I would have preferred to be anywhere else on earth but here, listening to Mr. Tanner ego trip all over this history lesson. It was painful enough watching his eyes dart around the classroom, looking for the first student he'd torture, but to also have to listen to this extremely boring lesson?

"The Battle of Willow Creek took place right at the end of the war in our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted from this battle? Ms. Bennett?" It was like he took pleasure in watching his students squirm. Gross.

Bonnie looked up from her doodling, "Um… like a lot? A whole lot?"

He grinned with tight lips before retorting, "Cute becomes dumb in an instant, Ms. Bennett. Donovan? Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome your dumb jock stereotype?"

Matt shook his head and laughed, "It's okay, Mr. Tanner. I'm cool with it."

The class started snickering and you could see the frustration and irritation written all over Tanner's face. His lips seemed to stretch even thinner before he settled his sights on Elena.

"Hmm. Elena? Surely you can enlighten us about one of the town's most significant historical events?"

Elena sunk into her seat - she absolutely hated being put on the spot. She quietly let out, "I'm sorry, I-I don't know."

Reaching a boiling point, Mr. Tanner's eyes started looking crazed before he stared Elena down in triumphant rage. "I was willing to be lenient last year for obvious reasons, Elena. But the personal excuses should have stopped with summer break."

Are you kidding me? There was no way he just said that to my sister after the hell we had been put through. Taking a deep, unsteady breath, I opened my mouth to interrupt, "Mr-".

Just as I spoke up, Stefan interjected, "There were 346 casualties. Unless you're counting local civilians."

Feeling my blood pumping in my temples, I realized I probably needed to thank Stefan later, as without his interruption I would have likely ended up in detention. It was becoming clear he was a positive influence in not only Elena's life, but mine as well.

Stunned, Mr. Tanner slowly turned to narrow his eyes on Stefan. "That's correct, Mr..?"

"Salvatore."

"Salvatore, ah. Any relation to the original settlers here in Mystic Falls?"

Original settlers…? Did that mean Stefan was also related to the founding fathers, as Elena and I were?

Stefan hesitated for a second, before responding, "Distantly."

At this point, the entire classroom was paying rapt attention, and we could all tell from the smug expression on Mr. Tanner's face that he was about to gloat and rub it in, hard.

"Well, very good Mr. Salvatore... Except of course, there weren't any civilian casualties in this battle."

I rolled my eyes, wanting this ridiculous display of pompous behavior to end before Stefan didn't miss a beat, replying with confidence, "Actually, there were 27 sir. Confederate soldiers - they fired on the church, believing it was storing weapons. They were wrong. It was a night of great loss. The founders' archives are, uh, stored in civil hall if you'd like to brush up on your facts, Mr. Tanner."

For a few tense seconds, it felt like everyone had stopped breathing. Suddenly, the bell rang to signal that class had ended, and in a split second, a cacophony of voices erupted as everyone began talking over each other at what had just occurred, a couple of people nudging Stefan on their way out in a show of respect. Mr. Tanner refused to look up, furiously collecting the papers on his desk before he turned to leave.

Stefan had just become the class hero.

–

After classes ended, Elena hopped into my crimson Mustang to head home so that we could get ready for the bonfire. Sitting in a comfortable silence, my thoughts circled back to our history lesson, and how uncomfortable Elena must have felt.

I reached over to squeeze her hand, asking, "Are you okay? What Mr. Tanner said today was beyond messed up. I hope you know that too and realize it was just more of his asshole personality coming out."

She clutched my hand back and turned to me to smile, "Thanks, Rae. It helps knowing I wasn't overreacting. I'm just thankful Stefan made him look stupid for once."

–

As soon as we got home, I grabbed an apple from the kitchen counter, taking a large bite as I hopped up the stairs to my room. Feeling the refreshing, tart taste fill my senses, I threw my bag onto the sitting couch by my window before I looked into the full-length mirror propped up next to it, letting out a dramatic sigh as I stared at my own face, my mouth continuing to chew pensively.

The bonfire tonight would be the first time I would be attending a party since the accident. It felt like a big step to take… but one I felt ready for.

Mentally debating if I should decide on my outfit or write in my journal, a quick glance at the clock told me I had just enough time to memorialize my thoughts, so journal it was.

Settling onto the couch, I took another juicy bite out of my apple before tucking my knees to my chest, gazing out my window at the rapidly setting sun before I picked up my pen.

