Saved by a Salvatore

Chapter 5

We’re in what Stefan has told me is Zach’s trusty SUV. I refuse to acknowledge the manufacturer. Stefan is sitting next to me with my arm comfortably tucked under his with my hand cupped in both of his. I can’t tell if he’s trying to quell my nerves or his. We’re on our way to the Salvatore Boarding House. I really need to stop laughing about these names. I recall the full-on laugh attack I had when Stefan told me his full name.

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“So, once we land we’ll be heading straight to the Boarding House.” he says.

“Boarding House? You take people in? Is that what this is?” ” I can’t keep the resistance out of my voice.

“We used to take people in, but not anymore. I said I‘d help you and I will. Don‘t think of yourself as a charity” he says frowning. “But, yes the Salvatore Boarding House. That’s where we live.” he smiles.

“Salvatore?” I snort out.

“My name is Stefan Salvatore.,” he says as if it’s not supposed to disarm me.

“That’s a name? First, you tell me we’re going to Mystic Falls. Now, you tell me your name is Stefan Salvatore. You are making all this up!” I say laughing the hardest laughed, I’ve laugh in weeks.

“You really have an issue with trusting people, don’t you?” He amused.

“When you’ve lived the life I’ve lived, you learn who you can trust. I’ve built my life to a certain fashion, so it shouldn’t surprise you in the least that I’d recoil from you in a sense.” I didn’t mean to sound like I was blaming him somehow. Just then, I hear Zach on the in-flight phone in front of us.

“I found him…Yes…You were right, He was in Chicago…Everything’s fine…I suspect you’re leaving…I’m not questioning you…Yes…No…That’s not up to me…Fine.” I assume he’s hung up on whomever he was talking to. I catch a glimpse at Stefan. Apparently he‘s been listening to.

“What was that about?” Curiosity was always my weakness. I mean, in some way, it did get me into the Pink Panther.

“Probably just a friend or something.” He’s being distant.

“He was talking about you. He said he found you. Apparently it’s someone you know if they knew where’d you be.” I catch his eyes as he looks at me in a, don’t pry, kind of way.

“Stefan, I just thi-” I mutter.

Taking my hand he says, “I don’t want you worrying about any of that. This is about you and getting you better.”

I smile and sit back in my seat and feel myself drift off.

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We turn into a spacious driveway to one of the most uniquely beautiful houses I’d ever seen. I haven’t actually been around trees in what seems like forever. Stefan ushers me away from the vehicle just out of earshot as he turns back and talks to Zach. He looks gravely worried about something, but I choose not to dwell on it. This place really is beautiful, more so than I would’ve ever imagined. Now, I’m itching to see the inside. Then, Stefan is by my side again, looking in better spirits than a few moments ago.

“Shall I show you to your room?” he smiles.

“I have a room?” I’m too excited. Had I known the place would look like this, I wouldn’t have been so bitchy towards him.

“Yes you have a room. You can do anything you want with it.” He’s says beaming at me.

“Okay.” I say simply. “Stefan, I remember.” I smile.

“Your name? You remember?” He lights up.

“It’s Kit. Kitana.” I blush

“Kitana? You have a last name, Kitana?” he blinks at me.

“Maven. I know that look. My mother was obsessed with samurai swords, and I take it you didn‘t expect me to have a weird name as well?” I playfully scowl at him.

“Well, it’s quite unusual. But, yes.” he says as we enter the Boarding House.