On My Own (TVD Series)

Unbound Sacrifices

A FEW DAYS LATER

Resting up against the trunk of an old tree, I scattered some of my oil paints along the grass sticking the end of paintbrushes into the soil while I sketched on the blank canvas. Over the last few days, everything around the school had gone into overdrive, with students recruiting, organizations promoting, even the football games had been promoted on the local radios when you drove into school.

I had taken a few days to myself, trying to recollect my thoughts with everything that happened at the party and with Klaus. I couldn't stop overthinking, the constant urge of anger with every thought I had about Tyler. At one point I was beginning to think about my old house, and how empty it was, having no visitors, but the thought of having to see the kitchen and the rooms the way I last saw them became too much.

Dipping my paintbrush into the water bottle I had between my legs, I started to draw with water, watching as the lead marks seeped into the brush swipes. Constantly spreading paint and water with every stroke, I hummed along with the rhythm of the song playing through my headphones when I suddenly see the top of someone's shoes stop in front of me.

" You've really dedicated yourself to this whole 'College Student' look," Katherine said, smiling down at me.

"I'm trying to paint a picture of my depression as a college student...now if you don't mind, I need darkness."

"Sheesh...your dark."

"And you're chirpy...who did you do?" I asked.

"No one...and what's not to be happy about. I'm beautiful, I'm healthy, I'm strong...I get to live another life with my best friend-"

"Yet, in Elena's life, I'm not your best friend, I'm your ex-boyfriends' little adoptive sister..."

"You make things complicated, you know that?" She blurted out annoyingly.

"...I'm in a mood, deal with it."

"Okay, what the hell is wrong with you...you've been like this for the last few days. Painting and drinking, you could start a class you know, I think it would be a hit."

"I'm...I'm still thinking about-"

"Klaus. I get it...166 waiting to finally get some, it can see how it could be overwhelming-"

"Tyler, Kat. I'm talking about Tyler." I blurted out.

"Oh...eww, why?"

"He said some things at the party...it's nothing."

"Laurie, you're the type to forget about the little things that disturb, why are you letting Tyler, out of all people, get to you?"

"Because we're the same...in a weird way?"

"First of all, how? Second, you don't have anger issues, and third, since when-"

Immediately stopping herself from saying another word, I took my attention off from my painting and looked over at her.

"What...did your tongue dry out?" I chuckled.

"Actually, you're right...you're the same."

"Anger problems, parents dying, running away...oh, and I'm an alcoholic...would it hurt you to say I told you so?"

"Shut up and paint." She sighed, sitting on the ground beside me.

"So...why not paint inside?"

"I need inspiration. If I stay inside a little longer I'll go crazy...and no one, but you would want that."