❛ ACT II ❜
-ˋˏ chapter five ˎˊ-

GOING BACK TO HER NORMAL life felt a bit odd for Sofia. She didn't understand why because it's all she's wanted. The woman just can't deny how different she felt waking up in her bedroom after months of living in hotels. The house still held that empty feeling it did when she left. She hopes it will fade soon.

To help move this uncomfortable feeling along, Sofia drove to the Salvatore house to see what her best friend is up too. Like old times. This surely will make her feel like herself again.

She was so very wrong.

Sofia opens the door for herself after the third unresponsive knock and places her bag on the table by the door. She turns around after shutting it and stops in her tracks at the sight in the living room. Three girls were on a twister mat in various bending positions where there use to be coffee table standing and Stefan is sitting on the couch instructing them on where to step. Sofia didn't miss the blood on their necks, wrists, legs and the mat itself either.

She stood there awkwardly, not knowing what she just walked into.

"Uh oh, Alexandra! Left hand please." Stefan says after spinning the arrow on the board, looking up at the girls. A tall brunette stands from her position to walk over and sit next to the vampire, offering her wrist. Sofia watches with wide eyes as Stefan bit into it.

"Stefan no! What the hell?" She snaps, angrily walking into the living room. Stefan looks away from the human he was feeding from to Sofia, blood tricking down from the corner of his lips which turns up into a smirk at the sight of her.

His eyes look her figure over and Sofia is even more appalled. "Eyes up here, Curious George. I'm your girlfriend's sister. What do you think you're doing?" She eyes the girls who smile at her. They're clearly compelled.

"Would you like to join them?" He ignores her questions. "Or me?" He wags the girl's bleeding wrist in the air.

Stefan knew how Sofia feels about drinking from the vein. Why is he compelling these girls and feeding on them?

Sofia remembers what she discovered Klaus did to Stefan to make him hurt her sister last night. She rushes over to him and grabs his face with her one hand and bends down to inspect his eyes. His normally friendly stare is cold and dull as it meets hers.

"He compelled you to switch it off, didn't he?" She let's his face go with deep frown. This is bad. So very bad.

Damon told her weeks after her transition that their kind had the ability to turn it all off. Every emotion and all worries disappear with a simple switch of a vampire's humanity. They were able to get it back if they wanted it but in most cases, vampires go decades without their humanity. At the time, Sofia wanted to do it. To not feel the grief of her parents's deaths. She wanted it only for a second before snapping herself out of that thought chain and remembering she still had to get back to her family.

Stefan nods and reaches for the human girl's wrist, sinking his teeth into her flesh in front of Sofia. She backs away, annoyed. "Where is Klaus?" She demands an answer.

The man holds up a single finger at her as he continues to drink and doesn't even look at her. Sofia gaps at Stefan, not use to this side of him. She can handle his bloodlust, this past summer proved that, but that was when his switch was on. When Stefan was still himself. Sofia is clueless on what to do now that his humanity is off. This version of her friend was getting on her last nerve.

Speaking of getting on Sofia's last nerve, Damon enters the room and freezes at the sight of the angry Gilbert. They stare at each other for a moment and Damon was getting the feeling her anger was partly directed at him. He has a inkling on why but what was it again?

"Ohhh." Damon quickly lifts up his arm sleeve and winces at the black ink writing he wrote on his skin the previous night. "'Tell Sof about Stefan and if you forget don't let her in....' " He looks back up at her. "Did you knock..?"

Sofia shakes her head and glares at him with her hands on her hips. Stefan watches the two from behind, still feeding. "How could you forget to tell me your brother switched his humanity off Damon! That is an important piece of information!"

"I fell asleep!"

"You fell asleep?"

Damon groans, seriously regretting not telling his best friend about Stefan because she's yelling at him at seven in the morning. "Can we talk about this later? Stefan left two bleeding bodies on my favourite rug!"

"Oh boo who! Wait, what?" Sofia returns to the foyer and indeed sees two dead girls on the staircase and two dead on the carpet. How did she miss that?

