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chapter sixteen ━ of all my mistakes

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❝ sneaky little trickster ❞

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IT WAS ANOTHER one of those days. And by "another one of those days" she meant that the next day had started off like complete and utter crap. Again. Isobel, Elena's birth mother, showed up at the front door of the Gilbert house last night. This ended with Jenna finding out and being pissed.

Melody had woken up to a rude awakening of Damon pushing her out of the bed and onto the floor. She gave him a migraine while she got ready and followed Stefan (the good brother who didn't push her out of the bed) down the stairs, letting her magic bind on Damon go. "So she just showed up and was like 'Hey guys. Oh and by the way I'm Elena's birth mother'?"

Stefan nodded but didn't turn to her as they made their way down the stairs. Damon was following behind as he recovered from the pain of the migraine, not saying a word. "Yep, Isobel just showed up at their front doorstep."

"Did she happen to say what she wanted?"

One thing was for sure, Isobel being in town was bad news. And with the whole Klaus thing going on at the same time? It would only cause more complications they didn't need. Just like Katherine being out of the tomb presented. Stefan rounded down the stairs and hit the ground floor of one of the hallways. Melody followed behind and Damon caught up with them. 

Stefan shook his head. "I don't know. That's what I'm gonna go find out."

When they were making their way to the front door, a familiar doppelganger crossed in front of them. Her hair was curly once more and she wore her normal attire. "I don't think that you should tell her that I'm here."

"Why?" Damon questioned.

They stood in front of her and Melody crossed her arms over her chest. Last night had ended with her and Katherine having a nice, long conversation about traveling. Katherine told her about her travels on the run from Klaus and Melody found it exciting; going and exploring the world.

"It's better if she and John not know that I stayed in town after I got out of the tomb."

Melody gave her a tired look. These last few days had been filled with nothing but tragedy and moments where she felt like just throwing herself off a building. After Rose's death, things had changed drastically, and fast for that matter. "May I remind you that you are in league with them? Remember that deal you made with John?"

She had found out about the deal after an upset Damon told her. Though what Katherine did was described as an "evil plan" Melody knew that the doppelganger was only taking care of herself. Katherine avoided his eyes before looking back at him. "I did what I had to get out of the tomb. Now I'm reconsidering my alliance."

A sly smile spread across her face and she turned her back to them as if she was walking away. The three knew that look (Melody mainly because Pan used it during the Neverland issue) and Melody spoke up. "What do you know, Katherine?"

The vampire dropped her smile and turned to them. "I know that I want Klaus dead, which puts me squarely on team you. Besides, if you three ever need me to swap places with Elena again, the fewer people know that I'm here, the better." She looked over at Stefan "Think about it, Stefan. Come on. Be smart."

Stefan nodded and then moved to grab his jacket. He turned back around and pointed at Damon. "Why don't you, uh...Call Alaric and let him know that his wife just showed up on his girlfriend's doorstep."

He left it at that and then left. The remaining three looked at each other. Damon was the first to say something. "I'm going to gather witchy and her little boyfriend. Don't burn the house down."

Damon then left and Melody looked at Katherine. The doppelganger smirked at her and Melody shook her head smiling. "This better be good, Kat."

"It is, Melody. Trust me."

———

The plan was that Katherine would take Melody to Isobel's place and Isobel would reveal some of the truth to her. Now, Melody jumped to the offer without hesitation. However, this was her first mistake. It was easy to track down the young vampire considering that Melody not only had been taught how to track people but Katherine had told her that Isobel had a taste for fancy things.

So they found the foreclosure Isobel was staying in and decided to pay a visit. Katherine entered first and then once she heard the doppelganger call her cue, Melody entered with her black leather jacket and black boots, looking dangerous as ever (Katherine's words). 

Isobel grinned in awe once she saw her. "Melody Mills. The one and only daughter of Peter Pan." The so-called mother walked over and shook her hand. "You are truly as beautiful as in the story."

The fairytale woman smiled. Just a year after the reunion of the father and daughter, Melody's full life story appeared in Henry's storybook. Pan had spent hours reading it over and over, seeing how unhappy his daughter was after their separation. He had hugged her for at least five minutes, crying into her shoulder about how sorry he was. "Thank you. It's always nice to be appreciated."

Isobel pulled back to look at her again. "You're sassy. I think I'm going to like you."

Katherine came back over and stood next to Melody. "We heard you've been busy."

"Yes, I have. I've been busy making a deal with Klaus to save your life and to make sure Melody is left alone."

The young vampire led them into the living room and they all sat down. Melody crossed her legs and took a sip of the wine she was offered. Katherine stood, pouring herself some as well. "You have obviously got John wrapped around your finger if he invited you into the house."

She sat down next to them and Isobel sighed. Melody listened to their every word. Isobel knew the truth, if not all. But it was odd to her because why would a vampire be interested in a regular boring fairytale like her's? Out of all of the fairytales, why was her's so important?

"He thinks I'm helping him protect Elena, so he's been very useful in keeping me informed on everything that's been going on."

