VIENNA--••--DS&SS

•• Chapter Fifty Two ••

Vivian couldn't help but chuckle. She shifted the book from one arm to the other and looked back to the house and scoffed a little. "Couldn't be that easy, huh?" She whispered. The woman in front of her smiled brighter than she was. Her older face wrinkled with the action. Her grey hair blew in the wind and Vivian's question was answered.

"Witches have that annoying happen of making things difficult for others, don't they?"

"I suppose. Am I to play a guessing game regarding who the hell you are?" Vivian stood straight. The woman in red shrugged her shoulders.

"I hear the famous bridge of this town is made of wood from an old tree that can kill Originals." The woman said, throwing Vivian off guard.

"Okay?"

"I hear an old friend of Damon's is back in town and helped Rebekah betray his deal over a nice bonfire." She says, and at this point, Vivian really has no idea what's going on.

"Listen lady—"

"Penelope, but please, call me Penny." The woman says.

"Okay, Penny...I have no idea who you are or what you're talking about. I am a very busy person and right about now, I'd like to go home and drink."

"Right. Stefan and Damon must be wondering where you are. Is that the book your father needs?"

Vivian was stunned. Dropping the book to the ground, she speeds over towards the woman and wraps her hand around her throat. Penny however, seems unfazed by the normally fighting action. "How the hell do you know so much?" Vivian gritted out, squeezing as hard as she could, but not so hard so it was difficult for the woman to speak.

She put her hands up in defence, "I'm just doing research. My sister talked non stop about this stupid town." She explained, and Vivian contemplated letting her go, but she didn't want to give up her position. Not yet.

"Your sister?" Vivian asked, "what does she have to do with anything that you know about my life?"

The woman—Penny—grinned. "My sister. Your Aunt. And before you decide to kill me, you might want to reconsider."

"My Aunt? Sister?" Vivian shook her head. She would know if she had an aunt. Why was she never around? Why didn't her mother ever speak of her? Her father. Did he know about her? Vivian had so many questions but so little time. "Why should I believe you? I shouldn't I just kill you right here, right now?" Her fingers tightened around her neck. The sight of the woman's veins pulsed against her neck. Vivian nearly licked her lips.

"Because I know where the book you're looking for is." She says, and unconsciously Vivian let the woman go. She stepped back and picked up the dropped journal and held it close to her chest.

"What do you mean?" Vivian questioned. Penny sent her a soft smile.

"I know this must be a bit jarring for you. Your mother nor father ever spoke of me because of my at the time—unfortunate discovery." She says, "when they found out I was a witch they shunned me. Sent me away and never wanted to see me or be associated with me for as long as they should live." Penny explains. Vivian looked down to the book and can't recall reading anything about a sister in there. Penny noticed.

"That journal dates back to just when you were born. I found out I was a witch after they sent you off to school."

"Does that mean—"

"No." Penny said, shaking her head. She understood where Vivian's question was going. "We're half siblings. Same mother different father. My father had the witch bloodline. It's all complicated stuff but there's no way of you ever having the gene."