Chapter 2: O'Brother of Mine
It was obvious to me that things were changing in Mystic Falls. While to most, the town was still the safe little slice of suburban life it has always been, that was no longer the case, at least not any more. I knew Damon and Stefan were dangerous. Vampires were dangerous. I mean, at least that's what I figured. But they were once my brothers, and I wanted to trust them. Unfortunately, it became clear to me that things had changed between the two after my death in 1864. The brothers were estranged, far more so now then they ever were when I was alive.
I could remember the day when Damon's and Stefan's relationship became tense. That was the day Katherine Pierce came to the small town of Mystic Falls, Virginia. That was the day things changed for the Salvators. Now, 145 years later, things were even worse between the two. It broke my heart to know that the once close brothers now hated each other.
Morning came and I woke to my sister knocking on my door like usual. I got ready for school and made my way down stairs where Elena and Jenna were talking. "Do I look adult?" Jenna asked Elena just as I walked into the kitchen. "As in parental?" I raised a brow at our Aunt and Elena mirrored the look.
"Depends on where you're going." Elena answered as I walked around her and poured myself a cup of coffee and dropped some bread in the toaster.
"Jeremy's parents-teacher conference." Jenna explained. "Hair up or down?" Jenna held her hair up with her hand.
"Sexy stewardess." Elena said and I nodded my head in agreement. Jenna put her hair back down and Elena tilted her head. "Boozy housewife." I snorted at that and shook my head.
"Up it is." Jenna put her hair and gathered her things together. "You're feisty today." My toast popped out of the toaster and I smothered the warm piece of bread in butter.
"I feel good, which is rare. So I've decided to go with it. Fly free, walk on the sunshine, and all that stuff." Elena's words made me happy to hear them. I wanted her to feel better, but I had a feeling this was all because of a certain new guy in town, and that made me nervous. "Where is Jeremy?"
"He left early. Something about getting to a wood shop early to finish a birdhouse." Jenna's answer had me raising an eyebrow.
"Uh, Jenna." Our Aunt glanced over at me and saw the look on Elenas and mine's faces.
"There is no wood shop, is there?" Both my sister and I shook our heads.
"No." Elena answered her. Jenna let out a sigh before grabbing her purse and heading out the door. My twin and I shared a look before gathering our own bags and heading out the door.
This year I only shared one class with my sister, so I didn't see much of her throughout the day. I wasn't one to socialize with my fellow peers and relied on our friends when it came to human interaction. After my advanced English class was over, both Bonnie and Caroline showed up outside of my class room and I found myself sandwiched between the two girls as we walked down the hallway. This occurred often and I realized last year that there was no fighting them when it came to them wanting to keep me in the loop of whatever drama was happening around the school.
"I'm confused." Caroline continued whatever conversion the two girls were having before they grabbed me outside of my last class. "Are you psychic or clairvoyant?" The blonde asked Bonnie. I titled my head in confusion and glanced over at Bonnie.
"Technically, Grams says I'm a witch." My brows shot up at Bonnie's words and she shrugged her shoulders. "My ancestors were these really cool Salem witch chicks or something. Grams tried to explain it all, but she was looped on the liquor so I kind of tuned out. Crazy family, yes. Witches? I don't think so."
"Maybe you're Grams is onto something." I pointed out and Bonnie frowned slightly at the thought. "I mean, haven't strange things been happening to you? Who knows, maybe magic is real and you really are a witch."
"I don't know, Serena." Bonnie started. "You know my Grams is pretty loopy. And it all just seems so unrealistic and kind of crazy."
"Well, witch or not, feel free to conjure up the name and number of that guy from last night." Caroline spoke up and I raised a brow.
"What guy?" I asked and Caroline smiled a shy, flirty, grin.
"Well, last night I saw this guy at the Grill. Tall, dark, and handsome. The whole package." I felt the corners of my lips curl down as Caroline gushed over her mysterious stranger.
"I didn't see him, you did." Bonnie pointed out. "Why didn't you just talk to him?"
"I don't know. I was drunk." Caroline shrugged her shoulders. I felt something nudge at the back of my mind and I wandered just who it was she was pining after. Mystic Falls was a small place and we didn't get a whole lot of strangers who stuck around. So I could only hope that Carolines stranger wasn't a black leather wearing vampire.
While Caroline and Bonnie went to their next class, I headed in the opposite direction towards my own class. It was strange how normal this all felt, like I didn't just find out that vampires are real or that I'm not the only unnatural being to live in Mystic Falls. Vampires were the last mythical creature I would have expected to be real, but then again, it made me wonder, just what else was out there. Maybe Bonnie's Grams is right, and Bonnie really is a witch.
"Well, I was talking to Grams, and she said the comet is a sign of impending doom." The chatter that filled the Grill was drowned out as Bonnie spoke about the comet that was supposed to be visible tonight as it flew over Mystic Falls. "The last time it passed over Mystic Falls, there was lots of death. So much blood and carnage, it created a bed of paranormal activity."
