Hello my fantastic readers! I know it's been ages, but I just wanted to say thank you for hanging in there with me. I do plan to update a lot faster than this, but with college and work it was difficult. So this is the first half of chapter 7 and the second half will be coming soon. Shout out to my beta reader dearlyfantastical5511, you are awesome girl! As always it's a pleasure guys!
Disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries only Alba and Danny
Chapter 7
There are two kinds of secrets; those we keep from others and the ones we hide from ourselves- Frank Warren
"Alba! Sweetie where are you?" I hear my mother's breathless voice behind me as I giggled running deeper into the woods.
"Come find me mommy!" I scream chancing a glance behind me to find no one in sight. I slowed to a stop my earlier excitement fading fast as I scan the trees. "Mommy?" I whispered my blue eyes instantly filling up with tears. "Mommy!?" I cried out suddenly very aware that I'm all alone now.
"Excuse me," I spun around my heart hammering in my chest at the man who stands in front of me. "Whoa," he said holding up his hands and taking a couple of steps back. "I'm not going to hurt you; I'm only here to help." I stare up at him anxiously my blue eyes finding his green ones. He's clearly in a state of shock as he looks down at me, but I don't know why.
"Who are you?" I sniffled remembering my mother telling me to be a big girl when she's not around.
"My name's Stefan," he said slowly inching forward as I watch his every step like a hawk ready to take off in a moment's notice. "What is your name?" I looked down at my shoes when I answer.
"Alba."
"Alba? That's a very pretty name." Stefan coos bending down so he's looking me in the eyes. "Alba where is your mom?" I instantly started to tear up again as I realized I had no idea.
"I don't know," I sobbed letting the tears fall freely in front of this new stranger. "We were playing a game and I guess I just got lost." I cried harder bringing my small hands to my eyes to shield them from Stefan's view.
"Hey, hey," I feel his hands gently prying my fingers away from my face. "It's going to be okay Alba. I will help you find your mom." Stefan smiled making my bottom lip quiver.
"You will?" I asked hopeful that maybe this stranger would be able to help me. I watch him nod as he stands up allowing me time to wipe the tears from my face.
"Come on I bet I know where your mother is." He nodded his head in front of us beginning to walk in that direction. I bit my lip as I thought about what mommy said about strangers. If you don't know them, don't go anywhere with them. But he introduced himself to me so that technically doesn't make him a stranger anymore, right? I shake my head as I run after Stefan snagging his hand in mine. He looked down at me in surprise when I squeezed his hand tight afraid that if I let go he'll disappear.
"Don't leave me Stefan, okay?" I peered up at him while trying to keep up with his fast pace. I sighed in relief when he nods his head, his face softening as he squeezes my hand back.
And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
"Ugh! Rebekah pick up your phone!" I growled throwing a pillow in the general direction of the annoying ass phone and it's dead as a doornail owner.
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
"Oh for the love of-"I sat up rubbing the sleep out of my eyes as I scanned the small room. After Danny and I managed to talk Rebekah into watching Twilight, which we endlessly mocked, we ended up passing out on the living room floor. "Rebekah! Phone!" I yelled. I am even more of a bitch in the morning than I am during the day, but even with my bitchy tone the original doesn't even flinch as if she hadn't heard me at all.
"Here," Danny yawns handing me the phone before rolling over and falling back to asleep. I clicked the receive button as I angrily put it to my ear.
"You better be on the verge of death right now if you are waking me up this early." I barked not really caring who is on the other end.
"Well, good morning to you too, love." Klaus's smooth British accent slides through the phone making me roll my eyes.
"Don't for a second think that just because you're the original hybrid; I won't kick your ass…because I will." I huffed rolling the crick out of my neck. I know I'm usually a lot classier than this, but no morning coffee and less than eight hours of sleep would turn any girl into a monster.
"Oh I have no doubts that you wouldn't try," he answered smugly his tone full of amusement and sarcasm. "Though you succeeding is a whole other matter." I can practically see the playful smirk turning up his lips at the idea of me taking him on.
