Hey everyone! How are you? Here it's the chapter 19, and we're getting close to the end of the season! Apart from this, there are 3 chapters left and then season 2! I'm so excited for you to read what happen in my version of season 2.
This chapter is a bit exciting for me, and I will give you a spoiler of why. In this part I tried to truly show Caroline's new essence in my story, I try to show how she really is with my change, so please tell me if it was good. And don't forget that you can follow me on instagram as @iceduchess26, to see some story content, enjoy!
The characters and the plot are property of Julie Plec and the tv show team, I own the characters I created and the changes I made in the story.
Normal POV
A few days had passed since the founders' event. Elena was at the school when she saw Stefan arrive in his car and got near him to see how he was doing. The vampire seemed to be in a good mood and affirmed to be feeling well from the blood hunger, so he had decided to go back to school to spend some time with his girlfriend. But what Elena didn't know was that the trunk of Stefan's car was full of blood bags from the town hospital.
On the other hand, Damon had gone to the Founders' Hall to meet with John Gilbert and Sheriff Forbes. The woman told them that the town's blood bank had been robbed and that there were no witnesses to the event, but she and John thought that it'd been a vampire's fault to Damon's surprise. The human then offered the sheriff to work with Damon so the two of them could find the responsible, making the oldest one curious.
Later, Damon was at the mansion wondering what to do about John and the blood bank robbery, when the doorbell rang. He went to open the door and was puzzled to see Anna.
-I should be grateful you learned how to ring the bell- he greeted her ironic as soon as he opened the door.
-I came on behalf of my mother- answered the girl seriously, entering the house and she followed him.
-On behalf of or in spite of?- asked mockingly the vampire walking to the dining room.
-I'm sorry for what the other vampires did to Stefan. Kidnapping him, torturing him. It wasn't supposed to be like that- the vampire apologized, walking ahead of the younger man who stopped.
-You played house with half of a tomb of very pissed off vampires. What did you think was going to happen?- Damon insinuated, ironic and irritated for the idea of the girl and her mother.
-My mom is devastated, they tried to over throw her- Anna tried to excuse her, irritated.
-Why isn't she telling me this?- inquired the younger one, walking towards the window.
-She doesn't know how to apologize- she said as an excuse, walking towards the window just like him.
-Well, what a coincidence, I don't know how to forgive. Just go away- ordered the vampire standing in front of her, and kept talking as he looked at her- And if you continue playing house with these vampires, you might stop robbing the blood bank dry because they're onto it- he commented so that they wouldn't continue putting him and his siblings at risk.
-I haven't been to the local blood bank in a week- clarified Anna confused by what he'd said.
-Then it was one of the others- suggested the younger man as confused as her by her news.
-The others are gone, Damon- revealed the older girl, surprising him a bit with her words.
-Well, where did they go?- he wanted to know, a little worried about what they were going to do, and at the same time relieved since then maybe there wouldn't be so many problems in the town.
-They weren't meant to live here. After what happened with your brother my mom kicked them out and they left. It's just us and Harper now- the girl explained seriously.
For her part, Caroline had talked to Stefan after their fight and now everything was fine between them. She had taken advantage of the fact that he seemed to be better and that Damon was in charge of the Council to focus on the Miss Mystic Falls pageant since she wanted to win. Outside of the school she saw Bonnie talking to Elena, and walked towards them upon noticing that Bonnie seemed tense.
-Hey girls- the blonde greeted them, looking at both of them- Good to have you back Bonnie. I hope you're feeling better- she turned to her, she had called her several times in case that she needed anything.
-Thank you for calling sometimes Caroline, it helped a lot to distract me- thanked her the youngest one. The girl was a vampire but she felt good around her, she could tell that she was the only vampire that she could tolerate. Besides, Caroline had apologized for what had happened with her brothers, making it clear that she didn't want the tomb open and was sorry for what they had done. They hadn't noticed but Elena wasn't pleased to hear that the heretic spoke with her friend.
-I just wanted to know how you were, no need to thank me- clarified the oldest girl with a friendly smile- How do you feel now?- she asked looking at her with interest.
-I'm better. I'm happy to be back and trying to keep myself busy- she answered with a small smile, doing things non-stop was good to not think about anything.