Dear Diary,

I've been feeling much better since the last time I wrote. It's crazy how quickly my mood can change like the seasons. Elena has been so happy lately, ever since she met Stefan at least. Honestly… same for me. It's only been two days, which I know seems quick to make a judgment, but it's so obvious that Elena finally has something to look forward to every day. He seems good for her because she's starting to glow again, and I swear it's rubbing off on everyone around her… except for Jeremy, who still seems to be spiraling. He's been so distracted lately… He's doing bad in school, avoiding us and even his own friends. I think I heard he's seeing some girl? I wish he wasn't so impossible to talk to lately. Oh, also I've started running again! It felt so good to go for a jog and get some fresh air. It was crazy how natural it was, and I felt amazing afterward. I'm even thinking about signing up for those boxing lessons Dad always told me to try. It may be too soon to tell, but I feel like the numbness is starting to fade away, inch by inch. I see glimpses of me again in the mirror… the me I used to be when Mom and Dad were still here… God. I miss them more and more each day, but I somehow feel closer to them now than I have in the last four months. I love you Mom and Dad… I hope you never forget that.

Snapping my journal shut, I looked outside to see that the sun was almost finished setting, its orange glow barely peeking over the horizon. Crap. The bonfire.

I swung my legs off the couch and immediately began rummaging through my closet. I quickly threw on a pair of black leggings and a dark, ruby oversized sweater before I sat in front of my vanity. Pulling my long, wavy hair into my classic, 'messy' bun, I teased some loose strands out to frame my face, before drawing on my usual dark winged liner with some mascara.

Feeling content with my reflection, I heard Elena cry out, "Rhea! Bonnie's here!"

Grabbing my purse, I rushed out of my room shouting back, "Coming!"

–

The warm glow of the bonfire danced across our faces as we stood with our respective drinks in hand. I was swigging a Corona Lite, the condensation dampening my hand as Elena sipped water out of a solo cup - she was our designated driver for the night.

"You know you like him Elena, just admit it," I giggled as I felt the familiar drunken haze start to creep through my chest. It felt great to relax again like this with my girls. It had been so long.

"You think he's cute, we all know it." Bonnie chimed in as she took another gulp from her bottle, the fire glistening in her eyes as she winked at me.

"Okay, so maybe he is pretty cute…" Elena admitted as Bonnie and I nudged her in the side, knowing smiles adorning our faces.

Bonnie clutched her chest in an exaggerated gesture as she swooned, "He has a stare you only see in romance novels. 'Stefan looked deep into her eyes, piercing her very soul'!"

Elena slapped her on the shoulder as our laughter rang out into the crisp, night air.

Looking around, I asked, "So where is he then? Bonnie you're the psychic one, let's see it."

In response, Bonnie began to furrow her brows and closed her eyes, pretending to get in the zone, before Elena saw an empty beer bottle on the ground. Picking it up, she exclaimed, "Wait, you need a crystal ball!"

Opening her eyes, Bonnie decided to play along, reaching out for it. Her hands brushed over Elena's when she suddenly froze, her eyes staring into the distance before she abruptly pulled her hand back as if she had been burned.

Elena and I both exchanged a concerned look before Elena turned back to Bonnie, "What is it?"

"That was weird. When I touched you… I saw a crow." Bonnie said, the playful tone in her voice completely gone.

At this point, Elena seemed utterly stunned as she asked, "A what?"

"A crow. There was a fog, a man... I must be drunk. It's the beer. There's nothing psychic about me. Yeah? Ok, I'm gonna go get another bottle."

Bonnie immediately made her way to the cooler, leaving Elena in shocked silence, me in confusion. Just at that moment, Stefan walked up behind us, startling us as he joined in, "Hi".

We both jumped and laughed in relief once we saw who it was. "Hi," we responded in unison.

I pat Stefan on the arm and made to turn around before saying, "I'll give you two some privacy."

Sending Elena a knowing smile, I walked away before they could respond. I decided to sit on the hood of my car and people watch, taking another swig from my Corona. Observing people was one of my favorite hobbies. I watched lazily as I saw various conversations going on, a positive buzz in the air as the fire continued to crackle in the background.

Getting lost in thought, some time passed when I noticed Elena angrily chasing after Jeremy into the forest. Again? Could these two ever get along? Frowning, I wondered if I should go look for them when suddenly, I heard a scream.

