002 ✎ video l a clock is ticking, but it's hidden far away

[rehashing]

[ It's fitting. Elena has lost pretty much every parental figure in her life. Now, she's lost Alaric literally after almost losing Alaric - well, literally. She can play that night in her head like a movie. It's the first morning where she has to remind only herself to wake up and keep breathing. She doesn't have Jeremy to motivate - hell, he's in Denver. Jenna's gone in more ways than one. She's utterly alone.

But, she's Elena Gilbert.

She doesn't give up and she doesn't spend all day in bed. This is the equivalent of a break-up in some ways. What Stefan's done before Elena ended up here for most people is unforgivable. But, Elena is not most people.

Elena deals. She moves on. She perseveres.

But there's one thing that she hasn't dealt with before. This incessant ticking she can't shake. At first it was dull, soft. She thought she was making it up. It isn't like she's never been in a house alone before. But, it's been three days and that hasn't changed. Couple it with the rousing war that went on? She's a little shaken up. But, she's making a real attempt at hiding this. ]

Do people here... hear ticking? It's getting worse and if it's a curse I want to know how long I have to wait before it ends.

[ It's... incessant. ]

Those Daleks were dangerous. I'd ask if that happens often but... [ She knows the answer. ]

Is there a school here? Or a - college? [ She'd like to not lose out on her senior year of high school. ] Classes I could sign up for?

[ Maybe asking for a job is pushing it. She's only been here for a weekend. And Daleks attacked the day before. So, she keeps back that part of her post for now. But, then she glances at her refrigerator. ]

There are jobs here, right? I should start making money if I want to eat or keep this apartment... I know everything just happened, so I'm not... asking to be hired right away or even this week. But, I'm putting my interest out there.

Comments

[deadly_legacy]

You'll get an allowance from The City if you are under eighteen, but you're right that you'll want a job otherwise.

Also, even with everything... Well, people here are rather used to picking up the pieces after a curse. [We have to do it all the time.]

[rehashing]

[ Missed it by... that much. ]

I'm eighteen.

I've... heard that. Another one is coming in a few days?

[deadly_legacy]

[Euphie nods.]

Another curse? It's very likely. We never go too long without them, but some are less disruptive than others. And individuals aren't cursed every time. At least I've never heard of someone who was.

[rehashing]

So, we get days off. We just... won't know until that day. [ she can deal with that. ] Was the Dalek one the worst you've seen?

[deadly_legacy]

From my experience, I would say no. There have been dangerous curses that lasted longer or where I encountered more of them myself. [Or knew the people who died from them.] Or that were...difficult in other ways, but even if it wasn't the worst, it was a bad one. They aren't generally that bad or worse.

[rehashing]

Everyone seems so used to it.

[prettyimpulsive]

Some of us have been here for years, but we were all new once. [She smiles gently at the other girl who...looks a little familiar actually.] It can be difficult to ever really be used to some of the things that happen.

[rehashing]

But, you manage. You all manage.

[ A second. ]

What? [ Is it her hair? What is it? ]

[deadly_legacy]

You will too.

Oh, I'm sorry. I just thought you looked a little like someone else who is here.

[rehashing]

[ Any friendliness and confusion falls away. What? What? No... ]

What?

[deadly_legacy]

[Euphie's a little surprised by that response.] A girl named Tessa. She's very nice if you meet her. There's a resemblance I think. [Since she's using Katherine as a PB]

[rehashing]

[ Her mouth falls open. ] Tessa?

[deadly_legacy]

Yes... Do you know her?

[rehashing]

[ Her mouth closes softly, her expression again more neutral. ] I don't think so.

[deadly_legacy]

Maybe you'll see her sometime. It's a big city, but it's not uncommon to see people.

[rehashing]

And she said her name is Tessa?

[deadly_legacy]

Yes, that's right. [Still wondering a little at this reaction.] I'm sorry, did I say something wrong?

[rehashing]

[ She shakes her head. ]

No. No, you didn't.

[deadly_legacy]

Ah, well, I'm glad for that.

Did you learn much of the schools? There are some.

[rehashing]

[ Trying to get over some woman looking like her currently, Euphie. ]

I heard there are classes I can take.

[deadly_legacy]

I'm glad. Education is very important. It's good for people to finish even here.

[rehashing]

It is. Did you finish?

[deadly_legacy]

I'm afraid I haven't actually. I withdrew early at home to take on a position.