Disclaimer: I only own my OCs

A/N: This is later than I would have liked, but it has been a helluva time since I last updated. My husband got sick, like really sick, we got him a covid test and he tested negative but I think it was a faulty test as he had so many covid symptoms. And then I had to get tested myself, still waiting on the result. So I haven't been able to write in a week and a half. I debated not posting this as I like to have a backlog of chapters and I'm currently writing chapter 9. But I figured I'd gift this one to you all while I crack on.

XXX

My brother was a shithead.

No, worse.

My brother was an obvious shithead.

He had gone from sneaking Vicki in and out using my room, to just using the front door. Honestly, it's like the kid wanted to get caught. It was obvious that Jenna knew. Every time there was a thud from his room, she rolled her eyes, despite me coughing to try and cover up the noise.

Jeremy didn't care either. He was far too happy that Vicki had chosen him. I mean, I was happy that he was so happy. But dear lord, it was so tempting to just knock some sense into the little shithead.

It was the third morning in a row that Vicki had stayed over. Honestly, I was uber tempted to call Matt to come pick her up. But I wasn't that much of a bitch…. Yet.

For once, I decided not to bother waiting for my sister to come and wake me up. So I got myself ready and went to go chill with my aunt. But not before slipping a vaguely threatening note underneath Jeremy's door.

Just cos I was cool with their relationship didn't mean that I wasn't going to give Vicki the shovel talk. She had already hurt my brother once, she needed to understand that this time, there would be dire consequences. Vicki already knew that I was the overprotective one when it came to our baby brother. But the muffled "oh shit" that I heard through the door still amused me.

"Morning Jenna," I smiled at my aunt as I entered the kitchen. She was getting in some thesis prep before a meeting with the adviser later.

"Did you see our little house guest?" Jenna asked as I went straight for the coffee pot.

Pouring myself a mug, I laughed, "He's not even bothering to hide it, now, is he?"

Jenna shook her head with a small smile, "I take it that you've given Vicki 'the talk'?"

I smirked and took a seat next to my darling aunt, pecking her on the cheek, "Several times."

My aunt laughed and shook her head. I would be offended by her lack of surprise, but my reputation did amuse me so. And, I have to admit, I was proud of it too. I had spent a lot of time building it up. I deserved to be proud of all that hard work.

Elena's appearance just added to the entertainment.

"Are you aware of what's going on upstairs?" my sister pointed to the stairs, to emphasise her point. Aww Ellie, ain't you a cutie?

Jenna and I hummed our affirmative.

Our response must have surprised Ellie as she pointed again and repeated her question.

"Dude, chill," I snorted, reaching over to prod her tummy.

"You seriously have no objection?" my twin looked between us, looking vaguely betrayed by our calmness.

"Eh," I shrugged, enjoying her frustrated confusion. "I've threatened her. Multiple times. And she knows me well enough to know how serious I am."

Elena rolled her eyes, realising that she wouldn't get what she wanted me from.

"Jenna?" she turned to our aunt, her beautiful brown eyes growing wider.

"He could be craftier about it," Jenna continued to flick through her thesis work, sounding calm and unbothered. "At least make an effort to sneak her in and out."

It was clear that Jenna was enjoying winding Elena up, just as much as I was. If anyone wanted to know where I got my wicked streak from, look no further than my gorgeous auntie J. God, I loved her so much.

"Oh," my aunt cleared her throat, "and just so you know, I won't be home for dinner."

While she was clearly aiming for nonchalant, the small smile on her face gave away her intentions. I couldn't resist my smirk and locked eyes with my twin. She had a similar look and I revelled in her cheekiness.

"Oh, so you're actually going to do it," she sing-songed, as I walked up behind and wrapped my arms around her. "You're gonna go out with Logan."

"I'm going to show up and torture him, yes," my aunt laughed, trying to deflect. "And have you heard from Stefan?"

I didn't have to see my sister's face to tell that her expression had changed, losing the mischievousness. And I hated it. As much as I liked Stefan, he was going to be on the business end of a telling off.

"Not since that very vague message three days ago," Ellie scoffed, angrily pouring her bran flakes into a bowl. "'Hi, um, Elena, I, um, have something I have to do. I'll, uh, explain in a few days.'"

Elena did do a good Stefan impression. She had played the voicemail for me and she had parroted it word for word. Which, now that I think about it, is actually quite worrying. How many times had she listened to it?

"Haven't you called him?" Jenna asked sympathetically, reminding of the days before our parents died, when we went to our favourite aunt with all our boy problems.

"Nope, not going to either," sis stated firmly, staring hard at her bran flakes.

"And you're okay with everything?" Aunt Jenna asked, exchanging a look with myself. Yep, Stefan was gonna get it when I next saw him.

"No, I'm not okay with any of it," Ellie sighed in frustration. "But I'm not gonna cry about it either. You know, I was going to write in my diary this morning and then I thought, what am I going to write? Honestly, I'm not gonna be one of those pathetic girls whose world stops spinning because of some guy."

