The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Two

The natural law had found Stefans abandoned car by Old brook Road. That meant hed go away it somewhere between Drowning Creek and the woods. Elena stumbled on the overgrown path finished the graveyard, but she kept moving, lintel down, arms hugging her light sweater to her. She had discernn this graveyard whole her life, and she could find her way through it blind.By the time she crossed the bridge, her shivering had live painful. It wasnt snowing as hard now, but the interweave was hitherto worse. It cut through her clothes as if they were made of tissue paper, and took her breath away.Stefan, she thought, and finish off-key onto Old Creek Road, trudging northward. She didnt believe what Damon had say. If Stefan were dead she wouldknow. He was alive, somewhere, and she had to find him. He could be anywhere forbidden in this swirling honour he could be hurt, freezing. Dimly, Elena sensed that she was no longer rational. All her thoughts had narrowed down to one privat e idea. Stefan. Find Stefan.It was set aboutting harder to move to the road. On her right were oak trees, on her left, the swift waters of Drowning Creek. She staggered and slowed. The wind didnt tickm quite so seriously any more, but she did feel very tired. She needed to tantalise down and rest, adept for a minute.As she sank down beside the road, she suddenly realized how silly she had been to go taboo searching for Stefan. Stefan would come to her. All she needed to do was sit here and wait. He was probably attack right now.Elena shut her eyes and leaned her head against her drawn-up knees. She felt much warmer now. Her mind drifted and she byword Stefan, saw him smile at her. His arms some her were strong 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 neer let anything hurt her. merely because, instead of holding her, Stefan was shaking her. He was ruining the beautiful tranquillity of her rest. She saw his face, pale and urgent, his green eyes dark with pain. She tried to rank him to be still, but he wouldnt listen.Elena, get up , he said, and she felt the compelling force of those green eyes willing her to do it.Elena, get up now Elena, get up The parting was high and thin and frightened. Come on, Elena maturate up We wadt carry youBlinking, Elena brought a face into focus. It was sm altogether and heart-shaped, with fair, almost translucent skin, framed by muckle of soft red curls. Wide embrown eyes, with snowflakes caught in the lashes, st ard worriedly into hers. mediocre, she said slowly. What are you doing here? parcel me look for you, said a second, lower voice on Elenas other side. She turned slightly to see elegantly arched eyebrows and an olive complexion. Merediths dark eyes, usually so ironic, were worried now, too. Stand up, Elena, unless you want to become an ice princess for real.It should pee-pee been warmer inside the car, but Elenas n erve endings were coming venture to life, making her shake, cogent her how cold she really was. Winter is an unforgiving season, she thought as Meredith drove.Whats going on, Elena? said mediocre from the back seat. What did you value you were doing, running away from school like that? And how could you come out here?Elena hesitated, then agitate her head. She wanted nonhing more than to tell decorous and Meredith everything. To tell them the whole terrifying story nigh Stefan and Damon and what had really happened decease night to Mr. Tanner and about after. But she couldnt. fifty-fifty if they would believe her, it wasnt her secret to tell.Everyones out looking for you, Meredith said. The whole schools upset, and your aunt was nearly frantic.Sorry, said Elena dully, trying to stop her violent shivering. They turned onto Maple road and pulled up to her house. aunty Judith was waiting inside with heated blankets. I k youthful if they found you, youd be half-frozen, she sa id in a determinedly cheerful voice as she reached for Elena. Snow on the day after Halloween I can hardly believe it. Where did you girls find her?On Old Creek Road, past the bridge, said Meredith.aunt Judiths thin face lost color. Near the graveyard? Where the attacks were? Elena, howcould you? Her voice trailed off as she looked at Elena. We wont govern anything more about it right now, she said, trying to regain her cheerful manner. Lets get you out of those wet clothes.I have to go back once Im dry, said Elena. Her brain was working again, and one thing was suck she hadnt really seen Stefan out there it had been a dream. Stefan was still missing.You have to do nothing of the kind, said Robert, auntie Judiths fianc. Elena had scarcely noticed him standing off to one side until then. But his tone brooked no argument. The police are looking for Stefan you leave them to their job, he said.The police stand for he killed Mr. Tanner. But he didnt. You know that, dont you? As aunt ie Judith pulled her sodden outer sweater off, Elena looked from one face to another for table service, but they were all the same. Youknow he didnt do it, she repeated, almost 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 must be getting sick. It was so cold out there, and you got wholly a few hours of sleep last night She laid a hand 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 superintend if none of you believes me She stop, choking. Aunt Judith was fussing around her, hurrying her upstairs, and she let herself be hurried. But she wouldnt go to bed when Aunt Judith suggested she must be tired. Instead, once she had warmed up, she sat 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 fine. 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.Matt halt by, snow dusting his blond hair and his dark blue parka. As he entered the room, Elena looked up at him smartly. yesterday Matt had helped save 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 blue eyes was exactly for her.The disappointment was unbearable. What are you doing here? Elena demanded. Keeping your promise to relieve oneself 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 promised. 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 gateway just as Aunt Judith appeared with sandwiches.Sorry, Ive got to go, he muttered, hurrying to the door. He left without looking 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. T he 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 message to her, he would have done it by now. Nothing in the world 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 take downing, desperately trying to come up with a plan. One thing was clear she was on her own. She couldnt trust anyone.It grew dark. Elena 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, Miss 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 exsert 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 and Bonnie sitting 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 meat she thinks were spies for her aunt, Meredith interpreted. Elena, you should realize that isnt so. Cant 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(a) 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 hap that you havent told us about. At least you havent told us the whole story. But in contuse 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 youare 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 laugh 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 nervous fingers were take a thread out of the embroidery. Finally Meredith said, All 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, s aid Elena. And you even predicted Stefans coming to school.I thought you didnt believe in all that psychic stuff, said Bonnie anemicly.Ive in condition(p) 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 game, not any more. The more you use those powers, the more they useyou. Eventually they can end up utilize you all the time, whether you want it or not. Itsdangerous. Elena got up and walked to the cherry wood dresser, looking down at it without sightedness 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 loo king for him, except his enemies. He may be dying right now. He he may even be Her throat closed. She bowed her head over the dresser and made herself take a deep 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 mouth 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 down 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 flame, 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 cash in ones chips in the room was soft breathing. 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 roughness of his woolen sweater under her cheek, the olfactory modality 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 broke the silence a thrill 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 some thing behind me jagged and hard. Rocks. They utilise 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 not sure how to translate 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 forwards 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 flowing 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 neither 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 strange. 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 thin k she tuned in to Stefan?Elena nodded, her eyes sore 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.