"Good morning."Jenna said as I walked into the kitchen the next morning.
Jenna was humming as she turned on the coffee machine. She looked like all her problems had just vanished.
"What's got you in such a good mood?" I asked curiously. I eyed my aunt suspiciously. Jenna was usually rushing around panicked in the mornings.
"Jeremy left early for school. He had to go in early for wood shop. I think he's finally getting back to normal."Jenna said beaming. She smiled at me one more time before turning and heading upstairs.
Once Jenna was out of hearing range I couldn't help but laugh. Jenna was being a little overly optimistic. If she only knew that our school didn't have wood shop.
I wolfed down a bagel before heading outside. I've been calling Caroline all day yesterday and this morning but she isn't answering. Normally Caroline drives me to school, so today I'm hitching a drive with Bonnie.
"Hey, you guys ready?"Bonnie asked when we piled into her car and buckled ourselves in.
"Lets go."Elena said with a nod.
"Have you guys heard from Caroline?"I asked from the back seat. She might just be giving me the cold shoulder for missing the back to school party. She seemed over it but Caroline can hold a grudge like no one else.
"Not since the Comet Festival." Bonnie said with a shake of her head.
"She isn't answering her phone. It's driving me crazy."I whined and Bonnie shrugged before focusing on the road.
"She's probably just busy planning for cheer practice today."Elena said trying to placate me.
"Oh God. Cheer is today isn't it? Get ready for the cheer monster that is Caroline Forbes."Bonnie joked and the car filled with laughter.
Once we got to school I was headed inside to look for Caroline when Elena grabbed my arm.
"What-"
"I want you to meet Stefan."She said as Stefan walked our way.
Dressed in dark blue jeans and a leather jacket I could see why all the girls were smitten with him. When Elena looked at him a shy smile stretched onto his lips.
"Hey."Stefan said softly not breaking eye contact with Elena for one second.
"I should get going."Bonnie said before walking off faster than I've seen her move in years. Elena frowned at Bonnie's retreating back, but she quickly busied herself with me.
"Stefan, this is my sister Ava."
"Nice to meet you."He said with a warm smile as he held out his hand to me.
"You too. I've heard a lot about you."I said as I shook his hand. Suddenly Elena's elbow jabbed into my side and I looked at her confused.
"Ow."I said glaring at her angrily.
"I've heard a lot about you, too."Stefan chuckled.
"Well I need to go look for my friend before Elena puts me in the hospital."I said and excused myself before Elena could elbow me again. I've never seen her so nervous around anyone before.
After I left Elena and Stefan I looked for Caroline all over. She wasn't at her locker or with the other cheerleaders. I asked around and no one had seen her. I looked for as long as I could. When the bell rang I sighed before heading to class. The last thing I wanted was a detention with Mr. Tanner.
School as always dragged on painfully slow. Mainly for one reason; Mr. Tanner. I had to sit through his class twice. Once for homeroom and another for history. I used to love history but now it was just another class I had to attend.
As I walked towards the football field where cheer practice takes place I tried calling Caroline again.
This was not normal for Caroline. She rarely missed school and especially not on the first cheer practice of the year. Normally I wouldn't worry so much. We're not the type of friends that have to talk every second of the day, but today is the first day of cheer. Caroline lives for this stuff. Last year she had her appendix out and still showed up the next day. She could barely stand but she still made it.
''Ava!" Bonnie yelled from across the field. She waved me over excitedly.
"Hey."I said as I walked over and dropped my cheer bag on the ground.
We both sat down on the grass and began stretching. Bending to touch our toes and stretching our arms high into the air. Comfortable silence had fallen between the us until Bonnie broke it.
"Do you know if Elena is coming?"Bonnie asked as she stretched out her arms.
"I think so. She said she was."I replied.
Neither of us would be surprised if she missed it. Elena was never really the cheerleading type. She's never been the athletic type either and after everything that has happened it seems an even stranger fit.
"Good. Maybe it'll help her get back to normal."Bonnie said and I shrugged.
Everyone keeps saying that. Back to normal. What they don't seem to get is the old normal is gone, so are the old Elena, Jeremy, and Ava. They died with our parents. We've changed and there is no going back.
"Have you heard from Care yet?" I asked filling the silence.
It was completely unlike Caroline not to pick up her phone. Even when we are fighting she still picks up. I just couldn't shake the bad feeling I had.
"No, I called but she didn't pick up."Bonnie said a slight hint of worry in her voice.
"She hasn't picked up for me either."I replied and Bonnie took out her phone and was about to dial when she suddenly stopped.