-If you wanna distract yourself and you agree, you could help me pick out a dress for the Founders Court. I wouldn't mind having help- the girl suggested, at moments like this she needed her best friend around, but at least she had Bonnie who was kind of a friend.
-The Founders Court? Did I miss something?- asked Elena getting into their conversation, she didn't understand what event the heretic was referring to.
-The Founders Court. You know, Miss Mystic Falls pageant. They announced it today, I'm signed up, and from what I heard you're too- explained Caroline a little excited as she was looking forward to that day so she could participate.
-Oh my God! I signed up for it so long ago, I forgot about it- remembered Elena feeling a little nostalgic thinking about that date, her face changed calling the heretic's attention.
-What's going on? Are you gonna drop out?- the blonde girl inquired, somewhat confused by her sudden change of mood, feeling her doubts increase when she saw that the girls seemed to be tense.
-I can't- answered her the brunette girl in an uncomfortable and a kind of forced way after exchanging some glances with Bonnie as if only they knew what was going on, causing her great curiosity.
-But why? Am I missing something?- insisted looking between the human and the witch for an answer, she seemed uncomfortable with the idea of participating.
-Her mom was Miss Mystic Falls, and she was the one who wanted her to enter- revealed Bonnie after receiving a nod from her friend. There Caroline understood the brunette girl's discomfort, it had to be a hard time to think about such an event, she couldn't help but feel a little bad for her.
After school, Stefan returned to the mansion and was on his way to his bedroom when he heard Damon.
-How was school?- his brother greeted him as he spied him from a corner.
-Fine- the boy replied curtly, turning around for a moment without stopping walking.
-Yeah? The same as always? Nothing new? Nothing to tell me?- questioned the older man while he began to walk behind him so that he could answer his question.
-You want to talk, why?- replied Stefan finally stopping to turn around so he could look at his brother, who walked until he was close to him in the corridor.
-Lately you seem more cheerful, less gloom and with much more energy- Damon hinted with some suspicion and moving a little bit cheerfully to emphasize his point. Now that he was paying attention to him, his brother's attitude was a bit interesting.
-And you think it's because I drank human blood again- the vampire guessed, keeping himself under control. He was going to keep his new habit hidden for as long as he could.
-I don't want to brag, but I'd like to take credit for the new and improved you- the older one assured with a smirk and a certain mockery, very sure of his theory.
-Well, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm clean- lied Stefan as he touched his shoulder and then turned around, and began to walk to his room.
-Yeah, not possible- Damon replied, erasing his smile and feeling irritated.
-Not only is it possible, but it's also true- affirmed the younger guy, turning around to look at the older one so that he'd stop insisting with his questions.
-Stefan be serious for a second. You spent the last century and a half with a depressive face and now you want me to believe that the new you has nothing to do with human blood? Nothing?- he questioned him ironically. It was obvious that he drank human blood, he knew his brother very well.
-I'm clean- he repeated insistently while he turned around and started walking again.
-You're lying- Damon blurted out a bit upset, he felt that he was lying to him.
-Believe what you want- said Stefan turning around to talk without stopping walking and went to his room. For his part, Damon kept looking where his little brother had gone and thought that maybe it would be better to try something new to make him confess.
That night, Stefan was in his room while on the phone with Elena. His girlfriend told him about the Miss Mystic pageant to ask him to be her escort for the day. She also told him that she wanted to participate as it was important to her mother, who had won the contest years before. After agreeing to accompany her, they said goodbye and Stefan went to get another blood bag in the basement, unaware that he was being spied on by Damon.
-Well, well. Not only a liar, but also a thief. So? When are we going to share?- interrogated him Damon, while standing at the door of the basement, looking at the vampire standing by the refrigerator.
-Go ahead, help yourself- insisted the younger guy, looking calm and stopping trying to lie to him while offering him to take a blood bag equally.
-No. I was referring to the fact that you're a closet blood junkie- the older man clarified as he crossed his arms so that he'd understand what was going on.
-So I'm drinking blood again. And you pushed me to do it. What's your problem? I have it under control- affirmed the other with a fake calmness so that he wouldn't suspect him. He didn't want his brother, and by extension his sister and Elena, to stalk him for his attitude.
-Under control? You robbed the hospital!- the older vampire reminded him with an irritated tone as he entered the basement evenly and uncrossed his arms.
