Chapter Text
Monday 7 September 2009
Beep Beep Beep. I slapped the table next to my bed a couple of times to shut off the offending beeping that was sure to be the alarm clock I set. I was in a new world again and it was time for me to figure out where I was. I was still crippled by the grief of the loss of my husband Steve Rogers. I did not think that I wanted to be in a relationship again, ever, the loss of several loved ones and my soulmate was just too hard to bare. With a groan, I got out of bed and froze, the room was not familiar, and nowhere near me were any indicating markers of where I ended up.
The room was tastefully decorated and there was a cell phone next to my bed in the charger. I picked up the phone and unlocked it, it was unfamiliar but so was the picture on the screensaver of the phone. The date was also a shocker today. According to the phone, it was Monday the 7th of September 2009. So, I was back in time again, at least it wasn't the 40s again. Although if the prospect of starting over with Stevie was there I would do it all again. Even fighting World War 2. Furiously I wiped my face, refusing to cry now. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I looked at the phone in my hand. The picture on the phone looked like me, but also didn't, the same emerald, green eyes that I've always had, but my hair was different it was brown and straight, and I also looked younger. I was confused for a minute and then I remembered the conversation with death after losing Steve. I went to a new world, now I just needed to figure out where.
I looked around the room, nothing was familiar in this room. From the windows I could see the backyard, there was a huge oak tree by my window, moving closer I could not help but think that it would be extremely easy to climb down from there to get out. I guess fighting in constant wars made me more paranoid than even Moody could achieve. I fought the Second Wizarding war, even though it was not much of a war, more like a battle in the cemetery, World War 2, Alien invasion, Hydra, and several other battles with the Avengers. That in itself was an impressive CV, too bad I would be locked in the Loony bin if I mentioned any of my accomplishments.
All the furniture in the room was dark cherry wood, and the room was done in different shades of purple and grey. There was a corkboard against the wall, with photos tacked to it, I was in all of them, but with actresses, I have seen in tv shows a long time ago. Finding a purse on top of the dresser I opened it quickly to find out what was going on and who I was in this world.
Walking back to the bed, and throwing everything out of the bag to look through it: 2 credit card slips for it seems a heavy shopping spree from a clothing store it seemed. The name was unfamiliar, but it was in dollars, so it was safe to assume that I was somewhere in America. The address was slightly smudged, but it seemed that I bought almost $5000 worth of clothes. Something I have never done is spend that much on clothing. The other one was for make-up, the amount was, even more, it seemed that whoever this girl was, she loved shopping and spending money. This girl was a completely different person to me, I did not even wear make-up. I just never had the time, sure I loved to get myself pretty but constantly fighting wasn't exactly good for make-up, why do it if you are just going to sweat it off? I was not one for dresses, I was much more comfortable in denim, or leather. But eyeing the slightly open closet, it did not seem to have anything like anything I wanted to wear. It was pink, frilly, and short. Shuddering, I looked back at the items on the bed.
The wallet had a credit card, a bank card, a driver’s license, and a couple of bills in it. I looked at the driver’s license. The photo did not look too bad but the name on the made a pit grow in my stomach. Jacqueline Jenna Gilbert was born on 23 June 1992. The name made me uneasy for 2 reasons, add that to the fact that the pictures of the actresses and actors I first thought I was looking at, were not real actors and actresses, but maybe the people of the fictional world of Vampire diaries. Vampires . . . there were vampires. In a brief moment of panic, I tried to summon my wand. Nothing. The horror continued to spread through my being.
I tried again, but still nothing. But then I remembered, I didn’t need my wand anymore. Taking a deep sigh I cast a spell, Lumos. Just to see if I could use magic here. I fell over in shock, my hands were glowing so brightly that I saw dark spots in my vision. When I could see again, I saw the Deathly Hallows tattoo on my wrist, surrounded by a strange Infinity symbol surrounding my arm with the different colored stones in my possession. I had a constant battery charging my magical core so I would never tire, and it would never run out. That was what I thought in any way, there was no one ever that went so far as I did, and I needed to test my capabilities.
I tested a couple of spells and then grinning I stood up and magicked my bed to make itself and then I looked through the make-up bag that was in my purse. Miniature, gloss, cover, powder, and perfume, there was some eyeshadow and mascara, and even lip and eyeliner pencils. Only the gloss I knew I would use, maybe the perfume, it did smell divine. I packed everything back into the bag. There were also two bunches of keys, one definitely a car key and the other maybe a house key. Walking in the direction of the closet to get ready for the day. I did not know what my position was in this family, I only knew I was 17 here and it seemed to be the beginning of the show. There was a dress hanging in front of the closet, it was a green and brown mini dress with brown boots and a denim jacket, she even put the purse and jewelry that would have gone with it. I liked the boots, but I was not comfortable in any type of dress. But I did not know how much time I had, and I would have to revamp my clothing later. For now, I just put on the dress and grabbed my bookbag, put my wallet, and make-up bag in. While sitting at the vanity I looked at all the little bottles and stuff. Day cream, night cream eye cream -- is she for real.
