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Disclaimer: I do not own the Vampire Diaries only Alba and Danny
Chapter 6
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing- George Bernard Shaw
Shaw had no idea how right he was. Or at least I hope he was right because as of right now I'm about to make one of the biggest mistakes of my life.
"Senior year! Wooo!" I roll my eyes at the rowdy group of boys barreling past me to the front doors of the high school. To say I would rather jump off a cliff into shark infested waters than be standing here right now; would be an understatement. However, it is my senior year so I might as well have some fun.
"Are you sure you want to be here?" I narrow my icy blue eyes at the sound of the Bennet Bitch's voice. She and the cheerleader are all eyes for the doppelgänger. Who at this very moment can't shut up about her anniversary with Stefan. We get it; he sacrificed himself for Damon only to be turned into a brainless sock puppet. It's time to get over it and move on to plan B.
"I have to be here. I have to put it behind me," the doppelgänger begins as I slid the ray bans that were tucked safely into my pocket on my face. "New year. New life." She finished her cliché statement just as I come upon their little group.
"I couldn't agree more," I smirked as I brushed past a shocked Elena, only to shove my way in between a pissed off Bonnie and a confused Caroline. I felt my grin widen when I detect their eyes trailing me as I strut into the school. Okay, maybe this wouldn't the worst mistake I've ever made.
The school was fairly small making finding my locker easy. However, avoiding the Scooby gang might prove to be a bigger challenge than I initially thought.
"What do you think you're doing here?" Bonnie glared coming up beside me. I laughed slamming my locker closed with just enough force to ruffle the Bennett's hair.
"I believe I am going to class. What are you doing?" I said in a condescending tone as I lean against my locker raising a curious eyebrow; when she fails to answer me.
"Listen I don't know what you want, but you better stay away from Elena." She straightened her shoulders narrowing her eyes as I felt the charge in the air.
"Bonnie," I tsk-tsked shaking my head, "I thought witches were supposed to be discreet when it came to their magic?" I smirked when she visibly deflated as more people shuffle past us. "Don't worry Bennett, as hard as it is to believe, I'm not here for your precious doppelgänger."
"I know why you are here," I hum in mild amusement as she continues, "but if you mess with any of my friends on your search for answers, it won't end well." She threatened as I nod my head feigning understanding.
"I completely understand," I said as I bent down to whisper in her ear, "but if you think you intimidate me, you have another thing coming." I smiled sweetly ignoring her death glare as I start my walk to class. School hasn't even officially started yet and I've already been threatened. It's looking like a promising year.
"I'm going to be late for class." I heard Elena's voice as I turn the corner, and with my Martinez luck, just in time to witness Stefan grip her wrist and spin her around.
"Oh, class is this way." He smiled without humor as the doppelgänger struggled in his hold. "Elena, do you think I want to be a senior for the hundredth time? No. But if I don't have a choice in the matter than neither do you." He answered rather peeved which I couldn't blame the guy. High school sucks.
"I said let me go." She gritted out right as Alaric came out of his classroom.
"Let her go." Alaric demanded staring Stefan down. I nodded in appreciation, at the human, for his courage. I watched as Stefan faked a laugh before he violently pushed the teacher against the lockers with a hand wrapped around his throat. What is it with this town and choking people?
"Stefan, stop it!" Elena yelled drawing the attention of some nosy students. I silently cursed the Ripper as I quickly made my way over to the trio.
"Well as much fun as the show was," I smiled humorlessly looking straight into Alaric's eyes as I palmed Stefan's face and shoved him backwards, "I have a quick question for my teacher before class begins." I turned bored eyes on Stefan who looks like he would love nothing more than to rip my throat out. "I'll see you in class Stefan!" I beam brightly putting on a show for the last of the students walking past.
"You're not going to get in my way. Okay, Ric?" He smiles turning less than friendly eyes on Elena and I. "I'll see you both in class." He nodded heading for the door.
"Oh, Stefan, save me a seat!" I laughed when he threw me a forced smile over his shoulder. "Tool," I muttered focusing my attention back on Alaric and Elena, who can't take their eyes from me. "You're not going to give me detention are you?" I smirked causing a head shake from Alaric.
"You remind me too much of Damon," he said sighing but nodding nonetheless. "Thank you, though."
"Yes, thank you," Elena said quietly coming up beside Ric.
"Anytime," I nodded trying to hide the small smile that played on my lips. The fact that this moment just made the doppelgänger question everything she assumed about me. I chuckled taking the closest seat toward the door of the classroom. I love keeping people guessing.
