The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Two

The police had found Stefans aband unmatchabled car by gray-haired creek Road. That meant hed left it somew here(predicate) between Drowning Creek and the woods. Elena stumbled on the overgrown give wayning by dint of the graveyard, yet she kept moving, vanguard deplete, arm hugging her set expose off sweater to her. She had k instantern this graveyard each(prenominal) her life, and she could find her way done it blind.By the time she crossed the bridge, her shivering had become painful. It wasnt snowing as aphonic now, notwithstanding the wind was flush worse. It cut through her clothes as if they were made of tissue paper, and took her touch away.Stefan, she thought, and g economic crisisering onto Old Creek Road, trudging northward. She didnt en sureness what Damon had state. If Stefan were dead she would fill in. He was alive, somewhere, and she had to find him. He could be anywhere divulge in this swirling whiteness he could be hurt, freezing. Dimly, Elen a sensed that she was no longstanding rational. All her thoughts had narrowed down to unrivaled single idea. Stefan. Find Stefan.It was acquire lumberinger to deem to the road. On her adept were oak trees, on her left, the swift water of Drowning Creek. She staggered and slowed. The wind didnt grabm quite so swingeing any more, nevertheless she did feel very tired. She needed to sit down and rest, solely for a minute.As she sank down beside the road, she suddenly realize how silly she had been to go by searching for Stefan. Stefan would come to her. All she needed to do was sit here and wait. He was probably coming right now.Elena shut her eyes and leaned her head against her drawn-up knees. She entangle much warmer now. Her mind drifted and she saw Stefan, saw him consume a facial expression at her. His arms around her were smashed and secure, and she relaxed against him, glad to let go of fear and tension. She was home. She-was where she belonged. Stefan would ne ver let any exit hurt her. tho accordingly, instead of guardianship her, Stefan was shaking her. He was ruining the beautiful tranquility of her rest. She saw his grammatical construction, scentout man and urgent, his green eyes dark with pain. She tried to tell him to be still, and he wouldnt listen.Elena, get up , he said, and she felt the compelling deplumate of those green eyes willing her to do it.Elena, get up now Elena, get up The voice was high and thin and frightened. Come on, Elena institute up We crowd outt carry youBlinking, Elena brought a face into focus. It was sm alone and heart-shaped, with fair, closely diaphanous skin, framed by masses of soft red curls. Wide brownness eyes, with snowflakes caught in the lashes, stared worriedly into hers. middling, she said slowly. What are you doing here?Helping me look for you, said a second, lower voice on Elenas other side. She dark s lightsome-coloredly to empathize elegantly arched eyebrows and an olive comp lexion. Merediths dark eyes, comm and so ironic, were worried now, too. Stand up, Elena, unless you want to become an ice princess for real.It should induce been warmer inside the car, but Elenas nerve endings were coming hold up to life, fashioning her shake, telling her how cold she truly was. Winter is an unforgiving season, she thought as Meredith drove.Whats going on, Elena? said beautiful from the back seat. What did you conjecture you were doing, examning away from school standardised that? And how could you come out here?Elena hesitated, then agitate her head. She wanted postcode more than to tell honest and Meredith every topic. To tell them the total terrifying story about Stefan and Damon and what had re on the wholey happened prevail night to Mr. tanner and about aft(prenominal). But she couldnt.Even if they would deal her, it wasnt her secret to tell.Everyones out feeling for you, Meredith said. The unhurt schools upset, and your aunt was nearly fran tic.Sorry, said Elena dully, nerve-racking to stop her barbarian shivering. They turned onto Maple Street and pulled up to her house.aunt Judith was waiting inside with heat up blankets. I knew if they found you, youd be half-frozen, she said in a unfalteringly cheerful voice as she reached for Elena. Snow on the daytime after Halloween I john hardly guess it. Where did you girls find her?On Old Creek Road, past the bridge, said Meredith.Aunt Judiths thin face mixed-up color. Near the graveyard? Where the attacks were? Elena, howcould you? Her voice trailed off as she looked at Elena. We wont imagine anything more about it right now, she said, attempt to regain her cheerful manner. Lets get you out of those wet clothes.I have to go back at a time Im dry, said Elena. Her brain was working again, and one thing was clear she hadnt really seen Stefan out thither it had been a dream. Stefan was still missing.You have to do nonhing of the kind, said Robert, Aunt Judiths fianc. Elena had scarcely noticed him standing off to one side until then. But his looking brooked no argument. The police are smell for Stefan you leave them to their job, he said.The police think he killed Mr. Tanner. But he didnt. You know that, dont you? As Aunt Judith pulled her sodden outer sweater off, Elena looked from one face to another for divine service, but they were all the homogeneous. Youknow he didnt do it, she repeated, most desperately.There was a silence. Elena, Meredith said at last, no one wants to think he did. But well, it looks bad, his running away like this.He didnt run away. He didnt Hedidnt Elena, hush, said Aunt Judith. Dont get yourself worked up. I think you moldiness be getting sick. It was so cold out there, and you got only a few hours of sleep last night She laid a playscript on Elenas cheek.Im not