I have already started talking about the previous girl as someone else. I was going to change this. Putting on the Day cream and only adding light makeup and gloss. My skin was clear, and slightly tanned without any blemishes or marks, not even a lightning bolt scar. I did not need much makeup. Spraying on some perfume and looking down at the hot pink fingernails. I will change that tonight. I put on the jewelry last and found out with a shock that my locket was gone. I was really worried. That was supposed to come with me always?? Swiping my hands over the bed and feeling for any bumps on and under the bedding and even looking under the bed, I found nothing, and the worry grew. Great, with a sigh I got up from the floor and then looked at the door in trepidation. Took a deep breath and then I went out of the room. Near my room was the bathroom, a door that was closed, and two bedrooms that were open and empty. I briefly looked inside just to familiarize myself with the rooms.
I heard voices from downstairs and headed in that direction. Walking down the stairs looking at pictures of me with Elena, Jeremy, and I assumed our parents. It was like walking through someone else's life. I was not sure how to act, the girl I am supposed to be is vain, in my opinion, and probably one of those bitchy, selfish, high school popular girls. Me, well I am the complete opposite, this girl wanted to be seen and I just wanted to melt into the background not be seen, become invisible, normal, and just survive and now I am not exactly sure what I was supposed to do. In my quest for survival, I actually managed to become an even bigger freak than I originally was. The Mistress of Death, the most powerful witch alive, the keeper of the Infinity stones, A phoenix and Wolf animagus, and now, it seems a Gilbert.
I reached the kitchen and saw "Aunt Jenna" talking to Elena, who was busy making herself some coffee. Everyone looked exactly like they did in the show, so at least I will know their names, that was a small comfort at least. I was still standing in the doorway when a boy, Jeremy, pushed past me, giving me a strange look. Grabbing the coffee from Elena's hands, and then standing next to her. Elena just rolled her eyes and then started pouring herself more coffee, I was tempted to take the cup from her hands too, just to see what she would do. But decided to pour my own. I just took a cup and waited for her to finish before pouring my own. The kitchen was light with new appliances and there was a kitchen island, even a pantry, although it could do with stocking up. I guess Aunt Jenna hasn’t been here long. That was what I hated about the shows, there was no context behind them.
It was all guesswork and right now, I was in unfamiliar territory. I knew what was going to happen, but at the same time, I didn't. "Crap!" Aunt Jenna said shaking me out of my thoughts. She was fixing her hair looking really frazzled and making a run for it. I missed half the conversation between my siblings in this world. "Jay?! JAY?!" She shook my shoulder and I looked at her confused. Oh, right, I am Jay. "Sorry what?" Even Jeremy looked at me worried. "I said are you okay?" "Fine." As soon as I figured out what, where and who??? What was I supposed to tell her, I don't know where the school is, I have never been to an American school, I have no clue who my friends are, the guys in the photos on my phone, don't know their names... I was screwed.
"Jay?" I looked at her again. "Maybe you should come with me and Bonnie today. You can take your car when you are not so spacey." I just nodded my head gratefully. "I will just get my bag." Elena left and Jeremy, also worried, looked at me. "You sure you should go to school today, Jay? You don't look like yourself?" Jeremy told me. I just shocked him with a hug. A very tight one. I needed it, and maybe he did too. "Jay, you are scaring me?" "I will be fine, just needed a hug, and maybe, maybe some more coffee," I told him softly. “You know no one will blame you if you take the week off, you haven’t been home that long,” Jeremy told me.
“I’ll be fine,” I told him, but honestly, I didn’t even believe me. It was clear that Jeremy didn’t. But he shrugged, gave me one more worried look, and then left for school. I wondered how he got there. And then I heard a car honking outside. Elena came rushing downstairs grabbing my hand and pulling me out, locking the door behind her. I was dragged towards the green car and Elena asked Bonnie if I could join. She did not have a problem, or if she did, it would not be as if she would say anything about it. I wondered what type of relationship I had with the people around here. Bonnie didn’t seem to like me much. Was I stuck up, mean? The look in Bonnie's eyes when looking at me gave me some indication that I might be a self-centered bitch here. That is definitely going to change, I just don't have it in me to be that type of person. And Bonnie was a favorite of mine, who became quite the badass witch. I was really going to have to work hard to change her opinion of me, she probably had 17 years of memories of me.
I kept quiet while on the way to school, looking out of the window and memorizing the path to school. It was two blocks, why did they drive to school if it was 2 blocks, I saw Jeremy walk to school and by the smoke puffing behind him, I had a pretty good idea that he was smoking pot or something like that. Bonnie: "So Grams is telling me I'm psychic. Our ancestors were from Salem, witches and all that, I know, crazy, but she's going on and on about it, and I'm like, put this woman in a home already! But then I started thinking, I predicted Obama, and I predicted Heath Ledger, and I still think Florida will break off and turn into little resort islands...Elena! Back in the car." Elena: "I did it again, didn't I? I--I'm sorry, Bonnie. You were telling me that..." Bonnie: "That I'm psychic now." Elena: "Right. Okay, then predict something about me." Bonnie: "I see . . . " [A crow hits the car, and we all scream.) Bonnie: "What was that? Oh my god! Elena, Jacq are you okay?" Elena getting her breath back, but I could see the fear in her eyes. Elena: "It's okay. We're fine. Right Jay?" Was I in the car with them on the day of the accident? Bonnie: "It was like a bird or something. It came out of nowhere."
