A/N: Hello everyone and welcome back! Thanks for all the reviews, alerts, favourites after the last chapter! As always, they were very enjoyable! Also a merry (belated) Christmas and a happy new year to everyone! I wish you all a healthy and good 2021^^
o.O.o
Chapter Nineteen, Crumbling Reality
The air was crisp, and my hair was stirred by a bracing wind, but at least it wasn't raining anymore. However, the sky was a wintery, iron grey and I braced my hand on the door of the car. Elijah opened the passenger door for me, and I slowly heaved myself up and out of the car. I didn't care much for Elijah's lingering touch when he steadied me, nor did I look up when his finger pads pushed my chin up.
The drowsiness from the day, the resident ache in my bones from the restless nights, I was tired. The darkened clouds slid to the side, revealing a crescent moon. Pale, intermittent light fell on the pathway to the porch through the garbled branches of the trees surrounding the Gilbert house.
"My apologies, Elena," Elijah whispered, once we'd reached the front door.
"You're apologizing— why?"
"This all must have been very hard on you." He said, and I wondered if he even expected me to answer that. I shrugged and inhaled, opening the front door. The lights were on and voices were coming from the living room. I wetted my lips and turned to look at him. "Well, would you like to come in?"
"I would love to, Miss Gilbert."
"Right," I mumbled and stepped onto the landing. "Please come in, Elijah."
He smiled and stepped over the threshold. Shrugging out of my coat, I set out for the living room, leaving Elijah to follow. As we caught the heavy scent of tulips I frowned, stopping in the door opening. A large bouquet of lilac tulips was set on the coffee table and I tried to think what the occasion could be, before shaking my head. It didn't matter, did it?
All Gilberts were in the living room. Jeremy was playing a game, while Miranda and Grayson were staring at a large book. I guessed it was a photo album.
"Elena," Miranda greeted, noticing me first, and I waggled my fingers at her.
"Hi, I'm sorry I'm late."
"That's okay, Caroline told me you stayed over at her place," she smiled and her eyes grew wide when she noticed Elijah standing behind me, "Mr Smith?"
"Hello, Mrs Gilbert." He greeted and nodded at Grayson. "Mr Gilbert. Good to see you again."
"Yes, hello, Elijah," he smiled and frowned at me.
"I ran into your daughter at the Grill. She wasn't driving her car?"
"That's nice of you," Miranda smiled. "Could I get you something to drink?"
Elijah smiled, nodding and I stiffly sat in a red-tufted armchair, pressing the backs of my calves against the legs. I watched as the Original moved forward and sat down deftly on the edge of the coffee table, plucking the book from Miranda's fingers. Both parents stared at him in wonder and I felt I owed it to them to keep watching them and curled my fingers tightly around the wooden arms of the armchair.
"You will not remember this conversation," Elijah started in that compulsory tone all vampires used and I watched Grayson's expression become slightly more forbidden. Like a fish caught in a net, but with no way out of it, I watched his eyes widen and his fingers spasm, inching to the arm of the couch even as Elijah told him not to move. He froze, and I trembled.
Jeremy was still deeply engrossed in his video game; not aware his fate was decided. Then and there. Without his consent. "You will take your son and get out of this town, get out of this country until I say otherwise. Elena will not come with you, you decided she could stay here; you will not worry, and you will not be scared. You will simply enjoy your time away. Needing a break of all the attacks and worries."
"We will simply—" Miranda started in a hazy voice.
"—enjoy our time," Grayson finished.
Elijah nodded, his figure blurry, "Yes," he agreed, "And you will leave immediately."
"We will leave immediately."
"Good," Elijah agreed and repeated the process with compelling Jeremy.
I remained seated when the two adults and the teen clambered up the stairs. Packing, I assumed. And for a moment I listened to the creaking of the floorboards upstairs and the squeaking of the doors. Elijah was still standing in front of the coffee table and, gathering my courage, I met his eyes. "Thank you."
"I will let them return once all of this is over."
"Yes, thank you," I repeated.
"Will you be, all right?"
"I'm fine."
"I'm a man of my word Elena," he said. "I make a deal, I keep a deal. I'll keep your friends safe."
"I know." I agreed and rubbed my hands together. "I just—"
I'm scared, I thought and shivered. I didn't dare to say that out loud and instead distracted myself, picking at the sheen of flaking red nail polish on my thumbnail. I watched it flutter to the wood-paneled floor with disinterest until the stairs creaked beneath the feet of the Gilbert family descending the steps quickly. All three were still in a haze, mumbling their farewells to me and I stiffly watched them stumble out of the door. The realization that I would be alone from now on in this house hit me suddenly and I had to force my shoulders to relax. Again, I didn't think Elijah should realize how scared I really was.
