The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Six

Shes already do her choice. You saw it yourself when you interrupted us. Youve already chosen, sop upnt you, Elena? Stefan state it not smugly, or as a demand, only when with a kind of desperate bravado.I Elena looked up. Stefan, I love you. merely dont you downstairsstand, if I have got a choice powerful immediately I have to choose for all of us to stay to work overher. Just for now. Do you understand? Seeing only stoniness in Stefans face, she turned to Damon. Do you?I regain so. He gave her a secret, possessive smile. I told Stefan from the beginning that he was selfish not to share you. Brothers should share things, you do.Thats not what I meant.Isnt it? Damon smiled again.No, Stefan give tongue to. I dont understand, and I dont see how you can ask me to work with him. Hes evil, Elena. He kills for pleasure he has no conscience at all. He doesnt bearing round Fells Church he express that himself. Hes a monster-Right now hes existence more cooperative than you are, Elena express. She reached for Stefans hand, searching for some port to foil through to him. Stefan, I need you. And we two need him. Cant you try to accept that? When he didnt answer she added, Stefan, do you really want to be mortal enemies with your brother forever?Do you really think he wants anything else?Elena stared d feature at their joined hands, looking at the planes and curves and shadows. She didnt answer for a minute, and when she did it was very quietly.He stop me from killing you, she said.She felt the flare of Stefans antitank anger, consequently felt it slowly fade. Something like defeat crept through him, and he bowed his head.Thats true, he said. And, anyway, who am I to call him evil? Whats he through with(p) that I havent d angiotensin-converting enzyme myself?We need to talk, Elena thought, hating this self-hatred of his. But this wasnt the time or place. and then you do agree? she said hesitantly. Stefan, tell me what youre thought.Right now Im thinki ng that you always get your way. Because you always do, dont you, Elena?Elena looked into his eyes, noticing how the pupils were dilated, so that only a ring of green iris showed nearly the edge. There was no longer anger there, surplusly the tiredness and the bitterness remained.But Im not barely doing it for myself, she thought, thrusting taboo of her mind the sudden surge of self-doubt. Ill prove that to you, Stefan youll see. For once Im not doing something for my own convenience.But Im not just doing it for myself, she thought, thrusting out of her mind the sudden surge of self-doubt. Ill prove that to you, Stefan youll see. For once Im not doing something for my own convenience.Yes. I agree.And I agree, said Damon, extending his own hand with exaggerated courtesy. He captured Elenas before she could say anything. In fact, we all seem to be in a frenzy of pure agreement.Dont, Elena thought, scarce at that moment, standing in the cool twilight of the choir loft, she felt th at it was true, that they were all three connected, and in accord, and strong.Then Stefan pulled his hand away. In the silence that followed, Elena could hear the sounds alfresco and in the church below. There was still crying and the occasional shout, but the overall urgency was gone. Looking out the windowpane, she saw people picking their way across the wet parking lot between the forgetfulr groups that huddled over wounded victims. Dr. Feinberg was moving from island to island, apparently dispensing medical advice. The victims looked like survivors of a hurricane or earthquake.No one is what they seem, Elena said.What?Thats what reasonable said during the memorial service. She had another one of her fits. I think it might be important. She tried to assemble her thoughts in order. I think there are people in town that we ought to look out for. Like Alaric Saltzman. She told them, briefly, what she had overheard earlier that day in Alarics house. Hes not what he seems, but I dont know exactly what he is. I think we should watch him. And since I obviously cant appear in public, you two are going to have to do it. But you cant let him suspect you know- Elena broke off as Damon held up a hand swiftly.Down at the base of the stairs, a junction was calling. Stefan? Are you up there? And then, to someone else, I thought I saw him go up here.It sounded like Mr. Carson. Go, Elena hissed well-nigh inaudibly to Stefan, You have to be as prescript as possible so you can stay here in Fells Church. Ill be all right.But where will you go?To Merediths. Ill formulate later. Go on.Stefan hesitated, and then started down the stairs, calling, Im coming. Then he pulled back. Im not leaving you with him, he said flatly.Elena threw her hands up in exasperation. Then both of you go. You just agreed to work together are you going to go back on your word now? she added to