Or it is Damon messing with us, I thought glaring at the bloody bird. Elena: "Really, we can't be freaked out by cars for the rest of our lives. Jay are you ok?" "Fine." What did she want me to say? Bonnie: "I predict this year is going to be kick-ass. And I predict all the sad and dark times are over and you are going to be beyond happy." Bonnie started the car again and I saw the crow looking at us from the top of the road sign. Ok, that is a little creepy.
Bonnie parked the car and I looked at the sign in front of the school. Mystic Falls High School. It’s been a while since I had to do the High school thing again, I didn’t care much for the first time, but doing it a second time is really going to suck. Elena looked at me worried as I slung the bag on my shoulder. As soon as I moved, I was surrounded by a couple of girls that I have never seen, in the show. Dragging me away from Bonnie and Elena. I looked over my shoulder and gave Elena a panicked expression and she frowned at me confused. One of them was talking a mile a minute, sharing gossip about people I have never heard about either. And then Caroline joined us. She was the only one I recognized, I was relieved to see her. "Now Tiki, don't overwhelm her. How are you? Are you good? What did you do with your face? Where is your makeup?" Caroline started talking, the relief I felt vanished and I felt like running away. "I am fine Caroline, just did not feel like doing my makeup today." Caroline frowned. “WHAT! Are you ill, do you need to go to the nurse?” Caroline said and I shook my head looking freaked out about this. She grabbed my arm and started dragging me to the bathroom. "Where is your make-up bag? At least you put on the outfit and jewelry that I put out for you." She looked at me critically. Oh, so she was the one that put the clothes out. She took the bag from my hand and started doing my makeup and fluffing my hair. "There, so much better." I smiled at her and just went with it. Vivian was a girl that took my books out of my locker for me and handed me my schedule. I didn’t like people doing things like that for me, but today I was grateful for so many reasons, one being I didn’t know where my locker was.
I had Trigonometry on the second floor with the girl Caroline, called Tiki I just followed after her without a word. In class I paid attention, ignoring the whispering of the girls about the new hot guy that was starting at school today. I was not interested in speculating about Stefan Salvatore the sometimes Ripper vampire and the rest of the time broody good vampire. Damon was more my type, I loved the bad boys, but what about the real Jacq? Steve was the only good guy I have ever dated, but if I really think about it, he did have that bad boy vibe, with the bike and the love for adrenaline. Who else in their right mind would jump out of a plane without a parachute? But it did not help me much to reminisce about the past, I needed to find out about the present. I needed to find out if I was in the accident, maybe I can use that to my advantage -- amnesia anyone.
I needed to see if this body could fight, I need to figure out what happened in my life, what my friends’ names is, and what type of relationships I had with which friends. Did I have a boyfriend? I knew Elena was adopted but what about me? The bell rang and the teacher whose name I did not know told us what our homework was, and I quickly wrote it down. "Why are you writing it down, you usually force Darcy to do it?" I looked at the girl shocked. What? She doesn’t do her homework, great. What about her marks? I’m not exactly an overachiever or anything but after the life I had, I knew education was important. Adding one more thing to the list of things I didn’t know, what were this lazy-ass bully’s grades and can I turn it around? My homework was done for me, my bag carried, and books collected. . Does she do anything herself?
No wonder everyone was looking at me weirdly, I haven't said a word to anyone. I just follow along with Caroline who took it up to herself to drag me around. Then I was dragged again by Caroline talking about the new boy, Stefan Salvatore, who was in her Chemistry class. I tuned her out, I needed to find something I did not know about myself. Stefan, well I knew enough about him. I sat down in the class and took notes, Caroline asked why I was taking my own notes. Irritated at the girl I supposedly was before I ignored her and took my notes with a glare at the paper. Well, it will change from now on, I take my own freaking notes and do my own homework. And carry my own books, I don’t need people putting on my make-up or color-coordinating my clothes. This afternoon I am going to search through my room for information about well -- me. The class passed and we got homework again. I wrote it down, I needed pens and notebooks for school, so I would need to go to the shops too. Maybe Caroline could take me. I should have taken my car. But I don't know where the store is either. So that would not help me.
