Hey everyone! Please enjoy the chapter!

Evie is played by Emily Osment, Othella is played by: Michelle Pfeiffer, and Michael Harper is played by Jeffery Dean Morgan.

I don't own the following song used in this story: Don't Know Why by Nora Jones


Chapter 2: Night of the Comet

September 9, 2009

"Gran, did you dye your hair again?"

Thwack!

The rolled-up newspaper smacked her head.

"Ow! It was just a question!"

"Don't put your elbows on the table. It's rude."

Evelyn snorted but removed her elbows from the table. "It's impolite to ask if I dyed my hair."

"It was graying yesterday."

"Well, yours needs a pair of scissors."

Evie stuck her tongue out at her grandmother as she

Othella leaned back up and pushed her newly dyed blonde hair back over her shoulder. If anyone didn't know her, they wouldn't think she was a grandmother. She didn't look like one.

"Gran?"

"What is it?"

"Is there enough for dad?"

"He's not coming down until after lunch, you know that. And he doesn't eat. But yes, if he ever moved there is plenty."

Evie blinked as her father shuffled into the kitchen, eyes bloodshot and stubble covering his chin. He made his way blearily to the table.

"Think you spoke too soon."

Her grandmother turned her head. "Well, speak of the devil. What the hell are you doing up at this hour?"

"Gran." Evie hissed, but the woman ignored her.

Mike ran a hand along his jaw. "Need a shave." He rasped.

"Need a bath and a toothbrush too." Othella told him and Evie bit her lip to keep from laughing. Mike smirked at her.

"Breakfast?" The teen asked her father as he sat down at the table.

He smiled at her. "I am a bit hungry this morning."

Glad that he was up and about, Evelyn got up from the table to fix him a plate. She went into the kitchen and Othella watched the door swing shut before facing her son-in-law.

"How much this time?"

"I'm not asking for money." He said with a frown.

"Really? Then what prompted you to come join us."

"I'm joining the AA meetings again."

"Are you? Sticking with the program this time?"

"Yes. She'll be a senior next year, looking at colleges. I'd like to be there."

Othella sighed. "Michael, let's be realistic. You've had ten years to fix yourself, to regain custody of your daughter and you didn't bother to try hard enough. You didn't fight for her. How is she supposed to feel?"

"I am trying, dammit." He scowled. "You don't think I care for her? She's my daughter, Thella. My daughter."

"And she looks like my daughter, your wife. That's why you don't look her in the eye anymore."

Mike rubbed his temples. "I don't want to fight with you, Thella. I know I've been a bad father, but I am trying to be better for her."

"Well, I certainly hope so. She's only known this side of you. A drunk. Try to reconnect with her a little."

Mike frowned at the newspaper on the table. "There are two campers missing."

"Mmhm and two college students were killed a few days ago."

"What are they saying it is?"

"Animal attacks." She murmured and missed the hardened frown that passed over Mike's face. "Evie came home last night and told me an "animal" attacked Kelly Donovan's daughter, Vicki. Your daughter was at the party with her and bunch of other teenagers. She's the one who found her first."

"What? Was she hurt? She was limping a bit."

"Twisted her ankle, but that's all. The swelling has gone down a lot. She was a bit shaken up from the shock, but she was fine."

"And Vicki?"

"The girl is okay though last I heard. Evelyn was texting with the brother, Matt, this morning."

Mike nodded once, though his brow was furrowed. He was born and raised in Mystic Falls, once a proud member of the Council taking over after his father had passed away, so he knew the stories and knew of vampires, but he thought they had long gone from the town.

"Is…Jenny's stuff still in the attic?" He asked softly.

Othella frowned. "Yes. I've been meaning to sort through it for a few things to give to Evelyn. She never knew her mother. I think she might want a few of her things."

"Yes, I think she would."

Evie came in with a full plate of food and a cup of coffee. "Here you go, Daddy."

"Thank you, sweetheart. Looks good." She kissed his cheek.

Thella pointed at Evie's half eaten breakfast. "Finish eating or you'll be late for school."

"Ma'am, yes, ma'am." Evie told her and the woman snorted before walking off. Mike snickered and she smiled at him.


Damon heard a camera clicking and looked over to see a blonde girl with a black beanie taking pictures of his car. Camera girl, he smiled to himself. Perfect. He had been looking for something to rile up Stefan about and she provided the exact opportunity. Stefan hadn't done as he had warned him and now he was going to show him how easy it would be to do it. Smirking he came closer to the little blonde, his eyes raking over her body which wrapped in tight black leggings and a sleeveless maroon colored shirt that flared mid-thigh like a dress. She was nice looking from behind and he wondered if he'd get a chance to play around first before ending her.

"Nice, isn't it?"

She yelped, toppling over, and she looked up to see a handsome man with raven hair that looked perfectly ruffled and startling icy blue eyes. She was stunned.

Damon almost snickered at the lost look on her face before his eyes were drawn to the red mark on her cheek. A jagged, red scar.

Blood was soaking the side of her little yellow dress, pouring from between her little fingers…

"Oh, sorry." The girl told him and pulled him from his confusing thoughts. "This is your car…And you're probably wondering why a strange girl is taking pictures of it…" She stood back up, trying not to fluster under the gaze of this very nice looking guy. After rubbing the dirt off her pants, she smiled sheepishly.

"I-I'm a photographer." She held up her camera. "I like classic cars and I take pictures of them for my collection." She dug through her bag and pulled an album out. She showed him a few cars. "I'm not a thief or anything like that. I'm not staking out your car."

"I believe you." He said smoothly, leaning against the lamppost. His eyes glittered with amusement, though he felt a very strong twinge of déjà vu. He had seen this girl before. But where? And when? Something about this girl made his gut clench and he frowned deeply.

He pushed off the sidewalk and took the album from her looking it over. He had to admit that the girl was good. It was almost too bad she wouldn't be able to do anything about her skills.

"These are pretty good. Lamborghini. Nice." He handed it back to her. "You can keep taking pictures if you want."

