ItsukoAkatsuki: Hello everyone, I'm going to get right in to the next chapter and all reviews are helpful.

Personal Connections: Damon's red mustang convertible was one of the few things about Damon's character that was kept in the TV show from the novel. Caroline's character, in the novel series, wasn't as nice as she is in the TV show and she wasn't as much as a fan for Damon then she was for Stefan. In the novel. Mr. Tanner; another character whose attitude was the kept the same in the novel as in the show; he hates good students much more than bad ones and he's got a good mind in store for Tami if you thought otherwise.

And as for my own progress in the game let's just say I can't understand why Tyler doesn't just go to a gas station and get a map while he makes me go to the cemetery and find pieces of the it. In these events I wish I had cheat codes because after three days of getting the pieces I already have this is starting to get ridiculous. Oh, I also went shopping with Damon for a silver bell. And before I forget: Yes I know Mr. Tanner was dead before Bonnie figures out that she is a witch but he will still die so don't worry.

#

Chapter 3: A Voice that isn't my Own…

Rose by A Perfect Circle

The week had come and gone without my realizing and it only dawned onto me when I was doing squats with Elena on Monday morning. For the last few days I had been training almost nonstop with the varsity cheerleaders and Caroline insisted to having me follow her around, help carry her books, and meet all the popular people in school including Vicki Donovan, Matt Donovan's; the quarterback football player, sister and the first moment I saw her I didn't like her. Like Caroline she had this air to her like she didn't care who you were and what you did as long as you complemented her looks. Sadly her and Caroline were good friends and I was forced to hang around her whether I liked it or not but that wasn't the worst part of it all…I had to watch Caroline and her boyfriend Damon flirt and make-out. It was terrible because for some reason he looked really familiar and he wasn't a bad looking guy in fact his looks were almost god-like.

"Gosh, I don't think I've ever exercised this much in my entire life" I couldn't help but complain; my legs were starting to hurt; I had taken track all throughout middle school but I was already getting tired. I was pretty fit already; despite my Mom being a really good cook. I looked decent enough, my stomach was flat but according to Caroline I was too thin and I would look much hotter if I had a better athletic build. I had never enjoyed my anti-social days but now I was almost wishing for them to come back.

"I'm sorry; I had no idea what Caroline was going to do" Elena immediately apologized and continued to do squats. "Besides; I was just trying to introduce you to everyone. It's a small town but everyone's like family here so…"

"No need to apologize Elena. If I didn't want to do it I would've said so. Believe it or not when I don't want to do something you'll know about it" I answered back and she smiled brightly; I almost envied that.

"Tami!" I heard Caroline yell and I wanted to groan but I turned it off and straightened up to see Caroline waving at me; Damon had just pulled up behind her.

"Caroline; what happened to 'I'll be at practice, so don't worry Bonnie'?" Bonnie frowned and draped her hands of her hips. For some reason I was almost afraid of Bonnie then, she actually looked scary.

"Well I got busy with the party planning" she crossed the field and picked up my gym bag. "Party planning?" Bonnie asked suspiciously; she almost gave Caroline the evil eye.

"Yes, the party planning. I'm going to throw a party Friday night and I need to get everything before then…and Tami is going to help me" she tossed my gym bag at me and took my arm like I was a little kid in trouble despite her cheerful smile. "Uh…" I started but I closed my mouth, it was pointless to talk back to Caroline, it was like talking to a brick wall that complained about summer fashions and how she might be getting fat.

"Damon; I want you to meet Tami, Tami this is Damon" I was surprised that she introduced me. My voice was caught in my throat and I looked away before the blush collected into my cheeks which was pretty childish of me but I just couldn't help it. Caroline, thankfully, didn't notice it and went on about the party. She took the seat next to Damon while I went in the back. I was so nervous I thought I might faint. His car was pretty nice on the inside as well. Red Mustang Convertible; probably cost a fortune but I didn't want to bother with asking. The fact that I was so close to Damon was blowing my mind; I wasn't used to being around hot guys or even good looking guys. The only time a good looking guy ever talked to me was because they wanted a homework assignment or they wanted me to pass a note for them. I pinched my leg to make sure I wasn't dreaming but I knew I wasn't when Caroline curled her hand around Damon's in the space between them. If this was a dream it would be a nightmare, no doubt.

