Lacey's POV
Chapter 17: Homesickness
This Chapter is Dedicated to Sara Jones
The Next Day...
I find myself rising earlier that morning. I shower and dress, gazing over the balcony just as the sun begins to rise. I wear a thin, silky wrap, which blows in the wind. My mind is far off in the distance.
"Good morning." A husky British voice whispers in my ear. I feel Klaus's arms wrap around me, filling me with a pleasant warmth that speads through my body. He kissed my cheek, making me blush. "Morning." I said sofly. "You're shaking, darling. Let me take you inside."
"Am I the only damn hybrid that gets cold?!" I scowl. He chuckle.
My eyes gaze into his perfect blue ones. But we're interrupted by the sound of my ringtone.
I sigh as I'm ripped from this perfect moment.
My smile reappears as I glance at my caller ID.
"Stefan!"
"Hey, Lace. Is now a bad time?"
I glance at Klaus, who nods at me in approval to continue. "No, it's fine. What's up?" He sighed. I could hear exhaustion in his voice. Stefan was upset. Something was wrong.
"Stefan? Is everything okay?" I asked, beginning to worry.
"A lot has happened since you left, Lacey."
"A lot? What do you mean?"
"We just recently found out that Katherine has been in Elena's body for a week. And we haven't noticed." I raised my eyebrows. "How dare she! That bitch! What did you do?"
"I killed her."
I smile triumphantly at his response. "Damn. And I really liked her." I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. Stefan chuckles. "I can tell." Something about his tone gave me a feeling that wasn't the worst of their problems in Mystic Falls.
"That's not the worst of it, is it?"
"No."
"Damon's gotten himself into this huge mess. Wes... He turned him into a monster."
"Being a vampire wasn't enough?" I growled. I'd heard about that awful doctor. If I was there I would've ripped him apart. Piece by fucking piece with no hesitation. "Apparently not. He's a ripper. Worse than me. He craves vampire blood, Lacey."
"Shit." I mumble.
"Shit. Shit. Shit. Put him on the damn phone."
It wasn't long until I heard the voice of my brother, and he didn't sound particularly well. "Hey Lacey." He mumbles.
"Don't 'Hey Lacey' me, Damon! What the hell have you been doing?!"
"Long story."
"I'm guessing Stefan's locked you in a cellar, I'm sure you have PLENTY of time to start talking."
+ + + + + + + +
"Damon, you're an idiot."
He chuckled. "Can't have my little sister here to keep me in line, can I?" I sigh. "I'm actually working on that. In the meantime I'm sure Stefan will be an excellent teacher."
"I don't want to learn the ways of Bambi!" He whines.
I scowl. "Well maybe if you hadn't killed his 'sober buddy' you'd be better off!"
"I was trying to keep the council off us!"
"You're doing an amazing job."
"Aren't little sisters supposed to be nice?"
"Aren't big brothers supposed to be sensible?"
"Just try not to eat the whole vampire species, please? If you love Elena so much, do it for her."
"As I'm sure Stefan forgot to mention, Katherine screwed Elena over on her way out. We've got three rippers now." Damon said. "Under the same roof? You are crazy."
Damon laughs.
"Do it for me, then."
"I'll try, Lace. I miss you."
"I miss you too. I really am trying to get out of here to see you guys, okay? Goodbye, Damon."
I end the call, looking up to see Klaus looking at me with an amused gaze. "My brother's retarded." I explain. He laughs, squeezing me against him. "Can I take you inside now? Your skin is ice." I nod.
Something washes over me as I step in the door. A new type of sadness. I want to be home with Stefan and Damon. I want to laugh at them and tease them. I want to help Damon and talk with Stefan. I wanted to be there. In the loop again. But it simply isn't possible. Klaus seems to notice my new mood. "I will get New Orleans back from Marcel. I'll convince Sophie to un-link you. You can go back."
"But what about you? I don't want to leave without you. What about the baby? Things aren't simple anymore."
"It will all work out, sweethaeart. You just have to wait a little while." I nod, allowing him to pull me into his arms. "I just miss them."
"I know."
"I don't mind staying here, Klaus. You're here and this has become a second home for me. I just miss my other home."
"We can go talk to the witches tomorrow. I'll go with you. We'll convince them. You need a vacation."
"Really?"
"Really."