Elena finished her little rant with an angry bite of bran flakes. That just made me sad. Bran flakes was not a good breakfast. But I didn't have time to make her any of my signature granola. Spiced pecan granola with coconut and vanilla yoghurt was one of Elena's favourite breakfasts.

"Okay then," Jenna nodded, clearly unable to think of anything else to say to Ellie's spiel. Myself, on the other hand…

"Oh honey," I sighed, giving my dear twin a squeeze. "Want me to kick his ass?"

Ellie's beautiful laugh warmed my heart.

XXX

As usual, my darling Jazz Nolan picked me up. But, unlike usual, her idiot brother wasn't in the car waiting to annoy me.

"Where's the dumb-dumb?" I asked, gesturing to the backseat where said dumb-dumb usually stretched out.

I was expecting some reason like he had been picked up by a friend or wasn't feeling and wasn't coming in to school today. But Jazz's reaction worried me.

"He's, uh, doing something else this morning," she stuttered out, her usual confidence worryingly absent.

I just 'hmmmed' and settled back in my seat. As much as I wanted answers, I knew I wouldn't get them now. I just had to be patient.

To be honest, I was lucky to be having this conversation with Jazz. Ever since the Nolan's had returned, their school appearances had been sketchy at best. Which was uber weird because Mr Nolan was super strict about his kids attending school. He even sent them in when they were ill at times. Which, of course, meant that our little posse bunked off school to look after them.

The Nolan mystery coupled with my annoyance with Stefan was giving me a headache. I missed the easy days, where the only problem I had to deal with were Luke and Tyler's surprise attacks.

"So, did you hear about the 'Sexy Suds Carwash' that Caroline had organised for tomorrow?" Jazz asked, clearly wanting to distract me from thoughts of her absent brother.

I snorted, "Unfortunately. You gonna go?"

"Hell nah," the blonde laughed, returning to her old self a little bit. "And if I can avoid Caroline all day, then I can get away with it."

"Ugh, you bitch," I groaned, pouting dramatically.

"Why don't you just skip it?" Jazz smirked at me, clearly knowing that I had no choice in the matter.

"Because of my idiot sister," I groaned. "She is under the impression that if she has to do it, then I have to as well. And because she is having boy problems right now, I can't abandon her. Which suuuuucks."

"Awww, you poor thing," Jazz cooed mockingly.

I pointed a finger at her, "Hey, just you watch out, I can always let slip to Caroline that you plan on ditching it…."

"You wouldn't?!"

"Wanna bet?"

"Bitch."

XXX

Since I am an amazing friend, I allowed Jazz to disappear as soon as we got to school. It was well known within our little group that if you wanted to hide from one Caroline Forbes, the stoner pit was the place to go. Normally I would have gone with her, but I just didn't feel like hanging in the stoner pit today.

So instead, I decided to be a good student and head to my first class early. On my way, I saw Caroline leading some of her planning committee posse, handing out posters as she went. After her messy breakup with Damon, it was nice to see her back to her normal self. Especially since Caroline worked hard to put these events together, she deserved to enjoy it.

The rest of the day passed in a blur.

Any class that I shared with Stefan, I made an effort to focus on the teacher and ignore Stefan's attempts to talk. As much as I wanted to rip into him, I owed it to Elena to have the first word. But hot damn, it was super hard.

History was the hardest. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually miss Mr Tanner. He was a git but it made lessons entertaining. The substitute teachers that they have brought in just haven't been the same. Hopefully they hire someone permanent soon.

After history, Elena pulled me to the side.

"I'm going to the Grill after school," she told me. "Stefan wants to meet me there."

I kept silent.

I already knew what she wanted, but I always enjoyed making her ask.

"Alexa," she whined before sighing. "Fine, I want you there. For support. As my sister."

I kept silent for a moment longer before breaking, "Oh Ellie, I was always going to come, even if you didn't want me there."

Elena rolled her eyes and walked away, but I still saw the small smile form on her face. Ha ha, gotcha. If anyone could make her smile, it would be me.

XXX

After school, I hung around on one of the benches until Elena could corner me. Jazz had offered to stick around until my sister showed up, but then she saw Caroline. Gotta say, I haven't seen Jazz move that fast since she heard her parents were doing an alcohol check in their study.

"Ready to go?"

I turned around to shrug at my twin, "Yeah sure, why not?"

It wasn't a long car journey to the Grill, but I still managed to annoy the bejesus out of my sweet sister. While it did make her cuss me out, it also got her mind off of her boy problem. Which was my main aim. Although it was always fun winding my sister up.

To nobody's surprise, there was no sign of Stefan in the Grill. The disappointed sigh from my twin had me regretting my composure earlier. Maybe if I had blown up at Mr Salvatore earlier, he would have shown up. Honestly, that boy needed to learn that he could not hurt my sister.

It was clear to see that my sister was considering just giving up and going home. But, luckily for the absent Stefan, darling Matt Donovan was chilling by the pool table. It had been so long since he and Ellie had properly talked. And it was killing both of them. Awkward breakup or not, they had been friends for years. They shouldn't give up on that.

So, like the amazing sister I am, I encouraged Elena to go talk to him. By pushing her in his direction and bolting in another.

