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Avril Lavigne-Losing Grip

Interpol-All The Rage Back Home

Fitz and The Tantrums- Out of My League

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· ~ε ïз~ ·

Third Pov

· ~ε ïз~ ·

Two vampires stood on Wickery bridge, standing in the blazing path of the sun. It was the start of the summer and things were starting to heat up. Including their shared issues. The pollen seemed never-ending though until the sun was covered.. .no crows would approach...

It was easy to see the stress in eachother since they had spent a decade forced down each other's throats thanks to Stefan and the forest dweller.

Not bothering to hide her frustration, Lexi slowly rubbed her temples. While the one across from her, Damon, anchored his gaze to the water, evidently distracted by the thoughts of that practically run-down convenience store...mainly the girl inside it...

She was nothing like Emily, he thought. She could perceive things in a witchy way, that much was obvious when she unconsciously leaned toward him.

Reflecting his sentiments.

He remembered being shocked when he gently brushed the granola from the side of her mouth.

A spark.

He was convinced that it would happen again should he live that long.

"Are you even listening to me?"

His blue eyes flickered to his frenemy, scoffing, "Of course, I am, Branson."

Lexi's temper flared at the mention of her last name, and he smirked, knowing what he had done.

"You are the constant pain in my ass. If it weren't for our friend I would've killed you years ago."

I believe it, he thought as he hummed a tune. She sighed and turned away from him.

"How is this going to work?"

"We split up."

Her forehead creased. "Split up? We've only managed to survive together. Alone he would pick us off like flies."

Damon twisted his daylight ring around his finger, glancing at his companion for his brother's sake.

"I know...but that might confuse him long enough for my plan to work."

"You have a plan?"

The darker-haired vampire whistled lowly. Out from the trees flew a raven.

"After Ezekiel finishes his breakfast, I will have him watch over the Bennett witch." She was not as content as he had imagined.

"Would that be 'Damon lingo' for stalking?"

The Salvatore rolled his eyes as he stroked his bird's feathers. "No."

Lexi would have laughed had she not been so stressed.

"And after he watches her for a while, then what?"

"Ezekiel will notify me if there is any danger. When there is, I will swoop in and save her. That's the easy way to earn someone's trust. Show them that your intentions are pure."

"Okay, you've lost your mind! Her family isn't known for adoring our kind! They are quite hateful towards - -"

He waved his hand, and Ezekiel flew onto his shoulder. "A percentage of all witches are. And I've already met her."

The blonde narrowed her green eyes, "Where?"

"All that matters is that he doesn't get their blood. This is a way I can do that without staying in the shadows where I could perish. Stefan was supposed to make a call, but I assume he's having one of his fits. "

He was referring to the times when his brother wasn't himself but someone else.

"Now, it's up to me not to screw everything up." Ezekiel slightly dug his talons into Damon's shoulder, silently offering support.

"Us," Lexi corrected. She was offering him one of those genuine smiles. The kind she saved up for the people she trusted.

She started backing up, and Damon smirked, this could be the last time he saw her.

"Don't die on me, Branson."

· · · ·

Bonnie jolted at the sound of her name sung by Saddie's cheerful and slightly unsteady voice.

"Oh, no...did we fall asleep over the phone?"

The other girl giggled, "Aye, but you are no flute, clover."

"I'm going to take that as a compliment."

Bonnie sensed no harm behind the word. Despite not being familiar with the terminology.

"You should. You had quite the rough time yesterday."

The witch frowned, "I can't remember what we talked about..."

Saddie hummed, sipping on something. Bonnie was almost sure that it was coffee with a little shot of whiskey.

"As always, you insisted we talk about me first because - -" "I'm a good listener," she put in. Happy to have recalled.

"You said you were going to kick out Roger's sorry ass if he didn't start helping out."

"Aye, I'm giving Gammy a week. The only reason I didn't do this before is because of Jack. But he never even holds him anymore."

Bonnie shook her head, feeling sad for little Jack.

"I doubt the Gobshite is going to change his ways. Call me savage, but I'll be glad to be rid of him."

"Saddie, I'd never call you that."

"I know, Clover. My mhaimeo wanted me to marry him when I got pregnant. But I've never been the kind to willing tie myself to another."

Bonnie nods, she could understand that.

"If I could remove any ties I have to my parents...I would."

"Clover, you've been through so much...You cried when you told me about the fight between you and the snake of a girl friend."

From day one Saddie Doyle did not like Elena Gilbert.

