[*Chapter Thirty-Two*]

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A/N Because you've all been so patient, here's a little present ♥️

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Just as Darcy and Stefan exited the park, her phone chimed. She paused, sliding the buzzing device out of her pocket.

Brat Bag: 👩🏻 😭

Meet me at the Grill ASAP!

Darcy cheered, shooting her arm in the air. "Change of plans. It looks like you're gonna have to handle Damon and the orgy on your own, Steffy."

Stefan groaned, throwing his head back. "You're really going to leave me to suffer in Damon's misery binge?"

Stuffing her phone back into her jacket, she shot him a smirk. "Yep. Rather you than me, buddy!"

"That's just cruel," he said but still unable to hide his grin. "Want a lift?" He added, adjusting his stance, so his back was facing Darcy's front.

The huntress snorted, shaking her head. "Yeah, no. Not after the near two deaths."

"Oh. Come on! They were not that bad. You are still alive and standing," Stefan scoffed, his green eyes glowing with amusement.

Walking backwards, Darcy shrugged her leather-clad shoulder, "Who knows, maybe I will take up the offer next time?"

She spun on her boot heels as Stefan's voice filtered behind. "Who said there would be the next time?"

"There always is," she shot back as she looked left and right before crossing the street once no oncoming traffic was nearby.

Approaching the Grill, Darcy's thoughts went back to her text, wandering why she's needed so urgently. Knowing her dear sister, they were about to go on another suicide mission. Elena never knew what the meaning of patience meant and often landing with them in a mess, mainly Darcy. She let out a shriek when a car blasted its horn at her side. She was so lost in her head that she did not hear the engine rumbling at the path's edge.

"Holy fucking shit!" she cursed, holding her chest. Elena's mirthful eyes met hers through the open window. "Seriously! Is it try to kill Darcy day?" she moaned, slipping into the car.

Elena pushed the car into drive and pulled away from the pavement. "Of course not. How could anyone live without Darcy in their lives?"

"Ha-ha, very funny. Take the piss all you want, but one day when I'm gone, you'll miss my awesome presence," she flipped her long tresses over her shoulder with a red-lipped grin.

"Nope, not gonna happen. I forbid it!" Elena giggled.

"Okay, playtime over, let's get this over with. Where's the suicide mission stationed this time?" Darcy questioned, penetrating Elena's side profile.

The Gilbert girl gripped the steering wheel and released a troubled sigh. "We're gonna see Trudie."

Darcy exhaled, leaning on the headrest. "Are you sure you want to do this?" She watched as Elena's face screwed up in perplexity, "what's with the look?"

Elena shook her head. "Nothing. I thought you would refuse. And why you're not saying anything about informing Stefan?"

Darcy looked at her as if the idea were stupid. "Why would I tell Mr Broody pants? He would only stop us or want to tag along."

Elena shrugged, unsure how to express her concerns about her sister's strange relationship with her boyfriend. Not that she had an issue with their friendship because she knew they were just friends. But her inner self cannot help but feel jealous.

Not much longer, they found themselves standing outside of Trudie Peterson's house. A small cosy home, with a blue painted door. Darcy felt a chill sweep down her spine and wrapped her jacket around her frame. Her gaze flickered over their surroundings, searching for hidden dangers as if something would jump out at them.

"Would you stop? You're making me nervous."

"Well, sorry, my death expiration date isn't due anytime soon," she snarked and then her features flattened. "Are you sure you want to do this?" she repeated.

Elena sucked in a breath. "Yeah, I need to know more about Isobel."

Darcy hid her wince, feeling immensely ashamed for keeping things away from her sister. She is not big on hiding secrets, even if it's for their own good. Yet, that is precisely what she's doing.

Stupid vampires.

"Okay, let's do this," Darcy said, stepping forward and knocking on the door. She stood back and gripped Elena's sweaty palm, her thumb rubbing in soothing circles. Elena gave a shaky smile just as the door opened by a smiling blonde-haired woman.

