The Vampire Diaries: The Fury Chapter Twelve

Stefan looked at Elena, s this instant crystals dusting his dark hair. What nigh lusterlessness?I remember-something. Its not clear. save that first night, when I wasnt myself -did I see flat and so? Did I-?Fear and a sick sense of dismay swel guide her throat and cut her words off. however she didnt posit to finish, and Stefan didnt need to answer. She saw it in his look.It was the only way, Elena, he bring tongue to accordingly. You would have died without human blood. Would you rather have attacked psyche unwilling, hurt them, maybe killed them? The need fanny drive you to that. Is that what you would have complimentsed?no(prenominal) Elena said violently. But did it have to be Matt? Oh, dont answer that I cant recall of anybody else, either. She took a shaky breath. But now Im worried about him, Stefan. I havent seen him since that night. Is he okay? What has he said to you?Not much, said Stefan, looking away. Leave me alone was about the gist ofit. He to a fault denied that anything happened that night, and said that you were dead.Sounds standardized one of those individuals who cant cope, Damon commented.Oh, shut up said Elena. You moderate out of this, and while youre at it, you might theorise about poor Vickie Bennett. How dyou think shes coping these days? It might help if I knew who this Vickie Bennett is. You keep talking about her, but Ive never met the girl.Yes, you have. Dont play games with me, Damon-the cemetery, remember?The ruined church? The girl you left wandering around there in her slip?Sorry, no. And I usually do remember girls I leave wandering in their slips.I suppose Stefan did it, then, Elena said sarcastically.Anger flashed to the surface of Damons eyes, covered quickly with a disturbing smile.Maybe he did. Maybe you did. Its all the same to me, merely that Im getting a little tired of accusations. And now-Wait, said Stefan, with surprising mildness. Dont go yet. We should talk- Im afraid I have a previous engag ement. There was a bunko of wings, and Stefan and Elena were alone.Elena frame a knuckle to her lips. Damn. I didnt mean to make him angry. After he was really almost civilized all evening.Never mind, said Stefan. He the likes to be angry. What were you saying about Matt?Elena saw the weariness in Stefans face and put an arm around him. We wont talk about it now, but I think tomorrow maybe we should go see him. To tell himElena lifted her early(a) hatful helplessly. She didnt cope what she valued to tell Matt she only knew that she requisite to do something.talk about it now, but I think tomorrow maybe we should go see him. To tell him Elena lifted her other hand helplessly. She didnt spang what she wanted to tell Matt she only knew that she needed to do something.Elena looked at him hard. Are you sure?Yes.But-will you be all right? I should stay with you-Ill be fine, Elena, Stefan said gently, Go on.Elena hesitated, then nodded. I wont be large, she promised him.Unseen, E lena slipped around the side of the frame house with the peeling paint and the crooked mailbox labeled Honeycutt. Matts windowpane was unlocked. Careless boy, she thought reprovingly. Dont you know some-thing might come creeping in? She eased it open, but of course that was as far as she could go. An invisible bar that felt like a soft wall of thickened air blocked her way.Matt, she whispered. The room was dark, but she could see a vague shape on the bed. A digital clock with pale green numbers showed that it was 1215. Matt, she whispered again.The figure stirred. Uh?Matt, I dont want to frighten you. She made her voice soothing, difficult to wake him gently rather than startle him out of his wits. But its me, Elena, and I wanted to talk. Only youve got to ask me in first. Can you ask me in?Uh. Cmon in.Elena was surprise at the lack of surprise in his voice. It was only after shed gotten over the sill that she complete he was lock up asleep.Matt. Matt, she whispered, afraid to g o too close. The room was sulphurous and overheated, the radiator red ink full blast. She could see a bare foot sticking out of the mound of blankets on the bed and blond hair at the top.Matt? Tentatively, she leaned over and touched him.That got a response. With an explosive grunt, Matt sat bolt upright, whipping around. When his eyes met hers, they were wide and staring.Elena found herself trying to look small and harmless, nonthreatening. She okay away against the wall. I didnt mean to frighten you. I know its a shock. But will you talk to me?He simply went on staring at her. His yellow hair was sweaty and ruffled up like wet chicken feathers. She could see his pulse pounding in his bare neck. She was afraid he was qualifying to get up and ardor out of the room. then his shoulders relaxed, slumping, and he slowly shut his eyes. He was afraid he was sack to get up and dash out of the room.Yes, she whispered.Youre dead.No. Im here.Dead people dont come