February 21.

Cherith rolled in her bed that morning, enjoying her sleep when her alarm for school woke her up and she groaned, slapping something out of her way and slamming the alarm clock down as it sang a birthday song.

She stopped her grumbling, realizing it was indeed a birthday song.

Her birthday song!

Her eyes tore open and a beam grew on her face as she sat up.

"It's my birthday!!"

Immediately, she grabbed her phone by her bedside table, slapping a balloon out of her way and playing Sixteen Candles by The Crests on her phone.

She beamed, standing on her bed, phone in hand, before she blinked at the balloons gathered around her bed.

Around her room in fact, to be precise.

She immediately jumped off her bed and ran to the light switch, putting it on and gasping.

"Oh my God!"

She gasped as she stared at her room.

Baby pink, silver, magenta pink, blue, green and purple balloons were scattered around her room.

Some floating on her ceiling while some where on her bed and on the floor.

By the window seat in her room, bags and boxes of presents sat there and with a happy clap, she rushed to it, diving into the presents.

In total, there were 7 gifts by the window seat. From Jenna, Jeremy, John, Elena, Leslie, Caroline and Bonnie.

Her grin faltered when she caught sight of Elena's gift but shook it off, opening the presents excitedly.

The first one she opened was Jenna's present which was in a silver wrapped box with a cherry red bow.

She quickly unwrapped it and her grin widened as she saw it was a new phone. The latest iPhone brand. A 3GS.

Her phone was quite old now and she'd honestly been looking to get another. This was perfect!

Thank you Jenna!

The next one she checked was from Jeremy whose own was unwrapped and in a paper bag with his name boldly designed on it.

She snorted.

Inside was a cherry red new headset and she grinned excitedly at it, brushing her hands through its smooth texture.

Next was Caroline's in a designer box and as soon as she opened it she let out an amused groan as in it was a baby pink lingerie set complete with the thigh length socks and bunny ears.

"Really Caroline?! You couldn't give me, say… gift cards?!"

Next was from Bonnie who gave a beautiful and fashionable black leather jacket that she couldn't wait to wear in her new car that would also be coming in the week.

John had gifted her a book on tactical fighting and she snorted.

They still hadn't had their talk since he found out about her powers and she hoped they never would discuss it.

From Elena, she got a pair of black fashionable boots and even if they were good looking, she wasn't going to change her stance on what she had told her sister a few days ago.

She hoped for Elena's sake that it sunk into her brain before she realized no one was taking shit from her again.

From Leslie, she'd gotten a friendship necklace, silver in color and when you opened the locket, there was a picture of the both of them in it. And apparently, she'd also gotten herself one too, to commemorate their friendship.

It was touching and suddenly, Cherith was feeling excited about the day.

And with it being a Friday, she decided to dress in happy colors to commemorate her day.

It was her freaking sweet 16 after all!

Aaaah!!!

She eagerly rushed out of her room, kicking balloons out of her way and walking out the door.

"Hey birthday girl."

Jeremy greeted her as he walked out of his room all ready for the day and ruffled her hair.

She slapped his hand out of her hair, grin still on her face.

"Hands off bro… nothing you say or do will bring down my mood today. Ahh… I'm finally 16 years old! It's been a long time coming."

She beamed, looking into nothingness and Jeremy scoffed, amused as he walked down the stairs.

"Yeah well whatever. See you later!"

He jogged down the stairs and with a grin, Cherith opened the door to the bathroom and her smile slid off as her sister walked out too.

"Hi… Cherith…"

She breathed out and Cherith looked at her unimpressed.

"Happy birthday…"

"Thanks."

Was all she said as she walked around Elena and closed the door, taking deep breaths.

"Really… no one is going to ruin my day today."

She mumbled to herself before starting her hygiene routine.


Cherith finally dressed in a white crop tank top and yellow fitted flared jean pants that she thought made her ass look good. She coupled it with a cream colored 2 inch strappy heel. She wore her new necklace from Leslie and a couple of bracelets and a watch, leaving her hair in it's waviness to fall behind her and 2 gold earring hoops, and she finished it by applying some light make up but a deep red lipstick.

After she was done, she grinned at the mirror.

"Wow… I look all adult like."

She snickered, walking out of the room with her backpack and jogging down the stairs.

She moved into the kitchen and saw Jenna there.

