here!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Oh, so this was Janco's sister. Boetie was brother in Afrikaans. Janco laughed and patted his older sister's shoulder. "It's good to see you, Nita," he told her.

Her eyes then shifted to me and she smiled. "And who's this, brother?" she asked him.

"Oh, uhm I'm Larissa," I said somewhat awkwardly, my cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Larissa, this is my sister Nita. Nita, this is Larissa. Remember her? She's Nico's little sister. I told you about her," he said. She smiled and nodded. "She also happens to be on her way to Mystic Falls, too, and we'll be on the same flight. So I thought we could maybe crash at my darling sister's house?" Janco batted his eyelashes at his sister.

She laughed and lightly punched his arm. "Of course you can," she said. She seemed to only then realize we were still outside and quickly ushered us in. Inside the walls were painted warm colours and I found myself liking it immediately. She led us to what I assumed was the living room and motioned for us to take seats. The siblings started chatting away but I couldn't get myself to focus on what was being said. I was so tired after my long night and all the emotions I'd experienced, that I was completely drained. My eyelids slowly started to drop, and soon I drifted into the world of sleep.

When I woke up the next morning, it was from Nita gently shaking my shoulder. "Hey," she told me when my eyes opened, "It's eight o'clock, you guys will have to leave soon." She handed me a steaming cup of coffee.

I mumbled, "Thanks," and accepted it. The coffee was delicious and I drank it quickly. Nita also handed me a pair of jeans, which I took gratefully. I got up out of bed and pulled on Nico's hoodie again. I walked to the ocean blue room's decorated mirror to fix my hair somewhat. My curls were a bit limp so I pulled it into a messy bun. The jeans also fitperfectly. I turned around and thanked Nita for letting me stay here the night. "And thanks for not murdering me in my sleep," I joked.

She laughed and gave me a quick hug. "You know, Janco isn't that bad," she whispered cryptically in my ear before bouncing out of the room.

Frowning, I followed her. What was that supposed to mean? I followed Nita to her sleek black sports car – since I was still half asleep I had no idea what it was. Janco was leaning against the car, his hair messy and eyes sleepy. He was dressed in a fresh pair of dark jeans and a blue button-up, which suited him perfectly. "Morning," I mumbled as I climbed into the car. He grunted some kind of answer but I was too tired to decipher it. On the drive to the airport I checked the blackberry Jackson gave me, and was surprised to see there was one message.

FROM: Jackson
TO: Larissa
MESSAGE: At the airport, look for a tall woman. Around 23. She's pale and has blonde hair. Fancy dressed. Has an ivy tattoo curling around her wrist. She's your sister, Kerri. She will be in the first coffee shop as soon as you walk out of arrivals.

I sighed and replied: Alright, thanks. On my way to Johannesburg airport. See you soon? Larissa.

The drive to the airport was slow thanks to the traffic, but we were still early enough to not miss the check in and boarding. The security had a problem with my tweezers in my carry on, and confiscated it. Janco was laughing his head off while my cheeks puffed up with irritation. Like come on, it was onlya pair of tweezers! Ugh, whatever. I unfortunately had to say good bye to Janco, as his seat was at the back of the plane while I was nearer to thefront. He promised to sneak a visit later, though, which cheered me upa lot.

The flight was long but I found myself unable to sleep. My mind kept going through scenarios of my friends – Tayla's betrayed expression when I didn't show up at her party; my other friends finding out I moved overseas; Henry's smirk when he realizes I wasn't in East London anymore…

Usually when I was down, I turned up the music and put in my earphones and I'd be able to block everything out. Like usual, it did. But this time I didn't feel any better. My mood was dark and cloudy. I snapped once at the woman sitting next to me – she kept sobbing and after a few hours I told her to "shut the hell up!" She was shocked, but at least she stopped crying. I didn't have it in me to feel bad, even when she started blubbering about how her little niece was dying of cancer and she was on her way to say good bye. Nope, I was a heartless bastard.

The flight was long and when we finally landed I was dead tired and feeling depressed. I wasn't even cheered by the fact that I would have a familiar face in Mystic Falls in the form of Janco. Eventually I'd have to say goodbye to him, too. Klaus wouldn't like me having connections from my home.

After waiting with Janco to get our luggage, I went to the first coffee shop I saw. I was too tired to really take in any details, and I almost missed this Kerri character. She was seated at the back of the coffee shop, typing away at her laptop. From the distance I could make out that she was beautiful. She was dressed in a fancy work dress and high-heels, with beautiful hoop earrings. Her hair was light blonde and wavy, like Jackson hadsaid, and she had icy blue eyes circled with dark eyeliner. She was pale, and her skin looked really soft.

"Who are you staring at?" Janco asked from behind me.

I turned around and said, "That's my sister, Kerri."

As if she heard her name, Kerri looked up from her laptop and her eyes zeroed in on us. She stood up gracefully and swiftly made her way to me. She smiled stiffly at Janco and gave me a quick, swift hug. "It's nice to see you again, Larissa. Mother would have thrown a tantrum about you moving overseas to live with me, were she alive to see it."

My face paled and I nodded slowly. "Yes, she would've," I said. "Um, Kerri this is Janco. Janco, meet my sister Kerri."

Kerri frowned at me, though it was gone as quickly as it came."You didn't mention bringing any friends from South Africa," she said sharply.

I opened my mouth to reply, but Janco beat me to it. "Oh, we only know each other briefly. I was friends with Nico, and she the annoying little sister," he lied smoothly. Then turning to me, he said, "I'll have to go now, Larissa. It was nice to see you." And with that he was gone. I guess he could sense the tension between me and my "sister". When she looked away he mouthed, I'm sorry, I didn't mean that. I'll see you tomorrow.

With a nod and sigh I turned back to Kerri, whose blue eyes glared at me. "Let's go," she said.

Outside of the airport I couldn't really make out details, as it was dark already. The drive to Mystic Falls was excruciatingly slow and had a silence that almost screamed. I was so grateful when we stopped at the house I guessed was ours. I jumped out of the car, grabbed my bag and box, and went inside after Kerri. She led me upstairs and to my room. She left soon after. Huffing, I dumped my stuff on the floor. I opened my bag, got dressed in PJs, and fell onto the bed. Sleep claimed me immediately.

Xxxxxxxx

AN2: The next chapter will also take another week or so. Like I said, we're both extremely busy with school work. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter. Please review :P