"Trudie Peterson?" Elena questioned.

The woman nodded, her eyes flitting between the teenage girls. "Yes."

Darcy smiled and gestured to herself. "I'm Darcy Gilbert," she pointed to the shy brunette beside her, "and this is my sister, Elena."

"I was wondering if we could talk to you about Isobel Flemming?" Elena asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

A fake smile appeared on Trudie's face as she gazed at Elena. "Well, I haven't heard that name in years. How do you know her?"

Elena glanced at Darcy, searching for reassurance. The hunter nodded and gave her hand another squeeze. She turned back to the woman. "Do you know if she had a baby that she gave up for adoption?" she asked.

Trudie gripped the door handle, staring at the brunette in shock. "My God! You are her daughter." She peered at Darcy, her forehead creasing, "Did you say, sisters? You don't look alike. Oh, sorry, that was insensitive of me,"

Bitch.

"Don't be. It happens all the time, " she chuckled falsely as Trudie opened the door.

"I was just going to make some tea. Would you like some?"

Darcy glanced over at Elena, arching her brow, wanting to know if they should continue or call it quits. Elena nodded, smiling at the blonde. "I'd like that. Thanks."

Trudie indicated behind her as she veered from the door. "The kitchen is this way," she strode further into her home. The girls shadowed her movements, following in her wake as she led them to a neat dining room and gestured at the round oak table. They did so, shredding their jackets and taking a seat.

"I hope you don't mind that we just showed up on your doorstep," Darcy spoke up, laying her clasped hand on the table. "We've been looking into Isobel, and then we discovered you."

The blonde sat down and shook her head. "It's no problem, just a surprise, though. I haven't thought about Isobel in years."

Elena sat forward, intrigued to find out more. "When was the last time you saw her?" she inquired.

Darcy shot her a discreet wink, proud she was taking control of the situation. She knew Elena was capable, but at times her sister could be shy and withdraw within herself, preferring Darcy to take the lead.

Trudie gazed into the distance, seemingly contemplating her answer. "About seventeen years ago, when she left to have you. We kept in touch for a while, but you know, people drift apart."

"Do you know where she went?" Elena questioned curiously.

"She was in Florida for a while. She was on her own. I know it wasn't easy."

Darcy narrowed her gaze, drilling the side of Trudie's face. Something was off here; her answers seemed like they were pre-planned or on record. She nudged Elena's leg, gaining her attention, causing her to straighten her relaxed stature. Darcy subtly indicated to Trudie and shook her head once. That way, Elena knew they needed to be on alert.

"Do you have any idea who my father is?" Elena asked.

Trudie sighed sympathetically. "I could never get her to fess up," she paused, turning to Darcy, and leant back in her seat when the girl was already focused on her intensely, "anyway, she finally pulled it together and got into college on a scholarship."

"Where did she go?" Darcy seeped in, her mind still whirling.

Trudie shrugged. "Somewhere in North Carolina... Duke, I think. Smart girl, smart school."

A sudden noise clattered in the kitchen, and Trudie shot up with an anxious grin. "Let me just grab that," she said and dashed out of the room before the girls could probe anymore.

Darcy followed her movements, keeping her stare locked on the door to the kitchen. "I don't trust her, Elena. She knew we were coming. Her answers seem far too robotic and precise."

Elena sighed and slumped back in the chair. "Darcy, stop being paranoid. Not everything, and everyone is out to get us."

Darcy snorted. "Yeah, we'll see when this backfires. I'm saying she knows far more than she leads on," she reiterated Elena's reclined position and folded her arms. Her gaze never once leaving the door.

A few moments later, she appeared back into the dining room, in addition to a tray adorning three teacups and a slim black book. Once at the table, she placed the contents down and reclaimed her seat. Picking up the book, she opened the cover and stopped at a specific page before sliding it over to Elena. Darcy leant over and peered at the book; her eyes widened, realising it was a picture that Jenna had showed them this morning.