"Hey Cherry! Happy birthday!"

They hugged and Cherith beamed.

"Thanks auntie."

"It's the big 16 huh? Practically taking a step into adulthood now."

Cherith grinned as she prepared some cereal for herself.

"And boy am I glad! It's like I've been 15 for years!"

"Remember, immediately after you get back from school we need to head on over for your driver's test, okay?"

Cherith clapped excitedly.

"Looks like the day is going in my favor already! Heck yeah!"

Jenna then cleared her throat with a resigned sigh.

"I had hoped I wouldn't have to be the one to discuss this with you… but it seems like you're having some sort of siblings spat with Elena, so I have to do it."

Cherith frowned, curious as she turned to Jenna again, munching on her cereal.

"So! Now that you're 16 years old, practically a growing woman… I know how it is… wanting to know more about the opposite sex and—"

"Ew! Stop it Jenna!"

Cherith wrinkled her nose and Jenna put a hand on the bridge of her nose to massage it frustrated.

"Do you think I even want to be discussing this? Now shut up and let me finish."

She groused and Cherith immediately began scarfing down her food so she could leave faster.

"Now, I know you're smart and all and so you'll need this as your first foray into adulthood. I don't know how to discuss this in general, I was one of the worst sorts of teenagers so…"

She placed a bottle of birth control pills on the table and Cherith felt like burying herself into the ground.

"Jenna—"

"Cherith, you're one of the most beautiful and unique looking girls I know, in fact possibly the most beautiful in town… I mean, I've seen people stare at you with this look in their eyes even when you're dressed like an old cat lady. Heck, there are some guys who shall not be named because we know them and I believe some are in relationships, who look at you the same way and—"

"Jennnaaaaa!! I know these things! I studied biology! I'm rather curious too! I know what sex is!"

"Excuse me?"

The two turned to a disturbed looking John behind them looking slightly tired.

"What is going on here?"

He asked, baffled and Jenna smirked.

"I'm discussing the female anatomy with Cherry, except maybe you're interested?"

John grimaced, walking towards the fridge, grabbing a canned drink and walking out.

"No thanks."

Cherith quickly stood up, grabbing her bag.

"Look, can I go now?"

She asked her aunt, giving her a glare and Jenna rolled her eyes.

"Fine, whatever. Since you're oh so brilliant and you know everything. Just take the freaking pills! I think I can trust you enough to know where to keep getting them when they finish."

"God Jenna!"

Cherith shouted at her aunt, grabbing the bottle with a red face and rushing out so she could meet the bus in time.

She didn't see the smirk that appeared on Jenna's face as soon as she walked out the door.

"Ah! Jenna 1, Cherith… 8 million. Still have a long way to go."

Jenna shrugged as she popped a snack into her mouth with a shrug, going back to cleaning.


Mystic Falls High.

Cherith smiled as she finally got to school and squared her shoulders, walking through the building, smirking as people turned to her.

Yes… bask in my awesomeness.

She giggled internally.

A couple of people did wave and wish her a happy birthday as she passed them and she thanked them in return.

It seemed just like yesterday when people used to give her looks or ignore her.

Now, it's like she'd grown into her skin… into who she was.

Confident.

Badass.

With a touch of sexy mixed in between.

She grinned, wishing she had brought her dark designer glasses with her. It would have completed the look a lot!

As she opened her locker, smiling occasionally at the people who wished her happy birthday, she felt someone back hug her.

"Hey! Well somebody looks good!"

Cherith grinned as she turned towards Leslie.

"Of course I should! I'm sixteen now!"

She flaunted her hair with a chuckle which Leslie returned and she gasped at the necklace around Cherith's neck.

"Hey! You wore it! Me too!"

She pointed at her own neck as well and the two fist pumped.

"You know what they say… great minds think alike."

Cherith sang and Leslie snorted.

"You know I usually chide you for being too full of yourself but since you added me in this case, go off girl!"

She whooped and Cherith shook her head.

"Cherry! Happy birthday!"

Caroline jumped over, giving Cherith a big hug which almost knocked her into the ground if not for her steady fit.

Bonnie stood behind, a slight smirk on her face as she shook her head.

"You look hot by the way!"

Caroline gushed as she stepped away from Cherith with a grin and Bonnie hugged Cherith.

"Happy birthday Cherry."

