Tenacity - Elijah Mikaelson

Words Of Wisdom

"William! Allison's here!" Dot called out and as soon as those words left her mouth, the speedy little pitter patter of feet could be heard coming down the hallway. Dot and I shared a chuckle, knowing how excitable William got whenever I came to collect him.

I knew that one day he wouldn't have that same childlike wonder, so I treasured every beaming grin and that bright sparkle in his oak brown eyes while I could. I just hoped that as he got older, he didn't pull away, that our sibling bond would always be there.

"Sonny! I've missed you! Can we get icecream?!" William yelled as he barralled into my legs, wrapping his little arms around them as tightly as he could manage, that beautiful cherubim smile shining up at me.

"I missed you too, buddy, so much. Why don't you go pack your bag and we can go to the Grill?" I asked, fingers running through his wild brown curls, reminding me that I needed to take him to get a haircut.

With a gasp, and enthusiastic nodding, William sprinted back down the same hallway as fast as his little legs could carry him, as Dot patted one of the stools by her island bench and filled up the kettle knowing we had a bit of time. William always got distracted by his toys when packing them away.

"Why don't you tell me what's on you mind, dear? I can see that something's bothering you." Dot questioned, pulling out a couple of mugs and peppermint tea bags. Letting out a small huff, I smiled at my elderly friend.

Sometimes, I think she could read minds.

"There's a lot on my mind. Caroline seems to be more involved with people that don't actually care about her. I have three assignments due this week that I haven't started, the house is a mess and William has a parent teacher interview that I have to go to. I'm his sister, not his Mother, and I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing, Dot." As soon as I started, I couldn't seem to stop. Everything just came pouring out like a fountain of shame.

"Allison, you're too hard on yourself." Dot began and I sighed, about to interrupt, but she held a hand out to silence me and handed me my tea and a couple of biscuits.

"Caroline is your best friend, so it's only natural that you worry about her, but sometimes mistakes need to be made in order for someone to learn. We both know how stubborn that Forbes girl is." Dot began and I snorted, wholeheartedly agreeing.

"But if I can prevent a little heartache, shouldn't I try?" I questioned, resting my chin in the palm of my hand as I looked towards Dot's comforting face.

"You have a big heart, Allison, so full of love, but just because you want to help someone doesn't mean they will accept your help. Caroline might not heed your warnings now, but when she is suffering, all you can do is be there for her." Dot was right, as hard as it was for me to ignore the impulse to help Caroline, it was the best thing for everyone.

"Yeah, you're right, as usual." I muttered as Dot chuckled, patting my hand affectionately before continuing down my list of problems.

"And you're always telling me you've got assignments due and you know what happens? You finish them, turn them in and remain a straight A student. Regardless of what you decide to do, I know that you'll have a bright future. High school is merely a moment of time in your life, so don't stress yourself over it too much." Dot handed me another biscuit as I nodded in understanding.

She was right, I would be graduating in a year and then I could leave this cursed town and take William and Dot somewhere safe. Somewhere Dot could live out her life. Somwhere that William could grow up without the threat of supernatural disasters looming overhead.

Maybe we could get a cliche white picket fence?

"As for your bother... I know that you feel overwhelmed by all the responsibilities that come with raising a child, but you're doing better than most. It isn't fair that you have the pressures of a mother when you have no children, but William is a happy, healthy, beautiful boy so you must be doing something right." Dot comforted, her hand now grasped in mine, squeezing reassuringly.

"What if something happens to him? What if something happens and it's my fault? Sometimes I think this town is cursed." I grumbled the last bit, momentarily forgetting that Dot was unaware of the supernatural, but she took it in stride.

"I think you might be right, Possum. It used to be such a quaint little town, but it does have a dark history, which I'm sure you've learnt about, but think of it this way. Once you're done with school, you and William can leave and never look back." Dot all but demanded, solidifying my earlier thoughts about leaving.

"You say that as if you wouldn't be coming with us." I stated with raised brows, slurping obnoxiously at my tea as Dot snorted, but not denying me.

"Also, who gives a shit about a messy house? A teenager and a toddler live there, what do people bloody expect?" Dot added and just as I was gulping down the last of the tea, only to have it catch in my throat.

"Dot!" I exclaimed, spluttering dramatically while Dot just cackled as she took away the empty mugs. I wasn't often that Dot used profanity, but it was always shockingly amusing.

"I'm readyyyy!" I heard from the three foot dictator.

One look towards him had both Dot and I in another round of laughter. Not only had William packed his toys up into his Transformer bag, but he had also changed into a Thomas the Tank Engine onsie, a yellow pair of gumboots and a red hat.

"Well, don't you look colourful." I finally offered, smile widening as William puffed out his chest proudly.

"Thanks! These are my fancy clothes. Do you like my boots?" William questioned, lifting one foot out towards me with pride gleaming in his eyes, hands planted on his hips with pride. I might be biased, but I swear, he was the most adorable child in all of Mystic Falls.

"Oh, I do. You look very sophisticated." I tried to say seriously, hiding my grin behind my hand. Dot, on the other hand, made no such efforts as she giggled by the sink.

"Alright, we better get out of Dot's hair. Let's get going... And thank you, Dot, for everything." I said as I shooed William towards the front door, pausing to give Dot a smile over my shoulder, one that she returned in earnest.

I honestly don't know what I would do without her.

She was a life saver.