Caroline rolled her eyes at Bonnie's words and I smiled slightly at the look Elena and I shared. I had decided to join the girls after school when they invited me to meet them at the Grill. Mostly due to bribery on Elenas part, but I still enjoyed some of my time spent with them as they gossiped.
"Yeah, and then you poured Grams another shot and she told you about the aliens. So then what." Caroline scoffed at the other teen and I tossed a fry at her rudeness and she sent me a shrug.
"So then nothing." Elena spoke up and stopped any form of an argument from breaking out. But that left her open to Carolines piercing look.
She crossed her arms and leaned forward onto the table as she observed Elena. "You and Stefan talked all night? There was no sloppy first kiss or touchy feely of any kind."
I couldn't help but grimace at Carolines words. Stefan was my brother, granted from another lifetime, but I still didn't need the mental image of my once brother and my, now current, sister being together in such a way.
"Nope. We didn't go there." Elena stated as she picked at the basket of french fries we had between the two of us.
"Not even a handshake?" Caroline asked in disbelief and an exaggerated sigh. "I mean, Elena, we are friends. Ok? You are supposed to share the smut."
"Uh, no. No she is not." I spoke up in a grossed out, but firm, tone. That was the last thing I needed to hear.
Elena shrugged her shoulders. "We just talked for hours." I glanced over at my sister as she stared down at her plate of unfinished food. I knew the look in her eyes, it was a look that had a chill settling within my bones and a bad feeling eating at my stomach.
Caroline didn't seem convinced by Elenas words. "Ok, what is with the blockage? Just jump his bones already!" I coughed slightly at the blonds outburst. "Ok, it's easy, boy likes girl, girl likes boy, sex!"
"Really Caroline!" I sent her a look and the blond only shrugged before Elena spoke up.
"Profound." Elena pushed her chair back from the table and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Bonnie asked her as I watched the look in Elena's eyes turn heated.
"Carolines right." I let out a sigh and felt my shoulders slump. "It is easy. If I sit here long enough, I'll end up talking myself out of it instead of doing what I started the day saying what I was going to do." With that said, Elena grabbed her bag and headed for the Grills front doors. I let out another sigh and sent Caroline a glare. One she only shrugged at before Bonnie dragged us back into a conversion about the comet.
After finishing off our food I decided to head home and actually get started on my homework assignments for the week. Just because my life seemed to have taken a strange turn for the weird, didn't mean I was going to let my grades slip. Granted, doing homework seemed almost debatable at this point. I felt like I had bigger issues to deal with than Mr. Tanner's homework assignments.
I sat at the kitchen table with my history textbook open in front of me and my notebook set off to the side as I read the assigned passage. I could hear Jenna watching tv and looked up at the sound of the front door opening. I watched as my sister walked into the house and deposited her bag near the stairs before taking a seat in the empty chair across from me.
"Hey? So, how'd it go?" I asked as I closed my text book and gave my sister my full attention. She let out a sigh and I heard Jenna shift from her place on the couch. "That bad, huh?"
"Yes, no." She let out a long sigh and stood up. "There's a lot to unpack." Elena walked into the kitchen just as Jenna got up off the couch and joined me near the kitchen table as Elena pulled out some leftover food from last night's dinner.
"What happened?" Jenna asked as she grabbed an apple from the bowl of fruit in the center of the table.
Elena rejoined us and started to explain what she had learned from visiting Stefan earlier. "He's on the rebound and has raging family issues." I couldn't help but scoff and choke slightly at her words. I wondered where she got this information from considering Stefan wasn't the type of person to spill his guts so easily.
"Well, at least it's an ex-girlfriend. Wait till you date a guy with mommy issues or cheating issues. Or amphetamine issues." I laughed a little at our Aunts list of issues men tended to have and shook my head. I had a feeling Stefans issues went beyond the list she just sprouted out. Jenna trailed off just as the front door opened again and this time Jeremy walked in.
Elena and I watched as our Aunt rushed off after our younger brother. I heard her footsteps race up the stairs. I turned my attention back to Elena. "So, where did all this information come from?" I asked as Elena shoveled some of the leftovers into her mouth and retook her seat across from me.
"His brothers in town, and I had the lovely opportunity to meet him." I frowned at her words. So, she had officially met Damon. Something about that meeting left me feeling slightly worried, but he had promised me that he wouldn't hurt Elena, and I was trusting him on that.
"So it wasn't Stefan who told you." I raised a brow and Elena looked down at her food.
"No, his brother told me." I could tell my sister knew where I was going with my words.
I gave her a small smile and shook my head. "Don't brush him off so fast, Elena. Let the guy explain himself before you jump to conclusions." Elena smiled and nodded her head.
