A/N: Thank you to everyone who favorited/followed my story so far! I have the next two chapters written, I just need to proofread/edit. They should be up in the next couple days. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: As always, I only own the OC (and her parents).

You're Undead to Me/Lost Girls

Two days later, I wake up feeling like I was run over by a train and thrown off a roller coaster. The post-exercise aches have set in. "Ughhh," I groaned and rolled off the bed. "Ouch," I moaned. "Why does the world hate me so much? Too much dancing. Too much physical activity," I shudder.

I make my way down to the kitchen and brew some coffee. Usually, I would make some earl grey or black tea, but this morning calls for coffee. Once the machine is done, I pour a 24 oz mega mug and slowly sip it down. Last night was great. I haven't had that much fun since… ever. I can't believe Stefan let me rope him into a public musical number. Nobody except Jeremy has ever gone along with my mayhem.

I hear my phone buzz and look down to see a message from Elena. I smile, glad that at least she isn't ignoring me.

Have you heard from Stefan? She asks.

Nope. Is everything okay? I reply, a bit worried. Maybe the limelight was too much for him. I should have known. There's no way Stefan could handle being one of the town's sweethearts like I can. He's much too shy.

I don't know. I haven't heard from him since the party, and he left some vague message about having to do something.

That's odd, I reply, not sure what else to say. I'm not close enough to either of them yet to be able to identify the reasons behind their behaviors.

Yeah, sorry to bother you about it. Did you maybe want to hang out at the Grill later? Jeremy will be there. He said he's been wanting to talk to you.

Ha. Yeah, right. Jeremy has my phone number, but he hasn't texted or called me once. If he really wanted to talk to me, he would have tried a little harder. I suppose I'll indulge her, though. It's not like I have much else to do. Besides, maybe I can charm a free meal out of one of them.

Sure, just give me the time and I'll be there, I send.

Great! Meet us at 3 pm.

At exactly 2:59 pm, I stood in front of the doors to the Mystic Grill. Aaaannnddddd… 3 PM! I fling open the doors and step inside, craning my head to find Elena and Jeremy. I spot them over in a corner booth, looking deep in discussion over a plate of fries. It looks like Elena is scolding Jeremy about something.

Well, that won't do. I better go interrupt.

"Helloo, my adoring fans," I say, twirling up to their table.

"Hey, Lacey," Elena responded. "Thanks for coming."

Elena is so nice and caring. I don't know why I never really acknowledged her existence when Jeremy and I were friends. Oh no, I just used past tense. How did things get to this point? When did the world get so bleak?

"Yeah, thank you for coming," Jeremy chimed in, pulling me out of the rabbit hole I started falling into. "I really want to apologize for how I treated you…"

I tilt my head to the side, staring at him and making him trail off. "Jeremy," I begin. "You really hurt me, and you haven't made any effort to talk to me or make things right. You didn't want to be my friend back then, and you don't want to be my friend now."

"That's not true, Lace."

"I'm just gonna give you two some privacy," Elena says, walking to the pool tables where Matt and Tyler are playing a game. I gaze over at them for a while, unwilling to meet Jeremy's eyes.

"Lace, I said a lot of things that weren't true at all, you know that right?" He asks trying to get my attention. "And then I've been practically ignoring you ever since. I don't expect you to forgive me, but I really hope you do. I want to get back what we had. I miss my best friend." He gives a hesitant smile.

I look up. "How can you want that when it took Elena asking to meet up with me for you to even say this?" I ask. "You didn't even take the initiative to talk to me on your own. And you're still hanging out with Vicki. You're still hanging out in graveyards doing drugs. You aren't my best friend anymore. I don't know who you are."

Jeremy looks down at the table and picks up a fry, twirling it around his fingers. He frowns and furrows his brows as the seconds tick by. This is getting awkward, but I refuse to break first. I pick up a handful of fries and shove them all in my mouth at once to distract myself. Oh no. This was a bad idea. One of them has gone down the wrong pipe. Can't breathe.

"Lacey, are you okay?"

Does it look like I'm okay, genius?