Melody pretended to be intrigued. "So, you're not protecting Elena? Hmm. Not gonna lie, that's a genius plan." Isobel looked flattered. "What you'd find out?"

"I couldn't get anywhere near Klaus, but I found my way to someone in his trusted circle. One of his witches."

Katherine scoffed and took a sip of her blood laced wine before replying, "Klaus and his witches."

Melody pushed a piece of hair behind her ear. Isobel leaned forward toward them, looking at Katherine. "He said that Klaus is willing to grant you your freedom if we deliver the moonstone and the doppelgänger."

The one doppelganger looked shocked and Melody nodded, glancing at Katherine. "I can help you find the moonstone. And then, you'll have your freedom."

Isobel looked surprised that Melody was helping Katherine but quickly covered it up with a smile. Katherine smirked at the fellow brunette. "You're finally understanding the importance of protecting yourself over everybody, aren't you?"

Melody nodded. "Yes."

The three exchanged victorious smirks and clinked glass, taking a sip at the same time.

That was the second mistake.

———

After they were finished with Isobel, Melody and Katherine went back to the Boarding House. The girls had entered to see Damon, Stefan, and Elena all gathered in the library. Their previous conversation ceased once they entered and Melody went over and plopped down on the couch that Elena sat on (though she sat closest the edge far away from her).

Katherine walked to the table behind Elena, putting her palms on it. The three members of the "Save Elena Gang" rolled their eyes at her presence and ignored her. "Don't get quiet on my account. If you have a plan to combat the impending vampire doom, please do tell." No one replied and Melody picked at her nails, putting her legs on the coffee table in front of her. Stefan looked over at Damon. Katherine became annoyed. "Seriously, what is the plan to get us out of this mess, hmm? I delivered you a moonstone, a werewolf, and the dagger to lure and kill Klaus, and right now all you have is a moonstone. Or so you tell me."

"No, we have it," Damon told her.

She looked over at him with curiosity. "Where is it?"

Melody scoffed. "Like they're going to tell you."

Katherine still looked annoyed that none of them were telling her anything. She knew that Melody didn't know where the moonstone was. However, the fairytale woman did have a prediction as to where it might be. "I've been honest with you. Time to return the favor."

Damon shrugged. "Let me be honest with you. Don't mistake the fact that we haven't set you on fire in your sleep for trust."

She sighed in response. "Fine. Be that way."

Katherine exited the room and Melody looked over at Stefan with an eye roll. She mouthed "She's not going to give up". Stefan replied with only a nod of understanding. Melody stood up, sending Elena a distasteful glare, and then exited

———

"They're gone."

Katherine looked up from her book to see Melody smirking. She jumped up and then the two began their search. They began in Damon's room because that seemed like the logical place to start considering that Damon was the last person who had it.

While Katherine searched the drawers, Melody searched the shelves, his bed, and the fireplace. A clump of dirt and dust fell onto her hands and she groaned in irritation. Making her way to the bathroom, she washed off her hands and then reached for a towel. But then she stopped.

"Katherine!" The doppelganger ran into the bathroom and watched Melody turn to her, holding the moonstone in one hand. "A moonstone bar of soap."

The female tossed it to her, Katherine catching it with ease. She smirked and then turned around, leaving the bathroom. Melody watched and then smirked slyly.

———

It was a workout for sure. She had been going all day and there was no resting for her in the slightest. And just when she thought that things would calm down, they got worse and worse. Stefan had called some back-up to help him "protect Elena". That back-up was Melody who had just sat down with a cup of coffee in the library. She had let out a sigh and then grabbed her keys, getting into her car and driving to the Lockwood Mansion.

But when she arrived, she saw Stefan bending down by the body of John Gilbert. A group of people surrounded him and the girl pushed them all back. "Give him some space, people! Back up!"

Liz Forbes pushed her way through the crowd and looked down to see a bite mark on John's neck. When she saw it, she turned to the crowd and addressed them. Stefan exchanged a confused look with Melody and the two walked back into the other room where Elena was on the phone with someone.

"You okay?" Stefan asked, sounding concerned.

Melody instantly knew that it wasn't Elena and gave the older vampire a warning look from behind Stefan. Katherine (posing as Elena) nodded. "I'm calling Damon."

Stefan grabbed her arm and led the two out of the Mansion. They walked to Elena's car and that's when Melody realized that he must have noticed it wasn't Elena. The fellow brunette was still on the phone with Damon, sounding just as scared as the Gilbert would be in that situation. "It's Isobel, Damon. It's gotta be."

"Tell him he needs to get over here and deal with John's body," Stefan told her.

Katherine buttoned up her coat as they walked. "You've got some serious explaining to do to the Council about John being not so dead."

As soon as she hung up, Stefan pushed her against the car. "Where the hell is she, huh?"

Katherine was quick to react and stabbed him with a vervain syringe. "I'm sorry, Stef, but I can't have you following us." She threw him into the shrubbery and turned to Melody who was watching hesitantly. "Hurry, get in."

Melody nodded and then got into the passenger seat. That was her third mistake.

