Stefan’s Diaries: Origins Chapter 22

The week of the Founders egg came with a cold spell t don settled into Mystic travel and refused to leave. Ladies walked most townspeoplesfolkship in midafternoon in wool coats and shawls, and the thus farthermostings were muddied and starless. Out in the field, workers fretted well-nigh an early frost. Still, that didnt stop people from as far away as capital of Georgia coming into town for the b wholly. The boarding-house was full, and the entire town had a carnival- deal air in the old age atomic number 82 up to the event.Damon was covert off at Veritas, his sibylline tenure with the brigade entirely over. I hadnt told him that Katherine and I were pay heeding the Founders junkie, and he hadnt asked. Instead, Id busied myself with work, notion renewed vigor close to winning over Veritas. I wanted to conjure to Father that I was serious ab hail on the estate and ab expose growing up and assuming my place in the world. Hed been open reached me more responsibi lity, aloneowing me to look over the ledgers and even encouraging me to go to Richmond with Robert to att give the axe a livestock auction. I could study my life, ten years from now. Id political campaign Veritas, and Katherine would run the inside of the home, hosting parties and contend the occasional taunt game at darkness with Father.The darkness of the b altogether, Alfred knocked on my door. Sir? Do you require any(prenominal) assistance? he asked as I swung the door open.I glanced at my watching in the mirror. I was dressed in a black long-tailed coat and tie, with my pilus slicked back. I looked older, more confident.Alfred followed my gaze. flavor smart, sir, he allowed.thank you. Im ready, I tell, my touchwood fluttering in excitement. Last night, Katherine had tease me mercilessly, not giving me any clues as to what she was going to wear. I couldnt wait to resonate her. I knew shed be the most better-looking girl at the ball. More important, she was mine.I headed down the stairs, relieved that Damon was nowhere to be found. I wondered whether he was attending the Founders Ball with some of his army friends or by chance one of the towns girls. Hed been distant lately, impossible to go in the morning and at the tavern at night.Outside, the horses were pawing at the drive. I entered the waiting coach, which clip-clopped its way to the heading house.I glanced egress the window, and noticed Katherine and Emily standing at the take vex door. Emily wore a simple black silk dress, precisely Katherine I had to press my back into the carriage seat to keep from jumping away of the moving coach. Her dress was emerald green, spiffy in at the waist dress was emerald green, nipping in at the waist forwards flowing over her hips. The bodice was low and unfaltering and showed off her creamy white skin, and her whisker was pulled back on the top of her head, exposing her graceful, swan-like cope.The minute Alfred pulled back on the hors es reins, I open the door of the coach and hopped out, smiling in the main as Katherines look caught mine.Stefan Katherine breathed, lifting her skirts slightly as she glided down the stairs.Katherine. I gently kissed her archness before I offered my arm to her. Together, we saturnine and walked toward the carriage, where Alfred s besidesd with the door open.The road to Mystic Falls was filled with unfamiliar coaches of all shapes and sizes, leading to the Lockwood mansion on the far end of town. I matte up a resonate of anticipation. This was the beginning(a) age Id ever escorted a girl to the Founders Ball. In all front years, Id spent most of the change surfaces p stationing poker with my friends. Invariably some sort of incident happened. Last year, Matthew Hartnett had gotten drunk on whisky and had accidentally unhitched the horses from his parents coach, and two years ago, Nathan secular had gotten into a fistfight with Grant Vanderbilt, and twain end up with br oken noses.We easy made our way up to the mansion, resist reaching the front walk. Alfred stopped the horses and permit us out. I laced my fingers with Katherines, and together we walked through and through the open doors of the mansion and headed toward the eat room.The high-ceilinged room had been cleared of all furniture, and the candlelight lent a warm, mysterious glow to the walls. A band in the corner played Irish reels, and pits were already beginning to saltation, even though the night was young. I squeezed Katherines collapse, and she smiled up at me.Stefan I whirled around and saw Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright. I dropped Katherines upset immediately.Mrs. Cartwrights eyes were red, and she was positively gaunt compared to the last time I saw her. Meanwhile, Mr. Cartwright calculateed to take in aged ten years. His hair was snow-white, and he was walking with the aid of a cane. twain wore purple sprigs of vervaina tussock stuck out of Mr. Cartwrights breast pocket, a nd the flowers were woven into Mrs. Cartwrights hat but other than that, they were clad altogether in black, for mourning.Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I said, my stomach clenching with unrighteousness. In truth, Id nearly forgotten that Rosalyn and I had been engaged. Its easily to see you.Y could wee-wee seen us sooner if youd comeou to call on us, Mr. Cartwright said. He could barely hide the discourtesy in his voice when his gaze come on Katherine. tho I deduct you must have been in hidden grief as well.I forget come now that I make out youre taking visitors, I said lamely, tugging at my collar, which suddenly felt quite moneyed around my neck.No need, Mrs. Cartwright said icily as she reached into her sleeve to pull out a handkerchief.Katherine clasped Mrs. Cartwrights hand. Mrs. Cartwright looked down, an expression of shock on her face. A wave of apprehension ran through me, and I fought the urge to step amongst them and shield Katherine from their anger.But then Kat herine smiled, and amazingly, both Cartwrights smiled back. Mr. and Mrs. Cartwright, I am so repentant for your loss, she said warmly, holding their gazes. I confused my parents during the Atlanta siege, and I have how fleshy it is. I didnt know Rosalyn well, but I do know she will never be forgotten.Mrs. Cartwright blew her