A/N: Thanks for reading! This is one of my biggest chapters yet. And let me tell you this episode had such a weird timeline, it took such a long time to get this chapter comprehensible to read to you guys.

Please, please review! I cannot stress this enough, I just want to know what you all think.

Chapter 18 - Raindrops on Roses

~X~

"Hello?" It was quiet for a while, just slight heavy breathing was heard. Creeped out, she was ready to hang up when a gruff voice said.

"Harper? I'm your father..."

That sentence had been playing over and over in Harper's head for days now. Now, to be honest, Harper didn't pick up much of what the man had said afterwards. Because the fact of the matter was, she had never met her father before. Nor heard his voice, nor even seen a picture of him.

That man on the phone could've been any deranged man that wanted to lure her away from the safety of her new family. Obviously he was just a stalker, searching through records to know the personal details of her life. No more was to it than that.

He had stated that he was on his way to Mystic Falls. 'He was on his way home' he has stated. It made Harper terrified.

She hadn't told any of the Lockwoods, not even Tyler. She hadn't told William either, even though they had become quite close lately.

Another person she had become closer to lately, was Bonnie Bennett. The girl, on what Harper assumed was her first day back in town, had visited her at the Lockwood manor. Harper had been confused as to why Bonnie had even the slightest desire to get to know her, but much to Harper's surprise, the girl had a lot to tell her.

They had worked backwards, from Sheila's passing to Bonnie starting to feel her powers. Then they filled in what Harper had been through, to see what both girls were struggling with. After a lot of tears and hugs, a friendship had formed between them. A bond no one could really understand but them. They were supernatural, but also pulled into a supernatural world by force and they were all alone. But not anymore, now they would be strong together, and learn more about their powers and themselves.

A few days later, it was Friday once more. And it was the first day back to school for Bonnie. Tyler and Harper had picked her up from her house, Tyler didn't really question why Harper had started to get even closer with Elena Gilbert's circle of friends. He just hoped she was ready for the rollercoaster ride of drama that life was when you revolved yourself around that group of girls. Caroline was fine, but Bonnie was a totally different story.

"I will head to morning practice, see you later" Tyler stated as the girls got out of the car. It was a sunny, somewhat chilly late autumn day.

"Okay, good luck!" Harper waved at her brother and looked at Bonnie, who just stared amused at the two.

"What?" Harper asked.

"You two are such a pair, it's almost like you two are dating" Bonnie stated and started to move towards the entrance. Matt and Harper were going steady, still not closer to becoming a couple. And after recent events with Tyler and his mother, everything had just become even more complicated.

"No way, he is my brother. He has taken me under his wing after the horrible summer I had. And let me tell you, even with all their money, the Lockwoods aren't all that great in parenting" Harper huffed and fixed the leather strap on her shoulder. Her new bag was really digging into her shoulder.

"I believe you, sorry about the teasing" Bonnie said and threw a rather pitiful look at her new friend.

"Don't be, let's just focus on-" The bell rang and the girls literally ran into the history class. Panting and huffing, they sat down next to each other. Much to Elena's surprise. It was none of Harper's business, but even she raised an eyebrow at Bonnie as the class went on. Her best friend was obviously trying to get a hold of her, but Bonnie just kept her focus on her studies.

Later on during the day, both Bonnie and Harper met up again to have lunch together outside with Tyler and some other people from the football team and cheerleading squad. Creating small talk amongst themselves, neither really cared about anything supernatural in that moment. They just seemed like two ordinary, normal teenage girls.

"Bonnie!" Both girls stopped and turned around to face the one and only Elena Gilbert. Harper lowered her gaze, not wanting to draw attention to herself. She was still scared and shy around the brunette, for obvious reasons. Even the air surrounding Elena felt tense and buzzing, just waiting for something to go wrong.

"Oh, hi" Bonnie said and looked at Harper for help, but got none. Instead it all turned very awkward very quickly.

"I tried to grab you right out of class, but you had already left-" Elena started in a very uncomfortable voice, it was clear she rarely had to deal with her own problems. Everyone else just solved them for her, so when trying to talk to someone that doesn't want to talk to her, she got nothing as a response to what to do.