"Thanks you two! I feel like a Queen today!"

She boasted and the other 3 looked at her amused.

"So, I heard you're going for your driver's test today? What time will you be back?"

Caroline idly questioned and Cherith's eyes narrowed.

"And why… exactly is that important to us??"

She questioned and Caroline and Leslie adopted an innocent look while Bonnie shook her head, holding on to Caroline.

"Don't bother with them. We'll see you later Cherry!"

Bonnie told Cherith as she and Caroline walked away and Cherith turned to her friend who looked away, scratching at her ears.

"What's that all about? What are you two planning??"

Leslie moved her mouth incoherently and Cherith whined.

"Oh come on! I told you I didn't want a party!"

Leslie chuckled.

"Hey! Who said anything about a party?"

Cherith opened her mouth but Leslie bear her to it, hold her bicep and dragging her.

"Come on, it's almost time for classes to begin. Let's start the day early so we can finish faster."

"Stop with your rational quotes! You do this when you're hiding something!"


Classes were finally over and done with and Cherith and Jenna headed for her driver's test and it took less than an hour total for her to be done with it.

Cherith felt a rush of relief feel her as she had finally done something she'd been wishing she could do for a long time now.

And to top it off, her new car would be arriving in the coming week!

By the time they arrived home, it was just a little bit past 5.

"You should head on to your room first Cherry."

Jenna said mysteriously as soon as they entered the house and Cherith was about slumping down on a sofa.

She looked at Jenna with a frown.

"What? Why? I'm too tired."

Jenna rolled her eyes.

"Just go… sheesh…"

"Sheesh to you too Jenna. So pushy!"

She grumbled as she trudged up the stairs, slightly tired and Jenna chuckled.

As soon as she entered her room, her eyebrows raised as she saw Leslie sat on her bed, pressing away at her phone.

"Uhhhh…"

Leslie's head whipped to hers and her gaze brightened as she sat up.

"Great! You're here! Quick, go take a shower… now!"

She pushed a towel into Cherith's hands and pushed her outside the room and towards the bathroom.

"What? Why?? What's going on??"

"No time to answer! Quick! A light shower and be out in ten! Okay?! Ten!"

She slammed the bathroom door on Cherith's face, leaving her confused but doing what she'd been told.

After she was done, she walked back into her room, feeling refreshed again and stopped to stare at Leslie who was now in a silver spaghetti strap crop top and black silky like shorts with pockets and black heels, busy styling her hair.

She looked up as Cherith walked in and clapped.

"Good! Clean up and change into that."

She pointed at a red wine outfit which lay on her bed and Cherith frowned.

"Um, what is going on here?! Why are you dressed up? Why am I dressing up too?!"

Leslie waved her concern away and Cherith's eyes narrowed in realization.

"Aha! So there was a party! I knew it! I knew it you sneaking rats!"

She crowed out victoriously and Leslie rolled her eyes as she gave herself a cat eyes look.

"Yay… you got something right. Just wear the damn outfit!"

Leslie replied her sarcastically and Cherith brought out her tongue for her as she did as she was told.


"Okay Leslie, when I say this outfit is super sexy, I mean it! What the hell?!"

Cherith mumbled out as she stared at herself over the mirror in her room, marveling at how it brought out her shape.

"It's a size smaller than your usual outfits!"

"It's no wonder I'm having trouble breathing the right way."

She gave Leslie a side eye and Leslie grinned abashedly at her.

The gown was a sexy backless red wine spaghetti dress with a V neck that sculpted out her already impressive boobs and an A line which flared from her waist to fall just to her mid thighs.

"Everyone will be staring at my boobs all day Les!"

She whined as she stared at it over the mirror. While they were impressive, she would admit she'd never worn something so opening before.

Well… first time for everything.

Leslie grinned.

"Well that's the point of the dress, you know? To be stared at—No, drooled at, by the boys and occasional girls…"

She giggled and Cherith rolled her eyes, amused.

"You really are boy crazy."

Leslie waved her off.

"Whatever. Now come, sit… let me style your hair and do your make up."


The dress was finally paired with a silver strappy heel and her hair was packed up into a tight ponytail, the end rolled into a single ringlet and her make up done in a glossy appeal, with silver eyeshadow and light red glossed lips. She decided on less jewelries, settling for simple dangly silver earrings and a silver bracelet on one hand, a simple silver y shaped necklace and she was finally done and ready to leave.

