PILOT

"Ariana! Get out of bed! It's the first day of school," I was in my bed, resting peacefully when I heard Elena, my twin, barge into the room. My guess was that she was trying to pretend that because she was older, by like two minutes, she could boss me around.

"Elena…" I groaned and rubbed at my eyes groggily. Then, I felt the covers of my bed ripped from my grip as I turned my head towards Elena's narrowed eyes.

"Get up," she said again. "Bonnie is going to pick us up any minute,"

"But it's like…" I trailed off as I craned my neck towards the digital clock on my nightstand, "6 o'clock," I sighed.

"Yep," she answered swiftly. "And if you don't get up in the next fifteen minutes; I'm bringing the ice bucket," she warned. Then she spun around and disappeared out of my room, slamming the door.

"Bitch," I whispered under my breath. Don't get me wrong. I love Elena and all, but sometimes she could be…well…a bitch. Considering she had the exact face as I did, I didn't want someone accidently mistaking me for her. That would not have turned out good.

I looked around my room. Before my parents had died, we had it decorated. The walls were cream colored with white trimmings that were in every crease of the huge room. My colossal four-poster dark wood bed was against the wall near the window. There were white sheets that covered my bed, window seat, and curtains. The hard wood floor was a dark brown color and the floor lamp next to my window seat was silver. On the other side of the room held my polished wood table, which consisted of my expensive jewelry I got as presents. However, the table held no makeup. Unlike Elena, I didn't need any makeup. A mirror hung on the wall above the table, reflecting the room making the illusion that it was bigger than the actual size.

I walked over to the mirror and just stared at my reflection.

It was creepy how much I looked like Elena. Our features were almost exactly the same, though my eyes were a little bigger. My skin was also much lighter than hers. While she had an olive tone, my skin was more ivory. My hair was a darker brown, and instead of her short, straight hair, mine was wavy, and it cascaded all the way down to my lower back.

Elena and my friends were always jealous of it. Saying how one day, they would chop it all off. But, of course, I knew they were joking. We loved each other; we could never hurt one another.

As far as body shape goes, well, Elena and I were pretty much the same. We were both curvy yet slim and tall. And personality…well…let's just say I was always the "preferred" sister.

I entered my walk-in closet and picked out my clothes for the first day back. I decided to wear a black singlet, black jeans, black high-heeled ankle boots, and a beige leather jacket. I joined my outfit with a silver ring and necklace.

After fixing my hair, I smiled a – hopefully – convincing smile in the mirror, and thought to myself how proud my mom would be right now.

I strapped my backpack over my shoulder as I descended the stairs. I heard Jenna say, "Toast. I can make toast."

"It's all about the coffee, Aunt Jenna," I said to her.

"Oh, hey sweetie," Jenna came over to be and gave me a hug. I closed my eyes and thought about how lucky we were to have Jenna. Without her, I didn't know if I could've made it that far.

"Is there coffee?" Jeremy asked.

Leaving me, Jenna said exasperated, "Your first day of school and I'm totally unprepared. Lunch Money?"

"Got it," I said.

"I'm good," said Elena around a bunch of toast stuffed in her mouth.

"Why, isn't that just lady-like," I teased Elena who was sitting by the kitchen counter. Elena glared at me.

"You're just jealous," she said in an "all-knowing" tone.

I rolled my eyes and looked to Jenna who was freaking out. "Jenna," I said, "Don't worry, we're covered. Just make sure you go to your presentation today."

"Okay. I'm meeting with my thesis advisor at…" Jenna looked down at the watch that was on her wrist, "now. Crap!"

"I'm sure you'll do great." I said with a smile. "Now go,"

"Thanks, Ariana," she said to me. Then she turned to my siblings. "And…stay out of trouble. That's…what good guardians say...right?" She had a look of puzzlement on her face.

"Right," I confirmed with a nod. With that, Jenna walked out of the room. Jeremy, looking all let down, walked away as well, probably off to school.

Then I heard a honk. Bonnie must have arrived.

"You ready?" I asked Elena.

"Let's go,"

We walked outside into Virginia's summer air. It was nice. Bonnie greeted Elena and I with the usual, and started the car once we got in. I took the front seat while Elena started sulking in the back.

Bonnie started talking about the usual; about her being a witch and all when I started to look off into the distance.

