I so do not own VD...and I never will sniff sniff
I opened my eyes early in the morning. At first I was confused as to where I was. Then I remembered I was in Mystic Falls, to spend my summer vacation away from my worst nightmare. I yawned and sat up. It was just five in the morning on the alarm clock. I sat remembering my dream last night and frowned. Weird... Witches, vampires, werewolves... I shook my head. I guess I just had a lot on my mind.
I had fallen asleep without any change of clothes. I didn't even join Taylor and Aunt Carole for dinner. I hoped they didn't mind. Guess I was really exhausted with all the travelling and exploring, not forgetting the getting lost part either. It was nice of them to not to wake me up.
I stood up and yawned, stretching my sleepy muscles. I went into the bathroom, brushed my teeth and had a warm shower. I never even got a chance to do that yesterday. I blow-dried my hair and tied it into my usual knot, got dressed, and went downstairs. I assumed that everyone might still be in bed but I was wrong.
In the kitchen, Taylor was rummaging through the contents of the fridge.
"Good morning Taylor," I greeted him with a smile.
He grinned and replied, "Oh, mornin' sunshine. What got you up so early in the morning?"
"I'm an early riser. I am sorry that I could not join you and Aunt Carole for dinner last night. I have no idea when I fell asleep," I apologised.
"Nay, it's cool. I actually wanted to wake you up but mom said you must be tired, so we let you sleep"
"Thanks. Why are you up so early?" I asked.
"Just went for a run. Need to be in shape for the ladies you know," he said with a toothy smile.
I laughed and said, "Sure, of course you do. I used to go jogging every morning at home too."
"Really, then why don't we go now?"
"I don't know, it's been long and didn't you just come back from running?"
"I'll have another go. C'mon, it's going to be fun. It's been long since we did anything together, and anyway, let's see what you're made of."
I didn't say anything.
Perhaps jogging is a good idea, I thought.
"Oh, you're not scared are you, scaredy cat!" Taylor teased.
That was it!
"Oh you're on!" I laughed. "Let me just go and change."
I ran upstairs and changed into my jogging suit. It was comprised of grey sweat-pants with a white tank top. To top it all, I zipped up a black hoddie half-way. I ran back downstairs, into the kitchen. Taylor saw me and wolf-whistled. I rolled my eyes at his reaction. I had pulled my hair into a ponytail. Knowing the length of my hair, it was a really long pony tail too.
"Seriously En, if you weren't my sisterly best friend then I wouldn't have had wasted any time to work my charm on you," he said with a wink.
"And if you weren't my brotherly best friend then I wouldn't have had wasted any time kicking your butt for flirting so unashamedly," I said with my eye-brows raised.
"Well I guess I'm lucky to be alive then, huh?" Taylor snickered.
"Are you coming or not, slow poke?" I said provokingly.
"Oh yeah, we'll see who's the slow poke," he laughed. "Are you sure you'll be able to keep up?"
I looked at him with sceptical eyes. He laughed at my expression and said, "Okay then, c'mon. Let's see what you're made of."
We headed outside and stretched to warm up before the run. Well, it was mostly me because Taylor had already run so he was all set to go. We started with slow jogs, then in no time we were running at a fast pace. Taylor's speed took me by surprise. He was indeed fast on his feet. Any other person wouldn't have been able to keep up with him, but I was. I was matching his every pace. I could see the look of surprise on Taylor's face. We ran through the streets of Mystic Falls. By that time, we were full-on sprinting. It felt great running in this small town instead in the city as I usually did. The city is always busy, buzzing day and night. We finally stopped near a small creek. We bent down panting and catching our breath. It had been long since I ran like that.
"Jogging might've been an understatement, En. I never knew anyone could actually match my pace," panted Taylor.
"Same goes for you Taylor. You weren't kidding when you said that you wanted to be in shape."
We looked at each other and laughed. I walked to the creek and splashed the cool water on my sweaty face. Taylor came beside me and did the same. It was refreshing. Unknown to Taylor, I was holding back during our run. I could have outrun him anytime. Best it left unsaid. We sat down beside the creek and enjoyed the morning.
"I forgot how much I missed you En."
I looked at Taylor. He seemed upset and tensed.
"Something is bothering you. C'mon tell me, what is wrong?" I asked with concern.
Taylor looked away to the creek and remained quiet.
I continued, "You know you can share anything with me Taylor. Before we consider ourselves family, we're best friends first and best friends share their troubles with each other."
I waited, but when Taylor still didn't say anything, I sighed and said, "Taylor, you're great and I love you. Just remember that I am always here for you okay."
If Taylor isn't ready to talk with me about what's bothering him, then I suppose it must be something big, I mused.
