Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Vampire Diaries. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and L.J. Smith. I do own the original characters made up for this storyline. Thank you.
Writer's Notes: Welcome to Blood Lines!
Everything feels like a dream. That nothing is real. When I look out on the world and it feels like a one-way mirror, I see what I see, but others can't. The feeling really can't be explained unless someone else was in my shoes. Sometimes I just sit and wonder what, is what. What's real? What's not? I have so many thoughts, thought a lot of them I don't voice. I just keep it to myself. Most of the time I just sit and smile, hiding behind the façade of happiness. My curtain I can hide behind because of the fear of being myself. Or if I let a little bit of myself show, it's viewed negatively. So, the mask I wear, I wear well. I secure my feelings and thoughts and continue through life as a puppet. The pawn in the game. Everyone has a purpose. Mine just isn't that important. It's hard to gather what life really is about. What's the meaning, what values do you have? The confusion can sometimes feel unbearable. Almost like you're suffocating under the pressure of being the person someone else wants you to be. It's almost like not having control. It's hard to use your voice when you'll only sound like background music anyways. So, what can you do to stop the downward spiral of depression? There's nothing really to do other than accept it and try to ignore it. Continue your act. Continue trying to be okay and maybe it'll be enough to keep your head above the water. Otherwise, you'll sink to the bottom of a dark abyss, then climbing out will be a constant struggle. In today's society, it's not about who you are anyways. It's about what people like. What sells…what makes others happy. To hell for your own feelings. Bury it deep. Never let yourself show.
"Bella! Earth to Bella!" Caroline Forbes called to Bella, snapping her out of bubble. Caroline was taller than Bella by a bit. Her skin an even smooth tone, and her bright blonde hair was perfect to her shoulders. Her baby blues were always so full of energy.
Bella blinked and looked up at Caroline, who wasn't just another person. She was her best friend. "What? Sorry. My mind wasn't here. What's up?" She smiled a small, apologetic smile.
Caroline straightened and put her hands on her hips. "Seriously Bell, you've got t start sleeping more or increase your caffeine intake."
"I know. I'm sorry. I'll get Starbucks when we leave here." She told her friend.
Caroline was trying on dresses. It was senior prom, and this day was supposed to be special because she was running for prom queen. She smiled at Bella. "Well, anyways. How about this one?" She twirled, showing the short lime and aqua strapless dress that clung to her body, a little too tight.
Bella wrinkled her nose. "Too short. You need something that flows easy. Try to dance in that and you'll bust a seam."
"You're right. It is tight." Caroline sighed and disappeared into the changing stall.
Bella didn't want to go to prom, but Caroline was forcing her since she nominated her for being in the running. Bella knew she wouldn't win. She wasn't pretty like Caroline was. Bella felt plain. Her long dark, brown hair was thick, but didn't have the bounce to it like Caroline's did. She normally kept it in a ponytail anyways. Her dark eyes were the only nice feature about her. They were an unusual shade of dark brown. Caroline was also the taller model type, while Bella was shorter one.
"Bella, I think you should try on the red one that we had seen earlier." Caroline called over the stall. "You need to be trying on dresses too." She half-commanded Bella.
"Care, I'll just wear something in my closet. I don't need anything fancy." Bella tried to escape the painful dress up.
Caroline popped back the curtain and stepped out in a violet, one shoulder dress that sparkled and flowed t her ankles. "Nonsense. You're going to get a dress today. I'm not taking no for an answer." She said sternly and twirled. "How about this one?"
Bella sighed and leaned her chin on her hand. "I like that one."
Carline smiled and clapped. "good I really like this one a lot." She disappeared back into the stall again. She dressed back into her designer jeans that hugged her hips low and her blue blouse that draped off her shoulder. She had the purple dress in hand. "Now, your turn." She smiled her evil smile and then disappeared amongst the racks.
Bella waited for her to return. She knew that Caroline would have final say so anyways, so she gave up.
