New Chapter.—And so it begins.
June 22, 2010.
Mystic Falls.
High School.
"Fellow graduates… this day has been a long time coming."
Cherith spoke into the mic as she stared at the faces of her fellow graduates while families and friends sat in the stands.
A sunny and bright day. A day worthy of celebration, as she spotted her remaining family smile at her from where they sat.
Jenna, Jeremy, Elena.
And then Caroline and Bonnie.
It had been a few weeks since she'd come back from New York, and experiences have made a lot of changes to her decisions.
The most important one… going to college or not.
She'd spent a long time playing with the idea. Would she be disappointing both pair of parents if she decided to skip college this year?
Still though… this was her decision. She was still 16. Had a long life ahead of her… hopefully.
And she wasn't so sure they wouldn't support her anyways… not when her life depended on this.
Oxford could wait another year.
Her life was at stake… literally.
And so, on this day of her graduation, looking into the eyes of her fellow school mates… she thought she could at least BE happy. Happy to do what she'd looked forward to doing for a long time now.
Graduate from High School and leave this forsaken town… forever.
"Not just for me… for the school, my family and friends. We came here, not only to get a fine education… but, because it was the only High School in town, literally."
She smiled wryly as people chuckled in amusement and some graduates shouted their approval.
"While it went with a lot of drama, it's safe to say… we made it. We lost some of our mates along the way…"
A certain boy came to mind.
"We've grieved, for family and friends…"
Her parents and uncle came to mind.
"But… we're still here. We've been asked, what are we going to do now? What's the plan? Go to college and get some degree? I think it's more than that."
Cherith stared at everyone, even as the occasional flash of a camera tried to blind her.
"I think we're about to face the next challenge in our lives. It's not just college. It's… survival. We're moving forward. Is it going to college? Is it starting a job? Moving across the country? Fighting for our right to live how we want? Falling in love?"
Some whooped and Cherith snorted.
"High school is now our past. What we do with the rest of our present and future is what matters. To our friends and families, we wouldn't have done it without you guys. Literally. This past two years have been hard. Not just for me, I reckon. I lost two of my favorite people in the world… and then I lost another uncle… but I think they'd be happy to see me now. Walking out of the cage I call high school with a metaphorical middle finger raised."
Cherith heard some pointed coughs from the teachers but ignored it even as the students cheered her on.
In the crowd, she could see Jeremy laughing, Jenna beaming and Elena chuckling even as she dabbed at her eyes.
"Finally, I'm thankful to the most important person in my life. Myself."
"I'm thankful that I'm able to stand back up and push forward whenever life pushed me down. I'm thankful for not giving up. For cheering myself when nobody would or nobody could. I'm happy with the attitude I forced upon myself after all the heartbreaks and sadness of these past years and I'm happy I'm here right now. I still have obstacles in my way, but my graduation shows that there's an end to sadness and troubles. And just like a new path is about to begin, I look forward to becoming the best I can be. The Queen bitch who's also just a fucking talented witch!"
"Miss Gilbert!"
"Good fucking day!! Keep in touch and may the odds be in your favor! Peace out!"
Cherith's fellow graduates jumped up, cheering and a smile grew across the redheads face as the sun shone on her face and she laughed, walking over to the principal who sighed with a wary smile, handing her certificate over and shaking her.
"We will definitely miss your spontaneous actions, Miss Gilbert."
Cherith shrugged.
"Happy to have spruced this all up!"
She raised her certificate in the air, and as she and her fellow graduates threw their caps up in the air, she mentally waved a goodbye to Mystic Falls High School.
Forever.
July 6th.
Gilbert Residence.
Cherith stared around her room for what seemed like the last time. Or maybe it kind of was.
Today was the beginning of another journey. Her bags were in Jenna's car, she would be driving her to the airport, seeing as she'd already shipped her car off days back.
"Can I come in?"
Elena's voice sounded through the half opened door and Cherith turned to see her sister walk in with a black paper bag.
"Hey…"
Cherith threw her a small wave.
"Hey."
"So… Wales… after everything."
Cherith snorted.
"Yes, I remember you against it right from the start."
Elena sighed.
"Can you blame me? It's across the pond. Far away. I don't know when next I'll see you again. It feels like a goodbye."
Cherith sighed.
"It is a goodbye. But for now anyways. Really, you didn't expect me not to do something like this?"
Elena shook her head, a sad look on her face.
"Everything is just… moving too fast. You graduating, moving away… Stefan is—"
Her voice catches and her eyes tear up and Cherith sniffs, patting her sister's shoulder.
"Don't feel too sad. He did it for his brother."
"And now he's off with Klaus, doing who knows what… it's just…"
She shook herself before looking at Cherith once more.
"That's not why I came here though. I have something for you."
Now Cherith was curious.
"Oh? What's that?"
"Something I've wanted to give you after your graduation. I think you'll like it."
