The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Chapter Nine

She was not the reincarnation of Katherine.Driving bandaging to the boarding house in the faint lavender hush ahead dawn, Stefan persuasion around that.Hed give tongue to as much to her, and it was true, entirely he was only now realizing how long hed been working toward that conclusion. Hed been aware of Elenas each breath and move for weeks, and hed catalogued every(prenominal) difference.Her hair was a shade or two paler than Katherines, and her eyebrows and lashes were darker. Katherines had been almost speciey. And she was t solelyer than Katherine by a good handspan. She move with greater freedom, too the girls of this age were more comfortable with their bodies.Even her eyes, those eyes that had transfixed him with the shock of designation that first day, were not re eithery the same. Katherines eyes had usu every last(predicate)y been wide with child desire wonder, or else cast graduate as was proper for a young girl of the late fifteenth century. But Elenas eyes met you straightforward on, looked at you steadily and with break through flinching. And sometimes they narrowed with determination or challenge in a room Katherines never had.In grace and beauty and sheer fascination, they were a like. But where Katherine had been a white kitten, Elena was a snow-clad tigress.As he drove past the silhouettes of maple trees, Stefan cringed from the memory that sprang up suddenly. He would not conceptualize more or less that, he would not allow himself just now the images were already unreeling before him. It was as if the journal had fallen unsolved and he could do no more than stare helplessly at the page while the invoice played itself out in his mind.White, Katherine had been wearing white that day. A new white gown of Venetian silk with slashed sleeves to show the fine linen chemise underneath. She had a necklace of cash and pearls nearly her neck and minute pearl drop earrings in her ears.She had been so delighted with the new dres s her father had commissi cardinald peculiarly for her.She had pirouetted in front of Stefan, lifting the full, floor-length skirt in one small hand to show the yellow embossed underskirt beneathYou put on, it is even embroidered with my initials. Papa had that done. Mein lieber Papa Her voice trailed off, and she halt twirling, one hand easy settling to her side. But what is pervert, Stefan? You are not smiling.He could not even try. The sight of her there, white and gold like some ethereal vision, was a physical pain to him. If he lost her, he did not slam how he could live.His fingers closed convulsively around the cool engraved metal. Katherine, how after part I smile, how bunghole I be happy whenWhen?When I see how you look at Damon. there, it was said. He continued, painfully. Before he came home, you and I were together every day. My father and yours were pl eased, and spoke of marriage plans. But now the days twist shorter, summer is almost gone-and you spend a s much time with Damon as you do with me. The only rationalness Father allows him to stay here is that you asked it. Butwhy did you ask it, Katherine? I thought you cared for me.Her blue eyes were dismayed. I do care for you, Stefan. Oh, you know I doThen why intercede for Damon with my father? If not for you, hed cause thrown Damon out into the streetWhich Im sure would founder pleasedyou , slim brother. The voice at the introduction was down and arrogant, and when Stefan turned he power saw that Damons eyes were smoldering.Oh, no, that isnt true, said Katherine. Stefan would never wish to see you hurt.Damons rima oris quirked, and he threw Stefan a wry glitter as he locomote to Katherines side. Perhaps not, he said to her, his voice softening slightly. But my brother is right close to one subtleg at least. The days grow shorter, and soon your father will be leaving Florence. And he will take you with him-unless you progress to a reason to stay.Unless you have a husba nd to stay with . The words were unspoken, nevertheless they all hear them. The baron was too fond of his daughter to force her to marry against her will. In the end it would have to be Katherines decision. Katherines choice.Now that the subject was broached, Stefan could not persevere silent. Katherine knows she must(prenominal) leave her father sometime soon- he began, flaunting his mystery knowledge, but his brother interrupted.Ah, yes, before the old man grows suspicious, Damon said casually. Even the most doting of fathers must start to wonder when his daughter comes forth only at night.Anger and hurt swept by means of Stefan. It was true, then Damon knew. Katherine had shared her secret with his brother.Why did you tell him, Katherine? Why? What can you see in him a man who cares for nothing but his own pleasure? How can he make you happy when he thinks only of himself?And how can this boy make you happy when he knows nothing of the world? Damon interposed, his voice ra zor-sharp with contempt. How will he protect you when he has never faced reality? He has spent his sprightlinessspan among books and paintings let him stay there.Katherine was shaking her head in distress, her