"Are you sure? I'm not bothering you or hindering you am I?"

"Nah, knock yourself out."

"Thanks."

He watched her for a little while longer. Silence falling between them. After a moment, he spoke up again:

"By the way, my brother has a 1963 Porsche."

The girl lowered her camera. "Really?"

"Yeah, Stefan likes his classics."

"Stefan? As in Stefan Salvatore?"

"Yep." He popped the "p" and she tilted her head.

"You're the sibling that he doesn't want to talk too."

Damon smirked. "We have our arguments. Would you like to see the car?"

"Do you think he'd mind?"

"I don't think so. Why don't you come by after school?"

The girl's eyes widened. "School! I'm going to be late!" She hurriedly shoved her camera back into its protective bag. "I have to go." She paused. "I'm Evelyn by the way." She said to him and she tucked her hair behind her ear. The movement and her words made him blink.

"What's your name?"

"Evie." The little girl whispered, tucking her hair behind her ear, trailing blood and matting it in her light blonde hair.

"Evie." He repeated. "Evie, I want you to press this against your cheek, okay? Put a bit of pressure there." He handed her his shirt before zipping his jacket back up.

The eight-year-old looked at him with wide innocent green eyes as she did as he told her too. "You'll be okay."

"Are you okay? You kind of zoned out." Evelyn said, eyeing him. Damon blinked.

"I'll see you later, Evie." He turned and walked up the street leaving her to stare at him in confusion.

"How did he know my nickname?" She wondered aloud. She didn't usually tell people that right off the bat. Only her friends and family could call her Evie. She was sure she hadn't told Damon that.


"Okay, why are you so late?"

"I was taking pictures." Evie told Caroline as they walked down the hallway.

"Of?" She prompted.

"A guy's Camaro."

"Ooooh. Mystery guy?" Bonnie nudged her. "Is he hot?"

"Very." Evie told her. "And very out of my league."

"Do you have a picture of him?" Caroline asked. "We want to see him."

"Sorry, Care. Just the car." She smiled at Bonnie. "It was awesome."

"Well looks like you and Care have mystery guys."

Evelyn looked at her in surprise. "You too?"

"Yeah, a guy at the Grill. Oh, my god, he was so freaking hot…Anyway, I just told Bonnie to please conjure up the number of said hot guy."

"Would if I could." Bonnie said and they all laughed.


"What if you could?"

"Don't start, Evie." The girl muttered.

"Oh, come on, Bonnie. How awesome would that be to have powers?"

"I guess but then I'd be the biggest freak."

"No, you wouldn't. Secret life of a teenage witch."

"Very funny. It sounds like a sitcom." She smirked. "So, what are you doing after school?"

"I'm actually going to take pictures again."

"You're not coming to the Grill?"

"It's a 1963 Porche!"

"You and your classic car pictures." She snickered.

"I can't help it." Evie grinned. "So, what were you going to say about comets?"

"Oh, just my Grams again."

"Bon, I love your Grams." She laughed. "Tell me!"

"She claims the comet is a sign of impending doom."

"How so?"

"Well, the last time it passed over Mystic Falls there were a lot of deaths. So much so that it created a bed of paranormal activity."

"Wow. So, should I prepare for doom or something?"

Bonnie rolled her eyes. "How can you be so serious about this?"

"I keep telling you she predicted the blue-ribbon Gran got this year for the garden. Say what you will, but Miss Shelia knows her stuff."

Bonnie just laughed.


"How's the rust bucket?"

"Shut up, you ass." Evie punched Tyler's arm. "It's fine, thanks."

He smirked and rubbed at his arm.

"Did you go see, Vicki?"

"Um…"'Evelyn frowned and grabbed his arm pulling him away from the group hanging around the track fence.

"Ty. Are you serious?" She scowled. "She's your girlfriend, right? Why the hell haven't you gone to see her?"

He frowned. "Because I didn't."

"You could have told your mom a lie, Tyler. You do it all the time, don't act like its' a crime with you."

"Why don't you mind your business?" He snapped. "I don't need you getting in my face."

"I'm not in your face! I'm just trying to figure you out!"

"Like you would know anything about a relationship! You've never been in one and probably never will!"

Evie reared back like she had been struck and there was a sting in her eyes. She was used to Tyler's crankiness, but this hit a whole new level.

He realized his mistake when Evie's eyes grew misty. She wasn't one for crying, so he knew he had screwed up big time.

"Evie, hey, I-"

"Hey, Tyler." They turned to see Jeremy striding over to them. "Hey, I'm sorry to interrupt. I was just wondering how Vicki's doing since you guys are so close. Is she okay?" Evie tilted her head at Jeremy's aggressive demeanor. And then it hit her. Jeremy liked Vicki. Perhaps even more than that. It was odd, but not that farfetched. Both of them liked the feeling of getting high a little too much and she remembered Bonnie mentioning Elena swiping pills off her brother a few times.

Tyler's eyes narrowed.

"She's fine. Now get out of here."

"How bad is she? Do they know what attacked her? Is she gonna make a full recovery? I mean was she happy to see you? What room number was she in?"

"I'm going to kick your ass." Tyler growled.

The blonde folded her arms across her chest. "For asking about Vicki? Why don't you know, Ty?"

"Butt the hell out, Evelyn." Came the aggressive answer.

Jeremy sneered. "Yeah, you keep saying that, but when are you actually gonna to do it? Huh? Cuz, I vote for right here and right now." He shoved Tyler and he stumbled into Evie.

"Walk away, Gilbert. It's your final warning."

"No, this is your final warning, dick." Jeremy spat. "I'm sick of watching you play Vicki. If you hurt her one more time, I swear to god, I will kill you." With that, the teen turned and walked off, anger coming off him in waves.

Tyler snorted. "Damn, that was like a death threat. Did you hear that?" He turned to Evelyn. She was glaring at him. "Oh, come on, Evie. You know I didn't mean it."