"They came to the games for us," Trudie remembered while placing a finger on the photo of herself and Isobel dressed in cheerleading outfits, "the football team hadn't won in years. We were the stars... Well, Izzy was. But I was a damn good backup."

Darcy reached over and ruffled Elena's hair with a smirk. "Ahh, like mother, like daughter. Elena cheers too. Well, used to."

Elena smiled shyly, turning to Trudie for an explanation. "I used to cheer at our school," she glanced back to the picture, the smile not leaving her face, "this is great. Thank you."

Trudie smiled in return. "You're welcome," then glanced over at Darcy's drink and stated, "you haven't touched your tea."

Because I don't trust you. You sneaky bitch.

"Oh, sorry, I was getting lost in the story," she said sheepishly and picked up the mug. She discreetly inhaled; her gaze met Trudie's as she took a tiny sip and placed it down back on the table. "Mmm, tasty. What is this?"

Elena looked at her confused, wondering why she was questioning the tea. She picked up her own and inhaled. Her eyes widened; how did she not notice the familiar aroma?

"Vervain?" Elena questioned Trudie.

"Mmm," Darcy agreed. "Told you, I didn't trust her," she turned to the woman and leant forward, her stare sharpening. "So, you going to tell us how you know or what you know, huh?"

Trudie's posture turned rigid. "Know what?" she played cluelessly.

Darcy pushed back her seat, prepared to leap up at the woman's bogus act. "Oh, come on! You didn't invite us in, and you're serving us tea, laced with vervain. I may be young, but I'm not dumb," she scoffed.

Trudie swallowed visibly and stood up. "I think you guys should probably leave."

Darcy followed and advanced around the table, getting into her face. "What are you hiding? What do you know? Tell us!" It was apparent she knew about vampires, and her serving the vervained tea only added up the pieces. So, why was she hell-bent on refusing to deny them answers?

Trudie panicked and pushed her back, causing Elena to jump up and catch Darcy before she fell. "Please leave. Now!"

Darcy went to leap forward, only for Elena to restrain and whisper soothing words in her ear. "Shh, Darcy. It's okay. Come on, let's go."

The hunter froze and slowly exhaled. "Fine. We'll go," never once did she remove her gaze away from the petrified woman. She feared what and who? Because that fear leaking from her pores was far too stenchy. Turning, she strode out of the home, snatching the keys out of Elena's hands. Jamming the button on the remote, she was about to open the door when Elena's alarmed voice caught her attention.

"Darcy!" her head shot up. She turned to see a man standing in the middle of the road, his intense stare locked on them.

Wrenching the door open. "Get in the car!" Darcy commanded, then sighed. "Fuck this!" she muttered and shoved Elena inside the vehicle before jumping in after her.

"What the hell?!" Elena yelled as the Protectress hightailed them out of there, all along shouting out curses. 'Fucking bitch sold us! She's lucky I didn't kill her! Ugh, why, Elena?! Why did we have to come?'

Elena let her stew the remaining of their journey back to Mystic Falls, and thankfully her anger simmered by the time they arrived home.

💜🖤💜

Later that night, Darcy arrived at the Grill for the Mystic Falls Most Eligible Bachelors. A large grin appeared on her red-glossed lips as she saw the two recent blonde-haired lovebirds. Eyeing the crowd with disdain. Walking over, she threw her arms over their shoulders, "Well, if it isn't my two favourite blondes!"

On cue, they whirled around, grins plastered upon their faces. "Darcy!" they yelled happily. Caroline wrapped her into a tight hug and inhaled the familiar fragrance of her best friend, sweet like candy.

"I missed you, Darce," the blonde mumbled into her shoulder.

The hunter returned the embrace, wiggling her brows at Matt over Caroline's shoulder. "I missed you too, Care," pulling away, she smirked at the pair, "so, how many people have hit on Matty yet?"