"Alight. I'll give him a chance." My eyes followed my sister as she stood up and placed her dish in the sink before heading out. "See you later." I waved at her and as soon as the door closed I felt my heart sink.
Guilt built up inside of me and I let my head fall down onto the table. Was it wrong of me to want Elena to be happy? No. But I knew nothing good was going to come from her and Stefan being together. I mean, what's more dangerous than a vampire? My helpful words may be the thing that pushes them together and that made my stomach clench in worry.
I wanted my sister to be happy. After the death of our parents, she had closed herself off and had even broken up with Matt; a boy she loved dearly. Her interest in Stefan was the first sign of her coming out from behind her walls and I wanted nothing more than for her to let her walls crumble. But if she found out Stefans secret, one which I knew she would no doubt find out, then it would only be a matter of time before she found out my secret as well.
I skipped out on the night of the comet and stayed home with Jenna. After confronting Jeremy the woman was in a mood and I figured a night in with a good movie would do us both good. We had the rest of the leftovers for dinner and after our movie, I went upstairs and got ready for bed.
The second my head hit the pillow, I felt my body relax and sleep grab me with it's calming hands and drag me down into the darkness.
I was young in this memory, just a little girl, as I ran around the garden of the large manor that my family and I lived in. "Serena! Come back!" I let out a wind chime like giggle as I ran away from my brother's figure. Stefan laughed as I peeked out from around one of the immaculate trimmed hedges. "Come on, little sister." Stefan tried to coax me out of my hiding spot, but before I could run off again, another pair of arms wrapped around me and lifted me off the ground.
"Got you." Damon's voice and sudden appearance had me falling into a fit of giggles. Stefan joined the two of us as Damon set me back down on the ground. I turned towards my older brother and smiled brightly up at him.
"Damon!" I shouted my brother's name in excitement and threw myself at him. With my short arms, I did my best to wrap them around his much larger form. With both Damon and Stefan having to attend there studies during most of the day, I didn't get a lot of time to spend with them before they were swept away again. So even if it was for only a moment, I loved any chance I got to be with my brothers.
"Damon! Stefan!" The sound of our Fathers' voice had me shrinking against my Damons form as the two Salvatore brothers frowned. We all knew that our free time with one another was coming to an end and both Damon and Stefan would have to return to their studies. While I would no doubt be passed off to our house's caretaker.
I turned away from where our Father called out for his sons and looked up at Damon. "Don't go." I knew Damon had no choice but to heed our Fathers call. But I couldn't help but beg, even if I knew it would do no good. Damon sent me a sad smile and easily slipped out of my grasp.
"Sorry, Little Sister. Maybe next time." He gently patted the top of my head before walking past both myself and Stefan. The younger Salvatore brother frowned before following after our older brother. Leaving me behind in the manors garden. Alone.
The next day I found myself going about my normal school day with about as much enthusiasm as any other day, which wasn't much. Just like everyday the crowded halls had the hairs on the back of my neck standing up. It was weird, having some sort of instinct embedded within me that constantly had me feeling on edge when surrounded by crowds of strangers.
So by the end of the day I found myself wanting nothing more than some solitude and quiet. After school I parked my car near one of the many hiking trails that went through the woods. I felt a sense of relief come over me as I walked through the trees. It was quiet in the woods and I felt a sense of peace hearing only the sounds of nature fill the empty space. My feet led the way towards the one place I knew all my worries would dissipate.
I smiled when the large oak tree came into my view as I stepped into the clearing. I sat with my back against the oak tree and pulled out my sketch book. I worked on my drawings as a way to lose myself in my own thoughts. While I only spent about two hours in the oak trees clearing, it was enough time to help settle the bout of anxiety I have been fighting throughout the day. By the time I got up and left, I was feeling lighter and a lot less tense.
When I finally arrived home later that evening, I saw Elena peek her head out from the kitchen. "Oh good, you're home." I raised a brow at my sister and set my bag down at the bottom of the stairs before heading towards the kitchen.
"Uh, yeah, I'm home. What's going on here?" I asked as I spotted Bonnie helping Elena transfer, what looked like take out from the Grill, into serving dishes.
"Your sister wants us to have dinner with her and Stefan." Bonnie answered as she poured pasta into a bowl.
"Us?" I asked and sent Elena a look. "This is the first I'm hearing of this." I grabbed a couple of the serving bowls and helped the girls place them on the table.
"Sorry." Elena shrugged. "Please, just for a little while." I rolled my eyes at my sisters pleading and shook my head.
"Fine." Elena smiled in thanks and I helped set the table. I figure if anything, dinner was bound to be interesting.
I sat across from Stefan as the four of us quietly ate dinner. The secret vampire and I shared a look when he sat down. But other than that we did not show the others that we knew each other. While Elena did her best to initiate small talk, I could tell there was something off about Bonnie and the looks she would send Stefan.