"I may not know about relationships and you're probably right that I'll never be in one, but if I was Vicki? I'd want my boyfriend to be there for me, visit me, and show that he cares. And right now? It's looking like Jeremy Gilbert has got you beat in that department."

She stalked off and Tyler opened and closed his mouth before attempting to call her back.

"Evie, wait! I didn't mean what I said! Evelyn!"

It was too late the girl had disappeared around the corner of the school behind Jeremy.


"Jeremy! Wait up!"

"I don't want to hear a lecture, Evie."

"I'm not going to lecture you. I have a question."

"What?"

"Do you know Vicki's room number?"

"Seriously? Did Tyler send you over here?"

"No! Just shut up and listen!" She scowled. "My Gran wants to send flowers to her. Is that okay with you?"

Jeremy looked guilty. "Sorry." He muttered and she sighed.

"Look, I don't know what exactly the relationship is between you two, but I can see that you genuinely care for her."

"Yeah, I do. I'll write the number down for you."

"Thanks."

"Are you okay? You look upset."

"How upset?" She sighed. "Like upset enough to pass it off as allergies?"

Jeremy tilted his head. "I don't know." Evie looked at her reflection in the glass of a window.

"Yeah." She shrugged. "Probably need to do something about that. See you later, Jeremy."


Evie sat back in the truck, letting the cool air blow in her face, finally feeling calmness settle over her. It had been a very long day. As ridiculous as it had seemed, Tyler's words stung more than she had thought possible. But why? What was so horrible? It wasn't like she hadn't heard that before or seen how some of the other students eye her, whispering behind their hands like gossiping teens did. She had a feeling it had to do with her nightmare last night. The same nightmare that had plagued her for eight years, popping up randomly every month or so to make her feel off.

Opening her eyes after a while, she checked her face in the mirror, glad to see that the symptoms of holding back the sensation of crying, or sneezing since it looked the same, were gone. Her eyes were no longer moist and her nose was not as red. Not to mention that her black eyeliner and mascara was still in place so she was good to go.

She wasn't sure why that last bit mattered, but she was sitting in the Salvatore's driveway like a complete idiot. Turning off her truck, Evie grabbed her camera bag and got out of the cab. She looked around curiously at the huge house, trying to take everything in at once. If she wasn't already going to take pictures of the car, she would have liked to explore the old boarding house. She walked up to the door and knocked on it.

It opened seconds later, Damon leaning against the door frame. His hauntingly beautiful blue eyes sparkled at her, mischief in them, and he had a crooked smile. An almost cocky smile that should worry her and it did slightly. Maybe this was a bad idea…

"Hello, camera girl." He said and she relaxed slightly. Damon noticed her watching him warily and raised an eyebrow in amusement. Maybe she's not as stereotypical blonde as he had thought.

"Camaro guy." She said back and his smirk widened.

"Car's that way." He nodded to his left.

"Is Stefan here? He wasn't at school."

"Oh, he'll be home soon. He said you could go ahead."

She frowned slightly, but nodded. "Okay then." She let him lead her to the garage.

"I didn't tell you my name earlier. It's Damon."

She nodded at him. "Nice to meet you, Damon."

Damon opened the garage door and flicked on the light. Evelyn peered inside at the covered car.

"If he has this car, why doesn't he drive it?"

Damon shrugged. "Stefan's mind is an enigma."

She snorted and ran her fingers over the gray tarp. "He hasn't touched this in a long time, I'm guessing."

"Probably not."

"Your motorcycle?"

"Nope, that's Stefan's too."

"Hm."

Evie glanced at him to see where he was and Damon grew curious as she kept tabs on him.

"Go head. He won't mind."

She pulled the sheet back and let it drop to the ground behind the car.

"Oh, wow! This is amazing! A 356B Karmann Coupe!" Like an excitable child, she surveyed the little red car from top to bottom. All the while unaware of the predator watching her every move calculatingly.

Damon debated just how to really make a statement. He could set her up in the backseat of the car, letting her blood stain his precious leather seats. Maybe set her in the front seat? Have her lean against the steering wheel? Or hid her under the tarp for him to find later. He'd have to think about it some more. There was something he'd have to do first.

"So, what do you do, Damon? Do you go to Whitmore?"

He could either end it quick, which wasn't as fun, or get her adrenaline running first, loads of fun. Loads of fun it is. Now just how to do it. Make her uncomfortable? Shower her with compliments and act interested? Just be a tad borderline creepy? But the chase was always fun. Let her think she was going to make it safely to her truck. Or better yet, wait until she tries to get in. The screams, the heart beating wildly in her chest as adrenaline pulse through her body. But that posed a problem. It was broad daylight. Zach was somewhere, he'd been home soon. God knew where Stefan was. Wait, what?

He focused back on her to see she was looking at him in amusement. "You zone out a lot."

"Yeah. What'd you say?"

She repeated her questions.

"College." He smirked. "You see someone like me at a college?"

The girl shrugged. "Maybe."

"Well, what do you do then?"

"I don't have a paying job. If that's what you mean. I work on the school yearbook."

He moved closer to her, watching her take a few photos of Stefan's car. Ah, the camera. A good idea, in his opinion. He'd kill her and take a few photos for Stefan to find. He could do all the things he had been debating earlier. Set her in the backseat, have her in the front seat, under the tarp, etc. but there was something he needed to see first.

"Do you take nature pictures too?"

She glanced at him, jumping at the fact that was closer to her than she had originally thought. He acted very strangely.

"Oh, um. Yeah. Those are a bit abstract though."

"Would you mind showing me a few?" He asked, tilting his head.

She eyed him. "If you really want to have a look. Sure." She pressed a few buttons on her camera and handed it to him, slipping it off her neck. "Here are a few I took of the waterfalls. There was a party there last night."

"I heard about it. Some girl got attacked, right?" He asked, looking through her photos. Her talent impressed him once again. She took pictures of dark things, things that most would find repulsive and scary. Her pictures of the cemetery were his favorites.

