AN/ Reviews, comments and favorites are appreciated! I own nothing except the story.

The next morning, Caroline was up and ready before I even had time to brush my teeth. She was jetting all over the house for my books and things I might need for school as I slowly got ready. I felt more and more of my sore muscles, as I stretched to put on my shirt and jeans. I ignored them most of the way except when figuring out my shoes. Heels and boots were promptly out of the picture. That left me with sandles or my trusty chucks.

Trusty chucks always.

I didn't bother with makeup, wasn't worth the hassle this morning, especially sense it sounded like I was already spoken for by someone.

I rolled my eyes. I just couldn't believe I had broken up with my long term boyfriend, not that I was really that upset about it, and gotten in between two brothers. Two brother's that both looked like they had stepped out of a GQ add. Me. Of all people.

I wondered if mom knew, I wondered what she had said about this situation if she did know. I hated my parents for not being here. I hated for everyone keeping secrets. If everyone was going to keep secrets, I was definitely going to take the reigns on things around here. I wasn't going to be pushed around without my say.

I looked at myself in the mirror and decided that covering up at least the bruises on my face might be a good idea.

"Elena, are you almost ready?" Jeremy asked coming through the bathroom with one arm through his jacket. I finished the last bit of makeup on my face, deciding that if I was gonna put some on might as well do the rest.

"Wow, 'Lena. I haven't seen makeup on you in a long time." Jeremy smiled.

"Do I not wear it anymore?" I asked as he helped me with my jacket, noticing how I winced from my ribs.

"Not much." He stated.

"You guys ready?" Caroline asked showing me my book bag filled with what I presumed were my books. I did a once over in the mirror and followed them out to the car.

I never knew a place could look so much the same, yet so different at the same time. Even over two years, it just seemed like our little town of Mystic Falls has up and changed. Whether for the better or worse I wasn't sure yet. I wondered briefly if we still had Founder's Day gatherings.

Oh who're you kidding, they're never getting rid of those.

First and second period were definitely interesting. Most everyone welcomed me back, even ones that I hadn't really ever communicated with before. And of course Bonnie and Caroline didn't leave my side for a second. To be completely honest I was beginning to feel a little suffocated. And on top of my awkward interactions with Stefan between each class, I was definitely on edge. I wondered if our interactions were by chance or-

Elena, you idiot. I thought to myself. He walks you to class. Every class.

No wonder the interactions are almost comically awkward. It's almost as if each time I see him he's ... guilty? Or ashamed? I'm really not sure how to explain.

Why should he be guilty? You're the one whose been in between two brothers it seems. I rolled my eyes at myself and stared down at my notebook. I knew it was my hand writing, and I knew I was in a senior bio class with Mr. Richards, but even my favorite subject couldn't pull me out of this head space. Everything jus seemed so foreign and warped into twisted scenarios of the truth and I hated it. I made me feel out of the loop and tied between each person I cared about but in the wrong ways.

Why can't things be as simple as biology makes it out to be? Organisms are created, grow old, reproduce, eat, and die. Everything else we toss in between is definitely for our own amusement and it sucks. I mean whose idea was it anyway to pair off to one person for the rest of our lives?

I jumped when the bell rung and everyone exited before I had time to gather my things. I took my time to put my books up and met Caroline at the door where I knew she would be waiting.

"Lunch time!" She sang and wrapped her arm in mine as we made our way through the crowded halls.

I rolled my eyes at her attempt to make things overly normal for the billionth time today. Things were not normal. But of course I went along with it

We entered in the lunchroom and grabbed a tray full of junk that we totally didn't need then. Found Bonnie and Stefan at a table somewhere in the middle in some type of heated discussion. But of course that conversation came to a halt as soon as we arrived.

"Hey guys!" Care said placing our tray down. "What are y'all up to?"

"Oh you know, just discussing the variety of food provided for us." Bonnie said holding up what was meant to be meatloaf, I think.

Liar.

I went to sit down and before I could pull my seat out Stefan was on his feet pulling it out for me and ushering me in.

I blushed and mumbled my thanks. He just smiled and sat next to me like it was effortless.

"So, Elena," Care said clearly ignoring the silent awkward glances between Stefan and I. "Bonnie and I were just talking about how much fun it would be to host another Gilbert Lake House Party! Remember we used to do those all the time?" She clapped her hands like the bubbly blonde cheerleader I knew and loved.