"We never actually saw eye-to-eye."
I looked at him with confusion.
He sighed and continued, "Dad and I... we were always arguing on one thing or another. Now that his gone, I miss him. I really miss him En."
I didn't say anything. Taylor needed to talk and that's exactly what I was going to let him do, talk everything out and let him unburden himself.
"I just wish there was something I could've done to save him En. It's hard to see mum hurt and alone. And with everything that's happening at the moment... I just feel so helpless"
Taylor looked so tired and worn out emotionally. I enveloped him in a gentle hug and said, "There wasn't anything you could have done for Uncle Jack, Taylor."
Taylor hugged me back.
"I am really glad that you came to visit En. I really am."
"Me too", I murmured.
I drew back and smiled.
"Remember Taylor. When things go wrong, do not go down with them. Climb up and stay strong."
We sat there enjoying the silence. I sensed Taylor wasn't telling me everything. I thought it better to let him tell me whenever he was ready.
"Oh! I almost forgot", exclaimed Taylor, startling me out of my thoughts.
"I didn't get a chance to tell you this last night", he continued, grabbing me by my shoulder.
"Tell me what?" I asked in surprise.
"Every year the student committee organises a dance for the whole town before the summer holidays. Guess what we're doing this year?"
"Uhmm...dance..." I answered weakly.
Taylor rolled his eyes and answered, "Obviously, but what kind of a dance?"
What could have gotten Taylor so excited? I thought curiously. I never knew he loved dances so much.
I shrugged apologetically.
"It's gonna' be a masquerade, En. A masquerade!"
A masquerade... wow, I thought.
"Wow. That is really great. No wonder you are so excited"
"It isn't because of the dance"
I looked at him questioningly.
"The real reason why I am excited is because of whom I will be going to the dance with." Taylor smiled smugly.
"Ohhh... So Taylor has got a girlfriend, huh", I teased. "So who is the lucky girl?"
"You."
I stared at Taylor. I must have heard wrong.
"Excuse me, who?" I asked.
"Oh, you heard me. You're going to be my partner for the dance", he answered, grinning at my shock stricken expression.
"But..."
"I am not taking a no for an answer"
"But I..."
"No buts. You're coming and that's final"
"But Taylor..."
"Blah blah blah..." went on Taylor, covering his ears with his hands.
He just wouldn't rest until I agreed. I guessed it wouldn't hurt to go.
"Ok ok", I sighed in defeat. "Fine, I will accompany you to the dance."
"Wohoo...I knew you wouldn't say no", said Taylor. "Now am I a genius or what", he said, winking at me.
I shook my head, laughing at his comment.
"Okay genius, when is this dance?" I asked.
"This Friday", he replied.
I frowned, thinking about what to wear at the dance. It's not just any dance, it's a Masquerade.
After three days, I thought. I guess I could get something together by then.
"It's getting late. We should get going. Aunt Carole might be wondering where we are", I told Taylor.
"Yeah, let's go"
We went strolling down the streets of Mystic Falls. After the intense morning run, it felt so relaxing. Many shops were starting to open up for business. Beside me, Taylor was whistling a tune. He was certainly in a good mood. I smiled at the tune. It was so sweet, just like him. I looked at the town again. It was sunny and cheery, just as I pictured it would be but... why did I get this strange feeling that something wasn't right. It felt as if this town had a lot of secrets buried deep within... dark secrets. Something about Taylor also felt different. I sighed.
"Taylor, can I ask you something?" I asked.
"Sure, fire away", he replied.
"With your looks, I bet you could go to the dance with any girl you would like, then why did you ask me?"
He remained quiet for a few moments and then answered, "Actually I do have someone. My girlfriend... Caroline. We were supposed to go together."
Taylor nervously glanced sideways at me.
"Wait, you have a girlfriend?" I frowned. "Then why did you ask me?"
"Well...it's complicated. She's going with someone else."
I gave him a questioning look.
"As I said, it's complicated", he said. "It's not like she's dating him or anything. It's nothing personal. Anyway, even if Caroline wouldn't have gone with someone else, I'd still want to go with you. I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Taylor winked at me, making me shake my head at him and smile.
"Okay, no more questions... Okay, maybe one more." Giving Taylor a huge smile, I asked, "When do I get to meet Caroline?"
He laughed. "Soon... maybe during the party."
"That would be nice. I cannot wait to meet her"
"Yeah, and I can't wait to introduce her to you. You're gonna' love her, En. She's great."
It was clear that Taylor was in love. Now I really couldn't wait to meet Caroline.
Masquerade...it's gonna' be rocking ;)