"You know what Klaus," I said slyly an even bigger smile splitting my face, "too bad you weren't here to take me on that date. I had to cuddle with myself last night." I bite my lip when I feel the beginning of laughter bubbling its way out of my mouth as Klaus silently cursed to himself.
"Don't worry sweetheart, I'll have plenty of chances to make it up to you." He bounced back clearly not letting my little comment get him down for long. I smiled because let's face it the man is charming as hell.
"As fun as that sounds I'm going to have to pass." I say recalling my conversation the previous night with Rebekah. As much as I wish I could be one of those girls that has relationships; I'm not.
"Is that so?" Klaus asked not the least bit deterred as his voice holds no anger only determination.
"I know how are you going to compel your way out of this one?" I chuckled expecting the small laugh I receive from Klaus.
"Yes, well, it looks like I'm going to have to work a little harder than, doesn't it?" He answered like he's already thinking of ways to woo me. I just shook my head as I reach over Danny and punch Rebekah straight in the arm.
"Rebekah, get up, Klaus is on the phone." She merely shifted not the least bit bothered that I punched her arm so hard it would break a normal person's bone.
"She's a tough one to wake up love. I suggest you let her be." Klaus captured my attention once again as I crawled to my feet.
"I'm sorry was there a reason you called?" I asked tip toeing my way over Danny and a half eaten bowl of popcorn to Rebekah. She's sprawled out her golden hair fanning over her pillow like a halo. Jesus, even when she's sleeping the girl looks like a million bucks.
"Actually I wanted to know if you got my flowers?" My eyes instantly slid to the stairs where the roses are sitting on the bedside table in my room.
"I got them." I kept it short as I start to nudge the blond original with my foot. "They are beautiful," I sighed finally relenting and plopping down next to Rebekah.
"I'm glad you liked them," he said like my response made him genuinely happy. "But I must be going sweetheart. I'm sure you'll give my best to the mystic falls bunch." He said making me laugh.
"I'm sure they will be thrilled to hear from you. Good-bye Klaus." I hang up the phone tossing it on the couch.
"How was flirting with my brother?" I narrow my eyes at Rebekah who is now wide awake smirking in my direction.
"It was kind of like you flirting with Stefan, oh wait," I snapped my fingers shaking my head, "Stefan doesn't flirt back." I smiled wide when Rebekah deadpans kicking her foot out so fast I don't even see it until it's hitting me in the stomach sending me flying into the wall. I groaned when a light dusting of drywall rains down on me and coats the floor.
"You're paying for that hole bitch." I grumbled peeling myself off the floor so I can walk back over to a beaming Rebekah.
"I'll buy you some paint too so we can change this god awful color." She looked around the room in disgust as I deadpan stepping over her.
"Get out of my house." I heard her chuckle as I make my way upstairs to prepare for yet another day in the town of Mystic Falls.
The town is in full on preparation mode as people decorate the square. Another founder's day event that most people could care less about, but they take part because it gives them a reason to drink.
"Oh everything looks so pretty." Danny awes taking in the lanterns and twinkling lights hanging from the trees. I spot Caroline and Bonnie hanging streamers on a nearby lamp-post down the street as I try to steer us in the opposite direction. "Hey isn't that Caroline Forbes?" Danny asked curiously making me look at her skeptically.
"How do you know Caroline Forbes?" I raised an eyebrow when Danny rolls her eyes while tugging on my arm for me to follow her.
"How do you not know Caroline Forbes?" She said this like I'm the idiotic one. However, I trail her obediently as she makes a beeline for the pair.
"Okay you don't think I can actually resist commenting on that." I caught Caroline state while helping Bonnie jump down from the ladder.
"There. You commented." Bonnie stated finality layering her voice as she walks to get more lanterns to match the hundred or so already hanging up.
