World So Cold

I ran around in the forest for a bit. I was making sure that the vampire couldn’t follow me or that if he tried he’d get confused and hopefully give up. After that I finally returned to my car at Fell’s Church. I jumped up into a nearby tree. With a full stomach I leaned against the oak tree.



I woke before the sun rose. I didn’t need much sleep nor did I want it. I was still a bit paranoid over the vampire/bird I had seen yesterday. I didn’t think he had followed me but I could not be sure. Jumping out of the tree I landed gracefully on the ground. I wasn’t going to school today. That had proved useless and utterly boring. Instead I thought I’d go see the vampire I had followed into school. I didn’t want to take the car and I didn’t want to run in the woods either. I might encounter the other vampire. The one that is much stronger.

Instead I changed into a raven on the ground. Quickly I flew up towards the sky. I flew just above the treetops towards the boarding house. It wasn’t a far flight. I reached it in about two minutes and landed on a widow’s walk. I could see a trap door leading down to what looked like a room. A soft light shone through.

I cawed once and waited a few seconds. Sure enough the vampire boy poked his head up from the trap door. I cawed once again as I stared at him. He looked so familiar and brought many memories to mind. He slowly moved onto the widow’s walk and walked towards me in slow, measured steps.

Once he got too close I flew off away right down the side of the house. He rushed forward to the edge of the widow’s walk to try and watch my descent. But I was too quick for him. By the time he reached the edge, in his eyes, I had disappeared.

In truth I had circled around landed behind him. I changed back into human form and waited patiently for him to turn around. A small smile played on my lips. After a few seconds of looking down the side of the house for any signs of me he turned around. He practically bumped right into me, our chests inches apart. He gasped and stumbled back a few steps. I laughed at his clumsiness.

“Ciao,” I smirked. “Per un vampire si sono abbastanza deboli. Un coniglio non in grado di contenere più di te?” I saw his muscles tense under his shirt. He looked like he was about ready to fight me. “Rilassi,” I told him. “Non suno venuto qui per combattare e non è come te avrebbe vinto comunque.” (Hello. For a vampire you are pretty weak. A rabbit not able to hold you over? Relax. I am not here to fight you and it is not like you would win anyway.)

“Chi sei tu?” he asked. (Who are you?)

“Sto male,” I said putting a hand over my heart, pretending to be wounded. “È stato solo 500 anni e tu me hai dimenticato. I remember you, Stefan Salvatore.” At the sound of his name he looked extremely surprised. Not to mention the fact I spoke in perfect English. His reaction also meant that he was indeed Stefan Salvatore. For that I had mixed feelings. (I’m hurt. It has only been 500 years and you have forgotten me.)

“Who are you?” he repeated this time in English.

“I bet you remember Katherine,” I said, my gaze hardening. Of course he’d remember her. Of course I was the forgotten one. At the sound of her name Stefan flinched. “That’s what I thought,” I said. It hurt a bit but I didn’t expect anything else.

Stefan stared at me in concentration. I then felt his probing thought coming towards me. Quickly I put up a deflective wall to stop it. “No cheating,” I chastised. “You are going to have to remember me the old fashioned way.” I walked to the edge of the widow’s walk before turning back to him. “When you remember meet me by the cemetery. I’ll be waiting,” I said giving a quick smile.

I changed into a raven and flew off into the growing daylight. I disappeared among the trees of the forest. I knew he’d remember by the end of the day. It shouldn’t take him that long to remember me. At least I hoped not.



I walked to the cemetery, plenty of time for Stefan to think. I had to cross over Wickery Bridge, climb up a hill past a ruined church, and then down into a little valley below to reach the cemetery at the edge of town. I shuddered when I crossed the water. I could do it but it was such an uncomfortable feeling. It’s weird, the more Power you have, the more the water has an effect on you. You would think it’d be the opposite.

I took my time walking. Stefan wouldn’t come until after dark. The sun was just setting now and I’d have a couple hours to myself. Then again I was always having time to myself. I walked through the cemetery among the graves.

I let my hands graze along some as I passed by them. Flashes of their lives occurred in my head. Some of their lives were good, happy and they died old. Others died young. Their lives were filled with heartbreak and loneliness. I connected the most with them.

I was a vampire, turned at the age of 19. I didn’t have a choice in the matter. I never wanted this, never asked for it. But when in life did I get what I want? Not once that I could remember.

His face flashed in my mind for an instant. I internally winced at the picture. It was like reopening an old wound and rubbing salt into it. It wasn’t fun and I didn’t like it. But I couldn’t do anything about it. He was there whether I wanted him to be or not. It was something that’d haunt me forever.