-And what's your point?- Stefan questioned, seeming indifferent to his accusation.
-Fine, what do I care, drink up. Just remember we're trying to keep a low profile. Why don't you go straight to Sheriff Forbes and ask her for a vein?- Damon answered wryly, standing next to the open refrigerator with bags in front of his brother.
-Have my actions impacted you negatively? I can't imagine how that must feel- replied the younger vampire sarcastically without losing his posture in front of the contrary.
-And what does Elena think about the new you?- the older guy inquired smirking a little and he tensed up a little.
-Nothing has changed, I'm the same person. She doesn't have to know anything. Caroline doesn't have to know either- clarified the guy pretending to be totally fine, but internally he was a little nervous that Elena, or even worse the heretic, would find out he was drinking blood.
-We both know that the blondie would find it out even if I kept my mouth shut- reminded him with a smirk and a certain obviousness, but he became serious- You haven't tasted human blood for years Stefan, if you're having trouble controlling it…- remarked the older one tired of his brother's attitude, as it could put the three of them in danger before the council.
-I'm not having trouble- the younger vampire insisted again, really sure of what he was saying.
-Who do you think you're talking to? I know what it feels like. The Jekyll and Hyde feeling, when it happens, there's a change. Right now is not a good time for me to worry about you- Damon admitted angrily with his answers. If he didn't intervene soon in Stefan's problem, he'd get the attention of the Council again and they'd go back to looking for vampires.
-I know that it pains you to see this but I'm fine, okay? I'm fine. Please do me a favor and back off- he replied annoyed at his insistence. He took a blood bag and left the site, leaving the older one alone.
The next day, Caroline had an interview with Carol Lockwood and other women for the Miss Mystic Falls pageant that was the other day. She was really focused on be presented so that everything would go as planned and she'd win, she was determined to get the title and fulfill one of her fantasies as human. She was on her way out when she got a message from Damon, who wanted them to meet to talk that afternoon without Stefan knowing. Upon sensing something odd was going on, she agreed and told him to stop by her house later.
Damon was answering the message from his sister, who had agreed to meet that evening, when the doorbell rang. He went downstairs to open the door to find John.
-Hey partner- greeted the human, entering the mansion without waiting for an invitation to enter.
-What do you want?- asked Damon when he saw him and enter without permission while he wondered what he was doing in his house and what he wanted to bother him with.
-You haven't returned my calls- he answered, walking into the house and heading for the living room.
-You don't take hints- replied the older man, closing the door and looking at John's back.
-Where do we start looking for vampires?- the younger one wanted to know looking around the place.
-Why do you act John? It's obvious that you don't care about finding vampires, you're here talking to me- he reminded him, already tired of the human without understanding what he was doing there with him.
-Actually, I care a lot- clarified the youngest one turning around to look at him seriously.
-What does Isobel say about that? Because she's one too- inquired the older man with a mocking tone to remind him of that part of the story, but also curious about his reasons.
-Isobel and I share a mutual interest. The original Johnathan Gilbert had an invention that was stolen by a vampire. That vampire was burned in Fell Church, or so Johnathan thought, and that invention was lost forever. But the vampires weren't killed, right? They were trapped and now they are free thanks to you, so I can get it back- revealed the human with a small smile while the vampire walked past him and they stared at each other.
-What is it?- Damon interrogated, interested in the invention he was talking about.
-The only thing that matters is that I want it and you're going to help me if you value your secret- determined the younger man, passing him this time without wanting to reveal too much about the artifact.
-And why include me John? I don't know what you are talking about, much less who has it- said Damon, really sure that he didn't know about the thing and confused by his request.
-Oh come on Damon! You were around then, you know who they are, what they look like. He was friends with a woman who turned out to be a vampire, her name was Pearl. Does that ring a bell?- inquired John knowing that the vampire had surely met the woman and would get him what he wanted.
-I'm not playing anymore. Get out, get out- the older guy shooed him in irritation after a moment of quiet thought and then headed to the door waiting for John to follow him.
-I beg your pardon?- he questioned annoyed and surprised by his answer without moving from the place.
