Poison & Wine - Chapter XI
~ * • ° Andy's POV ° • * ~
I walked across the pathway, rubbing my palms together. In my hands I held a book and my eyes looked down the pages. I was reading Pride and Prejudice, my favorite book of all time. I preferred it to Romeo and Juliet, but that's only because of the suicide at the end. I can't imagine killing yourself over a guy.
After I cried last night, I tried going to sleep. It took a good bit, but it was eventually accomplished. I was wondering if Elijah was actually planning on sacrificing Elena. If he was, then I couldn't be around him. I might still be angry with Elena, but she's my family plus I hardly know Elijah. Even if Elijah and I were best friends, my loyalty would lie with her.
My thoughts were interrupted when I heard a voice.
"Hello, there."
I looked up to see Elijah and on cue my heart began to race. I inhaled sharply and instantly became nervous as I looked over his features – his high cheekbones, a strong jawline, a straight nose, and those hazel brown eyes. I couldn't help but smile. "Elijah. What are you doing here?" I was walking near the old Fell property, so I surprised to see anyone here. I came to the old sights whenever I needed to be alone.
"I have a tour guide showing me the historical sights," He answered.
"Oh, well, I could've helped with that, you know. I'm quite the history buff," I closed my book. "I bet you I know more than your current guide."
"Oh, no doubt of it," He replied with that smile of his that took my breath away. "What are you reading?"
"Oh, Pride and Prejudice."
"You are a Jane Austen fan?" He asked.
"Secretly. Swear you won't tell?" I asked with a wink.
"You have my word," He promised. "What other books do you enjoy?"
"I do enjoy Stephen King's work, though. Especially Misery. I love Edgar Allan Poe, also," I answered. "And you?"
"I don't prefer many books," He said, sliding his hand in his pocket as if he were checking for something. My mind went to the moonstone, the one Elena had tried negotiating him for during our first meeting and the same he got from the Salvatores. "You know, before books, people actually had memories."
"Oh, we have memories now; we're just too lazy to use them," I said and a laugh escaped from him that made my smile widen. I could tell a laugh from him was a rarity.
But, our moment was interrupted.
"What are you doing here, Andy?" Jenna walked up with Alaric.
"Oh, I was just exploring when I ran into Elijah," I explained, glancing over to Elijah. "We just started talking."
Jenna glanced in between us, a confused expression. "You two know each other?"
"Carol Lockwood introduced us," Elijah explained. "Andrea's been very helpful with my work." I smiled small to myself. I didn't mind that he called me Andrea, as long as it wasn't Anastasia.
We all stood there a moment before I spoke up. "So I better get going."
"I think Damon was looking for you," Alaric said.
"Why?" I asked.
"He needed to speak with you… about something."
"Can't he just leave me alone? Hasn't he done enough?" I clenched my fists. Yet another mood ruined by Damon. "Whatever. You all have fun." I turned and walked off.
~ * • ° • ° • * ~
After a while of walking around, I decided to go grab a bite to eat at the Grill. I remembered Matt was working, and I hadn't spoken to him in a while so I decided I'd go talk to him.
When I walked into the Grill, I bumped right into Alaric again. "Alaric. Weren't you just with Jenna and Elijah?" I asked, puzzled.
"Yeah, I was," He said, looking away with a hard expression. "I'll see you later."
He hurried past me and I watched him in confusion. What had him so angry? I walked further in and instantly spotted Elijah, Jenna, Damon, and Damon's new girlfriend. I froze completely and was uncertain what I had even come here to do.
I saw Elijah's eyes catch mine and looked back to Jenna and said something before standing up. He headed toward me. On his way over, I saw Damon look over and catch my gaze. He just stared and then Elijah moving toward me distracted the both of us from each other.
"I spoke with Damon," Elijah instantly said. "He should no longer be a problem, unless you are romantically inclined towards him still."
"Elijah, you didn't have to do that." I said, though the relief flooding me. Now maybe we could both on. But I wondered what he had told Damon in order for that.
"I did it for you."