It was lunch and I just followed after Caroline, who is apparently my best friend. Care is friends with Elena and Bonnie too. I wondered why Bonnie was looking at me weirdly. I needed to find out if I was adopted or not. Maybe I could check out the offices my dad had in town, there must be some kind of file. We passed Stefan and I had to admit he was really good-looking. He had a lean, flat-muscled body. And was wearing faded jeans and a tight T-shirt, and a leather jacket. His hair was light brown and his eyes a forest green. Caroline was ready to pounce and dragged me over to introduce herself and interrogate him. I never said a word. Stefan did look at me curiously. Caroline introduced me and did all the talking, I started staring into space again after a while. Not interested in the lies he will be telling as a cover story.
I wished for some kind of instructions and background information. In my last life, I was the female equivalent of Harry Potter, I knew what was going on, but now, I was an added character. The next one I was still Jasmine Potter but just in the Marvel universe. There I managed to figure things out fairly easily. Here I was lost. Elena's sister and if I remember correctly then our birthdays were on the same day, making us twins. We don’t really look alike. Maybe if you squint? Just the hair, but isn’t hers curly? No wait, that was just Katherine. Her eyes were brown, mine emerald, green. Aunt Jenna's eyes were hazel, my mother's eyes green, darker than mine and my dad's eyes were blue. Jeremy's eyes were also brown, so I wondered where our diverse eye colors came from. "Jacq!!" Caroline yelled at me. "What is going on with you? Stefan asked you if you were, ok?" I looked at him and saw the concern in his green eyes. "I am fine, just a lot on my mind." I smiled at them, Caroline went back to talking but Stefan kept looking at me, I knew he did not believe that I was fine. I sat with my friends, and they ate, I was not hungry actually I was slightly nauseous. I was a control freak, and right now at this moment, I have absolutely no control over my own life, I did not know which way to go, my make-up was done for me, and my clothes were picked out for me. Something I would never have worn in a million years. I felt like I had to constantly had to pull down my dress. This wasn’t even knee length, mid-thigh was way too short for me. I excused myself to go to the bathroom because the constant chatter was making me on edge.
I was pulled into the supply closet by someone and kissed quite passionately, only problem was I had no clue who this guy was. And boy was he getting handsy. Pushing his hand under my dress. I pushed him away. "Oh, come on Babe, I haven't seen you since the party, no word from my girl, did you forget you have a boyfriend." He started kissing my neck again. "Stop." I pushed him away. "I said STOP." And then the door was opened, and he was ripped away. Stefan Salvatore to the rescue. The guy did give me a bit of information though, I was at the party with this ducebag and that would definitely mean I was in the accident. Stefan made the guy leave and then looked at me again. "Are you ok?" "I'm great, fine. Thank you." I made sure to get away from him as soon as I could. It was clear that he knew that I was lying.
I just wanted to run into the bathroom when Jeremy went out looking really pissed off at something. But looked startled at me. "Are you going to bitch at me too?" "Uh,” I looked over my shoulder and saw Stefan heading this way. Grabbed Jeremy's arm and dragged him to the nearest door, it looked like some kind of bike rack parking. "Jer, take me home. I can’t be here, it’s too much!" His anger vanished immediately and then he dragged me to the nurse, I pretended to have a very bad headache and I begged them to let Jeremy take me home. We had to walk, but the fact that Jeremy just got a free pass out of school made him seem like he was in a really good mood. Although he was gentle and put his arm around me I leaned my head on his shoulder and just walked with him. Away from school, I relaxed again. Jeremy walked me right up to my room and asked if I needed some pain pills or something. I nodded my head, hoping I could pretend to sleep so he would leave me alone and I can figure out what is going on. Jeremy returned a few minutes later and brought me some pills and water. Looking concerned again.
“Jazz are you sure you are ok, you’ve been off ever since you came home?” Jeremy asked me sitting on the bed and taking my hand. “I'll be fine, I just got overwhelmed. Everyone wants to know if I am Ok, and I'm not, none of us are. You know?" Jeremy frowned looking at me for a minute and then nodded. I just thanked him and then put the pills in my jewelry box, where I found my locket.
The relief I felt when I had it in my hands again was really great. Now it was time to snoop. She had a diary, one she never wrote in. A lot of photos, more than a lot of selfies, nothing that I could use. I was extremely frustrated and went out of my room, Jeremy was gone. I forgot my homework and books at school which is really a bad thing and decided that maybe I should just get my act together and go to school. Stop freaking out. I did see a key marked Office with a caduceus symbol on it. Hoping for it to be the keys to my dad's offices I grabbed it and then got into my car. It was a red Mercedes SCL that and I could turn the top down with just a button. I knew it was my car since there was lipgloss, extravagant sunglasses that probably cost a fortune and it smelled of perfume. It was a two-seater. I drove back to the school and parked then got out and asked Mrs. Clark at the front desk which period it was now. I was in 6th Period and I had 7th with Mr. Tanner in class 4B. I went to my locker and had to use an Alohamora on the lock since I did not know the code. But it was fine since no one was in the halls.
