Stefan’s Diaries: Origins Chapter 3

August 21, 1864I cant stop stand foring ab off her. I give not even write her name I darent. She is beautiful, entrancing, singular. When Im with Rosalyn, I am Giuseppes son, the Salvatore boy, essentiall(a)y interchangeable with Damon. I slam it would not matter nonpareil whit to the Cartwrights if Damon took my place. It is only me because don knew Damon would not stand for it, knew I would say yes, expert like always.But when I saw her, her lithe figure, her red lips, her look that were quiver and sad and thrilling all at once it was as though I was finally just myself, just Stefan Salvatore.I must be strong. I must treat her like a sister. I must fall in love with the woman who is to be my wife.But I fear it is already too late. Rosalyn Salvatore, I thought to myself the next day, tasting the words as I walked break through the door, ready to fulfill my duty by paying a second call on my soon-to-be-betrothed. I imagined living with Rosalyn in the carriage houseor perhap s some smaller mansion my pose would build as our wedding presentme working all day, poring through ledgers with my father in his close-fitting study, while she took care of our children. I tried to feel excitement. But all I felt was frigorific dread seeping through my veins.I walked around the grand path of Veritas and gazed wistfully up at the carriage house. I hadnt seen Katherine since she arrived yesterday afternoon. Father had dispatched Alfred to invite her to supper, but shed declined. Id spent the evening looking out the window toward the house, but I couldnt see any flicker of candlelight. If I hadnt known she and Emily had moved in, Id come assumed the house had remained unoccupied. Finally, I went to sleep, wondering the whole time what Katherine was doing and whether she needed comforting.I tore my eye away from the drawn upstairs shades and trudged down the driveway. The dirt road under my feet was hard and alligatored we needed a good rainstorm. There was no bre eze, and the air felt dead. There wasnt another individual outside as far as the eye could see, yet as I walked, the hairs on the fanny of my neck stood on walked, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I got the uneasy tinge that I wasnt alone. Unbidden, Roberts warnings about walking off on my own floated through my mind.Hello? I called out as I turned around.I started. Standing just a few feet behind me, leaning against one of the angel statues that flanked the drive, was Katherine. She wore a white sunbonnet that protected her ivory skin and a white dress constellate with tiny rosebuds. Despite the heat, her fair skin looked as cool as the pond on a December morning.She smiled at me, displaying perfectly straight, white teeth. I had hoped for a tour of the grounds, but it seems you are other than engaged.My heart pounded at the word engaged, the ring box in my back pocket as heavy as a branding iron. Im not no. I mean, I stammered, I could stay.Nonsense. Kather ine shook her head. I already am taking lodging from you and your father. I will not take your time as well. She raised a dark eyebrow at me.Never before had I spoken with a girl who seemed so at ease and sure of herself. I felt the sudden, overwhelming urge to soap the ring from my pocket and offer it to Katherine on one knee. But then I thought of Father and forced my hand to stay put.May I at least walk with you for a moment? Katherine asked, swinging her sun umbrella back and forth.Companionably, we walked down the road. I kept glancing to my left and right, wondering why she didnt seem nervous to walk, unaccompanied, with a man. Perhaps it was because she was an orphan and so utterly alone in the world. some(prenominal) the reason, I was grateful for it.A light wind blew around us, and I inhaled her lemony ginger scent, feeling as though I could die of happiness, right there, next to Katherine. Simply being near her was a reminder that beauty and love did exist in the world, even if I couldnt have them.I think I shall call you Silent Stefan, Katherine said as we walked through the cluster of oaks that marked the line betwixt the village of undercover Falls and the outlying plantations and estates.Im sorry , I started, fearing that I was as dull to her as Rosalyn was to me. Its simply that we dont get very many strangers in Mystic Falls. Its difficult to speak to someone who doesnt know my whole history. I suppose I dont want to bore you. After Atlanta, Im sure you find Mystic Falls a bit quiet. I felt mortified as soon as the fate left my lips. Her parents had died in Atlanta, and here I was, making it sound like shed left some excite life to live here. I makeed my throat. I mean, not that you had found Atlanta exciting, or that you wouldnt extol getting away exciting, or that you wouldnt enjoy getting away from everything.Katherine smiled. Thank you, Stefan. Thats sweet. Her tone made it clear she didnt want to delve into the topic any further.We walked in silence for a few long moments. I kept my stride deliberately short so Katherine could keep up. Then, whether by accident or by design Im not sure, Katherines fingers brushed against my arm. They were cold as ice, even in the humid air. Just so you know, she said, I dont find anything about you boring.My entire body flamed hot as a conflagration. I glanced up the road, as if trying to ascertain the best route for us to follow, though really I was cover my blush from Katherine. I felt the weight of the ring in my pocket again, heavier than ever.I turned to await Katherine, to say what, Im not even sure. But she was no longer by my side.Katherine? I called, shielding my eyes against the sun, waiting for her lilting laugh to rise up in the underbrush along the road. But all I heard was the echo of my own voice. She had vanished.