I smiled warily. "Thank you." How was I supposed to feel about this Original that was paying me attention I had sought from Damon for so long? And at the same time was I just Anastasia to Elijah?
What are you thinking, Andy? I chastised myself. He wants to sacrifice your sister. I knew no matter how angry I would get at Elena, her death was out of the question. I needed to steel myself with Elijah and convince him of another way that didn't involve the death of my sister.
"Damon's hosting a dinner party tonight, Andrea, and I was wondering if you would give me the honor of coming with me?" He asked me. From the corner of my eye I saw Damon's head snap towards us.
"Oh, wow," I nodded after a second, knowing this could be a fantastic opportunity to get closer with him so I could convince him of an alternate route. "After everything you've done for me? Of course," I nodded. "It would be an honor to go with you."
"I will be at your home around seven."
"Sounds good." He gave me that smile before walking away. I watched him walk away and frowned at thinking what Damon had said earlier. What if he was lying to me and Elijah didn't intend to sacrifice Elena? I would have to ask Elijah myself.
My gaze bore into Damon's and we stared at each other a moment before I turned and left the Grill, no longer hungry.
~ * • ° • ° • * ~
It took me forever to find but eventually found a good dress. It was a white dress that didn't show anything. It hugged to my waist and then went out from there. I added flats and allowed my natural curls to lay out. They were at least an inch off my head. Around seven, I headed downstairs.
I was dreading being around Damon when I was still was hurting over what happened – or what didn't – between us. But, my longing to be near Elijah was much stronger. I related to him more than I did Damon. Damon needed someone who loves him enough to stay through the bad because I tried and it only ended up hurting us both in the end. Well, it at least hurt me.
Being near Elijah, it felt... different. He had a sadness cloud around him which I related to. I hadn't met anyone like him before, and my feelings grew stronger each time I saw him. I wasn't sure whether or not my feelings for him are just because of the connection between Anastasia and him or what. All I knew was that I needed to be near him during this time when I have no one to turn to. I am close to forgiving Jenna, but the rest... As far as they are concerned, they're just strangers.
I got halfway down the stairs when I saw Elijah standing at the door. He looked up and noticed me, a faraway look in his eye for a moment, but once I smiled down at him he snapped back into the present.
"How did you get in here?" I asked, stopping in front of him. We were only about three inches apart, which placed him at 5"11. I felt my heart accelerate as he studied me. For the first time, I didn't feel like a hunk of meat to a guy.
"I thought you would take longer than you truly did," He explained, not answering my question.
I laughed. "I don't like to keep people waiting. Shall we?" I headed to the door with him following me, but he quickly sped in front of me and opened the door for me.
"Thanks," I said, staring at him and studying his face before continuing towards his car with a smile.
~ * • ° • ° • * ~
We rode in a comfortable silence. I was caught up in my own thoughts and Elijah in his own. I did, however, at one point feel compelled to look over at him. And when I did, he gazed back at me.
"What is it?" I asked, noticing how he was starting at me oddly.
"I did not mean to stare," He looked back at the road. "You look stunning tonight, Andrea."
"You can call me Andy, you know." I pointed out.
"Andrea suits you," He said.
"That's a first… But if you insist, I'm going to call you Eli," I decided, facing toward him. "You don't mind, do you?" I continued before he had a chance to answer. "No, never mind, I don't want your opinion. I've decided that whenever I'm happy, I'm going to call you Eli. Any other time, I'm going to call you Elijah, and you'll know it's any other emotion besides happiness."
"And what shall I call you when I'm happy?" He asked, glancing over with that smile that never failed to take my breath away.
"Hmm," I thought it over a second before a grin appeared across my face. "Annie, but only when you're completely and utterly happy around me. When you're angry, call me Andy. Any other time, call me Andrea, or whatever you like."
He nodded. "Fair, but besides Eli, there's not many nicknames you can establish for me."
"I could also call you Elle," I tapped a finger on my chin. "I'll call you Elle when I'm cross at you. Maybe it'll reduce some anger I would have at you." He let a small laugh escape and I laughed along with him. It eventually died down once we got to the Salvatore house.