I cast a quick Extension charm on my bookbag and then Put all my books in my bag. I needed to figure out a couple of things and I will be starting new. The boyfriend can kiss my ass, I will just kick him to the curb. My wardrobe will be getting a makeover too. This is my life and I am not going to change it for anyone. Pretending was making me uncomfortable in my own skin. The bell rang and I headed to Tanner's class, I only knew where it was because my first class was in 4C. I went into the class first and chose a seat at the back of the classroom, taking out my books and notebook, and pen. Elena looked at me surprised and concerned when she saw me.
I ignored her and then Tanner started his Lecture. "Once our home state of Virginia joined the confederacy in 1861, it created a tremendous amount of tension within the state. People in Virginia's northwest region had different ideals than those from the traditional deep south. Then Virginia divided in 1863 with the northwest region joining the union." I took careful notes, but I did notice Stefan and Elena's secret looks. What annoyed me was the looks I received from both of them.
When school was over I got the homework from the classes I missed and then drove to the store, that took a while since I didn't know where the store was. I bought notebooks, pens, and a sketchbook, and pencils, I did not have to defeat Voldemort here, no wars or aliens or battles to be fought I might even have time to paint again. Something I missed greatly from my first life. After that, It took me a while to find Dr. Gilbert's offices. I had to ask someone who looked at me like I was completely nuts but humored me. Most of the things were boxed up. I went through several files until I found something. Turns out mom was pregnant with me, I was actually born on the 31st of January 1992, but my dad changed my birthdate so that Elena and I were born on the same day, twins. It only worked out since I was a premmie and was smaller at birth. The only proof I had was a journal hidden in a drawer in his desk. With my original Birth certificate and photo. Man, this baby was small. Grayson Gilbert, did everything himself. The checkups, birth, and an Incubation chamber in our house.
That answers that question. I locked the door again and then stopped by the hospital. I needed to find out about the accident. Quickly putting a notice me not charm on myself I typed in my name and birth date. This felt like home, I knew my way around a hospital, I knew what to look for, and understood the medical terms and ICD10 codes. It seems this girl was in the hospital following the accident, dead for almost 4 minutes before being revived. Then in a coma until the end of July, and she was discharged from the hospital, in the middle of August. "Patient does not talk much, I believe it is the grief, she was confused upon waking but after that just told the nurses that she wanted to go home. Brain function seemed to be fine." Perfect, she was different after the accident, and I could totally get away with that.
I left the hospital in better spirits. And then headed home. Parking the car, it was a very ostentatious car, but one that drives like a dream. I might actually get to love this car. My bag was full of my books from school, I needed to catch up on my schoolwork, there was a folder with notes that did not look like my handwriting, and homework that also did not look like mine. I grabbed something from the kitchen and went upstairs to do my homework. Taking out the notebooks and then Charming the books to never run out of pages, I started taking notes from all my books. I needed to catch up and the only way I can do that in school was to figure out what the material was.
Jenna was the one to find me in my room. I was startled to see that it was dark out. "Hey Jacq, you not going out with Josh? Elena and Jeremy are at the Grill and Caroline called, you are not answering your phone." I took out my bag and saw that my phone was off. "Oh, the battery died. No, I am staying in, got a lot of homework." Surprised at my answer my aunt looked at me. "Jacq, you know you can talk to me? You hardly speak or eat; you know you cannot go on like that." I picked up a pile of books and moved it to the table, and then patted the bed. "Aunt Jenna, you are right, today I realized that I am not the same girl that I was before -- before the accident, and I don't want to be. So things need to change, I am catching up on my schoolwork, and homework. Apparently, I have never even done my own homework or taken notes. According to a girl at school, I force someone to do it for me."
Aunt Jenna looked at me startled. "What?" "I know it is terrible." "No I mean, you said according to someone at school. That indicates that you don't remember . . . " She looked at me, now and I felt like she was trying to look through me. Oh Shit. "I -- I mean --" "No no no no, no more lying. Jacqueline Jenna Gilbert do you remember anything before the accident?" Shit shit shit shit shit. I looked down at my hands. "No I don't know anything, I pretended too, only to get out of the hospital, I did not want to be in the hospital anymore." Aunt Jenna hugged me and I only had to think about Steve to start crying on demand. Hoping that this moment with my Aunt would make everything changing with me more believable. Now I only need to convince my siblings. "You know I suspected something like this, the doctors said that it was a miracle that your brain was not affected. You were dead for 5 minutes or something. We should get you back to the doctors, Jacq --" "NO, No more doctors, I am fine, I just need some help with certain stuff." "Like what?" "Well some guy pulled me into the storage closet and started kissing me and feeling me up, I freaked out, he said he was my boyfriend --" Aunt Jenna started laughing. "Sorry I know it is not funny." I laughed with her. It probably was. "His name is Josh Fell and you two have been dating 5 or 6 months before the accident." I nodded my head thinking. "And my friend's names? I know Caroline and that is all?" "That must have been pretty bad for you today. What are you going to do about Josh?"