"Yeah, her name was Vicki. I, uh, kind of found her."

Damon winced, giving her a faux sympathetic smile. "Sorry."

"I scared whatever it was away though, I think. I tripped and my camera went off."

Damon frowned when he didn't come across a photo he had been looking for. That flash had fuckin' blinded him! How could it not be here? His purpose, other than to torture Stefan, was to eliminate this girl for taking his picture, but all he found was blurry bushes and leaves. Nothing that suggested she had gotten him on film.

"You didn't see the animal?" He questioned handing her the camera back. She wasn't sure why he sounded so angry about that.

"Nope, just heard it run off." She told him.

He heard another car show up and looked out of the garage to see none other than Elena Gilbert, the Katherine look-a-like. He glanced back Evie who was admiring the glossy shine.

"Why don't you open her up, have a look inside?"

"Really?" She asked, sounding both wary and excited. "Are you sure?"

"Stefan will be fine with it. He hardly comes out here."

"Well, if you're sure." She opened the door, peering inside.

Damon thought about knocking her out and coming back later, but he knew that Elena had seen the girl's eyesore of a truck. She'd know that Evie was there and might even come looking for her.

"I need to take care of something. Stay out here as long as you like."

"Thanks. I won't be long, I promise. I just want to look around." She disappeared into the car and Damon walked away.


He decided to play around with Elena a bit give her a fright since scaring Evelyn would have to wait. And just because he loved doing it.

The girl whirled around in fright as he made the door creak and she almost ran into him.

"You must be Elena." He smirked.

The girl nodded numbly, heart still hammering and a smile twitched at his lips.

"I'm Damon. Stefan's brother."

She gave him a confused look. "He didn't tell me he had a brother."

"Well, Stefan's not one to brag." He waved a hand. "Please, come. I'm sure Stefan will be along any second." Literally.

The brunette beauty looked over her shoulder at the door. "Is Evelyn here? That's her truck."

"Oh, Evie? Yeah, she's in the garage. I saw her taking photos this morning."

Elena nodded. "You must have a good car to photograph then. She's good at that."

"Nice girl." He nodded and led her further into the house.

"Wow, this is your living room?"

"Living room, parlor, Sotheby's auction." He smirked. "It's a little kitschy for my taste." Elena's eyes roamed the room in fascination. "I can see why my brother's so smitten." He said, drawing her attention back to him. "It's about time. For a while there I never thought he'd get over the last one. Nearly destroyed him."

Elena arched an eyebrow. "The last one?"

"Yeah. Katherine, his girlfriend?" She looked confused. A perfect way to stir up trouble. "Oh, you two haven't had the awkward exes' conversation yet?"

"Nope."

"Oops. Well, I'm sure it will come up now. Or maybe he didn't tell you, because he didn't want you to think he was on the rebound. We all know how those relationships end."

"You say it like every relationship is doomed to end."

"I'm a fatalist." He smirked as something came into the house. "Hello, Stefan."

Elena whirled around to see a stony-faced Stefan, glaring daggers at his elder brother.

"Elena. I didn't know you were coming over." He was standing so stiffly that Elena wondered what had him so angry.

She started towards him. "I know. I should have called. I just—"

"Oh, don't be silly you're welcome anytime. Isn't she, Stefan?"

Stefan didn't tear his eyes from his brother. Elena shifted.

"You know, I should break out the family photos albums, or some home movies. But I have to warn you…He wasn't always such a looker."

"Thank you for stopping by, Elena. It was nice to see you."

She took that as her hint to leave. "Yeah, I should probably go. It was nice meeting you, Damon."

"Great to meet you too, Elena." He kissed the back of her knuckles. She turned and tried to leave, but Stefan was blocking her exit.

"Stefan?" He only had eyes for Damon. "Stefan?" She called again and he stepped aside. She looked over her shoulder, puzzled, before leaving.

Damon whistled as the door shut.

"Great gal. She's got spunk. You on the other hand look, pooped. Did you overexert yourself today?"

"Where is she, Damon? What have you done?" Stefan snapped.

"Hm? What do mean?"

"Where's Evelyn?"

"Evelyn." He repeated, mulling it over. "Evelyn. Oh, you mean Evie. Yea high." He held up his hand. "Big green eyes." He smirked wickedly. "She was here."

Stefan tensed and Damon enjoyed it immensely. "What did you do, Damon?!"

"I showed her your car. Let her explore the inside. She liked the leather seats I think."

"Damon-"

"I warned you, Stefan. You get rid of her or I will. I meant it. She's still in the garage." He paused a moment. "Oh, never mind. She's not there."

Stefan ground his teeth in frustration. "Damon, what did you-"

A knock on the door came from behind him.

"Come on in." Damon called and the door opened. Stefan relaxed upon seeing Evie.

"Oh, hi, Stefan!" The girl greeted him. "I hope you don't mind that I took pictures of your car. Damon said it was okay."

"No, that's fine." He told her. "You didn't get hurt, did you?"

"Hm? Oh, no. I'm fine. I just put the tarp back on the car, turned off the light and shut the door. Was that okay?"

Damon smirked at her. "That's fine. Did you get enough pictures?"

"Yep. Thanks for letting me take them. I'll see you later."

"Bye, Evie." Damon wiggled his fingers at her and she turned to Stefan, eyeing Damon oddly.

"See you, Stefan. You have a nice car. You should drive it to school sometime." She waved at him before going out the door.

Damon smirked. "I didn't hurt her, but I could have."

"So why didn't you? All you've done it taunt me with it." Stefan frowned.

"She doesn't have a photo of me, unfortunately."

"Good, then you can leave her alone."

"Hmm, no. See there's this nagging feeling that I should kill her. In fact, I think I will."

"Don't, Damon." Stefan growled. "She's just a girl."

"So was one of the campers and one of those two college kids. She's nothing, Stefan."

"If she's nothing, then leave her be."

"Why are you being protective of her?"

"Why are you trying to kill her for no reason?"