-You know, I only allowed this blackmail scene because I thought that you and Isobel could lead me to Katherine, but you have no idea where she is. If you did, you would know that Katherine and Pearl were best friends. See, you don't know everything, do you John?- the vampire replied mockingly as he noticed that detail smirking while John looked angry at his response.
-I'll tell the Council what you are- warned the human annoyed while he approached him.
-Go for it. I'll kill everyone, then I'll sever your hand, I'll pull your ring off and I'll kill you. Do you understand it?- Damon threatened him coldly, approaching the younger man and they stared at each other.
Later that same day, the girls who would be participating in the pageant were to go to the school to practice the traditional dance with their partners. Elena was already at practice accompanied by Stefan and they were having fun while practicing. Meanwhile, Caroline was arriving at the place accompanied by Bonnie, who had agreed to help her instead of Matt.
-Thank you Bonnie. I swear that if the class wasn't mandatory, I wouldn't bother you with this- she thanked while they walked down the hall. Bonnie felt a little awkward around her but she wasn't uncomfortable like around her brothers. Maybe because she hadn't done anything that night.
-Don't worry, I couldn't help you with your drees before. At least I help you with this- the witch stated with a small smile- You look like you want to win the contest- she pointed out, the blonde seemed to be trying hard to try to win. The older girl came a little closer to her.
-Yes, I was going to participate in the pageant in 1864 as I had always imagined, but before that I turned and left town. This year I have a chance so I want to try to win- she confessed in a low and slightly melancholic tone. She remembered how she used to talk about one day winning the pageant and honoring her family name but had never succeeded.
-Well, maybe you are lucky and this year you win- Bonnie tried to cheer her up, she wanted to try to make the older girl feel good for the competition, she had seen her working hard that day. The heretic looked at her gratefully and they entered the room where they were all practicing, and saw Elena and Stefan.
-Bonnie, hey- greeted Elena smiling, standing next to Stefan, and her friend smiled back.
-Hey, how are you?- asked Stefan crossing his arms trying to seem friendly, but she looked away trying to ignore him. The vampire and the brunette looked at her curiously.
-I asked Bonnie to cover for Matt, he had to work today- Caroline told them, feeling how the air was getting tense between them and she didn't know what to say to try to calm things down.
-Bonnie, can we talk?- her friend asked softly while she got closer to her.
-We only have 30 minutes for rehearsal- the youngest tried to excuse herself not to talk about it with her friend as she was throwing glances at the blonde girl waiting for her to help her.
-It'll only take a minute, please- begged the older girl for her to accept it, they stared at each other for a moment and Bonnie walked towards the exit for her to follow her, leaving the vampires alone- Bonnie tell me what's going on- insisted hoping to have an answer about the whole thing.
-It's not worth talking about- affirmed the girl calmly so that they'd leave the subject aside.
-What do you mean not worth it? You barely speak to me and you don't look at Stefan. Is that what happens to you? Is it about Stefan?- the brunette girl guessed, very confused by her friend's attitude.
-Listen Elena, I can't just pretend everything's okay. Everything my grams did was to protect us from those vampires in the tomb, and now they're out. I mean she died for nothing- she finally confessed her problem uncomfortably for having to say it. She felt bad for hurting her friend like that, but she didn't think there was any other way to feel after all that had happened with the vampires, the tomb, and her grandmother with them in the middle.
-But what about Caroline? Why are you away from Stefan but you're with her? She's also a vampire- she asked, not really understanding that part of the situation.
-She called to apologize for what her brothers had done. Also, remember that night Stefan told us that his sister didn't want the tomb open, that if it was up to her all the vampires would be trapped. This isn't her fault- Bonnie explained while trying to defend the blonde girl. She was friendly and tried to support her in her pain.
-I'm so sorry Bonnie. What can I do to make it better?- inquired Elena, feeling bad for not understanding her best friend, and hoping she could help her to make it better.
-The thing is that there's nothing you can do. I blame him Elena, him and Damon. And I'm not gonna put you in the situation where you have to choose sides. I'm just having a hard time with it, okay?- clarified Bonnie conflicted for doing that to the brunette girl and went to where the practice was. Elena stood there thinking what to do, not knowing that Stefan had heard everything.
-Were you spying on them? Really?- heard the vampire from beside him and saw Caroline watching him.
-You knew that, right? That Bonnie hates us because of what happened with the tomb- he insinuated seriously.
