A strong pounding on the door forced a frustrated Maeve out of bed. She growled forcing the loose strands of hair away from her face. Maeve opened the door to see Rebekah standing there with an incredulous face.

"Let me in." she commanded Maeve, placing both her hands on her waist.

"Come in." said Maeve, yawning. Rebekah strolled in looking around the place.

"Ugh..." she made a gagging sound, "you live in this dump?"

"Do you want something or are you here to mock my decisions?"

Rebekah unashamedly searched around the kitchen table and kitchen cabinets as if looking for something particular. "He actually left me here! My brother left me here."

"Yeah. He looked disturbed last night when Damon showed up──I mean, after you left. He said a name and all Klaus did after that was leave him alone." Rebekah stopped her movements hearing Maeve.

"And what name was it?" asked Rebekah, suspiciously.

"Mikael...I think." said Maeve, in an uncertain tone. Maeve watched curiously as a blank look formed on Rebekah's face.

"Who is he?" asked Maeve.

Rebekah hesitated before she chose to answer her, "he's our father." Maeve's eyes widened, looking like those of a deer caught in headlights. She stood frozen in her spot processing the information.

"But...I th──tho...thought that Klaus was the result of a..."

"You are right. But he's hated Nik for longer than that." Maeve gulped nervously as her brain concluded with darkest thoughts.

"Mikael has hunted us down for centuries." Maeve's head replayed a particular memory that made her feel sympathy for the original Hybrid.

"Yes, what do I know about abuse and trauma?" his words came back to her.

Maeve nodded her head not wanting to pry more. "I'm guessing you'll live here from now on."

"You wouldn't mind, would you?" asked Rebekah, although it sounded less of a query and more of a half hearted formality.

"Are you going to leave if I say no?" Maeve raised her hand cutting off Rebekah's next words, "no, you're not. I know." said Maeve, rolling her eyes.

"Thank you Maeve."

"So...what do you want to do today?" asked Maeve, with a short yawn.

"I was thinking of joining school."

"So you've officially gone bonkers. Wonderful."

"What is so wrong about it?" asked Rebekah, curiously. "It's just school. I've never been to one."

"I understand. Here's the thing though, you know much more, in much detail and actually everything factually correct. Why do you want to know the sterilised history?"

"It's not just history, it's everything else too." Maeve pressed her lips into a thin line.

"You want normal, don't you?" Rebekah nodded. Maeve understood where Rebekah was coming from."

"I'll come with you." offered Maeve. Rebekah squealed in excitement hearing her.

Within the next hour the two newly turned friends were practically sprinting out of the house. Maeve was happy to see the happy look on Rebekah's face that was unmatched to any smiles she previously saw.

Maeve swung her leg over the seat of her Harley Davidson. Rebekah stood confused about the vehicle. "It's like a horse. Swing your leg over, like I did." Rebekah nodded and settled although awkwardly at first. The engine roared to life. Rebekah instinctively grabbed Maeve's shoulders.

The ride to the High school was small. Maeve parked her bike carelessly by the footpath and got off after Rebekah did. Both walked across the lawn heading straight to the front door. Rebekah stopped Maeve from taking another step. She nodded at the three women standing just a few steps away from them. Both discreetly turned to face each other but perked their ears to listen in.

"You're right. I mean, why should I let the fact that my boyfriend is seeing the ghost of his dead girlfriends hinder this experience?" said Bonnie, trying to sound unbothered.

"Yes! And why should I let the fact that my boyfriend was turned into a hybrid put a damper on an otherwise fabulous day." said Caroline, next.

"Today's our anniversary. Technically, Stefan and I met on the first day of school last year."

"Yeah. You win." impulsively Maeve let out a loud sound,

"Really?" all three turned to face her. "If anything dear Bonnie's got it worse. Poor soul's boyfriend is cheating on her with ghosts. Nothing's more tragic than that." she walked over to the three Seniors. "And didn't you only meet Stefan on the first day of school? Doesn't really count as an anniversary."

"What's any of this to do with you?"

"Nothing. I just came to see off a friend." smiled Maeve gesturing toward Rebekah who strolled over to stand by her side. "Got everything you need, Beks? Transcript?"