"I don't know, maybe give him a chance, but honestly the more I learn about my life before, the less I like the person I was, so I have no idea what type of person I was dating, I don't like my clothes. I am not crazy about my friends." "Identity crisis?" I nodded. "You done with your homework?" "Yes, just reading through the books and taking notes, trying to make sense of it." "Pack up, we are going to watch some bad sitcoms and eat some good ice cream." I grinned at her. "Go get the ice cream and the sitcoms ready, I will pack up and put on my PJs and then come down. Quickly washed all the crap from my face and looked for some sweatpants or T-shirts. There were only silky sexy nighties. Did she have anything against pants?? Giving up and opening the closed door hoping that my brother would not mind, I took out one of his sweatpants and a T-shirt and then put it on.
The rest of my evening was great, we ate ice cream and Aunt Jenna told me about parts of my life. I told her that I think I was a spoiled brat and could have done with hiding or 10. She just laughed at me and told me she liked the person I was now more than the person I have been. I agreed. I went to bed feeling lighter and then put my phone into the charger and looked through the closet for something to wear tomorrow to school. No pants, only dresses, and skirts. I did find a purple sweater dress with tights and black knee-high boots. I put my clothes out and then got into bed. Before turning off the lights I checked my phone. 12 messages from Josh. 10 Missed Calls from Caroline. 5 from a girl named Vivi. And 2 from Elena. Oops. Josh's messages just pissed me off and based on that I was going to break up with the ass. What kind of guy sends "If you don't put out I'll find someone who will."
Tuesday 8th September 2009
I jerked awake, it was 3 in the morning and the nightmares has started, the repeat of Voldemort's memories. Losing everyone. Losing Steve and Bucky, Nattie and Tony. Losing Steve was hard the first time, but having to relive it over and over again. Last night I took out some clothes for me to wear today, but I completely forgot about my trunk. Getting into it quickly I went to the closet and looked around at all the clothes I had there. I had clothes of each decade from the 40s right down to the 2050s. It felt like shopping, Grabbing a few things that would work well for me. I found a pair of sweats, trainers, and a tank top for working out in. It is time that I get this body into shape. I only worked out for half an hour and it felt like I was dying, practiced my magic the only thing that worked perfectly, and even though I had no magical stamina in my body, my mind was sharper than ever. One horrible thought kept repeating in my mind. There are vampires here, and I cannot protect myself properly.
I had to drag my weak-ass body back to the 6th compartment and then I took a warm bubble bath, used magic to braid my hair, and the only makeup spell I knew was the smokey eye, but I had to manually do the makeup-like Care did only lighter. I got dressed in my room and then checked the time. It was almost 6. Taking my bag downstairs I headed to the kitchen and checked the pantry. There was absolutely nothing in this kitchen worth eating and cooking. No wonder they were always in the Grill or getting takeaways. Well, I was planning on doing some serious shopping spending my money on more important things than my image today.
Quickly went into my trunk and got out a packet of pancake mix and bacon and eggs, the only things in the food stores, I guess I should stock that up too for future use I went outside to start making breakfast for my family. Things that you did not see in the show were that there was a basement in the house where the laundry was and a ton of crap that the Gilberts collected. There was a double garage, mom's car and my car were always in there, Elena and Jenna parked in front of the garage. Dad had tools, brand new since he was a doctor I did not know if he even knew how to use it. Breakfast and coffee were done and I quickly ate and washed my plates and the other things I used. I was just busy drying the pan when a frazzled Aunt Jenna ran in. Then froze. "Jacq? What? Did you make breakfast?" She looked at me shocked and looked around. The food was under warming charms and the table was set. I was standing with my coffee looking at her amused. "Yes, help yourself. Overslept?" "Huh oh yeah. I just woke Elena and Jeremy too, why didn't you wake us up, since you are already dressed and (looking at the washed plate) finished eating?" "Sorry Aunt Jen, but it is not that late, it's 7. Might wanna check your alarm clock's batteries. . ." She looked at the clock on the wall and heaved a sigh. At least she was dressed, her hair though could do with some work.
She sat down and gratefully accepted the coffee I poured her. "I honestly didn't know you even knew how to turn on the stove, never mind cook anything, this is delicious by the way." My aunt rambled eating the pancakes and bacon with gusto. Figures the princess wouldn't be caught dead in the kitchen. She honestly sounded so Malfoy, well sometimes it was cute. This is servant's stuff. "Oh." What was I supposed to say, your real niece died, and I took her place, or more like your real niece isn’t supposed to exist? At least I wasn't a baby again. I went upstairs to brush my teeth and decided to head out early so I could tour the school quickly and find all my classes and pack away the books that I was finished with, in my locker.
Yesterday I managed to rewrite all the notes I got from others, neatly in a notebook, I charmed a notebook for each of my subjects and made sure that it never runs out of paper. I found a box full of notes and was busy writing that by years in my final notebooks but it would take time. But this was the only way I could think to catch up on previous years of schoolwork and get ready for the exams. I was one of the first people at the school, I left before Elena and Jeremy could comment on my cooking skills or me being weird. Packing away some of my things in my locker I went to my first class and continued to write down my notes in the book while I waited for the rest of the class to come. A girl came right up to me and put some papers in front of me. She was a very meek type of girl and she left without a word. It was my homework. The homework she had done. Feeling really bad about it I packed it in my bag and then spotted the notes for yesterday too, the classes I missed as well, now that would be useful.