"Ariana! Back in the car." Bonnie's sharp voice jerked me back to focus as I stared into her brown eyes.

"Oh, gosh. Sorry Bonnie. I can't seem to ever focus anymore. Continue." I instructed Bonnie. Ever since the accident, I seem to always be daydreaming, whether it's voluntary or not.

"That's okay," Bonnie smiled, "Here I'll predict something about you…I see…" Her eyes closed as she tilted her head in concentration.

Suddenly, something flew into the car. I made a little shriek, as Bonnie was able to steady the car before it could drive off the road. My heart pounded in my chest as memories from the accident came back to me. I swallowed it down. "It's fine. I'm okay," I said, stopping the worried exclaims coming from Bonnie and Elena.

"It was like a bird or something. It came out of nowhere," Bonnie's voice was still laced with concern.

"Really, Bonnie," I assured her, "I'm fine. I need to grow up and learn to overcome my fears."

With a little straightening of her shoulders, Bonnie said, "I predict, that this year is going to be kick-ass. And all the sad and dark times are over and you," she said looking at me "are going to be beyond happy."

"Major lack of male real estate," Bonnie said once we were inside the school, "Look at the shower curtain on Kelly Beach. She looks like a hot - can I still say: "tranny mess"?" She looked at us for answers.

"No, thats's over," Elena said.

"Ahh," Bonnie complained, "Find a man, coin a phrase. It's a busy year."

I looked around the hallways an finally spotted Matt. His had earbuds on and he was taking things out of his locker. He turned to look at me. I couldn't help the guilt that went through me as I saw the pain in his eyes. I smiled tentatively and waved.

Instead of waving back, he slammed his locker closed and strode away, completely ignoring me.

I sighed, "He must hate me," I felt sad.

"That's not hate," Bonnie argued, "That's 'you dumped me, but I'm too cool to show it, but secretly I'm listening to Air Supply's greatest hits.'" She mocked him.

"I never meant to hurt him..." I said to myself. Then, someone hugged me from behind.

"Ariana. Oh, my god," I instantly recognized Caroline's voice, and smiled.

"Hey, Caroline," I turned around and hugged my other best friend tightly.

"How are you? Oh, it's so good to see you. How is she? Is she good?" She started speaking to Bonnie and Elena as if I wasn't there. I smacked her arm playfully.

"I'm fine. Thank you very much," I said sarcastically.

"Really?"

"Yep. Good as new," I smiled.

"That's good to hear," she said all "motherly" like. After another tight squeeze, Caroline released me. "Bye," she waved at us and then disappeared around the hallway corner.

"No comment," I heard Elena say from behind me.

I turned around and said, "Hey, she means well,"

"Whatever," Elena rolled her eyes and muttered, "Blondes," Then she walked away.

"That's a bit stereotypical," Bonnie said.

"Yeah, well that's Elena," I said with a sigh.

Once Bonnie and I walked past the school office, she held out her arm and said, "Hold up. Who's this?" I followed her gaze and saw the back of a tall guy. He was wearing black pants and a leather jacket.

"I don't know. All I see is a back," I laughed at Bonnie.

"It's a hot back." She replied as I rolled my eyes out of amusement. "I'm sensing Seattle, and he plays the guitar."

"Look at you," I smiled, "Becoming a talented psychic."

"Pretty much," she replied. I heard a voice coming from my left say:

"Jeremy, good batch, man," Oh no. Was Jeremy still on drugs?

"Hold on Bonnie, I'll be back in a sec." I told her as I followed Jeremy into the boys bathroom.

"Whoa! Pants down chick!" A guy said from within the bathroom. I barely gave him a glance, I just muttered:

"Sorry," I kept my gaze on Jeremy as I said, "Jeremy, you can't keep doing this to yourself. It's your choice to make, but please, be careful. I love you, I don't want this to ruin your life. Be the better person, Jer." His eyes softened a bit. He was my brother. I had to look out for him.

He said, "Then respect my choice," Then he exited out the door. I sighed, and followed him out.

Once the door swung closed I bumped into something hard. I looked up and saw the guy Bonnie though was hot. His leaf-green eyes were beautiful, but so were his light brown hair and...well...his entire body. He was looking at me in a way that made me feel like I'd seen him before.

"Careful," he said, stabilizing me. "isn't this...um," his eyebrows furrowed, "the men's room?"