#

"Great, now I feel so bad" Elena said as soon as the convertible disappeared down the road. Bonnie shook her head and groaned "well I guess cheerleading practice is over" she threw up her hands in defeat. "Poor Tami, I didn't introduce her to Caroline so she could become Caroline's personal slave."

"You know Caroline" was Bonnie's answer as she picked up her gym bag. "Wanna grab a bite to eat at the Mystic Grill?"

"Sounds good but don't you think we should go rescue Tami?" Elena picked up her own bag and pulled out her cellphone, Bonnie shrugged "we wouldn't hear the end of it from Caroline. I think Tami will be okay for now. We'll take her out to the mall tomorrow. How about that?"

"It's a date; maybe I can get Stefan to come with us" Bonnie gave Elena a look but Elena didn't seem to catch it.

#

It was my first time to Mystic Mall and I was already not liking it. My arms were cramping from all the bags that Caroline shoved at me but she was tuning me out and only paying attention to Damon who smiled at her only when she looked at him but instantly frowned when she looked away. I didn't know why when I first met her but now I know how annoying she can be. She acted like she was a princess and Mystic Falls was her kingdom which meant we were all her servants. I didn't know if I should be grateful for the attention or dread it…but at least someone was paying attention to me even if it was to be her personal pack mule.

We passed an Abercrombiefitch store and Caroline's eyes lit up as she looked at the mannequins; I allowed my own eyes to drift. My parents have always been rich but I never asked for anything from them; mainly because I never really grew so my clothes always fit which meant I never needed anymore; plus I wasn't really a clothes person. I was happy to have my baggy faded jeans, simple flannel shirts, and my common black chained Converse shoes. "Excuse me" Caroline said and disappeared inside which I saw coming so I hushed my sigh.

"I know; she's a real handful." Damon replied and I could only nod nervously. I tried to find distractions so I wouldn't stare at Damon but other than stores and passerby people I wasn't finding much of distraction so I just focused on the kid's little play area a floor below. "So…do you just not talk or?" I heard Damon ask and I went quiet again but I managed to mumble "…I talk I just…uh…" was all I got out. "Let me guess. You don't get attention much". Somehow I got over my nervous and spoke louder "yeah, I'm kind of an outcast…" I couldn't look directly at him and I was hoping he wouldn't ask why. Thankfully he didn't but instead he stepped closer to me and leaned against the railing, looking right at me. I tried to hide my blush but I wasn't very good at it and I heard him chuckle which only made it worse.

"I guess I should properly introduce myself. My name is Damon Salvatore…" he turned to face me fully and extended his hand. Salvatore? Salvatore? That's an awesome last name…I thought and mustering some strength I went with the flow and extended my own hand, "I'm Tameryn Copperfield…but you can call me Tami if you want…" I almost flinched when his hand clasped mine tightly and gave a light shook. I couldn't stop staring at that moment. His eyes were a perfect icy blue and they were staring right at me. Without even knowing it he had come closer, close enough to feel his leather jacket brush along my shirt. He pulled my hand closer to him and leaned forward "tell you what; how about we ditch Caroline and go to have some real fun?" he asked me in a small voice and I didn't know what to say. I was completely lost in his eyes as they pierced into mine. No one had ever looked at me like this…

Did he just seriously ask me that or did I just imagine it? If this is a dream I don't want to wake up…

Get away from him!