He parked and sped over to my door, opening it even before I could. We walked toward the house and the only thing keeping me from darting was the hand Elijah had placed on my mid-back. My skin tingled at the touch.
"Are you feeling well, Andrea? You are a little pale," He commented as we walked up to the door.
"Just nervous." I murmured, knowing he'd still be able to hear me. Elijah knocked on the door and we waited a few seconds before the door opened to Damon. His eyes immediately analyzing to how close Elijah and I were.
"Good evening." Elijah said.
"Thank you for coming. Please, come in." Damon said stiffly, stepping to the side to allow a path for a moment.
"Go on in, Andrea, I'll be in there in a moment," Elijah said, staring at Damon. I glanced in between the two, before rolling my eyes at them. Couldn't this be a friendly dinner without talks of doppelgangers and sacrifices? I walked past Damon and headed into the parlor. Instantly, I saw Jenna and Alaric.
"Andy, what are you doing here?" Jenna asked.
"Elijah asked if I could come, being a history buff and all," I said, glancing over at him in the doorway. My heart beating rapidly around him was a becoming a distraction.
"Is he the guy you were talking about the other night?" She asked, folding her arms, her shock clearly on her face.
"W-what? No, of course not," I said. Usually, I had a golden poker face, but it didn't work this time around.
"Andy," Jenna smiled, looking over Elijah and checking him out. "I mean, he's much older than I would like but…"
"Did someone say my name?" I looked over my shoulder to see the woman that Damon had kissed, and instantly my blood boiled.
"No, she was saying my name," I said, my tone slightly bitter.
"I'm Andie Starr," She said, walking over to us. "You are?"
"Andy Gilbert," I said, looking over at a now approaching Damon. He was following Elijah over. He had to choose someone with my name? Was that intentional on his part or a complete coincident?
"Jenna," Elijah said. "Wonderful to see you again. How are you?"
"Nice to see you," Jenna said as she glanced over at me.
"You look incredible," He complimented, and Alaric stiffened. I'd known something had been going on between them - Alaric and Jenna - but was it serious enough for Alaric to get jealous? Did... Did Elijah like Jenna in that way? Was he interested in her and not me? No, I must be over thinking this.
"Thank you," Jenna smiled at him, and some jealous seeped in, but I pushed that away. Elijah wasn't mine to be jealous over.
"So this is where the party is." My night just seems to get better and better. John walked in from the dining room. Seriously? Who invited him? I was angry at him still and didn't want to be stuck in a room along with Damon, Andie, and him. "Andy," John said as he came over to us. He glanced between Elijah and me. "I was unaware you were coming."
"Well, I could say the same for you." I glanced over at Elijah to see if he was just as uncomfortable as I was, but he seemed perfectly fine.
Damon walked over, clasping his hands together. "Shall we begin?"
This was going to be one interesting night.
~ * • ° • ° • * ~
We all sat at the rectangular table. At the first end was Elijah, then Jenna and Alaric was in front of her, on the other side of Elijah. Beside of Jenna was Andie and in front of her sat yours truly. In between Alaric and I was John's spot. And in between us was Damon at the other end of the rectangle. So, basically I was stuck in between the last people I ever wanted to be.
We started eating as Jenna poured drinks; giving everyone but me wine. I wasn't a drinker anymore. The last drink I'd had was a year ago, and Jenna really didn't want to start that mess up again.
Jenna begun talking as she poured Damon's wine. "I hate to break it to you, Damon, but according to Elijah, your family is so not a founder of this town."
Damon looked up at Elijah with curiosity. "Hmm, do tell,"
"Well, as I was mentioned to Jenna earlier, a faction of settlers migrated from Salem after the witch trials in the 1690s. Over the next hundred years they developed this community where they could feel safe from persecution," Elijah explains and I hung onto every word. I knew that was true, I'd learned that from books.
"Hmm. Because they were witches," Jenna sat, smiling triumphantly at Damon.