I immediately felt embarrassed. I stuttered and said, "Oh, yeah. Um - I was just - my brother - It's a long story..." I finished lamely. I was making a fool out of myself in front of this gorgeous guy. God, it was so awkward.

"It's okay," he said with a smile. I smiled back, he was nice. He moved to the side, and let me pass.

"Thank you," I said. Before turning the corner, I looked back, and caught him staring at me...

My first period was with Mr. Tanner. He was an okay guy, I guess. He was our history teacher and football coach, so he had a bunch of pressure on him. I just wished that sometimes he wasn't so hard on the kids in class.

In the middle of one of his lectures, I turned my head to see leaf-green eyes staring back. I smiled. I felt a vibrate from my pocket, and I took my silver phone out. The text read:

Bonnie: HAWT-E STARING U.

I looked back to the mysterious guy and he smiled at me. I did a little wave then tried to focus on Mr. Tanner's lecture for the rest of the period. I failed.

I entered the Mystic Falls Cemetery, wanting to visit my parents. Elena and Jeremy had gone home to do who knows what. I was about to walk up to my parents' stones when I heard a bird croak. It freaked me out at first. But when I looked up, I realized it was simply a crow that was perched on one of the bigger grave head stones. How cliche; crows in a graveyard. I wondered where the Grim Reaper was.

"Oh, hey bird," I called out to it like I was crazy, "Wanna talk about how screwed up my life is?" The crow cawed again. As I looked closer, I noticed that the bird was a bit different than others I'd seen. It was as black as night, but the eyes looked way too intelligent. I felt strange talking to it. It was almost like talking to another human being, not a random bird.

Suddenly, white mystical fog started gathering up all around me. The bird cawed again. I started to get freaked out; what was happening? I could feel the icy coolness of the mists touch me, so I bolted up, and ran away from it, the freaky bird, and the faint shadow of a man.

Then me, being as clumsy as I was, tripped over a tree root that was sticking up from the ground. I felt the bark scrape my shin and draw blood. My hands weren't exactly in the best condition either, since it helped break my fall.

Once I was finally able to get up, I almost let out a scream as I saw that I wasn't alone. It was the handsome guy from earlier.

There was a look of concern on his face as he asked me, "You okay?"

Shit. He must have seen me fall. That's was two embarrassing things he saw me do today. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied. "I just fell, that's all. Do you have family here too?" I asked him. I was starting to get a little suspicious. He must have a dead relative or friend here. Either that or he was being a creep, which I didn't think he was.

"Yes," he responded, "My parents and a few other relatives,"

Wow. He'd lost more than just his parents. I felt bad for him. As I looked into his eyes, I realized that he had a look of wisdom. As if he's seen more than the average teenager should've. "I'm Ariana," I held out my hand to him.

"I'm Stefan," when he shook my hand, I swear I felt a zap of electricity. I know he had felt it too, since his look was one of surprise. I immediately pulled back as a reflex reaction.

"Sorry," I blurted out, "I wasn't trying to be rude or anything, that just...surprised me,"

He smiled, "Me too," he said, referring to the "surprised" part. I saw his hand move and disappear out of my line of vision. I felt his fingers pluck something out of my hair, and realized that it was a small leaf, the exact same color as his eyes.

Before I could make a complete fool of myself by reacting to his touch, I said, "Thanks," I looked to his hand and saw a big ring. It was an oval shaped lapis lazuli with silver linings. It may have looked tacky to others, but I was admiring its beauty. "Nice ring, by the way,"

"Oh. Um, it's a family ring, yeah. I'm kinda stuck with it. It's weird, huh?" He said, smiling as if it was an inside joke.

"No, actually, I think it's really cool," I defended his ring. Who ever thought I'd be sticking up for a ring? "I like it, it has that sort of olden day charm,"

He was about to reply when his entire demeanor changed. His eyes lost that friendly touch as he asked, "Did you hurt yourself?"

"Oh, yeah," I shifted uncomfortably. His eyes locked with mine. "I think I scratched my leg back when I fell." Then, his face changed. His eyes took on a reddish color while the skin around it started turning a sort of blue.

"You should go. Take care of that," His voice had the same strange tone.

"Thanks, but really, it's-" I was starting to say something, when he suddenly disappeared. Where did he go? And how was he able to leave so quickly? Questions swirled around in my head...

