Author's Note: This chapter is going to be switching off between Annabelle and Charlie's perspectives, just so you guys know!

Chapter Twenty Two: The Knowing

"Now we're lying about the nights

Hiding it all behind smiles

Take a look at what you did…

I know everything

I know everything…"

Ooo0ooO

I watched as my sister slid into an exhausted sleep. Dark rings circled her closed eyes and her breath was deep and even.

I sighed and shook my head. I went into my room and wrinkled my nose at the onslaught on disgusting smells.

Supernatural senses, I thought sourly. Flopping down on the cheap, squeaky bed, I turned on the TV restlessly.

I knew Annabelle was hurting. It was obvious by her tears, but what tore at my heart was that blank look in her eyes. Naturally, being her older brother, I wanted to find Klaus and kick his ass from here to Tuesday but I figured my odds in a fight against a Hybrid weren't that good.

Leaning back, I rested my arms behind my head. I stared at the ceilings, tracing imaginary patterns in the shadows.

It was so obvious their feelings for each other were deeper than both were ready to admit. It went against my brotherly instinct to stay quiet while Klaus had stared at Annabelle with that intense gaze that spoke volumes. I had to admit, even though it pissed Anna off, I did still see her as the little baby I held in my arms when I had been barely four.

It was strange seeing her all grown up, I mused, and so tough and brave.

Badass, I thought. My little sister was a real ass kicker if she wanted to be. Then again, no one else knew her temper quite like I did.

There was a pang there, every time I thought about everything she had gone through recently. It pained me to think she was on her own for so long. I saw her in my mind, bone thin, still slightly malnourished. I knew that Klaus had taken her in but being a lone wolf for that long takes a toll on the body. A wolf isn't meant to be without a pack, it went against every instinct of ours.

Mine were currently screaming at me to protect her at all costs, even if it meant taking on a couple of –what did Anna call them?- Originals.

It was my duty, I promise I intended to keep- to her and to Mom and Dad. I sighed at the dull ache that thought brought on and rolled over to fall asleep.

When the sun rose, I opened my eyes and immediately squinted against the offensive rays. I glanced at the bedside clock and saw it was seven in the morning. Using my sharp hearing, I heard Annabelle's soft breathing still. Occasionally she murmured something incoherent but I shrugged it off, knowing she had a tendency to talk in her sleep.

A sharp knock sounded from the hotel door and I curled my lip in its direction.

Whoever thought waking up before nine a.m. was- in my book- a lunatic.

I rose and walked over to the door, rubbing a hand briefly over my eyes before opening it.

Klaus stood on the other side of the threshold, his eyes serious and direct. I blinked at him for a moment before clenching my jaw.

"What do you want?" I asked flatly.

"I need to speak with Annabelle." I glared and crossed my arms.

"I don't think now is a good time," I said with some annoyance. Klaus's shoulders slumped a little and I thought I saw a glimmer of pain in his eyes.

"Please." I shook my head.

"Nope, don't think so buddy. She needs some time and the least you can do is give her that," I replied casually, leaning against the door and giving him a pointed look. The man's eyes went curiously blank, and I almost jolted. I recognized that stare since my baby sister was currently mirroring it exactly.

"Will you…" Klaus straightened himself. "Will you tell her I wish to speak with her, in private?" Feeling a little sympathy towards him, I extinguished it with a nonchalant shrug. I focused on my annoyance and anger.

"I will but I can't promise she will wanna talk to you," I told him. He nodded before disappearing. I peeked around the corner and saw no trance of him.

"Fast fucker, aren't you?" I muttered before shutting the door.

Ooo0ooO

I woke up to the sound of my brother's voice. I heard another male's voice reply to him and I stiffened. Klaus.

I rolled quietly out of bed and placed my ear against the door so I could hear the conversation easier.

"Will you tell her I wish to speak with her in private?" Klaus was asking.

"I will, but I can't promise she will wanna talk to you." I leaned my forehead against the door and almost groaned.

Turning from the door, I walked into the dingy hotel bathroom and turned on the shower. The hot water took five minutes to kick in and I stepped under the spray. I vaguely missed the shower at the mansion- but I shoved that thought aside.