"Yeah, but there's no tangible proof there were witches in Salem." Andie cut in and I looked away, annoyed beyond measure.
"Andie's a journalist. Big on facts," Damon smirked.
I had to cut in to take a stab at Andie. "Well, actually, Andie, the lore says that there was this wave of anti-witch hysteria. It broke out in the neighboring settlement, so these witches were rounded up. They were tied to stakes in a field together and, uh-" I shook my head and frowned, "-burned."
Elijah nodded, finishing up my story. "Some say you could hear the screams from miles around us. They were consumed by the fire. Could you pass the…?"
"I wouldn't repeat this to the Historical Society," Jenna said as she passed food over to him. Elijah looked over and I smiled brightly at him. John seemed to notice and leaned forward to block our eye contact.
"It's starting to sound a little like a ghost story to me," He said, looking over to Elijah.
"So, why do you want to know the location of these alleged massacres?" Damon asked, looking to Elijah also.
"You know… a healthy historian's curiosity, of course." Elijah answered, taking a sip of his wine.
"Of course." Damon said, looking over to Alaric. I looked over at Elijah to see him nervously smiling at Damon. I knew the sights as well, but what was odd about that? Why was Elijah nervous?
"So, how's school going, Andy?" Andie asked, looking up at me.
"Uh, fine, I guess." I glanced over at Jenna before looking back down at my food and taking a bite of bread.
"Have you decided what you're going to be?" She asked.
"No," I said, pursing my lips. Why was she asking me these questions? I sat down my silverware. "But that has nothing to do with history, so we should stop boring others with this talk of high school, shall we?"
"Speaking of careers, what made you want to become a historian, Elijah?" Alaric asked.
"I've always had a fondness for history." Elijah answered.
"You're probably older than history itself," I caught Damon mutter. I looked over at him with a scowl. Did he seriously want to make me angrier at him? He stared back at me a moment before looking back to the group. We soon finished eating, and Damon stood from the table first. "Would anyone care for some cognac? I have a bottle that I've been saving for ages."
"None for me thanks. Nine bottles of wine is my limit," Alaric said and I couldn't help but laugh. My history teacher/step-dad/soon-to-be uncle, ladies and gentlemen.
"The gentlemen should take their drinks in the study." Andie suggested.
Elijah smiled, his charm turning on. "I have to say the food was almost as wonderful as the company."
"I like you," She smiled and I grew jealous immediately. First Damon, now Elijah? And we have the same name?! I looked away as I bit my bottom lip to stop myself from screaming.
Jenna handed some of the plates to John. "Here you are, gentleman, make yourself useful. Hmm?"
John took the plates, glanced at Elijah then me before walking off. Damon and Elijah quickly left the room and Alaric came up behind Jenna. I watched in silence from the table.
"Here, here. Put me to work," He said.
"Um, I got it," She looked down awkwardly. Jenna picked up the plates and starts to walk out of the room. Alaric stopped her.
Deciding to give some privacy, I exited the room and went into the parlor.
I weaved in and out of the furniture, telling myself I shouldn't be here with Elijah. He was a vampire. An Original vampire that allegedly wanted to sacrifice my sister to kill his brother. What mistake had I made this time? I did feel an odd connection between us, and I admittedly wanted it to grow. Maybe not a romantic relationship – though there was definitely potential – but a friendship. Who knew?
"Hey, we're having dessert." Alaric poked his head in.
"Oh, okay. I'll be there in a second." I said, running a hand through my hair.
"Alright." He disappeared and I continued dwelling on my thoughts for a moment before heading into the dining room.
And right as I walked in, I saw Alaric stab Elijah in the back. He screamed and it broke my heart. He slumped over and I couldn't see his face. "Get rid of him before Jenna comes back with dessert and Andy can see—" Alaric stopped when he saw me.
"N-no," I gasped out, leaning against the doorframe, covering my mouth. Bile was rising in my throat. Alaric and Damon paid no attention to me after that. They removed the dagger and carried his body away. I was so in shock I couldn't even shock to yell at them.