———

Katherine had driven back to Isobel's place, just as planned. Melody had seemed nervous with the plan of betraying her friends and Katherine noticed. So then she reminded the female that if she wanted to learn to look after herself, she couldn't feel guilty for betraying people.

The next thing she did was call Isobel who had Elena. She turned the phone on speaker as she and Melody walked into the house.

"Are we good to go?" Isobel asked, her voice coming through the speaker.

Melody stopped walking, stayed behind Katherine, and took a deep breath. There was no turning back now. It was too late. She had to go through with the plan. Katherine replied to Isobel's question, saying, "I'm at your house, but we have to hurry. Damon knows your lodging tricks. It will take him all of 20 minutes to find out where you're staying."

"We'll be long gone before that."

Katherine stopped walking but kept her back to Melody. "Good. How far are you?"

She began to set her bag down when Isobel sighed and said, "I'm sorry, Katherine. I had to do what I was told. He wanted the moonstone and he wanted you because you used Melody. And you know how he is when it comes to her. Anyone who hurts her pays the price."

Katherine was confused and Melody let out a shaky breath. "He? He who?" Isobel hung up and Katherine spun to Melody who was smirking, a warlock standing right behind her. "You..."

The fairytale woman took a step forward. "I gotta say, Katherine, you're too predictable. And all it took was some fake bonding, pretending that we were actually becoming friends." She took another step. "I knew that you would trade Elena, me, and the moonstone for your freedom. See, I knew you were using me from the start."

She glared, her vampire face appearing. "I will kill you."

Melody moved onto her other foot with her devilish smirk. "Good luck with that. Goodbye, Katherine." A flick of her wrist sent the doppelganger to the floor unconscious. She looked down at her and then sighed. "Mistake number four. Or so you thought."

She turned to the warlock and he stood with a straight face. He looked at Katherine's unconscious body and then back at her. "I'm sure he'll like to know what you've done for him."

"I didn't do it for him."

The warlock put his hands in his pockets. "How may I ask did you know that he was in town?"

Melody shrugged. "It didn't take long to figure out. Isobel was acting strange and I knew she wouldn't go through with the plan to give Katherine her freedom. And besides, from what I've heard, anyone that puts me in danger dies."

"You learn fast." He smirked. "Thank you for your help. Klaus is thrilled to finally meet you.

She forced down a shiver. "I bet he is."

———

The warlock had left, taking Katherine along with him and leaving Melody there. So the woman stayed at Isobel's place and waited for Stefan and Damon to show up like Katherine said they would. And it proved right when the door opened and the two brothers entered.

Melody stood up and she could already tell by their faces that they knew what she did. Damon flashed over to her and pushed her to the wall, chocking her.

She gasped and tried to fight against him. But Stefan was the one who threw him back. "Damon, stop!"

Damon stood back up and glared at her. "She's working for Klaus, Stefan! She's lied to us this entire time!"

Melody rubbed her neck and then glared back. "I'm not working for Klaus! I tricked Katherine. But it doesn't matter because Klaus is here anyway."

He scoffed, shaking his head. "You're lying. You have been the entire time. You never cared about any of us."

"You see, that's the problem. I do something for myself for once instead of doing what other people want me to do, and look!" She threw her hands up, fighting the tears. They didn't deserve to see her cry. "I've always done what everyone else wants me to do. No more. I'm doing what I want to do. I'm going to do something for myself for once." She took a step toward Damon. "And you can say whatever you want about me. Make assumptions, I don't care. All I've ever done is please everyone around. It's time that I do things for myself."

The two looked shocked by her outburst and were standing speechless. Melody shook her head and walked past them. "I'll be packing my bags. Maybe Klaus will actually understand me more than you guys do."

Stefan was the first to react and he flashed in front of her. "No, Melody, look. We're sorry, okay? Just don't leave."

Melody looked up at him and nodded. "Fine, I'll stay because I don't have anywhere else to go. But don't expect me to do whatever you guys want me to." She looked back at Damon and then at Stefan. "I'm going to take a walk. I need some air."

She brushed past him and walked away. Her mind was racing like it usually is. But in a way, she felt the slightest bit free. For once in her entire life, Melody felt like she was herself again: the girl that lived back in the Enchanted Forest with her father and her brother.

When she stopped and looked around her, she realized that she had ended up in a random neighborhood somewhere. She let out a sigh and then sat on a bench near her. All of a sudden, a burning hit her head and she turned to see a man. He had dirty blonde hair but she couldn't see his face very clearly since he was so far away. Yet she knew who it was.

Then she did something that surprised him. Melody smiled at him and then said in a normal tone. "Welcome to Mystic Falls, Klaus. I'll see you soon."

Klaus looked surprised but then he slowly smiled; a genuine smile. He looked at her for a second longer before flashing away. Melody turned her attention back in front of her and then let out a small laugh, shaking her head.

Now that was not a mistake.

———

KLAUS IS HERE PEOPLE!!! LET'S GET THE PARTY STARTED!!! I'm so excited to get their relationship started. Here we go :) Let me know what you guys think will happen between them! I hope you guys have a great day/night and don't forget to vote on this chapter, comment your thoughts, and follow me for updates!

( credit : @pepperronys )