The glare my sister gave me just made me laugh as I settled into a booth where I had a clear view of my sister. It was nice seeing her speak to Matt. And I could tell that they were both happy. The smile on Matt's face made my heart ache as it had been far too long since I had seen it. And Mattie Donovan was far too lovely to not be smiling.

I decided to give the two some privacy and pull a book out of my schoolbag. Yes, to all those who are surprised, I do actually read. And not just for homework, I read for pleasure too. It's not something I do often, but one of my guilty pleasures has always been enjoying a good book while chilling in the Grill.

"Don't tell me you're reading that again!"

I laughed and looked up at the groaning Luke Nolan.

"Oh shut up," I rolled my eyes and gestured at the empty seat opposite me. "Sit your stupid ass down."

"Seriously? Harry Potter? Again?"

"What?" I shrugged, marking my page and putting the book back. "I love Harry Potter."

"Yeah, but why? The epilogue sucked."

I knew exactly what Luke was doing. I could get very into Harry Potter discussions. So much so, that my family have a rule to not bring it up around me.

"Yeah the epilogue sucked, but that doesn't mean that I can't enjoy the rest of it. It's not like a TV show where a shitty ending ruins the whole show."

"Yeah, but still…"

I rolled my eyes and gave Luke a look, "How about, instead of dissing Harry Potter, you tell me why you've been MIA?"

Luke looked down and pulled what I call the 'little boy look'. He pouted slightly and put on his best innocent face. The worst thing was, it actually worked.

"Oh my god," I groaned, resting my chin on my hand. "Is this one of those things you aren't allowed to talk about?"

"I'm sorry," Luke deepened his pout, attempting to look as pathetic as possible. "Honestly, if I could tell you, I would."

"Story of my life right now. Is there anything that you can tell me?"

"Doesn't look like we'll be leaving town for a while?"

"Well, that is good news," I conceded, hiding the happiness that swelled within me. "It gets boring without the two of you."

Luke beamed happily and I felt all gooey inside.

We chatted for a while longer, updating each other on the minor stuff. But I had a thought niggling in the back of my mind and I couldn't stop myself asking any longer.

"How's Tyler?" I blurted out, regretting it almost instantly.

Luke sighed, "He's hanging in there. I've been spending as much time with him as I can." Luke bit his lip before asking, "Alexa, it's clear thar you want to apologise to him, so why don't you?"

"How can I? It's not like I've stopped drinking. And I'll feel like such a fraud if I apologise and then carry on doing what started the argument in the first place. And besides, I respect him too much to do that. He's been so good to me. When I do go and apologise, then it has to be done right. I just don't know how to do that right now."

Luke didn't say anything, but from the look on his face, I could tell he understood.

XXX

I saw Stefan the moment he arrived. At least he turned up, even if he was an hour late. What's the phrase, better late than never?

I had vowed to myself that I would let them talk and not get involved. But, as I watched the confrontation between the two, it became harder and harder to stick to it. My sister looked so frustrated and upset, it killed me. But she needed to hash this out with her boyfriend. And I couldn't interfere.

After Elena stormed out, Stefan continued to stand there, watching the door. It made me sigh. He reminded me of a little lost puppy, looking so unsure and abandoned. So I did what I said I wouldn't, I would interfere.

"Buzz off," I said to Luke, not taking my eyes off of Stefan.

"Why?" he whined, pulling out his infamous pout. "I'm comfortable."

I rolled my eyes impatiently, "Because I need to be a good sister and help sort out Ellie's relationship with Stefan."

Luke grumbled but stood up anyway. He knew better than to continue his awkwardness when I was on my being-a-good-sister warpath. Especially since he had also seen how upset Ellie was.

"See you later," Luke leaned down to hug me and kissed my cheek. It was only though sheer force of will that I didn't turn bright red. Goddamit Alexa, get a hold of yourself. You have a relationship to repair.

"Stefan!" I called, waving when he looked around. He hesitated and I pointed at the seat in front of me. It was quite amusing to watch how hesitantly Stefan walked over and perched on the seat.

"Relax," I smiled, patting his hand. "I'm not going to yell at you, this time… Instead, I'm going to help."

"You would really do that?" Stefan looked insulting surprised by that. I mean, I know I got a rep for ripping apart people who help my sister. But that doesn't mean that I won't help if needed.

"Oh Stef," I shook my head. "My sister really does like you, which means that I like you. And I honestly do want to help you fix things with my sister."

"Thank you, Alexa," Stefan's smile was so sweet that I had to respond with a smile of my own.

"Now, tell me exactly what the issue is with you two."

"Trust," he responded instantly. "She doesn't completely trust me."

Ah, now that is a big problem. Elena has always been really big on trust. And it does take some time for her to be able to trust people. Oh Stefan, why couldn't it have been something easier.

"Ah," I said, needing to say something while my mind desperately searched for answers.

"What can I do?" Stefan asked, looking so forlorn that I just wanted to hug him. An idea came to me. Whether it would work, I don't know, but it definitely couldn't make things worse.