"What"I asked concerned.
"Oh My God! You're here!"Bonnie exclaimed and jumped up. She ran across the field to Elena and engulfed her in a tight hug.
I rolled my eyes before pulling out my phone and trying Caroline again. No answer. I left her my third voicemail of the day before hanging up.
"Yup. I can't be sad girl forever. The only way to get things back to the way they were is to do things that were. And you're coming to dinner tonight." Elena said as she and Bonnie walked over to me.
"I am?"Bonnie asked and Elena nodded.
"You, me, and Stefan."Elena said and Bonnie sighed.
"Tonight's no good. Have you heard from Caroline?"Bonnie asked stretching her arms again.
I glared at the two girls. Neither one really cared that Caroline wasn't here. I seemed to be the only one that even noticed.
"Don't change the subject Bonnie Bennett."Elena ordered playfully."You're going."
"Fine, I'll go."Bonnie said in defeat.
"Ava, you're coming too."Elena said confidently.
"Oh I highly doubt that."I dismissed.
"You're coming. I want you to get to know Stefan."She said pleadingly.
"You talk about him so much I think I know him better than he knows himself."I replied and Elena threw her pom pom at me. I stood up and threw it back at her with a playful glare.
"Come on. Please-"
Elena trailed off staring behind me with uncertainty in her eyes. She opened her mouth to say something but stopped when Bonnie started pulling her away. I watched them confused.
"What the hell was that about?" I muttered under my breath.
Suddenly I felt warm breath on the back of my neck. My eyes widened and I froze for a second before spinning around. Tyler stood there with a smirk on his lips.
"What do you want?"I asked annoyed. Glaring at Elena and Bonnie for leaving me alone with him.
"You know this isn't fair. You get to wear practically nothing and bend over right in front of me."He complained. While his eyes were raking over my body. I was wearing black shorts and a blue tank-top. More skin was showing than not.
"What do you want?"I asked. Raising an eyebrow at him expectantly.
"Tanner called a break and I was just wondering what my favourite little cheerleader was doing."He said and I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
I was about to reply when I noticed Stefan running around the field wearing a football jersey.
"What is he doing on the field?"I asked confused. "He's been here for two days and he's already dating Elena and on the football team. He moves fast."
"Tell me about it. Tanner let him on the team. He's starting at the game tomorrow."Tyler said angrily.
"What? Already?"I asked surprised. "He must be really good."
"He's all right, but don't worry I have something planned."Tyler assured me still glaring at his new teammate.
"Yeah, because I was worried sick about it."I replied shaking my head.
I stepped back from him and began stretching again. I bent my calf back and caught my foot in my hand. I stretched easily until I started to loose my balance. Just as I began to fall a pair of warm hands gripped my hips and steadied me.
I looked up at Tyler in surprise and our eyes locked. I couldn't look away. I tried but it was like I was in a trance. I pressed my lips together nervously. As Tyler began to lean in a loud honk sounded through the air. I jumped back and looked at Tyler with confusion. He was about to kiss me, and I was about to let him.
Everyone's eyes on the field snapped over to a baby blue Camaro. Inside Caroline was in the passengers seat and a mystery guy in the drivers. She leaned over and kissed the driver before hopping out of the car.
The driver of the car was older by at least a few years. His dark hair was messy and sunglasses were covering his eyes. He was dressed in expensive looking black leather and wore a cocky smirk that screamed trouble.
As Caroline walked onto the field the mystery man looked at Elena and I with a smirk, however his smile faded when he noticed Tyler. His already pale skin paled even more as he looked between Tyler and I. Finally, he snapped out of his shock and drove away.
"That was weird."I mumbled. Chills were running up my arms and neck despite the sunny weather.
"That's the guy."Tyler said and I looked at him confused.
"What guy?"I asked. Refusing to meet his eyes.
"The one you were talking to at the grill. "He answered and I rolled my eyes.
"Whatever you say."I mumbled before walking away. I didn't have time to play his games.
Tyler huffed before stalking off. He walked back to the football field in annoyance.
"Sorry I'm late girls...I was...busy."Caroline said as she made her way to the front of the group. She had a smile on her face that made everyone roll their eyes.
"Yeah getting busy."I teased and Caroline's smile grew. Elena glared at me even though an amused smile was playing on her lips.
"Anyway, let's get started. Let's go girls."Caroline yelled after turning on the music.
Sexual lyrics and loud base filled the air as everyone lined up to start the routine.
"1, 2, 3, 4!"Caroline yelled clapping her hands along with each number.
