This is my first fanfiction so I apologize for any grammatical errors and such. Reviews are highly appreciated; criticisms and suggestions are also welcome.

Caroline woke up to the sound of her alarm. Today was officially the first day of her sophomore year and the first year anniversary of her parents' divorce. She's been living with her mom ever since the incident. As much as Caroline loves her mom, she hated living with her. Her mom is Elizabeth Forbes and she's the principal of her high school and is well loved by the students but she was always too preoccupied with work to cater to Caroline's needs. Even before the divorce her dad was the one who always looked after her and now that they were no longer together, Caroline was forced to look after herself. It's not that she can't handle it; it just feels better to have a parent around and she misses her dad terribly.

Caroline spent her summer break in Memphis with her dad and his boyfriend Steven. It was an agreement between her parents that Caroline stays in Mystic Falls with her mom but will be with her dad during her breaks. Memphis wasn't really the place to be but for Caroline it was better than boring Mystic Falls.

Everything in Mystic Falls just reminded her of her old life when she was still the insecure, neurotic, and control freak popular girl. Ever since the divorce, Caroline outgrew those personalities and she was now less shallow, confident and definitely stronger. Gone were the days where she spent dollars on fancy clothes, shoes and makeup. She was simpler now and her interests had changed but she was still Caroline. She still hangs out with her former friends as they have always been there for her but she no longer participates in extra-curricular activities because it just reminds her of the person she used to be.

Caroline finally decided to get up and dress up for school. She took a quick morning shower and wore her knitted sweater, washed up skinny jeans and her favorite combat boots. She didn't really feel like catching everyone's attention on the first day of school, that was something the old Caroline would do.

It was still early. Maybe I'll give Stefan a call. Caroline grabbed her cellphone and quickly dialed Stefan's number.

It took a few rings before Stefan finally answered. "And you finally decided to call," Stefan said sarcastically.

"Good morning to you too Stefan, I was wondering if the gang was still up for the traditional breakfast on the first day?" Caroline answered ignoring the sarcasm of Stefan.

"Yes we are Care, and I hope you're ready because I'm on my way to your place," Stefan hanged up before Caroline could even say anything.

Out of all her friends Stefan was the one who was always there for her through thick and thin. They've known each other since the diaper era and Stefan was always looking out for her. She appreciates her best friend's concern in her little affairs but she's deeply worried about him because he never really had a girlfriend. Through the years Caroline thought that the reason for this was because Stefan was madly in love with her other best friend Elena Gilbert. However, Elena's been dating Stefan's older brother Damon and Caroline thought that Stefan was just honoring the bro code. Stefan always denied this saying he was never in love with Elena and if he ever did have feelings for someone, Caroline will be the first one to know. Caroline never bothered Stefan about Elena after that little spat they had.

As Caroline was going down the stairs she was surprised to see her mother was still at home. Sure it was too early for work but as the principal her mom was expected to be the first person to arrive in school.

"Good morning, Caroline" greeted her mother nervously, "I was wondering if you want to have breakfast with me and then perhaps go to school together?" her mom was still nervous but the tone of her voice was very hopeful for Caroline's response.

"Thanks, but no thanks. Stefan's picking me up and we're doing the old breakfast tradition," Caroline answered coldly.

"Ah, I see, well then say hello to Elena, Stefan and Damon for me. I guess I'll see you at school then." Caroline didn't even bother to response, as soon as she heard Stefan's honk she quickly grabbed her rucksack and dashed through the door.

"Welcome back Caroline!" The trio joyfully cheered as Caroline went inside the front seat of the car.

"Jesus, you all didn't have to shout!" Caroline answered bitterly.

"Well it's your fault for not giving us a call when you got back," Elena answered her defensively while Damon wrapped his arms around her shoulder.

"Yeah blondie, we all missed you. My younger brother here was deeply lost without you." "Shut it Damon, don't make me tear out your liver while I'm driving," Stefan scoffed at Damon before he can say anything else that will eventually embarrass him in front of Caroline.

"Whatever you guys, I missed you all too. Let's just grab some breakfast at the Grill and get this whole first day thing over with," Caroline ignored the continuous bickering of the Salvatore brothers while Elena just smiled and laughed at them as she was fixing her makeup.

It took them at least a 10 minute drive from Caroline's place before they reached the Grill. It was the most painful 10 minutes of Caroline's life as the two brothers were yelling at each other and Elena was annoying her about her trip. As soon as Stefan parked the car, Caroline immediately ran out of the vehicle to temporarily escape the nightmare she had to endure.

Stefan followed Caroline and noticed how annoyed she was, "Ease up Care, we just missed you a lot," Stefan said with an assuring tone to make sure Caroline was alright.

"Yeah, I'm not mad Stefan. You just know how your immature arguments with your brother get to me," as Caroline turned to Stefan's direction and finally calming down.

"In order to make up for that horrible car ride, how about I treat you your favorite breakfast meal?" Stefan finally closed the gap between him and Caroline. He also playfully wrapped his arms around her shoulder as they walked to the grill together. Before Caroline could respond to Stefan's offer she heard Damon and Elena cheering at the back and whistling.

"What is wrong with those two?" Caroline turned around too see what those two were up to. "Don't mind them, they just missed bothering you that's all," as Stefan turned Caroline around to allow her to enter the Grill.

Just as Caroline was about to go inside, someone literally slammed the glass door to her forehead and she immediately fell to the ground. The culprit didn't even bother to help Caroline up, as he was busy listening to his loud indie music to have a care in the world. Stefan, along with Damon and Elena rushed to Caroline's side making sure she was all right.

"Oh shit Care, I'm sorry should've went inside first," Stefan frantically said as he was helping Caroline up.

"I'm fine Stefan it's not your fault, where the hell is that guy I'm going to throw our table at him!" Caroline quickly let go of Stefan's hand and noticed Damon pointing his finger at the culprit. Caroline rushed to the guy and poked his back violently and was getting ready to punch the soul out of him.

The guy was definitely annoyed with Caroline's constant poking. He took off his earphones and faced the furious blonde. Before Caroline could give him a piece of her mind he smirked at her.

"Hello love, to what do I owe the pleasure?" The guy said before he was violently punched in the face by a yelling blonde girl.

And that's it for Chapter 1, I hope you guys liked it. Don't forget to review! :)