Chapter 4

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday, dear Tyler, Happy Birthday to you !

I watch as Tyler blows out his candles, everyone cheering. He looks fatigued tonight; his usually tan skin is pale, his cheeks are slightly hallowed, and he looks as though he hasn't slept in a week. To be fair, he's holding his own quite well. After the parking lot incident, I decided to pay him a visit at home, since there were only 2 days left- by my calculations "Hello. Is Tyler home ?" I said to the surly maid Mrs. Everton. "Mr. Lockwood is not to recieve any guests. He has taken to his bed, by order of Mrs. Lockwood. Good day." and she closes the door. I tried again the next day too, but to no avail. By Monday, the rumor going around, was that Tyler was on his death bed and his mom was keeping him hostage until he croaked. So she could gain his half of the inheritance. I was on edge that day, checking the internet, and newspapers for any recent animal attaks. If his mom was smart, she had him hidden safely away. I didn't hear news on him for the next four days, even Matt, his bff came up empty when asked for updates. Caroline was worried her party was going to be cancelled; but she was also concerned for Ty's well being, of course.

Saturday, I woke up with a feeling ... I can't explain it, It's like something compelled me to go down to the kitchen. Searching, my eyes went to the calendar and looked up the next full moon. It was tonight. But, Tyler had already turned 18 now, and was a few years off from 21. Times like this, I wished I could talk to Gramms. The phone rang. "Hello ?..." "Good Morning." I almost sank to the floor, "Tyler ! Are you alright ? What... Where hav... ?" there's really no way to say 'Have you turned into a Werewolf lately ?' Without receiving some harsh criticism. "I take it your one of the many who thought my mom was holding me for randsom." He laughed. The sound was relieving to hear. "I called to find out if you were still coming tonight ? Cause... I-I wanted to talk to you, about something." "Ok... Ok. Yeah. I'll be there around 9." I said. "Ok then. See you there... Bye." "Bye."

So here I was, after two hours twenty minutes, 1 burger, 8 conversations and several drinks

later. We hadn't spoken really, since he's the guest of honor and all, Caroline's been parading him around like a float in the Miss Mystic Fall pageant ! She takes him over to a group of giggling sophmore girls, for pictures. Shaking my head, I smile.

"So. I see you haven't heeded my advice ... " Here we go again. Sighing loudly "What, Damon ? No blood banks to raid ? They must be fresh outta pigs blood. Although, if wanted, you could just make your own personal stock ! - Were you even invited to this party ?" A low chuckle, "That's cute." he replied, and then I feel his hand slide up and down my spine. Startled [and pissed] that he could be so blatantly rude, I spun to face him. "Don't tou-", He took the advantage by taking my arm and backing me into the nearest corner. I can't stand him ! His eyes bore into me, "My dear little witch, have you figured out yet, what your friend is ?" he asks playing with a lock of my hair. I hate it when he does that. It makes me extremely nervous. He goes on saying "I mean, look at him... " I glance at Tyler "you can see how completely primative he is. I don't know what Vicki saw in a mangy mongrel like that ? She confided in me,' he continues, while brushing his hand across my cheek. "told me things about the way he treated her. How possessive and angr -" "What are you doing ?" I ask him while Matt and Stefan try to calm Tyler down. "I said I'm cool !" Tyler exclaimed, pushing them both out of the way, just as his mom walks in. She goes over and whispers something to him. He storms into the kitchen, her at his heels.

"What did you hope to accomplish, by that ?" I demanded to know. Meanwhile, Caroline and Elena were bombarding their mates with questions, about what just happened, Stefan gave Damon a disapproving look. He just waved at him and smiled. "Just proving a point my lovely." "I'm not your anything."

Laughing he tucks my hair behind my ear, "My fun here is over." As he's walking away, he turns and says "If I were you, I'd go mingle over by the kitchen. I hear women dish lots of juicy gossip in there." With a wink, he wonders over to his brother to, undoubtably, recieve a very stern lecture about instigating.

"God, your just like your father.' "Mom, please." "It's a good thing I stopped by. I saw that little display you put on. I told you, I didn't approve of your attending this thing, and Why, were you going to pick a fight with the young man ?"

The room was starting to spin. I'd been feeling like crap lately. After that day with Bonnie in the parking lot... I've been off my game. After I touched her hand, I saw strange things in my head.

When I got home, I tried to do some homework, but I couldn't concentrate. And, I'm not even joking about this, I swear, I could hear my mothers voice from my bedroom. She was in the foyer downstairs on her cell phone. That night I kept having this feeling, like something was looming. Coming for me... And that when it did...

Every night afterward, I woke up sweating, and my skin; it felt as if it were peeling from my bones ! It was this weird crawling feeling, like something was just beneath the surface, and wanted out. Why is it so loud in here, I'm hearing things I around me, but not seeing anything... wait, when did the light come on ? I know I turned it off. I checked it, the switch was in off position. But I can see so clearly, as if it were on !

By monday, I decided to tell my mom about what was happening to me. She told me to stay home from school that day. That she'd get a doctor to check on me. No doctor came. Night after night the symptoms went on like this. Each night worse and worse, til I was vomiting as soon as I awoke. Sometimes, screaming in pain. I had already been out of school almost 3 days. So, I was surprised that no one came to see me, and still even more surprised that no doctor was sent. I started noticing that each morning my already volatile temper, became more and more explosive. More arguments, more fights. The longer this went on, the more my mom tried to keep me in the house. "You should cancel the party. You don't need to be out. Your father would say the same." she said.

"All the more reason to have it." I replied.

Now, I'm not so sure. I was already on edge, and now, after seeing Salvator with his hands on Bonnie, and the look on her face... I tell you, I wanted his throat ripped out for everyone to see ! "Tyler !" she called "Yes, mother." I said in a clipped tone. "You need- No, you have to calm down... I don't believe this. I knew better than to let you out of the house. You attract too much attention to yourself. We're leaving. Now !" she hissed. "What ! We're not leaving anywhere." "Oh,

I see your under the impression that I'm asking you. I didn't ask. Since you don't know how to behave like a normal, civilized human being, I'm telling you, let's go !" she ordered.

My heart was hammering at my ribs. One second I was gripping the counter, and the next, I was in her face. "I'm not leaving. And you, weren't invited.' where was that growling coming from ?

"Your free to leave. Get Out !" "Tyler..." , she was going to say more, but her next words died on her lips. Shock, horror and mortification crossed her features "Listen, it's going to be midnight soon. If I were you, I would get home. Especially, if you truly care about your friends." She searched the clock on the wall and then back to me. Slowly, she inched away from me and out the door, like she was scared of me.

If it weren't possible for me to feel any worse,... Rest assured, I did.