"Bonnie…." Caroline trails off right as we walk up. I catch the witch's eye first suppressing my desire to chuckle at her obvious hatred towards me. "Oh hey Alba," Caroline greeted smiling at me before turning kind eyes on Danny. "And who might you be?"
"I'm Danielle Martinez, but you can call me Danny." She smiled melting the hearts of the two teens standing in front of her. I can already see both softening towards Danny as she looks up at me. "Aren't you going to tell them who I am?" She goaded obviously wanting me to speak up.
"I thought you just did?" I rolled my eyes when she elbows me in the side. "Yes this is Danny, my little sister. She wanted to come meet the famous Caroline Forbes." I held back on the sarcasm as much as I can, but it still comes out drenched with my personality.
"Oh that's so sweet!" Caroline gushed wrapping herself tightly around Danny's finger. Well played Danny. "I can't believe Alba hasn't mentioned you sooner!" Caroline sends me a disapproving look like I should be ashamed for keeping something as precious as Danny locked away.
"Yes funny how you failed to mention her." Bonnie piped up scrutinizing me while trying her hardest to keep the questions I know she's dying to ask at bay.
"Well what can I say?" I shrugged looking to the street when a familiar blue Chevrolet Camaro pulled up to the curb with a sour looking Damon behind the wheel.
"Greetings Blondie. Witchy. Danny. I think you got your voodoo wires all crossed when you got rid of Vicki Donovan." Damon revealed completely ignoring my presence as he focuses on the three next to me. Obviously he's still hurt about last night.
"What do you mean, why?" Bonnie questioned looking towards Caroline and me, looks like we aren't the only confused ones.
"Because I'm pretty sure I just got spit-roasted by Mason Lockwood's ghost." Damon answered bitterly clearly not liking a taste of his own medicine.
"Wait Mason's back?" I butted in to their conversation my wheels already turning. "Where?" I asked all too eager to see the one friend that never turned his back on me. Damon narrowed his eyes as he takes notice of my excitement.
"Hopefully somewhere far away from me," he glared his blue eyes icier than usual. "When I kill someone they are supposed to stay dead." Now it's my turn to glare as we have a stare down. Of course I knew Damon killed Mason, but I was willing to forgive and forget. However, Damon's making it very hard for me.
"It must be hard for you to finally pay up for all those innocents you killed." I bit smugly watching in satisfaction as Damon's eyes become deadly.
"Okay I'll look into it." Bonnie cut in looking between Damon and me in confusion. "I'll fix it."
"You better." Damon said giving me one last death stare before peeling away.
"Okay what was that about?" Caroline is the first to pipe up as she crosses her arms and gives me the famous Forbes stare down.
"Nothing worth mentioning," I growled grabbing Danny's wrist as I tug her towards the grill. "Come on Danny, let's go."
"Alba wait," she stopped me as she gently tugs her wrist from my hold. "I want to stay with Caroline and Bonnie for a bit." She exclaimed giving me the puppy dog eyes as I look between her and them.
"That's totally fine! We could use the extra help!" Caroline beamed wrapping an arm around Danny's shoulders. I sighed nodding my head when I see the eagerness on Danny's face.
"Alright, Danny if you need anything you call me." I told her giving Caroline and Bonnie a look before heading towards the Grill. Am I happy that my little sister ditched me to hang with the Scooby gang? No, but if it makes her happy then so be it. I shrugged it off as I grabbed one of the only tables left outside of the grill. I adjusted my ray bans propping my feet up on the chair opposite me. It reminds me of my first day in Mystic Falls when the only problem I had been finding a cure for Danny.
"Hey guys. Who forgot to invite me to the family summit?" I groaned throwing my head back when Stefan's voice floats my way. Of course I would sit right behind the root of all my problems. I watched as Stefan picks up a journal, probably one of his, and starts flipping through the pages. "Hmm, all these words, I forgot how much I used to care." He mocked sincerity tossing the journal between Alaric and Elena with a grin.
"I didn't." Elena stated seriously making me roll my eyes. I swear the girl has nothing better to do with her time than chased a psychotic ripper while stringing along the loose cannon known as Damon Salvatore.