jewel-blue eyes misted with separate.Neither of you understand, she said. You are thinking that I can marry and settle here like any other lady of Florence. But I cannot be like other ladies. How could I keep a household of servants who will watch my every move? How could I live in one place where the people will see that the years do not touch me? There will never be a normal life for me.She drew a deep breath and looked at them each in turn. Who chooses to be my husband must give up the life of sunlight, she whispered. He must choose to live under the moon and in the hours of darkness.Then you must choose someone who is not afraid of shadows, Damon said, and Stefan was surprised by the intensity of his voice. He had never heard Damon speak so earnestly or with so little a ffectation. Katherine, look at my brother will he be able to renounce the sunlight? He is too tie to ordinary things his friends, his family, his duty to Florence. The darkness would destroy him.Liar cried Stefan. He was seething now. I am as strong as you are,brother , and I fear nothing in the shadows or the sunlight either. And I fuck Katherine more than friends or family--or your duty? Do you love her enough to give that up as healthy?Yes, Stefan said defiantly. Enough to give up everything.Damon gave one of his sudden, disturbing smiles. Then he turned back to Katherine. It would seem, he said, that the choice is yours alone. You have two suitors for your hand will you take one of us or neither?Katherine slowly bowed her golden head. Then she lifted wet blue eyes to twain of them.Give me until Sunday to think. And in the meantime, do not press me with questions.Stefan nodded reluctantly. Damon said, And on Sunday?Sunday eve at surrender I will make my choice.Twilight the violet deep darkness of twilightThe velvet hues faded around Stefan, and he came to himself. It was not dusk, but dawn, that stained the sky around him. muddled in his thoughts, he had driven up to the edge of the woods.To the northwest he could see Wickery Bridge and the graveyard. youthful memory set his pulse pounding.He had told Damon he was willing to give up everything for Katherine. And that was erect what he had done. He had renounced all claim to the sunlight, and had become a creature of darkness for her. A hunter fated to be forever hunted himself, a thief who had to steal life to fill his own veins.And maybe a murderer. No, they had said the girl Vickie would not die. But his neighboring victim might. The worst thing about this last attack was that he remembered nothing of it. He remembered the weakness, the overpowering need, and he remembered staggering through the perform door, but nothing after. Hed come to his senses outside with Elenas scream echoing in his ears-and he had raced to her without stopping to think about what might have happened.Elena For a moment he felt a rush of unclouded joy and awe, forgetting everything else. Elena, warm as sunlight, soft as morning, but with a core of steel that could not be broken. She was like fire burning in ice, like the keen edge of a silver dagger.But did he have the right to love her? His very olfactory sensationing for her put her in danger. What if the next time the need took him Elena was the nearest living human, the nearest vessel filled with warm, renewing blood?I will die before touching her, he thought, making a vow of it. Before I broach her veins, I will die of thirst. And I swear she will never know spear secret. She will never have to give up the sunlight because of me.Behind him, the sky was lightening. But before he left, he sent out one probing thought, with all the force of his pain idler it, seeking for some other Power that might be near. Searching for some other effect to what had happened in the church.But there was nothing, no hint of an answer. The graveyard mocked him with silence.Elena woke with the sun shining in her window. She felt, at once, as if shed just recovered from a long bout of the flu, and as if it were Christmas morning. Her thoughts jumbled together as she sat up.Oh. She hurt all over. But she and Stefan-that made everything right. That drunken slob Tyler But Tyler didnt matter anymore. zip mattered except that Stefan loved her.She went downstairs in her nightgown, realizing from the light slanting in the windows that she must have slept in very late. Aunt Judith and Margaret were in the living room.Good morning, Aunt Judith. She gave her surprised aunt a long, expectant hug. And good morning, pumpkin. She swept Margaret off her feet and waltzed around the room with her. And-oh Good morning, Robert. A little embarrassed at her exuberance and her state of undress, she put Margaret down and hurried into the kitchen.Aunt Judith came in. Though there were dark circles under her eyes, she was smiling. You seem in good spirits this morning.Oh, I am. Elena gave her another hug, to apologize for the dark circles. You know we have to go back to the sheriffs to talk to them about Tyler.Yes. Elena got juice out of the refrigerator and poured herself a glass. But can I go over to Vickie Bennetts house first? I know she must be upset, especially since it big(a)s like not everybody