Caroline whined and rolled her eyes whilst Matt blushed scarlet. "He's a total cougar bait."

Darcy whistled, nodding her head in approval. "Who can blame them? Matty is a total hottie!"

Caroline burst into a fit of giggles, clapping her hands in agreement. "Yesss!"

Matt shoved Darcy's shoulder playfully and rolled his baby blues. "Yeah, right. It's embarrassing."

"Embrace it! Embrace the hotness, Matty!" Darcy sang, wrapping him in her arms.

Elena appeared next to them. "I think it's quite impressive," she chuckled as they jumped at her sudden appearance. Darcy went to open her mouth but stopped and groaned at the woman standing beside her sister. She moved towards Matt and grabbed his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

"Hi, Mrs. Donovan," Caroline greeted the older woman cheerfully.

Kelly stared at the blonde with disdain before disregarding Darcy and smiling brightly at her son's ex-girlfriend, "Elena, honey."

"Hi, Kelly," Elena smiled in return.

Kelly then looked to her sister and shot her a fake smile. "And of course, Darcy."

Darcy glared at the woman, not all pleased with how she thinks it is entirely normal to abandon her children, run off with hook-ups, and then think she will be happily accepted when she does return home. Only this time, she is unaware that one of her children is dead.

"Right, the same old brush off," Kelly scoffed, folding her arms. Feeling bored, she turns back to Elena. "Oh, Matty tells me you broke his heart."

"Uh," Elena mumbled, shuffling uncomfortably.

"Mum!" Matt protested, scowling at his mother.

Kelly batted her hands. "Just kidding. Calm down," she switched to Caroline, "he's found his rebound girl," looking at her with disgust before her features lightened up and shoved her hand in her purse before pulling out some cash and slapping them into Care's hands. "Here you go, sweetheart, however many that'll buy," she said sweetly.

Darcy dropped Matt's hand and stepped into Kelly's space. "No. You don't get to come in here and talk down to Caroline, when quite frankly, you don't deserve it. Caroline's a lovely girl, and I'm not going to stand here and let you disrespect her like that."

Kelly stared down at the girl in silence for a few seconds before nodding and wisely keeping her mouth shut. She may not show it, but she has always admired the fire and fierce devotion that submerges the girl and maybe a little envious.

Darcy stepped back, then turned to Matty and flashed him an apologetic smile. He returned the gesture with a reassuring shake of his head. He knew Darcy and her dislike for disrespect, and he's proud to call her his best friend. Darcy was extraordinary.

Turning to Elena, she told her she would find Jenna, and she would catch up with her later. When in fact, she just needed some time to herself and for once have no drama. She ambled her way through the mounting crowds and sat down on a high stool at the bar. After buying ice and coke, Darcy gazed roamed around the premises, observing the horny women and families who had come to watch which bachelors would be carted off with desperate woman, just for one date. She does not know how some people could willingly get with someone or offer a piece of themselves without really knowing them. Instead, she would discover all their layers and love them wholly before dedicating her mind, body, and soul to another, and vice versa.

She sighed and played with the straw, absently in a world of her own. A dull throb meandered its way into the back of her head. Ever since the trip to Georgia, the dreams and headaches have become frequent; she does not want to tell the others and cause unnecessary worry when she isn't sure what they are. She would rather keep them to herself before she learns more and hopefully works them out for herself, without her family and others digging into the murky waters.

"Aren't you too young to be drinking?" she looked over to see Alaric sitting further down the bar, looking for once decent and put together in a shirt and tie.

"Even if it's a coke?" she said with a grin, spinning the now empty glass.

He nodded, seeing her point, and looked at her with a thoughtful look.

"If you think any harder, your head will pop off."

Ric rolled his eyes and moved closer. "I was just thinking, what do you think about all of this? You know you're kinda in the middle of it all."