"Right, this is what we're going to do," I moved round to Stefan's side of the booth and looked around. I couldn't resist making a performance of this. But the smile on Stef's face made it worth it. "You listening carefully?"

"Always," Stefan chuckled, playing along and closing the gap between us.

"Perfect, now, can you cook?"

"Yes, ma'am, I certainly can cook," Stefan confirmed. Ah sweet, that was a worry. After all, not all teenage boys could cook. My attempts at teaching Jeremy had certainly been hit and miss.

"Sweet, here's the plan: I'm gonna take you shopping and then you're gonna cooked Elena dinner. I'll set up the table romantic stylz. When you're ready, drop me a text and I can get Jer to lure her downstairs. Bada-bing, bada-boom, romantic dinner with Elena that will make her coo and you can prove you are worth her trust."

Stefan looked thoughtful but eventually nodded his head, "Sounds like a plan."

I grinned, "Sweet, she's gonna love it. Trust me, she grew up watching romcoms and big romantic gestures make her swoon."

XXX

It soon became clear that no one had warned Stefan to never go food shopping with me.

The poor dear looked so confused. Every time I put something back and picked up something else, he opened his mouth to say something. But clearly some deeply buried survival instinct told him not too. And when I did finally make my choice, he looked so relieved.

"Now, chicken parmesan is one of Elena's favourites, so I would definitely go with that, especially since I have memorised what ingredients we need for it. Not that we have to buy a lot, since I have most of it in the cupboards at home."

Yikes, I did get bossy when it came to all things food.

"Now, from your surname, I'm going to assume that you have some Italian in you, so you should be able to cook this without my help. Unless you want my help that is. Because I am more than happy to help if you want it. It's just that people usually duck and cover when I take over in the kitchen."

Stefan laughed, interrupting my ramble, "I'm sure I'll be able to cook it fine by myself."

"As long as you're sure," I smiled. "But just remember I'll only be upstairs if you do need help."

Stefan was kind enough to let me ramble on while we finished the food shop. It shouldn't have taken as long as it actually did, but I figured that since I was there, I might as well pick up some of the other things I needed. Especially since I had big, strong Stefan with me to help me with the bags. That was the worst part about food shopping, carrying the bags back indoors. That part suuuuuucked.

Luckily the kitchen was empty when we got home. Not that it would have mattered if Jenna or Jeremy was in the kitchen. We just needed it to be Elena-free. I let Stefan get started on the prep while I put away my other bits and pieces. Which also meant that I could check on my secret biscuit and chocolate supplies. I wasn't foolish enough to hide everything in my room. By keeping it spread out, there was less of a chance of some little shit (aka Jeremy) of finding it and gobbling it all up.

"Righto, I'll go get Jer clued in while you continue prepping and then I'll get the room set up romantic stylz."

I took the stairs two at a time before sneaking over to Jeremy's door. I could see the light coming from under Elena's door and guessed she was moping around in there. Which, while it was handy knowing where she was, I also had to make sure to keep quiet to not clue her in too early. It's amazing I've been successful so far, planning really isn't my thing, unless it's a dinner party.

"Oi, shithead," I knocked on my baby bro's door, making sure he knew it was me.

"What's up, shorty?" he asked, opening the door and leaning against it. I rolled my eyes and shoved him inside, shutting the door behind me.

"Hey Vicki," I smiled at my brother's girlfriend, pointedly ignoring the fact she was in his bed and wearing one of his shirts. "Right, kiddo, I need your help."

"With what?" Jer asked warily. For some reason, he always got weary when I asked him for help. No idea why. Not like I spent his childhood tormenting him in the way only big sisters can do.

"Getting Elena and Stefan's relationship back on track," I reassured him, giving his shoulder a pat. "Legit all you have to do is persuade Elena to go downstairs when I give you the signal. Stefan is down there now cooking a nice romantic dinner for the two of them."

"Yeah, sure, I can do that," the kid nodded before grinning, "Did you take him food shopping?"

"Well, duh," I sniffed, pointedly ignoring the little shit's point. "We had to get the food somehow."

"And how long did you spend getting the food?"

"Oh shut up, bratface," I shoved him backwards so he fell into his gaming chair. "I have to continue with the plan so I don't have to sit here and deal with this nonsense."

I opened the door and paused, "Hey Vick? Make he does actually do what I asked? Can't have him getting distracted now, can we?" I wiggled my eyebrows suggestively and smirked.

Luckily, I shut the door before whatever it was that Jeremy threw at me managed to hit me. Honestly, that kid has issues.

I danced down the stairs, enjoying the high that I always got from winding up the kid. There was nothing quite like it.

After checking on Stefan, I got the fancy candles out and starting setting up the table. Elena and I had watched a tonne of romcoms during our teenage years, so I knew exactly what to do to make it look extra romantic. I even put the vase with the fake flowers on the table. Yeah, I know, fake flowers aren't as good as real. But it was the best I had since I forgot to get real flowers while out shopping. I even put a cheeky bottle of wine in the fridge.

"Right, everything under control?" I asked Stefan for the fifth time. I was literally buzzing with energy. I so wanted this to go well and for them to connect and be all lovey-dovey again.