-I had my suspicions, but it was obvious that she'd be uncomfortable with you two. I think I would've done worse than ignore you in her place- the blonde girl admitted with her arms crossed.
-But you could've done something to appease her anger towards us instead of just clearing your name- he reproached irritated, she had done nothing to fix things.
-What did you want me to do? Compel her so you could be good friends again? She didn't deserve any of this. You should give her time to process that her grandmother died from a spell that didn't work in the end- the heretic replied annoyed by her brother's accusations. She was about to go to practice as well when he grabbed her arm to stop her.
-Do you think they will ever be friends again?- he asked hoping that it was only temporary while he released her. The younger girl looked at him more gently than before.
-I think that when the time is right, they'll be best friends again- she affirmed to relax the vampire a little- Now if you excuse me I'll go practice, even though I don't need to since I was alive when they invented the dance- she smiled graciously at the other, making him as well smile and she left to have the practice.
Later the afternoon, Caroline was in her room getting her things ready for the next day and was about to tidy up when the doorbell rang. She went to open it and found Damon, so she made him follow her to her bedroom even though there was a big mess.
-Wow blondie, what happened here? Did you go mad and destroyed the place?- the older man asked her mockingly, making her glance at him irritated while she got near a pile of clothes.
-Don't bother Damon. I spent all day picking out a dress from some options that I bought yesterday and I had to leave before I could order this- she told him as she hung up her clothes- Why did you want to meet in secret?- she wanted to know curious for his message.
-Well, we have a new problem. A few days ago the town's blood bank was robbed and it got the attention of the Council- he began to explain as he sat down on the heretic's bed, who was still tidying up the place and glanced at him a bit confused.
-The hospital bank was robbed? Well, it wasn't me, I haven't been there for over a week. Also I'm careful. Maybe it was one of those tomb vampires- she hinted nonchalantly.
-That's what I thought, but Anna told me that Pearl kicked the tomb vampires out of town- the vampire clarified resting his elbows on his knees- And I already know who robbed the bank. The thief was our dear brother Stefan, he confirmed it to me himself- he revealed surprising her.
-What? Stefan is drinking human blood? But how is he doing it again? Until a few days ago he was resisting the temptation for blood and was cleansing his body- she wondered aloud, puzzled by what she had heard.
-Who knows? Maybe somebody got hurt in front of him and couldn't resist the blood- suggested the older man feigning innocence as he stood up and looked outside, drawing the attention of the younger girl who looked at him with suspicion and approached him until they were face to face.
-You didn't do anything, did you? Now that I remember it, you more than once left a glass of blood in front of Stefan tempting him. Did you do something to him?- she questioned irritated by her theory.
-I don't know what you are accusing me of, little witch, I didn't do anything to him- Damon defended himself with an offended face, but his head started to hurt so he touched one of his temples and stared at the girl annoyed- What the hell are you doing to me, Caroline?- he claimed just as irritated as she was, who crossed her arms.
-An incentive so you tell me what happened. Now answer me, did you have anything to do with Stefan drinking blood again?- she asked again firmly, tired of Damon's antics.
-I didn't do anything- the older one said again in pain, but as he felt the pain increase with the younger girl's stare, he decided to speak- Fine! Fine! It was me. I saw that he was bad for resisting the desire, so I left him a glass of blood, which he obviously drank. And now he steals blood- he confessed angry at the girl's methods, who stopped giving him a migraine.
-Seriously? It's like you don't think before you act. Why didn't you leave him like he was at least until we finished with the vampires, so he could get our help to drink human blood?- she claimed more annoyed than before at the vampire's confession.
-I was helping him Caroline, he must learn to control his hunger. Stefan is a vampire, we're predators who drink blood. Even you who are half vampire are better than him- argued her brother trying to defend himself while he moved a little away from her.
-I know that he needs it, but this wasn't the time. There's a council following us to hunt us down, and Stefan is out of control with blood. You gotta consider some things before doing something like it- the heretic tried to reason. When she calmed down a little she got closer to him- I think you have to tell Elena, and try to control Stefan- she declared staring at him seriously.
-Tell Elena and take care of him?- he repeated to make sure of what she was saying.