"I was with Harper, we are going to get some lunch," Bonnie explained with a sharp tone. The rest of the cheer squad looked between the girls with curious eyes, they had no idea of what had happened between the former queens of the school. The trio, Caroline included, had totally cut their ties with the rest of them. Leaving many of them burnt and with a sour aftertaste in their mouths.

"Did Harper join the squad?" Elena asked Bonnie, totally ignoring the girl in question who was standing right next to her.

"No, but she is friends with every single one of them. Just because she isn't doing the sport doesn't mean that can't be friends" Bonnie argued, a low blow to Elena.

"I really missed you, we all did" Elena switched track, to make it less of a 'last word' match between them. And once again take the blame from herself.

Bonnie had explained everything, in detail, about the tomb and its results. Harper knew some from William, obviously. But it was truly heartbreaking to hear that Sheila had passed for nothing. She was also horrified to know that she had been there that night, predicting it and warning them about the ultimate failure of the spell. But because of the vampires there that night the show kept going anyways.

"I know, I just had so much to deal with after the funeral.. and honestly after you told me that the tomb spell failed I just felt like I didn't want to come back"

"Bonnie!" Elena gasped as Harper was standing right there. Seemingly forgetting the mistakes she had made on Halloween.

"I kinda know everything.. everything" Harper muttered and locked eyes with Elena. Who just stood there shocked for a second.

"How-"

"Bonnie! Bonnie!" To their left a very happy blonde waved her hands and rushed into Bonnie's arms. Caroline smiled and tightened her grip before letting go to inspect her friend. Harper giggled at her friend's antics, but was glad that Caroline had come to break them out of the horrible conversation.

"Gosh you are finally home, I know we talked everyday but I missed you" Caroline said and then sidehugged Harper. "How are you doing?"

"Better, much better.. just trying to keep myself busy" Bonnie smiled as Caroline's face lit up.

"Well I can really help with that, I have a major closet crisis that needs tending to" Caroline stated. "You need to help me pick out the perfect dress for the founder's court" Harper rolled her eyes as she remembered that stupid event. Carol had been harping about it for ages now.

"The founder's court, did I miss something?" Elena asked, looking very confused as her best friends were planning something without her.

"The founder's court? You know.. Miss Mystic Falls?" Caroline looked positively heartbroken that Elena didn't remember. "They announced it today and both you and I, and even Harper is all in it" Caroline meant no offense by saying 'even Harper'. Because she knew the reason why she was joining, and besides, Harper wasn't really any competition for her anyways.

"You too Harper?" Bonnie asked, surprised.

"Yeah, Carol signed me up last minute.. can't really back out even though I am super shy and have major stage fright about it" Harper groaned, which made Caroline giggle. She couldn't really help it, but she was glad Harper wasn't taking this whole thing seriously, because her mom was one of the judges, Harper could easily win if she just put mild effort into this.

"It will be fine! Everything will be so perfect, Matt and Harper, me and Tyler-" Caroline stated, but was interrupted by a suddenly mellow and sad Elena.

"You and Tyler?" Bonnie asked, but was overshadowed by Elena.

"Oh my god, we signed up for this so long ago I totally forgot" Elena said, her voice low, like she almost had tears in her throat.

"So are you dropping out then?" Caroline asked, genuinely sad about the thought of her best friend ditching their plan.

"I can't," Elena said with a pitiful voice. "My mom was the one that wanted me to enter"

~X~

Later that same day

"This year's queen will have the honor of taking center stage at the 150th founder's day gala" A woman Harper didn't know had taken Carol's place in the judging of her. So that no cheating or prejudice should happen in the competition. "Before we crown our winner, we want to get to know a bit more about you"

"My name is Harper Bellrose Lockwood, I haven't been involved in this event each year as before I became a Lockwood my life was very different. I had many odd jobs to make ends meet, I did as best as I could in school with the limited free time I had outside of that. Because I couldn't do more than that. I didn't have the opportunities that I have now. I try my best to keep up with the charity work that the founding families have going on, I work together with my friend Caroline as best as I can in her amazing work as well." Harper sighed and relaxed her shoulders. Knowing that Carol would be disappointed not to say the script that she had planned out for her. "I know I won't win, even if you took in a third party judge, which I'm grateful that you did. I just know in my gut that my friend Caroline Forbes should be queen''

"Very touching statement, thank you Harper" The woman named Karen said as she wrote down her thoughts about the young girl. Harper felt great relief as she walked out her own living room to see that she was the only one left, now all that was left for this day was dance practice at school, which she felt real dread for.