"It's fine, you know," I tried, impressed when my voice didn't crack, "I won't do something stupid. I'm just tired. I'm sure you have a lot to do."
"If you're sure?"
"Oh," I smiled tiredly. "I'm sure."
He left with a polite smile and I rubbed my fingers over my aching temples. The front door closed behind Elijah and I listened as he started his car, listen to the purr of his engine as he steered it down the road. I listened until the car sounds fell away to the regular background noise and silence settled on the house. Struggling to my feet, I ascended the stairs and curled up on my bed. I didn't manage to sleep well that night, lying awake, staring at the ceiling of my bedroom. It was almost sunrise by the time I'd managed to fall into a restless sleep.
Over the next few days, I barely saw anyone. Caroline was not at school and I wondered absentmindedly if she had compelled the school, she was sick or if she somehow convinced her mother to let her stay at home. I guessed supernatural shenanigans were afoot either way.
More likely than not, it had something to do with Klaus being somewhere out there. Caroline had not so subtly told me they would try to safe me without my involvement and although I'd much rather deal with everything myself, I knew enough of Caroline to know she would not leave it alone.
At least, I got Elijah and the Salvatore's to agree to desiccating Klaus instead of killing him. That way Caroline got to live her life the way she pleased, and I could leave them all at some point without having to worry.
However, Klaus was still Elijah's little brother— In the original timeline Klaus had managed to manipulate him so masterfully with his longing for the return of his family it was almost pathetic. It had taken one sentence to lure Elijah to Alaric's apartment and instead of giving up his siblings, Klaus daggered Elijah for months.
I wondered if I should put so much faith in Elijah when I knew how easily he actually could be swayed. Then again, I only needed him to make Klaus more likely to accept my deal. I would help him break his curse and he would leave me, once I'd come back to life again, and my family alone. My family—
A tricky road. Thinking about my family often made me feel powerless. Made me feel lonely. I'd Googled my hometown, looked up my old house but— it wasn't my house. It wasn't the house where I'd sat on the marble floor in front of the television watching Sponge Bob or Avatar the Last Airbender. It wasn't the house where I'd received my first bike or received my first car. Instead, the garden was pristine in a way our garden had never been.
The house was on sale and the rooms were boring and dark, no walls filled with colorful paintings, or the messy little horse figurines my mother almost obsessively collected. There was absolutely nothing of my first life left. Apparently, not even my parents themselves.
Squeezing my eyes shut, I forced my thoughts to clear and finally, when my breathing was under control, I opened them again. It was a dreary, gray morning. The first weekend of December had arrived with the promise of snow and I'd settled on Elena's bed. Sitting cross-legged in only a tank top and a pair of panties, I let my fingers glide over my calves.
There was a small, thin scar just above Elena's left knee and rough patch of skin on the outside of her calf. I wondered what kind of accident she'd been in. Even after months of inhabiting Elena's body, I hadn't mapped out the planes of skin before. It still felt odd and voyeuristic staring at someone else's body, but I probably should get to know it intimately, since— for all intends and purposes, it was mine now.
Raising my arms in front of me, I stared at the smooth olive skin. A light cluster of freckles, barely even noticeable on the inside of Elena's wrist. There was another scar on Elena's left shoulder a similar one to the jagged thin line beneath her ribcage.
None of those scars meant anything to me but I could pretend they were from slipping on the scaffolding near the Lake House or crashing my bike. Even a cheer accident could explain one or two of them, but— I had no idea. Perhaps it didn't matter. The past was the past. It hadn't been mine, but the future was. And, fingers trailing over the rough patch of skin, I vowed to fight for it.
Dropping my hands into my lap, I flopped back and glanced at my nightstand. Half-past-two. I probably should get up and get dressed. I still had to go to the supermarket (it didn't feel right to spend Grayson's money on take away). I'd even considered a side job. Perhaps the Grill needed another waitress? I'd had several side jobs in my first life, but— well, it seemed more realistic to wait till after the sacrifice. After I knew for sure I had a job to return to.
"Honestly, how did Elena deal with all of this?" I muttered and slowly got to my feet.