Caroline returned with an armful of different dresses. She set them down and then shoved Bella into the changing stall. "Alright, there's seven dresses," she handed Bella all the dresses. "Now, get dressed." She commanded again and shut the curtain before taking Bella's old spot on the chair.
Bella sighed and tried the dresses on without further complaint. The first five she tried on; Caroline dismissed. On the sixth dress, a burnt orange and sunset pink combo dress, caught her eye.
"Well, it suits you. I like the two tones. It goes well together. IT's not too long so you won't trip." Caroline said and shrugged. "Try the last one on then I'll decide."
Bella obeyed, stripping and then slid the dark blue shimmering fabric over her body. It had an open back, dipping low. The sleeves were quarter sleeves and it dipped in a sweetheart cut in the front. The fabric glittered perfectly almost looking like a starry sky. It flowed to her ankles but barely brushed against the floor. Bella walked out to show Caroline.
Caroline gasped. "Oh Bell, this one is perfect. This one definitely is the one."
Bella smiled, relieved that Caroline decided, and she wouldn't have to try on even more dresses. She turned and walked back into the stall, and redressed in her normal clothes. Which were just faded blue jeans, tennis shows, and a normal ribbed, t-shirt that showed her belly just a bit. She rejoined Caroline outside the dressing room.
"So, now what?" Bella asked after Caroline paid for the dresses. Caroline had insisted on paying for everything, and Bella learned a long time ago, to stop fighting her so much. Caroline was a single child, and with divorced parents, could be spoiled sometimes. Bella's family was not as well off like Caroline's dad was.
"Well. We need shoes and jewelry." Caroline said and guided Bella down the mall to the shoe store. They picked their shoes pretty quick, and by quick, they spent only forty-five minutes in the hoe store. Then Caroline drug Bella into Claire's, picking out some jewelry that would complement their dresses.
Caroline smiled at Bella. "Alright, so Friday morning we have mani-pedi's scheduled and then we have to be at the hair salon by two. The limo will be at my house at five. It's gonna be light but I think we'll managed." She gave the itinerary for the day.
Bella only smiled. "Well, sounds like a plan. We have dates at all?"
"Well, Tyler is gonna go with me of course." She said. Tyler Lockwood was her boyfriend and the quarterback. Caroline then shrugged. "You could ask a guy. But I think that guy in chem might ask you since he ogles you all day."
Bella had to laugh then. "Stefan? He stares at all the girls. I'll be fine. I'll just go by myself. I don't have to ride in the limo either. I don't want to be the third wheel."
Caroline snorted. "Please, you're not a third wheel and you're coming with me. You're my best friend. I won't let you come alone. Plus, there is other guys too and its only Saturday. You have all week until Friday before someone asks you. So, you have time."
There was no use arguing with Caroline. She already had it all planned out.
[Monday: Mystic Falls High]
Monday came quickly. Bella parked her red Jeep in her parking spot and then Caroline pulled up next to her in a red convertible, compliments of her dad. She noticed another car beside her. It was a black charger she had never seen before. The windows were tinted dark, and the plates were from a different state. Washington. She just shrugged and went t Caroline's door. Caroline was still touching up her lip gloss.
"So. What do you think?" Caroline asked as she got out of her car. She was wearing black jeggings with a coral top that hung mid-thigh. Her platinum blonde hair swung in a high ponytail and her sandy wedges gave her some more height, even though she was already tall enough.
Bella smiled. "Looks good." She always thought Caroline looked good. Bella always wore a pair of jeans and just a plain t-shirt, and worn tennis shoes.
Caroline beamed at Bella. "God. Now, let's go," she threaded her arm through Bella's and waltzed into the school.
Bella and Caroline sat down in the plastic bleachers in the gym and waited for the morning assembly for the seniors. Tyler found his way over t them. He smiled. His dark hair brushed his forehead and his dark eyes seemed to light up when he saw Caroline.
