Chapter 15: Compelled

It was as if the nightmare was playing out in front of her eyes again, the images haunting her memories. It was only certain events playing in her mind like a tape on rewind. As much as she tried to fight the memories away, they hit her again and again.

"She wants her dead."
"And I'll happily do it! I'm up to the task!"
"If she stays away, Katherine will have no reason to kill her."
"I will kill her and bring Katherine to me!"

The voices were loud, painful to her as the echo carried. A burning sensation ripped through her skull as the world around her was spinning like she was caught in a vortex. Everyone's voices were in her ears, the past 24 hours pulling at her last strength. Julian, Isobel and Katherine.

Katherine wants her dead.

It was a whirl, it came at her fast. First came the illuminated bright lights, then the sound of a repetitive beeping which was growing louder in her subconsciousness. Elena gasped for breath, her eyes wide with fear as she looked at her surroundings, the pounding of her heart in her ears. It looked like she was in a hospital, the dull walls attracting her attention. Lifting her head from the pillow, she winced in pain and slowly lay it back down as she remembered the amount of times it had taken a hit.

"Hello?" The sound of her voice shocked her as she heard the weak croak. Looking over, she stared at the drop that was attached to her hand. How bad was she? "Is anyone here?"

"Elena!" Jenna rushed into the room, a look of concern on her face as she rushed to the side of the bed, "Oh honey, are you okay?"
"I-" She began, but the pain appeared too much as she shook her head, tears in her eyes.
"Hey," Jenna cooed softly, embracing her in a careful hug as she kissed the top of her head, "You mom and dad are on their way. What happened Elena?"

"I-Its kind of a blur." Elena swallowed hard, "Damon-"
"Damon? Who's Damon?" Jenna questioned, "Oh! He's that guy on the council right?"
"Huh?" She frowned in confusion. She didn't know Damon?

Pain shot through her as she gasped in pain and pressed her palm to her forehead. Unfortunately, it didn't ease the pain like she had expected. Maybe her condition was more serious than she had initially thought. Everything was hot. She felt like the room was on fire and her skin was burning.

"Honey, get some rest okay?" Jenna stroked her hair lightly, "I'll wait for your mom and dad."

Elena didn't need to be told twice. As soon as she closed her eyes, she fell into a deep slumber of darkness. Hopefully this time, it wouldn't be a nightmare.

The forest was filled with fog, the fog crowded her and made her feel like she was suffocating. What was this? Taking careful steps, she looked around and held her breath as she felt like she was being watched. Where was she? Pushing her way through the fog, she tried to make out what she was walking towards.

Then she seen it. A crow was resting on top of a gravestone, no movement, no noise. Making her way over, she stared at the imprint and frowned. Damon Salvatore?

There it was again, the bright light like an intruder to the darkness. Where was she now? Forcing her eyes open, she looked around and winced as if she was burned.

"Elena, thank god." Miranda sighed with relief, giving her hand a gently squeeze, "I've been so worried. What happened?"
"Mom, I'm so sorry, I-"

"Miranda? How-" Liz walked into the room, a smile grazing her lips as a look of relief reached her eyes, "Elena, you're awake."
"Liz, thank you for finding her."
"I'm happy that I found her." Liz smiled at Elena, "Are you okay?"
"I-" Elena croaked and swallowed, fighting the pain, "Liz, thank you for helping me."

"Miss Gilbert?" The nurse walked in, looking around the room, "Full house in here. How are you feeling?"

"I-" Elena stopped mid-sentence, her thoughts clouded with confusion. She had to lie. She needed answers and to get those, she had to get out of hospital, "I'm feeling fine."

"No pain? Dizziness or even nausea?" The nurse raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"I feel...really good." Elena forced a smile.
"Well, if that is the case, rest up and we will see how you are feeling later on."
"Okay, thank you." She responded, leaning her head back.

"That is good news. I better head home. Caroline was really worried about you Elena." Liz moved over and touched her arm gently.
"She was?" The brunette questioned in surprise.
"Very. I better let her know that you are okay. I will see you later Miranda. Get some rest now Elena."
"Thank you Liz." Miranda smiled as Liz left and turned her attention to Elena.