"Don't have one." said Rebekah. Maeve nodded along.

"Don't need it. Just compel the clerk. I'm sure she'll find it sent over by email." Rebekah smiled before she looked over at Elena,

"See you class." she waved her fingers and walked away.

"Now she's going to join our school?" scoffed Caroline. "Maeve what's going on?"

"What? She wants to get the school experience. I dropped her off. Simple."

"You know you don't have to be so cruel." snapped Elena sounding judgmental. Maeve giggled at her words making Elena feel insulted, like she wanted to.

"That is a rich thought coming from you, Elena. I must say...this hypocrisy is by far the best of the worst that I know." Maeve prowled dangerously closer to them. "I guess you would know best about being cruel."

"Everything alright, ladies?" all of them turned to see the man. While Elena visibly flinched as did Bonnie and Caroline, Maeve watched awaiting more from him.

"Fantastic actually." responded Maeve instead. Maeve decided on acting mischievously. "So Stefan, did you know it's your anniversary with Elena? Or did you two breakup now that undoubtedly she's gotten closer to Damon?"

Stefan smiled coldly at that, "I don't care, Maeve. I am just here to look after Klaus's human blood bag." he answered. Maeve blinked her eyes attempting to hide her own shock and amusement. Elena, on the other hand, felt offended and gasped in shock at Stefan's words.

"How can you say that?" asked Caroline. "She's your girlfriend."

"I don't care anymore, Caroline." Maeve saw it as her queue to leave.

"I will leave you lot to it. Adios!"

"I thought you wouldn't come." remarked Rebekah, looking up at Maeve who sat down comfortably on the log next to her.

"I don't bail on my friends." said Maeve, her voice loud enough. She discreetly gestured behind her. Rebekah nodded as it registered to her at what she pointed at.

Maeve glanced ahead at the burning campfire. The flame cackled as golden embers burnt up like a dance. Maeve gleamed like a child excited to show a new toy when she turned her head toward Rebekah,

"Can I show you a trick?" asked Maeve. Rebekah hummed in response. Maeve opened her palms and placed her hands on her knees. She took in a long breath and closed her eyes. Rebekah looked at the fire that burnt. She blinked her eyes when the flames oddly danced up and faded down again. Rebekah glanced at Maeve before quickly turning to fire again. This time her eyes remained glued in fascination. A single flame separated away and took the form of a dancing girl. The ends of the flames that cackled up in freckles became the sparkling stars.

Slowly the fire divided itself into several dancing figures and danced around in circles merrily. They twirled around in sync and joined hands later. The figures merged as one a few seconds later and became a different scene. It was a wolf running around the flames, playfully prancing.

"Is that your wolf?" asked Rebekah, curiously.

"It is." replied Maeve, "I always enjoyed being in my wolf form. It was──it feels different you know."

"I can't imagine that."

Maeve smiled as a particular memory came to mind. "Klaus found my wolf interesting."

"He did?"

"Oh it took several bickering, aneurysms, snarky comments to finally get him on board with the idea that I shift."

"You became quite the friends." said Rebekah. It was noticeable to anyone that the two were close now...after just one summer.

"Can I tell you something? I didn't say anything to Klaus...he's got a big ego as it is." laughed Maeve making even Rebekah smile.

"Tell me. It will be our secret." assured Rebekah.

"Ever since the gang in Mystic Falls found out about me...I felt odd. I didn't ever see it...like you know, actually──" she paused trying to find a word that matched her feeling. "Acknowledge it. It was like dread but worse."

Rebekah avoided looking at her. She understood what Maeve meant. She felt it like the confused pain was her own. "But in just two weeks with Klaus, that feeling went away." Rebekah whipped her head to her right hearing Maeve.

Maeve took a long breath and added on, "the gang gave me this cold shoulder ever since that night with the werewolves. I was suddenly a danger to all, almost like a monster."

"You are not a monster." instantly defended Rebekah.

"It's what they thought." Maeve firmly stated. "I──I don't think I am. It's what they almost made me believe. Fuck, Damon convinced me that Elijah had ulterior motives in helping me." laughed Maeve darkly. "There was always..I guess fear that I would finally be hunted by someone or them."