Without hesitation, I immediately hopped off the hood of my car and ran in the direction Elena and Jeremy went. I could feel various branches swipe at my cheeks as I sprinted through the trees, feeling a desperation start to grow in my chest.

When I finally found them, I saw that Jeremy was crouched over a body on the ground. Taking a few steps closer, I stood by Elena as I tried to see who it was. Vicki Donovan?

I hadn't seen Vicki since the night before the accident, when I had ended things with Tyler after confronting him about flirting with her. History aside, it was sobering seeing her on the floor like this.

"What the hell happened?" I blurted out, seeing that there was blood pooling by her neck.

"We don't know! We just found her here. Keep pressure on her neck Jeremy!" Elena cried out as she clutched her hands together.

Jeremy's palm gently touched Vicki's cheek as he checked for her pulse, before saying, "She's still alive, let's get her to the car!"

Quickly, I helped Jeremy hoist Vicki into his arms as he hurriedly carried her back to the bonfire. Matt ran up to us with absolute fear in his eyes, as he stared at his sister.

"Vicki? Vicki! What the hell!" Matt helped Jeremy lower her onto a picnic table, staring at her in horror as he shouted, "Bonnie! Call an ambulance!"

Tyler stepped forward, clearing people out of the way. "Everybody back up, give her some space!"

Elena, checking Vicki's neck, yelled. "Something bit her! She's losing a lot of blood."

Matt hung over Vicki, his hands grasping her shoulders as he pleaded, "Vicki, Vicki come on. Open your eyes! Look at me! Stay with me, please!"

You could hear the desperation in Matt's voice, his eyes welling up as his voice began to crack, saying her name over and over again. He already had two absent parents - it was clear he couldn't take losing his sister too. Clutching Elena's hand, I scanned the crowd, taking in everything that was happening.

My eyes suddenly landed on Stefan, who looked frozen with fear, his eyes fixated on Vicki's limp body on the table. I watched as he slowly began to back away, disappearing into the crowd. Hearing Elena continue to panic next to me, I felt confused. Why would he leave Elena at a time like this? What was he hiding?

–

We caught one last glimpse of Matt's worry stricken face in the ambulance before the door slammed and it drove off. The crowd was still murmuring about the chaos that had just unfolded, and people slowly began to dissipate and head off into their cars - the fun was done for the night, the bonfire now reduced to smoldering dying flames.

Bonnie slowly approached Elena, Jeremy and I to say her goodbyes. "Hey. Caroline and I are gonna go to Mainline Coffee to stay up and wait on some news. I've gotta help her sober up, so I'm going to be driving her car. Here, take my keys."

She handed the keys over to Elena and began to turn around before she paused, glancing back with one last thought, "Elena, there's no way I'm psychic. I know that. But whatever I saw, or I think I saw, I just have this feeling…"

Taking a deep breath and wondering if she'd regret asking, Elena followed up, "What feeling?"

Bonnie stood there for a second, her eyes staring at Elena with concern before answering in a grave tone, "...That this is just the beginning."

She then turned to grab Caroline, and I kept my head down, leaning it on Jeremy - my head was muddled with confusion over everything that had just occurred. I couldn't bear to meet anyone's eyes and potentially expose how overwhelmed I was feeling.

After a moment of silence, it was Elena that spoke up first, patting Jeremy's shoulder in concern as she asked, "You okay?"

He shrugged her off and took another swig from his bottle. Elena eyed the bottle before she worriedly glanced at the police officers who were still hanging around, wrapping things up.

She continued under her breath, slight irritation now lacing her concern, "The cops are still here, Jer. You can't get caught drinking right now - everyone knows you're underage. People are going to stop giving you breaks. They don't care anymore. They don't remember that our parents are dead, because they've got their own lives to deal with. The rest of the world has moved on. You should try, too."

Feeling the tension immediately spike, I mouthed to Elena, 'Not. Now.'

Jeremy rolled his eyes as he threw the bottle to the ground, spitting back with venom, "I've seen you in the cemetery writing in your diary. Is that what moving on is supposed to look like?"

Knowing this wasn't going anywhere, I stood up and decided to put an end to it, "Both of you, stop. We can talk about this later once we've all had time to process. Mom and Dad wouldn't have wanted this. We're supposed to be helping each other, not making each other feel worse."

Elena sighed, surrendering before she nodded, "You're right. Let's get home."