As she walked down the stairs, she looked around.

"I wonder where Jenna is. Will she be at the party?"

Leslie snorted.

"Heck no! This is a teenagers only party my friend! She said she was going to go hangout with Mr. Saltzman, our sexy history teacher."

"Ew."

Cherith wrinkled her nose as they walked out, an extra small bag in her hand as she planned to stay the night at Leslie's instead since the next day was a Saturday.

They got out of the house, locking it with Cherith's spare key and entered Leslie's car, driving off.

"So…"

Cherith began, turning to her friend.

"Where's the party happening?"

Leslie shrugged.

"Somewhere around."

Cherith rolled her eyes.

"You're already taking me there. What's the point of keeping it a secret still?!"

She whined, turning to look at her friend with pleading eyes and she groaned.

"Oh fine! It's taking place at my house."

"Really? How about Granny Greene?"

"She's staying over at the Bradleys. So today… you have no excuse not to party and make bad decisions… there are spare rooms around and hot boys in need of servicing!"

"God! You sound like Caroline!"

Cherith groaned, her face slightly red and Leslie giggled.

"Well Caroline's not lying anyways. Your coochie needs life!"

Cherith laughed out, cheeks red.

"Have you already been drinking?!"

Leslie giggled as she finally rolled to a stop at her house where multiple cars were packed on the street.

As they got out, Cherith saw the front door was decorated with purple and gold neon glowing fairy lights.

"Just so the party goers know where it's happening."

Leslie quietly said as she led Cherith to the door, opening it and walking inside.

As soon as the door was closed, the dark room was suddenly lit up with a thousand lights and multiple people filled the house as they shouted out.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!"

Immediately that was said, the music was turned on, blaring around the house and Cherith chuckled, feeling a warm feeling in her chest as she was greeted by the people in attendance.

Even though she hadn't wanted to have a party, it still didn't mean she didn't like what was done.

"Cherith! Oh my gosh you look hot!"

Caroline gushed as she rushed over to her with 2 red cups.

She was dressed in a light green halter necked gown that hugged her body and her hair in a high ponytail.

"Here, have this! We're gonna pack you up with drinks today so you can make crazy 16 year old decisions!"

She giggled out and Cherith laughed as she took a red cup and immediately gulped it down, making people around whoop.

She was then dragged into the living room which was also brimming with people.

Lights decorated around and balloons floating up to the ceiling.

By the kitchen which was conjoined with the living room, drinks of all types decorated a circular table, from normal booze to scotch to even bourbon but the bodies of the bottle were painted with red glitter instead. Cherry red to be precise.

Cherith idly wondered how they got all those.

"Bonnie!"

Cherith called out to the mocha skinned beauty who had been talking to a guy and she smiled, excusing herself and rushing to Cherith, giving her a hug.

"Hey birthday girl!"

She greeted her and Cherith beamed.

"Hey you!"

"Oh wow! Now I can see why guys were looking at you so much!"

She gushed, looking at Cherith's chest and Cherith grinned.

"Yeah, this is all Leslie and Caroline I believe."

She gestured to the two girls, Caroline already off somewhere and Leslie grinning unabashedly.

"Yeah, yeah… it ain't my fault we wanted you to look good on your birthday."

Cherith idly looked around for any sign of her siblings.

"Hey… where's Jeremy and… Elena."

Bonnie grimaced slightly.

"Um… Jeremy's here somewhere… probably outside. As for Elena… I uh… she's not here yet."

Cherith scoffed.

She was already used to her sister prioritizing other people over family. So, not the first time.

"It's okay bon-bon. No need to be hesitant. I'm already used to her flaky ways."

With that, she grabbed the drink of a guy passing by leaving him startled as she gave him a saucy wink, gulping up the drink and leaving him slightly red.

Leslie snorted as she crossed arms with Cherith.

"Well we'll see you later Bonnie. I still have quite a lot to show the birthday girl."

Leslie waved Bonnie as the walked off.

"Where are we going?"

Cherith questioned ad she waved people who wished her a happy birthday.

"The backyard. There's still more to come!"

"Oh. Well hold on Les!"

Cherith suddenly said, moving to the drinks table and grabbing a red cup, mixing some scotch and bourbon together much to the amusement of Leslie.

