Elena sat on the picnic bench, wanting nothing more to be alone. Stephan said he was leaving, and there was nothing she could do. She was wallowing in self-misery. Almost as deep as when her parents died. She hadn't realized how sad she'd felt about him until it was to late.

"Elena," Bonnie sat down next to me but Elena didn't even acknowledge her. "Come on Elena, he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye. He's not that cruel."

Elena glanced at her but then went back to staring at the grass. She was looking intently at the dark green when suddenly gray heeled boots stood right where she'd been looking. She looked up grudgingly to a pretty petite blonde. Not bleached, but a natural honey.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but could you point me to the office. I'm new here and I have to get my schedule." Her silver eyes were apologetic and he voice was kind.

"Sure, just go through the double doors and then take your second left," Bonnie said.

"Thanks. I'm Annabelle, Anna preferably."

"Bonnie. And the grump is Elena."

"Those are both pretty names. Not very common. It was nice to meet both of you, but I should probably go," Anna said as she left.

"She seemed nice," Bonnie mused.

"Yeah," Elena agreed.

The bell rang and the two friends both made their way to class. Just like always Elena glanced around, expecting Stephan, but he was not there. The day slipped past without seeing the blonde Anna again. At least until the end of the day when Bonnie walked Elena to her car.

"Anna!" Bonnie called when she appeared weaving through the cars. She looked up and her whole face changed. It went form dark, sad, to an almost jubilant.

"Hi," she said as she reached the two of them.

"How was your first day?"

"It was fine, Mom." They all paused. "I'm sorry I just get really sarcastic when I get nervous."

"No, it's okay. Your right it did sound like a mom thing." Bonnie laughed. Even Elena laughed. Anna smiled, but her eyes were sad.

"You okay?" Elena asked.

"I'm fine, just thinking. Trying to remember."

"Remember?" Bonnie jumped in.

"My parents well my dad mainly. My mom died when I was only a month old and my father when I was five. Heart attack." Anna said.

"I'm sorry. I know what it's like to loose your parents." Elena said putting at hand on Anna's arm.

"Thanks." Anna looked down at Elena's hand and her eyes widened. "Is that the time? I gotta go. My foster parents told me to be home like 20 minutes ago to finish unpacking. I'll see you guys tomorrow." Anna rushed off, and for the first time Elena felt better. She found a new friend. Someone who wouldn't remind her of Stephan.