Author's Note: Okay, I lied, we aren't going to New Orleans yet. I hope I don't have to explain why after THAT FREAKING EPISODE. (tries not to freak out) Don't worry, loves! I have a trick or two up my sleeve. Be patient, enjoy this chapter, then prepare for a trip to the Quarter in the upcoming chapter- chapter forty two!
Side note: As you also may have noticed, the season is going to be ending soon! But don't worry- the story must go on! So, yes, there will be a sequel. I'm not ready to end this journey yet. And the journey itself isn't ready to end.
Chapter Forty One: All I See
"All I see scares me…
So come closer, baby
I want to see what you're made of, see what you're made of
'Cause this isn't all we could be
You're not the same and I'm, I'm not the same and…
No one could ever wait for you, I'll wait for you…"
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Annabelle's POV)
I never liked keeping secrets. After a while, they became too much of a hassle to keep quiet or they grew into something too big, too fast.
Of course, I never expected what life had planned to throw my way this time around.
I always knew I had the classic ability to arrive somewhere at the worst possible time. Mystic Falls was no exception. With a crazed immortal Hell bent on destroying my mate and possibly killing me, two psychotic vampires that happened to be mirror images of each other, an out of control witch and not to mention one Original Hybrid… Arriving here didn't exactly pan out how I had planned it to.
I just didn't know how much it'd change my life this time.
I had spent the last few days on my own in the woods. Naturally, Klaus had been concerned and bombarded me with questions, which I waved off with the excuse of the approaching full moon- but adding in the tidbit about my heat cycle starting as well had stopped him cold.
The second part had been one of the many lies that had begun spilling out of my mouth since I found out my world was literally flipping on its head.
Ooo0ooO
Five days ago.
(Annabelle's POV)
"What do you mean 'I need time to myself'?" Klaus nearly shouted. He paced in front of the living room fireplace, eyes distressed, his whole body tense. I sighed, struggling to find my patience.
"It's just for a few days, Klaus," I tried to explain again. "With everything that's going on and the full moon approaching… I just need space."
"Space," Klaus repeated, pausing. His gaze swung to me. "Space from me?"
Oh for the love of Pete.
"No, Klaus," I said impatiently. "Sometimes us werewolves just like spending time in the woods when they know they're going to shift, or in the case of females wolves, when their heat cycle is about to start." Klaus stiffened, his eyes growing bewildered.
"Heat cycle?" he repeated, as if the words were foreign to him. I rolled my eyes.
"Yes, Klaus, my heat cycle. Do I need to spell it out?" I asked sarcastically. Klaus opened and closed his mouth, furrowing his brow at me.
"Come now, brother, if your mate wants time alone…" I turned to see Elijah standing in the doorway, dressed in a white button down shirt and slacks. His dark eyes assessed me carefully.
"The least you can do is allow her that," he finished. I tried to smile at him but it felt more like a grimace.
"Elijah," Klaus said in a low voice. "I fail to see how this pertains to you." Elijah sighed a little but ignored his brother, his eyes still on me.
"Come along, Annabelle. I'll escort you to wherever you need to go," he said, motioning with his arm. Klaus suddenly was by my side and I flinched, stepping away from him. I saw the brief flicker of confusion cross over his face but it smoothed out.
"No one is escorting Annabelle anywhere until I get some answers," Klaus growled. I looked at Elijah pleadingly.
"Niklaus," Elijah said seriously. "I hardly think now is the time for your…dramatics. Annabelle merely wants some time in the wilderness; she is not running away from you." Klaus stilled again. Obviously that struck a cord. I edged my way around Klaus slowly until I was next to Elijah.
"I'll have my phone," I told him. "I'll be fine. Charlie will keep an eye on me." Klaus frowned.
"As will I," Elijah said, surprising me. Klaus's frown deepened.
"Why does everyone get to check up on you when I don't?" Klaus demanded, glaring at me. Taking the risk, I stepped up to him to cradle his face. His deep blue eyes searched mine for answers.
"Please," I beseeched softly. "I need you to trust me." Klaus's face softened.
"Of course I trust you," he murmured, reaching up to play with a curl from my ponytail. "I just wish you would tell me why you need to go."