"What? You did say I should get drunk and make silly decisions!"

Leslie giggled.

"Yeah, yeah… come on!"

They moved to the backyard and more people were outside.

The swimming pool had a couple of people in it and some were just gathered around laughing, drinking and dancing with the occasional couples making out.

Cherith groaned.

"Ugh! They make me wanna have a boyfriend. And not for companionship mind you."

Leslie crowed.

"That's the spirit girl! We only need men for satisfaction and nothing else."

"Hey Cherith!"

Leslie jumped slightly at the familiar voice and Cherith snickered into her hand as Chad walked over, a small gift in hand as he hugged Cherith.

"Hey Chad!"

"Happy birthday!"

"Thanks."

She looks at the gift in his hand.

"Oh… is that for me?"

She grinned excitedly and he nodded.

"Yeah, so uh where do I drop it?"

Leslie finally broke in.

"Uh, just by the room near the kitchen."

Chad smiled at Leslie making her almost turn to mush.

"Cool. And I'll see you two gorgeous ladies later."

With a wink, he walked off and Leslie fanned herself.

"Oh he makes me want to wear an apron and cook whatever he wants."

Cherith smirked.

"Only an apron?"

Leslie grinned back at her.

"Yes…. Just the apron."

The two girls laughed at that and Jeremy walked over in his usual dark emo boy outfit.

"Hey sis."

He greeted her, giving Leslie a small nod as she walks off.

"Hey bro—Oof! Are you getting stronger or what?"

She grumbled as he put his slightly muscular arm around her shoulder and he chuckled.

"Yeah, maybe. Party's cool. Too loud but… Which teenage party isn't?"

Cherith snorted at that.

"Yeah, tell me about it. Are you good though?"

Cherith questioned him and he smiled.

"As good as can be. Promise. Now go mingle with your adoring fans and the ogling idiots. Just let them know you have a brother who was a former druggie and is getting more muscular as the day goes by!"

Cherith laughed as she walked away.

"Got it!"


The party was now in full swing about 30 minutes since Cherith arrived and Cherith wouldn't deny she'd had quite a number of drinks since she'd arrived and she was becoming more than tipsy already as she danced around with whoever she saw, both boys and girls and the occasional grinding on each other.

It was her 16th birthday! She could have as much fun as she wanted!

Heck, she was currently locking lips with a guy in Elena's year who she didn't know much about but was handsome.

Just then, Caroline separated them.

"Sorry Cherith, but your presence is needed."

Was all she was told as she was dragged off, slightly surprised.

"Me-ow Cherith! You go girl!"

Cherith snorted before shrugging.

"I mean, it's my 16th birthday, I'll make the mistake today."

"That's the spirit!"

She was then dragged into the middle of the living room where a beautiful chocolate and strawberry 2 tiered cake was on a small table, sparklers on it.

Her eyes brightened up at the sight of cake and Leslie walked over to her, putting a birthday sash over her and a tiara.

"Okay guys! One! Two! Go! Happy birthday to you…"

Everyone started as the song reduced and Cherith honestly felt so good that she could have sworn she felt slight tears in her eyes.

As much as she never wanted a birthday party, this was going great. And anything or anyone who tried to ruin her day would end up blow. To smithereens, no doubt about that.

After the song was sang, the sparklers died down and she cut the cake, making cheers emanate around the room and she laughed, cutting a bit for herself and munching on it, making her moan out at how good it tasted.

As the table was carried off, she saw Matt a few feet away, grinning and she rushed over to him with a smile, hugging him.

"Hey you!"

"Mattie blue eyes! You made it!"

She grinned and he chuckled.

"Are you drunk?"

Cherith snorted, waving him off as Tyler joined them.

"It's not that easy for me to be intoxicated, that's why I drink a lot when I have the opportunity. I'm pretty sure if you've had what I have, you'll be rolling on the floor right now and puking your guts out."

Matt snickered.

"A little disgusting to imagine but I'll take your word for it."

"Hey Cherith. Happy birthday."

Tyler greeted her with a smile and Cherith sighed, turning to him, crossing her arms and Matt smirked, walking off as he wasn't in the mood to talk with Tyler.

"Well look it's the ass again."

She said and Tyler scoffed with a grin.

"Oh come on… what I thought we were friends now."