"You're in my seat." I glanced up at Stefan's monotone voice in time to see some kid hurriedly get out of his seat to find another. The boy was conveniently sitting next to Elena, who looked like she might be sick. A small miniscule part of me felt bad for the girl and it's this part that has me abandoning my seat.
"I'm going to regret this," I mumbled as I quickly slid into the seat seconds before Stefan sat down. "Thanks for saving me a seat." I winked at him before turning my attention to the front of the room. I don't have to look at Elena or Caroline to see their matching looks of surprise because let's face it; no one is more shocked than me. I can feel the back of my neck begin to tingle as Stefan bends down to whisper in my ear.
"Do you have any idea the game you're playing?" He breathed trying his hardest to sound threatening. I leaned back until my head is resting on his shoulder and my mouth is level with his ear.
"Do you have any idea about the fucks, I don't give?" I answered back with just as much vigor.
"Okay, class will everyone take their seats." Alaric yelled eyeing Stefan as he took the seat next to mine. I looked down at my papers as I realized I just became the filling to a supernatural sandwich. How wonderful.
"Hey," I lifted my eyes to meet the brown irises of the doppelgänger as she gets my attention. "Thank you." She gave me a small smile and nod of gratitude. I simply returned with a simple nod.
"There's a bonfire tonight," Caroline leaned over to whisper before I had a chance to ignore them. "You should come out; everyone is going to be there." I nodded as I move my attention back to Alaric. I should have known this would happen; that the doppelgänger and her friends would try to infiltrate my life. No good deed goes unpunished.
"Welcome back seniors. Let's turn our brains back on, starting with this country's original founders…the Native Americans." Alaric began just as Rebekah glided into the room.
"What about the Vikings?" She asked smugly taking a seat in the front row. I smirked when the doppelgänger and cheerleader's faces' drop.
"There's no evidence that Viking explorers actually settled in the United States. Who are you?" Alaric asked confused about who she could be. Obviously, someone is out of the loop.
"My name's Rebekah. I'm new, and history's my favorite subject." She grinned drawing every male eye in the room to her. Let the year begin.
I slammed my locker closed rather forcefully as I try not to punch every person that glances in my direction. I'm only three classes in and already I want to kill, maim, and torture every living human that gets in my way. To say my first day isn't going the way I want it to would be an understatement. Already I've received multiple glares from the Bennett witch, Stefan, and Rebekah, but that's not what's getting to me.
"Alba! We're sitting over here!" I lifted my gaze from my walk through the quad to see the doppelgänger waving me over to her, and the cheerleader. She's smiling at me with sincerity making me want to vomit. Glares and threats I can handle, a friendship with the doppelgänger, I cannot.
"If you don't come to us, we'll come to you!" Caroline shouted as she notices my shifty eyes. I growled to myself as I begrudgingly started making my way towards the pair. I'm halfway to the overly cheerful two-some, when I feel my pocket start to vibrate.
"Oh ,thank god," I mumbled quickly taking my phone out and flipping it open, not bothering to check the caller idea. "Hello."
"Yes is this Alba Martinez?" An authoritative voice asked on the other end of the line. I straighten up as goosebumps pepper my skin.
"This is her." I answered speed walking to my mustang as I nervously search for my keys.
"This is Nurse Rose, I'm calling from the middle school. Danny seems to have spiked a fever in the last hour, and with her condition I thought it would be best if you came to get her."
"I'm on my way." I hung up yanking open my car door and sliding behind the wheel. I don't even bother to go inside and explain the situation to my teachers. Honestly, I don't have time to waste on such trivial things. I jump into my car and set off to take care of my sister. A ten minute drive was out of the question, Danny needed me now, so I squealed into the middle school parking lot in three minutes. Not my proudest moment, but laws are made to be broken where Danny is concerned. I walked into the main office finding no one, so I raced down the hall finding the nurse's office with little trouble.
"Hi, I'm here to pick up Danny Martinez," I tell the nurse who is a plump woman in her late fifties with thinning hair and a no-nonsense attitude. Great.
"Yes, she is just in there," she pointed to a closed-door to her left. I took a step intent on seeing my sister when the woman held out a hand stopping me. "I'm sorry, but we need a parent or guardians signature to check Danny out." I sigh irritated as I hold out my hand.
"Alright, I'll sign just tell me where." I watched the woman smile insincerely as she looked me over with judging eyes.
