The Vampire Diaries: The Struggle Chapter Four

But hes got to sop up a doctor. He looks uniform hes dying tell Bonnie.He cant. I cant explain right at present. Lets exclusively get him hearth, all right? Hes buckram and freezing out here. Then we can discuss it.The farm out of getting Stefan through the woods was enough to occupy e reallyones mind for a while. He remained unconscious, and when they finally laid him out in the back seat of monotones car they were all bruised and exhausted, in addition to being wet from the contact with his soaking clothes. Elena held his head in her lap as they drove to the boarding ho physical exercise. Meredith and Bonnie followed.Elena softly eased Stefans head down and slipped out of the car, and cut one of the windows in the house agleamen as a curtain was pushed aside. Then she saw a head and shoulders appear at the window, looking down.Mrs. Flowers she called, waving. Its Elena Gilbert, Mrs. Flowers. Weve gear up Stefan, and we need to get inThe figure at the window did not move or other acknowledge her speech. Yet from its posture, Elena could tell it was still looking down on them.Mrs. Flowers, we pretend Stefan, she called again, gesturing to the lighted midland of the car. PleaseElena Its unlocked al provey Bonnies voice floated to her from the front porch, distracting Elena from the figure at the window. When she looked back up, she saw the curtains travel into place, and then the light in that upstairs room snapped off.It was strange, merely she had no snip to puzzle oer it. She and Meredith helped phlegm lift Stefan and carry him up the front steps.Inside, the house was trace and still. Elena directed the others up the stairway that s besidesd opposite the door, and onto the second-floor landing. From there they went into a bedroom, and Elena had Bonnie open the door of what looked like a closet. It revealed another stairway, very dim and narrow.Who would leave their front door unlocked after all thats happened recently? Matt grunte d as they hauled their lifeless burden. She must be crazy.Sheis crazy, Bonnie verbalize from above, pushing the door at the top of the staircase open. Last time we were here she talked about the weirdest Her voice broke off in a gasp.What is it? said 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 obtainn it. Trunks filled with clothing were upended or lying on their sides, as if theyd been thrown by some giant hand from wall to wall. Their contents were strewn about the floor, along with articles from the dresser and tables. Furniture was all overturned, and a window was broken, allowing a cold wind to blow in. There was only if one lamp on, in a corner, and grotesque shadows loomed against the ceiling. What happened? said Matt.Elena didnt answer until they had stretched Stefan out on the bed. I dont know for certain, she said, and this was true, if retributive b bely. But it w as already this way last night. Matt, will you help me? He needs to get dry.Ill find another lamp, said Meredith, but Elena spoke quickly.No, we can see all right. Why dont you try to get a send packing going?Spilling from one of the gaping trunks was a terry cloth gown of some dark color. Elena took it, and she and Matt began to strip off Stefans wet and clinging clothes. She worked on getting his sweater off, butMatt, could you could you hand me that wipe?As soon as he turned, 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 weak, so lifeless. Oh, God. She had to examine him, to see how bad it was. But how could she, with Matt and the others here?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 whole truth. She had an idea of what might help Stefan, but she couldnt do it with the others there. She bent over Stefan, rubbing his hands between her own, trying to gestate.What could she do? Protect Stefans secret at the cost of his life? Or betray him in order 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 about Stefan Salvatore.It was no good. She couldnt attempt 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 knew what Stefan was, would they ever be able to believe him innocent? Or, in their heart of hearts, would they constantly suspect him?Elena shut her eyes. I t was just too dangerous. Meredith and Bonnie and Matt were her friends, but this was one thing she couldnt carry on with them. In all the world, there was no one she could trust with this secret. She would have to keep it totally.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 rest 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 set out 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 lets go, Bonnie. Were going to break some trade laws.As they went to the door, Meredith remained standing by the fireplace, watching Elena with steady dark eyes.Elena made herself meet them. Meredith I think y ou 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. subsequently a moment she nodded, and followed Matt andWhen Elena comprehend 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 stock 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 founder 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 cuts and gashes on his hands showed livid purple, but they were no longer bleeding. She lightly turned his head to look at his neck.And there it was. She travel(p) the side of her own neck automatically, as if to verify the resemblance. But S tefans marks were not small 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 hated Damon before. Not really. But now now, shehated. She loathed him with an specialty of emotion that she had never mat for anyone else in her life. She precious to hurt him, to make him pay. If shed had a wooden pursuit 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 clay and left her with an empty vessel.Stefan Shaking him did nothing. With one hand on the center of his cold chest, she tried to describe a heartbeat. If there was one, it was too faint to feel.Keep calm, Elena, she told herself, pushing back the part of her mind that call fored to panic. The part that was saying, What if hes 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 beneath it. She went over and picked one up, noting how it sparkled in the firelight. A pretty thing, with an edge like a razor, she thought. Then, deliberately, setting her teeth, she cut her fingers breadth with it.The pain made her gasp. After an instant, parenthood began welling out of the cut, dripping down her finger like wax down a candlestick. Quickly, she knelt by Stefan and put her finger to his lips.With her other hand, she clasped his unresponsive one, skin perceptiveness the hardness of the silver ring he wore. quiet as a statue herself, she knelt there and waited.She almost missed the first tiny flicker of response. Her eyes were touch on 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 common land eyes were dazed and heavy, but as stubborn as she had ever seen them. No, Stefan said, his voice a awry(p) whisper.You have to, Stefan. The others are coming 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 obstinate, turning his face away from her. Cant, he whispered. Its too dangerous. Already took too much last night.Could it have been only last night? It seemed a year ago. Will it shovel in 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, memory his hand in hers, Elena could feel his overpowering need. She was amazed that he was even 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 controlIts all right, she whispered. She drew the finger across his lips again, feeling them open to take it in then, she leaned over h im 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 two little punctures already there. Elena willed herself not to reduce at the brief sting of pain. Then she smiled.Before, she had felt his agonizing need, his driving longing. Now, through the bond they shared, she felt only fierce joy and satisfaction. Deep satisfaction as the hunger was gradually assuaged.Her own delectation came from giving, from knowing that she was sustaining Stefan with her own life. She could sense the strength flowing into him.In time, she felt the intensity of the need lessen. Still, it was by no means gone, and she could not understand when Stefan tried to push her away.Thats enough, he grated, forcing her shoulders up. Elena opened her eyes, her dreamy frolic 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 pushe d at her again, and she saw something like desperation spark in those green eyes. Elena, if I take much more, you will begin 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. quietus throbbed within her suddenly, an ache that was almost as bad as the fear and tension had been. Stefan was alive he was talking 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 never 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 an d 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 fashion plate of Robert E. Lee, was a mess.I like it, Stefan said, and this time she laughed with him.They were still laughing as the door opened. Elena stiffened alertly, twitching at her turtleneck, glancing around the room for prove 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 behind 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 disconcerted 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 pipework slipped out of her hand. It fell to the hardwood floor and smashed into several pieces. Uh, Im sorryyoure not dangerously 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 akin 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. Take 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(prenominal) 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? What 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 separated only reluctantly. ordain 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 left.Hes welcome, Bonnie said, splitting the words with an long 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 misunderstood 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, conclusion her eyes, and didnt bother to finish.But Elenas mind completed the sentence for her.Or another time.An owl hooted outside as Meredith started the car.