I used to live in Mystic Falls when I was a kid. It's been years since I'd been back. And from the rumors I was hearing about the place, I wasn't exactly chomping at the bit to return. But since my parents decided to move back I had no other choice.

The problem was at the time we were moving I technically wasn't 18 yet and I was still considered a minor. So I had to follow my parents regardless of how I felt about the place.

"Why Mystic Falls? That place always gave me the creeps!" I whined

"Because your father got his old job back and that's how we're going to pay for your schooling. Not everyone gets a free ride, you're lucky your father is working in the Science department at the college!" my mother replied.

So...here we are again, living in Mystic Falls. In the same house I grew up in. Talk about awkward…and even creepier now that the last people who lived here were apparently murdered here. No one wanted to buy the place afterwards so my parents got a good deal on it.

"Violet" my mother called from the kitchen. I put down the clothes I was working on putting away and went down to see what she needed.

"Yeah ma?"

"Elena Gilbert called…she said she wants to see you."

"Why did she call your phone?" I was confused.

"She said she tried yours and you weren't answering."

Elena Gilbert….one of my friends from childhood. Actually, I was more friendly with her brother and she used to babysit us, but she was still nice to me and would always include me in everything. I guess she felt bad that I had no siblings. We lost touch once I moved away so at this point I really know nothing about her, aside from her parents dying a few years back. My family sent a card and I called when it happened, but it was so awkward and neither one of us made good on our promise to keep in touch since.

I wasn't sure how to respond. "Do you have her number? Her old place burned down so I'm not sure where she's living now."

"Oh yes! She's living a the Salvatore Boarding house. And I wrote the number down on the pad on the fridge over there. You should give her a call! You need some friends around here."

"Ma I don't even know her anymore. I can make new friends once I start my classes, I'm not really that worried."

"Come on, it'll do you good. You need to get out and enjoy the town. Your father and I loved it here. I'm so happy we came back!"

Rolling my eyes I grabbed the paper and went back upstairs and dialed the number.

"Salvatore residence….Damon speaking, how may I make your day more pleasurable?"

"Damon what the hell is wrong with you? Give me my phone!" a female voice on the other ended, sounded like Elena but I wasn't sure.

"Uhhh…..is Elena there?" I asked

"Sure …..may I ask who's calling?

"Violet…..Vi Peyton. She called earlier and left a message with my mother."

"Violet, eh? That's quite the exotic name….haven't heard of someone with that name in probably a hundred years or so….."

"Damon!" that voice again through the other end of the phone.

"Here she is…"

"Hello?" Yep….definitely Elena. I still could recognize her voice

"Elena? Elena it's Violet…..my mom said you called earlier."

"Vi! How are you? It's been so long!"

"I'm doing alright." I responded…not knowing really what else to say "How are you?"

"I'm…..I'm good! Listen, I know you're taking classes at the college. My friends and I will be taking classes there this semester, as well! We really should get together and catch up. I miss you and I'd love to pick up where we left off."

"Uhm, sure. I have to finish unpacking today but I can meet up with you tomorrow."

"That's great! There's this place downtown called The Grill, do you remember it?"

"Yes I remember it…." the only place the town really had as a "hang out" spot for teenagers and adults alike. It was a small town….not much else to do.

"Do you want to meet there? Say around 1:00? We can have lunch and chat."

"Sure that sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow Elena."

"Great! Can't wait! See you then!"

I hung up the phone and didn't realize until I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror that I was actually smiling. The first time since this move was even mentioned. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad….I mean we were friends before, she was always nice to me, and my mother was right I need friends here.

The rest of the night I finished unpacking all the while my mother gushed about how much she missed the place and how excited she was to catch up with old friends. It was slightly annoying but I zoned out after dinner and was so exhausted from everything that I passed out by 8pm, hopeful that tomorrow would be a good day.