"Are you her parent?" I shook my head opening my mouth only to have her cut me off. "Are you her guardian?"
"I'm her older sister and we don't have anyone in the parent department. I am the parent, so if you'll please just let me take her home-"
"Nope I'm sorry not until this sheet is filled out." She smiled taking a seat flipping open some cheesy romance novel. I gape at her in disbelief. This bitch has to be kidding me. I quickly scan the waiting room to find six people sitting aimlessly around which makes compulsion out of the question. I walked outside only to start pacing the sidewalk trying to figure something else out. There is no one I can call it's just me and Da- I stop short when the thought hits me and I know beyond a shadow of a doubt it's my best option. I bit my lip and look towards the sky as I pull out my phone and dial the one number I never thought I would have to use.
"I thought you said someone was coming," the nurse asked peeved at having to wait so long. I don't even spare her a glance as I flip through a magazine I found in the recycling bin.
"He'll be here." I sighed looking at the clock to find that half an hour has passed. I'm going to kill him.
"Well when?" She snapped standing up from her position in the chair. "I have a one o'clock appointment."
"Sounds pressing," I answer smugly tossing the magazine aside. "I guess, you'll just have to wait." I smiled out of pure victory.
"Actually I think you'll just have to wait until I get back," she leers swinging open the door only to reveal a very bored Damon Salvatore.
"You rang." He directed at me over the nurse's shoulder that can't seem to keep her eyes off Damon.
"Yes," I stand up walking to the front desk and handing him the clip board with the necessary sheets on it. "I need you to sign these," I leaned in so only he can hear me. "And if you are hungry" I look over to the bitch gawking at Damon. "I suggest the nurse," he pulled back surprise etched his features. I shrugged in response as I walked toward Danny's room, "Consider it a reward." I threw over my shoulder before I opened the door to the room Danny's in. I found her curled in a ball on a worn out cot with paper-thin blankets; that wouldn't keep any living human being warm. "Danny," I whispered bending down next to her shaking frame. "Danny?" I pulled the hair back from her face noticing how pale she is.
"Can I-I g-go home n-n-now?" She stuttered cracking her eyes open long enough to see that it's me. I nodded my head wrapping one arm around her lower back while my other snakes underneath her knees so I can hoist her into my arms.
"Yeah we can go home," I murmur as her head lands on my shoulder.
"Need any help?" I spun around surprised that I hadn't sensed Damon's presence sooner. He was leaning casually against the door his eyes focused on Danny who is already falling asleep.
"No I got her." I tell him inching toward the door, but he's quick to block my path.
"Give her to me." He said holding out his arms for her. I' m quick to recoil from his awaiting hands as I smash her to my chest.
"No. Why?" I questioned completely confused by his attitude. He's lacking his usual sarcasm and snark as he looked into my eyes.
"Because if a twig like you walks out of here carrying her, people might get suspicious," He answered slightly annoyed, "now give her to me." I hesitate looking down at Danny's tired face before slowly handing her over. I felt my heart clench when Damon finally took her from my arms, it feels like no matter what I do, I'll always have to let her go. "I've got her." He said surprising me with the gentleness in his voice and the way his eyes soften when Danny throws her arms around his neck.
"I know," I smile genuinely as I stare at the pair. "Come on," I motioned for him to follow me as I walk out of the office. The nurse is nowhere to be seen and I send a silent prayer that Damon actually fed from her. I let him trail me to my car where I hold open the passenger door waiting for him to set Danny inside.
"How long?" It's the one question I've been dreading to hear, but I should have expected it from Damon. He's not one to beat around the bush.
"Long enough for me to find a cure," I said slamming the door shut turning to him. His head is tilted slightly to the side like he's finally figuring out the puzzle.
"What made you think the witch could help you?" He asked his words holding nothing but genuine curiosity.
"I've heard stories about the Bennett's and I just thought-"
"She's your last hope, isn't she?" He cut me off making me bite my lip. I shook my head in denial as I look at something over his shoulder.
"I'm not giving up Damon. Bonnie may have been my biggest hope, but she's certainly not my last." I told him my voice laced with determination. I let him chew over my words as I walked around the car to the driver's side. I had just opened the door when Damon finally spoke up.
"You know… everyone dies... one day." I know he doesn't mean for it to be cruel, but it stings nonetheless.
"You're still here," I smiled when he actually smirked nodding his head.
"Touche." He said turning on his heel to head for his car.