I start coughing and the fries that haven't made it down yet all fly out of my mouth. I stand up and try to hit my own back. Cough. So, this is how it ends. Death by French fry. I should have known. There's a reason why I have a potato fear. My eyes start to water. I'm about to throw myself on the floor and just die already when I feel someone hit me sharply between my shoulder blades. The fry lodged in my throat finally goes down and I take in a deep breath.

I turn around to see Jeremy standing there looking concerned. "Jer, you saved my life," I sob. "I was one second from dying. My life flashed before my eyes."

"Aw, you know I would never let you die," he says. "Not before you forgive me."

I figure I at least owe him a second chance now that I've got a second chance at life. Whoa. It's true what they say. Near-death experiences do give you a squeaky-clean outlook on life. "I'll forgive you, Jer. But don't ditch me again. And I'm not going to hang around Vicki or do drugs, so don't expect me to. Leave me out of it."

"Of course. Honestly, I'm starting to get tired of Vicki. She always wants to get high and never just hang out. And you're so much more entertaining anyway," he adds.

"Mmhmm. Some people need drugs to have as much fun as I just naturally do. Don't worry. I will wow you with my fun-ness once again and remind you what you've been missing out on for 4 months."

Jeremy smirks. "I'm sure you will."

Seeing that we aren't looking serious anymore, Elena comes back over and asks if we've finally made up. I make sure to point out that it was her brother who was causing all the problems as I've been an angel this whole time.

While eating our meals, Bonnie and Caroline show up to join us. Somehow, I end up getting recruited for a "sexy suds car wash" that the football team is holding, even though I am neither a cheerleader, football player, nor a general school spirit supporter. I am the type of person to actively cheer for the enemy team. But Caroline is a formidable force. The good news is I was able to convince Jeremy to join in the torture, so I won't suffer alone.

XX

At the car wash, Jeremy and I pair up to wash cars. I'm wearing an oversized t-shirt over my bathing suit because there's just no way I'm washing cars in a bikini. I didn't even want to be here in the first place. Caroline can go dive into a pit of snakes. She'll fit right in.

"Lacey!" A shrill voice shrieks.

"Oh no, Jer. Here comes Satan. Quick! Hide me!" I yell, using Jeremy as a body shield.

"Hey, what did I do to deserve to take the hit?" Jeremy protests.

"Really?" I ask. "Do you really have to ask that? You still owe me if you wanna be called my bestie again. You're still in time out. You've got to save my life at least two times to earn that title back."

"Fine," he sighs.

"LACEY! The event is called sexy suds, you know. Take the shirt off. Stop hiding."

"You know, I don't think I will, Caroline," I sassed.

"God, what is with everyone today," she snaps. "First Elena, now you. Suck it up, the event is already half over. I will stand here until you take off the shirt."

I glare at her and bring my fingers up to my temples.

"What are you doing?" Jeremy asks.

"I'm blowing up her brain, is it working?"

"No, it's not working! Hurry up. I'm waiting," Caroline retorts.

"Fine," I concede. "But mark my words, this is the last time I get talked into attending any event organized by you. Or into helping you at all. With anything." I take off the shirt and cross my arms uncomfortably over my flat chest. "Are you happy now, Carolyn?"

"Ecstatic," she says, already walking away.

Karma is totally getting that girl if I don't get her first.

"Lace."

Time to add a Caroline section to my revenge book.

"Lace."

I can't believe I don't already have a section for her. I've already thought of like 50 schemes.

"Laceyyy."

I think I'll start with replacing her conditioner with blue hair dye. She would be so mad. Oh, that's perfect. My thoughts are interrupted by a smack to the back of my head. Reflexively, I jerk my elbow back to defend myself from my attacker.

"Oof," Jeremy groans, holding his side.

"Oh! Jer! I'm sorry. Woo, I forgot where I was for a second there. Thought the mafia had finally come for me."

"But don't you want to be a mafia grandma?" He mocks.

"Oh, I do," I say. "But everyone knows I'd have to prove my worth before they let me in and offer me protection in my frail, old age."

"That doesn't really make sense, though," he argues. "If you can defend yourself then you wouldn't need protection."

I hate when he uses logic. "Shut it, Gilbert! Nobody needs that kind of negativity in their life!"