"Did Tanner give you a hard time today?" Elena asked and I looked up from my food to glance at Stefan.
"Well, he let me on the team, so I must have done something right." I titled my head and raised a brow at the vampire sitting across from me.
"Bonnie, you should have seen Stefan today." Elena did her best to bring Bonnie into the conversion. "Tyler threw a ball right at him, and…"
"Yeah, I heard." Bonnie pointed out as she shuffled her food around. Stefan and I made eye contact and raised a brow at him. A vampire on the high school football team, now that was unexpected.
Elena shifted in her seat before speaking up again. "Why don't you tell Stefan about your family?" This time I turned my gaze unto my sister and narrowed my brows slightly in confusion. I had a feeling Bonnie's family was the last thing she wanted to talk about.
Bonnie looked slightly confused at my sister's words. "Um, divorced. No mom. Live with my dad."
"No, about the witches." Elena pushed. "Bonnie's family has a lineage of witches. It's really cool." I glanced between my sister and Bonnie and saw the other girl cringe at Elena's words.
"Cool isn't the word I'd use." Bonnie said as she shifted in her chair. Stefan looked over at her and offered the teen a comforting smile.
"Well, it's certainly interesting. I'm not too versed, but I do know that there's a history of Celtic druids that migrated here in the 1800s." Stefans explanation had both Elena and Bonnie sitting up a little straighter.
"My family came by way of Salem." Bonnie said.
"Really? Salem witches?" Stefans reaction was one of genuine curiosity at Bonnie's words.
"Yeah." Bonnie had said that her Grams had been spouting things about witches for awhile now and I wondered if maybe there was an air of truth to her Grams words.
"I would say that's pretty cool." Stefan sent the girl a soft smile and I could tell Bonnie felt more at ease in his presence.
"Really? Why?" Bonnie pushed.
The soft smile didn't leave Stefans face as he explained himself to Bonnie. "Salem witches are heroic examples of individualism and nonconformity."
"Yeah, they are." The air around us lost most of the tenseness that had filled it in the beginning of dinner. I never noticed any differences in the air around Bonnie, not like I did Stefan and Damon, so I wouldn't be able to tell if Bonnie was anything other than human. But that didn't mean that there wasn't a possibility of her Grams being right.
The sudden sound of the doorbell ringing had both my sister and I glancing at one another. It was clear to me that Elena hadn't been expecting anyone to show up. I stood up from my chair and made my way over to the front door. As soon as I placed my hand on the door knob I felt a familiar wave of dark energy fill the air around me. Curiosity filled me and as the door opened, I found the last two people I had been expecting to see, standing outside.
"Surprise! Bonnie said you were doing dinner, so we brought dessert." Carolines preppy voice had a shiver running down my spine, but not because of her. It was the figure sending me a cocky smile from behind her that had my stomach clenching.
"Oh." Elena's voice sounded from behind me. Caroline smiled at Elena and stepped inside after handing Elena a cake she must have bought from the store down the street. I leaned against the door while Elena stood on the other side of the doorway.
"Hope you don't mind." Damon spoke up and I felt the air grow thick when Stefan appeared between Elena and I. My eyes shifted from Stefan to Damon and back as the two brothers stood in front of each other.
"What are you doing here?" Stefan asked the older Salvatore brothers.
Damon motioned his hand at Elena and I. "Waiting for someone to invite me in. Serena?" His steel blue eyes met mine and I frowned at him. I was ready to reply when Stefan spoke up.
"No, no, no. He can't, uh, he cant stay." Stefan sent me a look before looking back up at Damon. "Can you, Damon?"
"Get in here." Caroline spoke up from behind Elena.
I could tell things were about to get awkward. "Damon, won't you come in?" The dark haired vampire sent me a smile and I rolled my eyes at the look Damon sent me as he walked through the doorway.
"You have a beautiful home, Elena." Damon smiled at Elena and I could tell my sister didn't know what to make of the man who just walked into our house.
"Thank you." Elena muttered before following Caroline and Damon into the living room. Stefan and I stood standing by the door as I closed it. He sent me a look, one I could only return with a shrug of my shoulders. I knew the younger Salvatore brother was weary having Damon in the house. But I couldn't exactly not invite him inside or close the door in his face. I didn't need my sister asking questions I couldn't answer.
While the others gathered in the living room I cleaned up the rest of our dinner and started on the dishes. I could hear everything they were saying as I tried my best to focus on my task at hand. I would be an idiot if I didn't acknowledge the strange sight of Caroline wearing a scarf around her neck after showing up to the house with a vampire. As much as I wanted to trust him, I had a bad feeling about Damons motives for being around Caroline.
I couldn't let my memories of Damon cloud my judgment and stop me from acknowledging what was happening. Caroline was my friend, and I knew I was going to have to step in and somehow make Damon back off.