Once I was finished getting ready, I sat on the bed and fiddled with my phone. I stared at the picture of the river and huffed before dialing.

"Annabelle?" Klaus's voice filled me a river of emotions and I bit my lip to compose myself.

"Hi there," I said weakly. I heard him release a soft breath.

"Please, sweetheart, I need to talk to you," he beseeched.

"I don't know Klaus…" I trailed off. Part of me was screaming at me not to go, but another part- the stronger part- longed to be in his arms again.

"Annabelle," he murmured. I wanted to flinch at his soft, pain-filled voice.

Without thinking, I head myself whisper, "Okay."

Ooo0ooO

I knocked on Annabelle's door and stuffed my hands in my jean pockets. She opened the door, wearing jeans and a simple button down. Her feet were still bare.

"Give me a moment," she requested quietly before walking back towards the bathroom.

I sat down on her bed and waited. She reemerged a few minutes later, her hair tied back in some sort of fancy braid. She obviously dabbed on some makeup to cover her tired eyes.

"What do you want to do today?" I asked gently. Anna sat down next to me and rested her head on my shoulder. I put my cheek against her hair and held her hand to comfort her.

"I need to talk to him, Charlie," she answered. I flinched and drew back to look down at her in shock. Her gray eyes met mine, full of pain and sadness. But mostly, they looked as tired as the rest of her.

"Do you really think that's a good idea?" I demanded.

"No," she sighed. "But I still have to do it." I took her hand and gave it a squeeze.

"All right," I said reluctantly. Anna gave me a small smile. I tried to return it, but I had a feeling it looked more like a grimace.

We checked out of the hotel and headed through the forest towards the mansion.

I could feel anxiety and apprehension rolling off Annabelle in waves, which made me uneasy. Her eyes were flickering everywhere and she was playing with a necklace around her neck. I never really noticed it before but for some reason she never took it off. I shrugged it off.

"Charlie," Anna murmured. She stopped and looked at me nervously.

"What is it?" I asked. She glanced towards the trees then back at me.

"I need to go by myself."I raised a brow at her.

"Like hell you do," I said firmly. Anna's eyes narrowed at me briefly.

"Charlie, please. This is between me and him."

"And I'm suppose to just stand by and watch you get hurt?" I demanded angrily.

"He won't hurt me," Anna snapped, her eyes flashing with impatience.

"Maybe not physically," I hissed, gritting my teeth. I grabbed her arm and saw her eyes flash gold. I glared.

"Don't ," I growled. "We both know I'm stronger." Annabelle jerked her arm out my grip.

"But I've always been faster," she said. Before I could react, she whirled and shifted, darting into the woods like a bullet from a gun. I snarled and picked up her bag. Slinging both of them over my shoulder, I followed her scent trail.

Ooo0ooO

I almost felt bad for ditching Charlie but I needed to talk to Klaus. I ran quickly through the trees, my paws digging into the damp earth.

When the mansion came into sight, I shifted back. I peered up at it and saw no signs of anyone being inside. Everything was fairly quiet, except for the occasional chirp of a bird.

"Looking for someone, sweetheart?" I glanced up and saw Klaus crouched in the tree I was standing next to. My heart leaped at the sight of him but with every jumping beat, there was also a dull ache.

"We need to talk," I said. Klaus jumped to the ground and straightened himself, brushing some dirt off his jacket. He placed his hands behind his back and looked at me with cool eyes. I crossed my arms over my middle.

"We seem to keep circling back to this," he murmured suddenly. I winced slightly.

"Why did you leave me?" he asked, focusing his midnight eyes on me. I felt pinned to the ground by his stare.

"I needed to get away," I said weakly. Those eyes saddened.

"You said you wouldn't run. You promised." In a moment of weakness, I walked over to him and took his hand. Ignoring the tremors his touch sent through my body, I looked up at him.

"How could you ask me to follow you through this?" I asked him quietly. "How could you ask me to join a war that isn't mine to fight?"

"I need you by my side."