I immediately backed away from him and pulled my hand from his. "I can't do that. What kind of person does that? I might've just met Caroline but I'm not going to go behind her back with her boyfriend…even if she's annoying and bossy." I told him without thinking and looked away. What was that? Was that my conscious speaking? That wasn't my voice…it was different…

"I'm back!" I heard Caroline yell and I took another step away from Damon who had a strange look on his face, almost like he was confused. Maybe he's not used to girls saying no to him I deduced and left it at that. "Is something wrong?" Caroline asked, her tone was suspicious enough but Damon suddenly draped a smile on his face and went to her side. "No; nothing at all" he gave her a quick peck on the lips to silence her and she cheered up quick. "I bought a little too much though, mind holding some of these Tami?"

"I don't mind" I said and she dropped all the bags on me which were surprisingly heavy. God damn…I walked behind Damon and Caroline and in moment Caroline had captured his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder. The scene was actually sweet and I found myself smiling a little despite everything. What was that voice a second ago? It came all of a sudden into my head and I'm sure it wasn't me. Or maybe it was and I was just freaking out that Damon had actually asked me if I wanted to go somewhere alone with him. That could be it…or maybe it was my conscious telling me to stay away because of Caroline…I don't know

"Oh, I love this song! Come on Tami" Caroline let go of Damon and capture my hand and swung it between us. Friends Forever by Vitamin C was playing over the mall radio but just the motion alone made my heart flutter. I had always been an outcast which meant absolutely no one cared about me, except my parents of course, but I had only been here for a week and I already had more friends than I could ever imagine. To be honest I felt like crying a little but I bit my tongue until the feeling went away and I forced smile.

I think I'm actually going to like it here…

#

I was completely exhausted when I got home. The sun had already set and I had declined Damon's offer to drive me home. After what had happened earlier I didn't want to be alone with him, even though I really wanted to deep down but I wasn't a home wrecker or whatever they called it, I wasn't going to go behind someone's back and the thought alone that Damon had asked me, someone he barely knew, and when he had a girlfriend probably meant he was a player. God, why did I have to think that…it's not Damon; it's just because Caroline's selfish…okay now that's going too far. Let's just forget about it and watch some Monday Night Raw. I felt instantly better when I thought about seeing CM Punk.

I was on the walking up the steps to the house and was about to open the door when the door opened suddenly and a tall blonde woman and an older looking woman appeared next to my Mom. "Oh hey Tameryn, I was wondering where you went off to."

"Oh, I was hanging out with Caroline" I answered weakly. "That's wonderful, you have a friend already, that's great" she said with a big smile. The tall blonde woman smiled at me and introduced herself "my name's Jenna, I'm Elena's aunt." Oh so you're Jenna. "Hello" I mumbled and she just chuckled. "Don't worry; Elena's told me a lot about you." That's great...

"Well, thank you Debra, and I'll be back next week. Thank you so much, I've never been a good cook so this means a lot" Mom smiled at Jenna. I looked from them to the older looking woman who was staring at me strangely; so much that I literally shivered. She was looking at me like she was looking into my soul but the way she was looking at me reminded me of Damon when I told him no, the look of confusion. "Uhh…" I uttered nervously and thankfully Mom broke the silence, "it was nice meeting you too Sheila" she said to the older looking woman who finally tore her eyes off me "yes, thank you Debra, and I just wanted to say that I love what you've done with the home." Mom beamed, "thank you very much. So I'll be seeing you next week?"

"Of course, I would love to come back." Jenna clapped her hands together, "well I've got to get back and make sure the kids are in the house", with that Jenna left and I felt more nervous than ever because Sheila was looking at me again but this time she appeared to be studying me. "Oh, Sheila, it's very dark out. Are you sure you don't want me to drive you back to your house. I would feel terrible if something happened to you" my Mom said, concerned about the elderly woman. "Oh don't worry about me but instead, Tameryn…was it? Maybe you could allow her to escort me. Just so I don't stray."

"Of course, you don't mind Tami dear?"