She looked at him unimpressed and he smirked.

"Besides… I brought a piece offering."

He raised up a clearly expensive bottle of bourbon with a cherry red slim bow on the neck and Cherith smirked as she snatched it from his hand, looking at it.

"Hm… I guess you're alright today then."

She mumbled as she yanked the cover open with brute strength mixed with magic and took a big gulp and Tyler chuckled.

"Well I'm glad I could do something to make you happy."

She waved him off, beginning to move to the music.

"If you want to make me even more happy, dance with me. I wanna dance."

She commanded him and he snatched the drink from her hands with a smirk.

"You're hot, so there's no need for me to turn you down."

He took a gulp of the drink and Cherith snickered as they moved to the music, grinding against each other.

Not too far away, Bonnie who was talking to Caroline caught sight of them and snorted.

"Well there's a bad decision."

Caroline turned to them and smirked.

"Well, they're two hot people with a lot of sexual tension."

Bonnie looked at her incredulously.

"Honest! I've seen the looks guys give her and Tyler is one of them. If they can help each other out then whatever. Oh! I see Matt! Bye!"

She gushed and ran off, leaving an amused Bonnie until an handsome guy in Cherith's year walked over to her.

"Hey, wanna dance?"

Bonnie blinked twice before putting her hand in his.

No need to be asked twice.


Cherith had no idea how long she danced with Tyler… or when she locked lips with him… or how she found herself against the wall with his lips on her neck giving her love marks, or how and when they began groping each other or how his hands grabbed at her breasts.

Heck she had no idea how she escaped the animalistic guy and found herself soon locking lips with Timmy Turner.

All she knew was that she was making crazy decisions that day and she was here for it!


So yeah… her birthday went how she might have pictured crazy teenage parties to go.

Making out with at least 7 guys and 2 girls, drinking like there was no tomorrow, some people puking their guts out, the occasional couple caught having sex, some bottles breaking, some fights and some great food!

And as Cherith woke up the following morning in Leslie's room, tired and hungover, she hoped she hadn't taken anything too far.

She'd kill herself… and kill the guy too involved. Or girl.

She slowly brushed her teeth and took a shower, dressing in a pair of blue booty shorts and a white extra large tee shirt.

She trudged down the stairs, groaning and running her hand through her unruly hair as she stepped over some broken glass, and a cake stain at the base of the stairs.

"Who the fuck broke glass on the stairs?"

She grouched as she walked into the kitchen where Leslie was sat, looking as hungover too and making coffee.

She snorted.

"Someone decided it'd be a great idea to sled down the stairs with a plank. Bad idea."

Cherith snorted and grimaced, holding her head as Leslie passed her a cup of coffee and she groaned in ecstasy as the heat and smell wafted through her senses as she took a sip of it.

"What the hell did I do last night?... I can't remember much."

Leslie chuckled.

"You were on fire, I assure you. In fact, believe me a lot of guys will be staring and drooling at you from here on out."

Cherith looked up slightly startled.

"What? What did I do?"

Leslie smirked.

"You were like a fierce panther yesterday, after getting all drunken up. The way you danced and twirled, I swear if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were dancing with magic in the air… that's how it looked."

Leslie chortled and Cherith's eyes widened as she turned shifty eyed, looking away.

"In fact, you caused a couple of boys to fight when most of them wanted to get their hands on you. Some girls weren't happy."

Cherith shrugged unapologetic.

She didn't even remember much.

"And then you basically fucked Timmy Turner."

"What?!"

Cherith let out before wincing slightly and holding her head and Leslie laughed.

"I'm just kidding, but seriously, you two looked like you wanted to head on upstairs and do the real deal! He had you against the wall, your legs wrapped around his waist and you guys were dry humping into Neverland… or maybe Narnia."

Cherith blushed before huffing.

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad…"

She grumbled and Leslie scoffed.

"Hmm… I just hope that stain on my wall isn't what I'm thinking it to be."

Cherith blinked rapidly before putting a hand down her pants and sighing in relief.

"Thank God. Still a virgin."

Leslie laughed.

"Ehh… I don't think for long though… you teased a lot of boys… Tyler Lockwood included. I can assure you they'll be sniffing around you now."

Cherith wrinkled her nose at the mention of Tyler.