"I cannot believe that Mr. Tanner let you on the team." Caroline gushed as I dried off some of the dishes. "Tyler must be seething. But good for you. Go for it."
"That's what I always tell him. You have to engage. You can't just sit there and wait for life to come to you. You have to go get it." Damon's voice made me scoff as I stacked the serving bowls and set them off the side. There was definitely an underlying meaning to his words.
"Yeah, Elena wasn't so lucky today." Caroline pointed out. "It's only because you missed summer camp. God, I don't know how you're ever going to learn the routines."
"I'll work with her. She'll get it." Bonnie spoke up in Elena defense.
"I guess we can always put her in the back." Caroline spoke up and I glanced over my shoulder. That didn't sound very Caroline and I wondered why she would say something so, discouraging, to Elena.
I turned back to the rest of the dishes and heard Damon speak up. "You know, you don't seem like the cheerleader type, Elena." The water from the sink drained as I dried off the plates and stacked them on top of the counter.
"Oh, it's just 'cause her parents died." My hands stilled and I felt my throat close up at Carolines words. "Yeah, I mean, she's just totally going through a blah phase. She used to be way more fun. And I say that with complete sensitivity." Oh, that wasn't very tasteful of the blond and I could feel the air in the room grow tense.
"I'm sorry, Elena." Damon's voice cut the tension like a knife as I carefully put all the clean dishes away. "I know what it's like to lose both your parents. In fact Stefan and I have watched almost every single person we've ever cared about die."
I couldn't help but frown as I pulled down the small plates from the cabinets and set them on the island separating the kitchen from the dining room and living room. The cake Caroline had brought was sitting on the counter where Elena had set it.
"We don't need to get into that right now, Damon." Stefan tried to diffuse the situation.
"Oh, you know what, you're right Stef. I'm sorry. The last thing I wanted to do was bring her up. Mmm." Damon smirked at his younger brother and I could see Elena shift out of the corner of my eye.
"Who wants cake?" My voice seemed to shatter the tense air that had settled around everyone and I could see Stefans shoulders slouch slightly at the interruption. The night ended with Bonnie heading home before Damon and Caroline finally left. I gave my sister and Stefan some privacy and headed up stairs to my room.
The next day came and after school, instead of staying for the football game, I headed to the Grill to eat in the mostly empty restaurant. I sat at a booth near the back in a secluded corner. I had a half eaten sandwich and fries sitting in front of me while I focused on my sketch book. I had felt him before he even sat down.
"Does it really have to be Caroline?" I closed my sketch book and looked up at the dark haired man sitting across from me in the booth. Damon sent me a smirk and shrugged his shoulders.
"Why? You have a soft spot for her? Come one little sister, you were never one to make friends." Damon took a long sip of the amber colored drink he had in his hand before he sat down. He wasn't wrong, in my life as a Salvatore, my only friends had been him and Stefan. People back then were never really accepting of someone who looked as different as I did.
I reached for a fry and munched on it while shrugging my own shoulders. "Yeah, actually, I do. Caroline is my friend. And I don't want her getting hurt just because you have some vendetta against our brother." Damon didn't look at me as he finished off his drink. "She's my friend, Damon. She doesn't deserve to be used like this."
The vampire sitting across from me finally looked me in the eye. "Look at you, little sister. Making friends and sticking up for them." I narrowed my eyes slightly and didn't let up on my starring. "Fine, fine, fine. I just need her for a couple more days, then I'll cut her loose. Promise."
I couldn't say I was completely convinced by his words, but I was going to have to trust him. It's been over a hundred years since I last saw Damon, and I knew he wasn't the same person I knew in my life as his younger sister. I glanced around the restaurant and took in the few clustered people as they enjoyed a quiet lunch; completely oblivious to the predator sitting amongst them.
I turned my attention back to the shrinking pile of french fries before speaking up. "Thank you." I muttered. I knew he heard me and while I wasn't happy with the deal, I was trusting Damon not to hurt Caroline. I didn't want Caroline, or anyone I cared about, being wrapped up in the mess the two brothers seemed to be making.
After leaving the Grill I decided I didn't want to be holed up in my room while the house was empty. I parked my car in front of the house, but instead of heading inside, I walked around back and headed through the tree line that surrounded the neighborhood. I knew my way to the clearing by heart, from anywhere in Mystic Falls. The old oak tree was almost like a beacon that called out to me and led me in the right direction. It was another part of that sixth sense that I had.
The harmonious energy of nature filled the woods that surrounded me. Birds chirped and the breeze gently swept by as it ruffled the leaves still clinging onto the tree's branches. I let my worries fall behind me as I walked further into the woods. Soon enough, like always, I found the green grass and tall oak tree peeking out from beyond the trees as I approached. The second I stepped through the tree line, I felt the air around me shift and my shoulders slump.