"Oh, no, not at all…" I quickly threw together but I was seriously getting the creeps from Sheila. Something about her just made my back shiver. "Thank you" Sheila said and went down the patio steps. I turned around and quickly followed her. I walked a bit ahead of her and I could tell she was staring at me, for whatever reason I was unsure. I mean I know I'm an outcast but that's nothing new. That's not it…it has to be something else. She reminded me of someone though…

#

We were almost to the estates when she finally spoke. "I'm Bonnie's grandmother by the way; I'm afraid I forgot to mention that earlier." I straightened and gave her my full attention, to be polite. "Oh, it's okay, you look a lot like her. I had a feeling…"

"A feeling…" she repeated and I felt a shiver go through me but she didn't stop walking so I strode back up to her. I was about to ask her why she was constantly looking at me when my iPhone rang to life in my pocket. Who could be calling me now? Mom maybe…but a number came up instead of Mom so I debated answering it but it would be rude to let it ring so I excused myself and flipped it open. "Hello?"

"Hey, I was wondering if you were going to pick up or not."

I almost dropped the phone right at that moment. "…Damon?"

"You remember my name, that's good." I couldn't utter a word. Of course I would remember your name…shut up thoughts!

"How did you get my number?" I didn't remember giving it to him. "Caroline of course"

"Wait she just gave it to you? No questions asked?" I heard him chuckle, "Of course not, I just opened her phone and looked under contacts. There's no way she wouldn't ask why I would want your number, silly" he voice was surprisingly coy and my face felt hot. "Wait a minute…since when does Caroline have my number? I only gave my number to Elena…oh, yeah…" it wouldn't surprise me that Elena gave Caroline my number. She seems to love giving all my information away.

"So anyway now that we've scratched past first base how about we hang out somewhere, just you and me?"

"Right now?" he laughed at me again, "after school tomorrow"

"No way, what would Caroline think?"

"You don't have to worry about that anymore. We were never really together in the first place. She likes to think that we were but the truth is, I'm not a fan of princesses, especially not her."

"How do I know you're not lying to me?" I asked randomly but I did want to know, "just ask Caroline herself. After I drove her back to her house I told her straight-up."

Hang up, right now!

I instantly went still as the voice from before came back. I saw Sheila stop as well and look back at me, somewhat concerned. "Hey Tami, you there?"

"I-I'm sorry Damon but I've got to go" I didn't wait for him to respond and I hung up the phone and shoved into my jean pocket.

"Is everything alright?" Sheila asked me, I hesitated for a moment then I faked my smile and replied "yeah, just someone with the wrong number"

"Is that so? The conversation didn't really sound like that" she replied and I didn't know what to say back but she spoke first "I'm sorry. It's none of my business, forgive me."

"…it's okay, no biggie" I just mumbled and we went back to walking.

I was overjoyed when we finally reached the estates and her house. "Thank you for escorting me. Walking alone on foggy nights makes me a little nervous."

"You're welcome…I mean…" I didn't finish as Sheila actually softly laughed. I was about to leave when she opened the door and asked "would you like to come in for some herbal tea?"

"Uh…" I started and I looked past her into her house which looked normal enough. She had a lot of antiques though, mostly vases and dolls that had dirty and chipped faces, rather creepy.

No, don't go in. Go home.

Wha-what?

Don't go in her house, go home right now!

"Are you alright dear? You look very pale" Sheila commented.

"I'm sorry but it's getting late and I-I have to get home" with that I turned and swiftly walked away without looking back.

I was about halfway home when I heard you need to get home now; it's not safe here…

Who are you? I thought back but there was no response. Oh my God, I'm crazy…I quickened my pace and luckily there was no one around. I was almost home when a sudden beep made me shriek out loud. My heart was thudding so fast in my chest as I stood there and looked around. I yelped when I heard the beep again but with that I saw a light and for whatever reason I got closer and it turned out to be someone's old flip phone. As soon as I discovered it I sighed and turned to leave but it beeped again.

Pick it up, hurry before the caller hangs up!

Wait what?

Pick it up!

Okay, okay, no need to yell…wait…am I talking to myself?

I don't know why I was obeying this strange voice in my head but I picked it up and touched the send button. "…Hello?"

All I heard was the dial tone. Whoever it was hung up immediately.

Everything seemed to rush into me then and I let myself fall to my knees and I started to cry. What is going on?

TBC…