There is a knock at the front door.

"Well it's too late now Sof, you're already inside."

"Shut up and get the door."

Not wanting to upset her more, the raven haired vampire does what she says. He opens the door and finds a blonde haired woman with bags on each arm and a suitcase behind her.

She eyes him before asking with a accent. "Where's Stefan?"

His face scrunches up. "Who the hell are you?"

Rebekah rolls her eyes and pushes past him to strut into the house. "He left me here. My brother actually left me here." She drops her bags dramatically.

Stefan blinks at her. "Oh, I'm sorry. Your tone implies that I'm actually supposed to care." He doesn't flinch at the harsh glare the woman gives him.

At the sound of a conversation, Sofia returns into the room after leaving to check if the girls were actually dead - they are unfortuntely. Her eyes widen at who is now in the house. "Rebekah? What are you doing here?" She asks frantically.

The last she rembers seeing Rebekah was last night when she left with her brother.

Rebekah's grumpy face lights up to see the Gilbert. "Sofie!" She hugs her friend who returns the gesture.

Over Rebekah's shoulder does Sofia see Damon do a double take at their interaction. She widens her eyes at him to shut up before Rebekah pulls away first.

"Nik actually left me here. He's gone. No goodbye or credit card - nothing!"

Sofia's face drops and she takes a small step backwards. "He's gone? He took everything? Even...?"

Rebekah quickly caught onto what Sofia was asking and feels so stupid for just telling her so bluntly. She frowns as well and starts to think of things to say to make her new friend feel better when Damon cut in between them.

"You're Klaus' sister?"

Rebekah scowls at his interuption. "Rebekah." She looks to the younger Salvatore. "Which one's my room?

Stefan gives a dry laugh. "You're not staying here."

Rebekah looks at Damon but he doesn't object, not like she really expected him too. Then she returns her attentiom to Sofia but the vampire was in her own world, staring at her fingers and twirling her daylight ring. Seeing it as the perfect opputunity to fix her mistake, Rebekah picks her bags up again before taking Sofia's hand in hers. She didn't miss the look Damon gives her too.

"Rude. Both of you. I'll see to it myself."

Sofia lets Rebekah guide her away from the horror scene and up the stairs before pointing to a room next to her own guest one. "That one's empty. Although I don't see why you would choose staying here over a nice hotel or something."

Rebekah looks pleased at the directions given and both enter the vacant bedroom. 'As if your tiny town has nice hotels."

Sofis doesn't argue and plops herself onto the bed's edge. "Do you need help unpacking?"

Rebekah stares at her, observing, and Sofia shifts awkardly. After a few seconds, the older vampire sits next to her letting their shoulders and thighs touch. "What's wrong?" Rebekah questions.

Sofia purses her lips and tries to come off as honest. "Nothing. Why?"

The blonde rolls her eyes at Sofia's dry response."I want you to tell me what's making your face look that way." Rebekah tilts her head to the side and a playful smile appears. "You're too pretty to be frowning like that."

Sofia narrows her eyes playfylly. "Careful, you're wooing your brother's soulmate."

Rebekah smirks before it fades into a much more neutral expression. Her eyes are reflecting care too, and Sofia would be lying if she said she wasn't taken back.

Sofia knew she and Rebekah have formed a sort of friendship since Chicago but she was still adjusting to this spontaneous companion. For so long she's had the same friends but refrained from confiding too much in them. She doesn't know why because she lets them confide in her. It's only right to do the same but she never felt like it was important enough. Jenna and, on the occasion Damon or Elena, were the people she has talked about her issues with but her aunt was the one who she truly didn't hold back from.

Rebekah came off as unlikable and judgemental when Sofia met her ( was attacked by her ) and she never expected there too be much under the surface from that first impression. But this would be the second time now that the original has asked about how she feels and was genuine whilst doing so. Sofia was wrong about her. Rebekah had this pull to her once she sees you as a friend and the brunette was feeling like this is a friendship she can truly give a try.