-Yes, do that. I think Elena deserves to know that Stefan is out of control. Besides, Stefan can be a bit unstable that way, you have to be careful here. He needs our help- the blonde clarified so he understood the seriousness of the situation, making him sigh.
It was the day of the Miss Mystic Falls pageant and almost the entire town was gathered at the Founders' Hall waiting for the time of the main event. Damon had met Anna inside, so he took the chance to tell her about his talk with John Gilbert, the older vampire promised to try to find out from her mother Pearl of the object, but Damon asked her that if her mom had the artifact they made sure John didn't get it, so they could all stay and live in Mystic Falls in peace and quiet.
For her part Caroline was a little nervous, and it wasn't for nothing since she was living one of her fantasies as human. She was getting ready when she heard Elena talking to Jenna about her mom, and she couldn't help but feel melancholy. When she was young she longed to share that day with her grandmother, who would surely do her hair and try to distract her from her nerves. She touched her bracelet to make herself feel better since it was a gift from Emma and she felt that she was there with her.
Damon went to talk to Elena about Stefan's new habits, he supposed that he should do it as soon as possible so they could figure out what to do. Elena didn't think it was possible that her boyfriend had lied to her about it, or that he'd done everything the oldest one said, besides that she felt some guilt that he had drank blood. They were still speaking when Stefan came in, with whom she almost argued about the same topic when Mrs. Lockwood came in and took Stefan out of the dressing room.
The participants were already dressed and being introduced by Mayor Lockwood. Since one of the girls had disappeared, only Elena and Caroline were upstairs waiting for their turn. The blonde girl was standing breathing to keep calm while the brunette was looking downstairs for her boyfriend.
-Can you see Stefan?- asked the younger one worried, so she got closer and looked evenly.
-No, I only see my replacement escort. Matt had to work today- commented the heretic distractedly until she realised what she'd said- Wait, what happened to Stefan?- she inquired worried like the brunette about her brother.
-We fought about what he's doing now, I tried to talk to him but he seemed different- Elena told her in a low voice, since Carol Lockwood was near them.
-Wait, Damon told you here and now? When I asked him to tell you, I thought he would wait for a more appropiate moment to do so. Do I have to explain it everything in detail?- she wondered, tired of the oldest man.
-He told me before I got dressed, then Stefan came in and we fought. Now he's gone and I don't know where he is. But what am I doing? I shouldn't have done this- she exclaimed a little uneasy and tried to leave.
-What do you mean?- asked her the older girl confused after taking her arm and stopping her.
-I need to find Stefan. He could be anywhere now, besides this isn't me. I'm not this person anymore- admitted the girl and tried to leave again but the heretic stopped her again.
-No, no, no way. You had the chance to drop out, but you are already here. You're already halfway there. Just breathe, relax and try to think about the reason why you are doing it, because it was important to your mom- advised Caroline trying to give her a little push.
-Miss Caroline Salvatore and her escort Jeffrey Lockwood Hamilton- they heard the Mayor speaking and the blonde girl smiled at the younger girl, she was about to go down when she glanced at her amused.
-Besides, I'd like to beat a decent competition- she added with some amusement and went down the stairs while Elena smiled grateful for the girl's advice.
Jeremy was talking to Anna and told her that he had read his sister's diary. He decided not to tell her about Caroline's secret since Elena had written that the girl had threatened her so that no one would know her secret, and although he was angry with Elena he didn't want that blonde to hurt her. He liked that girl worse than before, and it puzzled him that she looked harmless.
Meanwhile, Stefan had met Amber, one of the pageant participants, in the bathroom and he had taken her outside. They were walking through the parking lot further and further away from the place so he had some privacy to think.
-Where are we going?- asked Amber as she was dragged by the older guy.
-I don't know- replied the vampire curtly without stopping walking.
-I'm in the ceremony- commented the girl waiting to see what he would do. Stefan let her go and approached her until he pushed her against his car that was parked there.
-Well, not now. You're standing in the parking lot with me- the older one compelled her after taking her face as he stared at her.
-I'm in the parking lot with you- repeated the younger girl in a trance-like state. Stefan stared at her for another moment and then turned away from her, he felt very distressed and exalted.