"I'll explain it to you when I can explain it to myself," I said, giving him a weak smile. Klaus held my gaze for a long time before he nodded. I kissed him quickly.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"I love you," he replied. My heart ripped a little in my chest and I felt my wolf howling inside. I struggled to keep my emotions in tact so he wouldn't pick up on anything from the soul bond.
"I love you too," I whispered back brokenly. I kissed him again before returning to Elijah's side. I watched Klaus watch me as I left the mansion, before he disappeared from my line of sight once Elijah and I entered the forest.
"So," Elijah said once we were a few miles away, turning to face me. "What is it you're hiding from him?" I stared at Klaus's older brother, feeling more and more torn every minute that passed.
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Annabelle's POV)
"Annabelle?" Turning, I smiled at Elijah approaching me with Charlie trailing behind him. The two men had developed a tentative friendship- for my own sake, I assume- while I had been out alone.
"How are you feeling?" Elijah asked. I sighed, shaking my head.
"Same old, same old," I replied, looking away.
I had chosen to spend my time alone on top of the mountain Klaus had brought me to a while back, not wanting to leave the state, but wanting to distance myself far enough away to where I felt I could actually breathe.
"Anna?" Charlie asked, placing a hand on my shoulder. I didn't shrug it off like I would do if it had been Elijah.
I could hardly tolerate being touched now, by anyone, even Klaus a couple days ago. Everything inside me was screaming to drive everyone away, to protect myself, to find a distant place and hide.
I knew part of it did have to do with the full moon approaching. Being a female werewolf, we were especially on edge during this time of the month, even more so during our heat cycles. So two or three times during the year, we were complete wrecks during the full moon.
It would be easier if it was my heat cycle I could put this all on. But there was no denying the cold hard facts that were in front of me, left in my hands to decide where to go next.
Ooo0ooO
One week ago.
(Annabelle's POV)
Elijah had decided to stick around the mansion during his visit. Rebekah had return to her own mansion, house, whatever. I was secretly glad that she wasn't around- she and I were still not seeing eye to eye.
Elijah, on the other hand, proved to be a gentleman no matter what the circumstance. We developed a small bond over the past week, after all the drama had passed between all of us.
Klaus was itching to get down to New Orleans and begged me to come with him. Elijah explained to me how the place Klaus wanted to return to had once been home for their family many, many years ago. I listened with fascination as Elijah and I sat out on the terrace.
Then finally, I managed to sneak out of the house for a couple of hours.
Walking through the sliding doors of the hospital, I tracked down Meredith quickly, who was in the middle of her night shift. When she spotted me, she smiled, asking if I was okay.
"I was hoping if you could tell me that," I told her.
When I returned to the mansion, I found Elijah waiting for me outside on the front porch. His eyes, black as pitch in the darkness, watched me carefully. I brushed away the tears I knew were streaked down my face, trying not to blush.
"Hi," I muttered.
"You're lucky Niklaus is wrapped up in a painting or he would have sent a search party for you," Elijah said. I felt a strange sense that he was reprimanding me.
"Sorry," I said thickly. "I just… Had something to take care of."
"May I ask what?" I looked up at him. Elijah leaned against one of the pillars, his expression kind, yet slightly wary.
"No," I replied, looking down. I sensed his frown.
"Very well," he said. I felt his hand on my shoulder blade and I stiffened, my wolf growling a little inside me.
"Please don't," I said softly. His hand lifted away.
"Let's go inside, shall we?" I nodded and followed him inside.
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Klaus's POV)
I felt like I was going mad, bit by bit. Annabelle had been gone for nearly six days and I had barely heard a word from her. The occasional text, saying she was fine, coupled with reassurances from Elijah and even Charlie still didn't settle my unease.
Her side of the soul bond had been curiously quiet, which only raised my anxieties more. I found myself pacing most of the day and well into the night, before I sauntered off to paint or play the piano.
Neither were satisfying without Annabelle's presence in the house. There was a hollow, echoing feeling throughout the quiet space that I hated.
"Niklaus."
Elijah was standing behind me, his posture relaxed. I turned to give him a bitter look.
"How is she?" I asked. Elijah's eyes were sympathetic.
"She's doing well. I left her with Charlie. I believe some alone time with her brother will be beneficial for her right now." I sighed with frustration.
"When are the secrets going to stop?" I snapped. Elijah made a vague movement with his shoulders.
"That, my brother, depends on your mate. Whatever it is she is going through right now, she needs to figure out on her own. She's strong and I believe she will pull through whatever has her in this dark place." My shoulders slumped.