I took a seat at the base of the oak and leaned my head up towards the sky. I closed my eyes and basked in the warmth of the sun as it's light peeked through the old oaks branches. Being here, in a place so enchanting, had me leaving behind all my worries and put my mind at ease. Here I could focus on myself.
As I sat under the warm glow of the sun's light, my mind began to wander. My life as Serena Salvatore was filled with memories I wanted to hold close. While it hadn't been an easy life, I still found myself finding joy when I thought back on that time. Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing about all of my memories from my past lives. While my first life is really only filled with blurry faces and a language I can't seem to understand, my second life had a more harmful effect on me.
Dying at a young age would be traumatizing to any one if they had to remember their death. But what made the memories of my second life even worse, was learning that my death was acted out by the people who were meant to love and care for me. I would give anything to forget the hurt and anguish those memories left me with. I hated them. I hated that I ever had to live through such a horrible experience, let alone have to relive it in my dreams.
I felt tears prick at my eyes and as my lashes fluttered open, they escaped down my face. The wind ruffled at my hair and I rubbed my eyes before looking out towards the tree line. The branches above me creaked and I watched as red and golden leaves rained down and covered the earth. A small smile graced my lips and I moved so I was sitting on my knees.
"How about a little more color?" I wasn't speaking to anyone in particular as I placed my palms flat against the earth. I closed my eyes and concentrated on the energy swirling around me and pictured what I wanted to happen. Heat coursed through my body and before I could become overwhelmed by the warmth filling my veins, I pulled my hands off the ground and opened my eyes.
The oak trees clearing was now a chartreuse of different colored flowers. I spotted some golden poppies and yellow daisies among the many flowers that took over the clearing. "I think I overdid it just a little." I muttered as I sat back and leaned heavily against the oak tree. These gifts, the reason I was so different, were all because I knew I was something more then just any ordinary human.
I can remember the day things changed for me. It was mine and Elena's twelfth birthday and I had come down with a high fever. I can remember feeling drowsy and sick for most of the day, but by the time the sun had set, our parents had noticed that something was wrong. With our father being a doctor, he secluded me to my room and took care of me while Elena and the rest of our family celebrated down stairs.
Elena tried to sneak up to see me multiple times during the night, but she wasn't allowed in my room in case I was contagious. But our dad stayed with me the entire night. Sometime late in the night, after everyone had fallen asleep, I woke up. My dad was asleep in the chair beside my bed and he didn't even move as I slipped from the thin sheets and made my way out of my room. My body felt like it was on fire and the only thing I could think of was to get outside in the cold night air. The last thing I remember from that night was stepping outside and feeling the heat in my blood spike.
My parents found me outside among the trees the next morning after frantically searching for me. Elena didn't leave my side for a week after the incident. Our dad checked me over and found the fever to be gone. They chalked it up to a cold and a bad case of sleepwalking. But what they didn't know was that night something changed within me. Memories started to come back to me and slowly I was starting to realize that the things I saw in my sleep were not dreams.
After that day, things changed for me. I kept it all to myself as plants sprouted from the ground and my anxiety began to spike when I was in a crowded place. I still don't know what it all really means, but if vampires are real, then I know whatever I am is just as real.
The house was empty when I got home and after eating something, I settled down in my room for the night. Tomorrow will be a new day, and hopefully a better one.
"Coach and history teacher William Tanner was attacked and killed here at Mystic Falls high just last night." My eyes were glued to the tv as the reporter, Logan Fell, reported on the sudden, and bloody, death of the history teacher. "The animal that killed him was supposedly a mountain lion that had ventured too close to the school looking for food." I frowned when the reporter said that it had been a mountain lion. Something in my gut told me that it hadn't been a mountain lion, or any animal that had killed Mr. Tanner.
"Scum ball." I glanced over my shoulder and spotted Jenna and Elena standing on the other side of the kitchen table. I angled my body so I was sitting sideways on the couch and could lean my head on the back of it as I smirked at our Aunt.
"Still not over Logan Fell, huh, Jenna?" My smirk grew when the blond haired woman narrowed her eyes at me.
"He's a scum bucket." She answered with huff and I saw my sister raise a brow at the woman.
"Who are we talking about?" Elena asked as she set her coffee mug down on the kitchen table.
"Him." I waved and gestured to the TV where Logan Fell was still reporting on the history teacher's death and the supposed mountain lion that did it.
"The news guy?" Elena sent our Aunt a look.
"Also known as Logan 'Scum' Fell." Jenna stated. "Did your mom ever tell you why I moved away from Mystic Falls?" Elena shook her head at the question before a look of understanding came over her face.
"Oh, no way." Elena let out a soft laugh before taking a seat at the table. "You and him? He's cute."
Jenna made a face and grinned at the look. "He is not cute. There's nothing cute about him." Jenna lifted the remote and turned the tv off; ending the conversion about Logan Fell. "What are you doing with that?"