Everything clashed with them, including their personalities. Between Bonnie's two friends, the feeling was mutual. But the witch took a neutral stand.

"And when you mentioned that ride, I swear I could see you light up."

Bonnie chuckled, petting Dewey, who was curled up in her lap purring. He had been unhappy with her last night because she had begun packing things up for the move.

She wasn't taking everything just some clothes, photographs, some of her Grams' castiron pans and pots, Dewey's toys and bed, not much because Care and Saddie wanted to go shopping in, Falder, a town close to Mystic Falls that moved more like a city.

"There's something about him I just can't put my finger on it..."

She vividly remembered the way she felt at the sight of him. Bonnie blushed at the memory. He was so dark, so dashing.

Something about him was hazardous, despite her body telling her to run. She wanted to follow.

"You like him, aye?" Saddie asked, in a teasing tone.

The witch chewed on her bottom lip, remembering how she dressed up last night, hoping she'd see him.

"It's...a...possibility."

Bonnie knew her friend was smiling on the other end.

"Clover, I'm sorry I can't help you move today. Gammy, our boss, is making me take an extra shift tonight- -"

"Hey, you don't have to explain yourself to me," Bonnie intervened. "You have more important things to do than help me out."

She was surprised when she heard Saddie exhale softly. "Bonnie Shelia Bennett, you are important to me. Stop devaluing yourself, or I'll puck you in the arm the next time I see your cute face."

Saddie hung up shortly after that and the 'blessed' witch left to go clean up.

Today she was planning on wearing one of the few summer outfits she owned, a garden yellow tie- back cami, paired with a button denim skirt with some white slides.

She arranged her hair into a ponytail, leaving some strands out. Reaching into her purse she pulled out some clear gloss and quickly applied it.

Bonnie smiled at herself in the mirror, feeling confident for the first time in a while.

· ~ε ïз~ · Caroline Pov

· ~ε ïз~ ·

Today's the day.

Whitmore was written in blue sharpie and all caps on my monthly flower calendar.

Brushing the hair from my face, I looked at my watch. I had thirty minutes until I had to be up.

My mother was cooking downstairs. I could hear her fuzzy slippers sliding softly against the floor, the sizzling of the butter in that green skillet she used for everything, and the platinum rendition

of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

I grinned, reclining back against my pink feather pillows, twiddling my thumbs. I had started packing weeks ago. Helping my best friends was the plan for me today.

After mom got the news, she loaded my boxes into her truck. I swear, even with my enhanced speed, my mom was still faster than me.

On Sundays, an hour before she left for work, she surprised me with the classic homemade breakfast.

Even though I was all grown up (well, forever frozen at 17), she still did this. And I played along, even though I could smell and hear everything.

French toast drizzled with dark chocolate, topped with fresh raspberries.

It wasn't like Caf de Soleil, the fanciest restaurant in town. But there was a difference in taste. Maybe Mom's was better because she put her heart and soul into it.

Flexing my fingers in the rays of the sun, my blue heart-shaped gemstone glinted, reminding me that if it hadn't been for Bonnie...I would be lurking in the shadows... College would have become a distant dream. ..

Flashback; Last Year

"Are you alright?"

I looked up, startled to see Elena's crush. The boy with his head down all the time and deep forest green eyes.

"Stefan?"

Grabbing onto my throat, I winced. It was so dry. Bonnie's blood from the week before wasn't going to last me much longer. I had hidden in the janitor's closet on edge.

I was slowly going crazy sitting in the classroom in a room full of beating hearts and blood-filled veins.

"You're starving, aren't you?"

I flattened against the wall shelf crowded wall, not knowing what to say to his question. I had only been a week into this, but I knew I needed to be careful. Of course, I was asked out before, but I felt invisible next to Elena like I wasn't even real.

"Don't be afraid." He raised his hands, speaking in a quiet, gentle tone.

I crossed my arms over my chest, narrowing my eyes, "I'm not afraid." Stefan turned his palm around, and seeing the ring on his finger, I gasped.

He had the same kind of stone that was in my ring in his!

My brain slowly pieced together what this meant...he was like me...

"Caroline, I can help you, but you have to trust me."

He held out his hand...and I took it

We spent the entire afternoon together. Stefan was nice enough to show me the ins and outs.

We ended the evening by walking in Athasor Park.

My thirst was finally satiated thanks to some thrown-out hospital blood bags, and my heart beat with excitement as we walked side by side talking.

End Of Flashback

I felt a pang in my chest, looking back at the memory. I thought we had shared a moment, walking off the trail into a private grove of trees.