"Everything's under control, Alexa," Stef laughed, passing me a glass of water.

"Alright, I'm gonna leave you to it and get Jer to bring Elena down," I downed the water and allowed Stefan to refill the glass. "Now, she may play hardball at first. But just keep calm and keep being your lovely self and she will allow herself to relax."

"Alexa," Stefan gave me the glass and placed his hands on my shoulders. "It'll be fine. Thank you for your help and relax."

"Right," I nodded, "Relax."

"Now go, enjoy your evening."

Stefan gently pushed me from the kitchen and shut the doors. Well, guess I'm not allowed back in there. Props to Stefan though, he handled that well.

Once up the stairs, I knocked and cracked the door open, "Your good to go."

I didn't wait for his reply, the kid knew what was at stake. If Elena was distracted with Stefan, he could get away with more things with Vicki. It didn't take long for me to hear footsteps. A few seconds later, Jer poked his head around the door, "She's heading down now."

"Thanks, dear," I smiled at him before he disappeared back to his girlfriend.

I finally allowed myself to relax. Gotta love it when a plan comes together.

XXX

The next day I woke up and immediately wanted to go back to sleep. It was that damn Sexy Suds Carwash. Who even thought of that name? Like ugh, it was bad enough as it was without the sexiness being shoved down everyone's throats.

Just as I was debating actually going back to sleep, someone decided to abuse my poor door. My guess was Elena. It was something that my sister loved to do. But at least she was in a good mood. She cuddle-attack last night proved that. Thank god my plan worked.

"Alexa!" Ellie shouted through the door, proving me right. "Wake up!"

"No," I grumbled into my pillow before my sister continued her banging. "Ugh, fine!"

I flung off my blanket and sat up, glaring at the world. While there was a chance I might have enjoyed it, I had decided that I would not have a good time on principle.

I dug through my clothes and found one of my more supportive bikini tops. The last thing I needed was to pop out in front of everyone, but it still showed enough cleavage to fit Caroline's demands for sexy. I paired the white bikini top with a pair of denim shorts which were on the skimpier side. I swear Caroline owed me big time for this.

Shrugging on one of my zip-up hoodies, I slouched out of my room and pouted at my waiting sister, "Please don't make me go."

"You're going," she laughed and nudged me towards the stairs. "You might actually enjoy yourself."

I snorted, "Yeah right, I feel like a piece of meat and I'm not even there yet."

Ellie paused before smirking, "Well, you never know, Luke might turn up and entertain you…"

"Oh shut up," I blushed and pushed my sister. She knew exactly what button to push and damn, that was annoying.

"Truth hurts," my annoying sister giggled and dodged my pokes all the way to the car.

"You're wicked," I pouted.

I kept the pout going all the way to the school. It was only when we reached our Lord and Master for the day, the one and only Caroline Forbes, that I dropped it and pretended to behave.

"Oh good, you're here," ah Caroline, she was literally all business. The urge to misbehaviour just continued growing. But even I knew not to push Caroline on a day like this.

"Right; no friend discounts, no freebies, no pay ya laters," Caroline gave us our orders, and I had to resist the urge to salute her military style. "We are not running a charity here."

"No we are not," Elena agreed, looking faintly amused.

I glanced over my sister's shoulder to see Stefan approach. After giving him a smile and a wave, I decided that now was the best time to disappear since Caroline was distracted. I had always found that these things were better with friends. So I set out to find mine.

And while I didn't have to go far, it wasn't very fun when I did find them. While Bonnie smiled when I greeted them, Matt was giving my sister and her new boy a pining look. Which got him a scolding from our darling Bonnie.

Since I really couldn't be bothered to actually do any car washing, I just hung around the car that Matt and Bonnie were working on. I played the part well as I cloth in one hand which I used to hide my phone from the keen eyes of Caroline Forbes. I would have actually hidden from her, but I needed her to be a bit more distracted before that would work.

Luckily, that distracted came in the form of Tiki being attacked by a hosepipe. Which was actually hilarious. I would have busted a rib laughing but it was the perfect opportunity for me to ditch and run. I mean, Tiki was alright but she could be a bit of a bitch at times. So she probably did deserve to get a good soaking by a vindictive hosepipe.

My cut and run took me in the direction of my darling aunt. Who was checking out the local news reporter.

"You're still interested," I sang as I came up behind her.

Jenna scoffed, tearing her gaze from Logan and gave me a look, "I am not."

"Oh Auntie, denial must taste sweet in the morning," I smirked and wrapped my arm around her shoulder. "Especially after such a delicious evening. Tell me, did you even make it home?"

"Alexa!" Jenna exclaimed, poking me in the tummy. "While I did actually have a good time, I came home at a reasonable time. Not that I have to answer to you."

I giggled and danced away from her fingers, "But Jenna, it's us young-uns that keep you honest."

Jenna muttered something to that. I didn't quite catch what she said but it sure wasn't nice. Luckily, Logan finishing his news report stopped my aunt from tickling me to death.