I hadn't noticed the gold box Elena had set down beside her coffee cup, but I recognized the box as an old antique jewelry box our mother had. I stood up from the couch and walked over to stand on the other side of Elena's chair. I stared down at the objects in the box.
"I went yesterday and got it from the safety deposit box." Elena began to explain. "Mom had told Mrs. Lockwood she would loan it to the founders council for their heritage display." I looked up from the old family heirlooms when Jeremy stomped down the stairs and saw us gathered at the table.
"Is that grandma Beth's wedding ring?" Jenna asked as she held the ring Elena had been cleaning between her fingers.
"Originally it was great-great-grandma Mary's wedding ring." Elena pointed out.
Jeremy and I stood beside each other as we inspected some of the old things our parents had collected from their own parents. "How much do you think this stuff is worth?" Jeremy asked and I shrugged my shoulders.
"Probably a lot. Should we get it appraised?" I smirked and Jeremy returned the look before we both set the old trinkets back in the gold jewelry box.
"No, we are not finding that out." Our sister scowled us and Jeremy rolled his eyes before he headed into the kitchen. "Mrs. Lockwood is sending Tyler over to pick this stuff up later."
I knew the Gilbert name was an old one, in fact, it was one I could remember from my time as a Salvatore. Jonathan Gilbert was an original founding family member and a friend to Giuseppe Salvatore, Damon and Stefan's father. My father.
"That stuff is mom and dads. You can't just give it away." Jeremy started to argue and Elena frowned at our brothers outburst.
"I'm not giving it away." Elena tried to explain. "It's called a loan, Jeremy."
"It's not gone forever, Jer. We'll get it all back." Jeremy seemed unconvinced by my words and huffed in irritation before opening the fridge and looking for something to eat. I glanced down at Elena and shrugged my shoulders before heading back to the couch and flopping down onto it.
I heard the doorbell ring and looked up as Elena went to go answer it. I felt a change in the air and titled my head as I listened for a familiar voice to speak up. I knew it was Stefan before he even spoke, but it was better to be safe than sorry. I didn't need Damon showing up right now and causing trouble.
I glanced up when I saw Elena pull Stefan into the house and cringed as the two kissed in the front hall. "Ew, really guys? Come on." I saw Elena's face turn slightly red and I rolled my eyes before standing up from the couch and heading into the kitchen.
I would be lying if I said that the relationship between Stefan and Elena didn't worry me. It was no surprise to me that vampires were dangerous, and if Stefan tells Elena his secret, then I knew it was only a matter of time before my secret came to light. I never told my sister about me and the strangeness that surrounded me. I just didn't want to burden her with something so bizarre when she was living the perfect human life. She deserves a normal and care free life, especially since the accident. She doesn't need my problems stacked on top of her own. Elena was a good person, overprotective at times yes, and little too stubborn, but she was nothing like the woman her looks took after.
Elena was my sister, and I knew she was going to be devastated when she finds out what I've been hiding from her. We told each other everything, but this, this was my secret to carry and I was one day going to find my answers.
I sat on my bed as I stared at my closet across from me. Tonight was the Founders day party and as much as I hated going to these parties, I knew I didn't have much of a choice because of my last name. My phone buzzed from beside me and without looking away from my closet, I picked up my phone and glanced at the screen. "Hey, be my date for the Founders party? Caroline ditched me for Damon."
I grinned at the message and sent a reply. "Yeah sure. You want to come over here to get ready?"
"Yes!" Bonnie replied and let me know she would be here in ten minutes. I let Elena know she was coming over and stood up from my bed. I had procrastinated on dress shopping and only had two dresses to pick from, both that I had already worn to last year's founders parties.
I ended up going with the deep blue dress I had worn to the pageant last year. The skirt ended just below the knees and the bodice was covered in a light layer of shiny sequins. I dressed and combed my hair before adding a light layer of mascara. I waited on Elena and Bonnie as the two got ready and before long Bonnie and I were on our way to the Lockwoods manor.
"So, how long do you think it's going to last." Bonnie asked as the two of us stood on the front porch of the Lockwood manor and watched as Caroline and Damon walked up the front lawn.
"Hopefully not much longer." I muttered as my eyes zeroed in on Damon. He had said he would cut Caroline loose, but I was starting to get worried about when that day would actually come. There was still so much I didn't know about my now vampire brothers. For one, they could easily walk around in the sunlight when most stories had vampires bursting into flames when in sunlight. Also, I wanted to know why Caroline would just stay with Damon when he was obviously feeding off of her. "Come on, let's see if we can sneak some of the strong stuff." I nugged Bonnie and the two of us headed inside to where the bar was located.
As the sun set on the party, Bonnie and I split up and I found myself in one of the heirloom rooms. My eyes were glued to the registry for the original founding families. It was strange seeing my own name staring back at me as the memory of signing it came to the forefront of my mind.
