Chapter One

Dear Diary (so clichéd)

I'm Riley Avery. I'm 17 years old. I live in Mystic Falls. I lost my brother to pneumonia three years ago. My mom left us when I was six. My dad passed away two days ago. It's just me and my aunt now.

Six months later.

'Hey Riley, what's going on?' asked Mia, Riley's best friend, as they walked down the hall of Mystic Falls High. 'What do you mean what's going on Mia?' snapped Riley irritably. 'Woah woah, calm down there. I just meant that it's been six months Riley. You don't have a social life anymore. And no offense, but you were never very close to him.'

Mia was right. Riley hated her dad. She blamed him for her mom leaving. She blamed him for her brother's death. She blamed him for everything.

'He was my dad, Mia.' That was what she told everyone. It was a pathetic excuse really, because she had disowned him in her mind ever since her mom left. She hadn't cried when he died. Had not felt any regret or guilt for not talking to him unless it was necessary for the last 13 years.

She had been glad.

'Riley. I know he was your dad. But I also know that you hated him. You've had plenty of time to yourself, but not anymore. I'm calling an intervention. You're coming to the barbecue tonight. Whether you like it or not.'

'Mia…'

'No excuses. See you at lunch.'

Mia left. Riley sighed. There was no point arguing with Mia. And she was tired of sitting at home anyways. She might as well have some fun.

'I'm having so much fun!' cried Riley, swaying her body to the rhythm of the music.

'I know right! I told you!' cried Mia, dancing. The entire senior class of Mystic Falls High was there.

'Hey Riley check it out, hot new guy at 6 o' clock' said Mia.

Riley turned, and her jaw dropped. A tall, fair guy was standing near the bonfire. He had a sharp jawline, high cheekbones and dark hair. And eyes as blue as forget-me-nots. And he was staring right at her.

'Who is that?' asked Riley, not being able to take her eyes away from the guy.

'I'm guessing he's the new admission. Dean. He's from Colorado, I heard' replied Mia.

'He's coming here, pretend that you're not looking' said Riley hurriedly, as the dreamy guy started to make his way over to them.

'Wow Riley, you're actually blushing' said Mia with a sly grin.

'Mia, shut up!' Riley whispered fiercely as the dreamy guy came to a stop in front of them.

'Hello. I'm Dean. Dean Richmond. I'm new around here. And you are?' he smiled.

'I'm Riley. Riley Avery. And this is Mia. Mia Locke. Nice to meet you, Dean' Riley smiled back.

'Wait' said Mia. 'Richmond, huh? Are you originally from Mystic Falls?'

'You've got me all figured out' grinned Dean. 'Yes, my family is from Mystic Falls and we're one of the founding families. And from your last names, I derive that you both are too.'

'Yes' said Riley. 'If you're a founding family member, how come you've never lived here before?'

'My uh, parents, wanted to live in a bigger town. I've come here with my twin sister Dana. We're living with my uncle, Cody, in the old Richmond house. Dana should be around here somewhere' said Dean, looking around.

'What about your parents?' asked Riley.

Before Dean could answer, there was bloodcurdling scream, and a man stumbled out of the woods with blood gushing from a gaping wound in his neck, and collapsed on the ground.

End of chapter one.