He had shaken his head, slightly smiling. And when I asked him, he said nothing.

That night Elena's house burned down. Stefan left town the following day without so much of a goodbye. Four months later, Jeremy ran out of town. Shortly after his big and very public fight with Elena at the hospital over his drug problems and Vicki.

He had hurt my friend and me and I couldn't figure out why.

Was it something I or Elena, said?

I put a pillow over my face, resisting the urge to scream into it.

Why was I so focused on the past when I should be focusing on the future?

My heart rate picked up, and my breathing became shallower. I was losing my grip.

If I screwed up or that warlock was free to rise, my friends could be dead.

That in itself was a lot of pressure on me.

What if I couldn't trust Lexi?

I didn't know her, for all I know this could be one big fat lie.

What if the bad guy is the good guy...

What exactly was the point of college if we might not be around for it?

"Breathe, Caroline. Just focus on breathing and figure the rest out later."

My therapist's words echoed, and I slowly exhaled. Having a panic attack wasn't going to help me or my friends.

"I think it's time you see Mr. Dillan again. That's the fifth morning I've seen you like this."

Sitting up, I groaned, not expecting her to sneak up on me.

"I thought I was doing good." She moved the hair that was on my face with her free hand, a relaxed expression on her face.

"Sweetheart, you are, but there's nothing wrong with going back if you need to."

I nodded, crossing my legs on top of one another as she sat on the bed and handed me my favorite bowl with my favorite inside it.

"Tomorrow, I'll call and set up an appointment."

She smiled at me in a way that brought out the crinkles in her eyes. I smiled back, feeling much better and not so alone that my mom was here.

In an instant, I wished to tell her everything Lexi had said. She had good instincts, better than mine.

Quietly, I cut into the french toast with my fork.

As I took the first bite, I noticed she was staring at me. I laughed, carefully chewing it up.

"What, is there something on my face?"

My mom laughed, "well, a little chocolate," she wiped it off. "But that wasn't why I was looking at you."

I stuck a raspberry in my mouth, closing my eyes at the tart burst of flavor. The chocolate balanced everything out.

...Perfect...

"You've grown up too fast."

Her smile was as bright as ever, but her eyes looked a little sad for my liking.

"You always used to talk about me being more mature, and now that I am - -" "I don't want you to be."

I gave her an ironic smile, and she laughed. I noticed she hadn't touched her plate of food.

· · · ·

The shower I wanted to take proved to be a bust. I stood in the path of freezing falling water for twenty minutes before I gave up.

Hair and body wrapped in towels I somehow made it downstairs, to put the decorated sticky note on the fridge.

I drug my feet upstairs, it seemed like nothing was going my way today.

When I reached my closet all the frustration melted away. I shook my hair out of the towel, drying it speedily, before braiding it back.

Here things were simple, unlike my complicated life. There was spandex, denim, cotton, and a few soft silks. Moving my hands through the splashes of colors I sifted through the hangers knowing exactly what I wanted.

According to Kasey, who had been over before, the apartment's closets weren't enough for my wardrobe so I'd have to leave some of it here. But I managed to pack my favorites.

...I hope everyone gets along... And if we don't...

My thoughts halted, that was unthinkable.

Biting my lip, I stretched, pulling out a sundress covered in tiny flower designs I had purchased at a flea market.

I pulled it on quickly, lacing up the sandals I had left on the floor the other night. I still had to pick up Bon.

Glancing down at my watch I saw that it was already 10:00.

"Where the heck did the time go..."

· · · ·

Bonnie opened the door even before I could knock and my jaw dropped. "Oh my God! Is that real?"

She was wearing a skirt. She hasn't worn one of those since kindergarten ended!

Chuckling lightly, she nods. "Yes, Care, this skirt is real."

"Why are you wearing it? I mean it looks great on you! Why don't you wear it more often?"

The wind blew, ruffling her dark hair as she gave me a sheepish look. "There hasn't been an opportunity and I'm slowly trying to come out of my comfort zone."

I jumped up, "Does that mean you're going to set me free."

She nodded, and I sped up to her, kissing both of her cheeks, and hugging her tightly. "Your the best Bennett I know."

Bonnie snorted, "I'm the only one, Care."

· · · ·

"Are you sure there aren't any boxes?" Asked a bright-eyed, caffeine-pumped, Jenna.

Tom luckily swooped in, holding an array of books in his hand that looked like Elena's.