Gilbert Lake House Party included, no parents, many teens, of which I usually knew no names, a crap ton of randoms sleeping on my floor until noon the next day, and alcohol, a shit ton of alcohol.

Usually someone ended up getting a little too wasted, but usually the night turned into one for the books, of course. We had been having them around Spring Break every year, but I guess that had changed as of recent? It's a little late considering it's May now.

"Jeremy!" Bonnie shouted over my shoulder and waved. I swear I jumped a foot. She shot me an apologetic smile before pulling out the chair in between the two of us for him to sit. They smiled secretly at each other thinking no one would notice I'm sure. But Bonnie's only ever looked at one guy ever that way and it was Ricky Fitz in the seventh grade when he kissed her on the day he moved to Boston.

"Do we not host anymore?" I asked, shooting her a knowing glance before turning back to Caroline.

"Not really," she shrugged.

"Damn, I've got to be the most boring person on this planet." I laughed and threw my arms up in the air. "I don't even cheer anymore, I mean what is that." Caroline let out a nervous laugh before picking at her food.

"Okay, what?" I asked to the table. Everyone looked at me then at one another before looking anywhere but anyone at the table.

"What are you guys not telling me?" I said barely above a whisper. "You aren't exactly the slyest and I know somethings up."

"Elena," Caroline said easily, "You're not exactly the same person you used to be." She sighed. "None of us are, it's just gonna take some time to get used to things, okay? Give it time." She grabbed my hand and gave it a squeeze.

I didn't return the sentiment, knowing it was written all over my face.

"Whatever." I stood up and mumbled something about needing some air before turning around and making my way out of the double doors and into he sunlight.

I found an empty table and sat down facing the parking lot to watch all of the students walk by.

I can't understand why things need to be so secretive. Am I suddenly some type of raging bitch and they just don't want me to know the extent of it? Or have we started some secret cult that I'm now the leader of? What do those brothers have to do with everything? Is it just because I'm dating- or was dating one of them? Was I actually with Stefan?

Where's my diary?

I suddenly thought. If I know one thing it's that mom wouldn't have ever let me stop writing. Everything has to be in it.

I pulled my book bag off my shoulders and started rummaging. I didn't pack my bag for myself this morning, thank you Caroline, but it wasn't unusual for me to bring it every now and then during stressful times. Maybe it would be a good idea to read over the last few months to jog my memory a bit.

I continued to pull books out, but suddenly felt eyes on me. Probably someone coming to check on me. I looked over my shoulder towards the doors I came out of and saw no one. I glanced around briefly and was caught by a pair of very familiar eyes, though, I didn't know why.

Damon stood leaning against what looked like a blue Camaro at the other end of the parking lot. Dressed in black head to toe, despite how warm it was outside. He didn't look happy, but he didn't necessarily look upset either. Was it concern? I wasn't sure.

He's definitely not here to learn. What was he 24, as25? Why was he hanging out in a school parking lot on a Monday afternoon? In the back of my head I had hoped he was here to see me, but I knew better.

His brother goes here, Elena, duh. He's probably here to see him.

Unthinkingly, I waved half heartedly towards him.

Even from here I can see his smirk. I thought then froze.

Where did that come from?

He continued to stare until I became uncomfortable and began rummaging through my bag again, even though I forgot what I was looking for.

"Hey." Stefan's voice came from behind me. I didn't jump this time, almost expecting him.

"Hey," I sighed and finally gave up looking. I gave a glance over to Damon only to realize he was gone along with the Camaro. I wondered briefly if that Camaro was actually his or something his parents gave him. Had I met Stefan and Damon's parents?

"Bell rang and I was coming to see if you were ready for History?" Stefan asked, making me turn to look at him.

"If only I could remember the majority of it." I laughed. He grinned and sat down next to me, careful not to get to close and scare me off I'm sure.

"You'll get there." He said. "We just have to take it one day at a time."

This was the first time I genuinely smiled at him, now knowing why I must have dated him. He's very handsome, so that's definitely a plus. With his almost olive green eyes and sandy brown hair. I could tell he was very well built too, but not in that I live in the gym and eat dumbbells for breakfast kind of way, more so in the I stay fit to stay healthy kind of way.