"Niklaus," I sighed. His hand tightened around mine.

"Why is this so important? You have your family-why don't you leave?" Klaus dropped my hand and began pacing. Something dark emitted from him intensely and I felt the urge to shy away from it. I held my ground firmly, determined to get my answers.

"They want to kill me! Don't you see, I don't want to lose you," he said passionately. He turned to look at me, his eyes blazing.

"I don't want to leave you, or die on you. It's never been an issue until now. I want to be with you forever. All I'm asking is for you to be with me." His words stole my breath. I stepped up to him and cupped his face. I felt a jolt when he leaned into my touch, like so many times before.

"Klaus, I want to be. It's only going to be you," I said softly. I rubbed my thumb down his cheek.

"But see, this is usually the part where the girl throws herself in the boy's arms and they have this really amazing kiss," I continued, stepping away. A flash of hurt flickered across Klaus's face and I felt it echo within me.

"Klaus, you can't keep asking me to stand by and watch you do this and pretend it's okay. Please don't ask me to choose between being with you or running away from what you do. I can't do either…" I trailed off, feeling the tears welling up. I inhaled and released a breath. I looked at him sadly.

"I don't want to run away but I can't stand by and watch innocent people die all for the sake of turning people into Hybrids."

"You must choose," Klaus said flatly. I looked at him in disbelief.

"How could you ask me to do that?" I cried out. I ran my hand through my hair, ruining the braid it had been tied in. "How can you keep asking me to make these impossible decisions?"

"Because I don't know if I can continue existing if you decide to go." I felt my heart rip in my chest.

"And I don't know if I can live without you," I whispered brokenly. I looked down and felt the tears slide down my cheeks. Two strong arms wrapped around me and I cried into Klaus's chest, gripping his shirt in my fists.

"I won't force you to stay," he said into my hair. "But you should know one thing before you go." He pulled me back and I saw the glisten of tears in his own eyes.

"Please don't say anything more," I begged. "I can't stand how much this hurts or how pathetic I feel."

"Annabelle," Klaus sighed. I shook my head and stepped away from him.

"No, please, Klaus. Just don't. I can't," I said, looking at him. "I can't stand this. I can't stand this urge to run away from you but I can't keep fighting the need to stay with you. It's tearing me apart."

"Don't you think I feel the same?" Klaus demanded quietly. He stepped forward to touch my cheek gently. "I never met a woman who made me want so badly. I want you, in every way possible. But I don't wish for you to suffer through this any longer. That's why you must choose…" He trailed off and looked away. My eyes widened.

"But you want me to go. Despite everything," I whispered in shock. Klaus's eyes looked back at me, and I saw the fluctuating colors; the gold and the blue battling for dominance in those pained orbs.

Klaus flashed in front of me and held me firmly in place. His colorful eyes stared into mine and I gasped, locked down by them.

Klaus's eyes held mine steadily but a ghost of a emotion passed through them before he began speaking.

"I love you, Annabelle. From the moment I met you, my heart was yours and will be for all of eternity," he said gently but passionately. A tear fell down his cheek slowly.

"But you can't remember me saying this," he murmured. I felt some sort of fog come over my mind and I felt like I was floating in a sea of nothingness.

Klaus then took me into his arms and pressed a kiss on my forehead.

"I'm sorry."

I broke out of the trance and blinked a few times. I looked around but Klaus was gone. Where did he go? What had he told me?

The last thing I could remember was realizing he wanted me to go, so I wouldn't be hurt anymore. I shook my head.

Something was nagging at me, like I had forgotten something important but it was just out of my reach. I frowned at the irksome feeling.

"Klaus?" I called out. I felt pain drag at my heart and I felt tired, so tired.

Blackness crept into the edge of my vision and I heard my heart pounding between my ears. My limbs suddenly felt like lead and I swayed on my feet.

I blinked and struggled to stay on my feet but eventually the blackness consumed me and I collapsed to the forest floor.

Ooo0ooO

I dashed though the forest rapidly and come to the clearing where I saw the mansion. To my horror, I saw Annabelle crumpled on the ground ten feet away.