"Not with Nik."

"I know...I know, your brother, the big bad original Hybrid who haunts people's nightmares the supernatural terrifying version of boogeyman." Maeve rested her arms completely on her lap, holding her head in her hands. "I know what it was. That feeling that came and then went away."

Rebekah knew what it was but she still asked, "what was it?"

"I felt safe with Klaus."

The two of them were completely unaware that Damon was lurking in the shadows, overhearing every word that came out of Maeve's mouth. Despite having a heart of stone, Damon Salvatore occasionally exhibited a responsible level of compassion towards others, and Maeve was no exception. There were moments when the elder Salvatore actually enjoyed Maeve's company. This was why he decided to stand by her side during the funeral. He sympathized with Maeve and decided to help her through this challenging time.

Even if such were the case, he would still be the one who utilized her powers improperly, misled her, and profited from her inability to control them. Damon, being the type of person he is who is always looking for an advantage, couldn't help but condemn himself for losing both a buddy and a strong witch.

Forcing all of those thoughts to the back of his mind, he approached the two, just in time to listen,

"I've had ten of these but they don't taste good." complained Rebekah.

"That's because you are not doing it right." said Damon, situating himself between the two. Maeve made eye contact with Rebekah with a single raised eyebrow. Damon helped himself with another marshmallow and showed Rebekah the right way to eat it.

"Been in the casket for ninety years." She deadpanned. Rebekah stared at Damon for a moment before adding, "you're distracting me. You're not nice to me. Maeve what's going on?"

"Like I'd know. I just came here."

"Nothing. Just trying to be nice." Damon clarified. But anyone could see through his lie.

"Remember, Damon. There can never be a fair fight between us." Rebekah warned and shoved the wooden stick in her hand through his stomach. He grunted at the impact.

"I'll see you at your house, Mae." Rebekah smiled.

"I guess your charms work only on Elena and no one else." Maeve mumbled watching him writhe in pain.

"Are you not going to ask anything?" inquired Damon finally pulling out the stick.

"Why should I bother when I know it will be a lie." indifferently replied Maeve.

She walked to the ground hoping to run around in silence only to see Elena at the bleachers with Alaric. Maeve saw Elena shove Stefan into the car with the help of Alaric. Maeve watched from the shadows

Suddenly, fire crept up on the car. Elena was inside the car. She noticed the panic build in as fire increased. She didn't care about either of the three. She shouldn't care about what was happening to them. But she did care. She couldn't watch the fire burn up and almost swallow Elena and Stefan trapped inside the car. Against her better judgement, she strode toward the car.

"Step aside Alaric let me handle it." Maeve instructed. Immediately, Alaric stepped back giving Maeve a clear path.

"uincere flamma" she chanted looking at the fire. The fire got in control but lit up again.

"There's magic in the fire." she noted before turning to Alaric, "I'll control the fire and open the door. You will get Elena and Stefan out, understand? Be quick." She goes back to face the car casting another spell.

"Bombardes" she muttered and the door opened. "Get them out." She told Alaric. Elena got out and walked back to grab Stefan. Maeve helped her pull him out and the car blew up.

Maeve breathed in relief. She turned to walk away but had to stop hearing Elena say, "Maeve...thank you."

"Yeah...yeah, you're welcome." she responded dully.

It was almost midnight now. The two girls spent time together giggling while eating ice cream. Maeve was catching Rebekah up to speed with the time.

"I missed out on a lot."

"Meh. The years had their dark phases. Not gonna lie, but yeah, music was something that just went up and up."

Rebekah shifted on the couch, placing her empty tub of ice cream on the table. She turned to Maeve and began, "tell me more about this Edward Cullen."

Maeve laughed boisterously, "he is an insult to vampires." her next words trailed off when both jolted up hearing a sound. Both cautiously glanced around the dimly lit room.

Rebekah sat up, her feet firmly footed on the floor, eyes set into a corner of the room, "who's there?" Maeve looked the way Rebekah did. The figure slowly emerged from the dark corner. Maeve stared as the dim light that casted on their face. Maeve watched in shock as they awkwardly smiled at her.