believes her.Do you believe her, Elena?Yes, she said slowly, I do believe her. And, Aunt Judith, she added, access to a decision, something happened to me in the church, too. I thought-Elena fair and Meredith are here to see you. Roberts voice sounded from the hallway.The mood of government agency was broken. Oh send them in, Elena called, and took a sip of orange juice. Ill tell you about it later, she promised Aunt Judith, as footsteps approached the kitchen. comme il faut and Meredith stopped in the doorway, standing with unaccusto med formality.Elena herself felt awkward, and waited until her aunt left the room again to speak.Then she readable her throat, her eyes fixed on a worn tile in the linoleum. She sneaked a quick glance up and saw that both Bonnie and Meredith were staring at that same tile.She burst into laughter, and at the sound they both looked up.Im too happy to even be defensive, Elena said, holding out her arms to them. And I know I ought to be sorry about what I said, and Iam sorry, but I just cant be all pathetic about it. I was terrible and I deserve to be executed, and now can we just pretend it never happened?Youought to be sorry, running off on us like that, Bonnie s snappyed as the three of them joined in a heterogeneous embrace. And with Tyler Smallwood, of all people, said Meredith.Well, I learned my lesson on that score, Elena said, and for a moment her mood darkened. Then Bonnie trilled laughter.And you scored the big one yourself-Stefan Salvatore Talk about dramatic entrances. Whe n you came in the door with him, I thought I was hallucinating. How did youdo it?I didnt. He just showed up, like the cavalry in one of those old movies.Defending your honor, said Bonnie. What could be more thrilling?I can think of one or two things, said Meredith. But then, maybe Elenas got those covered, too.Ill tell you all about it, Elena said, releasing them and stepping back. But first will you come over to Vickies house with me? I essential to talk to her.You can talk tous while youre dressing, and while were walking, and while youre brushing your teeth for that matter, said Bonnie firmly. And if you leave out one tiny detail, youre going to be facing the Spanish Inquisition.You see, said Meredith archly, all Mr. Tanners work has paid off. Bonnie now knows the Spanish Inquisition is not a rock group.Elena was laughing with sheer ebullience as they went up the stairs.Mrs. Bennett looked pale and tired, but invited them in.Vickies been resting the doctor said to keep her in b ed, she explained, with a smile that trembled slightly. Elena, Bonnie, and Meredith crowded into the narrow hallway.Mrs. Bennett tapped lightly at Vickies door. Vickie, sweetheart, some girls from school to see you. Dont keep her long, she added to Elena, opening the door.We wont, Elena promised. She stepped into a pretty blue-and-white bedroom, the others right behind her. Vickie was lying in bed propped up on pillows, with a powder-blue comforter drawn up to her chin. Her face was paper-white against it, and her heavy-lidded eyes stared straight ahead.Thats how she looked last night, Bonnie whispered.Elena moved to the side of the bed. Vickie, she said softly. Vickie went on staring, but Elena thought her breathing changed slightly. Vickie, can you hear me? Its Elena Gilbert. She glanced uncertainly at Bonnie and Meredith.Looks like they gave her tranquilizers, said Meredith.But Mrs. Bennett hadnt said theyd given her any drugs. Frowning, Elena turned back to the unresponsive girl .Vickie, its me, Elena. I just wanted to talk to you about last night. I want you to know that I believe you about what happened. Elena ignored the sharp glance Meredith gave her and continued. And I wanted to ask you-No It was a shriek, raw and piercing, torn from Vickies throat. The body that had been as still as a wax figure set off into violent action. Vickies light-brown hair whipped across her cheeks as she tossed her head back and forth and her hands flailed at the discharge air. No No she screamed.Do something Bonnie gasped. Mrs. Bennett Mrs. BennettElena and Meredith were trying to hold Vickie on the bed, and she was fighting them. The shrieking went on and on. Then suddenly Vickies mother was beside them, helping to hold her, pushing the others away.What did you do to her? she cried.Vickie clutched at her mother, calming down, but then the heavy-lidded eyes glimpsed Elena over Mrs. Bennetts shoulder.Youre part of it Youre evil she screamed hysterically at Elena. Keep awa y from meElena was dumbfounded. Vickie I only came to ask-I think youd better leave now. Leave us alone, said Mrs. Bennett, clasping her daughter protectively. Cant you see what youre doing to her?In stunned silence, Elena left the room. Bonnie and Meredith followed.It must be drugs, said Bonnie once they were out of the house. She just went completely nonlinear.Did you notice her hands? Meredith said to Elena. When we were trying to restrain her, I got hold of one of her hands. And it was cold as ice.Elena shook her head in bewilderment. None of it made sense, but she wouldnt let it pander her day. She wouldnt. Desperately, she searched her mind for something that would