I put my arm around Jeremy's shoulder and squeezed, nudging him toward the car. Silence filled the now chilly, night air as we all got lost in our own thoughts.

I could feel the tight strain of his stress, his heartbreak still pumping fresh, and his raging anger over the unfairness of it all… it radiated off his body but for the first time, I had no idea what I was supposed to do.

–

Freshly showered and in some cozy pajamas, I sat down on the couch looking out my open bedroom window. There was a swirl of emotions battling inside of me as I thought about the day's events. Everything had been looking up - why now? You'd swear some curse had been unleashed on the town with the amount of bad luck that seemed to permeate the air lately. I heard a soft knock on the door that broke my thoughts.

"Come in!"

Elena carefully poked her head through a crack in my door, "Can we talk? Need a distraction."

"Of course, El." I responded, patting the spot next to me on the couch.

She quietly closed the door behind her before walking up and taking a seat. Propping myself up against the corner of the couch, I grabbed her shoulders and pulled her down so that her head was resting on my lap. This used to happen all the time when we were younger - whenever Elena had had a bad day, I used to comfort her just like this. I had picked up the habit from our mother - she had done this for me when I was a child, and growing up, feeling protective over Elena, I had quickly picked up the gesture myself.

I began combing my fingers through her hair, just as I had done in the past. Though it had been a while, I could immediately feel her relax through the familiar sensation.

I was debating whether I should ask her something that had been on my mind, but as always Elena sensed it and prompted, "What are you thinking about?"

"Well… I wasn't sure if you were ready to talk about it, but I was curious about what Bonnie mentioned today at the bonfire. A man? And fog? You seemed really surprised when she said that. Did something happen?"

Shifting her head into a more comfortable position, she began fiddling with the drawstring on her hoodie, before she began speaking, "You know yesterday at the cemetery when I said some weird stuff happened? Well, I was writing in my journal and this crow flew out of nowhere landing on the tombstone right across from me. Then… it's so strange because the sky was clear but fog appeared all around me. It was so weird so I shooed the crow away but instead of flying away it came closer and landed right behind me. "

She took a second to think, as if she was reliving the event in her head, "The fog kept getting thicker and thicker and I know all of this sounds crazy but I swear it happened! I looked around and then I saw a man in the distance, which freaked me out. I started running away, but then I tripped, and fell down the hill... And then that's when I ran into Stefan."

Digesting her words, the gravity of her experience hung in the air as a brief silence fell between us. Realizing she was still a bit shaken, I decided to lighten the mood, "So… I guess that means Bonnie really is psychic, huh? Do you think she could maybe help us cheat through the rest of high school? Predict some lottery numbers for us?"

Laughing and slapping my leg, Elena sat up and looked at me, her brows unfurrowing as she smiled in gratitude.

"Thanks, sis. I really needed this. The past couple of days have been so crazy but it feels great that we can still talk like we used to. I'll let you get your beauty rest now. God knows you need it."

Before I could crack a comeback, Elena ran out of the room giggling, closing the door shut behind her. I grinned to myself, happy that she seemed to be feeling a lot better.

I yawned, stretching my arms and twisting in place, before I suddenly noticed a crow perched on my window sill. Glaring, I hurriedly shooed it away, swiftly closing the window so that it couldn't come back.

"What the hell… is that just a coincidence?"

With so much going on, I tried to brush it aside as nothing, climbing into bed. Leaning over and turning my lamp off, I noticed the bright gleam of the hallway lights shining through the crack at the bottom of my doorway. Just as I was about to snuggle into my sheets, I heard the low hum of a man's voice.

Intrigued, I sat up to pay more attention - it was Stefan. He must have come to his senses after the bonfire to check in on Elena… finally. I had been a bit worried when he dipped so suddenly after everything had happened, especially when it was clear how stressed out Elena had been. I was glad he came around - better late than never.

Laying back down on my side, I pulled my comforter up to my chin as I stared out my window at the soft illumination of the moon, the faint glow of the stars shining around it. I remembered gazing at the same beautiful night sky with my father when we had gone camping. It felt like the brilliant stars were winking at us throughout the night as we stayed up for hours, talking about life, fantasies, and our goals.

He had always reminded me that the world was so much bigger than I realized, whatever that meant. As my thoughts descended into pleasant reminiscence, sleep came over me. Tonight would be the first night in a long time I would do so with a smile on my face.