I woke up to my alarm clock ringing loudly. I groaned as I looked over at the time: 6:30 AM. I groaned again as I rolled out of bed and started getting ready for my first day of school. My name is Maddie Michaels. I have long, brown hair and aqua blue eyes. I'm about 5'5'' and I guess I'm tiny looking, but I don't look like a twig, thank goodness. I live in a small house: just me. A while back, my family had just decided to ditch me and leave me here. Yeah, nice, I know. But that didn't really bug me. I was used to being on my own.

It was the first day of school, and I wasn't too excited to go. I didn't know anyone. I had just moved here last year after my family had left. We had this as one of our small getaway houses out in the middle of the woods. It was nice and everything was paid for, so I didn't have to really worry about anything. There was food here, but I was running low, so I guess I should look for a job soon. I put on a zebra striped fitted shirt, denim shorts, and my yellow-converse shoes. I grabbed a pop tart and my backpack on my way out of the door.

I know what you are probably thinking right now. Why should I go to school if no one was going to make me? Well, I don't really know the answer for that. I just felt like I had to. If I was going to fend for myself, might as well get educated in the process. I don't really mind school, though. As long as I make friends in Mystic Falls, I'll be fine.

-0-

After I had got my stuff from the counselor's office, I headed over to where my locker number was. This is it; my first day. I need to get out there, and enjoy life, not be bummed about it. Remember how I said my family leaving me didn't really bug me? I lied. It bugged me a lot. I was depressed about it all the time. The part that bugs me the most is that I don't even know why they left. But that was in the past now, and I needed to move forward.

"Can I still say 'tranny mess?'?" I heard someone say right behind me. I turned around and saw two girls. They both had dark brown hair, were around my height, and one of them had darker skin. The walked up to their lockers (which were directly next to mine) and continued chatting.

"No, that's over." The other girl said.

"Ah, find a man, find a phrase. It's a busy year." The darker skinned girl said. I opened my locker and they both turned to me.

"Hey I don't recognize you, are you new?" The dark skinned girl said.

"Yeah, I just moved here. My name's Maddie." I said.

"It's nice to meet you! I'm Bonnie, by the way, and this is Elena." Bonnie pointed to Elena.

"Hi." She said and gave a weak smile.

Bonnie glanced over Elena, and she seemed to notice. Elena looked over and waved at someone across the hall.

Elena looked back at us. "He hates me." She said.

"That's not hate. That's 'you dumped me, but I'm too cool to show it, but secretly I'm listening to air supply's greatest hits.'" Bonnie said.

"Elena, oh my god." Said a blonde haired girl and she came up and hugged Elena. "How are you? Oh it's so good to see you." She turned to Bonnie. "How is she? Is she good?"

"Caroline," the girl turned and looked at Elena. "I'm right here. And I'm fine. Thank you."

"Really?" Caroline asked.

"Yes. Much better." Elena said

"Oh, you poor thing." Caroline said as she engulfed Elena in another hug. What happened?

"Ok, Caroline." Elena said as Caroline was hugging her.

"Oh," Caroline said as she saw me. "Who's this?"

"I'm Maddie." I said with a smile.

"Hi, I'm Caroline. Oh! That's what you need!" She turned to Elena. "Another friend!" She looked back at me. "We should all be friends! We all need friends, right? Ok, see you guys later? Ok, bye!" Caroline said as she walked off with a big grin on her face.

"Don't worry, Maddie. That's just Caroline being Caroline." Bonnie said. I smiled back at her. Even if Caroline kind of pushed me into it, I'm glad that we were all friends. Well, sort of.

"No comment." Elena said, referring to Caroline.

"I'm not going to say anything." Bonnie said and they both turned to me. "If you don't want to hang with us, it's totally cool. We don't want Caroline to pressure you or anything."

"No, that's okay. I could actually use some friends right now." I said.

"Good, me too." Elena said and we all walked off together.

We walked down the halls a ways before Bonnie stopped us. "Wait, who's this?" Elena and I looked over and saw a tall guy with short brown hair. He was wearing a biker jacket and jeans.

"All I see is back." Elena said.

"It's a hot back." I said and Elena and Bonnie chuckled.

"I'm sensing Seattle, and he plays the guitar." Bonnie said. I looked over her with a confused look and Elena whispered that she would tell me later.

"You're really going to run this whole psychic thing into the ground, huh?" Elena said to Bonnie.

"Pretty much." Bonnie responded.

"Jeremy, good batch, man." We heard a guy say.

Elena looked over and saw someone walking into the restroom. "I'll be right back." And Elena walked off. I looked at Bonnie for an answer but she just kept staring at the new guy.