Something about him and his brothers demeanor, though, definitely gave off the vibe of underlying issues for sure. Not so much the 'I have a weird foot fetish can I see yours?' Type, but the 'I have so many secrets you wouldn't believe' which is probably why I was so drawn to both of them. I was a magnet for the misunderstood.

"Yeah," I said lamely looking down at my hands. "We should probably go before we're late."

He only nodded and stood waiting for me and we headed off back inside the building.

I gave another glance over my shoulder to where Damon stood before, hoping to see him once more, but knowing he was already gone.

A majority of the class had already claimed their seats by the time we had arrived. Stefan made his way to his seat, obviously forgetting that I wasn't sure where I was meant to sit. I awkwardly stood off to the side at the front of the class next to the door while he made his way to his seat.

I scanned the room to see where the open seats were and felt it again. That looming feeling that someone was watching me again. None of the students in the room paid me any mind, so I couldn't put my finger on where the feeling was coming from-

Then I turned around.

There he was again. Although this time he was about 6 feet away and not 160.

My heart kicked into over drive, though, I don't know why.

He gave a nod of his head and I just stared as he made his way into the classroom and started sorting through some things on the teachers desk. There is no way he was a teacher here. Let alone MY teacher.

God, what have you gotten yourself into Elena?

"Elena?" Stefan snapped me out of my reverie and slight ogling. He patted the seat directly next to his and in front of Caroline's.

I tried to hide my flush, praying that no one saw the way I knew I was looking at him. I sat next to Stefan while most every other student continued talking even after the bell had rang.

I tried to avoid looking at the front of the room at all costs. I had to at least keep myself in check until I knew what the deal was in between the three of us.

"Why is he here?" Caroline said with obvious disgust.

"Picking up what's left of Rick's things." Stefan stated.

"Who's Rick?" I asked looking at Stefan. His face fell slightly.

"Rick was our friend, and history teacher. He's..." I waited for him to continue. "He left for a little while, unexpectedly." More lies. Should I just expect that for every answer from now on?

I just rolled my eyes and slouched down in my chair, praying for this school day to end.

Damon picked up a box that looked like it had been filled most of the way and shot a look towards us, or me? He smirked before leaving the room without a word.

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding in.

Where was he going? Why did he pick up this Rick's stuff? Why was Rick not able to pick it up for himself?

So many more questions than answers.

After our sub came in, clearly unprepared and flustered out of her mind. She told us all to pair off and do book work. Bore.

"Elena?" Stefan asked no sooner than our sub stopped talking. "Would you like to work together?"

I faultered only a moment before accepting and sliding our desks together so he was facing me instead of beside me, much like most students were. Caroline and Bonnie, of course were off in their own little world far from us, even though they were the closest pair to us comparatively.

I grabbed my notebook and textbook shuffling through the pages to figure out where we were. I tried to hide that I was obviously flustered from Stefan, but whether it was from the sudden assignment or the fact that I saw Damon again, I wasn't sure. What was with the longing looks? Was that our thing? He seemed like a capable enough man to get any woman he wants, so why did he seem so reserved when t came to me?

Why did he automatically make my heart race and feel like I wanted to be as close as possible, yet as far away at the same time. Maybe coming back to school so soon was a bad idea. If it meant feeling a little suffocated by one brother and wondering more and more about another for the rest of high school, I was definitely worried.

"Elena?" Stefan asked quietly. I was now acutely aware that I must seem extremely flustered and probably looked like some type of nut case for sure.

"Yes?" I asked, freezing and realizing I needed to take a breath. I closed my eyes to compose myself. What is this? Why am I getting so worked up?

Probably because everyone you care about is lying to you.

This was panic, I realized. I am panicking.

"Are you alright?" He asked quietly. He looked like he was going to reach out to me before he thought better and started ringing his hands together.

The look of concern never came off of his face. It was definitely something vaguely familiar that I sought comfort in, but not in an I want you to hold me type of way.

"I'm just-" I looked around trying to find the right answer. "I'm a little overwhelmed I think." I tried to make sure my breathing wasn't too loud, although it came in short and fast spurts. I knew better than to think the walls were closing in, but it did seem to me that the room was beginning to rock.

