The Owl Gilbert

2:15: The Dinner Guest

I'm walking with Jenna and Elijah as she dragged me along with her to the Old Fell Property at seven in the morning. "The old Fell property actually starts just beyond that fence." Jenna says. "Ah, the Fells. One of the Founding Families." He says and we look at him. "Why do you say it like that?" Jenna asks. "My research showed me that this area was actually settled almost two full centuries earlier. It was a migration of townsfolk from the northeast, um, it was Salem, to be precise." Elijah says and Jenna smiles. "Massachusetts? As in the witch trials?" She asks. "From February sixteen ninety-two to May nineteen sixty-three." I say. "Which means the ever-lauded founding families.. didn't actually found anything." Elijah says. "Well, I bet it was the men who made a big deal about being founders back in eighteen sixty. Men are very territorial." Jenna says. "Yes, they are." Elijah says and we see Dad walking over to us. "Elijah, this is my friend, Alaric Saltzman." Jenna says. "Yeah, I got your message about walking Elijah here through the old property lines. I thought I would tag along. You know being a history buff and all. Where to next?" Dad asks. "I'm pretty curious about the freed slave property owners. Some say, you know, the descendents of the slaves are the true keepers of American history." Elijah says. "Well, I only brought the surveys. I got that list in the car. Just give me a sec." Jenna says as we look at her and she leaves to go to her car. "Alaric Saltzman. So you're one of those people on Adam's and Elena's list of loved ones to protect." Elijah says and they both look at me. "So is Jenna." Dad says. "And Alaric is my father." I say, looking at Elijah and he smiles at me. "I'm very aware of that. You don't have to be jealous. I don't really pursue younger women." Elijah says and there's a long pause. "It's a joke, Ric, lighten up." He says. "Good, because I don't think I want an Original Vampire as my Uncle." I say and they both chuckle. "Would you mind joining me for breakfast?" Elijah asks, looking at me. "No, he wouldn't." Dad says, stepping in front of me and I look cautiously between the two of them. "But I insist." Elijah says and steps forward. "Yes, I'll join you. At the Grill." I say. "Very well." Elijah says and we see Jenna arrive back.

Elijah and I are sitting at a booth in the Grill across from each other as he's looking at the menu. "My sources say that this is what you teenagers would call a 'hit spot' in this town." He says. "If you count the American food, music and Pool, then yes. It's a rather small town so we don't have that many things to do." I say and our waitress, Susan, arrives. "What can I get you gentlemen to drink?" She asks and Elijah and I look at each other, and back to her. "Coffee, dear. Black." He says. "I'll take an orange juice. Thank you." I say and she walks off. "What were you expecting me to say when she asked for my drink order? Herself?" He asks, chuckling and I look at my menu. "Why so fascinated with me besides the whole Sun and the Moon curse?" I ask. "What do you mean?" He asks and I look up at him. "You killed Trevor for slapping me across the face." I say. "Men shouldn't be violent towards children. Fifteen I believe is your age? And well, he was on the run for over five hundred years because of his betrayal." He says. "But you lost someone, didn't you? A long time ago?" I ask. "My youngest brother, Henrik. He was attacked by a werewolf when he was with my younger brother, Niklaus." He says. "Klaus." I say and he nods. "Correct. And he feels guilty because it was his idea to see the men turn into wolves in the first place. Your innocence, it reminds me of Henrik." He says. "I'm sorry for your loss." I say. "Thank you. It was a very long time ago." He says and our waitress comes back with our drinks, and Jenna walks over to us. "Mind if I join?" She asks. "Not at all. Adam was just showing me this hang out spot that most people attend to." Elijah says and moves to the left to let Jenna in, and she orders coffee.

We're about to leave the Grill and Damon calls us over as he's with Andie and Dad. "Hey, guys." Jenna says as we make our way over to them. "So I hear you three had quite a meeting of historical minds today." Damon says. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." Jenna says as Elijah smiles at him. "Well, as much as I'd like to continue this, I've got papers to grade." Dad says, putting money on the table and stands up. "No, you know what? We should continue this. Let's have a dinner party." Andie says. "Ooh, my girl. Full of good ideas. I'll be happy to host. Say tonight. Maybe?" Damon asks. "It's good for me. Jenna?" Andie asks. "I don't know if tonight works--" Dad says and gets interrupted by Jenna. "I'm free." She says, smiling. "It'd be a pleasure." Elijah says, smiling and Damon smiles back. "Great. Formal optional." He says.