He lets out a short laugh, rolling his eyes. "I missed you."

"Of course you did," I drawl. "I'm amazing."

After the car wash, we head back to my house where I have generously offered to supply Jeremy with dinner.

"Honeys! I'm home! And I've brought a guest."

Mom pokes her head into the room, looking surprised to see Jeremy. Seconds later, Dad's head appears above hers.

"Hey, Mrs. Galileo, Mr. Galileo"

"Jeremy! You know it's Tony and Meiling to you. It's been months. How are you doing?" Mom asks.

"It's been a rough few months, but I'm doing better now."

"I'm glad to hear it, honey."

"Is it okay if Jeremy stays for dinner, Mom?" I ask.

"Of course," she says and turns to give Jeremy a welcoming hug.

Dad awkwardly pats his shoulder. "You're welcome here any time. Don't forget that. You may have lost one set of parents, but you've always been a son to us. We're always here for you. Whatever you need." Mom nods in agreement.

Jeremy looks a little choked up and I'm starting to feel uncomfortable with all the emotion, so I do what I do best and save the sad situation with a perfectly timed song.

"I'll be there for youuu. Dododododododododo," I sing. "Group hug. Let's hug it out and then eat some food. Jeremy and I are famished from washing cars all day."

The rest of the evening is spent laughing over dinner and playing Pictionary (which we totally beat my parents at, no matter what they say) until Jeremy has to go home.

XX

"Aawaaahhyaahhh," I yawn and cover my eyes from the sun streaming in my window. Ew. What an ugly day. I prefer clouds and fog to sunshine and rainbows. There isn't enough room in the universe for two supernovas, after all. And I'm bright enough to light up two whole galaxies.

I wonder if I can make it all the way to the kitchen without opening my eyes. I'll make that my new mission. I keep my eyes closed and arms out as I make my way through my room to the hallway. Step one, complete. Uhm. Was it left or right to the stairs? I've forgotten what the layout of my house is. No! I can't open my eyes. I can't be defeated by myself! Let's try left.

"GAH! Okay, that's a wall. Other way, other way…"

Thud. Ahh! Thud. Ouch! Thud. That's going to bruise.

I give up and open my eyes after falling down the stairs. "Hello," I call out while rubbing my blackening elbow. "Is anybody there? I've fallen and I can't get up!"

There's no response, so I guess I'm home alone. I haul myself upright. Oh. My back. I'm pretty sure I'm paralyzed now. I limp my way to the kitchen and sit at the counter as the kettle boils. Pulling out my phone, I decide to text Jeremy. Maybe we can hang out again today.

Jer-bear! Buddy! Just thought I'd let you know I fell down the stairs and broke both my legs, an arm, and at least two toes.

I don't believe you.

But it's the truth! I could have DIED!

You should probably see someone about that pathological lying.

Ugh, fine. You're no fun. But I really did fall down the stairs.

You'll live.

Can I come over and hang out today? Right now?

Sure. I'll make those Star Wars waffles you like.

YES! I'll sprint the whole way there!

I made it to the Gilbert's house in record time. There's nothing that motivates me quite like Star Wars waffles. Except for chocolate. And fruit loops. Also, Cheetos. But that's beside the point. I check the front door and find it unlocked, so I quietly let myself in. Maybe I can sneak up on Jeremy.

I turn around to close the door as silently as possible.

"Boo," I hear whispered in my ear, causing me to jerk in surprise, knock my head against the door, and fall to the ground. I whip my head up to see Jeremy laughing his head off and pointing. "Oh my God, I should have recorded that!"

He offers me a hand to help me up, which I begrudgingly take before raising my fist and shaking it in his face. "Those are fighting words. How did you even know I was here? The door didn't even squeak," I whine.

"The door didn't squeak, but I could hear you breathing from a mile away, Lace. You're wheezing louder than a jet engine, geez. It's only a few blocks from your house."

"Hey! Look at me. I'm like a twig. I probably don't even have any lungs in here, and if I do, they've gotta be the flimsiest pair in existence. Physical activity just doesn't agree with me." I rest my hands on my knees, trying to slow my breathing. "You better have my waffles or you will be going down," I threaten.

"Easy there, I'm finishing them up now."