"Please be hot," Bonnie said under her breath and I looked back at him as well.

Finally he turned around and Bonnie and I just stared. He was hot. He walked out of the front office and past Bonnie and me. I watched him walk away and Bonnie started following him. Not knowing what to do, I tried to catch up with Bonnie. I looked over and saw Elena walk out of the men's room and run into him. Whoa…awkward. The bell rang and I followed Bonnie to our first class: History.

-0-

"Once our Home State of Virginia joined Confederacy in 1861, it created a tremendous amount of tension within the state." Mr. Tanner was teaching us that day but I couldn't really pay attention. I started doodling in my notebook when I noticed the new guy staring at Elena. Bonnie and I had exchanged phone numbers and I texted her 'Hotty staring at Elena o.O'

She responded almost in an instant. 'ikr? So cute!'

'agreed!' I texted Bonnie and glanced my way over at Elena. She was looking at her phone and just smiled, then acted like she was listening to Mr. Tanner. I glanced over at the new guy and he wouldn't take his eyes off of her.

-0-

"Hey Bon!" I said as I saw Bonnie coming over to the lockers.

"Hey Madd. How was your first day?" She asked putting her books in her locker.

"As good as any first day can go, I guess." I said.

"Yeah." She chuckled. "Hey, listen, a couple of us are gathering at The Grill, do you wanna come?" She asked.

"Are you sure? I mean I don't really know you guys that well and…" I started to say but Bonnie cut me off.

"Hey, it's totally fine! We love new people. Come on, let's go." Bonnie insisted.

"Okay!" and with that, we headed off to the grill.

-0-

"His name is Stefan Salvatore. He lives with his uncle up at the old Salvatore boarding house. He hasn't lived here since he was a kid. Military family, so they moved around a lot. He's a Gemini and his favorite color is blue." Caroline said.

"You got all that in one day?" I asked.

"Please, I got that between third and fourth period. We're planning a June wedding." Caroline said as she turned around and walked off. Bonnie and I exchanged glances and chuckled.

I was at the Grill and I met a lot of people. Matt was really nice, but didn't talk much; Caroline, well now I know what Bonnie meant about Caroline being Caroline. We had a lot to talk about. She told me how she was the cheerleading captain and I told her I had taken gymnastics and then we got into a fun talk about it. Let's just say that I'm now a Mystic Falls High cheerleader. I was actually super excited.

Bonnie and Caroline basically filled me in on everything I need to know: about Elena and Jeremy, about Elena and Matt, about Tyler and the football team. Just everything I needed to know. I felt bad for Elena and Jeremy losing their parents. Trust me, I knew how they felt. I looked down at my locket and it reminded me of my family. I had to hold back tears. That was a long time ago, and I needed to move on. Bonnie and I walked over and sat down by Matt.

"How's Elena doing?" Matt asked, really worried.

"Her mom and dad died. How do you think?" Bonnie responded. "She's putting on a good face but it's only been four months."

"Has she said anything about me?"

"Oh, no, so not getting in the middle. You pick up the phone and call her." Bonnie said.

"I feel weird calling her, she broke up with me." Matt said.

"Give it more time, Matt." I finally said and he looked over at me and I gave him an encouraging smile. I looked at Bonnie who seemed to be looking at someone else. Matt and I followed her gaze (and so did everyone else) as we saw Elena and Stefan walking into the grill.

Matt turned to me, "More time, huh?" I gave him an apologetic look and he walked toward Stefan.

I turned to Bonnie, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, he's just very upset over Elena. Don't take it personal." Bonnie said with an apologetic smile.

"Okie dokie." I said, taking a sip of my lemonade.

A while later, Stefan, Caroline, and Elena joined Bonnie and me at a table.

"So, you were born in Mystic Falls?" Caroline asked.

"Mm-hmm and moved when I was still young." Stefan said.

"Parents?" Bonnie asked.

"My parents passed away." Stefan said. Join the club. Well, my parents didn't really pass away, but they did leave me behind, which was kind of the same thing.

There was an awkward silence and everyone looked at Elena. "I'm sorry." She said to Stefan. Stefan nodded. "Any siblings?" she asked.

"None that I talk to." Stefan responded. "I live with my uncle."

"So, Stefan, Maddie, if you two are both new, then you both don't know about the party tomorrow." Caroline said.

"It's a back to school thing at the Falls." Bonnie clarified.

Stefan turned to me, "You're new too?"

"Yup. First day." I said.

He then turned to Elena. "Are you going?"

"Of course she is!" Bonnie answered for her.