Damon snorted. "I have a reason. She's human. What's your excuse?"

Stefan saw something flicker in Damon's eyes and disappear. Something about Evelyn set him off and irritated him, but what was it?

"Just leave her alone, Damon."

"Would if I could and I won't." He taunted him. "Good luck trying to stop me."


"You've been trying not to cry."

"I have not, Gran."

"You don't think I can tell?" The woman raised an eyebrow. "Who upset you?"

"No one." Evie told her, writing out her algebra problems.

"You shouldn't hold back your tears. It's not good for you."

"I did not almost cry. I'm fine." She scowled and the woman sighed.

She pulled a chair back from the table and sat down. "Evelyn Marie, I'm your grandmother. I've been around you for sixteen years. You think I don't know anything about you?"

"It was just something stupid, Gran. Just a typical reason."

"Typical."

"Yeah, you know like a movie or some kind of music that moves you. Things like that."

"And which of those typical things happened today?"

"Does it matter?"

Othella pursed her lips. "I suppose not. I wish you'd try to talk to me, though."

"Evening."

"Hi, daddy." Evie smiled and cleared a spot for him to sit at the table. Othella raised a delicate eyebrow.

"Well, how did it go?"

"It went fine." He said, eyeing her. "I'll be going every other night."

"Good. Good. Try to keep to it."

He rolled his eyes. "So, what are we talking about? Algebra?"

"Your daughter is not communicating with me."

Evie slammed her book closed. "Gran! Dad, please tell her to drop it."

"Drop what?"

"She came home looking ready to cry her eyes out." Othella frowned.

"I did not!" Evie frowned. "I'm perfectly fine."

"Did something happen at school?" Mike frowned also.

"No. I told Gran it was just a typical thing."

He arched an eyebrow. "Typical?"

The girl sighed. "Yes! You know like watching a sad movie or hearing moving music!"

"Well, don't you get sentimental Thella?"

"Not usually." She stated. "Fine, I will drop the subject." She pushed back from the table. "I just thought you trusted your grandmother was all…" She walked off into the kitchen and Evie face-planted the math book.

Mike snorted. "Dramatic." He ruffled his daughter's hair. "You sure you're okay?"

He received a muffled affirmative in response and chuckled.


"May I help you?"

"Uh, hi. My name is Stefan. Is Evelyn home?"

The woman smiled. "Yes, she's upstairs." Othella looked over her shoulder. "Evelyn, there's a young man to see you!"

He heard her come down the first flight and watched her the second flight.

"Hey, Stefan." She greeted. "What's going on?"

"Can we talk?"

"Sure." She stepped out onto the porch, closing the door behind her. "The chairs are wet so we have to sit on the steps." She sat on the top step and he sat next to her.

"Is this about me being at your house?" She said before he could speak. "Damon said it was okay. I wanted to wait for you, but he said you knew. No offense but your brother is a bit of a creep. He kept staring at me."

Stefan frowned. "He didn't hurt you, though, right?"

"No, of course not. I just thought it was strange. He zones out a lot too. I was talking away and he wasn't even listening." She frowned. "Would he hurt me?"

"No, I was just wondering. You left in a hurry."

"Oh, my Gran called. I had to run and take flowers to Vicki."

"How is she doing?"

"A whole lot better. Matt said she gets to come home tomorrow."

Stefan nodded. "Good." They fell silent for a moment.

"You didn't come all the way out here to ask me about Damon, did you?"

"This is the first time you've met him?"

She frowned. "Yeah. Why?" Her eyes widened. "Is that why he was staring at me? He thought I was someone else."

"Maybe that's it." Stefan murmured. At least he hoped that was it, but the pure indecision on his brother's face said otherwise. He heard something and turned his head to see Evie's father and grandmother peering at them from the living room window. Evelyn turned around and waved at them. Othella quickly dropped the curtain, smacking at Mike like it was his fault.

"Sorry about that." She laughed and Stefan smiled.

"It's fine. I should be going."

"Are you going to watch the comet tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'll be there. Awesome. Thanks for coming to check on me and I'm sorry about invading your garage."

Stefan shook his head. "It's okay. You'll have to show me the pictures sometime, though."

"Deal."


September 10, 2009

"Just a small gig, Gran. Please?!"

"Evelyn. That is not an appropriate place." Othella frowned. "The Mystic Grill is not a place for you to be hanging around in. Besides, you've never played in a place like that."

"That's why it's perfect for tonight. Everyone will be out viewing the comet." The teen turned to her father. "Please, Dad? It's only for a few hours. It's for a good cause."

Mike rubbed at his chin. "Well, I don't see how it would hurt. You need that kind of experience."

"Thank you!" She said happily and hugged his neck. "You'll come and see me, right?"

"I wouldn't miss it." Mike promised and she smiled.

"Gran?"

"Maybe another time." Othella told her and went into the kitchen. Evie sighed.

"She's not happy."

Mike snorted. "When is she?" When Evie still looked downcast, he cupped her chin. "Hey, cupcake. It'll be all right. Your grandma will come around." "Cupcake" he dad used to call her that all the time. It was the first time in a long time that he had called her that.

"You really will come?"

"Cross my heart, cupcake."


Damon slipped into the Grill instantly spotting his target sitting on a stool on a little stage area, strumming a guitar. Again, he found himself shocked. She was wonderful, he thought, before shaking his head. Guitar? Really?

Then she continued singing:

"Out across the endless sea

I would die in ecstasy

But I'll be a bag of bones

Driving down the road alone"

He tilted his head, watching her sing with her eyes closed. Like she was part of the music. She did have a nice voice. He didn't particularly like the song, but her version made it bearable. And he found himself enjoying it.

"My heart is drenched in wine

But you'll be on my mind

Forever"

He wondered if she planned on being there all night. It would hinder his plans to eliminate her if she stayed there. Right now she was in a safe little corner.

"Something has to make you run

I don't know why I didn't come

I feel as empty as a drum

I don't know why I didn't come

I don't know why I didn't come

I-I-I-I don't know why I didn't come."