"Classy," Jenna remarked, her flirty smile fixed firmly on her face.

"Thank you," Logan beamed, preening at her praise. Ugh, I'm gonna throw up. Why is it that everywhere I go, there are cute couples? It's so not fair. "Alexa?"

"Surprise," I waved, willing to be nice this time round. But this kindness will only last as long as my aunt's does.

"Good to see you again," now, Logan was clearly fishing for brownie points from my aunt because he did that swoony worthy thing of taking my hand and kissing it. And because I am a little shit, I played along.

"Keep him," I smirked at Aunt Jenna, delighting in the opportunity for mischief.

"You heard the lady," Logan agreed, giving Jenna his best smile.

Jenna rolled her eyes, "Haven't you got cars to wash?"

Oh the pain, my own aunt, trying to get rid of me. Well, I wasn't about to make it that easy for her. It had been a while since I had annoyed her. I simply couldn't let her get away that easy.

"Hmmm, nope," I beamed as I tried to block her view of the carpark.

Unfortunately, my aunt was too smart for me on this occasion. She gave me a shove in the direction of the cars along with strict orders not to leave until I had done at least one car. While I would normally try and weasel my way out of it, I knew she would be paying attention. Especially since her new boy toy was around.

XXX

I finished the car that I was washing and stood up. I stretched my back, good lord, my back, and looked around. Hmm, no sign of Caroline, wonder if that means I can ditch…

Ah, but I did spot a worried looking Elena. Well, Super-Sister-Alexa to the rescue. I abandoned the car to the others and made my way over to her. Standing in front of her, I placed my hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye.

"What's bothering you?" I asked her seriously, fingers gently massaging her shoulders.

"Stefan," she sighed wearily, oh crumbs, what has he done now. "There are so many things about him that don't make sense."

I nodded, "Like what?"

Elena shrugged off my hands and started pacing. That meant shit was getting serious. She always paced this way when she was trying to work through a serious problem.

"The way his faces changes. The way he acts sometimes. And, you see that old man over there?" She pointed and I saw the elderly black man that she was pointing at. "He says that he saw Stefan in June, 1953."

My eyes widened. I could see why Elena was getting confused.

"Ok, use your head, hon. How can you figure it all out?"

She bit her lip, thinking hard. "I need to find some sort of picture evidence from June, 1953. To prove what the old man was saying to be true. And then I can confront Stefan and get answers from him."

"And what sort of evidence could you get?"

"News footage."

I looked around and spotted the news reporter that our aunt was so hung up on. "Logan."

Elena followed my gaze.

"Go ask Logan. He'll help you, especially if it will help his standing with Aunt Jenna."

She smiled gratefully at me and pulled me into a hug.

"Good luck, Elena," I whispered in her ear. "I hope you find the answers that you are searching for. And if you need any backup when confronting Stefan, don't you dare hesitate to ask me."

"Me too," she whispered back before letting go and walking over to where Logan and Aunt Jenna were. I watched her for a while before sighing and turning back towards the carwash. This was so boring.

XXX

I had been slaving away, (read: standing around), for about half an hour when a familiar car pulled up in front of me. The window rolled down and the gorgeous face of one Luke Nolan grinned up at me.

"Care to wash my car for me, sweetheart?"

"Welllllllll, I suppose I could," I smirked, twirling the cloth around in the air and wiggling my eyebrows.

"Fantastic."

I directed Luke into one of the parking spaces and admired his ass as he got out of the car. Dayum that was a very pleasant view. Unfortunately, it wasn't one that I could admire for long.

"So I get the full works, right?" the shithead smirked, crossing his arms. "Including a wax and the interior."

I rolled my eyes and flicked the wet cloth in his direction, taking pleasure in his outraged spluttering.

"You'll get whatever I'm willing to give you," I stuck my tongue out at him before pausing. "Aren't you supposed to be helping?"

"Well," Luke shrugged, a cheeky smile forming on his face. "Maybe. But unless my captain or Caroline see me, I'm ditching this bitch."

"Naturally," I rolled my eyes and dumped more water than was necessary on the car, making sure Luke was in the splash zone. "But I am surprised to see you. Especially since Jazz has been completely MIA all afternoon."

Not that that was unusual these days. I missed having my bestie around all the time. It was got boring without her.

"She's having a mommy-daughter bonding day," Luke waved off the comment. "Dad would have done the same with me but he's meeting a friend from out of town."

"All so mysterious," I played it off as a joke but deep down, it was true. While the Nolan family had always had an air of mystery to them, it had gotten worse over the years. And the past month had hit the peak. Jazz was normally quite good at keeping me updated during their missing moments, but her levels of communication had plummeted. And it was worrying.

XXX

It didn't take me long to finish Luke's car after our little... discussion. Luke soon disappeared and I was once again left alone with my thoughts. And they were not happy thoughts. So I went in search of a friendly face. Elena had gone to the TV station with Logan and Jenna had disappeared soon after. Caroline had also done a disappearing act, which was really odd since she never ditched these things early. In fact, she was normally the last one to leave. But, I did manage to still hit the jackpot.

