The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening Chapter Three

The first light of dawn was streaking the night hawk with pink and palest green. Stefan observation posted it from the windowpane of his room in the boarding house. He had rented this room specific bothy because of the trapdoor in the ceiling, a trapdoor that receptive onto the widows walk on the roof above. Just this insistent that door was open, and a cool damp wind blew down the slip awaynel below it. Stefan was fully dressed, alone not because he was up early. He had neer been to sleep.Hed right re dark from the woods, and a few scraps of wet ruffle clung to the side of his boot. He brushed them off fastidiously. The comments of the pupils yesterday had not escape him, and he k new they had been staring at his clothes. He had al agencys dressed in the best, not merely out of vanity, barely because it was the right thing to do. His enlighten had often give tongue to it Anaristocrat should dress as befits his position. If he does not, he is c over contempt for sepa rates . Everyone had a organise in the world, and his place had once been among the nobility. Once.why was he dwelling on these things? Of course, he should shake realized that play the role of a student was the likes ofly to bring his own student days backwards. Now the memories came thick and fast, as if he were skimming with with(predicate) the pages of a journal, his eyeball catching an entry here and there. One flashed in the lead him vividly now his tiros face when Damon had announced he was quitting the University. He would never forget that. He had never seen his father so angryWhat do you mean, you argon not going back? Giuseppe was mutually a funfair man, but he had a temper, and his elder son brought out the military unit in him.Just now that son was dabbing at his lips with a saffron-colored silk stick acrosskerchief. I would have melodic theme raze you could understand such a unprejudiced sentence, father. Shall I repeat it in Latin for you?Damon- Stefa n began tightly, appalled at this disrespect. however his father interrupted.You are telling me that I, Giuseppe, Conte di Salvatore, will have to face my friends conditioned that my son is ascioparto ? A neer-do-well? An idler who makes no useful parting to Florence? Servants were edging away as Giuseppe worked himself into a rage.Damon did not even blink. Apparently. If you foot call those who fawn on you in the hopes that you will lend them funds your friends. Sporco parassito cried Giuseppe, rising from his chair. Is it not bad enough that when youare at school you do in your time and my money? Oh, yes, I know all about the gambling, the jousting, the women. And I know that if it were not for your secretary and your coach-and-fours you would be failing every course. only when now you mean to disgrace me utterly. And why? wherefore? His large hand whipped up to grasp Damons chin. So that you may return to your hunting and trade?Stefan had to give his brother credit Dam on did not wince. He stood, almost lounging in his fathers grip, every inch the aristocrat, from the elegantly plain cap on his subdued head to his ermine-trimmed cloak to his soft leather shoes. His upper lip was sheer in a line of pure arrogance.Youve gone too uttermost this time, thought Stefan, watching the two men whose eyes were locked together. Even you wont be equal to charm your way out this time.But just consequently there was a light step in the study doorway. Turning, Stefan had been daze by eyes the color of lapis lazuli, framed with gigantic g senescenten lashes. It was Katherine. Her father, king von Swartzschild, had brought her from the cold lands of the German princes to the Italian countryside, hoping it would help her recover from a lengthy illness. And since the day she had arrived, everything had changed for Stefan.I beg your pardon. I did not mean to intrude. Her vowel system was soft and clear. She pallide a slight motion as if to leave.No, dont g o. Stay, Stefan utter quickly. He treasured to say much(prenominal), to catch her hand-but he didnt dare. Not with his father here. All he could do was gaze into those jewellike blue-blooded eyes that were raised to his.Yes, stay, Giuseppe said, and Stefan see that his fathers thunderous expression had lightened and that he had released Damon. He stepped forward, straightening the heavy folds of his long fur-trimmed gown. Your father should be returning from his business in the city today, and he will be delighted to see you. But your cheeks are pale, small-scale Katherine. You are not ill again, I hope?You know I am always pale, sir. I do not use blusher like your bold Italian girls.You dont need it, said Stefan to begin with he could stop himself, and Katherine grimaced at him. She was so beautiful. An ache began in his chest.His father continued, And I see all too miniature of you during the day. You seldom give us the pleasure of your company until twilight.I have my studies and devotions in my own rooms, sir, said Katherine quietly, her lashes dropping. Stefan knew this was not true, but he said nothing he would never betray Katherines secret. She looked up at his father again. But I am here now, sir.Yes, yes, that is true. And I must see that tonight we have a very special meal for your fathers return. Damon we will speak later. As Giuseppe motioned to a servant and strode out, Stefan turned to Katherine in delight. It was seldom they could speak to each other without the presence of his father or of Gudren, her stolid German maid.But what Stefan saw and accordingly was like a blow to his stomach. Katherine was smiling-the little secret smile that she had often shared with him.But she was not aspect at him. She was looking at Damon.Stefan hated his brother at that moment, hated Damons dark looker and grace and the sensuality that drew women to him like moths to a flame. He wanted, in that instant, to strike Damon, to smash that