"Hey baby." Tyler said and kissed her lightly. He then looked at Bella. "Hey Bell."" He leaned over and gave her a half hug.
They all had known each other since the fifth grade so they were all friends.
Bella smiled and hugged him back. "So, did you g et into Texas State?" Bella queried. He shook his head and smiled. "Well, I got into Whitmore, and I'm going to play football there, so I'll get to stay in state with you guys." He relayed, and Caroline squealed.
"That's so great! Bell, we can all go to the same parties and stuff!" Caroline exclaimed.
Bella grinned. It was fate that they all stayed together. Just then Principal Hines walked in, his voice booming into the microphone.
"Good morning seniors. So, before you disperse, I have a few announcements to make. One. I will be retiring at the end of the year." He said and a bunch of 'awes' were made. "Second, your new principal will be shadowing me for the next several weeks. His name is Mr. Saltzman." He said and then a younger man, looking about thirty entered. He was wearing a dress shirt and pants. His hair was a sandy blonde color, and it was styled in a messy fashion. His eyes were an ocean blue color.
Mr. Saltzman smiled at everyone. "Hello Seniors. It's a pleasure to be here at Mystic Falls High. Hopefully I can help brighten your futures." His voice was smooth, a hint of rasp. "Oh, and you can call me Ric."
There were some clapping and cheers after the introduction. Finally after the assembly was over, everyone was dismissed. Tyler kissed Caroline on the top of her head and walked away to his first class. Bella and Caroline had first period together. Chemistry II.
They sat at their lab table together and waited. The bell rung and then an unfamiliar man walked in. His hair was arranged neatly on his head, slick back. It was a dark, like pitch, and his eyes were the same darkness. He looked Italian maybe. "Good morning class. I'm Enzo St. John. Call me Enzo. Miss Subtle is sick today, so I'm the sub for today." He held a certain accent, like he was from England.
Caroline smiled at him. "Um Enzo. Do you mind if I ask where you're from?"
Enzo turned and looked at Caroline. "Well, I don't mind. I'm from London. I moved here two years ago. I don't usually teach chem. I'm a theologist and I minored in physics." He basically was answering every question anyone would have had in one go. "I'm also 28, no children, not married. I'm an only child."
Caroline laughed. "Wow. A whole biography. It's like you can read minds." She joked.
Enzo smiled. "Guess that makes me a good teacher. Now, since I'm not a chemist, you will read through chapters 17-11 and write your own study guide and submit it tomorrow. The study guide must be sixty questions and an answer key must be separate. Go ahead." He said and wrote the information on the board for future reference.
Bella and Caroline decided to split it up so they could get done faster.
There was a knock on the door and Alaric walked in. "Enzo, we have a new student." He said and turned to the class. "Class, welcome Jasper Hale." He introduced.
Jasper Hale was tall, dark blond hair that hung to his shoulders in a slight wave, and his eyes were an amber color. He looked uninterested, or unimpressed with the class.
Caroline stood, smiling. "Welcome Jasper." She clapped and smiled, and then others followed her lead.
Alaric smiled and so did Enzo. "Take a seat next to Miss Forbes, and Miss Swan. You'll all be partners for the day."
Jasper nodded and strode over. He sat next to Bella, and the air seemed to shift, causing her to shiver.
Caroline smiled at Jasper. "I'm Caroline." She introduced herself, her smiled bright and cheerful, her eyes matched.
Jasper nodded. "Nice to meet you, Caroline." His voice was smooth, a mid-tone and it sounded southern, like from Texas. It also sent shivers up Bella's spine.
Bella cleared her throat. "I'm Bella. If you have any questions, or need help with finding your classes, I can help. I'm on the student council." She said with a smile.
Jasper only nodded, his amber eyes looking into hers. "Thank you, Bella." He said simply and then finally looked down at his paper.
Caroline started talking about Friday immediately. "So, I told Tyler no flower corsages. It's not going to go well with my dress. Oh, and I have to pick up my tiara today after school."