She sighed, her gaze dropping to the bar. "Yeah, I never saw myself in this position. I mean, I got trained all my life just to kill vampires, and here I am, buddying up with them. Not that I'm slagging Elena off, but if she didn't get involved with Stefan, then my thought process would be different," she shrugged, spinning on the stool, her stare fixed on his.

"You know, once you get to know them, they aren't that bad. Yeah. Damon can be a dick, but under that surface, there's still a caring nature; you just must dig deep enough to find it. Stefan, he's different; he despises who he is. He hates anything about his vampire side, again dig deeper he's still a teenage boy with hormones and feelings. Give them a break, yeah?"

Alaric scoffed incredulously. "After what Damon did? I don't think so."

Darcy leaned closer, staring deep into his soul. "But how do you know he killed her? Where's the evidence?"

"He took her. That's enough evidence."

"Yeah, he took her, but did he make a meal out of her?"

Alaric stood lost for words. He just kept on gaping at her while the clogs were spinning. He shook his head, not wanting to go down that path. "I don't know."

"All I'm saying is think. Think hard about the possibilities."

Again, he had no words. Speechless that a teenager is giving him a lecture when he's the teacher.

"Also, you might want to talk to Jenna. She's not a lover of secrets."

"I don't want to hurt her."

"And you will if you lie to her. That's one thing I won't allow. You break her. I break you." Darcy said nonchalantly.

Alaric swallowed past the lump in his throat because he knew she would hold onto that promise. "I'll talk to her. You know what? You're a good person, Darcy. At first, I thought you were a typical hot-headed teen. But now I see you're far more mature than that. You have a good head on your shoulders, don't let it go to waste."

"What can I say? I'm full of surprises," she shrugged with a grin playing on her red lips.

"Bourbon. Rocks," another voice joined them.

They turned and groaned simultaneously, seeing Damon sliding onto a stool next to the huntress.

"I can't get rid of you, can I?" she said sarcastically.

"Nope," he winked, then spun to Alaric. "Behold the teacher. Don't you have some papers to grade?"

"It's, uh, more fun with a buzz," Alaric said sheepishly with a shrug.

Damon shrugged. "Well, most things in life are. Sober is depressing."

Alaric scoffed. "You don't strike me as somebody who gets depressed."

Darcy ordered another coke and sat back, sipping her drink, watching the drama unfold.

"You say that like you know me," Damon said as the bartender placed his drink on the bar. He nodded and picked it up, taking a large gulp.

"Nope," Darcy peered up at Alaric, watching as he pinned his gaze on the vampire. "Just a hunch."

Damon looked at him and then at Darcy, puzzled. She returned with a shake of her head.

"You have a good afternoon," Alaric said, patting Darcy on the shoulder and strode away.

"There's something off about that guy," Damon grumbled, watching as Alaric strode through the now busy crowd.

"I told you that, but you were like, it's all in your head, Princess."

"I take It back. There's something fishy about him, and I'm going to find out what."

"Do you think that's wise? Poking the bear?"

Damon looked at her oddly. "Who are you, and what have you done with Princess?"

She chuckled, shaking her head, and leant on her elbow, holding her chin. "I'm still here. You going after Alaric has a bad idea written all over it."

He opened his mouth to retort but closed it as Liz approached and sat down next to him. "Daytime drinking, huh?"

"It's all the rage," he said, sipping his drink.

Liz looked to Darcy. "How are you, Darcy? I've not seen you around lately."

"I'm good, Liz. You know me always bouncing around," she chirped and stood up. "I'll see you later, Damon," she cut across the room and parked her jean-clad bottom in the seat next to Jenna and then burst into cackles. "No way! Who roped in Mr Saltzman to play bachelor?"

Elena and Jenna shushed her. "Be quiet!" they hissed, hiding their faces from nosey parkers.

"And who do you think?" Jenna added sarcastically.