Cherith took the bag from her sister and dipped her hand into it, feeling something leathery.
She brought it out and her eyebrows were raised in slight surprise and amusement, turning to her sister who shrugged.
"You already have an aesthetic going. Why not push it forward?"
Cherith grinned as she looked at the scarlet red leathery jacket. Long sleeved, of good quality and definitely fit her aesthetic alright.
Without any need to be told, she shrugged off her black jacket and put it on, moving to admire herself in the mirror.
She had on black fitted leather pants, black tube tank top and black calf length boots. Her hair was let down, falling to her waist and her nails painted black with gold rings on 8 of her fingers.
She smiled at what she saw in the mirror.
"The Scarlet Witch indeed… I like it!"
Elena grinned.
"I thought you would. I'll miss you though."
"After all the fights and disagreements we've had all this while?"
Elena rolled her eyes, hugging her sister tightly.
"Especially after everything. At least I know no one would be able to make you do what you don't want to. Just… be careful out there. It's good, knowing you'll be far away from everything going on here."
Cherith bit her lip slightly, hugging her sister back. The older girl had no idea Cherith was going into the thick of things… or that she was taking a year off of college. That would be another discussion for another day, after all, no one except Leslie knew.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Jeremy's voice was heard even as he walked into the room and the two sisters separated.
He stared at the jacket and smirked.
"Going all out, are we?"
Cherith shrugged.
"If it fits."
"I'll leave you guys to talk."
Elena spoke up, walking past her brother and out the door.
Cherith still found something odd about her brother sometimes whenever he was around. It was like the air was off around him and it wasn't all the time. She had no idea what was up but she didn't want to bring it up either.
"So…"
He drawled and Cherith rolled her eyes as she grabbed her dad's guitar and made sure it was well zipped.
"So what?"
"So… I know being the Scarlet witch has a lot more than you're telling us."
Cherith turned to him immediately, her eyes narrowed.
"I—"
He waved off her explanation, flopping on her bed.
"I know, I know. I know how you like dealing with your own things without needing to worry other people. You know…"
He smirked.
"You're like Elena that way. No matter how much you try to deny it."
Cherith opened her mouth to argue but Jeremy stood up again, walking over to her and holding her hands, a frown on his face.
"Just shut up for once in your life and listen."
Cherith sniffed and he smirked.
"I just wanna know… you've been acting quite erratic ever since your trip to New York. I don't know what happened to you or if you met someone there…"
Cherith swallowed tightly as the feeling of fear clouded her memory for a second and then it was gone, but Jeremy noticed.
"See? There it is again! I don't know what it is, and I know you won't tell me, but I have to know… are you safe?"
Cherith stifled a sigh.
"I honestly don't know the answer to that, Jeremy."
With a slightly sad look, the older boy brought his sister closer for a hug.
"Just be careful, Cherry. Please. I don'tthink I could live in a world without you."
Cherith blinked tears away.
"Me too, Jer… I don't think I could live in a world without me either."
Jeremy shook slightly and busted into laughter, Cherith joining him as he playfully punched her and he shook his head.
"Give them hell over there okay? Just don't end up in prison. Jenna wouldn't be there to get you out."
Cherith grinned, nodding slightly.
"Promise. Girl scouts honor."
"One, you're no girl scout, and two you have no honor."
Cherith snorted, backing her guitar and Jeremy helped grab her last bag.
In that moment, Jenna peeked into the room.
"Hey kiddo, we have to leave now if you want to catch your plane."
Suddenly she began to feel homesick as she looked at her room for what seemed like the last time.
She had no idea why she felt like she wouldn't be back here again. It actually felt like a final goodbye. And it scares her to her core.
"Alright. I think I'm ready."
Walking down the stairs, she looked at everything her eyes could see.
It all seemed like slow motion, walking down to meet her sister who smiled softly at her and the three siblings walked out of the house together for the last time.
Outside, Caroline and Bonnie stood. With Tyler, Matt, Alaric, Leslie… all smiling and it seemed way too emotional for Cherith that she snorted.
"Geez, I'm not walking into the light or something guys… chill."
They chuckled and Caroline rushed to hug her friend, teary eyed.
"Oh… I'll miss you, you bitch."
Cherith snorted.
"Right back at you. Don't be a stranger now Blondie, call me."
Caroline nodded grimly.
"I swear it. Girl scout—"
"You girls have no honor, just get on with it."
Jeremy cut in and Caroline giggled before looking at the scarlet red leather jacket that actually looked much more better out in the light.
"Good choice."
"My turn."
Bonnie hugged the younger girl tightly.
"I'm going to miss you a lot, Cherry."
"You too Bonita. You're the next powerhouse after me around here, show them hell."
Bonnie snorted and Tyler and Matt walked over as Matt sighed playfully.
"So this is it."
Cherith shrugged.