Before I could hurt myself further by thinking of him I felt another presence enter the cemetery and I quickly changed into a raven to watch. Maybe they would be a snack before Stefan came. I flew on top of a large grave from where I could watch them easily.

I was surprised when I realized it was the girl from school, the one with the lapis lazuli eyes and the pale golden hair, the one that looked exactly like Katherine. The surprise quickly turned to anger and I was tempted to kill her right on the spot. A sharp wind quickly picked up from the anger I was emitting. The only thing that stopped me from killing her was the overwhelming wave of sadness that hit me once she got closer. The wind died back down to the breeze it was before.

Curiously I watched as she walked over to the older part of the cemetery. It was well-kept there. The grass was neatly trimmed and bouquets of flowers made splashes of bright color. The girl sat down by the big marble headstone with “Gilbert” carved into the front.

“Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad,” she whispered. She leaned over and placed a purple impatiens blossom she had in front of the grave. Then she curled her legs under her and just sat. I watched as she stared at nothing, thinking, remembering. Tears ran down her cheeks. She sat like that for awhile, just thinking with silent tears running down her face.

Later her friends approached her, weaving among the many graves. The girl didn’t notice them until they were standing right over her. “Elena,” said the smaller of the two, hands on hips, “sometimes I worry about you, I really do.” The girl, Elena, blinked and then laughed shortly.

“What does a person have to do to get a little privacy around here?” Elena asked as her friends sat down.

“Tell us to go away,” suggested the taller of her friend’s, but Elena just shrugged. The smaller one handed Elena a tissue and she accepted it gratefully, wiping her eyes. The three of them sat together in silence for a little while, watching the wind ruffle the stand of oak trees at the edge of the cemetery.

“I’m sorry about what happened,” the smaller of her friends said at last, in a soft voice. “That was really terrible.”

“And your middle name is ‘Tact,’” said the other. “It couldn’t have been that bad, Elena.”

“You weren’t there.” I could feel Elena’s embarrassment radiate off her as she probably remembered whatever it was. “It was terrible. But I don’t care anymore,” she added flatly, defiantly. “I’m finished with him. I don’t want him anyway.”

“Elena!” cried the shorter friend.

“I don’t, Bonnie. He obviously thinks he’s too good for―for Americans. So he can just take those designer sunglasses and…” There were snorts of laughter from the other girls. Elena wiped her nose and shook her head. “So,” she said to Bonnie, determinedly changing the subject, “at least Tanner seemed in a better mood today.”

Bonnie looked martyred. “Do you know that he made me sign up to be the first one to give my oral report? I don’t care, though; I’m going to do mine on the druids, and―”

“On the what?” asked Elena.

“Droo-ids. The weird old guys who built Stonehenge and did magic and stuff in ancient England. I’m descended from them, and that’s why I’m psychic.” The taller girl snorted, but Elena frowned at the blade of grass she was twirling between her fingers.

“Bonnie, did you really see something yesterday in my palm?” Elena asked abruptly. Bonnie hesitated.

“I don’t know,” she said at last. “I―I thought I did then. But sometimes my imagination runs away with me.”

“She knew you were here,” said the taller girl unexpectedly. “I thought of looking at the coffee shop, but Bonnie said, ‘She’s at the cemetery.’”

“Did I?” asked Bonnie looking faintly surprised but impressed. “Well, there you see. My grandmother in Edinburgh has the second sight and so do I. It always skips a generation.”

“And you’re descended from the druids,” the taller girl said solemnly.

“Well, it’s true! In Scotland they keep up the old traditions. You wouldn’t believe some of the things my grandmother does. She has a way to find out who you’re going to marry and when you’re going to die. She told me I’m going to die early.”

“Bonnie!” cried Elena.

“She did. I’m going to be young and beautiful in my coffin. Don’t you think that’s romantic?”

“No, I don’t. I think it’s disgusting,” said Elena. The shadows were now getting longer, and the wind had a chill to it now.

“It’s not polite to eavesdrop,” said a voice from behind me. Tearing my gaze away from the girls I slowly and carefully turned around.

I watched him as he watched me. He was still dressed in tight jeans, T-shirt, and leather jacket with leather boots. I spread my wings slowly as if stretching and ruffled my feathers. I then quickly and effortlessly flew off the grave. Landing right before him, I became a person standing in front of him.

“You learn so many things from eavesdropping,” I said smirking. “Interesting things.”

“Still it does not make it polite,” argued Stefan. I shrugged not really caring.

“Do you remember now? Or are you just hear to waste my time?” I asked. Behind us the three girls simultaneously burst into laughter.

“I remember. You are Juliet de Medici. Princess of Florence,” he said giving a slight, quick bow with his head.