Evie ducked her head with a small smile as the few in the Grill clapped their hands.

Bonnie came up to her as she was getting down from the little stage.

"That was great."

"Really? You're not just saying that, are you?"

"I mean it, Evie. That was fantastic."

"Evelyn." She turned to see Robert coming up to her. "Great job."

"Thanks."

"If you ever want a job it's there."

"I'll think about it." She told him and went out the door with Bonnie.

"Are you coming to watch the comet now?"

"In a bit." Evie replied and the other girl picked up on her tone.

"What's wrong?"

"My dad said he'd come." Evie snorted. "Well, he probably fell asleep or something. It's not like he's never heard me sing before."

Bonnie could tell that it bothered Evelyn a great deal and she felt angry that the man would do that to her.

"That's not fair. You asked him to come and he should have. Didn't you say he was trying not to drink anymore?"

Evie put her guitar back into her truck. "Yeah, but he gets tired really easily." She knew the excuse was flimsy even as she said it. "Let's just forget it."


"Knock it off, Tyler." The girl muttered, laying her head back down on the bench. She was lying flat on her back, gazing up at the sky.

The bench wobbled again as the jock leaned against it. "Come on, Evie. Let me apologize."

Tearing her eyes from the sight of the comet, she looked at him, arching an eyebrow. "For what? Telling the truth?"

Tyler scowled. "It wasn't true and you know it."

Evie turned around with a sigh. "Would you just drop it, Ty? Okay? I forgive you." She arched an eyebrow. "Sorry, I'm a little flustered. My Gran called. My dad left the house and he was supposed to come watch me in the Grill."

"Oh. Sorry, Evie."

The girl shrugged. "It doesn't matter…How are things with you and Vicki?"

"Hostile."

"Right."

"It's that pill-pusher Gilbert's fault."

Evie rolled her eyes. "Ty, buddy, let me explain this once again. Girls want to be treated nicely and not ignored. Jeremy is giving her attention and checking in on her, although his methods are so very wrong, but he is getting his point across."

The teen snorted. "You're a weirdo, you know that?"

"Duh, that's what makes me special!" She smirked at him and he rolled his eyes.

"I'm going in for coffee. You coming?"

"In a little while. I want to look at the comet some more."

"Suit yourself."

Evelyn went back to viewing the sky, taking in the past few days. Her strange encounter with Damon gave her mixed feelings. Part of her was afraid of him for some reason and she suspected it had to do with the way he stared at her. The other part found him extremely attractive and found it unfair that he was so good-looking.

Suddenly there was a pair of brilliant blue eyes blocking her view of the comet.

"Well hello again." The figure purred, smiling down at her with a roguish grin. It almost made her flush.

"Camaro guy." Evie smirked. "Watching the comet?"

"Nah, thought I'd sit around for a while." He moved over, taking her legs, and moving them so he could sit, before letting them lay across his lap. "Why aren't you inside with everyone else?" Evie wiggled uncomfortably, wanting to hop up from the bench. His thumb was making circles on her knee cap and it was sending tingles along her skin. It also made her want to laugh which was worse.

"I'm keeping an eye out for my dad. He's around here somewhere." At his arched eyebrow, she elaborated. "He drinks a lot. Big crowds like this, make this place an easy target."

"Ah. And how is it that you have to look out for him?"

She shrugged. "I'm the only one." She sat up, pulling her legs out of his lap and putting her feet back on solid ground. "I should probably go look for him."

"Or you could stay for a while longer." He stated, leaning back against the metal, and gazing up at the sky. "You know the last time this comet went over Mystic Falls was in 1864."

"Yeah. My friend Bonnie told me it's a harbinger of evil."

He smirked at her. "Do you believe?"

Evie tilted her head thoughtfully, looking back at the comet. "Yeah, I think I do…"

"Hm."

She jumped as his breath hit her ear and turned her head, her nose colliding with his. She frowned, which amused him.

"Whoa, hey, buddy not so close." She shoved at his chest.

He touched her cheek, tracing her scar, and it all came flooding back to him. The reason he knew her, the reason he wanted to eliminate her. She was the reason that a bit of his humanity came shining through eight years ago, in this very spot.


Mystic Falls, April 21st, 2001

The smell of blood was so tantalizing and he let the body drop with a smirk when it was completely drained. Stepping over the man, he made to walk off when he smelt blood again, stronger.

He followed the scent and found a little girl in a pale-yellow dress, kneeling in the grass behind a bush. Normally it wouldn't faze him, but she was only seven or eight and she was shaking. He then found the source of the smell of blood. A very angry looking cut went across her little cheek.

She looked up at him, green eyes widening and she scurried away, going behind a tree.

He shifted from foot to foot debating. Had she seen? Did she suspect?

"Hey, it's okay sweetie." He said softly, lowering down to her level. She peered at him from behind the tree. "I'm not going to hurt you. My name's Damon."

"Is he still here?" She whispered faintly. So, she hadn't seen. Good.

He shook his head. "No."

"He smelt like my daddy…Daddy drinks the big stuff too, but he's never scary."

Damon felt his face softening and his gut clenched. "Well, he's gone now. Where's your daddy?"

She shook her head, hand trembling against her cheek. Blood was soaking the side of her little yellow dress, pouring from between her little fingers.

"What's your name?" He asked before he could stop himself. Why did he care? But he did. He hadn't felt that stirring in his chest since '94 and it sort of disturbed him.

"Evie." The little girl whispered, tucking her hair behind her ear, trailing blood and matting it in her light blonde hair.

"Evie." He repeated, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Evie, I want you to press this against your cheek, okay? Put a bit of pressure there." He handed her a bandana from his inner jacket pocket before zipping his jacket back up.

The eight-year-old looked at him with wide innocent green eyes as she did as he told her too.

"Can you tell me what happened?"

"He was supposed to take me to see daddy."

Damon frowned. "Why did you go with him? Don't you know not to talk to strangers?"