offset the experience, that would allow her to hold on to her happiness.I know, she said. The boarding house.What?I told Stefan to call me today, but why dont we walk over to the boarding house instead? Its not far from here.Only a twenty-minute walk, said Bonnie. She brightened. At least we can at last see that r oom of his.Actually, said Elena, I was thinking you two could wait downstairs. Well, Ill only get to see him for a few minutes, she added, defensively, as they looked at her. It was odd, perhaps, but she didnt want to share Stefan with her friends just yet. He was so new to her that he felt almost like a secret.Their knock on the shining oak door was answered by Mrs. Flowers. She was a wrinkled little gnome of a woman with surprisingly bright black eyes.You must be Elena, she said. I saw you and Stefan go out last night, and he told me your name when he came back.You saw us? said Elena, startled. I didnt see you.No, no you didnt, said Mrs. Flowers, and chuckled. What a pretty girl you are, my dear, she added. A very pretty girl. She patted Elenas cheek.Uh, convey you, said Elena uneasily. She didnt like the way those birdlike eyes were fixed on her. She looked past Mrs. Flowers to the stairs. Is Stefan home?He must be, unless hes flown off the roof said Mrs. Flowers, and chuckled a gain. Elena laughed politely.Well stay down here with Mrs. Flowers, said Meredith to Elena, while Bonnie turn her eyes in martyrdom. Hiding a grin, Elena nodded and mounted the stairs.Such a strange old house, she thought again as she located the second stairway in the bedroom. The voices below were very faint from here, and as she went up the steps they faded entirely. She was wrapped in silence, and as she reached the dimly lit door at the top, she had the feeling she had entered some other world. Her knocking sounded very timid. Stefan? She could hear nothing from inside, but suddenly the door swung open.Everyone must look pale and tired today , thought Elena, and then she was in his arms.Those arms tightened about her convulsively. Elena. Oh, ElenaThen he drew back. It was just the way it had been last night Elena could feel the chasm opening in the midst of them. She saw the cold, correct look gather in his eyes.No, she said, hardly aware that she spoke aloud. I wont let you. And she pulled his mouth down to hers.For a moment there was no response, and then he shuddered, and the kiss became searing. His fingers tangled in her hair, and the universe shrank around Elena. Nothing else existed but Stefan, and the feel of his arms around her, and the fire of his lips on hers.A few minutes or a few centuries later they separated, both shaking. But their gaze remained connected, and Elena saw that Stefans eyes were too dilated for even this dim light there was only a thin band of green around the dark pupils. He looked dazed, and his mouth-that mouth-was swollen.I think, he said, and she could hear the ensure in his voice, that we had better be careful when we do that.Elena nodded, dazed herself. Not in public, she was thinking. And not when Bonnie and Meredith were waiting downstairs. And not when they were absolutely alone, unlessBut you can just hold me, she said.How odd, that after that passion she could feel so safe, so peaceful, in his arms. I love you , she whispered into the rough wool of his sweater.She felt a quiver go through him. Elena, he said again, and it was a sound almost of despair.She raised her head. Whats wrong with that? What could possibly be wrong with that, Stefan? Dont you love me?I He looked at her, helplessly-and they heard Mrs. Flowerss voice call faintly from the bottom of the stairs.Boy Boy Stefan It sounded as if she were pounding on the banister with her shoe.Stefan sighed. Id better go see what she wants. He slipped away from her, his face unreadable.Left alone, Elena folded her arms across her chest and shivered. It was so cold here. He ought to have a fire, she thought, eyes moving idly around the room to rest finally on the mahogany dresser shed examined last night.The coffer. She glanced at the closed door. If he came back in and caught her She really shouldnt-but she was already moving toward the dresser.Think of Bluebeards wife, she told herself. Curiosity killedher . But her fingers were on the iron lid. Her heart beating rapidly, she eased the lid open.In the dim light, the coffer appeared at first to be empty, and Elena gave a nervous laugh. What had she expect? Love letters from Caroline? A bloody dagger?Then she saw the thin break apart of silk, folded over and over on itself neatly in one corner. She drew it out and ran it between her fingers. It was the ravisher ribbon shed lost the second day of school.Oh, Stefan. Tears stung her eyes, and in her chest love welled up helplessly, overflowing.That long ago? You cared about me that long ago? Oh, Stefan, I love youAnd it doesnt matter if you cant say it to me, she thought. There was a sound outside the door, and she folded the ribbon quickly and replaced it in the coffer. Then she turned toward the door, blinking tears from her eyes.It doesnt matter if you cant say it right now. Ill say it for both of us. And someday youll learn.