Before Life

[02] "The Stars."

Genevieve and her sisters were doing their laundry by hand in the town hall like they do every mid-week. There were multiple others at the well to do their laundry as well. Genevieve was working hard as Rebekah had come by her, "Hi." She said as she bent down to get on her knees.

"Hi," Genevieve said smiling at her.

The two girls were talking up a storm getting to know each other, "So why did you and your family move here?" Kori asked being nosy.

Gen rolled her eyes, "You don't have to answer her." Genevieve told her.

Rebekah looked from Kori to Genevieve, "My brother died not too long ago. My mother and father thought it would be best if we left that village." Rebekah said.

Rebekah looked at Gen and gave her a half-hearted smile, "I'm sorry for your loss." Gen said.

"What happened?" Emilia asked.

"Emilia," Gen said looking at her sister.

"It's okay," Rebekah said looking to Gen.

Rebekah took a deep breath before speaking, "It was an animal attack. Nik and Henrik were trying to watch-"

"Watch what?" Kori asked.

"T-The stars." Rebekah stuttered.

Rebekah looked at the three girls, "The animal came out of nowhere." Rebekah finished.

Gen patted her back and Rebekah had flinched, "It'll get better." Gen said.

-

The girls had gone back to their home. As they walked through their front door Genevieve's father had called for her, "Genevieve!" Her father yelled.

Gen had left the girls to go and see what he wanted, "Yes father?" Gen questioned.

He had started to clean his swords that he had up, "I need you to show these young lads where they can wash off." He said.

Nik, Kol, Elijah, and Finn were covered in what looked like mud and blood. She was curious no doubt but also scared to question anything, "Of course, I'll take them to the lake." Gen said.

-

They made it to the lake near the village. Gen has been coming to this lake since she was a little girl and still comes from time to time. They started to remove their mud and blood-stained clothes, "Be a dear and wash these." Kol said looking Gen in her eyes.

"Of course," Gen responded.

Gen was confused, she would have said yes anyway out of respect. There was something about his eyes that made her want to say it anyway, "Don't be a prude Kol, she's already done so much for us." Nik said.

Genevieve smiled at him, "Thank you." Kol muttered.

"Speak up," Nik commanded.

"Thank you, Genevieve," Kol said.

Genevieve turned around to go back to her home but Nik grabbed her arm lightly, "Stay." He said calmly.

His brothers were already in the lake, "I would love to stay Niklaus but I need to get back. My father has a small temper, he needs me home. You don't want to see him when he's mad." Gen told him.

"We have something in common then, my father's the same way. He's quite literally a devil." Nik said.

The two shared a laugh, "Ask me again another time." Gen said.

-

Genevieve was helping her mother and Esther with dinner. Kori had been out with Emilia at the market. The boys were probably out hunting as usual, "Watch your fingers little one." Esther said as Gen almost cut her finger with the sharp object.

"The prince is throwing a ball, correct?" Esther asked

Genevieve nodded her head, "Yes, in a week." Genevieve spoke.

As their conversation ended the boys came into the kitchen waiting for dinner. They put up their weapons and quickly cleaned up. They had finished cooking finally then Kol came through the front door, Nik, Finn, and Elijah came in behind him, "Hope you're hungry." Gen's mother spoke.

"Smells divine," Elijah spoke.

Kori, Emilia, and Rebekah came in as well and took a seat at the table. Gen carried the food to the table and almost dropped it all on the ground. Gen gasped but it was quickly caught by Elijah. He looked up at Gen smiling, "You ought to be more careful." Elijah spoke.

"Yes, of course, I'm so sorry," Gen said setting down the food.

"Don't be sorry," Elijah said smiling at her.

"Genevieve," Kori said snapping the two out of their stare at each other.

Genevieve quickly went over to her, "What?" Gen questioned.

Kori grabbed her arm and dragged her into the other room, "What are you doing?" Kori asked.

"What am I doing?" Gen asked her.

Kori rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, "Don't act like your doing nothing, you can't have both brothers." Kori said.

Gen was taken back from her words, "I'm not-"

"Save it, I saw you and Elijah just now. I saw you and Nik when you two first met." Kori said.

Gen giggled, "Are you jealous because-"

"I'm not jealous Genevieve," Kori said letting her arms fall to her side.

Gen patted her sister's arm, "Kori we both just met them. I don't want them like that, at least just yet." Gen said winking at her then left her in the room alone.

Gen walked into the room and Nik had a grin plastered on his face while looking at her and Elijah had a smile on his face. She took a seat by James. She looked at her brother and gave him a half-hearted smile, "Smile Gen, I killed this for you yesterday," James spoke nudging her.

"Your favorite." James finished.