"Hey Damon!" I yell to his retreating figure waiting until he's fully facing me to continue. "Thank you." I nodded my head almost laughing when his face pinches in surprise.
"You're welcome." He smiled opening his mouth like he has something important to say, but he hesitates last-minute. "I'll see you tonight." I frown at his back as I watch him get in his car and leave. The whole way home I can't shake the feeling that Damon might just be a reason for me to stay after all.
There are exactly three things I'm aware of when I step foot into party central. One, Danny is passed out at home and I'm here babysitting a bunch of kids…again. Second, that despite popular belief in Mystic Falls, a bonfire is never just a bonfire and lastly I heard that seniors get free booze. I smile widely when that rumor turned into fact as I catch sight of a keg. I weave my way through the mass of bodies gyrating against each other as they slop beer on themselves and their partners.
"So you're into Tyler now. That's kind of fickle." I heard and saw Stefan talking to Rebekah as I draw nearer to the booze. Of course, he would be where the beer is, god forbid someone grabbed a drink without the ripper getting one as well.
"When you're willing to give me the time of day again, then we'll talk. Until then, a girl has needs." She answered haughtily taking a long pull from her cup.
"I second that." I point at her as I pour myself a cup full of poorly made beer. This a school event, damn it, where's the good stuff?
"What are you doing here? This isn't exactly your scene." Stefan asked his smile less than friendly.
"I could ask you the same thing Ripper," I paused taking a sip of my drink, "but then I remember you're Klaus's little bitch now. Tell me something Stefan, when you disobey does he spank you with a rolled up newspaper?" I kept eye contact with the vampire even as Rebekah snorted into her beer as she tried to contain her laughter.
"You know Alba," Stefan began leaning forward until his face is centimeters from my own. "I may only be here to protect Klaus's blood bag, but he never said anything about not draining a few teenagers along the way." His eyes are cold and calculated, eerie in a mindless robot kind of way. I lean forward even more so he and Rebekah are the only ones that can see my face.
"Stefan, I would like to see you try." I growled letting my eyes darken as the wind picks up speed momentarily, causing the party to pause at the random gust of wind. However, it's done before it even started and I manage to get the desired effect to leave Stefan thinking over his next actions. I meander my way over to the bonfire and take a seat off to the side. It's the perfect spot for me to observe, but not be seen. I watch Stefan being completely cold towards the doppelgänger while she tries to act drunk. Most likely it's her and the gang's plan to get Stefan vervain'd and chained up in the Salvatore basement. If it works I will be greatly surprised. I see Damon trying to distract the original with his charms, but he doesn't quite have what it takes now that he's finally closing in on the doppelgänger. I do get a kick out of Rebekah stabbing him with her marshmallow when she figures out his true intentions.
"Why are they trying to distract me?" Rebekah demanded to know as she takes the empty seat beside me.
"They are trying to kidnap Stefan. So, they can have an intervention on him." I turned to her scowling face. "They are trying to get him to turn his emotions back on."
"That's impossible; he won't have his emotions until my brother wants him to." She answered annoyed as I shrug.
"I wouldn't worry too much about them. Even if they manage to vervain him there's no way he'll be stuck in that basement for more than a day or two. The only thing these people are good at is getting other people killed with their actions." I said lifting my head just in time to catch Damon's furious eyes as he leaves the party. Well chalk that up to another failed relationship.
"Very true," she sighed bored; much like me with the bonfire. "I'm bored." I rolled my eyes at the blond's knack for speaking everything that's on her mind. I stand stretching my legs beginning to walk away before I realize no one is following me. I turned my head to see that Rebekah hasn't moved, she's just watching me with a defeated expression. "Are you coming?" I raise an eyebrow when her face brightens before becoming suspicious.
"Where?" She asked standing to brush the dirt off her clothes.
"My house," I said over my shoulder as I continue to walk away from the party. I don't have to look behind me to know that she is following me this time.
"Welcome to my humble abode," I swept my arm out in a grand gesture at the average home. We are standing in the very small foyer with the living room to the left, hallway leading to the kitchen right across from the door, and the stairs leading to the second floor to our right. The walls are a simple pale yellow with only a few framed photos adorning the walls. Mostly of Danny and me or Danny, mom, and me before everything changed. We have polished wood floors with little to no scuff marks and the necessary furniture and fixtures that make a house a home.
"It's…." she snuck a peek at me before continuing, "it's lovely." She gritted out almost like it hurt her to say it. I laughed in amusement at the original trying to be friendly.