Elena just smiled. She and Stefan stared at each other for a while before Caroline broke the silence again. "Maddie, you never told us about you."

All eyes were on me. "There's not much to tell. I'm kind of an open book." I finally said.

"Oh come on, there has to be something we don't know. How about your family?" Bonnie asked

I hesitated for a minute. "They're, um, good. I'm kinda thirsty so I'm just going to get a refill." I hurry got up and left before anyone said anything. Everyone just turned their attention back to Stefan. Elena got up a few moments later and came up next to me.

"Alright, what's going on? Spill." Elena said as she stood next to me.

"What are you talking about?" I said and tried to shrug it off.

"I may be depressed, but I'm still observant. Every time we try to get to know you or mention the word family, you cringe." I cringed but regretted it. "See? Are you having family problems?" Elena looked concerned.

"No! Of course not. Well, not really..."

"Maddie, come on, you can tell me." Elena said.

"I don't have one, ok?" I blurted out and I regretted even opening my mouth. She is having her own family issues, why did I just bring mine into it? She had a sad look on her face. "Um, it's getting late. I should get going." And with that I ran out of the Grill and headed home, mentally scolding myself.

-0-

"The Battle of Willow Creek took place right at the end of the war in our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted in this battle?" It was the next day and we were all in history. Mr. Tanner was teaching us about the Battle of Willow Creek. "Ms. Bennett?" He looked at Bonnie.

"Um…a lot?" Everyone laughed. "I'm not sure. Like a whole lot." Bonnie said.

"Cute becomes dumb in an instant, Ms. Bennett." Mr. Tanner said with a serious voice. "Mr. Donovan! Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome your embedded jock stereotype?"

"It's okay, Mr. Tanner, I'm cool with it." Matt said and I chuckled again.

"Ms. Michaels, you seem to be full of kicks and giggles this morning, surely you know the answer." Mr. Tanner said as he turned towards me.

"Umm… I think around 300..." I answered.

"Can you be more specific?"

"Probably not." I said giving up on trying to remember. I earned a giggle from a few students on my tone of voice.

"Hmm. Elena," Tanner now faced Elena. "Surely you can enlighten us about one of the town's most significant historical events?"

"I'm sorry, I-I don't know." Elena answered.

"I was willing to be lenient last year for obvious reasons, Elena, but the personal excuses ended with summer break." Wow, Mr. Tanner could be a real jerk!

"There were 346 casualties, unless you're counting local civilians." Stefan spoke up.

Mr. Tanner looked impressed. "That's correct. Mister…?"

"Salvatore." Stefan answered.

"Salvatore. Any relation to the original settlers here at Mystical Falls?"

"Distant."

"Well, very good, except, of course, there were no civilian casualties in this battle." Mr. Tanner said as he walked towards the chalk board.

"Actually, there were 27, sir." Stefan said. "Confederate soldiers, they fired on the church, believing it to be housing weapons. They were wrong. It was a night of great loss. The founder's archives are, uh, stored in civil hall if you'd like to brush up on your facts. Mr. Tanner." I couldn't help but smile widely at that as I looked at Mr. Tanner's face.

"Hmm." Was all Mr. Tanner said and continued with the lesson.

-0-

I was able to dodge everyone else all day. I was sure Elena told them about our little conversation last night and I didn't really want to talk to anyone about it. They all had their own problems, no need to drag mine in as well, but I said I would go to the party, and here I was. It wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. I looked over at the bonfire and saw Elena and Bonnie. They were both holding onto a beer bottle and suddenly Bonnie let go. Bonnie got a weird look on her face and Elena looked worried. Must be one of her weird psychic thing she was telling me about. Afraid that I would be seen, I tried to sneak away. "Maddie!" I heard Bonnie yell.

I groaned and put on a fake smile as I turned around. "Hey Bonnie!"

"You enjoying the party?"

"Somewhat." I said. She looked serious now. "Ugh, I gotta go...that way..." I said as I began walking away.

"No you don't." Bonnie said as she pulled me back. "Maddie, Elena told me what you said last night." Oh, great. Here it comes. "You don't have to be afraid to tell us. We're here for you, you know that right?"

"Well it's just that Elena just lost her parents and you have all known each other longer and I didn't want to feel like I'm intruding or anything and…" I began but Bonnie cut me off.

"Maddie, it's okay. We're all friends here. Laugh together, mourn together; we're here for you." Bonnie gave me a bright smile.

I smiled back and gave her a hug. I never had anyone to talk to, and it was nice now that I did. I didn't realize I had started tearing up when we pulled away.