Besides, Sofia can tell how much Rebekah wants to have this conversation with her. Prehaps she doesn't have many friends? How could she when she's been isolatated from the world for nine decades? She barely looks seventeen. Sofia softens at this. If there is one person she can talk to about this with, it's Rebekah. She alreadly knows the secret Sofia is keeping from everyone.

Rebekah nudges her encouragingly. "You were thinking about Elijah, right?" She knew the answer from the way Sofia looked when she told her about Klaus leaving with the coffins.

Sofia is silent for a moment, trying to think of words to truly express the jungle that is her emotions and thoughts.

She breaks the silence."I just feel so....frustrated. As if the universe is playing against me." She pauses and looks at Rebekah. "Is that too dramtic?"

"No because it is what you're feeling." Rebekah answers and her confident tone of voice makes Sofia feel less insecure about opening up.

"These past few months I've been conflicted on if I wanted Elijah to be undaggered or not. I'd be nervous on what to say and how to act. The last time we talked was at the ritual for Klaus and.....something happened that made me angry at Elijah."

Sofia can tell the female original wanted to know more on what happened and is relieved she doesn't ask. Rebekah tries her best to not take it too personal and listens to that voice in her head telling her to not push Sofia.

"But it's been so long and now that I'm back home....I've let go of that anger." Sofia shrugs."I still don't know what I'd say to him but I don't care. I've said this before but it's bizarre how much I miss Elijah." She shakes her head and feels a bit flustered when the girl next to her smirks slyly.

Sofia remembers that Rebekah told her in Chicago that missing Elijah wasn't odd at all. Their souls, beings, were joined together and Sofia guesses that by them talking more and more, they grew stronger. She feels that familar feeling of fear because if their bond is this emotionally powerful right now, when they're miles apart, Sofia wonders what can come out of it in the future. But it's a bit exciting too. The idea of it all, and Sofia didn't ignore the postive emotion this time.

"I can't tell you how many situations I've been in these past few weeks where I just pictured him to make myself feel safer. Now I don't even know where he is because your stupid brother can't give less-" She closes her eyes in annoyance before unclenching and breathing out.

Sofia opens her eyes again and meets Rebekah's. "I'm so sick of there always being something that prevents us from explorimg us, you know? I don't want to wait decades to see him again and that sounds horrible seeing how long he waited for me. Now I feel worse." She shakes her head at herself and drops her forehead into her palm. She knew opening up would backfire because now she feels like a selfish person.

Rebekah frowns in confusion. It is quite clear how much Sofia thinks about Elijah so why is she doubting herself?

"Sofia." Rebekah gently calls and she looks up. "My brother isn't a patient man but he was and is for you. I know Elijah well enough to know that the moment he met you he felt all that waiting was worth it. You feeling like you couldn't wait long to see him again is only proving to me that you are perfect for him. Don't feel bad about being impaitient. The best kiss is the one that takes ages to happen."

Sofia's eyes widen and she feels even more flustered. Rebekah looks pleased with the reaction and laughs. "Don't pretend that you don't want to. Wait." Her smile drops to an anticipating look. "Have you two even kissed yet?"

Sofia stutters and brings her hands to her cheeks that feel like they're hot but she knows it's imposdible. "Rebekah! Doesn't it freak you out talking about your brother in this way?"

She thinks about Bonnie talking to her about Jeremy like this and shivers internally.

Rebrkah rolls her eyes and leans back onto the bed with one hand. "I have waited a long time to talk to a girl about this type of stuff. It doesn't bother me." She waves off with her free hand. As the only girl among her siblings, Rebekah missed out on girl things like gossiping and kiss and tells.

"What do you mean? You've never had a girl friend before?" Sofia asks, truly wondering if her theory is correct.

"Not good ones, no."

"Well, how do you know I'm a good one?"

