"Kat!" Footsteps echoed as two five-year old girls ran wildly down the stairs, both giggling and their curly hair bouncing behind them.
"Hurry, 'Lena," Katherine beckoned her sister who was always one step behind her. "Hurry, or we'll miss it!"
Bright, white light blinded her as Elena opened her eyes, waking up to the same view as every other day of her existence. Katherine's bed was empty; neat and untouched, as it had been the last time Elena had seen her twin sister. That was almost four years ago.
"Happy birthday, sister," the sixteen year old whispered and for a moment she imagined Katherine was there, looking back at her with a classic Katherine Gilbert half smirk and smoldering eyes. Then she was gone. "I miss you, too."
Walking down the hallway, Elena smiled and waved to people she had known her whole life; people who were meant to be her friends but all of that was lost on her today. Elena wasn't thinking of her quaint, small town life and the wonderful people who made Mystic Falls amazing; she was thinking of all the tragedies she was left to suffer alone and trying to hold on to what was left. At least, what people told her was left.
She just didn't have it in her to believe in a life after the loss of her sister, and later, their parents. Aunt Jenna had stepped in, of course, but Jenna wasn't Miranda and Elena needed her mother. Still, Jenna did the best she could and it was a good thing she was who she was; Elena hadn't noticed her little brother going through his own troubles but Jenna had and she made sure Jeremy got the help he needed. Now he was in Denver, staying with cousins as he continued to recover from life.
That was what Elena found herself thinking as she put her books in her locker—just get through life; it's gotta end sometime! – and when she slammed it shut and turned to merge with the rest of the foot traffic, the tall, willowy brunette turned right smack into a wall.
A strong, steel like wall with an olive complexion and the most beautiful green-blue eyes. His hands reached out to steady her and she marveled at how someone could be so hard and soft at the same time. His amused stare held her gaze and Elena shook herself out of her daze.
"I'm so sorry," she offered before bending over to pick up her bag, surprised to see him beat her to it. Crouched over in a crowded hallway, Elena was captured by his stare yet again and she saw the stranger smile.
"It's my fault," he apologized and gave her a hand up. "I'm Stefan."
"Elena," she offered and held out a dainty hand as her other clutched her bag to her chest. "It's nice to meet you!"