Damon, who was looking unyielding himself.He gave another of his little shrugs. All right. Just one thi ng-are you hungry?Thats good. But later on, you will be. Remember that. He crowded Stefan down the stairs, earning himself a searing look. But Elena heard Stefans juncture in her mind as they both disappeared.Ill come for you later. Wait for me.She wished she could answer with her own thoughts. She also noticed something. Stefans mental voice was much weaker than it had been four geezerhood ago when he had been fighting his brother. Come to think of it, he hadnt been able to speak with his mind at all before the Founders Day celebration. Shed been so confuse when she woke up by the river that it hadnt occurred to her, but now she wondered. What had happened to make him so strong? And why was his strength fading now?Elena had time to think astir(predicate) it as she sat there in the deserted choir loft, while below the people left the church and outside the overcast skies slowly grew darker. She thought about Stefan, and about Damon, and she wondered if she had made the right cho ice. Shed vowed never to let them fight over her, but that vow was broken already. Was she crazy to try and make them live under a truce, even a temporary one?When the sky outside was uniformly black, she ventured down the stairs. The church was empty and echoing. She hadnt thought about how she would get out, but fortunately the side door was bolted only from the deep down. She slipped out into the wickedness gratefully.She hadnt realized how good it was to be outside and in the dark. Being inside buildings made her determine trapped, and daylight hurt her eyes. This was best, free and unfettered-and unseen. Her own senses rejoiced at the lush world around her. With the air so still, scents hung in the air for a long time, and she could smack a whole plethora of nocturnal creatures. A fox was scavenging in somebodys trash. Brown rats were chewing something in the bushes. Night moths were calling to one another with scent.She arrange it wasnt seriously to get to Merediths house undetected people seemed to be staying inside. But once she got there, she stood looking up at the graceful farmhouse with the screened porch in dismay. She couldnt just passport up to the front door and knock. Was Meredith really expecting her? Wouldnt she be waiting outside if she were?Meredith was about to get a terrible shock if she werent, Elena reflected, eyeing the distance to the roof of the porch. Merediths put out agency window was above it and just around the corner. It would be a bit of a reach, but Elena thought she could make it.Getting onto the roof was easy her fingers and bare toes be holds between the bricks and sent her sailing up. But leaning around the corner to look into Merediths window was a strain. She blinked against the light that flooded out.Meredith was sitting on the edge of her bed, elbows on knees, staring at nothing. Every so often she ran a hand through her dark hair. A measure on the nightstand saidMeredith was sitting on the edge of her bed, elbows on knees, staring at nothing. Every so often she ran a hand through her dark hair. A clock on the nightstand said Elena tapped on the window glass with her fingernails.Meredith jumped and looked the defile way, toward the door. She stood up in a defensive crouch, clutching a throw pillow in one hand. When the door didnt open, she sidled a pace or two toward it, still in a defensive posture. Who is it? she said.Elena tapped on the glass again.Meredith spun to face the window, her breath coming fast. permit me in, said Elena. She didnt know if Meredith could hear her, so she mouthed it clearly. Open the window.Meredith, panting, looked around the room as if she expected someone to appear and help her. When no one did, she approached the window as if it were a dangerous animal. But she didnt open it.Let me in, Elena said again. Then she added impatiently, If you didnt want me to come, why did you make an appointment with me?She saw the change as Merediths shoulders relaxed sli ghtly. Slowly, with fingers that were unusually clumsy, Meredith opened the window and stood back.Now ask me to come inside. Otherwise I cant.Come Merediths voice failed and she had to try again. Come in, she said. When Elena, wincing, had boosted herself over the sill and was flexing her cramped fingers, Meredith added almost dazedly, Its got to be you. Nobody else gives orders like that.Its me, Elena said. She stopped wringing out the cramps and looked into the eyes of her friend. It really is me, Meredith, she said.Meredith nodded and swallowed visibly. Right then what Elena would have liked most in the world would have been for the other girl to give her a hug. But Meredith wasnt much of the hugging type, and right now she was backing slowly away to sit on the bed again.Sit down, she said in an artificially calm voice. Elena