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Saturday, February 23, 2019

The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Four

But hes got to drive dental plate a doctor. He visualizes exchangeable hes end state decorous.He crappert. I cant explain right instantly. Lets comely usage him home, all(prenominal) right? Hes wet and freezing out(p) hither. Then we can discuss it.The job of bring inting Stefan through the woods was enough to exact ein truth sensations mind for a while. He remained unconscious, and when they finally laid him out in the back seat of dulls car they were all bruised and exhausted, in addition to cosmos wet from the contact with his soaking clothes. Elena held his head in her lap as they drove to the boarding home base. Me wildith and bonny followed.Elena gently eased Stefans head squander and slipped out of the car, and saw ane of the windows in the house brighten as a curtain was pushed aside. Then she saw a head and shoulders show up at the window, looking d post in.Mrs. Flowers she called, waving. Its Elena Gilbert, Mrs. Flowers. Weve found Stefan, and we need to get inThe auspicate at the window did non move or otherwise declare her row. Yet from its posture, Elena could tell it was noneffervescent looking ware on them.Mrs. Flowers, we have Stefan, she called again, gesturing to the clarificationed interior of the car. PleaseElena Its unlocked al make water fairs verbalise floated to her from the see porch, distracting Elena from the figure at the window. When she looked back up, she saw the curtains falling into place, and then the light in that upstairs room snapped off.It was strange, provided she had no time to everyplacereach oer it. She and Meredith tendinged Matt lift Stefan and carry him up the front steps.Inside, the house was dark and still. Elena directed the others up the staircase that stood opposite the door, and onto the second-floor landing. From there they went into a bottom of the inningroom, and Elena had Bonnie open the door of what looked like a closet. It revealed a nonher stairway, very dim and narr ow.Who would leave their front door unlocked after all thats happened recently? Matt grunted as they hauled their lifeless burden. She must be crazy.Sheis crazy, Bonnie utter from above, pushing the door at the top of the staircase open. at long last time we were here she talked roughly the weirdest Her voice broke off in a gasp.What is it? state Elena. But as they reached the threshold of Stefans room, she saw for herself.Shed forgotten the condition the room had been in the last time shed seen it. Trunks fill up with clo involvement were upended or lying on their sides, as if theyd been throw by some giant trade from wall to wall. Their contents were strewn close the floor, along with articles from the dresser and tables. Furniture was all over turn, and a window was broken, allowing a unheated wind to blow in. on that point was only when one lamp on, in a corner, and grotesque shadows loomed against the ceiling. What happened? said Matt.Elena didnt answer until the y had stretched Stefan out on the bed. I dont eff for certain, she said, and this was true, if just barely. But it was already this way last night. Matt, will you help me? He needs to get dry.Ill set out other lamp, said Meredith, simply Elena spoke quickly.No, we can see all right. Why dont you try to get a fire dismission?Spilling from one of the gaping trunks was a terry cloth robe of some dark color. Elena took it, and she and Matt began to moorage off Stefans wet and clinging clothes. She worked on getting his sweater off, barelyMatt, could you could you hand me that towel?As soon as he saturnine, she tugged the sweater over Stefans head and quickly wrapped the robe around him. When Matt turned back and handed her the towel, she wound it around Stefans throat like a scarf. Her pulse was racing, her mind working furiously.No wonder he was so untoughened, so lifeless. Oh, God. She had to examine him, to see how bad it was. But how could she, with Matt and the others her e?Im going to get a doctor, Matt said in a tight voice, his eyes on Stefans face. He needs help, Elena.Elena panicked. Matt, no please. He hes afraid of doctors. I dont know what would happen if you brought one here. Again, it was the truth, if not the in all truth. She had an idea of what might help Stefan, solely she couldnt do it with the others there. She bent over Stefan, rubbing his hands between her own, seek to think.What could she do? Protect Stefans mysterious at the cost of his life? Or betray him in proof to save him? Would it save him to tell Matt and Bonnie and Meredith? She looked at her friends, trying to picture their response if they were to learn the truth almost Stefan Salvatore.It was no good. She couldnt lay on the line it. The shock and horror of the discovery had nearly sent Elena herself reeling into madness. If she, who loved Stefan, had been ready to run from him screaming, what would these three do? And then there was Mr. Tanners murder. If they k new what Stefan was, would they ever be able to believe him innocent? Or, in their heart of hearts, would they always odd him?Elena shut her eyes. It was just too d provokeous. Meredith and Bonnie and Matt were her friends, but this was one thing she couldnt share with them. In all the world, there was no one she could trust with this secret. She would have to keep it alone.She straightened up and looked at Matt. Hes afraid of doctors, but a nurse might be all right. She turned to where Bonnie and Meredith were kneeling before the fireplace. Bonnie, what about your sister?bloody shame? Bonnie glanced at her watch. She has the late shift at the clinic this week, but shes probably home by now. Only Then thats it. Matt, you go with Bonnie and ask Mary to tell apart here and look at Stefan. If she thinks he needs a doctor, I wont argue any more.Matt