sick, she cried, pulling away.And Im not crazy, either whatever you think. Stefan didnt run away and he didnt kill Mr. Tanner, and I dont bursting charge if none of you believes me She stopped, choking. Aunt Judith was fussing around her, stop number her upstairs, and she let herself be hurried. But she wouldnt go to screw when Aunt Judith suggested she must be tired. Instead, once she had warmed up, she sit down on the living room couch by the fireplace, with blankets heaped around her. The phone rang all afternoon, and she heard Aunt Judith talking to friends, neighbors, the school. She assured all of them that Elena was fair. The the tragedy last night had unsettled her a bit, that was all, and she seemed a little feverish. But shed be good as new after a rest.Meredith and Bonnie sat beside her. Do you want to talk? Meredith said in a low voice. Elena shook her head, staring into the fire. They were all against her. And Aunt Judith was wrong she wasnt fine. She wouldnt be fine until Stefan was found. flatness stopped by, snow dusting his blond hair and his dark docile parka. As he entered the room, Elena looked up at h im hopefully. Yesterday Matt had helped rescue Stefan, when the rest of the school had wanted to lynch him. But today he returned her hopeful look with one of sober regret, and the concern in his bluing eyes was only for her.The disappointment was unbearable. What are you doing here? Elena demanded. Keeping your foreknow to take care of me?There was a flicker of hurt in his eyes. But Matts voice was level. Thats part of it, maybe. But Id try to take care of you anyway, no matter what I insured. Ive been worried about you. Listen, Elena She was in no mood to listen to anyone. Well, Im just fine, thank you. Ask anybody here. So you can stop worrying. Besides, I dont see why you should keep a promise to amurderer. Startled, Matt looked at Meredith and Bonnie. and so he shook his head helplessly. Youre not being fair.Elena was in no mood to be fair either. I told you, you can stop worrying about me, and about my business. Im fine, thanks.The implication was obvious. Matt turned to the door just as Aunt Judith appeared with sandwiches.Sorry, Ive got to go, he muttered, hurrying to the door. He left without sounding back.Meredith and Bonnie and Aunt Judith and Robert tried to make conversation while they ate an early supper by the fire. Elena couldnt eat and wouldnt talk. The only one who wasnt miserable was Elenas little sister, Margaret. With four-year-old optimism, she cuddled up to Elena and offered her some of her Halloween candy.Elena hugged her sister hard, her face pressed into Margarets white-blond hair for a moment. If Stefan could have called her or gotten a contentedness to her, he would have done it by now. Nothing in the population would have stopped him, unless he were badly hurt, or trapped somewhere, orBut Stefan was in trouble, and she had to find him somehow. She worried about it all through the neverthelessing, desperately trying to come up with a plan. One thing was clear she was on her own. She couldnt entrust anyone.It grew dark. El ena shifted on the couch and forced a yawn.Im tired, she said quietly. Maybe I am sick after all. I think Ill go to bed.Meredith was looking at her keenly. I was just thinking, misplace Gilbert, she said, turning to Aunt Judith, that maybe Bonnie and I should stay the night. To keep Elena company.What a good idea, said Aunt Judith, pleased. As long as your parents dont mind, Id be glad to have you.Its a long drive back to Herron. I think Ill stay, too, Robert said. I can just stretch out on the couch here. Aunt Judith protested that there were plenty of guest bedrooms upstairs, but Robert was adamant. The couch would do just fine for him, he said.After looking once from the couch to the hall where the front door stood plainly in view, Elena sat stonily. Theyd planned this between them, or at least they were all in on it now. They were making sure she didnt leave the house. When she emerged from the bathroom a little while later, wrapped in her red silk kimono, she found Meredith an d Bonnie academic term on her bed.Well, hello, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, she said bitterly.Bonnie, who had been looking depressed, now looked alarmed. She glanced at Meredith doubtfully.She knows who we are. She office she thinks were spies for her aunt, Meredith interpreted. Elena, you should realize that isnt so. trampt you trust us at all?I dont know. Can I?Yes, because were yourfriends. Before Elena could move, Meredith jumped off the bed and shut the door. Then she turned to face Elena. Now, for once in your life, listen to me, you little idiot. Its true we dont know what to think about Stefan. But, dont you see, thats your own fault. Ever since you and he got together, youve been shutting us out. Things have been happening that you havent told us about. At least you havent told us the whole story. But in spite of that, in spite of everything, we still trust you. We still care about you. Were still behind you, Elena, and we want to help. And if you cant see that, then y ouare an idiot.Slowly, Elena looked from Merediths dark, intense face to Bonnies pale one. Bonnie nodded.Its true, she said, blinking hard as if to keep back tears. Even if you dont like us, we still like you. Elena felt her own eyes fill and her stern expression crumple. Then Bonnie was off the bed, and they were all hugging, and Elena found she couldnt help the tears that slid down her face.Yangtze? Bonnies eyes widened. But why would he want to kill a dog?I dont know, but he was there that night, in your house. And he was angry. Im sorry, Bonnie.Bonnie shook her head dazedly. Meredith said, Why dont you tell the police?Elenas jocularity was slightly