I walked into the Mystic Grill to see Caroline, Elena and Bonnie talking to each other from a booth.

"Hey guys," I said to them and took an empty seat next to Caroline.

"Hey," they said back. Bonnie continued, "Caroline knows some info on the new hot guy,"

"Yes, I do," Caroline said proudly.

"Do tell," I smiled to her.

"His name is Stefan Salvatore. He lives with his uncle up at the old Salvatore boarding house. He hasn't lived here since he was a kid. Military family, so they moved around a lot. He's a Gemini, and his favorite color is blue."

"You got all of that in one day?" Elena asked unconvinced and a little jealous.

"Oh please," Caroline bragged, "I got all that between third and fourth period. We're planing a June wedding," she smirked while I just rolled my eyes. Bonnie shook her head and Elena puffed.

Once I got home, I slid into a midnight blue deep v-neck dress, careful to not disturb my newly bandaged wound. I wore some black high-heeled shoes and a gold necklace. I seemed to have lost one of my silver ones. Oh well.

After grabbing my purse, I called to Jenna, "Elena and I are meeting Bonnie at the grill," Elena was finally downstairs, dressed in a green sweater and flats.

"Okay, have fun. Wait, I got this. Don't stay out late, it's a school night," Jenna said, trying to imitate our parents.

I held up my thumb and laughed, "Well done, Aunt Jenna,"

"Ooh," Elena said with wide eyes, "I forgot something," she ran back up the stairs. I sighed, and decided to open the front door. "Oh," I said as I realized who it was

"Sorry," Stefan said, "I was about to knock. I wanted to apologize for my disappearing act earlier. I know it was...strange." He said a little guiltily.

"No worries," I replied swiftly, then laughed, "You probably just didn't want to stick around to see how bad my wound was,"

He laughed too. "Something like that. Hey, how's your leg. I hope you got home okay,"

I looked down to my shin - covered in a bandage - that was barely exposed under the silk dress. "Oh, yeah. It was practically a scratch. I'm fine," I assured him. I then looked at him questionably.

"Oh, I wanted to return this to you," Stefan held out a silver chain that was between his fingers. On the end was a silver charm of a small heart.

"My necklace," I recognized it. It was the necklace that I was wearing earlier.

"It must have fell off when I was running. Thank you," The truth was that I could hardly care about the necklace. But the fact that Stefan had come to my house just to give it back was very kind of him. "You, know, you didn't have give it back today. We have like three classes together. But it was kind of you, so, thank you," I said again.

"You're welcome," he replied smiling. After a few seconds of him just gazing at me, I finally said:

"Do you want to come to the Grill with me. Elena and I were just meeting a few friends,"

"Elena?" Stefan questioned, "She's your sister right?"

"Yes, my twin. Who looks almost exactly the same as I do,"

"You guys do look similar, but I can always tell you apart. And not just because of your hair," he said.

"Thanks," I barely muttered as I looked towards the ground beaming.

Then, Elena chose that time to ruin the moment.

"Are you just going to stand there, or are you-" Her words were cut off as she finally noticed Stefan. "Oh, my god," She looked back and forth between me and him as she glared at me. "When were you going to introduce us?"

"Oh, sorry. Elena, meet Stefan, and Stefan, meet my twin, Elena." I said as Elena looked like she was about to tackle Stefan to the ground with a hug or perhaps, a kiss. So I said, "Stefan, would you like to come," Stefan was looking at Elena with a friendly smile, but I knew what he was thinking: Wow, Elena and Ariana have completely different personalities, even though they look alike.

Stefan looked back towards me and said, "I would love too,"

3rd person POV:

The Mystic Grill was full of people as Matt walked over to Bonnie and asked, "How's Ariana doing?"

"Her mom and dad died. How do you think? She's putting on a good face, but it's only been four months." She replied sternly.

"Has she said anything about me?" Matt looked hopeful.

"Oh no," Bonnie shook her head, "So not getting in the middle. You pick up the phone and call her."

"I feel weird calling her," Matt admitted, "She broke up with me."

"Give it more time, Matt." Bonnie said softly

Then they both turned their heads to see Ariana, Elena, and Stefan enter the Grill.

"More time, huh?" Matt said sadly as he headed over to the three teenagers.

