AUTHOR'S NOTE: I figured I'd post a new chapter for you when I finished the one I'm currently working on. A chapter for a chapter, yes? I'll continue updating like this (randomly) until I finish the entire fic and then it'll be probably a chapter a day or every two days. I'm not sure yet. Anyway, thanks for the reviews that you left. I really appreciate them and responses to said reviews are at the bottom. Enjoy!
By the time Reese woke up, it was well into the afternoon. After her brief encounter with Caroline, Reese had moved all the boxes into her house and got a head start on unpacking. The movers had already placed all the big furniture, (bed, dressers, desks, book shelves, TV, entertainment center, couches, tables, and chairs), all in their respective rooms and even set up the washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher for her. The house was quite big for just her but she didn't quite mind all the space. The first level consisted of a living room and study on the left side of the house, a half bathroom just behind the staircase where the utility room was as well, and the dining room and kitchen on the right side of the home. Upstairs, two bedrooms were connected by a bathroom, and then the master bedroom practically took up one side of the house with it's own private bathroom and balcony opening up over the backyard. There was another door next to the master bedroom that Reese had opened up but behind the door was another set of stairs that she guessed led up to the attic. But seeing as it was just the attic, Reese didn't deem it important enough to explore.
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The kitchen had already been unpacked and set up as well as her bathroom and bedroom. Everything else was left in their boxes and could be unpacked during the week so she'd have something to do. After gathering a clean set of clothes and undergarments, Reese took her time in the shower to fully wake herself up and scrub herself clean. Blow drying her hair, Reese parted her hair on the right side and let her natural curls hang loosely over her shoulder and down her back. The color of her hair never ceased to amuse her seeing as the top half was a dark chocolate color and as it came to the ends, it bled to a light chestnut color. Changing into a pair of tan shorts, a emerald green v-neck, and a pair of flip-flops- she made her way outside and headed for Caroline's home.
Patting down her pockets to make sure she had cash and her phone, Reese took her time walking up to Caroline's home where a police car sat out front along with another car. It was a two story home, just like her own, but Caroline's was a bit smaller. When she finally reached the door, she politely knocked three times before taking a step back and tucking her hands into her front pockets.
A few seconds later, a woman with short-cropped blonde hair and a police uniform opened the door eyeing Reese warily. "May I help you?" She asked.
"Yes, ma'am." Reese answered just as politely. "Is Caroline home?"
"She is." The woman nodded before looking over her shoulder and calling Caroline's name. Turning back to Reese, the lady tilted her head to the side as she studied Reese standing there. "You're new here, aren't you? I haven't seen you around before."
"I am." Reese smiled. "I actually just got in last night two houses down and across the street." She gestured over her shoulder and was surprised to see a look of recognition flash over Caroline's Mom's face.
"The Emerson place?"
"Yeah. You know my family?" She asked. How else would she have known that?
"No, I didn't, actually." The lady sighed. "It's a beautiful home," She offered Reese a small smile. "-and when the Emerson family- er, your family bought it, it just kind of sat there while people were in and out fixing it up. I'm just shocked someone finally moved in."
"Oh." An uncomfortable silence fell over the two as Caroline's Mom stood just inside the doorway and Reese just outside the doorway. Calling Caroline's name again, her Mom sighed and shook her head in disappointment.
"I'm really sorry. I could've sworn Caroline was already on her way down."
"It's fine." Reese reassured her. "She probably didn't expect me to take her up on her offer."
"What offer?"
"The offer to show me around town and the nearest grocery store." Reese told her. "I need groceries if I'm going to keep on living." She chuckled.
"Of course." Caroline's mom laughed. "Well, would you like a glass of lemonade or water? It's quite warm out." She opened the door wider and step backed, her eyes darting up and down Reese's form.
Taking the hint, Reese stepped into the home and offered Caroline's mom a grin. "I grew up in Texas, ma'am. This weather is cool to me but lemonade would be good."
Caroline's mom seemed less tense and her smile less forced now. "Sure thing, sweetheart. And the name is Liz. No need for the ma'am remarks."
"Reese." She offered her hand to shake with a small chuckle. "I can't believe I didn't tell you my name sooner." She screwed up her face in distaste about forgetting her manners.
"Don't worry about it." Liz called out from where she had wandered into the kitchen. "You are more polite than most of the town kids I have to deal with."
Reese smiled as she took her glass of lemonade from Liz, relishing the coolness in the back of throat before Caroline came barreling down the stairs, practically shoving Reese out the front door, and calling out a 'goodbye' over her shoulder to her mom.
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As Caroline quickly drove around Mystic Falls with the new girl Reese in her passenger seat, she pointed out every little shop and what it was that they sold. She pointed out where the High School was, the Hospital, the public library, town square, and the Mystic Grill. She gave Reese all the details about how Mystic Falls went all out for holidays and how the whole town celebrated together. She also gave a brief summary of the town's founding history as well as the families and how every year the town held an event called Miss Mystic Falls, and even how she had won during her junior year in High School.