"Hello Maeve." he greeted her. Maeve stood up, her lips quivering. She couldn't get words out. Rebekah looked at the man standing before them with a smile. She noticed the light stubble, features almost like Maeve's and a mop of curly brown hair.

Maeve still stuttered. All she could let out were a string of syllables. Just beside him a woman apparated. She held a noticeable grace to her presence. Her bright smile and long locks of auburn hair cascaded down her slender back.

"Hi honey." she beamed an even wider smile. Maeve's eyes teared up seeing them.

Rebekah stood clueless watching as silently the three stared at each other. Somewhere in her heart she knew who they might be, but she dared not utter a single word.

"Mom? Dad?" she finally let out words. Both grinned more looking at each other.

"Now now, moonpie...I know you've never met them. But at least give them a hug." a single tear rolled down her cheek. She closed her eyes feeling as if it was a dream. She waited for the dream to be over. Maeve felt like she was going to wake up any time.

Maeve turned to look at Rebekah, "you're seeing them too right?" asked Maeve, hopefully.

"Yes. Maeve...are they your..." Rebekah got her answer before she could complete her question as Maeve rushed to hug her grandfather first. She heard him laugh before he hugged her back. Maeve sniffled pulling back and wiped her eyes. She turned to the other two.

"I think I should formally introduce myself..." began her father. "I am Jared Kalon and this is my beautiful wife, Gemma. We are your parents." she smiled and went in for a hug.

It was a comfort she hadn't felt in a while. The love in just one embrace that she grew up with, one she left behind overwhelmed her. Maeve rested her head on her father's shoulder, her hands resting on their arms.

She sniffled pulling away but couldn't wipe away the smile. "Wait...how are you guys here?"

"Well, Bonnie did something and ghosts can now visit this side."

"Look at her, Gem. She's a spitting image of you."

"Oh but eyes. Eyes are all you." responded Gemma. "Yes, her beauty is mine."

"Enough you two." laughed Kade. "You hahevto admit she gets her mischief from me."

"More like anger but whatever you say dad." chastised Jared.

"Whatever I say? It is the truth. She fights just like me." Kade argued defensively.

"That's because you taught her your way. Not mine."

"Oh you mean, ask questions first and then punch? When has that ever benefitted you?"

Maeve smiled foolishly, "um...guys? Shouldn't uncle Luther be with you guys too?" all three turned to her as suddenly they realised about the missing man.

"She remembers. I thought she forgot me like you lot." came another manly voice. Standing just beside them by the kitchen island, stood Luther; a burly man towering over everyone in the room. Dirty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes.

"I feel loved you guys." he pressed a hand to his chest with a pout. Everyone bursted into laughter.

Rebekah felt a pang in her heart before she felt like it twisted up in her chest. Envy weighed heavily on her heart. She cancelled out their conversation, only seeing their wide smiles.

Kade's eyes fell on Rebekah who tried not to say a word. "You must be Rebekah."

"Hello." she awkwardly waved at them. "I...I'll leave you guys alone." she announced scattering over to the front door.

"Rebekah, wait." stopped Maeve. "You don't have to go. It's okay."

"It's alright, Maeve. You should have your time with your family." something about the way Rebekah said it made Maeve's heart thump.

"Ar──are you sure?" Rebekah nodded although Maeve could see how reluctant she was. Rebekah stepped into the hallway but Maeve held her hand before she could speed away. Maeve closed the door behind her and hugged the original.

"I understand what you're feeling. I am sorry Rebekah." maeve understood that Rebekah couldn't watch her be with her family, her true family while hers was miles away in a deep slumber. She couldn't eat to watch their smiles when hers was being broken for centuries.

"Thank you Maeve." it was a relief for Rebekah, a little less envy now to know Maeve understood why she made that decision. It felt nice to have a friend who could try to understand what it was like, for being alive for centuries.

**************************************
Hey guys!

So the previous version had a whole section for family reunion but I am going to omit it out. Don't ask just felt like doing it.

Hope you're enjoying the book. Please please please don't be a silent reader. I need to know how you guys are finding this book.

Please comment and let me know what you think!

Take care everyone!

Raven :)