Ariana POV:

As we entered the Grill filled with many people, I spotted Matt walking towards us with a clenched jaw. Oh, no.

"Hey, I'm Matt, nice to meet you," Matt's words were nice, but the way he said them obviously implied that he wanted to say something else to Stefan.

"Hi, Matt," I smiled at him, wanting to cheer him up.

"Hey," he replied. Elena didn't say anything, she just silently rolled her eyes at the drama.

"So, you were born in Mystic Falls," Caroline immediately started interrogating Stefan as the five of us took our seats. On one side of the booth sat; Bonnie - who was closest to the wall, Caroline, and Elena. The side that I was on, was just me and Stefan. Which was probably why Elena was giving me the evil eye.

"Mm-Hmm." Stefan replied to Caroline, "And moved when I was still young."

"Parents?" Bonnie asked. I knew that Stefan's parents had passed away. He told me earlier in the cemetery. Which was why I was surprised when Elena just continued to question him like everything was fine. She should at least know what it was like to feel the pain of losing your parents.

"My parents passed away." Stefan responded nonchalantly.

"Any siblings?" Elena asked, showing no sympathy. I gave her a look that she ignored.

"None that I talk to. I live with my uncle," I couldn't help thinking how strange an answer that was, but I didn't push him.

"So, Stefan, if you're new, then you don't know about the party tomorrow." Caroline said, crossing her arms.

"It's a back to school thing at the falls," Bonnie explained.

Stefan turned towards me and asked, "Are you going," I felt so elated by his question, and was about to answer, when Bonnie cut in.

"Of course she is," she said smugly. I received a questioning look from Caroline, and a glare from Elena. Oh, boy...

3rd person POV:

After an argument between Zach and Stefan at the boarding house, Zach pulled out an old journal and took out a picture. The old picture looked exactly like Ariana, but under the photo, it read: Katherine Pierce 1864.

Ariana POV:

The next day of school had arrived and I was sitting in Mr. Tanner's class. I wasn't paying attention so when Mr. Tanner called on me, I had no idea what the answer was.

"I'm sorry," I said, "I don't know," I looked down shamefully.

Then, he said, "I was willing to be lenient last year for obvious reasons, Ariana. But the personal excuses ended with summer break." I felt like I was going to cry once he brought up the "subject".

Then, a voice I had come accustomed to knowing so well said: "There were 346 casualties. Unless you're counting local civilians." I felt relieved.

"That's correct. Mister..." Mr. Tanner trailed off.

"Salvatore," Stefan answered the unspoken question.

"Salvatore," Mr. Tanner repeated, "Any relation to the original settlers here at Mystic Falls?"

"Distant."

"Well, very good," Mr. Tanner commented, "Except, of course, there were no civilian casualties in this battle."

"Actually, there were 27, sir. Confederate soldiers, they fired on the church, believing it to be housing weapons. They were wrong. It was a night of great loss. The founder's archives are, uh, stored in civil hall, if you would like to brush up on your facts, Mr. Tanner." Everyone, including me, snickered at Stefan's suggestion. I felt grateful that he stood up for me. Well, sort of.

Mr. Tanner simply huffed.

For the party, I dressed in a violet singlet, a black leather jacket, black knee boots, and jeans. My hair was loose and I wore a single gold, long, pendant necklace.

Once I reached the party, many people greeted me, so I said "hi" back. It was dark. I spotted Bonnie standing by a table filled with beer bottles and I silently walked up to her, and said, "Boo!"

Bonnie whirled around with wide eyes and exclaimed, "Oh, my god. You scared me Ariana," I grinned.

After talking to her about school and classmates, she said, "Just admit it, Ariana," I knew who she was talking about.

"Okay," I said, "He's gorgeous and...hot, as you'd say,"

"I totally agree," Bonnie said.

3rd person POV

Caroline and Elena spotted Stefan at the party and walked up to him. "Hey! You made it!" Caroline said, excited.

"I did," Stefan agreed.

"Well, let's get you a drink," Elena smiled.

"Well, I'm-" Stefan got cut off.

"Oh, come on." Caroline pleaded.

Ariana POV:

"So where is he?" Bonnie asked me, referring to Stefan.

"I have no idea," I replied, then I smirked, "Well, psychic, why don't you tell me," I looked around the floor and spotted an empty beer bottle. I bended down and picked up the cool glass. I handed it to Bonnie, but once she touched me, she abruptly pulled back, and stared at me, wide-eyed.