beauty to pieces. Instead he had to stand and watch as Katherine moved slowly toward his brother, step by step, her golden weave gown whispering on the tiled floor.And even as he watched, Damon held out a hand to Katherine, and smiled the cruel smile of triumphStefan turned away from the window sharply.Why was he reopening old wounds? But, even as he thought it, he drew out the slender gold chain he wore under his shirt. His thumb and forefinger caressed the ring that hung from it, then he held it up to the light.The little circlet was exquisitely worked in gold, and five centuries had not dimmed its luster. It was set with one stone, a lapis the size of his little fingernail. Stefan looked at it, then at the heavy silver ring, also set with lapis, on his own hand. In his chest was a familiar tightness.He could not forget the past, and he didnt really wish to. Despite everything that had happened, he valued Katherines memory. But there was one memory he must genuinely not disturb, one page of the journal he must not turn. If he had to relive that horror, that abomination, he would go mad. As he had been mad that day, that final day, when he had looked upon his own damnationStefan leaned against the window, his forehead pressed to its coolness. His tutor had had another saying Evil will never find peace. It may triumph, but it will never find peace .Why had he even come to Fells Church?He had hoped to find peace here, but that was impossible. He would never be accepted, he would never rest. Because he was evil. He could not change what he was.Elena was up even earlier than usual that morning. She could hear Aunt Judith pottering about in her room, getting ready for her shower. Margaret was legato fast asleep, curled up like a little cabbage in her provide. Elena passed her younger sisters half-open door noiselessly and continued down the anteroom to let herself out of the house.The air was fresh and clear this morning the quince head was inha objet darted only by the usual jays and sparrows. Elena, who had gone to bed with a throbbing headache, lifted her face to the clean blue sky and breathed deeply.She felt much better than she had yesterday. Shed promised to meet Matt before school, and though she wasnt looking forward to it she was sure it was going to be all right.Matt lived only two streets away from the high school. It was a open frame house, like all the others on that street, except that maybe the knock off on the porch was a little shabbier, the paint a little more peeled. Matt was already standing outside, and for a moment her heart picked up at the sight of him as it used to.He was good-looking. There was no doubt about that. Not in the stunning, almost disturbing way that-that some people were, but in a healthy Ameri trick way. Matt Honeycutt was all-American. His blond hair was cropped short for the football season, and his skin was sunburnt from working outdoors on his grandparents farm. His blue eyes were honest and strai ghtforward. And just today, as he held out his arms to hug her gently, they were a little sad.You want to come inside?No. Lets just walk, Elena said. They went side by side without touching. Maples and black walnut trees lined this street, and the air still had a morning hush. Elena watched her feet on the wet sidewalk, feeling suddenly uncertain. She didnt know how to root after all.So you still havent told me about France, he said.Oh, it was great, said Elena. She glanced crabwise at him. He was looking at the sidewalk, too. Everything about it was great, she continued, trying to displace some enthusiasm in her office. The people, the food, everything. It was really Her voice trailed off, and she laughed nervously.Yeah, I know. Great, he finished for her. He stopped and stood looking down at his scuffed tennis shoes. Elena recognized them from last year. Matts family barely got by maybe he hadnt been able to afford new shoes. She looked up to find those steady blue eyes on her face.You know,you look pretty great right now, he said.Elena opened her mouth in dismay, but he was speaking again.And I approximate you have something to tell me. She stared at him, and he smiled, a crooked, rueful smile. past he held out his arms again.Oh,Matt , she said, hugging him hard. She stepped back to look into his face. Matt, you are the nicest guy Ive ever met. I dont deserve you.Oh, so thats why youre dispose me, said Matt as they started walking again. Because Im too good for you. I should have realized that before.She punched him in the arm. No, that isnt why, and I am not throw away you. Were going to be friends, right?Oh, sure. Oh, absolutely.Because thats what Ive realized we are. She stopped, looking up at him again. Good friends. Be honest, now, Matt, isnt that how you really feel about me?He looked at her, then rolled his eyes heavenward. Can I take the ordinal on that? he said. As Elenas face fell, he added, It doesnt have anything to do with that new guy, does it?No, Elena said after a hesitation, and then added quickly, I havent even met him yet. I dont know him.But you want to. No, dont say it. He put an arm nearly her and gently turned her. Come on, lets head toward school. If we have time, Ill even buy you a doughnut.As they walked, something thrashed in the walnut tree above them. Matt tin whistled and pointed. Look at that Biggest crow Ive ever seen.Elena looked, but it was already gone.School that day was merely a convenient place for Elena to review her intent.She had woken up this morning knowing what to do. And today she gathered as much information as she could on the subject of Stefan Salvatore. Which wasnt hard, because everyone at Robert E. lee was talking about him.It was common knowledge that hed had some sort of run-in with the admissions secretary yesterday. And today hed been called to the principals office. Something about his papers. But the principal had sent him back to class (after, it was rumored, a lon g-distance call