Was Elijah dead?
"You need to calm down, Andy," Andie said, stroking my shoulder. I moved away from her, tears threatening to spill from my eyes.
"Leave me alone," I whispered, sliding to the floor. I sat there, staring at the chair Elijah had just been in. I didn't even get to say good-bye.
Alaric came in a few seconds later and I saw him stare at me a moment before coming over and kneeling. "He was going to kill Elena, Andy," He explained. "Would you rather save Elena or Elijah?"
My bottom lip trembled and I looked up at him. As much as it hurt, I knew I needed to choose Elena. That's the right choice, and I know that's what I should want: my sister to be alive, but the pain of Elijah didn't lessen.
"He isn't permanently dead, it's just for now," Alaric said. "The dagger put him in a coma-like state. He's okay." I looked down and Damon came barreling into the room.
"I need you to come with me." He said, picking me up by the arm.
"What?" I asked, but he had yanked me out the door and sped with me in his arms before he could even answer.
~ * • ° • ° • * ~
I was dizzy as Damon sat me down in my family's lake house. "Andy?" Elena questioned, running into the room with Stefan.
"'I'm feeling a little woozy, man,'" I quoted one of my favorite movies, Scream. I balanced myself on the couch. "Why am I here?"
"I need you to re-dagger Elijah."
My head snapped up to him. "Excuse me?"
"We removed the dagger so now he's alive and coming for Elena," Damon explained quickly, holding out the dagger. "You need to choose whose side you're on."
I stared at it, my anxiety beginning to rise. "Damon, please don't make me." He just stared at me with a hardened expression. I inhaled and exhaled a few times, glancing over at Elena. I knew my decision instantly.
I looked back to Damon and took the dagger from him. I hid it behind my back. Without a single word to any of them, I went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife.
"He's here," Stefan said as I walked back into the living room. The door suddenly flew off its hinges.
His voice made me tense and shivers flew across my skin. "You know, I might not be able to enter this house... But I'm a patient man. I'll wait you out."
Glancing over at Damon, I headed towards the door. Elijah walked closer to the house and I walked closer to the door but made sure to stay inside.
"I'm sorry for what Damon and Alaric did," I said. "They don't always have the best judgement."
"The deal with Elena is off. Where is she?" He asked.
"I'm renegotiating for her." I said, keeping the objects in my hands hidden.
"She has nothing left to negotiate with," He said. We stared at each other for a moment before I pulled the knife out. Elijah looked at me, obviously amused that a human was attempting to negotiate with him once again.
"I wonder what Klaus' reaction will be when you allowed the doppelganger of Anastasia to die?" I held the knife downward.
"Elena won't let you die." He replied.
"Oh, she will, if Stefan holds her back, Eli, besides, remember what happened before?" I asked, referring to his blood not healing me. He looked at me, suddenly unsure. "Give me your word that you won't hurt anyone Elena loves even if they have harmed you."
He stared at me a moment. "I'm sorry, Andrea, but I'm going to have to call your bluff."
I exhaled, pointing the knife at my stomach. He watched me, unsure if I'd actually do it.
And I did.
Pain shot through my stomach and I couldn't describe it even if I wanted to. I fell onto the ground, blood gushing everywhere, and I felt like I was going to barf as I pulled the knife out and threw it to the ground. I grabbed my wound and saw Stefan holding Elena back, but tried to ignore them.
"No!" Elijah screamed, flinging himself at the door, but since he wasn't invited in, he couldn't come in. "Yes! Yes. She can have her deal. Let me heal you!"
"Give me your word!" I called out as I stood with difficulty.
"I give you my word!"
I stumbled out and landed into his arms. Tears fell down my cheek as I looked him in the eyes and stabbed him with the dagger. He gasped before falling to the ground, taking me with him.
I was flipped over and Damon bit into his wrist before putting it up to my lips. I downed some – which tasted horrible, nothing like I'd imagined – and then I collapsed next to Elijah's body.
~ * • ° • ° • * ~