"Hey Bonnie," I smiled at my dear friend as I approached the car she was leaning against. "How are things?"

Bonnie shrugged her shoulders and frowned, "I honestly don't know."

"What's up?" as bad as it sounds, I was happy to have the distraction. I would much rather spend my time sorting out any problems that a loved one faced than dealing with my own. I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and rested my head against hers.

"I don't know," Bonnie sounded frustrated. "Everything has just been… weird lately and I can't explain why. Things just feel different."

It was obvious that Bonnie couldn't put her problems into words. So I did what any good friend would do, I offered my silent support and pulled her a little closer.

Unfortunately, just as it seemed Bonnie was about to perk up a bit, Tiki decided to ruin everything. She had a broom in hand which she immediately held out to us.

"Sweeper duty," she smirked, waving the broom about slightly to emphasise her point. I raised an eyebrow as Bonnie sighed.

"What?"

"We have to clean the pavement," Tiki looked so smug as she tried to order us around. I had to grit my teeth to stop myself from unleashing my bad mood on her.

"It's a car wash," sweet Bon-Bon looked so fed up. "By definition, the pavement's already clean."

"Twit," I added under my breath. Not even I have the levels of self-control needed to let the idiocy go unnoticed.

"But not dry," Tiki sing-songed as Bonnie gave in and took the broom.

"Why aren't you bothering someone else with this?" I butted in angrily as Bonnie was forced to give in the bitch's demands.

"Caroline bailed, so that leaves me in charge," Tiki's smugness blew a fuse in me.

"Well that's just stupid," I smirked maliciously. "We all know that you are the last person that Caroline would leave in charge. Who did you con into giving the job to you?"

Tiki glared, "No need to be jealous, Alexa. Just because I am capable to doing stuff for myself and don't have to go crying to my twin sister."

Right.

It was as though I was seeing her through a red haze. I was ready to rip Tiki a new one when a soothing hand rested on my shoulder.

"We already said that we would do it," Bonnie's voice was so calming, even with the repressed anger in it. "So why don't you go and let us get on with it."

Tiki fled the scene before I could let my anger override Bonnie's calming presence.

"Yeah, you'd better run," I grumbled as I returned to my position leaning against the car.

I watched as Bonnie looked at the broom in her hand and sighed. Instantly, I felt guilty. Bonnie had worked hard enough today; she didn't deserve to get saddled with sweeper duty too.

"Hey, Bon, want me to do the sweeping?" I offered, but Bonnie didn't respond.

That was unlike her. So I got to my feet and walked over to her. It was like she was in some kind of trance. Her gaze was transfixed on a puddle of water in front of us and my words weren't triggering any sort of response.

A burst of flame in front of us made me jump. The puddle of water that held Bonnie's attention had caught fire. The fire spread towards the car in front of us, following the water. It scared me shitless. Fire doesn't just suddenly appear. And I couldn't get Bonnie to respond.

The flaming car had started to catch people's attention by this point. Gasps and murmurs echoed around us but even that didn't break Bonnie from her trance.

I was beginning to feel scared for my friend at this point. For one thing, I needed to move her away from the fire. And I just needed her to speak. This was not like her and I didn't like it.

Fortunately, a dashing hero arrived on the scene.

Stefan grabbed Bonnie's shoulders from behind and shook her, hard, while calling her name. it took a couple of shakes but he managed to draw her from her trance. The unnerving was, that the moment she came back to us, the fire disappeared. Bonnie didn't cause it, did she?

Our hero gently turned Bonnie around so that she was facing us. The poor sweetheart looked so scared. It broke my heart.

"Hey," I took her hand in mine and tried to comfort her.

"What happened?" she asked, tone think with confusion.

I honestly had no idea what the hell had just happened. But there was one thing that I knew.

"You, uh, went into some kind of trace," I explained the best I could and Stefan's nodding backed me up.

My sweet Bon glanced over her shoulder at the still smoking car and gasped, "Did I do this?"

She sounded so scared that all I wanted to do was wrap her up in a big hug and protect her from the world.

"I think so, yeah," Stefan answered when it became clear that I wouldn't.

"Nobody else say, did they?" was Bonnie's next question.

I shook my head while Stefan replied with a negative.

"Don't tell anyone," Bon pleaded as she began to back away. "Please."

"Of course we won't," I tried to reassure her while resisting the urge to pull her back. Bonnie nodded gratefully before fleeing the scene.

I watched her leave, unable to shake the feeling that something important had just happened and there was no guarantee that it was good. I must have fallen into a trance of my own while caught in my thoughts as I came to when Stefan gently shook me.

"Hey, Alexa, you alright?" his green eyes were so full of concern that I immediately went to my go to of 'yeah, everything's fine'. Stefan just gave me a look, telling me that he wasn't falling for any of my bullshit.

"I think I just need to get home," I tried to play it off even though it was obvious that Stefan didn't believe me. So I did the only think I could think of, I ran.

XXX

I returned home to an empty house. Which I was so incredibly thankful for, I don't think I could put on a brave face. After bolting to my room, I settled down on my bed. But I couldn't relax. I couldn't get what had happened out of my mind.

