Disclaimer: Nothing even remotely involved with the Vampire Diaries belongs to me; expect that is, the DVDs and a ferocious and unquenchable love.

Notes: I've never written fanfiction before, but I've had this idea for a while and it keeps tugging on my brain. It was originally going to take place in Mystic Falls, but I figured that recent developments in the show actually better suit my purpose for this story. Don't get me wrong; I am number one in the line of people upset about the disappearance of Jeremy from my television every week. My only comfort is imagining Jeremy returning as a kick-ass, full-blown vampire slayer, complete with quippy remarks and constructive (and delicious) angst. Also, my original character's name is Aislyn (pronounced like Aslan the Lion from Chronicles of Narnia, but it ends with "lynn" instead of "lan.") I'm slightly reluctant to use unconventional names for protagonists, but I promise that this name has significance. Please let me know if I should continue this, as I'm not entirely sure if writing fanfiction is my thing.

Without further ado, the beginning of my tale:

Jeremy had been in Denver two weeks before he felt comfortable enough to enroll in an art class. It took just as long to acclimate to his new environment; the Thomases were a nice older couple, with children who had long since moved out, leaving them excited, confused, and over-eager at the presence of a young person in their house. Dr. Thomas had apparently been Jeremy's father's mentor during his residency and the two had kept in touch. Jeremy remembered spending winter breaks in Colorado with Dr. and Mrs. Thomas when he was younger, but it had been several years since he'd last seen them. As such, things were awkward and he spent almost the whole first week locked up in his room, save for the hourly checkups from Mrs. Thomas.

School was just as difficult. Jeremy knew that leaving Mystic Falls was for the best, but couldn't help feeling ridiculous living a normal teenage life. He still kept his ring on and always looked over his shoulder for any possible threat. His seemingly odd behavior granted him few favors when it came to other students in the school; soon after he arrived, he was branded as a loner and left largely to his own devices. Jeremy was fine with this; after months of fighting, or threats of fighting, supernatural beings, he wasn't even sure if he was capable of normal conversation. He was more than happy to focus on schoolwork instead. And art.

So finally, Jeremy worked up the nerve to join an art class. The arts program at his public school sucked due to lack of funding, so Jeremy decided to take a class at the local community college. The tuition was cheap, and the class was respected enough, and Jeremy didn't need anything fancy.

Jeremy arrived early and sat at a workspace in the back of the classroom. He looked around, observing the few other students in the room: mostly people in their mid-20s, artsy types, with the clear exception of an old man sitting front and center, art supplies lying neatly in front of him. Suddenly, someone plopped down next to Jeremy, despite the rows of empty workspaces.

"High school, right?"

Jeremy looked over to see a girl his age, bright blue eyes and frizzy hair. She was dressed in dark colors, but lacked the artsy-vibe that emanated from the other students. She stood out: awkward, just like her smile; not particularly beautiful or graceful, but oddly endearing.

"I only say that because you look young. You could very well just be young looking, or maybe you're a genius and already in college. Or you could be Doogie Howser. I don't know your life. I only ask because this course has been going for three weeks and I'm the only highschooler in the class. Solidarity is so much better with other people, you know?"

Jeremy was almost content to let her ramble on, as she seemed to be carrying the conversation quite well by herself, but she suddenly stopped, staring at him expectantly.

"Uh, yeah." Jeremy said. "I actually just started at Mount Forest High School. I'm new to town."

"Oh. That's cool. I go to Evergreen Academy, the all-girls school down the road from there."

"All girls? How'd you get roped into that one?" Jeremy was not entirely sure why he continued the conversation with the odd girl, but he found her oddly intriguing. Almost normal, but also not.

"My mom went there. I'm continuing the legacy." She paused for a brief moment. "So, why are you in this class?"

"I just felt like it." Jeremy explained. "I don't know. I've always been into art and figured that now was a good time to take a class. What about you?"

"My stepmom is making me." She said begrudgingly. "I suck at art, but she thinks it will be 'therapeutic.'" She made air quotes when she said the word.

And suddenly, it was as if a dark cloud descended over her and diminished her bubbly, dreamer personality. Her smile faded and her eyes turned cold. However, the cloud evaporated just as quickly; it seemed as though she consciously had to will it away. She gave her head a tiny shake.

"Before I could protest, my dad paid the tuition so here I am! I should warn you: I really suck. My hand-eye coordination is atrocious."

Jeremy gave a chuckle just as the instructor entered the room and began the lesson. Jeremy enjoyed the class immensely. He felt as though he learned a lot, while avoiding making a complete fool of himself and seeming like an ignorant beginner.

His new friend, on the other hand, was not so lucky. In all fairness, he had been warned, but he was surprised by her lack of skill. He found himself chuckling on several occasions, accompanied by a good-natured "Shut up" from his companion.

The two emerged from the room together when the class was over, laughing amicably.

"I told you I was bad!" she exclaimed, causing Jeremy to burst into another wave of laughter. He stopped however, when he found that she was staring at him, a serious look on her face. It was as if she was observing him; it made him feel strange.

"I'm Aislyn, by the way." she said suddenly. It was only then that Jeremy realized that they had not, in fact, exchanged names.

"Jeremy."

"Nice to meet you, Jeremy." Aislyn replied, extending her hand. It seemed odd and old-fashioned, but Jeremy accepted anyways and gave her hand a shake before releasing it. "So, I'll see you next week?"

"Yeah," Jeremy said. "Yeah, I'll see you next week."

Jeremy started towards his car, but was stopped by Aislyn calling out his name. He turned and despite the good 15 feet between the two of them, she still called out:

"I figure since you're new here, you're probably still looking for friends." She paused and gave her awkwardly endearing smile. "Welcome to Denver."

She then turned and walked away. Jeremy wasn't entirely sure, but he might have just made a new friend.