pulled out the desk chair and unthinkingly took up the same position Meredith had been in before, elbows on knees, head down. Then she looked up. How did yo u know?I Meredith just stared at her for a moment, then shook herself. Well. You- your body was never found, of course. That was strange. And then those attacks on the old man and Vickie and Tanner-and Stefan and little things Id put together about him-but I didnt know. Not for sure. Not until now. She ended almost in a whisper.Well, it was a good guess, Elena said. She was trying to behave normally, but what was normal in this situation? Meredith was acting as if she could scarcely bear to look at her. It made Elena feel more lonely, more alone, than she could ever remember being in her life.I asked Bonnie to come over at seven oclock, if her mother would let her. Its probably her. Ill go see. Meredith seemed almost indecently eager to get away.Wait. Does she know?No Oh, you mean I should break it to her gently. Meredith looked around the room again uncertainly, and Elena snapped on the little reading light by the bed.Turn the room light off. It hurts my eyes anyway, she said quiet ly. When Meredith did, the bedroom was dim enough that she could conceal herself in the shadows.Waiting for Meredith to return with Bonnie, she stood in a corner, hugging her elbows with her hands. Maybe it was a bad idea trying to get Meredith and Bonnie involved. If imperturbable Meredith couldnt handle the situation, what would Bonnie do?Meredith heralded their arrival by muttering over and over, Dont bawl now dont scream, as she bundled Bonnie across the threshold.Whats wrong with you? What are you doing? Bonnie was gasping in return. Let go of me. Do you know what I had to do to get my mother to let me out of the house tonight? She wants to take me to the hospital at Roanoke.Meredith kicked the door shut. Okay, she said to Bonnie. Now, youre going to see something that will well, its going to be a shock. But you cant scream, do you understand me? Ill let go of you if you promise.Its too dark to see anything, and youre scaring me. Whats wrong with you, Meredith? Oh, all right, I promise, but what are you talking-Elena, said Meredith. Elena took it as an invitation and stepped forward.Bonnies reaction wasnt what she expected. She frowned and leaned forward, peering in the dim light. When she saw Elenas form, she gasped. But then, as she stared at Elenas face, she clapped her hands together with a shriek of joy.I knew it I knew they were wrong So there, Meredith-and you and Stefan thought you knew so much about drowning and all that. But I knew you were wrong Oh, Elena, I missed you Everyones going to be so-Be quiet, Bonnie Be quiet Meredith said urgently. I told you not to scream. Listen, you idiot, do you think if Elena were really all right shed be here in the middle of the night without anybody knowing about it?But she is all right look at her. Shes standing there. It is you, isnt it, Elena? Bonnie started toward her, but Meredith grabbed her again.Yes, its me. Elena had the strange feeling shed wandered into a surreal comedy, mayhap one written by Kafk a, only she didnt know her lines. She didnt know what to say to Bonnie, who was looking rapturous.What are you two being so mysterious for? Shes here, but shes not all right. Whats that supposed to mean?Elena didnt know whether to laugh or cry. Look, Bonnie oh, I dont know how to say this. Bonnie, did your psychic grandmother ever talk to you about vampires?Silence fell, heavy as an ax. The minutes ticked by. Impossibly, Bonnies eyes widened still further then, they slid toward Meredith. There were several more minutes of silence, and then Bonnie shifted her weight toward the door. Uh, look, you guys, she said softly, this is getting really weird. I mean, really, really, reallyElena cast about in her mind. You can look at my teeth, she said. She pulled her upper lip back, poking at a canine with her finger. She felt the reflexive lengthening and sharpening, like a cats claw lazily extending.Meredith came forward and looked and then looked away quickly. I get the point, she said, but in her voice there was none of the old wry pleasure in her own wit. Bonnie, look, she said.All the elation, all the excitement had drained out of Bonnie. She looked as if she were going to be sick. No. I dont want to.You have to. You have to believe it, or well never get anywhere. Meredith grappled a stiff and resisting Bonnie forward. Open your eyes, you little twit. Youre the one who loves all this supernatural stuff.Ive changed my mind, Bonnie said, almost sobbing. There was genuine hysteria in her tone. Leave me alone, Meredith I dont want to look. She wrenched herself away.You dont have to, Elena whispered, stunned. Dismay pooled inside her, and tears flooded her eyes. This was a bad idea, Meredith. Ill go away.No. Oh, dont. Bonnie turned back as quickly