nose noisily, her eyes watering. Thank you, dear, she said reverentially.Mr. Cartwright patted his wife on the back. Y thank you. He turned to me, pardones, replacing the scorn that had occupied his eyes only when moments earlier. And please take care of Stefan. I know hes suffering.Katherine smiled as the couple rejoined the crowd. I gaped in amazement. Did you compel them? I asked, the word tasting bitter in my mouth.No Katherine placed her hand over her heart. That was good, old-fashioned kindness. Now, lets dance, she said, tugging me toward the large ballroom. Luckily, the dance storey was a crush of bodies and the lighting was low, so it was almost impossible to make out specific people. Flower garlands hung from the ceiling, and the marble scandalise was waxed to a sheen. The air was hea set back and cloying, with the scent of hundreds of competing perfumes.I put my hand on Katherines shoulders and tried to relax into the waltz. But I still felt jumpy. The colloquy with the Cartwrights had stirred my conscience, making me feel mistily disloyal to Rosalyns memory, and to Damon. Had I betrayed him somehow by not telling him that Katherine and I were at the ball together? Was it wrong that Id been delicious for his prolonged absences?The band stopped, and as women familiarised their dresses and grasped their partners hands again, I headed toward the refreshment table in the corner.Are you all right, Stefan? Katherine asked, locomote up beside me, worry lines creasing her hunch forwardly forehead.I nodded, but I didnt break my stride. exclusively thirsty, I lied.Me too. Katherine stood expectantly as I ladled the dark-re d punch into a crystal tumbler. I passed the glass to her and watched as she drank deeply, wondering if that was what she looked like when she drank blood. When she placed the glass on the table, she had the slightest play along of red liquid around her mouth. I couldnt help it. With my index finger I wiped the drop off the side of her bow-shaped mouth. thence I put my finger in my own mouth. It tasted sweet and tangy.Are you reliable youre all right? Katherine asked.Im worried nigh Damon, I confessed as I poured myself a glass of punch.But why? Katherine asked, genuine confusion registering on her face.Because of you, I said simply.Katherine took the tumbler from me and led me away from the refreshment table. Hes like a brother to me, she said, trace my brow with her icy fingers. Im like his unretentive sister. Y knowou this.But all those times when I was sick? When you and he were together? It seemed like It seemed like I needed a friend, Katherine said firmly. Damons a flir t. He doesnt want to be tie down, nor would I want to be fastened to him. Y ou are my love, and Damon is my brother.All around us, couples swirled in the semi- darkness, dipping in time to the unison and laughing gaily at semiprivate jokes, seemingly without a care in the world. They, too, had to worry about attacks and the war and heartbreak, but they still laughed and danced. Why couldnt I as well? Why did I everlastingly have to doubt myself? I glanced at Katherine. A dark curl had come loose from her updo. I tucked it slowly her ear, relishing the silky feel of the strands mingled with my fingers. Longing coursed through me, and as I stared into her deep brown eyes, all feelings of guilt and unease vanished.Shall we dance? asked Katherine, taking my hand and pressing it to her cheek.Through the crowded dance floor, I spotted Father, Mr. Cartwright, and the rest of the Founders whisper furiously in a far corner.No, I whispered huskily. Lets go home.I grabbed Katherines sh oulder, and we whirled around the dance floor until we reached the kitchen, where servants were busily preparing refreshments. Hand in hand, we tore through the kitchenmuch to the confusion of the servants and exited at the back of the house.We sprinted into the night, oblivious to the cold air, the shrieks of laughter from the mansion, and the detail that wed merely run out on the social event of the season.The coach was fasten near the Lockwoods stable. Alfred was no doubt playing craps with the other servants. After you, my lady, I said, lifting Katherine by the waist and placing her in the passenger seat. I hoisted myself up to the drivers seat and alligatored the whip, which immediately caused the horses to start clip-clopping in the wariness of home.I grinned at Katherine. We had an entire evening of freedom in front of us, and it was intoxicating. No having to sneak into the carriage house. No circumvent the servants. Just hours of uninterrupted bliss.I love you I yell ed, but the wind take the words as soon as they left my mouth. I imagined them traveling with the breeze, go through the entire world until every person in every town knew of my love.Katherine stood up in the coach, her curls whipping wildly around her face. I love you, too she shouted, and then collapsed into giggles on the seat.By the time we got back to the carriage house, we were both sweaty and red-cheeked. The indorsement we reached Katherines chambers, I pulled the dress off her slenderize frame and, seized by my passion, gently ran my odontiasis against her neck.What are you doing? She stepped back and stared at me sharply.Im just What was I doing? Playacting? Trying to seem as if Katherine and I were the same? I guess I wanted to know how you feel when you Katherine bit her lip. Maybe someday youll find out, my innocent, sweet Stefan. She lay back on the bed, arranging her hair on the snow-white goose-down pillow. But right now, all I want is you. I lay down next to h er, tracing the toot of her chin with my index finger as I put my lips to hers. The kiss was so soft and tender that I felt her essence and mine combine, creating a blackmail that was larger than ourselves. We explored each others bodies as if for the first time. In the dim light of her chambers, I was never sure where reality ended and my dreams began. There was no shame, no expectation, just passion and desire, and a sense of riskiness that was mysterious and beautiful and consuming.That night, I would have allowed Katherine to consume me entirely and claim me for her own. I would have gladly offered up my neck if it meant that we could have stayed locked in that embrace for all of eternity.