A Mirror's Reflection

Warm golden rays shattered out over the wooden panelled floorboards, bathing my legs a warm olive. My skin tingled with warmth and I rubbed my fingers over my eyes. Sleep was hard to shake and I scrambled across the room and into the bathroom.

Turning the tap on, I held my wrists beneath the cold water and splashed some water on my face. When I was satisfied I looked awake enough, I caught the eyes from my reflection and stared. It was still incredibly weird having Nina Dobrev stare back at me, but I was somewhat getting used to the sight. Combing my fingers through my now damp hair, I fixed it up in a high ponytail. Returning to my bedroom, I dressed quickly.

I hadn't built up the courage yet to call Doctor Jonas Martin. I will admit, calling a virtual stranger, that was too weird. Even for me. Besides, I was worried about calling someone I barely knew out of the blue. What if Greta was still part of their family? What if one of Elena's parents barged in? But most of all, what if they wouldn't want to help me? Sure, for his daughter, I was sure Mr. Martin would try and move the world, but for me? I would be dispensable.

For all, I knew he would contact Klaus to exchange me, on a silver platter with the metaphorical apple in my mouth, for his daughter. Klaus didn't care much for humans — a few notable exceptions, perhaps — so I could only assume he would be more than willing to swab one with for one doppelgänger.

I had to play my cards right.

A glance at the bedside table had me groan. I'd never been good with time. Always running late and taking over Elena's life, that hadn't changed. Hitching my leather schoolbag up my shoulder, I descended the stairs quickly. Grayson had already left but Miranda was still there, making what looked like breakfast. I had no idea what Miranda's breakfast cooking tasted like, but if it was anything like that one dinner she'd patched up when Grayson worked late and Jeremy refused to wait any longer, I would pass. Pouring coffee in my thermos flask, I snatched an apple from the fruit bowl and all but fled from the house, ignoring the 'Aren't you hungry, honey?'.

Unsurprisingly I was late for school. By the time I arrived, the school car park was full and I had to manoeuvre the SUV in one of the empty parking slots of the Mystic Grill. It was the closest free parking lot to the school, yet, it was still a good ten minutes walk, and by the time I reached the school grounds. It was probably just my luck I started the day off with History.

"Elena Gilbert," Mr. Tanner drawled annoyed when I tumbled into the classroom fifteen minutes late, "how nice of you to join us."

I almost groaned. I should have skipped this class all-together. Why hadn't I skipped History? I knew who was giving it. Rubbing my hands together, I averted my eyes to his shoulder, not looking him in the eye. Powdery clouds of chalk dust were floating around Tanner's shoulders and I clenched my jaws together. "Good morning, Mister Tanner," I forced out, "I'm so sorry I'm late. I overslept."

"You overslept?"

"Yes."

No, I thought, but if I don't have some stupid excuse for you, I'll probably be in detention till prom.

"Well, may I suggest you buy yourself an alarm clock?"

"Right, of course, Sir."

"Detention, miss Gilbert. I have been lenient enough these last few weeks."

I smiled tightly. "Of course, Sir."

"Take your seat."

I nodded stiffly and slumped down in the only available seat next to the window. Early-morning sunlight filtered inside in sharp, bright white prisms. I tried to calm my anger and sucked my top lip between my blunt front teeth and curled my fingers into tight fists. God and I thought I'd done at least one thing right in (accidentally) deriving Damon's psychotic murderous phase, but— I bit down on my lip hard. I knew that had been a horrible thought. Wishing someone dead in anger? Truly disgusting and I shivered.