The Protectress chuckled. "Of course. Good ole Carol. This is gonna be fun."

Carol walked away from guy number three. "Moving on, number four, Alaric Saltzman. Wow. That's quite a mouthful. What do you do, Alaric?" she asked, appraising his fidgeting form with flirtatious eyes.

"She looks like she could eat him alive for dinner," Darcy snorted, leaning on the varnished booth.

"I'm a teacher at Mystic Falls High."

Carol hums, turning to the crowd, "Oh, beauty and brains, ladies. This one's a keeper," twisting back to Ric. "What do you teach?"

Alaric coughs, scratching at his neck. His eyes sweep across the mob of lusting women and meet Darcy's grin and mocking wave. "I, uh, history."

Elena slaps her hand down. "Can't you be normal for once?"

Jenna coughs into her elbow to hide her snicker, earning a shove in the side from the ebony head.

"Now, where's the fun in that? Besides, normal is overrated."

Carol barely manages to cover her displeasure. "History. Oh, well, give us a fun fact about Mystic Falls. Something crazy."

"Uh, well..." Alaric stammers, rubbing his earlobe.

Noticing his discomfort, Carol steps aside. "He's probably saving the best stories for his date. And finally, Damon Salvatore!" She called as she made her way over to the annoying leach. "We don't have much on you."

"Well, I'm tough to fit on a card," Damon stated arrogantly as he beamed at Carol.

"Of course, we can't we go nowhere without a cougar throwing themselves at him," Darcy groaned, throwing her hands up.

Jenna leant closer to Elena, whispering loudly in her ear, "I don't know about you, but that sounds like jealousy to me."

Elena giggled and shook her head in agreement. Darcy ignored them, her gaze pinned on the stage.

"Do you have any hobbies? Like to travel?" Carol asked.

Damon hummed, nodding his head from side to side. "Oh, yeah. LA. New York. A couple of years ago, I was in North Carolina, near the Duke Campus, actually," he fastened his stare on Alaric standing further down the stage. " I think Alaric went to school there. Didn't you, Ric? Yeah, yeah! Cause your wife did."

'Fool.' Darcy scooted to the edge of the booth, ready to get up and punch him in the balls.

"I had a drink with her once. Mmm, she was a great girl. I ever tell you that. Cause she was delicious.'"

'Shit,' Darcy thought, snapping her head over to Elena, and cursed again, seeing Elena's stunned state.

Jenna witnessed the same and questioned with worry. "Are you okay?"

"I just... need some air," Elena whispered, jumping up and running out of the Grill.

"I'll go after her. Jen," Darcy assured, patting her shoulder and dashing after Elena.

Why can't one day have no dramatics? Is it too much to ask for?

"Elena!" she yells as she barrels through the doors.

Elena whipped around, eyes blazing with betrayal. "He killed her! Damon was the vampire that killed her?" she demanded, glancing over the hunter's shoulder. Darcy turned, seeing Stefan exiting the Grill with a remorseful expression. She sighed, meeting his contrite glance.

"Did you know?" Elena grabbed onto her arm and jerked her around, "Did you know even after coming with me to see Trudie, huh?" she paused, observing as her sisters face clouded with guilt, and stood back, dropping her arm in shock. "How could you?" she whispered.

"I'm sorry, Elena...." Darcy trailed off, feeling Stefan's presence burning through her back. She sighed as his hand lay on her shoulder and squeezed to tell her he's got this.

"We don't know what happened. Alaric said that they never found the body," Stefan said alas.

Darcy's stomach dropped, watching as Elena's features drained of colour. "Oh, my, God, Stefan!" she let out a choked murmur.

"Elena, I'm sorry. We wanted to know more before we were certain," Darcy said, unable to stand the broken expression. She stepped forward, wrapping Elena in her arms, and pulled her into the comfort of her chest. "I'm so sorry," she whispered, tightening her grip around Elena's rigid form.