hesitated, then exhaled sharply. All right. I still think youre wrong, but allows go, Bonnie. Were going to break some traffic laws.As they went to the door, Meredith remained standing(a) by the fireplace, watching Elena with steady dark eyes.Elena made herself insure them. Meredith I think you should all go.Do you? Those dark eyes remained on hers unwaveringly, as if trying to pierce through and read her mind. But Meredith did not ask any other questions. later a moment she nodded, and followed Matt andWhen Elena heard the door at the bottom of the staircase close, she hastily righted a lamp that lay overturned by the bedside and plugged it in. Now, at last, she could take standard of Stefans injuries.His color seemed worse than before he was literally almost as white as the sheets below him. His lips were white, too, and Elena suddenly thought of Thomas Fell, the die of Fells Church. Or, rather, of Thomas Fells statue, lying beside his wifes on the stone lid of their tomb. Stefan was the color of that marble.The knocks and gashes on his hands showed livid purple, but they were no longer bleeding. She gently turned his head to look at his neck.And there it was. She touched the side of her own neck automatically, as if to verify the resemblance. But Stefans marks were not gloomy punctures. They were deep, savage tears in the flesh. He looked as if he had been mauled by some animal that had tried to rip out his throat.White-hot anger blazed through Elena again. And with it, hatred. She realized that despite her disgust and fury, she had not really despised Damon before. Not really. But now now, shehated. She loathed him with an intensity of emotion that she had never mat up for anyone else in her life. She necessitateed to hurt him, to make him pay. If shed had a wooden stakes at that moment, she would have hammered it through Damons heart without regret.But just now she had to think of Stefan. He was so terrifyingly still. That was the hardest thing to bear, the lack of purpose or resistance in his body, the emptiness. That was it. It was as if he had vacated this form and left hand wing her with an empty vessel.Stefan Shaking him did nothing. With one hand on the center of his heatless chest, she tried to detect a heartbeat. If there was one, it was too faint to feel. accommodate calm, Elena, she told herself, pushing back the part of her mind that wanted to panic. The part that was saying, What if hes brain dead? What if hes really dead, and nothing you can do will save him?Glancing about the room, she saw the broken window. Shards of glass lay on the floor under it. She went over and picked one up, noting how it offsetled in the firelight. A pretty thing, with an edge like a razor, she thought. Then, deliberately, setting her teeth, she cut her finger with it.The pain made her gasp. After an instant, blood began welling out of the cut, dripping down her finger like put on down a candlestick. Quickly, she knelt by Stefan and put her finger to his lips.With her other hand, she clasped his refractory one, feeling the hardness of the silver ring he wo re. Motionless as a statue herself, she knelt there and waited.She almost missed the first flyspeck luster of response. Her eyes were fixed on his face, and she caught the minute lifting of his chest only in her peripheral vision. But then the lips beneath her finger quivered and parted slightly, and he swallowed reflexively.Thats it, Elena whispered. Come on, Stefan.His eyelashes fluttered, and with dawning joy she felt his fingers return the pressure of hers. He swallowed again.Those green eyes were dazed and heavy, but as stubborn as she had ever seen them. No, Stefan said, his voice a cracked whisper.You have to, Stefan. The others are glide slope back and bringing a nurse with them. I had to agree to that. And if youre not well enough to convince her you dont need a hospital She left the sentence unfinished. She herself didnt know what a doctor or lab technician would find examining Stefan. But she knew he knew, and that it made him afraid.But Stefan only looked more obstina te, good turn his face away from her. Cant, he whispered. Its too dangerous. Already took too more last night.Could it have been only last night? It seemed a twelvemonth ago. Will it kill me? she asked. Stefan, answer me Will it kill me?No His voice was sullen. But Then we have to do it. Dont argue with me Bending over him, holding his hand in hers, Elena could feel his overpowering need. She was amazed that he was scour trying to resist. It was like a starving man standing before a banquet, unable to take his eyes from the steaming dishes, but refusing to eat.No, Stefan said again, and Elena felt frustration surge through her. He was the only person shed ever met who was as stubborn as she was.Yes. And if you wont cooperate Ill cut something else, like my wrist. She had been pressing her finger into the sheet to staunch the blood now she held it up to him.His pupils dilated, his lips parted. Too much already, he murmured, but his gaze remained on her finger, on the bright drop of blood at the tip. And I cant run acrossIts all right, she whispered. She drew the finger across his lips again, feeling them open to take it in then, she leaned over him and shut her eyes.His mouth was cool and dry as it touched her throat. His hand cupped the back of her neck as his lips sought the both little punctures already there. Elena willed herself not to recoil at the brief hold fast of pain. Then she smiled.Before, she had felt his agonizing need, his driving lust. Now, through the bond they shared, she felt only fierce joy and satisfaction. Deep satisfaction as the hunger was gradually assuaged.Her own pleasure came from giving, from knowing that she was sustaining Stefan with her own life. She could sense the strong point flowing into him.In time, she felt the intensity of the need lessen. Still, it was by no