Bella smiled and listened to her friend talk about prom as she continued working on the study guide. After an hour and a half, the bell rung.
"Oh, well I'll see you at lunch Bell." Caroline chimed and danced out into the hallway to goo meet Tyler for their next class.
Bella grabbed her books and left the classroom. Jasper followed her out. He looked at his schedule and it caught her eye. She turned. "What's your next class?" She asked and he handed her his schedule. "Oh, well you have art. So come with me. That's my next class too." She handed him the schedule back and lead him to the art room. She set her books on her table on the back and went to the hooks on the walls and grabbed an apron. She tied it quickly, having to wrap the strings around herself waist a couple times.
Jasper grabbed an apron as well, fumbling with the ties, and Bella laughed a little and tied the apron for him.
Mrs. Chance came in, her flowing skirts billowed to her feet and were bright and colorful. She reminded Bella of the teacher from the Magic School Bus. "Good morning, everyone. Looks like we have a new face. Welcome to advanced art, I certainly hope you can draw," She teased lightly, but continued on. "Continue working on your canvas work today." She looked at some papers. "And Mr. Hale, you can go ahead and start with a blank canvas. If you need assistance, ask Bella. She is the class mentor and brilliant." She boasted about Bella.
Bella smiled and nodded her thanks. She then set up her easel and went to a rack that had canvases settled in. She grabbed hers and then grabbed a blank one for Jasper. She set it on his easel and then set hers up on her own easel. She was doing an abstract piece that she had been working on for the past week.
Jasper looked at hers and then nodded to it. "You're really talented. It's a good piece so far." He complemented.
"Thanks. If you have any questions. Feel free to ask." She said with a smile and started working with the paints. She seemed to be lost in the canvas, moving the paint smoothly across the canvas.
Jasper seemed to be working intently on his as well. When Mrs. Chance finally sounded a little bell, Bella took a breath and stepped away from the canvas. She was finally done. Mrs. Chance came over and looked at the whirlwind of colors.
"Very good Bella. Your abstract is perfect." She said and looked at Jasper's. "Oh my. This is beautiful Jasper." She stared at the midnight sky painted like a photograph. There was a moon and then the shadow of something too mysterious. It made her wonder about the figure in the painting. The pink moon is what drew the most attention. There were shadow outlines of what looked like a willow tree. The contrast was done well too. "Jasper, you are quite talented. More so than myself. You have a gift and it's complete too. This is just astounding." She was truly amazed at his gift.
Bella was thoroughly impressed too. The bell sounded and Bella put up the paints and Jasper helped her in silence. She noticed his stoic nature, but she brushed it off. It was lunch time now. Seniors were allowed to leave the property for lunch. She met up with Caroline and Tyler. Matt Donovan was with Tyler. Matt was the kicker for the football team. He was less muscle than Tyler, but he wore the same haircut, just his hair was a blonde color, and his eyes were blue.
"Bell! So, how was art? Did you finish the canvas?" Caroline was always enthusiastic about her art.
Bella smiled at her friend. "I did. It turned out well. Oh, that new guy, Jasper. He finished a painting in one go. It took me a week to finish mine and his skills are amazing. He's weirdly quiet though." She told her.
Tyler smiled. "So, you finished it. Does that mean I can hang it up in my room now?" He loved art surprisingly and he had several art pieces of hers.
Bella laughed. "Sure, after Mrs. Chance lets me take it home. It's yours."
Matt looked down at his phone. "So, the Grille for lunch?" He offered.
Everyone agreed and they walked out to the parking lot. Bella got into her Jeep, and everyone piled in. She saw Jasper heading their way. She realized that the black charger was his. He had put sunglasses on too and his shirt was unbuttoned at the top. She also noticed for the first time; he was wearing designer clothes. She got the shivers again, and she thought he looked at her briefly before he ducked down in his own car.
Bella started her Jeep and backed way from the school and drove towards the Grille for lunch, trying to shake off the shivering feeling.