"Where is dad?"
"He had to attend the council meeting. He will be here in the morning, now get some rest, okay?"
"Goodnight mom." Elena closed her eyes; her mind immediately pulling her into a drowsy state as she gave into her dreams.

The world was passing her by, her eyes following the trees as they drove by. They were on their way back from the hospital, the nurses giving Elena clearance this morning as she faked all of her smiles and conversations. It was the only way she could get out, otherwise they would have kept her inside for the res of the week.

"Elena?" Miranda called out, waiting for her to look over, "We just have to make a quick stop first and then we can get you home."

"Yeah mom, that's okay." Elena smiled softly.
"Then you are going on severe bed rest."
"Leave the poor girl alone." Grayson raised an eyebrow at Miranda, smiling.
"Grayson-"
"I know that she needs rest, but she also knows, so don't worry."

Elena turned her attention to the window again, her thoughts from the past couple of days a jumble. What did it all mean? Isobel had saved her from Katherine possibly, but what were her intentions? What good was she to Isobel that she had decided to keep her alive? Had she put herself in more danger by agreeing to her terms?

Pressing her fingers against her forehead, she tried to block out the look on Damon's face as she asked him to make her forget. Pain, hurt, and even sadness. She had seen it all. God, she couldn't even imagine what he was feeling right now. Where was he?

"Here we are." Miranda smiled, looking over her shoulder, "Ready honey?"
"Yeah of course." Elena forced a smile.

The wind blew strong, the trees and branches shaking from the force. Elena looked up as she climbed out of the car and gasped at the intensity. It felt different, not natural. What was going on here?

Elena watched as her parents walked into the Grill, her heart racing as she felt a strange tug. What was that? Shaking her head, she pulled the door open and walked inside, gasping in surprise as she was met with a crowded room.

"Elena!"

Her brown doe eyes widened in surprise as she seen everyone gathered around. Caroline, Bonnie, Matt, and even Tyler. She seen her parents standing with aunt Jenna by the bar. What was going on? All the normal customers were there, getting on with their daily drinking binge.

"Elena!" Caroline ran over, pulling her into a tight hug, "I was so worried."
"Uh-" Elena winced in pain, surprise evident in her voice, "You were?"
"Of course I was. We thought something really bad had happened."
"Oh, kinda like that time you dropped me on my head huh?"
"What?" The blonde frowned and then laughed, "Oh! That time we were drunk?

"What?" Elena frowned in confusion, "Caroline, do you not remem-"
"Babe." What? Her eye shot across to the voice, "I'm so glad you're safe."

Before she could comprehend what was happening, she was pulled into a deep kiss which threw her off balance. Uh, what was going on? Pulling back quickly, she came to face with Matt.

"Matt! What the-"
"Elena, I was so worried. We had our date planned and you didn't show."

Elena stepped back, a migraine beginning to grow in her temple. Was she losing it? Was she really awake or was she in a coma and dreaming? The doors to the Grill opened as she felt drawn to them like a magnet. Her breath caught in her throat as seen Stefan and Damon walking in.

"Well hello, who are those hotties?" Caroline smirked.
"What? Caroline, that is-"

Wait, no. It all just clicked into place with her as pieces of the puzzle fixed together in her mind. Everyone had forgotten, they had been compelled. Compelled to forget him and Stefan, their existence. Damon had created new memories. When the hell did this happen? This situation was growing worse by the minute.

"Elena, what is it? Are you okay?" Bonnie frowned.
"Yeah, you are looking pale." Tyler mentioned, touching her arm.
"I-" She felt the piercing gaze and swallowed hard, "I'm fine."

The doors opened again, Isobel standing in the doorway as she ushered Elena out and disappeared just as quick. Taking a deep breath, she walked towards the door and rushed out. All the while, the same piercing eyes were watching her as she fought her instincts to look back.

What was she to expect next?

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you are well and enjoying the start of April!

I hope you enjoyed.

Shauna

xx