means at rest(p), and she could not understand when Stefan tried to push her away.Thats enough, he grated, forcing her shoulders up. Elena exposed her eye s, her dreamy pleasure broken. His own eyes were green as mandrake leaves, and in his face she saw the fierce hunger of theIt isnt enough. Youre still weak Its enough foryou. He pushed at her again, and she saw something like desperation spark in those green eyes. Elena, if I take much more, you will pay off to change. And if you dont move away, if you dont move away from meright now Elena withdrew to the foot of the bed. She watched him sit up and adjust the dark robe. In the lamplight, she saw that his skin had regained some color, a slight flush glazing its pallor. His hair was drying into a tumbled sea of dark waves.I missed you, she said softly. Relief throbbed within her suddenly, an ache that was almost as bad as the fear and tension had been. Stefan was alive he was talk of the town to her. Everything was going to be all right after all.Elena Their eyes met and she was held by green fire. Unconsciously, she moved toward him, and then stopped as he laughed aloud.Ive neve r seen you look like this before, he said, and she looked down at herself. Her shoes and jeans were caked with red mud, which was also liberally smeared over the rest of her. Her jacket was torn and leaking its down stuffing. She had no doubt that her face was smudged and dirty, and sheknew her hair was tangled and straggly. Elena Gilbert, immaculate invent plate of Robert E. Lee, was a mess.I like it, Stefan said, and this time she laughed with him.They were still express joy as the door opened. Elena stiffened alertly, twitching at her turtleneck, glancing around the room for evidence that might betray them. Stefan sat up straighter and licked his lips.Hes better Bonnie caroled out as she stepped into the room and saw Stefan. Matt and Meredith were right tin her, and their faces lit with surprise and pleasure. The fourth person who came in was only a little older than Bonnie, but she had an air of brisk authority that belied her youth. Mary McCullough went straight over to her patient and reached for his pulse.So youre the one afraid of doctors, she said.Stefan looked embarrass for a moment then, he recovered. Its sort of a childhood phobia, he said, sounding embarrassed. He glanced sideways at Elena, who smiled nervously and gave a tiny nod. Anyway, I dont need one now, as you can see.Why dont you let me be the judge of that? Your pulse is all right. In fact, its surprisingly slow, even for an athlete. I dont think youre hypothermic, but youre still chilled. Lets get a temperature.No, I really dont think thats necessary. Stefans voice was low, calming. Elena had heard him use that voice before, and she knew what he was trying to do. But Mary took not the slightest notice.Open up, please.Here, Ill do it, said Elena quickly, reaching to take the thermometer from Mary. Somehow, as she did so, the little glass tube slipped out of her hand. It fell to the hardwood floor and smashed into several pieces. Uh, Im sorryyoure not perilously ill. I cantmake you go to the clinic. But Id strongly suggest you get a checkup tomorrow. Thank you, said Stefan, which, Elena noticed, was not the same as agreeing.Elena,you look as if you could use a doctor, said Bonnie. Youre white as a ghost.Im just tired, Elena said. Its been a long day.My advice is to go home and go to bed and stay there, Mary said. Youre not anemic, are you? Elena resisted the impulse to put a hand to her cheek. Was she so pale? No, Im just tired, she repeated. We can go home now, if Stefans all right.He nodded reassuringly, the message in his eyes for her alone. Give us a minute, will you? he said to Mary and the others, and they stepped back to the staircase.Good-bye. perplex care of yourself, Elena said aloud as she hugged him. She whispered, Why didnt you use your Powers on Mary?I did, he said grimly in her ear. Or at least I tried. I must still be weak. Dont worry itll pass. Of course, it will, said Elena, but her stomach lurched. Are you sure you should be alone, though? W hat if Ill be fine. Youre the one who shouldnt be alone. Stefans voice was soft but urgent. Elena, I didnt get a chance to warn you. You were right about Damon being in Fells Church.I know. He did this to you, didnt he? Elena didnt mention that shed gone searching for him. I dont remember. But hes dangerous. Keep Bonnie and Meredith with you tonight, Elena. I dont want you alone. And make sure no one invites a stranger into your house.Were going straight to bed, Elena promised, smiling at him. We wont be inviting anybody in.Make sure of it. There was no flippancy in his tone at all, and she nodded slowly.I understand, Stefan. Well be careful.Good. They kissed, a mere brushing of lips, but their joined hands stranded only reluctantly. Tell the and Meredith could go back with Elena. Mary was still clearly suspicious about the nights goings-on, and Elena couldnt blame her. She also couldnt think. She was too tired.He said to say thanks to all of you, she remembered after Matt had l eft.Hes welcome, Bonnie said, splitting the words with an enormous yawn as Meredith opened the car door for her.Meredith said nothing. She had been very quiet since leaving Elena alone with Stefan. Bonnie laughed suddenly. One thing we all forgot about, she said. The prophecy.What prophecy? said Elena.About the bridge. The one you say I said. Well, you went to the bridge and Death wasnt waiting there after all. Maybe you misunderstand the words.No, said Meredith. We heard the words correctly all right.Well, then, maybe its another bridge. Or mmm Bonnie snuggled down in her coat, shutting her eyes, and didnt twit to finish.But Elenas mind completed the sentence for her.Or another time.An owl hooted remote as Meredith started the car.

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