Elena wanted to push away and yell and shout, but she knew they were logical. She exhaled, allowing defeat, burrowing her head into the crook of Darcy's neck.

Stefan hovered behind, anxiously observing the girls. "Damon doesn't know about the connection to you. I thought about confronting him, but he's already on edge," he said, gazing at his feet.

Darcy pulled away and turned around. She peered up at the vampire with a wave of her head. "Stefan, he's already worked the connection between Alaric and Isobel. You do know he'll kill him, right? Now he's figured out the reason why Alaric came to Mystic Falls."

Stefan nodded solemnly, stuffing his hands into his pants pockets. "I knew this would tip him over, but I can't run the risk, Darce."

Elena piped up. "Why are you protecting him?" she demanded incredulously, stepping away from Stefan's outstretched hands.

He halted, looking between the sisters, and sighed tiredly. "Because you're not the only one hoping that he might change," he paused, feeling pressure on his wrist, glancing down, his gaze locked on the ruby-glossed nails, traced up the leather-clad arm, and into the pitied oceanic sights. Her voice floated through his ears like a soothing melody.

"It's okay wanting your brother to change, Stef. But you need to allow him to make the first move. Give him time. He just found out the girl he loved had deceived him for 145 years. That will rock anyone's world."

Stefan fought to resist the smile decorating his plump lips and squeezes her clasped hand in gratitude before deflecting his forbidden emotions.

"That man," Elena spoke up a whisper.

Darcy spun around, her eyes enlarging upon noticing the man standing in the road. The same man from earlier in the day. "He was outside Trudie's house," she added, her mind whirling at the possibilities. Was he following them? How long had he been standing there? A cold shiver swept down her spine at his robust and intense stare.

Stefan moved into action, wrapping his arms around the girls and steering them in the direction of the Grill. "Get inside. Come on," he ushered, opening the door.

Darcy grasped onto Elena's forearm and pulled them through the bustling crowd, hoping to get back to Jenna, but their plans halted when she bumped into someone's firm chest. She glanced up and opened her mouth to apologise, then froze, seeing who it was. Being the rational person, Darcy was she brought up her sharp booted heel and stomped it down on his foot.

"Ahh! What the hell?" Damon groaned, hobbling on one foot. "Why would you do that?" he gritted, eyes flashing with pain and annoyance.

"You know very well what that was for! Well, I hope you had a grand time rubbing it in Alaric's face. "she said with a sarcastic flair and crossing her arms with a stare that penetrated beneath one's skin.

Damon straightened his hunched form with a frown, "What?" he asked, bewildered.

"Did you enjoy that? Rubbing it into Alaric Saltzman?" Elena ground out, eyes wet with unshed tears.

Darcy groaned, shaking her head, loose strands sweeping her flushed cheeks. "I thought we could be good friends, you know, Damon. I was ready to put past your crap, but then this happens. That I can't let pass."

She really did want to be his friend. A true friend. One that stood by and supported them during their trying times. One that would be there with open arms when things went wrong. One that he could utterly trust. But this...This she does not think she could let go. Not with Elena. This is her sister's Birth Mother.

Damon froze, his gaze wide, mouth gaping before her words sunk in. He advances, hands outstretched. "What did I do?" he caught his brother over their shoulder, "am I missing something?"

Elena cut in, doe eyes burning in anger. "Did I forget to mention earlier when we were talking about my birth mother? The one that gave me up?" she questioned.

Damon hummed absently, his stare pinned on her sister, roaming over her features for any clues to what he had possibly done. He wouldn't admit it, but her loss of friend struck at his dead heart.

"Her name was Isobel," Elena continued. Damon's jaw ticked, the words travelling through his ears. "Go ahead. Reminisce about how you killed her," she gritted out, face tight with torment and then yanked onto Darcy's arm and dragged them outside, ignoring her protests to stop. Stefan's tone of voice echoed, travelling in the wind. But then Darcy came to an abrupt stop and pushed Elena into his arms. Her gaze fixated on the infuriating man standing in the street.