Dressing into a honey-colored turtleneck and a washed pair of denim skinny jeans, I thundered down the stairs. Shrugging on a coat and snatching the car keys out of the bowl next to the coat rack, I ventured out of the front door. Grayson's black SUV gleamed into the pale winter sun and I clambered into the car, shifted the gear stick to reverse and pulled out of the driveway. The air outside was cold enough to make me shiver and I turned up the heater. Christmas Carrols had already taken over the radio's usual playlist and Blue December filled the car. The old-fashioned streetlamps were decorated with string lights and plastic ornaments and when I steered the car into the closest empty parking lot to the supermarket, I grimaced. Although the streets had been quiet, the supermarket was filled with last-minute shoppers. Struggling with my seatbelt for a moment, I unbuckled it and stumbled outside.
Mystic Falls local supermarket was big and chilly. The fresh smell of produce lingered in the air and customers wounded around with varying degrees of irritated, tight faces. I could only imagine my face to match theirs and moved as quickly through the store as the old squeaky shopping cart allowed. It careened off to the left every time I distractedly perused the shelves and I grumbled under my breath.
"Elena!" A slightly familiar voice greeted, and I whirled around in surprise.
"Alaric," I said and schooled my expression. I shouldn't act too familiar with him. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," he smiled and then frowned. "I heard your parents left town?"
"Oh, yeah," I agreed. "Dad found excellent revalidation rehabilitation? practice in Europe for Jeremy."
"I had no idea he wasn't doing well."
"Erm," I smiled and scratched nervously at the inside of my wrist, "the cracked rib wasn't healing well enough. Rather safe than sorry, I suppose."
"I suppose," he agreed, but I knew he didn't believe me.
"So how are you and Jenna doing?" I changed the subject so rapidly even my mind was left reeling.
It had left Alaric reeling too, I could tell, and I smiled at the way his face flushed. "We're doing well."
"Say, are you even allowed to date your student, Mr Saltzman?"
He guffawed at that before gaining control of his voice. "She's not my student— you make it sound—"
"I'm teasing," I sniggered. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself."
"Oh," and his eyes flitted up my form and somehow his expression turned weird, "right."
Somehow, I was painfully reminded of whom I was talking to and whom Klaus would take over in the distant future. Or was it not so distant? The hairs on the back of my neck stood on edge and I took two steps back. Alaric took a hesitant step forward and I forced a smile to my face.
"I, erm, need to go." I stumbled awkwardly. "Lots of stuff to buy."
"Of course," he agreed readily and I almost bolted, shopping cart sneaking noisily as I disappeared down the aisle. Something had felt off. The beginnings of fear churning desperately in my stomach, I worked through the hastily written shopping list. I didn't fancy running into Alaric again.
When I pulled up next to the Gilbert house, long dark shadows had stretched over the street. My eyes widened and I hit the brakes so abruptly, my upper body jolted painfully against my seatbelt. A human-shaped shadow was hulking in my front yard and my fingers spasmed around the steering wheel. I hadn't expected anyone to come by and my mouth went dry.
The last time a stalker-type was loitering near my house hadn't gone so well, and I contemplated hitting the gas but— where was I even supposed to go? The light of the sun hit the man's face just right and surprise filtered through me. Zachariah Salvatore appeared from behind the Buxus hedge, looking flushed and apologetic.
"Zach?" I gasped and rolled down the window. "What the fuck?"
"Oh, hello Elena."
"Hello?" I echoed and wondered what level of upset I should go for.
"I'm sorry if I startled you," he muttered and looked extremely uncomfortably.
"Do I even want to know what you're doing here, hiding behind the bushes?" I inquired mildly, wrinkling my nose. The anger dissipated slowly, and I climbed out of the car. "Honestly, I thought Damon killed you." I piped up unhelpfully and grimaced at how that sounded. "I mean—"
"He tried," he admitted sheepishly. "Stefan stepped in."
"Oh, well," I retorted awkwardly, "I'm happy he failed then."
He smiled and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Do you have time?"
I nodded. "Sure."
I had a lot of time. Although I still thought getting Grayson, Miranda and Jeremy out of Mystic Falls was the right call, the last week had been lonely. I led him up to the house, smiling faintly amused when he took my grocery bags and held open the front door so he could pass. Except for the weak stripe of light falling onto the wood-paneled floor, the hallway was dark. I clumsily felt around for the light switch while Zach careened his neck to look around.
"It's been a while since I've been here." He remarked off-handedly. "It's changed a lot."
"I don't recall you ever being here," I said, although I wouldn't know.
Zach shrugged. "You were still playing with your dolls back then."