"You know Elena, it's probably best that you not torture yourself with memories from the past." Stefan taunted faking remorse as he looks at the Doppelganger. "It's best we both just move on and accept things as they are."
"You are so right!" I snapped drawing all three's attention my way. "I accept the fact that you are a spineless douche wad with no self-control just like I accept the fact that Elena over here will probably give up on you and sleep with your brother." I grin when all I receive is shocked silence in return. God that felt good. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a meeting with Jack, Jim, and Jose." I beamed pushing up from the small table to saunter into the grill with every intention of downing a bottle or two of whiskey.
Because when the sun shines, we'll shine together.
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
"What do you want?" I cut to the chase as I answered my phone. "And did you change my ringtone?"
"Of course I changed your ringtone; you had all your calls set to that god awful Brittany Spears song." Rebecca ranted obviously not understanding how much I don't care.
"Okay I'm going to ask one more time before I hang up on you. What do you want?" I sighed finding a seat at the bar.
"Well we don't have to get all nasty," she huffed as I signal for a glass of something strong. "I just wanted to know if you had plans for later tonight, but seeing as you are in a foul mood I'll-"
"I'm free, where are we going?" I talked over the top of her before taking a sip of the bourbon in my glass.
"A club, somewhere far away from here." She responded cheerfully already flipping through her clothes no doubt.
"I'll meet you at 8." I finished hanging up the phone when I spot Alaric making his way over to the bar. "Long day?" I ask peering at him through the mirror hanging on the wall.
"You have no idea." He answered wearily taking the empty seat beside me. He looked tired, the endless battle of time, finally catching up to him. "You know what you said to Elena…"
"Tell her not to take it personally Ric, I just don't find her little games nearly as entertaining as you." It's the truth. No amount of sweet talk from anyone or threats will change my mind.
"Her games?" He played dumb while ordering his own drink.
"Don't lie to me Ric, I know you see it. The way she's searching for Stefan while warming up to Damon. She's using him and he's all too happy about it." I see the truth of my words mirrored in his eyes as he downs his drink signaling for another.
"You're wrong." He stated after a good minute of thought. I just shake my head and laugh humorless.
"I wish I was," I murmured finishing my drink. We sat in a thoughtful silence neither of us willing to get up and leave. I'm glad he doesn't mention Damon even though I can tell he wants to by the not so subtle peeks he keeps sending my way.
"Well isn't this cozy." Alaric and I sighed sharing a look with each other before we both signal for another drink. "Oh so you're both giving me the silent treatment?" Damon cooed a frown marring his perfect features.
"You know, I've had enough vampires today, thanks." Alaric bit while I nodded my head in agreement.
"Oh, come on. Have a drink with me." Damon grinned trying to charm his way on Alaric's good side as he took the open seat on my other side. "We've got trouble."
"No, you've got trouble. See, we're not a team. You tried to kill me. All right? We're not friends. I don't like you anymore." Alaric sneered finally standing up to Damon. Good for him, it's about damn time the teacher got appreciated.
"Ah! But remember back when you liked me and we conspired to kill Uncle Werewolf Mason Lockwood?" Damon sung propping himself against the bar with an elbow. I turn my head to give Alaric a look.
"You helped him kill Mason?" I asked in disbelief. "You don't seem like the type to kill innocent werewolves for the hell of it." I shrug it off taking a measured pull from my glass. It's over and done with, no need to bring up old grudges.
"Yeah, well…" Alaric trailed off looking down ashamed.
"What is it with you and Mason? Were you two like bff's?" Damon mocked making me smirk in his face. He is trying hard to get under my skin, but what he doesn't know is that I can play better.
"Actually more like friends with benefits," I smiled when Damon choked on his drink. He slammed his glass down whipping his head to glare at me.
"You. Did. Not. Sleep. With. Him." He answered making sure to enunciate each word in his Damon fashion. I shrugged leaning back and scoping the bar.