"You're ridiculously nice to me. And you hate my brother." She pretends to tip a glass to Sofia in the air. "I like you. Which is a bit odd seeing as I hate Elijah's past choices in woman."

Sofia feels pleased to hear that Rebekah likes her the most out of past lovers ( not that she is there yet ) of Elijah but also cringes at the thought of his romantic past. Sofia realizes that she truly was too cautious with the blonde. Rebekah is a good listener and turning out to be a good new friend.

She smiles. "Thanks Bekah."

The original beams at the name."As for what you said about things always getting between you two spending time together, there really isn't anything you can do yet. Once Elijah is here again you can focus on getting closer. Simple."

Sofia sighs and lets herself fall back onto the bed. "Or I can just find a white oak stake and threaten to kill Klaus if he doesn't give me Elijah back."

Rebekah pats her head. "They don't exist any more, love. We burnt the tree down." She gets up and walks over to her luggage.

Sofis sits up again. "I know, Elijah told me."

"You haven't answered by question yet." Rebekah shoots a a teasing look over her shoulder. "Have you two kissed yet?"

Then the vampire begins to unpack and store her clothing using her enhanced speed, leaving Sofia's eyes to dart rapidly from side to side. After a minute of back and forth, Rebekah is finished and comes to a stand still. Sofia blinks a few times before finally answering. "No."

Rebekah frowns and crosses her arms. "Really?"

Sofia narrows her eyes playfully. "You're the one that said the best kiss is the one that takes long!" She throws a pillow at her and Rebekah easily escapes it with a laugh.

"Anyway, help me choose an outfit!" Rebekah says and marches towards the open wardrobe

"For..?"

"My first day of high school."

Sofia's eyebrows shoot up and she gets off the bed to stand closer. "Um, what?"

"Today is the first day of the new school year, no?" The girl sides steps Sofia to place two outfits on the bed.

"I mean, yeah but I want to know how you know that."

"A pretty blue eyed bus boy told me."

"You compelled Matt." Sofia deadpans. Rebekah gives her a look in the corner of her eye.

"Moving on." Rebekah flicks her straightened hair over her shoulders and steps to stand next to the brunette. "Which one?"

They both look down at the clothing they chose for Rebekah in Chicago. One option was a simple purple dress paired with a brown jacket and the other option was a grey sleeveless top and black jeans.

"The darker option. Pair it with a necklace and wear ankle boots. Oh! I can create a small braid in your hair as well and you can wear the rest down." Sofia advises after a moment before looking to her side at Rebekah and smiling.

She turns her head to Sofia and smirks. "I love how your mind works." She picks up the chosen outfit before beginning to get undressed. Sofia sat back down and turned her back to Rebekah to give her privacy

"Why do you want to go anyway? The work is stressful and you're around so much people." Sofia's shoulders hunch up.

Rebekah laughs at her. "I've never experienced it before. I want the entire high school package. Boyfriends, friends, parties." She lets the grey top slide over her head. "A normal life. I'm done, you can turn around."

Sofia nods because she understands what Rebekah wants. "Well, I hope you enjoy your first day." She smiles.

Rebekah freezes in place to look at her in alarm. "Are you not coming with me?"

Sofia shakes her head apologetically. "I'm sorry Bekah. I've already graduated. But I'll drop you off!" She offers quickly at seeing the original's face fall, hoping she didn't bring Rebekah's excited mood down.

"Thank you but I really thought you were going too. Now I need to actually be nice to strangers." She mumbles and Sofia laughs.

"What were you going to do if I did go?"

"Be friends with your friends. If people knew I am friends with you that'd want to be friends with me." Rebekah shrugs and gives her a small smile.

"Oh Rebekah." She frowns. "People are going to want to be friends with you. You're fantastic. Just, please, don't attack them when you meet them." She presses her palms and fingers together in a praying sign.

Rebekah smiles and lets out a chuckle. "I won't. You think I'm fantastic?"

"Of course, you just need to be how you currently are with me with others too" Sofia smiles. "Besides, I only had one best friend and the others were aquintances in my year. You're better off without me." She waves a hand.