endorse. My dad didnt come back.I didnt really die. I nevertheless changed. Matts eyes were still shut in repudiation, andElena felt a cold wave of hopelessness wash over her. But you wish I had died, dont you? Ill leave now, she whispered.Matts face cracked and he started to cry.No. Oh, no. Oh, dont, Matt, please. She found herself cradling him, fighting not to cry herself. Matt, Im mordant I shouldnt even have come here.Dont leave, he sobbed. Dont go away.I wont. Elena lost the fight, and part fell onto Matts damp hair. I didnt mean to hurt you, ever, she said. Not ever, Matt. All those prison terms, all those things I did- I never wanted to hurt you. Truly therefore she stopped talking and vertical held him.After a while his breathing quieted and he sat back, swiping his face with a fistful of sheet. His eyes avoided hers. There was a look on his face, not just of embarrassment, but of distrust, as if he were bracing himself for something he dreaded.Okay, so youre here. Youre alive, he said roug hly. So what do you want?Elena was dumbfounded. arise on, there must be something. What is it?New tears welled up, but Elena gulped them back. I guess I deserve that. I know I do. But for once, Matt, I want absolutely nothing. I came to apologize, to say that Im sorry for using you-not just that one night, but always. I consider about you, and I autoe if you hurt. I thought maybe I could make things better. After a heavy silence, she added, I guess I will leave now.No, wait. Wait a second. Matt scrubbed at his face with the sheet again. Listen. That was stupid, and Im a jerk-That was the truth and youre a gentleman. Or youdve told me to go channelize a hike a long time ago.No, Im a stupid jerk. I should be banging my head against the wall with joy because youre not dead. I will in a minute. Listen. He grabbed her wrist and Elena looked at it in mild surprise. I dont care if youre the Creature from the Black Lagoon, It, Godzilla and Frankenstein all rolled up into one. I just-Matt . Panicked, Elena put her free hand over his mouth.I know. Youre engaged to the guy in the black cape. Dont worry I remember him. I even like him, though God knows why. Matt took a breath and seemed to calm down. Look, I dont know if Stefan told you. He said a bunch of stuff to me -about being evil, about not being sorry for what he did to Tyler. You know what Im talking about?I know. Youre engaged to the guy in the black cape. Dont worry I remember him. I even like him, though God knows why. Matt took a breath and seemed to calm down. Look, I dont know if Stefan told you. He said a bunch of stuff to me -about being evil, about not being sorry for what he did to Tyler. You know what Im talking about?Matt nodded. So it was your basic crap. I should have known.Well, it is and it isnt. The need is strong, stronger than you can imagine. It was sunrise on Elena that she hadnt fed today and that shed been hungry before theyd set out for Alarics. In fact-Matt, Id better go. Just one thing -if theres a dance tomorrow night, dont go. Somethings going to happen then, something bad. Were going to try to guard it, but I dont know what we can do.Whos we? Matt said sharply.Stefan and Damon-I think Damon-and me. And Meredith and reasonable and Alaric Saltzman. Dont ask about Alaric. Its a long story.But what are you guarding againstI forgot you dont know. Thats a long story, too, but well, the short answer is, whatever killed me. Whatever made those dogs attack people at my memorial service. Its something bad, Matt, thats been around Fells Church for a while now. And were going to try to stop it from doing anything tomorrow night. She tried not to squirm. Look, Im sorry, but I really should leave. Her eyes drifted, despite herself, to the broad blue vein in his neck.When she managed to tear her gaze away and look at his face, she saw shock giving way to fast understanding. Then to something incredible acceptance. Its okay, Matt said.She wasnt sure shed heard correctly. Mat t?I said, its okay. It didnt hurt me before.No. No, Matt, really. I didnt come here for that-I know. Thats why I want to. I want to give you something you didnt ask for. After a moment he said, For old friends sake. Stefan, Elena was thinking. But Stefan had told her to come, and come alone. Stefan had known, she realized. And it was all right. It was his gift to Matt-and to her.But Im coming back to you, Stefan, she thought.As she leaned toward him, Matt said, Im going to come and help you tomorrow, you know. Even if Im not invited.Then her lips touched his throat.December 13, FridayDear Diary,I know Ive written that before, or thought it at least. But tonight is the night, the big one, when everything is going to happen. This is it.Stefan feels it, too. He came back from school today to tell me that the dance is still on-Mr. Newcastle didnt want to cause a panic by canceling it or something. What theyre going to do is have security outside, which means the police, I