"I have a message for you," the man spoke, his gaze piercing Elena's shocked frame.

Darcy held up her arm, preventing her sister and strode forward. "What do you want? You've been following us. Why?" She questioned, her muscles taut, ready to protect them if needed.

"No, Darcy," Stefan and Elena protested, following her tracks. Stefan sped up as her boots met the tarmac. "Stop," he said, placing his hand on her shoulder and spun her around.

Her smouldering stare met his. She shook her head in refusal. "No, Stefan. I want to know what he wants," she stated, shrugging him off and whirling back around.

The man ignored her, keeping his deep stare locked on Elena. "Stop looking."

Elena moved to her sister's side and queried with a furrowed brow. "Stop looking for what?"

The man's gaze remained on the brunette. "She doesn't want to know you. She doesn't want to talk to you."

Darcy sped up her trot and was almost on him, but Stefan gripped around her waist and pulled her on the path, wrapping his arms around her waist, rooting her in place. "Do you mean Isobel? Is she alive?" when he turned his intense stare on her, she demanded. "Is she alive?!"

The man dodged her interrogation. "You need to stop looking. Do you understand?"

"She's alive?" Elena whispered, shocked. "Does that mean she's a..."

Stefan cut in with a shake of his head. "Elena, he's under compulsion."

"Do you understand?" The man repeated.

"Yes," Elena confirmed with a frown.

"Good," the man said. He glanced up the road before glancing at the trio, "I'm done now." He took a step back.

Darcy's eyes widened seeing the truck approaching; she shook off Stefan's grip, rushing over to the man. "No! Stop!" But it was too late. Stefan reclaimed his hold just as the truck struck him, causing his body to propel upwards before landing with a resounding splat. "Oh, God!" She gasped, covering her mouth and burying her face in Stefan's chest. Her subconscious assured all was fine when she could hear Elena repeating her words and knew she should check if her sister was ok, but call her selfish; she lost herself in Stefan's comforting scent of pine and old books and his soothing voice rolling over her being.

She pulled back, peering into his concerned gaze. "What the actual fuck just happened?" She asked, still unable to comprehend if all this was real. She turned her head and confirmed it was. The man's crumpled body lay in the middle of the street. Slipping out of the vampires hold, she watched as he made his way over to the man. Elena followed and then stopped after a few steps. Darcy's brow creased as she watched the brunette crouched in the road before picking up something and jogging back to her side. She continued to observe as Elena checked over her shoulder before revealing a phone and then stuffed it inside her jacket. Their eyes met; a silent decision made. They will find out if Isobel is alive.

"Come on. Let's get out of here," Stefan instructed, wrapping his arm around Elena. He turned to Darcy when she remained standing. "Are you not coming?" He asked, his forehead wrinkling.

Darcy shook her head. "No. You go ahead. I've got to meet someone," she switched her gaze to Elena. "Can I borrow your car?" She asked. Elene went to protest. "I promise to return her in one piece." She pleaded with a hand on her heart, her bottom lip jutting.

Elena sighed, digging into her bag. "Fine," she said, handing over her keys and groaned as Darcy wrapped her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Baby Sis! Love you!" she cheered, kissing her slobbery on the cheek, ignoring the groans of disgust. Pulling away, she said with a grin, "Oh, come on. Don't tell me you're too old for kisses now!"

"Ugh, you're an annoying pest."

"But you love this pest!"

"Nu-uh!"

"Uh-uh!"

"Aren't you supposed to meeting someone?" Stefan asked Darcy, fighting off his amused grin.

Darcy froze, her playful demeanour evaporating. She nodded, strolling away from the duo. "Yeah. I'm going," she declared, jumping into Elena's car.

-

How's it going?

Missed Darcy?

Two big reveals will be up shortly!! ♥️