Before I knew what I was doing, I had made it out the room, down the hall, and out of the nearest side door into the sunlight once more. I leaned against the side of the building, brick scratching my skin but thankfully made the world seem real somehow. I took some long deep breaths and stared up at the tree branches that loomed a few feet away.

Panic.

The last time I remember truly panicking about anything was cheer tryouts freshman year, but that paled in comparison to this. Caroline was the one who convinced me not to run, especially sense I was a legacy on the team and practically guaranteed a spot.

I wondered if this was a regular occurrence for me now. But why? What made me panic to a point where it felt a thousand pounds were on my chest and would never let up.

"Elena?" I jumped at the voice that came from next to me. Damon was there, once again. In all of his bad guy persona once again. I gave him a quick once over. It only seemed appropriate considering he was the closest he's been to me since waking up in this backwards dream.

His black leather jacket and black v-neck were doing wonders for him. So cliche I know, but he was clearly aware and okay with the fact if it made him look that good.

Whoa, down girl.

His dark pants were nothing special, but still gave off that 'I could care less' vibe, and his shoes...

Were those boots? Jesus I was in for it.

His eyebrows drew together with concern, making it nearly impossible to keep eye contact with his constant search of my face and body. Like he was searching for me to have some type of wound. When he found nothing out of order he looked as if he were surrendering with his hands up next to him.

"Sorry, sorry," He said gently, concern clearly written all over his face. He took a step back, never taking his eyes off of me. I found myself moving with him as he moved away, like a knee jerk reaction.

"Are you okay?" He asked just above a whisper. His wonderfully blue eyes searched mine for answers, I'm sure.

I laughed without humor.

"Everyone keeps asking me that." I broke my gaze and looked down at my shoes. "But believe me if you had just woken up two years in the future, you'd be a little freaked too."

"I'm sure I would." He said immediately without missing a beat. It was the first time someone had agreed with me, rather than try and tell me things would be okay, or that I would get used to it. It was refreshing. I looked back up at him and got caught in his gaze once again.

"I just can't figure out..." Where you two fit into this. I wanted to say, but thought better.

"Figure out?" He edged when I didn't finish.

"What's going on here." I decided. "Everyone's keeping secrets, I'm not an idiot." I finished.

"Did you ever think that the more you dig, the worse it gets?" Damon asked. "Maybe we're just trying to protect you."

I thought about it all of two seconds before I gave him a look. He laughed, wholeheartedly.

"Yeah, I thought it was a load of crap too." He said after a moment.

"It's my life." I stated. "I deserve to know. Regardless of how much it worse it gets."

He stared at me, looking slightly bewildered at my statement, although I wasn't sure why. His mouth hung open slightly, and his eyes searched my face again for something, I wasn't sure. It was a bit different seeing him without what I assumed was his signature smirk or scowl, but he was still beautiful nonetheless.

Beautiful, Elena? Really?

"What do you say we get out of here?" He asked after another moment. I continued to stare at him. If I didn't know any better I would think he's trying to take me home, and honestly I would totally let him. But in the middle of the day like this? Something told me it was for sure like that with him, but not like that with us.

Before I could ask him where to, the doors behind me opened and revealed Stefan obviously looking for me. He looked concerned and ... hurt? But why?

You're out here with his brother, dumbass. Why do you think?

"Hey," Stefan said walking over to us and masking his face. "You okay?"

"She's fine, brother." Damon said before I had a chance to. Obviously just as annoyed with the question that I was.

They stared at each other for a long while, having some type of secret conversation. I rolled my eyes at the medieval territorial stance that they both were clearly battling over. What was this, 1940?

Next came Caroline and Bonnie to join the party.

"Elena, are you-"

"If one more person asks me if I'm okay I'm going to freaking loose it." I said before Caroline could finish asking. She closed her mouth and I heard a snicker behind me from Damon. I shot him a look.

"Let's get out of here, Lena." Bonnie said suddenly breaking the awkwardness that I had formed myself this time.

I looked back at Damon, wishing more than anything that it was him I was leaving with, but knowing it was for the best that I left with them. Why? I wasn't quite sure.

"Rain check?" I asked him. He only nodded and smirked, of course, but it didn't reach his eyes.

"Let's go."