"Do you want to go in my car to the dance practice?" Carol came down the stairs with a bag, stereo and car keys in hand. Harper looked at her phone and smiled.

"Sure, thanks" She said and followed Carol out to the garage. They took Carol's personal car, a shining black Mercedes that you could barely think was used at all. Even for being a few years old. Carol, while driving through town and towards the school, kept glancing at Harper.

She was dressed quite prettily that day, and she had changed her clothes for the interview to make a good impression on the committee. Carol did the very best to make Harper not look tiny and childlike that she had the misfortune of looking, sometimes. The young woman was sadly as thin and willowy as a stick, no real super model, gorgeous pageant winner material.

"You are truly glowing today, I really hope you win" Carol said with pride, which seemed to make Harper only more uncomfortable.

"I'm sorry-" Harper was going to explain how she basically forfeited her chance to Caroline, but Carol interrupted her.

"I doesn't matter if you win, even if I hope and dream, you will always be a Lockwood.. My daughter, anyway. Even if it's rushed and Richard-" Carol sighed, "I'm so proud of you" Carol stated with a dead serious tone, Harper took a shaky breath, trying to calm herself down a bit.

She by no means had started to call Carol and Richard mom and dad, even if she had started to call Tyler her brother. She didn't think about that connection to him, it just happened. But Harper had a gut feeling she would never feel the same for her adoptive parents.

"I got a call from my father," Harper whispered. But Carol heard her loud and clear.

"What?" She said, taking her eyes off the road once more to look at Harper.

"Or.. at least he said he was" Harper said and shrugged her shoulders. Carol couldn't really believe what was happening. A man, an unknown man, had gotten in contact with her girl. Her precious girl.

"Ignore him darling, no one knows who your father is. Only your mother knew, it doesn't even say anything on your birth certificate" Carol's voice was a s cold as ice. Dead serious about this.

"Really?" Harper looked defeated at Carol. She couldn't really believe that, now, she had never seen her birth certificate. But some name had to be on it. Even if her mother had been the way she was, Harper had always believed that she and Henry had been a result of a relationship gone wrong. Or her father just leaving them, after the pressure of taking care of twins while your partner brought no income to the household, not that he wasn't there for her to begin with.

"Yes, I'm sorry" Carol stated, while pulling up to the parking lot at school. It was after hours, the football team would be using the indoor fitness center and some after school clubs would be there. But otherwise it was pretty much dead. Except of course for the small stream of Founder's court contestants heading towards the cafeteria. Oh joy.

~X~

"Oi, Harper!" A pretty tall and muscular guy held up the door to the cafeteria and smiled at her. They had just had a crash course on the history of the dance, and were now about to actually learn the moves for tomorrow.

Harper frowned at him and raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

"I'm Brad, your partner?" He stated with confidence, looking confused as if Harper should've obviously known this.

"Since when?" She asked and looked around herself to see if Carol was around. This had been her scheming no doubt.

"Oh great, you two have met. Harper this is Brad Bolton, he is a university student at Duke's and your dance partner today" Carol then appeared out of nowhere with a small smirk. Harper wanted to groan in embarrassment, but couldn't hurt Carol's feelings like that. That woman was literally carrying Harper towards a win, and she would not spit on her because she showed real passion and care to something they would do together.

"Pleasure, but I actually have a partner coming," Harper said and shook Brad's hand. She had to admit that he was mighty cute. But in a real frat boy kind of way. He could probably shug a bear better than Harper could drink water. Brad shrugged at her as they lined up to dance.

"Don't see him anywhere" Brad said and went to the dance floor. Harper sighed and looked down at her phone, the last message from Matt just stated that he was on his way.