"Hm," I retorted noncommittally and led him to the kitchen. "You can leave them on the counter. Would you like some tea or coffee?"
"Coffee sounds good."
"All right," I grinned, spooning ground coffee beans into the machine, shooting him subtle glances. Zach Salvatore seemed at ease, his eyes flitting around, and I felt a tiny bit self-conscious. The kitchen was a mess, the sink filled with used frying pans, used plates and cups. I hadn't gotten around to cleaning it and felt my face flush. Taking the coffee pot towards the kitchen table I poured us two cups and sat down across from him. "So, I take it you wanted something from me?"
"Straight to business," he smiled, "you are your father's daughter."
"Hm."
"I wanted to talk to you about Stefan and Damon."
"Oh joy."
He laughed at that. It was strong and slightly loud for a generally quiet person, I leant back in my chair, slightly more relaxed now. Zach didn't seem to share the sentiment, fingers trailing over the rim of his cup. "I don't like it much either but—"
"Just spit it out."
"Whenever Damon and Stefan come to town, death always follows. You probably shouldn't meet up with them anymore. You're a human. They're not. You can't trust them. Never forget that."
"Right," I answered coolly. Perhaps a latent irritation of being told what to do nestled itself hotly in my chest and I crossed my arms beneath my breasts. What was it with men and telling me what to do? Did I look so incompetent I needed their coddling behavior every turn I went?
"I don't mean that in a bad way, Elena," Zach was quick to say and I pursed my lips.
"Why are you letting them stay with you then?" I asked curtly.
Weariness settled on his features and he cocked his head. "I don't understand?"
My lips puckered in frustration. "Why not put the house in someone else's name? Why keep Stefan and Damon's secret? It seems to me like you don't want to keep it in the first place."
"I have to," he answered non-plussed.
"You have to?"
"But you don't. Stefan fancies you—"
"I've made the boundaries with him very clear. Besides, I kept my distance from him."
He gestured out of the window. "I promise you, he doesn't care. He's willing to put everything on hold to get to meet you. And, of course, there is Damon—"
"Damon is a problem," I admitted.
Damon was a big problem. I understood something had to be done with him. Especially if he kept murdering his way through the town, but I also knew he would become a better person in the later seasons. Still murderous, but a better person. I bit my lip. Was being a slightly lesser psychopath enough to immolate an entire town?
"Elena—"
"I know Stefan and Damon have a history of violence. I know how dangerous they both are." I admitted and wetted my lips, a strange feeling settling in my stomach. "I know how dangerous they are and although I don't think it would be wise to cut them out the way you seem to suggest, I will not start dating them."
"Dating," he repeated dubiously. "That's not what I mean."
"No, but that's what Stefan wants," I went on blithely, "Damon knows he's on probation. Besides, if people honestly think I'm planning on staying here after high school and college, they've got something coming." I muttered as an afterthought. I shot a glance at the time display on the oven. "Anyway, I should start cooking—"
"I have to go anyway, Elena, it's fine." He smiled tightly. "Perhaps you should come by tomorrow. I believe Elijah will visit the boarding house again. I assume you'd want to be there when the final points are discussed? It's your life after all."
I met his earnest eyes at that. Let my eyes glide over his face. The veins in his neck were protruding, showing a slow thump of a pulse and somehow, it reminded me that Zach was a real living person. That this reality wasn't a television show anymore. That he along with so many others would die if he kept interfering in the supernatural affairs of his vampire uncles. "I— thank you."
"You're welcome."
"You shouldn't, you know, get in the middle of this," I whispered.
"I can't watch the people of this town die horribly. Not again," he retorted. He got up slowly, moving out of the kitchen to the front door, and I steadily followed him. He was already out of the door when I'd reached the landing and I gave a small wave as he gave me a curt nod.
"Erm, drive safe?" I tried and he smiled peering at me over his shoulder.
"Goodbye, Miss Gilbert. I'll see you soon."
"Goodbye, Mister Salvatore." I shut the door behind him with a thud and found my way through the darkness of the empty corridor towards the kitchen.
To be continued...
A/N: I always liked Zach and found it a pity we'd never really got to know him. I am aware there is a storyline containing him, a wife and a daughter, but we never really got to know him. To be honest, I have no idea if the real Elena knew the man or not. I supposed being on the council with her father, she would at least know him in passing, but who knows…
Also, how did you all like Elijah's part in all of this?
Anyway, like always, let me know what you guys think!
This story is beta-read by HPuni101