I set my alarm and fell asleep as soon as I got home from school. I woke up about 3 hours later, feeling refreshed. I got up and went downstairs to make dinner. I took sleep whenever I could get it. It suppressed my huger and it helped me from being constantly slow and dragging my feet all day. I boiled some water and heated up pasta sauce in the microwave. As soon as the water boiled I threw in the noodles and let them cook. While I waited I made myself a bowl of yogurt with berries. The pasta finished cooking and I left it in the fridge for Jeremy and John. It grossed me out to cook it I would never eat something like that. The amount of carbs made my stomach hurt just thinking about it. I scarfed down my yogurt as my stomach growled for more but I didn't listen. I washed the dishes and headed up to my room. I grabbed my dairy and started writing.

Dear diary, Today was okay and better than expected. The classes were decent and I had Alaric for homeroom and history. It was cool getting to see my future uncle everyday. I knew him but not as well as I wanted to since we only saw Aunt Jenna on major holidays. I got to see Bonnie again and that was really nice. I guess other people weren't excited about my return but as long as she was, they didn't matter to me. I couldn't wait to reconnect with my best friend, I didn't even remember what it was like to have a best friend. I hoped greatly that things will go good as we get closer. I met a really nice guy and his jackass brother. Damon his name was, he had such a charm to him with these electric blue eyes. I felt the need to know him better. There was just this connection I felt so strongly. I wasn't use to that. I couldn't wait for the week to go by. Friday I was having dinner with Jenna and Alaric then possibly plans with Bonnie. Being back here hasn't been so bad. I think I'm going to like it.

I closed my diary as I heard the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs. My door flew open and Uncle John stood there with an angry look on his face. "Care to fill me in on why I got a call from Jenna today?" He sounded pissed off.

I swallowed the lump in my throat, trying to puzzle what this could be about. "What are you talking about?" I asked him.

He moved forward and pulled out his phone showing me a text message saying that she wanted him to come to dinner Friday night and there was much to talk about. "What did you tell her?!" He yelled in my face.

I closed my eyes, feeling the heat come from his breath as he screamed. "I don't know." I said with fear in my voice. "I didn't do or tell her anything." I hadn't talked to Jenna about how horrible it is here. My body was shaking.

John stared at me with disgust. "You better fucking keep your little mouth shut Elena." He raised his hand and slapped my cheek with all his force.

He watched the tears form in my eyes. "You need to leave." I walked to my door and pulled it open so he could leave. My skin burned with heat from the slap. "Please go." I pleaded in fear.

His eyes filled with rage. "It'll do what I want when I want to." John put his hands on my shoulders and slammed me into the wall. "Watch your mouth, Elena." He winked before he left the door, slamming the door.

I winced in pain as I slid up from the wall. My back and shoulders hurt so badly. I went and laid on my purple sheets, laying on my stomach for relief. I cried for awhile being so fearful of him coming back. I waited and waited for my brother to come home. John never laid a finger on me when he was here but Jeremy often wasn't home, clearly. I never talked about this side of John to him. I was too scared of what Jeremy would do if he knew about it. I didn't want him to go crazy and attack John for what he's done. Since John was a police officer I knew he could bury things if he needed to.

Jeremy returned home two hours later and I knocked on his door. "Jeremy?" I whispered as I walked in pacing myself, it was pretty late now.

He sat on his bed, pulling off his shoes. "Elena! How was your first day?" Jeremy asked he was slurring his words.

I sighed. "You're wasted." I looked down in disappointment.

Jeremy cocked his eyebrow. "What happened to your cheek?" He asked me with concern, trying to stand up but fumbling.

I rolled my eyes. "It's nothing." I lied and looked at my older brother. "But this version of you is constantly disappointing and sad."

I could tell he felt bad but I just left the room. I couldn't take anymore of this.

I woke up the next morning, groaning in pain. I was feeling so stiff and sore. My face was sticky from all the crying. I woke up early enough to soak my sore muscles in the longest bath ever. I lowed myself in the steaming hot bath. It was hot but I knew it do wonders for sore muscles. As soon as I got out I looked into the mirror and saw a mark still on my face. I knew the marks on my body were easily covered up by clothes. I dried my hair and tried to cover my cheek up with make up. It wasn't the best attempt but it'll do. I put on jeans and a long sleeve blue top before I put on my jacket. I popped a couple Advil to help the pain. My stomach growled but I ignored it as usual. I figured Jeremy could make John breakfast this time. I didn't want to be around food and he owed me.

"Elena?" Jeremy said softly, standing in the doorway.

I glanced at him up at him from my chair with no emotion. "What?" I looked away almost immediately.

He crouched down in front of me. "Please Elena, I'm so sorry for last night. I know I promised you that it would be different here but I got caught up in things again." Jeremy begged for forgiveness.

I shook my head, laughing with no humor. "No! It doesn't work like that Jeremy. You can't just keep apologizing and then going out and doing the same stuff." I was angry and hurt by his his action, partying, the drugs and drinking.

He nodded his head and sighed. "I know I messed up." I could tell he did feel bad but it doesn't excuse anything.

"You're my big brother. You're suppose to set an example, be a good influence." I explained. "This side of you isn't the same Jeremy that use to look out for me." I missed the brother that would defend me to John when he would rant about how awful we were. I missed how he would help out and make less work for myself. I missed having the strong bond we had and I missed not having to worry about him overdosing or doing something stupid.

Jeremy hung his head in shame. "Elena I-" He ran his fingers threw his hair.

"You are going to cook uncle John breakfast and take me to school, that's all I need from you." I looked Jeremy in the eye. "Then you can go back to partying and not being there for your own family." I put on a fake smile before I went into my bathroom to get away from my brother.

I didn't know how much more of this I could take. I love Jeremy and I know he cares deeply for me but he's being so selfish. I know it's hard to change habits and addictions but I thought I was important enough to him for him to not give in so easily. I knew a lot of it had to do with our parents passing and John being such a dick. It's been six years and he needs to move on from it. He needs to get control of his addictions and partying. I can't do this alone and I can't loose another person I love.

Author's Note:

Please review and let me know what you think and what you want to see more of. More reviews faster updates :)