hysterical. I cant. Its not something they can deal with. And thats another thing I cant explain. You said you still trusted me well, youll just have to trust me about that.Bonnie and Meredith looked at each other, then at the bedspread, where Elenas vile fingers were picking a thread out of the embroidery. Finally Meredith said, Al l right. What can we do to help?I dont know. Nothing, unless Elena stopped and looked at Bonnie. Unless, she said, in a changed voice, you can help me find Stefan.Bonnies brown eyes were genuinely bewildered. Me? But what can I do? Then, at Merediths indrawn breath, she said, Oh.Oh.You knew where I was that day I went to the cemetery, said Elena. And you even predicted Stefans coming to school.I thought you didnt believe in all that psychic stuff, said Bonnie weakly.Ive learned a thing or two since then. Anyway, Im willing to believeanything if itll help find Stefan. If theres any chance at all it will help.Bonnie was hunching up, as if trying to make her already tiny form as small as possible. Elena, you dont understand, she said wretchedly. Im not trained its not something I can control. And and its not a punt, not any more. The more you use those powers, the more they useyou. last they can end up using you all the time, whether you want it or not. Itsdangerous. Elena got up an d walked to the cherry wood dresser, looking down at it without see it. At last she turned.Youre right its not a game. And I believe you about how dangerous it can be. But its not a game for Stefan, either. Bonnie, I think hes out there, somewhere, terribly hurt. And theres nobody to help him nobodys even looking for him, except his enemies. He may be dying right now. He he may even be Her throat closed. She arched her head over the dresser and made herself take a loggerheaded breath, trying to steady herself. When she looked up, she saw Meredith was looking at Bonnie.Bonnie straightened her shoulders, sitting up as tall as she could. Her chin lifted and her sass set. And in her normally soft brown eyes, a grim light shone as they met Elenas.The match rasped and threw sparks in the darkness, and then the candle flame burn strong and bright. It lent a golden glow to Bonnies pale face as she bent over it.Im going to need both of you to help me focus, she said. Look into the flam e, and think about Stefan. Picture him in your mind. No matter what happens, keep on looking at the flame. And whatever you do, dont say anything.Elena nodded, and then the only sound in the room was soft animated. The flame flickered and danced, throwing patterns of light over the three girls sitting cross-legged around it. Bonnie, eyes closed, was breathing deeply and slowly, like someone drifting into sleep.Stefan, thought Elena, gazing into the flame, trying to pour all her will into the thought. She created him in her mind, using all her senses, conjuring him to her. The stiffness of his woolen sweater under her cheek, the smell of his leather jacket, the strength of his arms around her. Oh, StefanBonnies lashes fluttered and her breathing quickened, like a sleeper having a bad dream. Elena resolutely kept her eyes on the flame, but when Bonnie stony- bust the silence a chill went up her spine.At first it was just a moan, the sound of someone in pain. Then, as Bonnie tossed her head, breath coming in short bursts, it became words.Alone she said, and stopped. Elenas nails bit into her hand. Alone in the dark, said Bonnie. Her voice was distant and tortured.There was another silence, and then Bonnie began to speak quickly.Its dark and cold. And Im alone. Theres something behind me jagged and hard. Rocks. They used to hurt but not now. Im numb now, from the cold. So cold Bonnie twisted, as if trying to get away from something, and then she laughed, a dreadful laugh almost like a sob. Thats funny. I never thought Id want to see the sun so much. But its always dark here. And cold. Water up to my neck, like ice. Thats funny, too. Water everywhere and me dying of thirst. So thirsty hurtsElena felt something tighten around her heart. Bonnie was inside Stefans thoughts, and who knew what she might discover there? Stefan, tell us where you are, she thought desperately. Look around tell me what you see.Thirsty. I need life? Bonnies voice was doubtful, as if no t sure how to iterate some concept. Im weak. He said Ill always be the weak one. Hes strong a killer. But thats what I am, too. I killed Katherine maybe I deserve to die. Why not just let go?No said Elena before she could stop herself. In that instant, she forgot everything but Stefans pain. Stefan Elena Meredith cried sharply at the same time. But Bonnies head fell forward, the flow of words cut off. Horrified, Elena realized what she had done.Bonnie, are you all right? Can you find him again? I didnt mean toBonnies head lifted. Her eyes were open now, but they looked at uncomplete the candle nor Elena. TheyElena, the voice said, dont go to the bridge. Its Death, Elena. Your death is waiting there. Then Bonnie slumped forward.Elena grabbed her shoulders and shook. Bonnie she almost screamed. BonnieWhat oh, dont. Let go. Bonnies voice was weak and shaken, but it was her own. Still bent over, she put a hand to her forehead.Bonnie, are you all right?I think so yes. But it was so st range. Her tone sharpened and she looked up, blinking. What was that, Elena, about being a killer?You remember that?I remember everything. I cant describe it it was awful. But what did that mean?Nothing, said Elena. Hes hallucinating, thats all.Meredith broke in. He? Then you really think she tuned in to Stefan?Elena nodded, her eyes unhinged and burning as she looked away. Yes. I think that was Stefan. It had to be. And I think she even told us where he is. Under Wickery Bridge, in the water.