He had worked up a sweat but looked less frantic than his wife.

"Honey, when she says no boxes...that means no boxes."

Jenna laughed, slapping her hands on her knees, "Right, sorry, hun. I've had way too much coffee this morning."

As always my friend acted graciously, "It's fine Jenna. Coffee is what keeps people like you and me running."

Jenna grinned, "Exactly!"

Tom laughed, and Jenna bent down and kissed him before he was out the door.

Concentrating I could hear something scratching across a surface...a pen and paper... Elena wasn't down here so she must be...

"Aunt Jenna!" Elena's voice echoed and the jittery woman lept into action, jogging up the stairs.

Bonnie stared after her, "I wanna know what they put in their coffee."

"Me too."

· ~ε ïз~ · Elena Pov

· ~ε ïз~ ·

Brainstorm by the Artic Monkeys erupted through my earbuds. I had begun listening to the band a little while after my brother departed.

They were his favorite.

At first, I hated them.

Some songs were too mellow and put me in a somber mood. As I listened to each of the tracks dozens of times, I eventually picked my favorites.

My pen scratched out the last line of my practice apology.

I shouldn't have snapped.

I̶t̶ wa̶s̶ ̶ w̶ r̶ o̶ n̶ g̶ ̶ of̶ ̶ ̶me

̶ Its yo u̶ r̶ ̶ c̶ h̶ o̶ i̶ c̶ e̶ .

I've been a bad friend and I promise to try and be better.

Jenna told me it would be a bad idea to give Bon an apology letter rather than do it face to face.

Tom agreed as well but said to write down what I wanted to say because every time I thought about apologizing, my mind went blank.

It's not that I didn't want to... Because I did, it was just difficult because I was afraid that she wouldn't forgive me.

That she would leave...just like Jeremy...

I looped my fingers around the brightly colored wires and pulled them out of my ear, wincing at the upcoming headache.

Too many songs on repeat...

I yelled for my aunt, massaging my temples. I could hear her make her way upstairs. I hoped that we hadn't run out of Asprin.

She opened the door, "Hun, what is it?"

"I have a headache. Do you happen to have an Asprin on you?"

Jenna smiled, "Of course. Let me go get you some water."

She came back in under three minutes, rocking back on her heels.

I thanked her for the pill and water, and she just winked. In some ways, my only aunt was more fun than my parents.

They were always solemn. We rarely laughed together as a family.

Put salt on the windowsills again, Elena. Jeremy, don't mess with parsley.

No going out after dark, you could be snatched!

"By the way, Bonnie and Caroline are here. I think you should apologize now...after you clean up..."

She laughed at my disgruntled look and resumed.

"College is new and bursting full of opportunities. Not just for careers but for the three of you to grow closer together. Whitmore's cheer program is awesome! Even back then, when I went... The point, Elena, is you don't want to bring anything extra to weigh you down."

Nodding, I swallowed the pill. "I know it sucks to be the one apologizing, but it honestly feels better once you get it over with."

I sighed, and she kissed the top of my head. "Thank you, Aunt Jenna."

· · · ·

The quick shower I took was uneventful except for the water being freezing but I brushed it off since it occasionally happened when more than one person took a shower in the same morning.

For the move, I had taken a few throw blankets and pillows, some clothes, but mostly books.

I didn't know what I was going to wear today, something appropriate enough for giving an apology and the college campus??

After doing some searching I discovered, a simple white tie-shoulder top. I paired it with shorts and some chucks.

I took my apple red tote bag and touched my tiny gold heart locket before going down the stairs. It had been my mother's.

Jenna always said that my heart was just as big as hers but I wasn't sure if I believed that.

There were times when I had been selfish and self-centered. I don't remember a time when my mom had ever been like that. She had been a giver...I think I was a taker...

"Hey, you guys!"

Caroline gave me a friendly smile, while Bonnie waved weekly.

...It was now or never... We need a fresh start...

· · · ·

One thing I would miss is this backyard.

A tree leaned over on its side, its leafy foliage acting as a canopy. Tom had built a bench from the ground up for Jenna and me and painted it blue. He was planning on making a garden but not until next spring.

I gestured for Bonnie to sit down, I rubbed my hands down my legs trying to stop them from shaking.

"Hi." I offered up and as soon as I did I wanted to slap myself.

That's what you could come up with genius?

"Hello." She laughed a little before looking down, nudging a grasshopper with her slides.

...You were wrong, Elena, now, make it right...

"Bonnie, I-I brought you here to apologize."