She sat right in front of the class, I promised myself I was going to do something nice for her. I continued to write for 10 more minutes before everyone started coming in. The girl Vivi I think said Caroline was looking for me and she was pissed. Classes passed and Caroline caught up with me and gave me quite a tongue-lashing for ignoring her calls. I told her my phone died and I did not feel well. I did not see my sister or brother the whole day, we only had History together. Elena looked at me concerned and dragged me to sit next to her. "Are you ok? Aunt Jenna told us about . . ." "Great Lena, time for me to get over it and move on." "I can't believe you can cook?!" I just laughed and took out my notebook and book and waited for Tanner to come.
Tanner: "The Battle of Willow Creek took place right at the end of the war in our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted in this battle? Ms. Bennett?" Bonnie: "Um...a lot? I'm not sure. Like a whole lot." Tanner: "Cute becomes dumb in an instant, Ms. Bennett. Mr. Donovan? Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome your embedded jock stereotype?" Matt: "It's okay, Mr. Tanner, I'm cool with it." Tanner: " Hmm. Elena? Surely you can enlighten us about one of the town's most significant historical events?" Elena: "I'm sorry, I--I don't know." Tanner: "I know I am going to regret this but, Jacqueline how about you? Any snarky comments, you were doing your nails and couldn't work out how to open the book without smudging it?" Jacq: "346 casualties and local civilians." Shocked silence followed. Everyone looked at me open-mouthed. Tanner gaped at me for a second before he said: "That's correct, but there were no civilian casualties in this battle." I looked at him frowning. I was sure I read about the civilians, as well as remembering the things Stefan said 27 I think??. Stefan: "Actually there were 27, sir. Confederate soldiers, fired on the church, believing it to be housing weapons. They were wrong." Tanner: "And how do you know this Mr . . .?" Stefan: "Salvatore." Tanner: "Salvatore. Any relation to the original settlers here at Mystic Falls?" Stefan: "Distant. And I read it in the Founder's archive, it is uh stored in the civil hall if you'd like to brush up on your facts, Mr. Tanner." Mr. Tanner did not like being told, but he was a dick.
I was told that I have to be at the party tonight or else, kind of pissed off at being told what to do, but Caroline was insistent. As soon as school was over I drove off, declining a meeting at the Grill after school saying I had things to do. I drove to the Mystic Mall and then my first stop was the bank. I got a bank statement for the last 6 months on my account. Then sat down at a cafe, ordered lunch and coffee, and looked at it. There was major shopping going on in April and May. A credit card bill of almost $20 000 in the red was paid by Uncle John in July. There was an amount of $250 000 paid into my account, the description was only --Trust fund. That was probably also done by Uncle John. And the payment of $2000 a-month allowance. I never liked the man in the show, but this was really nice. Did Jeremy and Elena get this too? Is that how Jeremy could afford his Pott? Putting the statements into my bag, I paid for my meal and then started hitting the shops.
My first stop was clothes. I bought several pairs of jeans and nice tops and jackets. Sweatpants and exercise clothes and a new pair of trainers. A nice writing set and pens for the girl that kept doing my homework and a box of chocolates and flowers. I bought groceries for the house. And then I went home, I still had 2 hours to get ready. I needed to do my homework too. I honestly could not believe that there would be a party on a Thursday, wouldn't it be better to hold it tomorrow? I unpacked the groceries and then went upstairs to put my new purchases away. Quickly putting on some of my new jeans and boots, along with a top, and setting my leather jacket aside, I braided my hair and then did the smokey eye spell, taking only 10 minutes to get ready. Then I sat down to do my homework. Luckily it wasn't much.
I checked my messages and ignored several from Josh and looked at the one from Care. "You better get your ass at the party right this second." Another problem I had was I had no clue where the party was and I asked a laughing Aunt Jenna who agreed to drop me off. Elena and Jeremy were already there. I looked around it was getting darker and then I saw Stefan looking at Elena, it seemed like he was eavesdropping on the conversation. I made my way over to hear Bonnie say. "He has that romance novel stare." "Jacki, you made it, how are you feeling?" Elena asked me. "I am great Elena, you can stop asking me." "Well, you are wearing jeans and cooking and actually doing your own homework. Plus you are willingly talking to me and Bonnie. As long as you are freaking me out with your new behavior and habits, I am going to ask you how you are feeling." I laughed at her. "Wow, I really sound like a bitch. Was I a bitch Bonnie?" Bonnie: "What -- uh no --" "It is ok, I know I was. Some girl keeps bringing me notes and homework, I don't even know her name. I don't know my own boyfriend, who in my opinion is a jackass and the only friend I know is Caroline." Bonnie: "Are you serious? You don't know Josh? Elena told me but . . I did not want to believe it I thought --" She cut off her sentence, looking uncomfortable. "That I was making it up for attention?!" I grinned at her. "Nope, I wish I was freaking out yesterday when some random guy dragged me in the supply and started making out. Stefan Salvatore saved me." They laughed and then Bonnie said: "So where is he?" Elena: "I don't know. You tell me, you're the psychic one." Bonnie: "Right, I forgot. Okay, so give me a sec. Grams says I have to concentrate." Elena: "Wait, you need a crystal ball."
