The Missing Piece

1858 pt. 3

(Caution Warning: This chapter continues the abuse theme. This chapter is not imperative to the story, however does provide insight into Cleona's backstory and how she ended up with the Mikaelsons. This is one of the less heavy abuse chapters in these flashbacks however please read with caution.)

1858 (Late October)

The house had felt even more broken as the months passed. Both of the boys had found some kind of new normal, but I was kept from them even more. I was out in town today, trying to find something for Stefan's birthday in a few days. I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned to find Elijah standing behind me looking over the crowd.

"Excuse me, have you seen my brother?" He asked. I had to admit, throughout my few interactions with Elijah, he seemed quite stern and distant despite how he interacted with Niklaus.

"Not in a few days," my eyebrows furrowed, "why?"

"I seem to have lost him."

"I thought you both did not care for being in town." I asked, the basket I was carrying swaying by my side.

"Yes, well Niklaus has been more, daring, as of late." I shook my head and shrugged.

"While your little brother has disappeared, mine is having a birthday soon. If you'll excuse me, I must be on my way." I gave a short curtsey and smiled before turning to continue to the shops. I quickly got what I needed and headed back to the house.

"Good afternoon, Damon." I greeted my elder brother who was seated on the front porch between the two pillars.

"Let me," he stood quickly and made his way to me, taking the basket from my hands.

"Thank you."

"So what did you buy in town?" He asked lazily, his eyes scanning the basket.

"Only what we were out of, and with the money you gave me I bought Stefan a gift." I pointed out the journal I had found in the store. "I wasn't gone too long was I?"

"Father is out, meeting with Mr. Lockwood." I let out a silent sigh of relief as we entered the estate. "He shouldn't be back for a few hours."

"Then I should get started on dinner." I smiled, taking the basket back and heading to the kitchen before Damon grabbed my elbow.

"Or you could go visit Aster for a bit." I knew he was just trying to cheer me up, something he had been trying to do since our mother died, but I also knew that if father were to get home earlier than expected I would get in big trouble.

"I really have to get started on dinner, Damon. I can visit Aster later." I set my hand over his and gave him the best smile I could muster. "Why don't you see if Stefan wants to go on a ride." I pulled back and went into the kitchen, Damon following at my heels.

"I didn't say you had to take Aster for a ride, but I can tell that Aster hasn't been herself, neither have you." Damon leaned his arms on the counter.

"Like I said, I will go see Aster after dinner, now shoo, I have to get started." I pushed his arms off the counter and gently pushed him towards the door.

It was silent at dinner, an unsettling new normal for us. Damon quietly ate his food, sending me short glances every few minutes as if he was going to say something. Stefan scarfed down his food causing me to chuckle.

"Slow down, Stefan," I tried to hold back my laughter, "you don't want to choke." I pointed out before going back to eating my own meal.

"Father, I was wondering if Cleona and I could go down to the stables for a bit after dinner so she can see-"

"I have told you many times, Damon," our father's voice boomed even though I could tell he was trying to be quieter, "Cleona needs to focus on her duties in the kitchen, not be out with the horses. Stop asking."

"But father," I cut him off by placing my hand over his with a sad smile.

"He's right, Damon, just let it go." I silently sighed before returning my attention to my half full plate. "Father may I be excused?" I asked softly. "I'd like to get started on washing the dishes early tonight." He gave me a short glare but nodded, so I stood and took my plate with me.

It was finally dark as I stepped out of my room. Everyone else had gone to bed and I was still wide awake, so with a book in my hand and a light wrap around me I tiptoed down the stairs and out to the stables.

"Good evening, Aster," I whispered as I entered her stall, I set my book on the gate before turning back to her. "I'm sorry I haven't been out in so long, so much has been going on." I reached my hand up to her face and gently brushed my hand down her neck.

"I haven't seen you out here in awhile," I turned around to see Nik leaning against the gate and couldn't help the growing smile on my face.

"No, but I saw your brother in town this morning." I smiled turning back to Aster, he chuckled but changed the subject.

"I thought you weren't allowed out here anymore?" I heard the gate open and shut as Nik stepped in.

"I'm not, but Damon has been saying how lonely Aster is." I glanced behind me and noticed Nik getting even closer. "I couldn't just leave my best friend alone, besides, I miss riding."

"You aren't going for a ride in the dark are you?" He asked softly.

"No, no, of course not." I shook my head, my jet black curls hitting my face as they bounced. "I just figured I'd sit with her for a while, maybe do some reading," I gestured to the book that was still on the gate. He smiled and picked up the book, examining the cover.

"You have good taste," I quickly reached for the book but he was faster than I was and held it up, out of my reach. He chuckled as I struggled to reach for the book.

"Nik, give it back," I sighed crossing my arms, "please?"

"Why should I?" He teased, turning it over and reading the cover, "Pride and Prejudice," he chuckled. "That's-"

"Nik, please, give it back." I continued my futile attempts to reach for the book. "Niklaus!" I screwed my eyes shut and stepped back instinctively, my muscle memory taking over when I spoke. Once I had gathered myself I let out a short breath and opened my eyes. "Nik, please." His expression changed from one of amusement to one of concern as I held out my hand. His eyes scanned over me as if searching for something on my face.

I pulled my hand back, and up to my face, pulling my hair out from behind my ear to lay over my shoulder and pulling wrap closer to my body, now consciously aware of the disappearing bruises. Within a second his hand was on my shoulder and I jerked back from how close he had gotten so quickly. His face was still so filled with concern and yet when he spoke, his voice sounded so cold.

"Who," he didn't elaborate further, nor did he need to. I don't think he even needed the answer.

"It's nothing, Nik." I placed my hand over his and pulled it off my shoulder, continuing to hold his hand. He opened his mouth to speak again, but I cut him off. "Now, if you give me my book back, you can sit and listen in, if you'd like." I forced a smile, squeezing his hand tighter.

"Cleona!" I grimaced at the loud voice entering the stables.

I apologize for being so absent lately, my life kicked into high gear suddenly and I was struggling with writer's block. I hope you all are having a great day/afternoon/night and are staying safe. I'm posting an extra chapter tonight so it's not just heavy topics (with a little fluff of course). Thanks for reading! ~Kat