"Quite a few times actually, you would not believe-"
"Okay I've heard enough!" Damon yelled glaring at nothing in particular now. I heard him mutter something under his breath, but it's too low for me to catch.
"I'm sorry what did you say?" I cupped my ear for effect making him roll his eyes.
"I said now I actually have a reason for killing him." He surprised me with his answer and the raw anger behind his eyes. He looked, dare I say it, like a very pissed of father. I shook my head in denial. No way, this is Damon Salvatore we are talking about.
"Okay, and?" Alaric piped up sending an amused glanced my way while hardening towards Damon.
"I think he's still a little pissed." He does that weird eye thing that makes me think he's having a seizure. As much as I would love to see Mason, I don't find spending time with Damon at the top of my to-do list.
"I'm leaving. See you later teach." I pat Alaric on the shoulder not bothering to pay Damon any attention. He's not important to me.
Mystic Falls is one boring place when you have no supernatural agenda. I've managed to go into every store and see every person at least twice in a three-hour time period. It's just too much of the same for me. At least that's what I think until I'm pulled roughly into an ally.
"What the-"I growled spinning around making sure to keep my speed in check if it's a human. However, I'm surprised to find a familiar blond head of hair with a cheeky smile turning up her lips. "Well if it isn't Lexi," I smirked taking a step forward. "Last time I checked you were dead."
"I missed you too." She grinned pulling me into a welcomed hug. I sighed pulling away from her. She looked the same in her usual leather jacket and jeans.
"So where do we have Stefan locked up this time?" I asked already well aware of what she wants me to do. This isn't the first time Lexi has sought me out to help her tame the ripper.
"Come on, I'll show you." She smiled turning around so I can see the door to her left. I followed her down the dark tunnel with ease as she tells me about Stefan. "I've never seen him this bad before. Even in the 20's he had a little humanity to spare, but this time…" she trailed off as we get closer to Stefan. I can smell the blood that lingers in the air and hear the guttural growls of anger coming from behind the large metal door. We stopped as Lexi turns to give me a look. "You ready for this?" She asked making me smirk. In one swift move I have the door kicked in, surprising the doppelgänger on the other side. "You always did have to make an entrance." I heard Lexi mumble under her breath as I saunter into the cold room. I found Stefan tied to a chair, sweating profusely and panting like a dog. His eyes barely held their control as he focused on my pulse point.
"What are you doing here?" Elena practically barked as she turned angry eyes on me. I just shrugged bored while I flick my eyes to Lexi.
"Well seeing as you and I have been down here for a good two hours and you have yet to break through even a little," Lexi began telling Elena as I bit back a smirk at the pout turning down the corner of the doppelganger's lips. "I decided to bring in the big guns." She motioned to me as I come to a stop in front of the heaving ripper.
"What's she going to do? Uh?" Stefan rasped lifting his eyes to give me a condescending smirk. "The only thing you can do to help me is open a vein." He laughed as a low threatening chuckle escapes my throat.
"Hmm is that so Stefan?" I purr as I brace my hands on the arm of his chair and bend down so I'm centimeters from his face. I can see the strain in his muscles as he tries to break the bonds around his wrist.
"I don't understand. What can she give Stefan that I can't?" I heard Elena ask in the background. The jealousy in her voice almost had me hunching over in laughter. Those doppelgängers are always possessive little bitches.
"Stefan look at me." I commanded prying his attention from my neck so he's glaring into my eyes.
"Hope." Once I heard the word leave Lexi's mouth I deepen my gaze on Stefan. I feel my pupils dilate as the next words leave my mouth.
"I want you to remember." I said watching Stefan's mouth drop as his eyes search mine. "Remember me Stefan." It's in that moment that I see everything come back to Stefan as he gasped. His eyes refocus on me like he's seeing me for the first time.
"Al?" He whispered shocked, his green eyes looking me over from head to toe in disbelief. I feel a real genuine smile stretch my lips as I trail my fingers over his cheek.
"It's good to see you Steffy."
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