"You don't have to lie to make friends Rebekah," I chuckle watching her face fall. "Okay maybe you do, but not with me. Don't be someone else for me." I told her turning before I can see the expression of genuine surprise and happiness on the girl's face. I steered us into the kitchen where we have a lone kitchen island to seat guests. "Bourbon or whiskey?" I asked holding up both bottles as Rebekah scans them in thought.
"Whiskey," she nodded sitting down on one of the three stools we own.
"Fine choice," I compliant grabbing two shot glasses and setting them down between the two of us.
"Why are you being so nice to me?" Rebekah questioned allowing me to pause as I took my shot.
"I'm not being nice to you. This is how I treat everyone…well almost everyone." I shrug pouring us another shot. "You're no different from anyone else, well besides the fact that your over a thousand years old and British." She got a chuckle out of that.
"I see why you've caught my brother's eye." She smiled giving me the once over. I shook my head and down my third and final shot.
"Your brother should find someone else to have his eye on," I answered with little emotion. "I'm not the kind of girl he's looking for."
"What kind of girl are you?" Rebekah wanted to know as she starts on the puzzle that is me. I sigh bracing my hands against the counter.
"The kind of girl who doesn't believe in love," I raise my shoulders and give her a sly smile when she snorts.
"Even the most volatile creatures believe in love, you are no different." Rebekah stated knowingly with a hint of amusement behind her eyes.
"We'll see," I smirk putting my glass in the sink.
"Yes, we will Nic always gets what he wants." She smirked electing a raised eyebrow in response.
"Who's Nic?" Danny questioned as she appeared around the corner looking better than she did hours earlier. She smiled when she spots Rebekah walking right over and taking the seat next to her. "Hi I'm Danielle, but everyone calls me Danny." She beamed making me smile as I watch her work the original.
"Rebekah," I watch Danny look Rebekah over before she turns to me.
"You are right Alba, she is very pretty." She nodded her head enthusiastically as I roll my eyes.
"I never said that." I laugh dodging the towel Danny throws at my head. "Easy, Rocky!"
"Don't listen to Alba, she doesn't know how to make friends." Danny shook her head to Rebekah who is watching our exchange in enjoyment. "You're the original, right?" Rebekah just nodded her head probably unsure of how to go about judging Danny. "What's it like being a thousand years old?" Rebekah looked to me baffled by Danny's question. I'm not sure anyone has ever asked this girl her thoughts on anything.
"It's thrilling yet boring, depressing yet joyful, its life. It's always changing." She explained as Danny listens intently. I can't tell who is more fun to watch Danny or Rebekah.
"What's it like traveling the world?" Danny kept the questions coming as her and Rebekah have their own little conversation. Rebekah doesn't seem the least bit annoyed by her and Danny can't seem to get enough of the original's answers.
"What I'm saying is if you get the chance to travel, Madrid is a must." Rebekah told Danny as I zoned back into their conversation. I feel my heart drop at the sad smile that crossed Danny's beautiful face.
"One day," she whispered more to herself as she ripped off the beanie she had worn. She'd lost a lot more hair since the Lockwood party, and it's starting to become more noticeable. I stiffen when Danny ran her hand through her locks only to have a few strands fall out. She hung her head trying to cover up her distraught face. It killed me, the anguish that filled my heart made the determination in my heart grow. I couldn't let Danny down, she deserved to travel the world, grow up, get married, have children, grandchildren, and then when she had lived a full life, and was old and grey ; she'd die in a blissful sleep.
"You know, I could show you how to do your hair so you wouldn't have to wear that beanie all the time." Rebekah told Danny who is all too eager to learn.
"Really!?" She exclaimed already jumping out of her seat to drag Rebekah to her room. I followed listening to the pair chatter about hair and make-up. I've never been good with the girly stuff so I'm incredibly grateful toward Rebekah. I sit on the edge of Danny's bed as Rebekah started to fuss with Danny's hair.
"You have gorgeous hair and an even more beautiful face. If you twist your hair like this," she showed Danny in the mirror as she piles the hair on top of her head so it falls in graceful curls. Hiding the balding spots. "See you can't even notice," she nodded admiring her handiwork as she took it down to show her a few other hair placements. Each one is unique and showed off Danny's pretty face. I smiled at the expression of pure happiness that lightened up Danny's features as her and Rebekah joked around. I looked to the original to find her having just as much, if not more fun than Danny. I couldn't make any assumptions yet, but from the looks of it, Rebekah is here to stay.
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