Bonnie kinda chuckled as she asked, "you all right?"

I laughed. "Yeah. I just never had anyone to talk to before. Thanks Bonnie."

She smiled. "Hey, let's go get another drink."

"I don't do much drinking, but I'll come with you."

"Suit yourself." Bonnie laughed and we went and partied.

-0-

It was starting to get late, and I was getting really tired. Everyone was still partying and I was just kinda hanging off to the side. I looked over and saw Elena and Matt talking in the distance. I didn't even know Stefan was standing next to me.

"So are you having fun?" Stefan asked. I jumped at the sound of his voice. He chuckled a bit. "Sorry, didn't mean to scare you."

"No you're fine. Just a little tired I guess. The party is fun, but it would be nice if I actually knew some people here." I said.

"Yeah, I know the feeling." It was silent for a minute and then I looked over and Stefan was staring at me. He noticed me looking over and asked, "Strange question, but have we met before?"

I laughed a little; he must a little drunk. "Not that I know of. I guess I just have one of those faces."

"Yeah, sorry about that. That was probably a little creepy." He said and I laughed. "You want a drink or something?" Stefan asked.

"No, sorry. I'm not much of a drinker; it makes me sick."

"Alright, well have fun." Stefan said as he walked towards Elena. But Caroline had come over to talk to him.

"You too." I yelled after him so he could hear me.

I started walking around for a couple of minutes until I spotted Bonnie. She was now talking to Caroline and Caroline looked a little upset. She probably tried to go for Stefan, but even I could tell that Stefan was into Elena. I finally got their attention as I came over but then I heard Elena yell, "Somebody help!" Elena and Jeremy were holding Vicki.

"Vicki? Vicki, what the hell?!" I heard Matt yell as he ran over to Vicki.

"What happened to her?" Tyler asked.

"Somebody, call an ambulance!" Matt yelled.

"Everybody back up, give her some space!" Tyler yelled.

"It's her neck. Something bit her. She's losing a lot of blood. It's bad." Elena cried.

I saw Vicki's neck and blood all around it. I was about to run over to help but I got a massive migraine. I grunted as I grabbed onto my head and knelt down.

"Maddie! Are you okay?" Bonnie asked placing her hand on my back.

"I'm fine." I managed to say through the pain. "Just a migraine. Go help Vicki." I said and yelled out in pain, but not loud enough to draw attention.

"Everyone else is helping Vicki, I'm getting you out of here." Bonnie said as she helped me up.

She brought me out to a bench by her car. The pain was starting to subside but I still had a headache.

"Are you okay? Have you been drinking?" Bonnie asked as she looked to see if my eyes were dilated.

"I haven't had anything to drink. I'm fine, it was probably the blood. I guess I'm a little squeamish. How about Vicki? Is she okay? Did someone call an ambulance?" I said speaking like a million miles an hour.

"I think she'll be okay." Elena said. Bonnie and I turned our heads and saw Elena. "We got the blood to stop and the ambulance is on its way. Everyone's clearing out." Elena was shaking so Bonnie and I gave her a hug.

"I'm glad she's okay and something worse didn't happen." Bonnie said breaking the hug.

"Me too." Elena looked at me. "Hey Maddie, I know it's probably lonely just out by yourself, do you want to stay with me? We have an extra room."

"No, I don't want to cause a hassle or anything…"I began

"It's no hassle at all!" Elena smiled. "Please? Aunt Jenna would love to have another person around to talk to and you're welcome to stay!"

I thought about it for a minute. It would be nice to actually live in town instead of out in the boonies. "Sounds like fun!" Elena smiled at this. We stayed at the party a while longer while people were clearing out. Elena had called Jenna, told her what happened, and asked if I could stay with them. I just stayed on a bench, watching Vicki get hauled up into the ambulance. Elena came and sat next to me. "How's Jeremy? Is he alright?" I asked.

"He doesn't quite know how to take it yet. I guess it's something you just can't get used to." Elena said and I nodded.

We looked over and saw Bonnie; she looked really worried. Elena and I exchanged glances as we walked up to her. "What's wrong, Bonnie?"

"I have a feeling. A bad feeling. A feeling that this is only just the beginning." She said and Elena and I exchanged glances when she left.

Jenna finally came and picked us up. We headed over to my house and I grabbed a few things before we went back to Elena's house. Elena showed me to the guest bedroom and I unpacked my things. She went back to her room; we were all still shaken up about what happened tonight. Jeremy was downstairs on the couch. He wasn't doing well either. I held onto my locket as a strange feeling came over me. What Bonnie had said earlier, I had a feeling she was right.