Caroline expected Reese to be bored to tears by now but she was shocked to see Reese taking all the information in as her eyes drank in the scenery around her.
"So, I'm sorry if my Mom pestered you about anything." Caroline suddenly blurted as she pulled into the only grocery store Mystic Falls had. "Or if she seemed less than trusting of you before you came in."
"It's totally fine." Reese waved her off. "She's the Sheriff. It's her duty to be suspicious of everyone."
Caroline quirked an eyebrow as she parked and both girls got off. "You speak as if you have had personal experience."
"Mhm." Reese hummed. "My dad and brother are in law enforcement. Whenever I went out with a friend, my brother would follow us in his police vehicle to make sure we weren't getting into trouble."
"Oh, no." Caroline laughed. "That's horrible!"
Reese shook her head in amusement. "Not really. It was quite hilarious to plan a false police chase while your friend is the unsuspecting passenger."
Caroline laughed even harder. "You're a horrible person. I'm surprised you actually had friends."
"So am I." Reese smirked. "Now come on, lets get me some food."
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Reese pushed the shopping cart as Caroline walked next to her, scolding Reese and her choice of so-called groceries. Reese got all the seemingly appropriate meats and vegetables to make suitable dinners but when it came to her snacks, everything ranged from not-so-healthy to incredibly unhealthy. She stocked up on soda pop, milk, orange juice, a variety of fruit drinks, and gatorades. Reese even attempted to put in a couple of energy drinks but that's where Caroline had put her foot down and made Reese check out before she got the idea to purchase the energy drinks again.
After all of Reese's groceries were packed into the trunk of Caroline's car, the two decided to head back to Reese's home to put them away. The car ride is filled with upbeat pop music that Caroline seems to enjoy, and that Reese can barely tolerate, but she listens to it nonetheless. When they finally pull up to Reese's home and start unloading the bags, they're walking up to the door when Caroline hesitates. She knows she can't get in with an invite.
As Reese disappears into her home, Caroline lingers outside with her arms full of bags and kicks her foot out to make sure that Reese really is human, and that the barrier is there which it is when she sees her foot hit the invisible wall. Reese reappears and she chuckles at Caroline. "What are you doing? You do know where groceries go, right? It's called the kitchen."
Caroline narrows her gaze at the girl, she not being used to having a fellow blunt friend, before her expression softens. "I do." She tells her. "It's just- well, manners have been drilled into my head since I was little and well-"
"I get it." Reese cut her off while holding up her hand, palm out. "You're talking to a country girl, here. Trust me, I get the whole manners thing." She offers Caroline a smile before stepping back from the doorway and sweeping out her arm as if showcasing the front hall of her home. "Won't you please come in, Miss Caroline?"
Caroline's lips twitched in amusement as a giggle escapes from her lips and she enters Reese's home with ease. With numerous trips to the car, the girls finally have all the groceries inside and put away in their appropriate place. Reese thanks Caroline for taking the time to show her around and going grocery shopping with her, and before Reese can show Caroline the way out, Caroline asks her to grab a late lunch with her at the Grill. Reese declines, using the excuse that she should really unpack some more of her boxes but Caroline hears nothing of it.
After a bit of more poking and prodding, Reese caves and joins Caroline for lunch but only under the condition they take her car this time around. Caroline conceded and this time, the drive is filled with Classic Rock spilling from the Camaro's speakers and Reese singing along.
Upon entering the Mystic Grill, Reese couldn't help but be awed by the building's environment. It was a dimly lit restaurant, cafe, and bar all rolled into one that apparently catered mostly to the younger crowd. Although, there were the few adults who were already sitting at the back bar and nursing some type of alcoholic drink.
Reese followed wherever it was that Caroline was leading them though her gaze occasionally drifted to her surroundings. There were plenty of booths, tables, and chairs scattered around the place. A small stage, pool tables, and a game of darts off to the right side of the establishment.
Caroline chose a booth for them and before she sat, Reese pulled out her phone from her back pocket and placed it on the table. "So this is what the Mystic Grill looks like." She tsk'd playfully as her eyes continued to scan everything and everyone. "I love it." She smiled at Caroline who was waiting for her reaction.
Caroline beamed proudly as she picked up a menu and started to scan it. "They have really good food here as well. But I can't recommend anything because I'm biased and will give you my favorite."
Reese grinned as she picked up her own menu and searched for anything that sounded good. Moments later, a guy with an athletic build, blonde hair, and blue eyes walked up to the table. "Hey, Care. What can I get you?"
"Do you really have to ask, Matt?" She challenged him as he laughed and wrote down her usual order of cheese fries and a vanilla milkshake. "And by the way, this is Reese. She just moved in. Reese, this is Matt. We went to school together and used to date."
Reese looked up at the mention of her name and smiled at their waiter. "Hello."
"Hey." He greeted. "Welcome to the ever popular Mystic Falls." He sarcastically rolled his eyes. "What can I get for you?"