"Anna!" I shouted and went to her side. Her pulse was weak and all of the color was gone from her cheeks.

"Anna," I said desperately, shaking her slight frame. "Anna, please, wake up."

She didn't answer me.

Scooping her up, I flashed through the forest at supernatural speeds.

When I reached the hospital, I burst through the doors.

"Someone! Please help!" I yelled. A group of nurses immediately dashed towards me.

They wheeled my sister away and I saw Dr. Fell walking towards me with purpose.

"What happened?" she asked. I shook my head.

"I don't know. I found her in the woods like that," I explained, dragging my hand through my hair. Dr. Fell nodded and reached over to squeeze my shoulder firmly.

"She will be okay, Charlie," she told me. "We will let you know when you can see her." I nodded, feeling guilt rise through me. Dr. Fell gave me one last nod before heading in the direction the nurses had taken Annabelle.

I waited for what felt like days, even though it was only a couple of hours. I paced in the waiting room, my hands in my pockets. People gave me wary stares but I ignored them.

When Dr. Fell entered the room and her eyes caught mine, I strode over to her quickly.

"Anna?" I asked. The doctor smiled reassuringly at me and I felt relief sing through my veins.

"Follow me," Dr. Fell said. We walked through a few hallways before entering Annabelle's room. She lay on the white bed and her eyes opened when she heard us.

"Charlie?" she asked weakly. I sat down next to her bed and took her hand. She held it weakly and I sighed with relief.

"Annabelle," Dr. Fell said. We turned to look at her and she moved her gaze from the chart she was holding to my sister.

"Are you aware as to why you fainted?" Annabelle shook her head.

"Well, our tests show that you are severely malnourished and very underweight for someone your age and height—you are boarder-line anorexic." I looked at Annabelle in shock and I saw her eyes were wide.

"When was the last time you head a meal?" Dr. Fell asked firmly, raising a brow. Annabelle cowered a little.

"I… I don't remember," Anna admitted in a quiet voice. The doctor's lips thinned.

"Well from now on, you must eat regularly to get your weight back up." I looked at Dr. Fell.

"How is it even possible that she's anorexic when she's a werewolf?" I asked. Dr. Fell shook her head.

"I'm not entirely sure. I have a feeling if she had been human, she would most likely be at death's door- the only thing keeping her alive was her wolf gene. Even supernatural creatures can die from this kind of things, Charlie."

Annabelle leaned her head back against the pillow and closed her eyes. Dr. Fell looked over at me.

"I'll leave you two alone," she said quietly and I nodded at her. When she was gone, I glanced at Anna.

"Everything is turning into a complete disaster," she muttered bitterly. I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Annabelle, before in the forest, did you talk to Klaus?" I asked. Her eyes opened and focused on me.

"Yes."

"Did you fight?" She winced.

"Yes."

"What do you remember?" I asked patiently. Anna frowned and considered that for a moment.

"I remember us fighting and then… There's something… I just can't seem to put my finger on it… Then I remember feeling dizzy and falling. I woke up here."

"What do you mean there's something?" Anna shook her head.

"I don't know. I remember Klaus wanting to tell me something and giving me this look… but then everything goes blank," she explained.

My mind put the pieces together and I felt rage bubble through me like molten lava. I stand up quickly and growled.

"Charlie?" Anna asked, her eyes wide.

"I need to have a chat with Klaus," I snarled. Anna sat up and tried to reach for me but I jerked away.

"Charlie what are you going to do?" Anna demanded.

Ignoring her, I strode out of the room.

"Charlie!" Annabelle called out. I walked by Dr. Fell who gave me a confused look.

"Keep an eye on her. I'll be back," I hissed. She nodded briefly.

When I exited the hospital, I barely watched until I was in the trees to shift. I snarled again and took off quickly, heading towards the Hybrid's mansion.

Oh yeah, I was going to give that son of a bitch a piece of my mind.

Ooo0ooO

Author's Note: Hey guys! Sorry it took a while to update, I've been sick :/ What did you guys think of Thursday's episode? Things are really building up!

Let me know what you thought of this chapter!