"Now, let's begin!" Carol said loud and clear for everyone. Harper bit her lip in frustration, before placing her phone back into her bag and lining up with the rest.

"Honor your partner"

"Focus, right hand around"

"Flirt with your eyes"

This whole thing made Harper want to puke. Brad was taking this all too seriously, and the pair did their moves with as much grace as they could with all of the other awkwards pairs around them.

"Left hand around"

"Both hands"

Of course Elena and her date had to be right next to Harper, and she heard everything. The couple didn't want to be there, and made a grand gesture as to how ridiculous it all was. Harper didn't really care about that, only that now they all had to start over.

"Oh no no no, there's no touching in this part" Carol tried to be patient as everyone stopped and looked at the goofing couple.

"It's about the simple allure of almost touching" Carol stated and then turned to the next girl over. "Great work Amber''

"I so want to get out of here" Brad groaned and looked at Harper after a whole 30 minutes of dancing. Next to him she looked tiny, with her below average height. She mentally stabbed herself, Carol was plotting for her to be wearing heels. Suddenly she heard voices from the entrance to the cafeteria. Matt, Caroline and Bonnie all stood there watching.

"Harper!" Caroline said and waved. Harper smiled and walked around the massive college boy to hug her friend.

"Hi Care, your turn for the lessons?" Harper asked, swiftly ignoring Matt.

"Sure is" Caroline beamed and looked at Harper's 'date'.

"And who is-"

"Brad, Brad Bolton" The guy charmed and winked at Caroline like he was James Bond. Caroline was smirking and giggling at Harper knowing there was no way she had found this guy just around in Mystic Falls.

"Don't start" Harper rolled her eyes and took her bag from Carol's station. The whole thing was way quicker than what she thought it would be.

"Harper-" Matt started, the girl took his hand to interrupt him and squeezed it gently. Shaking her head to just signal to him that everything was okay between them.

"Are you headin home sweety?" Carol asked and looked up from her list of the next group's participants.

"Yes, I will see you-"

"Pick up your dress when you're at it, take the car, I can go home with Tyler" Carol handed Harper her number for the dress and credit card to pay for it. Harper wanted to scream at Carol that she wasn't some girl she could just play dress up with, but stopped herself. This was Carol's thing, she wouldn't ruin it now that they had started to bond.

"Can I join you Caroline? I don't want to be a disappointing date" Matt asked and winked at Harper. He had been super late from his shift at work, but he truly wanted to be there for Harper while she suffered through the whole thing.

"Aww how cute, sure you can. Best keep up because I need to be perfect" Caroline stated, taking Matt's hand and dragging him onto the dancefloor.

"Your doom" Harper whispered, while Bonnie just flat out laughed at the scene. Bonnie had been there to fill in for Tyler as he had practise, but guessed she wasn't needed anymore.

"Bonnie! Hey!" Elena said as she and Stefan walked up to the group.

"Hi Bonnie" Stefan said, something about him freaked Harper out, and without realizing it she squeezed Matt's hand harder. Honestly, none of Elena's friends liked her boyfriend.

"Me and Harper were just about to leave," Bonnie said, using Harper's exit to get away from Elena.

"Do you have 10 minutes?" Elena asked, but Bonnie just stayed silent for a bit before letting out a big sigh.

"Fine, 1 minute" Bonnie said, before slowly moving to the exit. Leaving the rest behind in awkward silence.

~X~

That weekend

Founder's Day Court

Luckily for Harper, she didn't need to share a made up dressing room with the rest of the girls. She and Caroline grouped up in her room, for privacy and opportunity to have some special 'getting ready' time by themselves.

Harper's black hair was lightly curled and left flowing. Her makeup was light and warm, some dark lips and light brown eyeshadow to seem alluring. Her dress was a dark maroon, cowl neckline and a small slit on her side. It was not tight enough to be too risky for the event, but it was also beautiful upon her small frame.

"You look so beautiful" Caroline gushes as she helps the poor girl into her way too tall heels.

"I'm gonna fall in these, I won't be beautiful then" Harper grunted as she tried to fasten the clasp without wrinkling her dress.