-I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm not good company right now, I'm a little on the edge. I've been drinking human blood and it's really screwing up with my head. She knows now. God, she wasn't supposed to know. I didn't want her to know, now everything's ruined- he explained exasperated, feeling as if he had a whirlwind of emotions inside him while he walked in front of her.
-You seem sad- admitted Amber without showing any reaction to the older one, who laughed.
-I'm not sad, I'm freaking hungry- clarified Stefan looking at her irritated and annoyed.
When Mayor called Elena, who was waiting to see Stefan, Damon glanced around looking for his brother, but not finding him anywhere he got closer to the stairs and accompanied Elena outside with the other competitors, leaving Jenna and Alaric confused. Elena was grateful he was there and they did the dance together, staring at each other intently.
Stefan was still in the parking lot pacing back and forth in front of Amber, who was staring at him. He was trying to resist the desire for her blood and relax enough to get away from her, but in a moment he stopped fighting the urge and bit her neck.
-Have you seen Amber or Stefan?- Caroline asked Elena in a whisper, a bit worried, after they had done the dance and while they were waiting for the judges' results.
-No, I haven't seen them- she replied just as worried. At the contest, the Mayor Lockwood thanked the girls for their contributions to the town and announced the winner.
-Now without further ado, it is a great honor to announce that our Miss Mystic Falls is Miss Caroline Salvatore!- he announced, pointing to the girl who was surprised, even looking at Elena in shock to make sure it was all true.
-You did it. Congratulations!- congratulated her Elena and they both laughed, the blonde girl was very happy.
-I can't believe I won!- she exclaimed really excited and smiled at the brunette girl, then she approached the mayor who put her the band with her title on it and she waved to the audience while smiling.
While everyone was congratulating the winner, Sheriff Forbes was checking with John Gilbert one of the bathrooms upstairs of the place. The mirror was broken and there was blood there, so the sheriff ordered to go get Damon. The vampire checked the entire place, suspecting that Stefan had something to do with it, so he went to look for Elena after talking to Caroline.
-What is it, did you find him?- inquired Elena worriedly after taking the older man's arm and leading him to a corner of the place, not realising that Bonnie was watching them.
-There were signs of a struggle in the upstairs bathroom. There was blood and that Amber girl is missing- explained the vampire serious in a low voice, internally he was worried too.
-Oh my God! He wouldn't hurt her, he won't- she denied, getting more and more nervous about the younger guy.
-Let's just find him, okay? Caroline is going to stay here to cover the place. Get your coat, come on- Damon ordered and they got out of there, without seeing how Bonnie started to follow them.
They arrived to the woods following some screams and found Stefan biting who they assumed was Amber, when they heard them the vampire released her and stared at them. Damon tried to approach his brother to calm him down, but he pushed him against a tree. Stefan was about to go near the vampire when he grabbed his head, which started to hurt since Bonnie was casting a spell to hurt him. When she stopped, the younger guy looked at them in fright and ran away.
Later the others took care of the police, who took Amber away after Damon compelled her to forget about his brother. Elena walked her friend to her car and insisted that they talked about what had happened with Stefan, but Bonnie just asked her to give her some time alone to think about her problems with the Salvatore men and let her decided what to do and left the place. After that Elena returned to the party.
After speaking to Sheriff Forbes about the vampire attack that night, Damon went back home and try to relax, but he didn't expect to find Anna and Pearl. The oldest vampire had gone to give him the invention that she had stolen from Johnathan Gilbert in 1864 and that was the object John was hoping to get back so much.
Pearl explained to Damon that Johnathan had told her about the inventions that he had made, including the watch that detected vampires and she thought she had stolen it, but on the night of the vampire attack she found out she had actually made a mistake and had taken the other object, which she didn't know what it was. And how she had decided to give it to the youngest vampire since both Anna and her wanted to stay in town, and apologized to him.
Stefan, having escaped from his brother and Elena to try to calm down for having drunk that Amber girl's blood, went straight to the mansion. He'd decided to lock himself in his bedroom until he could relax for a while, but he didn't expect Elena to be there.
-You shouldn't be here- told her the vampire without seeing the younger girl behind him.
-I know- she clarified looking at his back from the entrance of the room.
-Now you know- he affirmed seriously turning around to see Elena and approaching her.
-It wasn't you- Elena assured confidently to help him while shaking her head.