"Is this my fault?" I asked quietly, turning to face the flames that danced in the fireplace. "Did I do something wrong?" A hand came down on my shoulder.
"No one is at fault, Niklaus. Sometimes we all need to get away from our everyday lives to gain a new perspective on everything. Annabelle is a smart woman. She will be fine." I looked at him from over my shoulder.
"Will she? Will she be fine?" Elijah's grip tightened slightly.
"Yes," he replied smoothly.
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Annabelle's POV)
I rested my head on Charlie's shoulder, relieved I didn't feel the urge to flinch away from him thanks to the simple contact. Apparently my wolf was fine with being close to my brother and pack mate. Charlie rubbed my back briefly.
"Remember the last time we were sitting on a mountain like this?" he asked. I smiled.
"Back when you were helping me find Klaus," I said, remembering.
"You dragged me up an entire mountain just to watch the sunrise," Charlie said, fake resentment in his voice. For the first time in days, I laughed.
"It's not my fault you're lazy," I retorted. Charlie scoffed. After a few minutes of silence, he spoke again.
"When are you going to go back?" I sighed.
"I don't know. I know he's probably going crazy, considering his anxiety is through the roof," I said.
"You can feel that through the soul bond thing?" Again, I laughed.
"Yes." Charlie hmphed before he grew serious again.
"You have to tell him what's going on eventually," he said gently. I winced, closing my eyes at the tears that threatened to fall.
"I know."
"Especially if you're going to get help."
"I know."
"Just saying." I managed to snort softly.
"Thanks." I let my thoughts drift a little as the sun slowly descended in the sky.
Ooo0ooO
Four days ago.
(Annabelle's POV)
I knew Elijah was waiting for an answer. After catching me coming home late at night then confronting me in the woods, I knew I couldn't avoid him forever. Especially since he was keeping his word to Klaus by keeping an eye on me.
Finally, I made my decision. Sitting on a rock at the peak of my mountain, I called Elijah.
"Annabelle," he answered.
"I'm ready to talk."
"Very well. Shall I bring you anything before I join you?"
"My brother," I requested. "Please get Charlie."
"Very well," he repeated. "We will be there soon." I hung up without saying goodbye. Staring out into the distance, I contemplated how I was going to tell them everything.
When they joined me, Elijah chose to stand in front of me while Charlie sat on the ground beside me. Both of them listened quietly as I explained what had been going on, why I was acting so strangely and why I needed to get away.
"I had my suspicions," Elijah said once I was done talking. "I made a few calls. I hope you don't mind."
"What for?" I asked, feeling uneasy. Elijah gave me a reassuring smile.
"I know some people who will be able to protect and help you," he replied calmly.
"Holy shit," Charlie said suddenly, as if he was finally catching up on everything. I gave him a half smile. His eyes grew concerned and mildly distressed.
"Are you okay? Like, okay?" I nodded.
"Everything is okay, Charlie. Meredith said so." His shoulder relaxed.
"Fuck," he said, laughing a little with disbelief. I couldn't help a small giggle.
"That's what I said too."
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Annabelle's POV)
Once nightfall came, Elijah returned so he could keep watch over me with my brother. As usual, he asked how I was for about the twentieth time and after I reassured him all was well, he melted into the shadows.
A faint rustling coming from the bushes to my right caught my attention. I knew Charlie was close by but I couldn't smell his familiar scent.
A slim woman suddenly emerged from the brush. I raised my eyebrows as her green-hazel eyes met mine.
"Hey, cuz," Hayley drawled. Elijah appeared by my side, but I rested a reassuring hand on his arm briefly.
"What are you doing here, Hayley?" I asked. Hayley's eyes flickered to Elijah before focusing back on me.
"Elijah called me," she started.
"I told her about your situation," Elijah continued. I looked up at him, startled.
"Why?" I demanded. Elijah smiled a little.
"I know you and Hayley have had your differences, but this is family matters. She is family, is she not?" I glanced at the younger werewolf.
"Yes," I said cautiously.
"Like I have said before, Annabelle, I know everything about your family blood line, including how yours is linked to Hayley's."
"Oh," I said, feeling slow. Hayley stepped forward.
"Look, like Elijah said, I know we've had our…disagreements. But this is something you cannot handle on your own and you're going to need all the help you can get."