"Don't be silly, just relax" Caroline said and swatted Harper's hand away to do the job herself. Harper sighed and looked at her friend, Caroline was in a beautiful green dress. No one would be as beautiful as her tonight.

"You know, I said to the judges that I wanted you to win," Harper said and looked at Caroline, who shot up and backed away from Her in surprise.

"What?"

"Well, even if I work with charity or an event. It's all your work. I can't take credit for anything. And besides, you are like the only one that really deserves this crown" Harper shrugged as Caroline attacked her with the tightest hug in the universe. She had just given hope to the blonde, maybe she would be able to beat Elena in a contest for once.

"Oh my-"

"Hey! Don't go ruining our make up we spent hours on" Harper giggled as she felt herself tear up out of the sheer amount of love she was getting right now.

"But-"

"But nothing, you are my friend. You deserve to have this moment in the spotlight" Harper said and wiped away any non existent tears from her friend's face.

"Let's go" Caroline took Harper's hand as they went out to the main staircase leading down to the dancefloor. Richard was announcing the girls as they descended the stairs, and Caroline, Harper as well as Elena seemed to be the last ones to go.

"Miss Tina Fell, escorted by Bartholomew Whitmore" A girl with a pink dress walked down to a clapping crowd.

"Has anyone seen Amber?" Carol came rushing from the guest changing room.

"No, sorry" Harper said, Carol shook her head and kept on looking further down the hall.

"Do you see Stefan down there?" Elena muttered to Caroline and glanced at the few guys remaining at the bottom.

"Nope, only my hunk of an escort" Caroline giggled and turned back around to face Harper.

"So gross" Harper said with a giggle, she was really happy that Carole and Tyler got together.

"Matt's there too" Caroline said and shoved Harper lightly. She blushed and looked down, meeting her date's eyes. Trying to be sneaky, Harper gave him a tiny wave. To which he smiled and waved back.

"Oh" Elena's frown deepened, finally it seemed like she snapped. "What am I doing, I should've never gone through with this"

"What do you mean?" Caroline asked and looked at her best friend.

"I need to find Stefan, this isn't me" Elena stated, rushing around the small area to get away. "I'm not this person anymore"

"Uh no way.. no no no" Caroline took a quick hold of her hand. "You had your chance to drop out and believe me I was all for it. Because there is no way I can beat you. But Elena, you are doing this because it was important to your mom"

"Miss Caroline Forbes and Tyler Lockwood" Caroline smiled and went away, leaving the two dark haired girls alone.

"Harper, Elena.. You are next" Carol said, her tone defeated as she hadn't found Amber anywhere.

"Miss Harper Lockwood Bellrose, escorted by Matt Donovan" Harper took a deep breath as she walked carefully down the stairs. Richard was smiling at her when she was finally down and in Matt's arms, but it was all an act. Harper could tell.

"Miss Elena Gilbert, escorted by Stefan Salvatore" Harper looked back to see Damon swoop in to save the day, ready to escort Elena out on the dancefloor. Harper felt some small spark of happiness because of it. Elena didn't deserve to be ditched, even if the two girls weren't friends and didn't seem eye to eye most times. This was a very public event, Harper wasn't that sadistic as to let Elena's image be ruined.

"You will be fine, I got you" Matt stated as they stopped in front of each other.

The dance went flawlessly, and Matt did take care of her. Harper wondered what magic Caroline had done to him to make him dance this way. Not a single slip or stumble, he made her feel comfortable. William was watching in the audience, smiling proudly at her.

After the dance the judges were quickly assembled to count together their scores. Later all the girls were assembled on a stage, for the mayor to crown the next Miss Mystic Falls. The crowd was bigger than what Harper had hoped it would be, and being stared at was something she hated more than dancing in front of people. The only rescue were once again Matt, Tyler and William, ready to catch her if she were to mess something up.

"Before I crown the winner, I just want to thank all of these young ladies for their efforts to better our community" Richard said to the crowd, who clapped and cheered "And now, without further ado, it is my honor to present our very own Miss Mystic Falls.. Miss Caroline Forbes!"

"Congratulations!" Harper was quick to say as Caroline turned to her.