“I was hardly a princess,” I said laughing a short, quick laugh. It was dead though, just like I was. “Trouble was my middle name and I never did what I was told.”

“I’ve decided what to do my oral report on,” I heard Elena say.

“What?” asked the taller girl whose name I still did not know.

“You were a lot like Damon in that way,” said Stefan slowly and cautiously. My gaze on him hardened and a biting gust of wind swirled around us. Taking a deep breath my anger subsided along with the wind.

“The Italian Renaissance,” said Elena coolly. The girls once again burst into laughter. They were having a lot more fun than I was.

“Can you believe how much she looks like Katherine?” I asked nodding my head towards the girls and their resounding laughter. I wanted to hear his take on everything. Plus he brought up Damon, I bring up Katherine. It was only fair.

“The resemblance is uncanny,” he said. His words were slow and measured. “But she is not Katherine.”

“Well, let’s hope not. We both know how that ended.” I gave a short sardonic laugh. Stefan worked very hard to keep his face neutral.

“Aha,” I heard the taller girl say when the girl’s laughter subsided. “So the tiger returneth.”

“Tell me, Stefan. Was she worth it? Was Katherine worth all this?” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. I started to walk slowly in circles around Stefan. His eyes followed my movements. “I don’t know about you but I kind of like being a vampire.” I smiled wickedly at him.

“What happened to you, Juliet?” asked Stefan. The question wasn’t one I was expecting. My steps froze for a split second before continuing. “You were never like this in Italy. You used to be sweet, caring. You loved life.”

“It’s been a long time since then. I know what I am now, Stefan. I’m not going to deny it. You shouldn’t either.” Stefan’s face twisted into disgust.

Suddenly the scent of blood filled the air. It was only a bit, just a drop, but with my senses I could smell it. It came from where the girls were sitting. The familiar tingling sensation appeared in my teeth and I had the urge to feed. My face reflexively changed into the monster that I am. I breathed the scent in deeply, savoring the sweet smell.

“Do you smell that, Stefan?” I asked. “Can’t you just imagine what their blood would taste like? How good it would feel?” I saw Stefan’s face change too. Both of our canines had extended and poked out of our mouth.

“Stop it,” growled Stefan warningly. He fought for control.

“I’m only trying to help you,” I said moving closer to him. My face turned sympathetic for an instant. “And you don’t have to kill them. Only take a little then erase their memory. It’s quite simple. I can help you,” I said placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Stop,” said Stefan and pushed me roughly away. I would have fallen if my reflexes hadn’t been so sharp. Instead I merely landed a few feet away from him.

“Stefan, you should be nicer to me. After all I could kill all those girls. I could even kill you,” I threatened with narrowed eyes.

“I’m older than you,” said Stefan.

“That doesn’t mean stronger,” I pointed out. “Feeding on animals has left you weak. You are barely stronger than a human,” I said with disgust. “But relax, Stefan,” I said my whole atmosphere changing. “I’m not going to kill you. If I was you’d already be dead. I’m not going to kill Elena either. Stefan, I want for us to be close. Don’t you want that?” My voice was hopeful.

“Not when you are like this,” said Stefan coldly. “Not when you live so deep inside the darkness.”

“Fine,” I said my voice unattached, unfeeling. “If you ever need me I’ll be around.” I changed back into a raven, my form blurring for a bit. Spreading my wings and taking off away from the cemetery I let out a loud croak.

I turned sharply and made my way to the woods. It was dark now and I knew that the humans wouldn’t be able to see me. Even Stefan could probably only just make out my shape as I flew through the sky. I landed in the woods among the trees. My senses were on high alert incase the other vampire came around.

It was during this period that I was looking around for the other vampire that I felt a surge of Power. It was immense and made me want to feed. It came from the cemetery. I wondered if it had to do with those girls and if they were still there. If they were they better leave soon. Even I wouldn’t want to be around that.

I was tempted to fly back to the cemetery. I was curious to know what it was, who it was. But I knew better than that. I didn’t want to get into a fight I couldn’t win. That and the fewer vampires that knew I exist the better.

I was going to take off again, fly to my car, maybe go find a good meal in another town. That is until a bird landed on the same tree as me. Just above me on another branch. It was a crow. The same large pitch black crow as before. It cawed loudly, almost echoing in the forest.

I changed my form into a human and got into a crouch among the branches. I sent another probing thought towards the bird. Just like before, it came up blank. Hissing I leapt at the bird. At the last instant it took off. My hands clawed at air.

The bird circled the tree once, its eyes focused entirely on me. Then it took off, quickly disappearing into the night. I glared after it. I swear I could almost hear dark, humorless laughter somewhere inside my mind.