"Oh come on! I mean, he has a beautiful face and all, I'd tap that if I could. You're drop dead gorgeous Cherry! A siren in human form! If I were you… I'd use that to my advantage!"

Cherith chuckled, sipping her coffee and looking around at the practically damaged house and turning to Leslie with a look.

"I do hope you weren't waiting for me to help clean up after a party I hadn't wanted in the first place?"

Leslie rolled her eyes at her.

"I'm not even gonna try. I already hired a cleaning company and they'll be here in about 2 hours. Why are you up early anyways?"

Cherith groaned.

"I know right?? It's just 11 and I'm supposed to still be sleeping my hangover away, till like… maybe 3 in the afternoon or something. I guess I should head on home now, so Jenna knows that I at least survived the night."

"And with part of your virtue still intact surprisingly enough."

"Oh shut up you!"


Gilbert Residence.

Cherith waved Leslie as she drove off after dropping her off with a couple of bags filled with gifts from the party goers and some left over cake as well.

She sighed in relief as she walked into the house that early afternoon and Jenna poked her head through the dining where she sat.

"Oh hey! Look who's back!"

She greeted with a grin.

"How was your party?... You know what, I don't think I wanna know. I just might need bleach afterwards."

Cherith rolled her eyes as she went up the stairs as carefully as possible with her bags.

"When you're settled, could you join me downstairs for a sec? I need to discuss something with you!"

Jenna shouted.

"M'kay!"

As Cherith dropped everything in her now balloon free room—thank you Jenna—She flopped down on her bed, sighing comfortably at being home.

She was 16. Finally 16!

It had definitely been a long time coming.

Now, she could actually see herself moving forward.

In a few months she'd be graduating high school, looking forward to College, even if it wasn't the normal way. She'd accepted long ago that everything she did wasn't and quite possibly would never be.

A knock on her door brought her out of her thoughts and Elena walked in looking sorry.

"Hi, Cherith…"

"It's like you're just looking for hate Elena."

Cherith took one look at her sister, not even feeling anything for her anymore.

Her ability to lose emotions for people had been quite worrying, even in the past, but now she just didn't care.

"What do you want, sister?"

Elena winced slightly.

"I'm really sorry I couldn't make it for your party, Cherith… a lot has been going on and—"

"And there are more important things to do than showing up to your sister's birthday party even for just a minute, regardless of whether you're both fighting or not. Really, Elena I get it."

Cherith shrugged unconcerned, moving to stand up from her bed and walked right in front of Elena.

"In fact, I think I get you now. I mean, you've obviously changed these past few months and not for the better, might I add… but don't you forget that I also have. And be careful what you tell me right now Elena… my magic is, really wonky…"

She whispered and Elena swallowed slightly before looking defiant.

"This… this isn't you, Cherith."

Cherith scoffed.

"Oh? It isn't me?... Then who am I? Because I'm still the girl with a runny mouth who can take you down where you stand."

"And I know you won't hurt me too… that's why I came here… To apologize, for everything."

She moved to put a hand on her sister's shoulder but Cherith stopped her, waving her index finger.

"Ah, ah, ah… I wouldn't do that if I were you. You have no idea how fucking pissed I am… I could destroy this house if I actually let it out."

Her eyes turned a crimson red and in that moment, Elena felt fear and apprehension inside her which Cherith saw and basked in.

"Cherry—"

"Just stop it Elena!"

Cherith exploded out, looking frustrated as she yanked at her hair and the room itself seemed to shake as if it was about to explode, making Elena even more distressed.

"Even your tone itself makes me mad! God! how do you comb your hair so your horns don't show because you act like a devil a lot! The more I talk to you the more I shed all emotional connections because it's tied to you! I don't want to be a monster… it feels like I'm taking a step closer and its all thanks to you and those brothers you keep on each arm."

She gritted her teeth, glaring at her sister whose heartbeat had risen as she stared at her slightly manic looking sister and the room suddenly stilled as she came close to Elena.

"Leave. Me. Alone. Or else… I don't think I'd be able to stop myself from doing what I know I could be capable of."

With that, she walked around her sister, hitting her slightly shoulder to shoulder and walking out of her room, jogging down the stairs.

When she got to the base of the stairs, she crouched slightly, taking in deep and rough breaths like she was trying to control something within her.

Her breaths were shallow and slightly raspy and she felt like screaming and letting it all out like she'd never done before.