I follow Jeremy to the kitchen to see a stack of Death Star-printed waffles on a plate next to a glass of apple juice. I smile to myself, happy that he remembered my favorite juice after all this time. I sprinkle a mountain of powdered sugar over them and drizzle a smidge of maple syrup on them before digging in.

"Mmmmm, thank you, Jer," I mumble through my full mouth. "Here try some," I offer him a bite.

While Jeremy finishes up cooking the last waffle, I chow down on mine and do the crossword puzzle from the newspaper. Ah, bliss. All is right in the world. I could get used to this.

RING

"Oh my GOD. We're under attack, Jer! The aliens are coming," I cry. "Take cover! I'll protect you." I try to shove Jeremy to the ground behind the island, but he smacks my hand away, laughing.

"It's just the door, loser," he says.

"Oh. False alarm!" I sit back down and resume scarfing down my waffles when Jeremy goes to open the door. I'm singing to myself when Vicki comes barreling into the kitchen on a mission to… steal my waffles? "HEY. Those are mine, get your paws off them," I scold, snatching my plate back. My good mood is officially ruined. "Seriously, what's wrong with you? Were you raised by wolves?"

She makes a weird growly sound and grabs me by my neck, choking me.

Okay, this girl is officially wacko. Maybe she really was raised by wolves. I try to reach up and remove her hands, but my vision starts filling with black spots. I think I hear Jeremy coming towards me and yelling at Vicki to let me go, but she just shoves him away. I try kicking her, but she doesn't budge. Wow, this chick is super strong. Or maybe I'm just super weak.

Suddenly, her hand is knocked away and I can breathe again. I drop to my knees, clutching my throat and breathing in shakily. Jeremy is beside me, rubbing my back and asking if I'm okay. I nod absently and look up to see Stefan holding Vicki away.

"Ste-fan," I croak out. "My… man!" I pump my fist into the air before my vision goes black and the world fades away.

I wake up in Elena's bed, both her and Jeremy staring at me with worry. "Hey," I whisper. "What," I clear my throat. "What happened?"

Elena glances at Jeremy. "What do you remember?" she asks.

"I was eating waffles and then… Vicki came, and she tried to steal them. I snapped at her because who does that, and then she… tried to kill me?" I looked at them, confused. "Did that actually happen? Did Vicki really try to kill me? What did I ever do to her? She's the one who tried to steal my waffles. If anything, I should have tried to murder her!"

"She must have been tripping really bad or something, Lace, I don't know. But I won't be hanging out with her anymore. We're done for good. You won't have to worry about seeing her around, I promise," Jeremy says.

"Where did Stefan go?" I ask. "I remember he was the one who got Vicki to let go of me. She is freaky strong, by the way. Oh! Jeremy, are you okay? She totally pushed you to the ground."

"I'm fine. Stefan went to find her after she ran off. Matt showed up to try and calm her down. It seemed to be working until she took off when he tried to take her home."

"We thought about taking you to the hospital," Elena adds. "But we didn't know if your parents would freak out or if you would want them to know."

"Ooh, yeah. Good call," I wince. "Best not to let the 'rents know someone attempted to take my life. They'd keep me inside for the rest of my life. Or press charges and make me go to a bunch of court hearings. Not to mention, you two and Stefan and Matt would definitely also get dragged into it. And one step in the courts and I'd start confessing to crimes I didn't even commit. I'm okay now, that's all that matters."

"I'm really glad you're okay," Elena says. "I'm going downstairs to wait for Stefan, but if you need anything just let me know."

"Thanks, Elena," I smile weakly and watch her leave the room. Turning back to Jeremy, I find him offering a cup of tea.

"It's lemon with honey. I thought your throat might be sore," he explains.

"Thank you." I take a sip. "I'm sorry. I know Vicki is important to you, but" I begin.

"Was," Jeremy interrupts. "She was important to me. I can't even look at her after what she did. You're my best friend. I could never like someone who hurt you." He grasps my free hand in his and rubs his thumb across the back of it.

"Back at you, bestie," I say. "But I should get home now," I add.

"I'll give you a piggyback ride," he declares, standing up. "That always cheers you up. Climb on."