"He followed me and told me he knew where daddy was. He said…"

A scowl curled at his lips. He had been planning to murder the girl it seemed, stalking her from her house.

"He said what?"

"That I'd like where he was."

"You'll be okay." He promised her, tightly. Glad he had killed the bad guy for once. The little girl was still trembling, frightened and on the verge of tears.

"Evelyn!" A voice called worried in the distance.

He cupped her chin making the little girl look at him. Her green eyes focused on his blue ones. "You'll be just fine. Forget what happened here. You were just lost."

"I'll be okay. I was just lost." She repeated and in a flash, he was gone.


He hesitated, his thumb brushing over the scar on her cheek. She watched him with wary green eyes, the same eyes that had looked at him so helplessly eight years previously. He lowered his hand slowly. She was a human, a plaything, and yet he could not bring himself to harm her or cause her pain. And the fact was...He didn't know why. It didn't make sense. He just didn't know why.

Evelyn was very concerned about the man that cradled her cheek like a lost lover. Not that she knew exactly what that meant. She also just didn't like him touching her. She didn't like it when people touched her scar. It made her uncomfortable. She leaned away from him as his hand fell and swallowed nervously. She didn't remember Stefan mentioning if his brother was mentally unstable, but he had asked her if he had hurt her.

"Um…Are you okay? Should I go find Stefan? Maybe he can take you home."

He blinked, noticing she was inching away from him.

"Where are you going?" He asked in slight amusement.

"Look, I'm sure you can't help it, but, and please don't be offended, you're creeping me out here, buddy. That's the third time since I've met you that you zoned out. If it happens regularly that's fine, but I don't know you that well." Damon was a bit stunned by her reaction and arched an eyebrow when she leaned close squinting at his face. "Are you high or drunk or something? Maybe you need sleep."

"Do I have to be high or drunk to sit next to you?"

"No…But you zone out a lot."

"I was thinking."

"Heavy thinking." She muttered and he smirked at her.

"Still running away?"

"Well, I need to go inside. It's getting a bit cold now." She started to stand, but he zipped closer.

"Hey, what are you-" He pressed his fingers to the side of her neck before she could process what had happened. Her eyes fluttered shut and he caught her, eyes blazing with conflicting emotion, an emotion that shouldn't be there.

She was the reason that his humanity tugged at his heartstrings every now and then when he saw kids. She was the little girl who had looked at him with those big green eyes. Full of fear and pain she didn't know how to deal with it. Damon had flipped his switch several times over the past 145 years. There were several events that made him temporarily feel. Once in '94 and once in '01.

It was all her fault. Looking down at the unconscious teenage girl in his arms, he wanted nothing more than to drain her of blood and never see her again and yet… He couldn't. Not yet. Now he was curious as to how she had grown up with that compulsion of forgetting what happened and just how it affected her. It wasn't very often that he got to see how someone was years after being compelled.

His curiosity would save her for now, but he wouldn't let Stefan know that. It was much more fun to mess with his head.


"Elena."

The brunette turned to see Evelyn's father coming into the Grill. The rest of the teens gathered around, turned in surprise. The man was clean-shaven and very sober. A first on both accounts.

"Hi, Mr. Harper."

"Have you seen Evie? I had car trouble and I've missed her performance. Was she really upset?"

Bonnie's glare softened. So he really was trying. "She was a bit disappointed, but once you tell her the truth, she'll be okay."

The man nodded at her. "Where is she?"

"She was outside in the park." Tyler spoke up. "She was laying on a bench, watching the comet."

"I just passed the park, there's no one out there. Are you sure she didn't leave?"

"She wouldn't leave without telling us goodbye first." Bonnie spoke up. "I'm sure she'll be in a second. Maybe she went out to her truck."

"I'll look again. Would you please let me know if you see her?" He was frowning.

"Is something wrong?"

"I hope not." The man said quietly and exited the Grill making the teens exchange looks.


"You know, Elena and I, we've known each other a long time. And we might not be together right now, but I look out for her. And I'll always look out for her."

Stefan nodded at Matt and then his vampiric hearing picked up a panicked voice.

"No! Leave her alone." Someone demanded, but only Stefan could hear it.

Matt furrowed his brow. This guy was not paying him the least bit of attention.

"Shh. You really have to stop screaming. You'll wake her." Damon's voice came next and Stefan grew alarmed.

"Excuse me." He said to Matt and walked away before the quarterback could ask him what his problem was.


He followed the sound of Vicki and Damon and found them on the rooftop of a nearby building. What he saw made him pause briefly. Damon was dangling an unconscious Evie over the side of the building, while behind him Vicki shrieked with each movement he made.

"Stop. Don't hurt her. Don't hurt her." Vicki begged.

Damon's smugness leaked from his voice. "I've got her. Just be quiet."

In a blur of rapid motion, Stefan was on the rooftop with Damon.

His brother turned and smiled in amusement.

"Not bad." He congratulated teasingly. "Have you been eating bunnies?"

Stefan was in no mood to joke. "Let them go, Damon."

"Really?" He blinked and then shrugged. "Okay." He made to let go of the Evie, dangling her haphazardly over the edge of the building. Her beanie flew off her head, her light blond hair cascading down her back.

"No!" Vicki and Stefan yelled at the same time.

"Relax." He chuckled. "I won't drop her." He set Evie down gently, propping her up against the wall. If anyone looked up there they wouldn't see her.

"What's happening?" Vicki sobbed, wringing her hands. "Why did he bring us up here? What did he do to Evie?"

"I don't need her to be dead," Damon indicated Vicki. "But you might." He stepped over to Vicki, blocking her from Evelyn. "What attacked you the other night?"

"I don't know. An animal." Vicki shrugged, looking teary-eyed and fearful.

He leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear. "Are you sure about that?" He asked, questioningly. "Think. Think about it. Think really hard." He urged. "What attacked you?" The brothers could hear her heart racing madly.

"Vampire." She uttered.