as shed whirled away and precipitated herself into Elenas arms. Im sorry, Elena Im sorry. I dont care what you are Im just glad youre back. Its been terrible without you. She was sobbing now in earnest.The tears that wouldnt c ome when Elena had been with Stefan came now. She cried, holding on to Bonnie, feeling Merediths arms go around both of them. They were all crying-Meredith silently, Bonnie noisily, and Elena herself with passionate intensity. She felt as if she were crying for everything that had happened to her, for everything she had lost, for all the loneliness and the fear and the pain.Eventually, they all ended up sitting on the floor, knee to knee, the way they had when they were kids at a sleepover making secret plans.Youre so live, Bonnie said to Elena, sniffling. I dont see how you can be so brave about it.Your hands arent cold. Meredith squeezed Elenas fingers. Just sort of cool. I thought theyd be colder.Stefans hands arent cold either, Elena said, and she was about to go on, but Bonnie squeaked Stefan?Meredith and Elena looked at her.Be sensible, Bonnie. You dont get to be a vampire by yourself. Somebody has to make you one.But you mean Stefan . . . ? You mean hes a ? Bonnies voice cho ked off.I think, said Meredith, that maybe this is the time to tell us the whole story, Elena. Like all those minor details you left out the last time we asked you for the whole story.Elena nodded. Youre right. Its hard to explain, but Ill try. She took a deep breath. Bonnie, do you remember the first day of school? It was the first time I ever heard you make a prophecy. You looked into my palm and said Id meet a boy, a dark boy, a stranger. And that he wasnt tall but that he had been once. Well-she looked at Bonnie and then at Meredith-Stefans not really tall now. But he was once compared to other people in the fifteenth century.Meredith nodded, but Bonnie made a faint sound and swayed backward, looking shell-shocked. You mean-I mean he lived in Renaissance Italy, and the average person was shorter then. So Stefan looked taller by comparison. And, wait, before you pass out, heres something else you should know. Damons his brother.Meredith nodded again. I figured something like that . But then why has Damon been saying hes a college student?They dont get along very well. For a long time, Stefan didnt even know Damon was in Fells Church. Elena faltered. She was verging on Stefans private history, which shed always felt was his secret to tell. But Meredith had been right it was time to come out with the whole story. Listen, it was like this, she said. Stefan and Damon were both in love with the same girl back in Renaissance Italy. She was from Germany, and her name was Katherine. The reason Stefan was avoiding me at the beginning of school was that I reminded him of her she had blond hair and mordant eyes, too. Oh, and this was her ring. Elena let go of Merediths hand and showed them the intricately carved golden circlet set with a single stone of lapis lazuli.And the thing was that Katherine was a vampire. A guy named Klaus had made her one back in her village in Germany to save her from dying of her last illness. Stefan and Damon both knew this, but they didnt care. They asked her to choose between them the one she wanted to marry. Elena stopped and gave a lopsided smile, thinking that Mr. Tanner had been right history did repeat itself. She only hoped her story didnt end like Katherines. But she chose both of them. She exchanged personal line of credit with both of them, and she said they could all three be companions through eternity.between them the one she wanted to marry. Elena stopped and gave a lopsided smile, thinking that Mr. Tanner had been right history did repeat itself. She only hoped her story didnt end like Katherines. But she chose both of them. She exchanged blood with both of them, and she said they could all three be companions through eternity.Sounds dumb, said Meredith.You got it, Elena told her. Katherine was sweet but not very bright. Stefan and Damon already didnt like each other. They told her she had to choose, that they wouldnt even think of sharing her. And she ran off crying. The next day-well, they found he r body, or what was left of it. See, a vampire needs a talisman like this ring to go out in the sun without being killed. And Katherine went out in the sun and took hers off. She thought if she were out of the way, Damon and Stefan would be reconciled.Oh, my God, how ro-No, it isnt, Elena cut Bonnie off savagely. Its not romantic at all. Stefans been living with the guilt ever since, and I think Damon has, too, although youd never get him to admit it. And the immediate result was that they got a couple of swords and killed each other. Yes, killed. Thats why theyre vampires now, andthats why they hate each other so much. And thats why Im probably crazy trying to get them to cooperate now.