"Hey, Serena, where'd your date go?" My sister's voice pulled me out of the past and placed me right back in the present as her and Stefan entered the room.
"Oh, she went to get some food. I wasn't really hungry so I came to take a look at the stuff Mrs. Lockwood had collected." I explained as I looked back at the yellowed parchment the founding families had signed.
"Oh wow, it's the original guest registry." Elena gushed over the old document and I sent Stefan a small smile over her head as she leaned in to read the names. "Look at all these familiar names- Sheriff William Forbes, Mayor Benjamin Lockwood." She paused as she came across the really familiar names. "Is that Damon and Stefan Salvatore? And wait." My sister paused as she read the last name under Stefans. "Serena Salvatore?"
"The original Salvatore siblings." Damon's voice pierced through my thoughts and both Elena and I looked over our shoulders at the vampire and his date. Stefan stood stiffly beside Elena as the older Salvatore stepped up to us. "Our ancestors. Tragic story, actually."
"We don't need to bore them with stories of the past." Stefan spoke up and I couldn't help but agree with him. This conversation was making me nervous due its implications.
"It's not boring, Stefan." Elena smiled at the younger Salvatore brother. "I'd love to hear more about your family. And I'm sure Serena is curious about their sister, right?"
I shook my head and glanced back at the registry list. "Not really." I muttered under my breath. I wasn't really interested in hearing that story, not when I lived it. "I'm going to go find Bonnie." The past wasn't always such a sore subject when it came to me. But the founders ball back in 1864 hasn't exactly been a fun experience. Katherine had both Damon and Stefan wrapped around her little finger and it hurt to watch the two fight over a woman who didn't deserve them.
I found Bonnie and joined her as we both munched on some finger food. We walked around and gossiped about some of the townspeople as we wandered. The crowd had grown since we first arrived and I could feel the constant flow of energy around me. The hair on the back of my neck stood up and I pushed the unease down as I laughed alongside Bonnie at something she said.
Bonnie's smile fell and I tilted my head as she gestured outside. "Hey, what's wrong with Elena?" I looked to where she was glancing at and watched as Elena walked out of the room where the heirlooms were. She looked upset and both Bonnie and I shared a look before going after her.
"This is my fault. I planted doubt. I'm a doubt planter." Bonnie pouted.
The three of us were sitting outside with ice cream as Elena explained what had happened. Her and Stefan had gotten into an argument about his relationship with Damon and his ex. The ordeal had made Elena suspicious, but also guilty for snapping at the man when it wasn't really his fault.
"It's not your fault." Elena started and she was right, it wasn't. No, I had a feeling that title fell to Damon in this instance. "I just- I feel terrible because I said that I wouldn't get in the middle of it, and then that is exactly what I did. I got all snotty."
"Elena, none of this is your fault either." I pointed out. "I have a feeling that those two have a lot of issues and Damon is just trying to get a rise out of his brother. Maybe you shouldn't take any of this to heart."
Elena opened her mouth to say something but was cut off when Mrs. Lockwood walked up to us. "Elena, honey, there you are. I noticed the watch still isn't in the collection." I raised a brow at Mrs. Lockwoods words and looked over at Elena.
"Oh, um. I'm sorry, Mrs. Lockwood. I, um, I couldn't find it. I guess it's still packed up in my parents' stuff somewhere." I knew my sister's words were clearly a lie considering I had seen the gold colored pocket watch on our kitchen table earlier that day.
"I see. Well, please let me know if you do find it." Mrs. Lockwood gave us all a strained smile and walked away.
"What was that about?" I asked. "The watch was on the table this morning."
Elena let out a sigh and stabbed at her ice cream. "I let Jeremy keep it. He said dad was going to let him have it since it was supposed to be passed down to him. I felt guilty about giving it to Mrs. Lockwood." I nodded in understanding and went back to my ice cream.
The night ended with me driving Bonnie home. She was quiet during the drive and I wondered what had happened to make her so silent. But I let the words die before I spoke up. Whatever was going on, I figured she would come out about it later.
I let out a sigh when I finally returned home and stripped out of my dress before getting ready for bed. Tonight wasn't so bad, but the fact that Damon was pushing Stefan for a fight wasn't something that left me feeling great. I was worried, worried about Elena and Caroline. I didn't want them in the middle of whatever Damon had planned. I had a feeling I was going to have to confront Damon again and hopefully he would listen to me and leave the two girls out of his plans.
A/N: Just want to give everyone a big thank you for reading this story. I've been working on rewrites and editing new chapters so I'll have plenty of material to post in the coming weeks. Post days will be Monday.
Please feel free to leave a review, any questions or comments I'll be sure to answer them at the end of the next chapter. Thank you once again for reading.
Stay safe everyone.