Parker's Legacy | Damon Salvatore, Malachai Parker

01

CHAPTER ONE
HELLO, LITTLE BROTHER

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"DON'T FORGET YOUR lunch, Henrique," Josette's voice echoed through the bustling morning routine. The Parker household was a whirlwind of activity as Olivia and Lucas, Henrique's younger siblings, scurried toward the front door, backpacks slung over their shoulders in eager anticipation of another day at Mystic Falls High School.

Henrique, the middle child in the current Parker clan, was in the midst of the early morning chaos, ensuring his own schoolbooks were safely stowed in his bag. He could not help but chuckle at the organised chaos that seemed to reign every morning.

Josette, their eldest sister and a twin, was the de facto matriarch of the Parker household. Her mature demeanor and nurturing nature were perfectly suited to the role. She stood near the kitchen, a serene presence amid the morning flurry.

With her dark hair pulled back into a neat bun and a motherly expression on her face, Josette reached out a hand to hand Henrique a neatly packed lunchbox. "Here you go, Henrique. Don't want you to starve yourself."

Henrique flashed a grateful smile, his eyes meeting Josette's with a mix of affection and gratitude. "Thanks, Josie. You're a lifesaver."

Josette's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Someone has to keep this place from falling apart, right? And, I'm actually a lifesaver, a doctor." That earned a husky laughter from Henrique.

Henrique, with his younger siblings, walked to Mystic Falls High School, ready to tackle the day once more. As Olivia and Lucas, both starting their junior year, finally reached the doors of Mystic Falls High, they exchanged quick goodbyes and parted ways with their older brother. Henrique watched them go, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. He was determined to be the best role model he could for his younger siblings, offering them guidance and support in the same way Josette had done for him.

He entered the door of the high school and strolled down the hallway of the school, taking in the bustling crowd. Some were ready to go home even though classes haven't really started yet. Some were just rushing their assignments while the rest are unbothered with life. He had missed school — not the classes of course, just the amazing memories he shared with his friends. This year's summer break was longer than before, at least to him. Now, it was time for him to get back to the reality. He was now a senior. Henrique found his way to his locker, unlocking it before taking out his History textbook. He shut the locker before stumbling backward, almost tripping on his own feet, startled by his best friend.

"Motherfucker," Henrique cursed, his hands clutching on the textbook that he brought near his chest, trying not to die of a heart attack.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Henrique's best mate apologised as he took the textbook away from the startled Parker, looking at it.

"Stefan, just because you're a vampire—" Henrique's voice was raised a little but immediately cut off with Stefan's hand covering his mouth. Henrique licked his best friend's palm, making the vampire moved his hand away.

Stefan gave a look of disgust. "You're fucking disgusting, Rique. But, you need to shut the hell up. I can't let people out of our inner circle know anything about what I am and what we are."

Henrique nodded, understanding the need for secrecy. He and Stefan had been friends since Henrique first crossed path with him in this very hallway, and they'd shared many secrets over the years. There was one nickname that Stefan used for Henrique that always warmed his heart, Rique. It was a special moniker, one that only Stefan used, and it made Henrique feel like he belonged, like he was part of something bigger than himself.