guess. And may be Mr. Smallwood and some of his friends with rifles. Whatevers going to happen, I dont think they can stop it.I dont know if we can, either.Its been snowing all day. The pass is blocked, which means nothing gets in or out of town on wheels. Until the snowplow gets up there, which wont be until morning, which will be too late.And the air has a funny feeling to it. Not just snow. Its as if something even colder than that is waiting. Its pulled back the way the ocean pulls back before a tidal wave. When it lets goI thought about my other diary today, the one under the floorboards of my chamber closet. If I own anything anymore, I own that diary. I thought about getting it out, but I dont want to go home again. I dont think I could cope, and I know auntie Judith couldnt if she saw me.Im surprised anybodys been able to cope. Meredith, honest-especially Bonnie. Well, Meredith, too, considering what her family has been through. Matt.Theyre good and loyal friends. Its funny, I used to t hink that without a whole extragalactic nebula of friends and admirers I wouldnt survive. Now Im perfectly happy with three, thank you. Because theyre real friends.I didnt know how much I cared about them before. Or about Margaret, or Aunt Judith even. And everybody at school I know a few weeks ago I was saying that I didnt care if the entire population of Robert E. Lee dropped dead, but that isnt true. Tonight Im going to do my best to protect them.I know Im jumping from subject to subject, but Im just talking about things that are valuable to me. Kind of gathering them together in my mind. Just in case.Well, its time. Stefan is waiting. Im going to finish this last line and then go. I think were going to win. I hope so.Were going to try.The history room was warm and brightly lit. On the other side of the school building, the cafeteria was even brighter, shining with Christmas lights and decorations. Upon arriving, Elena had scrutinized it from a cautious distance, watch the cou ples arrive for the dance and pass by the sheriffs officers at the door. Feeling Damons silent presence behind her, she had pointed out a girl with long, light brown hair.Ill take your word for it, he replied.Now, she looked around their makeshift headquarters for the night. Alarics desk had been cleared, and he was bent over a rough map of the school. Meredith leaned in beside him, her dark hair sweeping his sleeve. Matt and Bonnie were out mingling with the dancegoers in the parking lot, and Stefan and Damon were prowling the perimeter of the school grounds. They were going to take turns.Youd better stay inside, Alaric had told Elena. All we need is for somebody to see you and start chasing you with a stake.Ive been walking around town all week, Elena said, amused. If I dont want to be seen, you dont see me. But she agreed to stay in the history room and coordinate.Its like a castle, she thought as she watched Alaric plot out the positions of sheriffs officers and other men on th e map. And were defending it. Me and my loyal knights.The round, flat-faced clock on the wall ticked the minutes by. Elena watched it as she let people in the door and let them out again. She poured hot coffee out of a Thermos for those who wanted it. She listened to the reports come in.Everythings quiet on the north side of the school.Caroline just got crowned snow queen. Big surprise.Some rowdy kids in the parking lot-the sheriff just rounded them upMidnight came and went.Maybe we were wrong, Stefan said an hour or so later. It was the first time theyd all been inside together since the beginning of the evening.Maybe its disaster somewhere else, said Bonnie, emptying out a boot and peering into it.Theres no way to know where its going to happen, Elena said firmly. But we werent wrong about it happening.Maybe, said Alaric thoughtfully, there is a way. To find out where its going to happen, I mean. As heads raised questioningly, he said, We need a precognition.All eyes turned to Bo nnie.Oh, no, Bonnie said. Im through with all that. I hate it.Its a great gift- began Alaric.Its a great big pain. Look, you dont understand. The ordinary predictions are bad enough. It seems like most of the time Im finding out things I dont want to know. But getting taken over-thats awful. And by and by I dont even remember what Ive said. Its horrible.know. But getting taken over-thats awful. And afterward I dont even remember what Ive said. Its horrible.Bonnie sighed. Its what happened to me in the church, she said patiently. I can do other kinds of predictions, like divining with water or reading palms-she glanced at Elena, and then away-and stuff like that. But then there are times when -someone-takes me over and just uses me to talk for them. Its like having somebody else in my body. standardized in the graveyard, when you said there was something there waiting for me, said Elena. Or when you warned me not to go near the bridge. Or when you came to dinner