to Rome-or was it Washington?), and everything seemed to be colonised now. Officially, at least.When Elena arrived for Euro History class that afternoon, she was greeted by a low whistle in the hall. Dick Carter and Tyler Smallwood were loitering there. A couple of prize jerks, she thought, ignoring the whistle and their staring. They thought being tackle and safety on the varsity football group made them hot stuff. She kept an eye on them as she loitered in the corridor herself, refreshing her lipstick and fiddling with her compact. Shed given Bonnie her special instructions, and the plan was ready to be put into effect as soon as Stefan showed up. The compact mirror gave her a wonderful view of the hall plantation her.Still, she missed him coming somehow. He was beside her suddenly, and she snapped the compact shut as he passed. She meant to stop him, but something happened before she could. Stefan tensed-or, at least, there was something about him that seemed suspicious all at once. Just then Dick and Tyler stepped in social movement of the door to the history classroom. Blocking the way.World-class jerks, thought Elena. Fuming, she glared at them over Stefans shoulder.They were enjoying the game, slouching in the doorway, pretending they were all blind to Stefan standing there.Excuse me. It was the corresponding tone hed used with the history teacher. Quiet, detached.Dick and Tyler looked at each other, then all around, as if hearing spirit voices.Scoozi? Tyler said in a falsetto. Scoozi me? Me scoozi? Jacuzzi? They both laughed.Elena watched muscles tighten under the T-shirt in front of her. This was completely unfair they were both taller than Stefan, and Tyler was about twice as broad.Is there a problem here? Elena was as startled as the boys were at the new voice behind her. She turned to see Matt. His blue eyes were hard.Elena bit her lips on a smile as Tyler and Dick moved slowly, resentfully out of the way. Good old Matt, she thought. But now good old Matt was walking into class beside Stefan, and she was left following them, staring at the backs oftwo T-shirts. When they sat down, she slid into the desk behind Stefan, where she could watch him without being watched herself. Her plan would have to seem until after class.Matt was rattling change in his pocket, which meant he wanted to say something.Uh, hey, he began at last, uncomfortably. Those guys, you knowStefan laughed. It was a bitter sound. Who am I to judge? There was more emotion in his voice than Elena had heard before, even when he had spoken to Mr. tan. And that emotion was raw unhappiness. Anyway, why should I be welcome here? he finished, almost to himself.Why shouldnt you be? Matt had been staring at Stefan now his jaw shape with decision.Listen, he said. You were talking about football yesterday. Well, our star wide receiver tore a ligament yesterday afternoon, and we need a replacement. Tryouts are this afternoon. What do you think?Me ? Stefan sounded caught off guard. Ah I dont know if I could.Can you run?Can-? Stefan half turned toward Matt, and Elena could see a faint hint of a smile curve his lips. Yes.Can you catch?Yes. Thats all a wide receiver has to do. Im the quarterback. If you can catch what I throw and run with it, you can play.I see. Stefan was actually almost smiling, and though Matts mouth was serious his blue eyes were dancing. Astonished at herself, Elena realized she was jealous. There was a transport between the two boys that shut her out completely.But the next instant Stefans smile disappeared. He said distantly, Thank you but no. I have other commitments.At that moment, Bonnie and Caroline arrived and class started.throughout Tanners lecture on Europe,Elena repeated to herself, Hello. Im Elena Gilbert. Im on the elderly Welcoming Committee, and Ive been depute to show you around the school. Now, you wouldnt want to get me in trouble, would you, by not letting me do my job? That last with wide, wistful eyes-but only if he looked like he might try to get out of it. It was well-nigh foolproof. He was a sucker for maidens who needed to be rescued.Halfway through class, the girl sitting to her right passed her a note. Elena opened it and recognized Bonnies round, adolescent handwriting. It read I kept C. away for as long as I could. What happened? Did it workElena looked up to see Bonnie twisted around in her front-row seat. Elena pointed to the note and shook her head, mouthing, After class.It seemed a century until Tanner gave some last-minute instructions about oral reports and dismissed them. thus everybody sprang up at once. Here goes, thought Elena, and, with her heart pounding, she stepped squarely into Stefans path, block the aisle so that he couldnt get around her.Just like Dick and Tyler, she thought, feeling a hysterical urge to giggle. She looked up and found her eyes exactly on a level with his mouth.Her mind went blank. What was it she was vatical to s ay? She opened her mouth, and somehow the words shed been practicing came tumbling out. Hi, Im Elena Gilbert, and Im on the Senior Welcoming Committee and Ive been assigned-Im sorry I dont have time. For a minute, she couldnt remember he was speaking, that he wasnt even going to give her a guess to finish. Her mouth went right on with the speech.-to show you around the school-Im sorry I cant. I have to-to get to football tryouts. Stefan turned to Matt, who was standing by looking amazed. You said they were right after school, didnt you?Yes, Matt said slowly. But- so Id better get moving. Maybe you could show me the way.Matt looked helplessly at Elena, then shrugged. Well sure. Come on. He glanced back once as they left. Stefan didnt.Elena found herself looking around at a circle of interest observers, including Caroline, who was openly smirking. Elena felt a numbness in her body and a fullness in her throat. She couldnt stand to be here for one more second. She turned and walked as quickly as she could from the room.