"Who did this to you?"

"You did!" Vicki snapped.

Damon smirked wickedly.

"Wrong!" He stated in an overly happy manner.

Dread filled Stefan's gut. "Don't." He said, but was ignored.

"It was Stefan."

"Don't."

His brother pulled Vicki to her feet. "Come here." He made her look him in the eyes. "Stefan Salvatore did this to you."

"Stefan Salvatore did this to me." Vicki repeated robotically.

"He's a vampire. A vicious, murderous monster."

Stefan shook his head, pleading in vain. "Please, Damon. Please don't do this."

"You couldn't fix it before. I don't know what you're going to do now." Damon sneered. He ripped the bandage off Vicki's neck, her stitches were bleeding as he slung her towards his brother.

"Your choice of lifestyle has made you weak." He hissed. "A couple of vampire parlor tricks is nothing compared to power you could have. That you now need. But you can change that. Human blood gives you that."

"No." Vicki sobbed in horror. "Is that what happened to Evie?!"

Stefan resisted the hypnotic pull of blood and shoved her away gently. His gut clenched at the scent of blood and it was making him physically ache all over at the need for it.

"You have two choices. You can feed and make her forget or you can let her run screaming 'Vampire' through the town square." Damon said casually.

Stefan glared at him. "That's what this is about? You wanna expose me?"

"No!" Damon yelled in frustration. "I want you to remember who you are!"

"Why? So, what? So I'll feed? So I'll kill? So I'll remember what it's like to be real brothers again?" He sneered. He wasn't playing this game any longer. "You know what? Let her go. Let her tell everyone that vampires have returned to Mystic Falls. Let them chain me up. And let them drive a stake through my heart. Because at least I'll be free of you."

Damon snorted at his overdramatic brother.

"Wow." He stated and pulled at Vicki. "Come here, sweetheart."

"No." She panicked.

"It's okay." He soothed and then whispered something in her ear. He pulled back, looking smugly at his brother as Vicki blinked several times.

"What happened?" She asked, looking around. "Where am I?" She touched her neck. "I ripped my stitches open. Ugh."

"You okay?" Stefan inquired.

She smiled at him. "I took some pills, man. I'm good." She got up and walked away, her gaze never falling to Evelyn.

After Vicki was safely out of the way, Stefan eyed Damon.

"Why is Evelyn up here?"

"Are you asking about her again?" He asked in amusement. "Really? What is with you? Is Elena not enough?"

Stefan frowned. "She's just a girl. Leave her alone. She doesn't have a picture of you, Damon."

"Actually, she does. Recent. Non-vampiric. Very flattering. I think she'll like them. I have a lot of good sides."

Stefan rolled his eyes. "Seriously Damon, what are you doing with her?"

"Well, originally, I was going to have a little snack." He grinned at the disgusted and horrified look on Stefan's face. "I'm not going to hurt her. To be perfectly honest, she intrigues me. I'd like to keep her around a little while longer." Stefan wasn't sure he liked that one bit.

"It's good to be home." He continued. "Think I might stay awhile. This town could use a bit of a wake-up call, don't you think?"

"What are you up to, Damon?"

"That's for me to know and you to dot, dot, dot." He wiggled his eyebrows. "Give Evelyn my best. She's a feisty little thing." He stepped off the roof and disappeared into the night.


"I'm sorry, I missed out, Cupcake."

"It's okay, Daddy. Really. I know you wanted to be here and it means a lot that you still came."

He stroked her left cheek, knowing she didn't like people to touch her scar.

"I'll see you at home."

She smiled and nodded as he left and then she went to join Bonnie and Caroline at their table.

The girls looked at her as she sat.

"Hey, so are you okay?" Bonnie asked her.

"Yeah. I still can't believe I fell asleep and nobody saw me!"

Caroline nodded. "It was weird because Vicki was missing too."

"Did they think I was high somewhere?"

"No, we knew better, but there was the time you were smoking weed in the-"

"Shut up, Caroline!" Evie scowled and Bonnie giggled. "If I recall you were there too."

"Excuse me." Said a voice quietly. They, minus Evie who was looking at her camera, glanced up. "Hi."

Bonnie smiled back. "Hi."

"Hey, Stefan." Evie greeted, eyes glued to her camera.

"Uh, have you guys seen Elena?"

She gave him a sympathetic look. "I think she went home." Stefan nodded. "I'm going to give you Elena's cell number and her e-mail. She is big on texting and you can tell her I said so." She said smugly.

Stefan smiled and reached his him out. "Thank you." Bonnie stiffened when their fingers brushed and Stefan frowned. "You okay?"

Caroline looked at her friend to the hot guy in confusion.

"What happened to you?" Bonnie whispered before coming to her senses. "That was so rude. I'm sorry. Excuse me." She got up from the table and left rapidly.

Evelyn looked up. "Bonnie? Where'd she go?"

Caroline shrugged at Stefan. "Yeah, she kind of wigs out. It's like her thing."

"Who wigged out? What did I miss?"

"Never mind. You never pay attention." The taller blonde snickered and Evie stuck her tongue out. "See you later, Evie."

"Mmhm." The girl hummed and then cursed. "That asshole!" She looked up from her camera and spotted Stefan.


"Stefan!" Evelyn ran out the door after him. "Hey."

"Evie." He nodded in acknowledgment.

"Look no offense, but your brother is obnoxious."

Stefan eyed her warily. "Why do you say that?"

"Because my camera is chalk full of his selfies!" She showed him a few. "Is he mentally disturbed or something? Who takes people's cameras?!"

"I'm sorry." He apologized, frowning. "Damon's boundaries are…nonexistent."

She sighed. "Well, I guess he didn't mean any harm, but he could have asked. By the way, he's a bit of a creep and I really don't want to see him again."

Stefan nodded. "I get that and it's probably for the best. If he thinks he's gotten under your skin he'll keep prodding."

"Thanks for the advice." She smiled at Stefan. "See you at school."

"Goodnight, Evie."


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