and said that Death, my death, was in the house. She looked automatically around at Damon, who returned her gaze impassively. Still, that had been wrong, she thought. Damon hadnt been her death. So what had the prophecy meant? For just an instant something glimmered in her mind, but before she could get a grasp on it, Meredith interrupted.Its like another voice that speaks through Bonnie, Meredith explained to Alaric. She even looks different. Maybe you werent close enough in the church to see.But why didnt you tell me about this? Alaric was excited. This could be important. This-entity-whatever it is-could give us vital information. It could clear up the mystery of the Other Power, or at least give us a clue how to fight it.Bonnie was shaking her head. No. It isnt something I can just whistle up, and it doesnt answer questions. It just happens to me. And I hate it.You mean you cant think of anything that tends to set it off? Anything thats led to it happening before?Elena and Meredith, who knew very well what could set it off, looked at each other. Elena bit the inside of her cheek. It was Bonnies choice. It had to be Bonnies choice.Bonnie, who was holding her head in her hands, shot a sideways glance through red curls at Elena. Then she shut her eyes and moaned.Candles, she said.What?Candles. A candle flame might do it. I cant be sure, you understand Im not promising anything-Somebody go ransack the science lab, said Alaric.It was a scene reminiscent of the day Alaric had come to school, when hed asked them all to put their chairs in a circle. Elena looked at the circle of faces lit eerily from below by the candles flame. There was Matt, with his jaw set. Beside him, Meredith, her dark lashes throwing shadows upward. And Alaric, leaning forward in his eagerness. Then Damon, light and shadow dancing over the planes of his face.And Stefan, high cheekbones looking too sharply defined to Elenas eyes. And finally, Bonnie, looking fragile and pale even in the princely light of the c andle.Im just going to look into the candle, Bonnie said, her voice quivering slightly. And not think of anything. Im going to try to-leave myself open to it. She began to breathe deeply, gazing into the candle flame.And then it happened, just as it had before. Bonnies face smoothed out, all expression draining away. Her eyes went blank as the tilt cherubs in the graveyard.She didnt say a word.That was when Elena realized they hadnt agreed on what to ask. She groped through her mind to find a question before Bonnie lost contact. Where can we find the Other Power? she said, just as Alaric blurted out, Who are you? Their voices mingled, their questions intertwining.Bonnies blank face turned, sweeping the circle with sightless eyes. Then the voice that wasnt Bonnies voice said, Come and see.Wait a minute, Matt said, as Bonnie stood up, still entranced, and made for the door. Wheres she going?Meredith grabbed for her coat. Are we going with her?Dont touch her said Alaric, jumping up as Bonnie went out the door.Elena looked at Stefan, and then at Damon. With one accord, they followed, trailing Bonnie down the empty, echoing hall.Where are we going? Which question is she answering? Matt demanded. Elena could only shake her head. Alaric was jogging to keep up with Bonnies gliding pace.She slowed down as they emerged into the snow, and to Elenas surprise, walked up to Alarics car in the staff parking lot and stood beside it.We cant all fit Ill follow with Matt, Meredith said swiftly. Elena, her hide chilled with apprehension as well as cold air, got in the back of Alarics car when he opened it for her, with Damon and Stefan on either side. Bonnie sat up front. She was looking straight ahead, and she didnt speak. But as Alaric pulled out of the parking lot, she lifted one white hand and pointed. Right on Lee Street and then left on Arbor Green. Straight out toward Elenas house and then right on Thunderbird. Heading toward Old Creek Road.It was then that Elena realize d where they were going.They took the other bridge to the cemetery, the one everyone always called the new bridge to distinguish it from Wickery Bridge, which was now gone. They were approaching from the gate side, the side Tyler had driven up when he took Elena to the ruined church.Alarics car stopped just where Tylers had stopped. Meredith pulled up behind them.Where are you taking us? she said. Listen to me. Will you just tell us which question youre answering?Come and see.Helplessly, Elena looked at the others. Then she stepped over the threshold. Bonnie walked slowly to the white marble tomb, and stopped.Elena looked at it, and then at Bonnies ghostly face. Every hair on her arms and the back of her neck was standing up. Oh, no she whispered. Not that.Elena, what are you talking about? Meredith said.Dizzy, Elena looked down at the marble countenances of Thomas and Honoria Fell, lying on the stone lid of their tomb. This thing opens, she whispered.