"Cherry? You okay?"

It suddenly seized as a voice pierced through her mind and she looked up into the concerned eyes of her aunt.

She stood back up, massaging her head and wondering what the hell was going on before shrugging.

"Still slightly hungover. I'll be over it soon enough. So, what was it you wanted to talk about Jens?"


Elena entered her room, a slight look of concern on her face at her sister's attitude.

Oh she knew she was angry at her but she hadn't known it was to that… extent.

Elena honestly found no wrong in all the things she had been doing.

She was doing it all for family!

It wasn't right for them to be dragged into this world she was currently stuck in.

It was for their good!

It was just a shame no one was taking it the way she saw it.

She was right in this… just like Stefan had assured her.

Just as… Damon too had assured her.

Her sister though, concerned her.

It felt like there was something wrong with her.

She'd noticed for a long while now but she just put it off to her being herself.

But… that manic look in her eyes… and the look of disconnection she gave her… it made her… fear something bad could happen. Something she didn't want. Her conversation with Isobel came to mind again.


"If I were you, I'd stick to her. That girl… she has… something, within her. Good or bad, I don't know, but she's going to be a force to be reckoned with. She carries no fear within her. And if, and when, she sheds all human connection, lord knows what she'd be capable of. Then again…"

Isobel smiles.

"You're already helping her shed them, are you not? Less familial feelings for someone, makes it easy to dump them when the time comes. I know I did. Goodbye Elena."


Cherith sat down on the dining next to Jenna who handed her a brown file and she frowned as she took it.

"What's this?"

Cherith asked looking at Jenna who had a small smile on her face.

"Open it."

"Okay?..."

Cherith drawled out as she opened the envelope, bringing out some files from it.

"This is sort of a birthday gift… from your parents… it was something they planned to do once you left for the UK."

Cherith paused, looking at Jenna.

"The UK? What are you talking about?"

Jenna looked at her, amused.

"Your parents had already suspected that you'd want to know more about your mother's side later on in the future. And so… They'd begun making plans, months before their passing, for your 16th birthday. An… emancipation."

Cherith's eyes widened as soon as she heard that… scrambling to read the papers.


Elena shook her head.

Putting out her conversation with Isobel.

There was nothing wrong with her sister.

And besides, even if she was a powerful witch, then so was Bonnie too.

And Cherith was 16 years old too… She was still a minor. She still needed family around her.

Elena promised herself that she was going to regain her siblings' trust and protect them however she could and whatever it took.

She was the oldest of the Gilbert siblings after all.


Cherith stared at the emancipation papers in front of her, which already had her parent's signature and Jenna's as well.

Now it just needed hers and then be mailed back.

Cherith turned to her aunt with tear filled eyes.

"But… why?..."

She forced out of her trembling mouth, trying not to break down in tears.

"Because… I believe they thought you to be mature already. Strong, brilliant and able to take on even the best adults. I know they trusted you to be able to make your own decisions with a clear mind, just like you've been doing for a long time now. They believed… that there should be nothing standing in your way of you achieving your great dreams. The mighty Cherith Iola Gilbert. The most powerful of them all."

Jenna softly said and Cherith grinned back at her, sniffling slightly as she moved to add her own signature to the paperwork and putting it back into the envelope, handing it over to her aunt who patted her hand slightly.

"I'll mail it back and in a week or so, you'll officially be an adult. Just… no funny business okay?"

She playfully pointed her hand at Cherith who looked at it cross eyed.

"I already have problems with your siblings. Jeremy… not so much as before again but Elena now seems to be the reckless one amongst you guys."

Jenna winked as she stood up, leaving Cherith to gain her bearings again as she though about her parents. Both pairs.

If they were proud of her now… and what she was becoming.

She smiled as she remembered what Jenna had called her.

The mighty Cherith Iola Gilbert.

The most powerful of them all.

She looked at her hands… not noticing the crimson glow in her eyes, brightening like never before.

"The mighty Cherith Iola Gilbert-Cadwallader…"

She whispered slightly.

"The most powerful of them all… I like the sound of that."

She smirked slightly, crimson mist flowing slightly out of her.


So!Cherith's birthday party happened... And it was crazy...And she got emancipated too!Poor Elena, she has no idea things are changing...And a lot more will.So what did you all think??Especially about her virginity scare?!Lol.