"Chicken salad sub and a plate of fries, please."
"Sure thing." Matt smiled at her before writing it down. "And to drink?"
"Dr. Pepper." Reese told him. When Matt walked away with their order, she gave Caroline her attention. "Is Mystic Falls really that popular? I was under the impression that this was sort of like a sleepy town?"
Caroline snorted. "Reese, Mystic Falls is far from sleepy."
Her new friend frowned but quickly got over it when Matt brought them their food and drinks. "You girls are lucky. These fries just came out of the fryer and everything else had already been made."
As soon as Reese laid eyes on her sub, her stomach gurgled and she eagerly bit into her sub when it was placed in front her. Her eyes practically rolled into the back of her head as she groaned out in appreciation of it's taste.
"Good?" Matt chuckled and Caroline eyed her as if she had a third eye.
"So good." Reese agreed and bit into it again.
Matt laughed as he walked off, Reese already seeming at ease with him. The two girls ate in comfortable silence, Caroline offering Reese a couple of cheese fries when she saw Reese eyeing them. Nearing the end of their meal, another person approached and she snagged the last of Caroline's cheese fries before sliding in next to her.
"Hey, your Mom said you might be here." The caramel colored girl smiled at Caroline.
Caroline brightened up at the newest addition. "Bonnie! I'm so glad you're here. Now I don't have to drag Reese around to meet you."
Bonnie's eyes traveled over to Reese, her smile faltering a bit. "Hey, I'm Bonnie." She offered up her hand.
Reese grinned as she scrambled for a napkin to clean her fingers of any grease and salt from her fries. "Reese. As Caroline already told you." She shook hands with Bonnie and immediately yanked her arm back when a jolt of electricity shot through her arm. From the look Bonnie was giving her, she felt it too. "I- I'm sorry." She told them. "I wasn't prepared to be shocked like that."
"You got shocked?" Caroline mumbled, her head tilting to the side as she studied her friends curiously.
"Yeah." Both Bonnie and Reese answered.
While Reese seemed somewhat embarrassed by her reaction, Bonnie kept staring at her like she was some sort of puzzle every few minutes. Reese finished her food as Caroline filled in Bonnie that Reese had recently moved in. Bonnie would smile at all the right times but Reese couldn't help but notice that the smiles seemed a bit forced.
When Matt came back with the check, Caroline and Reese both moved to retrieve money and the two of them split the bill. After an awkward goodbye, Bonnie departed from the group and Caroline decided that they should just head on home. Reese easily agrees and this time, Caroline fights for the upper hand in dealing with what they're listening to on the way to their homes.
As Reese stops outside of Caroline's house, Caroline apologizes to her for Bonnie's behavior to which Reese just shrugs it off. The two girls exchange numbers and Caroline says that she'll text her tomorrow to see if she's up for anything.
Dun, dun, dun. I swear, Bonnie won't be a problem. She's just confused and you'll see why in the next chapter :)
Also very sorry how Reese went from being wary of Caroline to easily trusting her the next, and I'm also sorry for the blandness of this chapter. Stefan comes in at the beginning of Chapter 4 so we still have a whole chapter of girl time before Reese swoons ;)
JackieOh- I'm glad the first chapter intrigued you! Also, I'm really glad you liked the interaction between Caroline and Reese. I didn't like the way non-humanity!Elena treated her and decided Caroline needed to fun in her life, so yeah.. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and if not, I'm sorry to let you down! I really love your stuff, btw. SoG was a favorite mine and Joker is fantastic. I review under a different penname though ;)
RedUnicorns- So stoked you like it! I would say, 'Yay! More Stefan/OC fic' as well but if I'm being honest, this is my first time actually enjoying Stefan. I've always been on Team Damon but after S4, I'm totally Team Stefan :) Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
NoticemeWitherysenpai- Ah, I'm stoked you love this! Especially only after the first chapter! I hope this chapter was to your liking as well :) And even though there's going to be a lot of laid-back fluff and cheesy cliche moments, don't get too comfortable! There are a couple of moments that you're going to be like, "What? What the hell is that!" but then it's gets fun all over again. Haha. I know, it's confusing but I promise it all ends well.
Edwardluver2000- Yay for no Elena drama! Well, there's a bit of Elena drama but it'll be resolved quickly ;)
bookfreak25- Glad you liked the beginning and I hope this lived up to your expectations. If not, I'm terribly sorry. My writing skills suck, haha.
Duckling654- Reese is.. Reese. She's unique ;) Glad you liked chapter one and hoped you liked this chapter as well.
.Uchiha- Reese's story will unfold more and more soon :) Hope you stick me long enough to read it.
FalconHQ- Thank you! Hope you enjoyed chapter two as well.
LoveLiveLife22- Thank you! :)
Guest Reviewer "no"- Sorry it wasn't steroline but it was kinda obvious from the summary and pretty obvious from the AN that this was going to be a Stefan/OC.