-Of course I was. I'm a monster, a predator. That's who I am, Elena- replied the older guy feeling very upset and pacing the room.
-That's what the blood makes you- insinuated Elena, hoping he would listen to her.
-The blood brings out what's inside me. And if you believe otherwise then you're really bad- Stefan insisted walking around his bedroom, feeling as if he was getting worse.
-I know this isn't you Stefan- continued the younger girl very worried for her boyfriend.
-I wanted to drain every drop of blood from that girl's body- he revealed very serious and irritated by what he was feeling while staring at her.
-No, you can't scare me off- replied Elena firm without moving from the door.
-Why are you risking it? Why did you come?- he questioned without understanding how she could be there with him.
-Because I did this, this is my fault. I'm the one who made you drink blood to help your sister- the brunette argued, feeling guilty for the vampire's actions.
-You only exposed me to what I really am- Stefan clarified, still feeling annoyed.
-This isn't you- repeated the human more and more worried about the vampire.
-Stop saying that!- he shouted while he threw some books off a table. Elena got surprised a little at what he did, but she started to come closer to him anyway- Don't get any closer to me- he ordered her. The older guy felt as if at any moment he was going to explode from nerves.
-I'm not going to let this happen to you- she declared very sure of what she was doing as she saw Stefan walking around the place and shaking his head- Stefan, I'm not gonna give up on you! I believe in you!- Elena affirmed with conviction hoping her boyfriend would relax, but she didn't expect the vampire to grab her shoulders and push her to a wall.
-Stop! Stop!- Stefan shouted again, losing his control as he hit the wall behind the brunette girl, scaring her. Seeing that he'd scared her, he felt very sorry for what he had done to her and was terrified upon thinking that he had hurt her- I'm so sorry- he apologized as sincerely as he could without knowing what to do to fix it.
-It's okay, t's okay- Elena comforted him while she hugged him as she felt him relax, he put his head on her shoulder feeling very bad for what he had done.
-I don't know, I don't know what's happening to me- admitted the older one as he cried on her shoulder, everything that was happening was upsetting him a lot and he regretted his recent actions.
-It's okay Stefan, it's okay- the girl soothed him as she stroked the back of his neck, she was internally building up her courage for what she was about to do. While she hugged him, she slowly lifted a syringe- You're gonna be okay- she said sure of what she was doing and stuck the syringe in his back. Stefan lifted his head from her shoulder, looked at the girl for a moment and passed out for the vervain. Elena looked at the body listening to Damon walk in.
-Sure you wanna do this?- the oldest vampire asked as he entered the room, staring at the brunette girl while he glanced down at his brother's body.
-I'm sure- Elena assured without any doubt about Damon and Caroline's plan, which they had devised together after the oldest had left the party. Caroline had talked to the oldest vampire to see if they needed help with their plan, but at his denial that he had everything under control, she agreed to go back home. Damon dragged his brother to the mansion's cells and locked him up in one of them, while Elena followed him.
-There's no guarantee it's going to work- warned the older man as he glanced around the basement.
-It has to work- Elena clarified, hopeful that their plan would help the guy. The vampire nodded and started to walk to the exit, but he turned around.
-Coming?- he wanted to know when he didn't hear the brunette following him to go back upstairs.
-I'm gonna stay here- Elena answered looking at him for a moment and then sitting on the front of Stefan's cell door. Damon watched her for a moment and then sat down across from her on the floor as well. They both looked at each other for a moment and looked down at the floor, internally they both hoped that they could get Stefan back soon.
And that's all for now! Hope that you liked it. As you could see, Caroline is confident in her capabilities to get what she wants, and she knows exactly how to do it, but it doesn't mean that she'll be mean for that. And now she's on Bonnie's side, you could see more of this friendship. I thought that they would be fine because Caroline didn't have anything to do with the tomb.
I also wanted to thank you for reading the story, maybe liking it, leaving favourites or something more. Please feel free to leave anything you want or ask me questions, if you want to tell me what you think of it or anything it's good. I'll leave the summary of the next chapter, see you!
Chapter 20 - Blood Siblings:
The Salvatores reveal to Elena how the three of them became vampires, while Stefan decides to take the blame for his actions. Damon sets out on a mission with Alaric. In the past, Caroline faces terrible events in her life and makes a painful decision.