"Help from where?" I asked, looking from Elijah to Hayley.
"A group of people from New Orleans," Elijah replied. I raised a brow.
"I have been down there a few times in hopes of finding out about my family," Hayley said. "They can help you." I shot a look at Elijah.
"When exactly did you tell her everything?" I asked.
"Right after you told me, I made the calls to both Hayley and the people in New Orleans. When I had begun to have my suspicions-,"
"When did you get suspicious about this?" I interrupted sharply.
"Right after I met you." I frowned but motioned for him to continue.
"When I had begun to have my suspicions, I had Katarina leave Niklaus a letter. I wanted to plant to idea of returning to New Orleans in his mind so he wouldn't become suspicious of your sudden need to travel down there." Ah, it was all beginning to click.
"So Klaus is going to New Orleans to…reconnect with his roots while I'm there to…?" I trailed off. Elijah nodded. I glanced at Hayley.
"Where do you play into all of this?" I asked. The younger girl shrugged.
"Family is family," she said simply. "We protect our own."
And finally, I began to feel a sense of comfort towards the girl rather than spite and anger. I smiled at her and she returned it.
"So this is the distant cousin, huh?" We all turned at Charlie's voice. Hayley smirked.
"In the flesh," she replied. Charlie walked over with an easy grin on his face. When he embraced her, I nearly laughed at the look of surprise on her face.
"Welcome to the family," Charlie said. Hayley grinned.
"Thanks," she said.
Only Charlie would be so easy going enough to accept anyone into the family without so much as a second thought. I rested my hands on my lap before I unconsciously began to fiddle with the necklace I still wore around my neck.
Hayley turned to face all of us, her eyes determined.
"So when are we going to go on this crazy family road trip?" she asked.
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Klaus's POV)
Annabelle and Elijah returned at dawn. Anna seemed visibly more relaxed. She smiled when she saw that I was standing on the living room.
"I knew you were coming back," I said, testing the waters.
"I know," she replied, tapping her wrist. I stepped towards her slowly. She walked into my arms, wrapping her arms around my waist, pressing her cheek to my chest. I sighed heavily with relief, holding her close. I looked at Elijah from over her head and he nodded slightly before disappearing.
I felt Annabelle's warmth wash over me, her scent relaxing away my worries. I felt her soft, comforting breathing, the strong beat of her heart… I cocked my head a little.
What is that? I thought, curiosity seeping inside me. I felt Annabelle still infinitesimally. She pulled away with a smile.
"So New Orleans," she began. I shoved aside whatever I thought I heard and felt a smile creeping over my face.
"Has your curiosity gotten the best of you, love?" I asked. Annabelle scoffed.
"Please," she said. "It's not like I've never been to New Orleans before." I raised a brow.
"Oh really?" She grinned.
"Just because werewolves aren't exactly welcome there anymore doesn't mean we slip in from time to time." Her grin grew cocky. "Besides, do you really think a bunch of vamps are going to mess with a werewolf?" I chuckled.
"No, I suppose not." Annabelle turned to begin walking out of the room before casting a final look over her shoulder.
"And now I've got my Hybrid by my side. I'm practically untouchable," she said, her eyes glowing. "Just wait until you see me on my real turf."
"Your real turf?" I repeated with amusement. Anna's eyes flashed gold.
"Let's just say I'm very familiar with the darker side of New Orleans," she finished before walking up the stairs. I chuckled.
This was going to be a very interesting trip.
Ooo0ooO
Present day.
(Annabelle's POV)
The smile disappeared from my lips as soon as I was out of Klaus's sight. I marched upstairs to begin packing my bags. My phone buzzed. It was a text from Elijah.
Everything is ready for your arrival. I'll see you in New Orleans, Annabelle. I smiled briefly before deleting the message, sliding my phone in my back pocket.
If there was one thing I was grateful for, it was having Elijah, Charlie and even Hayley on my side during all of this.
I knew this trip was not going to be easy- for me or for Klaus. For the time being, I hoped we would be able to enjoy ourselves in his old town before I turned his world on its head.
I could only hope he would forgive me eventually.
Ooo0ooO
Author's Note: Are you guys picking up where I'm headed with this? Obviously there is going to be a LOT of changes from the show in the next chapter- so be patient with me!
Let me know what you thought of this chapter!