At first everyone was a little rusty but after a few minutes we fell into perfect union. Nearly. I am slightly off but am able to keep up with the group. Elena is struggling to keep up. She never was the athletic type. She always was inside writing and reading. I was out climbing trees with Tyler, or at dance class with Caroline.
"Elena, sweetie why don't you just watch today." Caroline said when she saw Elena struggling. Elena nodded and stepped back with a look of frustration on her face.
"Ava focus!"Caroline ordered when I looked back at Elena. I had slipped a few beats behind but quickly caught up.
"Good. Let's move on to the advanced."Caroline yelled and the pace picked up with more tricks and flips.
I relished in the warm burning of my muscles and the clarity that filled my mind.
After practice Caroline and I went to the Grill. We grabbed our usual table and ordered.
As we waited for our food I started questioning Caroline. I was curious about the stranger that my best friend was dating. The way he looked at Tyler and I today had made me uneasy.
"You seriously have to start answering your phone. I was starting to worry you were laying in a ditch somewhere."I said glaring at my friend playfully.
"Sorry." Caroline said glaring right back."But I was a little busy."She said as she wagged her eyebrows suggestively.
"Gross."I mumbled repulsed."So where did you meet this guy?"I asked casually changing the subject.
"Damon. He was the guy I saw the night of the party at the Falls." Caroline replied. I remember Caroline gushing over him, but being devastated that he'd disappeared before she could introduce herself.
"But where did you guys meet the second time?" I asked.
"At the Comet Festival." Caroline explained.
"So where is he from?"I asked. My voice was indifferent but my eyes were impatient. I wanted to know who this guy was.
"Here. He is Stefan's older brother."Caroline said and I look at her surprised.
"Really? I thought Elena said Stefan didn't have any siblings." I said thinking back to this morning when Elena was talking my ear off about Stefan.
"They don't really get along. Stefan probably didn't want to talk about it. It's a long story."Caroline said vaguely.
I know Caroline like the back of my hand. There isn't much she loves more than gossip, and I know she was praying I would pry. So I did.
"Tell me."
"I'm not supposed to."
"When has that ever stopped you? "I asked and Caroline smiled before diving into the story.
"Before they moved here Stefan and Damon were both interested in the same girl. They fought over her and she chose Damon. Stefan was so mad he started telling Katherine all these lies about Damon. Horrible lies."She said, seriousness saturating her voice.
I wondered if any of that was true. I wondered if Stefan was as great as Elena thought. He seemed nice enough. I shook my head of those thoughts and returned to the conversation.
"How long has Damon been in town?" I asked and Caroline looked at me suspiciously.
"Enough about Damon. Let's talk about you and Tyler."Caroline said changing the subject.
Frustration worked its way onto my face. Finally I let out a sigh before answering Caroline's question.
"Nothing is going on." I mumbled pressing my lips together nervously.
"Oh please! I saw the two of you when I showed up. It looked like you two were about to fornicate right on the football field."Caroline laughed and I felt cheeks flush with warmth.
"It did not."I denied adamantly. I grabbed my glass and took a large drink of water hoping it would chase away my blush.
"Than what were you two doing?"She asked and I opened my mouth to answer but nothing came out.
"Um..we...I"I sputtered trying to come up with something. All hope of ending this conversation was gone when Caroline looked at me with scandal dancing in her blue eyes.
"Tyler...wait did he...take it from you?"She asked wagging her eyebrows.
"Take what from me?"I asked coyly.
"You know...it. "Caroline asked with a mischievous grin on her face.
"No, I'm still a virgin."I said rolling my eyes.
Caroline's smile dropped into a disappointed frown. She had been anticipating my first time since she lost hers last year.
"Come on. He's totally into you." Caroline said and I groaned.
"I'm sorry. Have you met Tyler?"I asked and Caroline smirked.
" He may be a jerk, but he's a sexy jerk. It's not like the old days. You aren't stuck with the guy for life if you have sex." Caroline replied.
"This conversation is over."I announced as the waiter brought over our food.
After the grill Caroline dropped me off at the library. It was the only thing I could think of to avoid Elena's dinner party. I took my time studying. After my parents died my grades started to slip and I was in need of some extra study time.
A few hours of intense studying later I packed up my books and headed home. As I walked down the dimly lit street I couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, but every time I turned no one was there. I started to hum that old tune to calm myself down.
The next morning I walked into the kitchen trying to rid myself of the creepy feeling that had haunted me last night. Relentless dreams about things too horrible to even think about.