"Noted." Rebekah nods before moving her hands up and down her body's length. "Does this look good?"

"It does, don't stress. I have a thin hairband on my wrist so I can quickly do your hair." Sofia pats the place next to her and Rebekah sits down. Having done this before for her friends, Sofia's fingers begin their work without struggle.

Comfortable seconds pass and it is when the brunette nears the bottom the braid does Rebekah ask. "You said you had one best friend in high school? Are they a part of your little group?"

Her fingers falter against her will and her throat tightens. Rebekah notices Sofia's stillness immeaditely and curses herself for ruining the moment they were having.

"I'm sorry if I crossed a line-"

Sofia quickly tied the end of Rebekah's braid off and shook her head dismissively when the girl looked at her over the shoulder. "You didn't, don't worry. And no, he is not."

Rebekah nods slowly and stares unsurely at Sofia, who she clearly made either upset or sad because of the frown on her lips and the sort of guilty look in her eyes. Something was eating at her."Do you want......to talk about it?"

She hoped she was doing this right.

Sofia smiles at how delicate Rebekah was being and decided to just talk. If she didn't talk about Leo to anyone soon then he really will disappear from her life. Sofia doesn't want that.

She nods in answer to Rebekah's question. "His name is Leonardo and we grew up together. He left for New Orleans to study litreature right after I turned, which he doesn't know about. We called every few days to check up on each other and talk but lately he, uh, hasn't answered any of my calls. I'm insanely worried about him. I called his parents and the university but he hasn't shown up or called them either."

Rebekah frowns sympathetically. "I'm sorry Sofia. How long has he not picked up?"

At this, Sofia let out a loud exhale of guilt and frustrantion mixed together in a consuming emotion. "About 3 months."

A silence follows. A heavy one.

Rebekah knows Leonardo has either run away for a new life or is dead and she can tell Sofia knew too. Except something in her gut told her that she wasn't alone in believing the latter.

The older vampire didn't know what to say next because it would probably be a lie to comfort Sofia. But Rebekah didn't want to lie about this to her. She leaned foreward and wrapped her arms around Sofia in a hug she hoped said enough.

Sofia has felt so incredibly guilty lately for not getting on a plane to New Orleans because of fear of the
truth. What is wrong with her? This is Leo. Her best friend. Sofia is petrified to go there and find out the worst has happened. The guilt will just have to weigh on her chest until she can find the courage to face the truth.

She accepts the hug appreciatively. If Rebekah didn't let her hide her face in her hair she is sure she'd start crying. "Thanks Bekah."

Rebekah pulls away and places a warm hand on Sofia's shoulder. "Your welcome, Sofie."

Putting away the unwanted saddness into a tiny chest in her brain, Sofia pulled Rebekah to her feet. "Come on, we need to get you to school."

Rebekah didn't argue since she can tell Sofia wants to forget.

"Okay but on the way can you explain how to use a cellphone? There's a woman in there named Siri with the most annoying voice. I almost threw her against a bloody wall."

AUTHOR'S NOTE

Happy new year!

At first I wasn't fond of this chapter but after editing and reading it a few times I really like it. I hope my readers do as well as it is a big step in Sofia's relationship with Rebekah.

Anyone get the Friends reference of a scene i know off my heart?

I would love to hear your opinions on the book up until this point. Does it all flow? I think it does but I'm the writer so I don't trust myself. Good or bad, I wanna hear them so I could do the necessary improvemts. Thank you.

I am not done yet! There's a special friend of mine who is a fellow Elijah obsessed writer and she has her own Elijah Mikaelson book! It's called 'Enchanted' and the plot is so detailed and just mwah! She has put alot of work and thought into every chapter but doesn't get as much of the lively and hyper comments I get so I thought, why not just tell my readers to go hype her amazing book up? Please go check out, vote and comment on MysticPsyche_ 's 'Enchanted' !

I hope you guys are ready for the next chapter :)