"I won!" Caroline hugged Harper, before turning to Elena who said a small 'congrats' before hugging her back.

The party went on, everyone was having a great time. Harper danced with Matt many times over. Sneaking some flutes of champagne between good food and more dancing. Eventually it turned dark, and some guests started to head home for the night.

"I will just take some air, '' Harper said as she grabbed a thicker shawl from the back of her chair to wrap around her. Matt and Tyler both nodded and continued their discussion about football. William had retired to his lakehouse as the Salvatore brothers were around.

Harper stepped out through the front door, wanting to just take a small walk around the driveway and then go inside again. Halfway through though, she spotted a certain blonde laying in the grass, not moving.

"Amber?" As Harper got closer a force hit her from behind, flashing her fast towards a tree nearby. It was Stefan, crazed with bloodlust and red veiny eyes.

"Well, look who it is.. Harper freaking Bellrose" He said and laughed. His very voice made her skin crawl and her eyes water in fear. "You know you are looking at me like I'm a monster.. aint that funny"

"Please.. Please let me go" She struggled against his hold, but it was to no use, he was way too strong for her. Stefan chuckled some more and leaned in close to her neck, his sharp fangs skimming her pale skin. At any moment he could rip her neck open, killing her in an instance.

"You wanna know a secret?" He muttered against her skin. It was warm, Harper's skin. He could feel her terrified pulse just under his lips.

"What?" Harper rasped out in fear, not understanding what was happening.

"Do you want.. To know... A secret?" Stefan pushed her harder into the tree, ripping her dress in several places. His muscular build was pressing up against her, his hands holding her tightly against him.

"Yes! Yes please!" Harper cried out, her eyes full of tears, her make up totally ruined. Stefan chuckled one again and leaned in close to her ear. She flinched as his breath hit a sensitive spot, and he bit the lobe of her ear lightly before whispering.

"Damon killed your sister" He said, and the very reality around Harper seemed to collapse. She couldn't take it any longer. It was all too much, the torture, the drama, the horrible mess that her life had become as the Salvatore brothers had come to Mystic Falls.

"Plea-" Harper started to rasp out, but suddenly Stefan's grip around her was gone. He was hunched over in front of her, holding his head. To get out of it to realize anything, but to her left both Damon and Elena as well as Bonnie was running towards them.

" Argh!"

"Stefan!" Elena cried out as Stefan seemed to finally feel the pain the girls around him had felt. Harper scrambled to Amber, who hadn't moved in minutes. But much to her relief, the girl was still alive.

"Come on, Stefan.. get control again.." Harper heard Damon's voice somewhere close by, as well as more footsteps closing in on them. The last voice she heard before everything went dark was William.

"Harper!"

~X~

Around Midnight

"I'm okay, just a slight headache" Harper gritted out as the icepack hit her head. They were in the lake house. William had carried her around the property to not alert the rest of the party goers. In an hour or so she would be back in her own bed, probably.

"Are you sure, I can feed you some of my blood?" William stated as he sat on the livingroom table in front of her. She was tightly wrapped in several blankets, Tyler had been stealing every single one he could find from the big house. As well as a change of clothes from the formal wear that had been ruined.

"I'm fine William. Thanks," she said and closed her eyes.

"Anytime" William said and stood up to head towards his kitchen, preparing to make some midnight foods for the teenagers.

"Did you see who the vampire was?" Tyler asked and took her hand. It was still shaking.

"Yeah" Harper whispered and opened her eyes to look at him.

"Who?"

"It was Stefan.. he.. he was like an animal" Harper said and looked away. Horrible memories kept coming back to her. As was the revelation that her sister had been murdered by not just any vampire, but a vampire that was still alive and kicking.

"It will be okay, we will find a way to-" Tyler started, but Harper interrupted him.

"I want them gone" She hissed, her tone venomous.

"What?" William turned from his stove to look at her in the living room. He looked at Harper like she was out of her mind, or still in shock. The girl must've clearly hit her head hard for even speaking like that. It was not the Harper that he knew and loved.

"Stefan said that his brother killed my sister.. I want them gone. Forever"