When I walked into the kitchen I saw Elena not wearing her cheer uniform. I looked down at my own uniform and straightened the skirt before walking over to her.
"So does thing mean you're quitting the squad?"I asked trying to distract myself from my worrying dreams.
"Yeah, I'm just not that girl anymore." Elena said with a shrug and a frown.
"You know Caroline is going to kill you, right?"
Once we arrived at the school Elena and I split up. Elena went looking for Stefan and I headed over to where the other cheerleaders were flocking. Caroline stood barking out orders with a pom pom in each hand. It only took her a few minutes to notice Elena was missing and took off after her, leaving me in charge.
An hour later I was standing on the unnaturally green field with Caroline and the rest of the cheerleading squad and football team. The bleachers were packed with football fans. We were all listening as Tanner finished his start of the season speech. His speech was loud and angry as usual.
After the speeches I wandered around the field. There was still time before the game started. I was headed for the cooler Matt brought when a furious Tyler stormed by nearly knocking me over. His girlfriend Vicki chased after him a worried look on her face.
"Ty stop. Just leave him alone."Vicki yelled and I turned and saw Tyler headed towards an unsuspecting Jeremy.
I watched in horror as the two yelled before Jeremy's fist collided with Tyler's jaw. Tyler charged right at Jeremy tackling him to the ground. I watched as Tyler beat punch after punch into my bother. I couldn't stand it. Horror quickly turned to pure rage. I threw my pom poms to the ground and marched over anger coursing through my veins.
I grabbed Tyler's shoulder and with all my strength tried to pull him off but he was too heavy. Finally, I stepped back and kicked Tyler as hard as I could. He toppled over and cursed out in pain.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" I screamed when he looked up at me. I was so angry I felt as though I was going to burst. I looked over and my brother who was groaning out in pain. I sent one last icy glare at Tyler before pulling Jeremy to his feet.
Before I could stop him Jeremy dived at Tyler starting the fight again.
"Stop it!" My screams fell on deaf ears. I grunted in frustration before stalking angrily a few feet away and scanning the crowd. The second I saw the blonde hair and football jersey I yelled.
"Matt!"The quarterback turned the second he heard his name. When he saw my distraught face he came running over.
"What's wrong, Av?" He asked worry in his voice. I was too upset to speak so I just pointed to the brawl.
"Dammit."Matt muttered before he raced over.
By the time he got there Stefan had just stepped in to break up the fight. He pulled Tyler off Jeremy but Tyler angrily punched Stefan in the stomach. Tyler and everyone else looked shocked when his punch barely affected Stefan. Before he could try again Matt arrived and began shoving Tyler towards the locker room. Just as it seemed it was over Jeremy lunged forward with a broken beer bottle.
"Jeremy no!"Elena screamed as he lunged at Stefan who dodged the attack easily. Elena and I came running over.
"What the hell Jeremy?"Elena said racing over to Stefan's side. I rolled my eyes and ran over to Jeremy.
"Are you okay?"I asked turning his face forward to see the damage. I cringed when I saw all the blood and cuts. He swatted my hands away and stormed off. I groaned before running after him.
I weaved through the murmuring crowd keeping my eyes on the back of Jeremy's head. Jeremy slipped away from the crowd and walked the trail behind the school...right into a cloud of fog. I jogged through the darkness hoping I was right behind him, but when the fog cleared I realized I was alone.
"Jeremy!"I yelled angrily but got no reply.
I buried my face in my hands and breathed deeply. Just as I was about to head back the sound of a branch snapping and rustling leaves sounded through the air. I squinted into the forest line. The forest looked so dark and gloomy. I looked into it nervously.
I could barely make out a figure in the shadows. I yelled out Jeremy's name but the figure doesn't move. Fear began to swell in my chest as I stared into the darkness wondering who was staring back at me. Just as that startling thought echoed through my brain a scream pierced the air.
"Help!"A mans voice yelled. I turned and ran away from the shadowy forest and towards the lights of the school parking lot.
My feet go from grass to pavement as I race towards the scream. I stop when I see Matt crouched down on the pavement.
"Matt?" I asked in between my panting. Matt turned around and my mouth dropped open.
Tanner. He's lying on the pavement pale, lifeless and soaked in blood. Blood is everywhere. All over the pavement and Matt's clothes. The strong metallic sent filled the air. As I look at the body bile rises in my throat and tears sting my wide eyes.
"Oh my God."I said my voice shaking along with my hands.
Before I can process anything a scream scrapes out of my throat. Panic strikes me the second the scream leaves my mouth. My heart starts pounding and my body feels cold.