So I got up and paced.

Back and forth and back and forth.

Oh screw this.

I zipped up my hoodie and left the house.

I needed to speak to someone, to let all of this out. But I also needed to say it someone who wouldn't judge, who would just let me say my thing and move on. So I went to the only place that I knew that would happen.

XXX

It didn't take long to reach the graveyard and I didn't need the light of the setting sun to show me the way to my parents' grave. It had been a while since I was last here. But even so, I didn't hesitate while making my way through the gravestones.

I settled down in the grass opposite their stone and paused. I didn't know where to start. There was so much that I needed to let out. The grass in front of their stone was getting a bit long. I plucked a blade of grass and twirled it around my fingers.

"I'm mad at you. We needed you and you died. You left us alone. I love Jenna but she isn't you. And she knows it. And I know you're probably ashamed of me. For the drinking and helping Jeremy hide his drugs and for the arguing. But you know what? I don't care. You're not allowed to be ashamed. Because you died. You left me and you died…" I took a deep breath, pushing back the tears that were threatening to fall. "Please come back. Please just wake up and be ashamed. I don't care what you think as long as you're here to feel something."

I curled up in a ball and hoped for a miracle. But I was being naïve. I had already had my miracle. Elena was still with us, despite everything. And I was never going to be lucky enough to get a second miracle.

XXX

God, I need booze.

It was far too long a walk to make it back home and I knew that people would be home by now. So I went to my backup, which was much closer.

"Hey, Alexa's here!"

"Hey Alexa!"

"Long time no see!"

"Hey guys," I smiled at the Graveyard Gang, as I had always called them. I didn't come down here often, but it was place to drink without feeling guilty. They wouldn't judge me and I wouldn't judge them. It was free booze without the obligatory conversations.

Even if Vicki Donovan was here tonight.

"Vick," I nodded at her, kindly ignoring the slight redness of her eyes that indicated that she had been crying. Vicki kindly did the same for me.

I took a beer from the cooler and took a drag on the spliff offered by Vicki. During the summer, I had spent quite a few evenings here. Normally once Elena had had enough of my 'mother hen'ing for the day.

I quickly finished my first beer and grabbed a second. They were incredibly weak so I knew I could down a couple before feeling anything. But oh how I had missed this. Non-judgemental company. Free beer. Good music.

I sat down in one of the fold-up chairs that were scattered around and relaxed.

XXX

It was well and truly night time and I had lost count of the amount of beers that I had downed. But I was only just past tipsy, which was annoying. My tolerance had dramatically increased these past few months. Plus, the beer really wasn't that good.

The music stopped.

"Not it!" everyone shouted except for me and Vicki. If she thought that I was gonna get up, she had another thing coming. I just raised my eyebrow at her and she got the message. Vicki groaned and got up. She had been in a down mood all evening, so it would do her good to walk a little bit. Apparently exercise helps your mood. I heard her walk over to the car and waited, but no music came on. We waited a few minutes before the others became impatient. Of course, not impatient enough to actually get up themselves. But their whining got on my nerves big time.

"Oh for god sake!" I growled, getting up and stalking over to the car. I expected to see Vicki sitting their forlornly, being all emo. But I sure as hell didn't expect what I actually saw.

Vicki was on the floor, bleeding heavily from her neck. Just like last time.

"Oh my god," I breathed and bolted to her side. My hands shook and I felt sick. I was not equipped to deal with this but there was no one around that I could call. The idiots behind me were so stoned that they wouldn't be able to help. And my phone battery had died on me a couple of hours back.

But before I could even begin to properly panic, I was thrown up against the car.

A cold had was wrapped around my neck, squeezing tight. I couldn't breathe. Oh my god.

"Well, well, well, who do we have here?" I looked up into the face of Damon Salvatore. The butterflies that I normally felt around his were like lead in my stomach. Blood was smeared around his mouth and veins bulged beneath his eyes.

"Alexandria Gilbert, now that is a pleasant surprise."

Even if I wanted to speak, I couldn't. My gaze was transfixed on his elongated fangs. And all I could think was no no no no no no no no no no no. Every horror movie I had even seen flashed before my eyes.

I must have stopped breathing for a moment as Damon loosened his grip slightly and chuckled darkly, "Relax, I'm not going to kill you… yet. You are more valuable to me alive, for now."

The voices of my friends called out from behind us and Damon's gaze flickered in their direction, "Them, on the other hand."

I opened my mouth to scream at them to run, to get out of here, to save themselves. But Damon caught my gaze, "You are going to stay here and keep silent."

He disappeared from view and I wanted to run. I willed my body to move, to scream, to do anything. But I was frozen in place. My body wouldn't obey my commands. All I could do was cry.

The screams of my friends echoed around me and I was helpless to do anything.

Tears slid down my face as, one by one, my friends were murdered.

By Damon Salvatore.

A vampire.

A/N: Thank you all the reviews, my lovelies. They've helped me through the tricky time. And any encouragement for chapter 9 would be much appreciated as it is a bitch to write! Hope you enjoy and let me know what you think xoxo