I swallowed thickly when she looked up at me in surprise, her eyebrows rose over her sage green eyes.

"Last Wednesday, I called you selfish. It was wrong of me to try and change your mind because at the end of the day it's your decision if you want to go stay with your dad or not. I only want what's best for you and Care... I'd honestly lose my mind without the two of you...but I have to set boundaries and remind myself that you two are your own people. I have no place in governing your choices. So, I'm sorry for doing that...and for hurting you."

She looked as if a weight had been removed from her shoulders, I know one had been thrown off mine.

I relaxed when her glossy lips morphed into a small smile. "Thank you, Elena, you have no idea how much I needed to hear that. I didn't appreciate you calling me selfish but I...I accept your apology.. . This past year has been anything but easy for you..."

She continued as I joined her on the bench, now feeling comfortable in doing so. "And I haven't been talking to you guys as much because I see myself as a bother but friends tell. From now on, let's not keep things from each other and be honest."

I nod, "Yes."

Part of me wondered when I was going to tell them about the five times Stefan had visited me. Now was not it though...

"Jenna said that Whitmore is a fresh start. I think we should treat it that way. Also if someone else feels differently they should not take it out on the other person. There should be a calm conversation with a happy ending."

My therapist suggested the latter, so I thought I would too.

Bonnie nods in agreeance, I saw that her eyes were rimmed with tears.

I frowned, not wanting my friend to cry.

"Can we hug?" She quietly asked.

Laughing, I choked up a little as we hugged. As always she smelled like cinnamon and black pepper which calmed me.

Jenna was right, I did feel a lot better.

· · · ·

"This is it kiddos! You got in!"

We all screamed and ran to hug Tom who was nearly knocked over. Jenna remained in the background, snapping some pictures before kissing all of us on the cheeks.

"How does it feel, ladies?"

"Incredible."

We all yelled in unison, this didn't seem real... If my hands were free I'd pinch myself, later I'd ask Caroline too.

· · · ·

We all had different plans.

Jenna and Tom went to go pick up Dewey (Bonnie's cat), plus a few boxes. Caroline had left to get some Subway to surprise her roommate.

The only thing I knew about Kasey was that she was an eco nerd and happened to be a vegetarian.

Which was interesting because I had never met one before.

My job was to find her while Bonnie's was to set up the stuff in our apartment.

The campus was nothing like Mystic Fall's High School. It was much louder, more vibrant.

A grassy plot of land crisscrossed with paved sidewalks belted by structures of all sizes. Professors didn't screech and squawk at the younger people around them. In fact, they looked to be having just as much fun as their students.

The clock tower stood above them all, intrigued my feet wanted to move toward it but I paused.

There would be time to explore later, right now I needed to find Care's pen pal. Maybe try the library?

· · · ·

It was spacious with windows that lined the building. Once I detected dust in the air, my brain went to all the classics the oak shelves possibly held...

I shook my head, finding Kasey is the priority.

"Oh, hi, I uh didn't see you there."

Whipping around, startled, I saw a boy around my age. He was tall and wore a nice smile that went well with his sunny t-shirt and blue flannel. His eyes were blue and stood out against his dark hair.

"Hey, I'm Elena."

He offered out his hand, and I took it, beaming. "Noah," he replied, a blush creeping up to his cheeks.

"What brings you here?" He asked, cutely tapping his foot.

I cleared my throat, trying to clear the fog in my brain.

"Actually, I'm looking for Kasey King. My friend's pen pals with her and we have an arrangement -

-"

Noah held out his hand, cutting me off, "We're friends, I'll uh help you find her."

Before I could speak, his breath sputtered out and he scratched behind his head. "I mean if you want. I'm sure there's some other gu- person to ask."

He dropped my gaze and I stood there in silence. Admiring his sweetness.

"I'd rather stick with you, Noah."

ʚɞ : ʚɞ : ʚɞ

Languages

Gaelic: Flute (a silly person); Snake (sneaky person); Ride (good-looking person); Gobshite (If someone gets on your nerves); Aye (yes); Gammy (useless); Mhaimeo (Gran/Granny); Puck (to hit with a closed fist)

A/N: Oh my goodness, that took longer than expected!! I didn't get everything I wanted in there but I think I'll just put it in the next chapter, that one should be out in a week or two. I have more finals coming up so I apologize for the delay :P Sorry if there are any errors I did not detect, I just really wanted to get this published... Trying to stay more consistent :) Hope you enjoyed it as much I as enjoyed writing it! Please review!!