Elena gave Bonnie her beer bottle and when Bonnie touched it she gasped and then pulled her hand back. I looked at her curiously. Elena: "What?" Bonnie: "That was weird. When I touched you, I saw a crow." Elena: "What?" Elena looked a little freaked out. Bonnie: "A crow. There was fog, a man. I'm drunk. It's the drinking. There's nothing psychic about it. Yeah? Ok, I'm gonna get a refill." Jacki: "Wait for me, I want a drink too." I joined Bonnie and asked her to subtly introduce me to people, I did not want them to know I was a headcase.
When we got there, a very drunk couple of guys were standing there one of them had his arm around a girl. Bonnie looked at me for any reaction. But found none from me. I picked up a beer from the barrel of ice and then opened it to take a swig. "That seriously doesn't bother you?" Bonnie whispered in my ear." "What?" I looked in the direction that Bonnie was looking. "Should it?" "That's Josh Fell." Oh right, that is my boyfriend. "Forgot what he looked like," I said embarrassed. Bonnie was giving me the are you serious look. "It was dark and I freaked out." Josh saw me looking at him and quickly ripped his arm from the girl. Trying to look innocent. "Jacq where the hell have you been? I have been texting you all day yesterday. Never mind you came." "Yeah and now I am leaving, you seemed to be absolutely fine with finding someone who puts out just fine." I nodded in the girl's direction. "Oh, Sarah and I are just friends. You know I love you, babe." He tried. The girl Sarah was looking a little too upset for it to be true.
"Well, you can go back to your "friend" because I am not your babe or your anything for that matter." He grabbed my hand and then pulled me into the woods too. Swung me around and against the tree to pin me there. "Are you seriously breaking up with me?" "Yes." "Well, I don't accept. It was a dick move that message but I was just frustrated." He started kissing me up my neck. "I said no. We are done." He started getting rough with me and I kneed him in the jewels and then pushed him over. I walked away pissed off, not sure which direction to go. I was never good at direction. Steve thought it was cute. Right at this second, I did not think it was cute at all. And then I started hearing noises. Freaking out a bit, because I knew that Evil Damon is around looking for a meal I started running and kept looking over my shoulder until I ran right into Tyler Lockwood.
The force that I hit him with, added to the fact that he was drunk and I was running, made him land on his back on the forest floor. Me on top of him. Tyler: "Jacq?!?" His confusion was quickly replaced by a smirk. And his arms snaked around me. "Well well well quite the predicament you seemed to be finding yourself in Gilbert. I for one don't mind you laying on me at all. In fact, I can think of quite a few things we could be doing right about now." I let out a laugh in relief for not being lost for one, and knowing that Tyler was not really a duce, it was just his coping mechanism. "If I wasn't so relieved that you found me, I would be kicking your ass, Lockwood. Get me out of this creepy-ass forest, and then let me take you home." "I like the way you think Gilbert." Grinning and I could guess where his thoughts were heading.
He stumbled out of the forest, and I told Caroline, I wanted to take Tyler home, he was drunk and in no position to drive. She just looked at me with an eyebrow up. "Just leave him, he is a dick." "Sorry Care." I hugged her and dragged Tyler to his car. Stealing his car keys. He had to give me directions to his house, just rolling his eyes when I told him everything looked different in the dark. Lame excuse but yeah. The fresh air seemed to be affecting Tyler in the worst way and he did start kissing me against the car when I tried to help him out. It was the full moon tonight and it seemed to be affecting him in all kinds of ways. I did kiss him back a bit, way nicer than kissing Josh. And then dragged him into his house. Mrs. Lockwood was in her robe coming from the kitchen with a glass of water. "Jacqueline! Tyler!?" "Sorry Mrs. Lockwood, I did not think he should be driving home on his own tonight." Tyler did not even mind kissing me on my neck while standing in front of his mother, I was mortified. "Tyler helped me out of the woods and I told him that I would take him home, but I think he thought --" I was so embarrassed. A brief flicker of amusement crossed her face. "Thank you, Jacqueline. Tyler! TYLER! Go to bed. She dragged him up a bit and he stomped off. "Would it be ok if I take Tyler's car and then pick him up tomorrow for school?" She thanked me and I left in Tyler's car.
It was just after 10 when I arrived home, to hear about the attack in the woods. I was damn glad I was not Damon's target, I have spent enough time in the hospital. I preferred to be the doctor and not the patient. I made sure my homework was done and bag packed and then I went to bed.