"Yup. This is it."
"Didn't expect it to happen so soon… with everything going on… things I've only just found out about… my mind's still trying to get it all."
Cherith nodded understandingly.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
Matt tilted his head in thought for a second.
"Nah… I don't think I ever will."
She then turned to Tyler who shrugged.
"See you around Gilbert."
She nodded.
"You too, Dante."
"It's still not my middle name."
"I'll be the judge of that Lockwood."
He shook his head slightly before looking at her carefully.
"Seriously though, be careful."
Cherith nodded and before turning, found herself in the arms of a teary eyed Leslie.
"I'll miss you so much!!"
Cherith hummed slightly, hugging her friend back.
"Miss you too, Les. Have fun at UCLA, okay?"
She nodded as she stepped back.
"You too… have fun in… Wales."
Cherith smiled, patting her softly before turning to look at all the people there for her.
Very jarring… it was like saying goodbye to a chapter. A chapter she wasn't sure she'd ever come back to continue.
"Well, this is goodbye. Try not to die without me around."
They grinned, amused and Elena and Jeremy hugged her one last time.
And as she entered Jenna's car, the ignition getting turned on… perhaps..
Yes… it was for the good of the world that she separate herself from all of them.
The car drove past the Gilbert Residence for the last time, even as Damon Salvatore stood by the road, nodding at her as the car sped off, she sighed deeply.
Goodbye Mystic Falls.
Virginia.
Richmond Airport.
"Okay, you're sure you have everything?"
Cherith sighed.
"Yes, for the last time, Jenna. I have everything. No need to be all mama bear on me now."
Jenna nodded slowly, her eyes suspiciously downcast and Cherith frowned.
"Come now Jenna. Not you too."
Jenna huffed, the tears finally falling.
"Well of course me too! What do you want me to do? Smile and pretend I'm not a mess at you moving across the pond?? I won't be able to see you as much as I want."
Cherith bit her lip slightly, smiling a little.
"I'll miss you too Jenna. Don't worry, I'll be fine."
Jenna nodded.
"I know… I know you'll be fine. You've always been good at taking care of yourself. You even take care of yourself better than I do myself."
Cherith snorts.
"Okay, let's not jump to conclusions."
They exchanged a grin and Cherith spoke up again.
"So what will you do now?"
Jenna blinked, startled.
"What?"
"I know how uncomfortable you are with the supernatural world and Mystic Falls in general. You know… no one would be mad if you just packed up and leave?"
Jenna shook her head, though her eyes spoke of another story.
"I can't, Cherry. Your siblings are still my responsibility."
"Oh chill! Elena is gonna be 18 very soon. Jeremy is 17 and you forget Alaric is there too. I know what you're gonna say, Alaric isn't family, blah, blah, blah… but he is Elena's sort of step dad. God, it's still weird to say that."
I said mostly to myself and Jenna nodded in agreement.
Still though, I could tell Jenna was still caught up in doing what she thought was right and making herself happy.
Too bad… I was gonna be selfish FOR her.
With a deep breath, she brought her aunt into a hug, tightening her hold on her, and red mist gathered slightly in her fists, that thankfully hidden away even as they seemed into her aunt's skin.
She never would have condoned this on a normal day, but this was Jenna!
Jenna deserved the world. She deserved to be happy. She had suffered enough.
"I love you Jenna… we all do… find happiness, fall in love, be where you want to be… never hold back. Be happy."
She commanded quietly, tears finally falling from the redheads eyes and Jenna stiffened for a second before drooping slightly and Cherith stepped back when her flight was announced.
"Well, it's time for me to go."
A slightly confused Jenna blinked.
"What? Oh! It's time for you to leave now. Are you sure you have everything—"
Cherith playfully rolled her eyes, holding onto her dad's guitar bag at her back tightly.
"See you around, Jenna."
Jenna smiled softly.
"You too Cherith… I hear Hawaii is wonderful at this time of the year."
Butterflies of happiness flew in Cherith's stomach at that as she back walked away.
"By aunty! See you when next we see!"
"Bye!"
And as Cherith turned towards her destination, she cleaned at her eyes slightly, willing herself not to look back.
For if she looked back, she would be lost.
Hi guys, been a while since i updated this fic. A lot has happened in the months I've been gone. My mom got sick and had to stay at the hospital for a while and i stayed with her during that time... quite a harrowing time, sometimes tears shed but thankfully everything's great now.
Along with some writers block as well as my overactive imagination giving me ideas for other fics as well, lol... and then uploading my other stories and then life obviously, things have just been crazy and i keep skipping this fic. It's not abandoned and i thought to write a note but it just felt wrong so i decided to upload a little teaser as well to let you know Cherith is doing good and moving on with life!!
Thanks for asking if I'm good and hope you keep loving this fic however long it takes!!
XOXO!!
Purple you guys!!