"You okay," I asked her concerned as I dropped the bottle back onto the dirt beside me.

"That was weird," She furrowed her brows, "When I touched you, I saw a crow, a man. There was fog," My stomach grew uneasy. What she was explaining was just like how it was at the cemetery, yesterday. Then, Bonnie shook her head, "I'm drunk. It's the drinking. There's nothing psychic about it. Yeah. Okay. I'm gonna go get a refill." Then Bonnie left me to my own thoughts.

I was still thinking about Bonnie's "visions" when I turned around and saw Stefan.

"Hi," he said.

"Hi," I said surprised. How does he show up out of nowhere like that?

"I did it again, didn't I?" He asked unsure.

I shook my head, "Nah, it's cool. My mind's just a little preoccupied right now. But it doesn't matter, because you're here." I smiled at him.

He smiled back. "I'm here."

Stefan and I walked onto a bridge that was by the party, and talked.

"You know, you're kind of the tale of the town," I smiled to Stefan.

"Oh, really," Stefan joked.

"Oh, yeah. The mysterious new guy," I laughed.

"Well," he said, "You have the mysterious thing going too," then his tone changed, "Twinged in sadness."

I felt myself open up to him, "Last spring...my parents' car drove off of a bridge into the lake. And I was in the backseat and I survived but...they didn't..." I felt sadness start to cloud around me.

"You won't be sad forever, Ariana," he said with certainty. I felt safe around him, and so I believed him. We smiled.

"I like Bonnie," Stefan suddenly said, as we continued walking. "She seems like a good friend,"

"Oh, yeah," I agreed, "I love Bonnie. Best friend in the world."

Then he turned uncomfortable, "And Matt, he can't seem to, uh, take his eyes off us."

I turned to where he was looking and saw Matt, Elena, and Caroline all giving us disapproving looks.

"Well, he and I dated and...it was good, but, I can't see us being more than friends. My parents dying kind of pulled me to my senses. I couldn't keep stringing him along," I admitted.

Then Stefan smiled, "But, it's not just him, you know. I see the way other guys look at you. You should probably be careful."

I smiled and playfully nudged him. "Oh," I said, "Then maybe I shouldn't be out here with you. Who knows what could happen?"

He smiled too. Suddenly, his eyes started to change, just like it did back in the woods of the cemetery.

"You okay," I asked in confusion.

"Oh yeah," he said distractedly, "It's nothing. Um, are you thirsty? I'm gonna go get us some drinks,"

He then left me. Did I do something wrong? I asked myself. Was he okay?

When I got back to the party, I saw Matt walking up to me. "Looking for someone?" he asked. I guess he caught me trying to find Stefan.

"Hey, Matt," I said back, avoiding his question.

"Listen," he said, completely serious. Oh, goody. "When you broke up with me, you said it was because you needed some time alone. You don't look so alone to me." He looked so heartbroken.

"Matt, I didn't mean to hurt you, I-"

He cut me off, "That's okay, Ariana. You do what you have to do. I just want to let you know that...I still believe in us. And I'm not giving up on that."

"Matt..." I didn't know what to say to that. His blue eyes were piercing me, and I couldn't find the right response. I still loved Matt of course, I would always. But...it would be as a friend...

3rd person POV:

"Hey!" Elena said to Stefan. It was obvious that she was drunk, "Have you been down to the falls yet? Because they are really cool at night. And I can show you. If you want."

"I think you've had too much to drink," Stefan told her.

"Well, duh, of course I have. So-" Stefan cut Elena off.

"Elena. You and me, it's not going to happen. Sorry."

Stefan found Ariana and started to walk towards her, leaving behind an upset Elena.

Ariana POV:

"I was wondering where you were," I said to Stefan as he walked towards me and took a seat next to me one the wooden railing. I looked to where Elena was. She was fuming, and glaring at me. I cringed.

"How can you be so different from your sister?" Stefan asked me.

I shrugged, "Everybody asks that question," was my only reply. "But don't worry, she'll get over it...eventually." It would take a while though.

Then, I saw Jeremy wobble into the woods, chucking an empty bottle into the grass. "Oh, oh," I said.

"What is it,"

"My brother. Excuse me," I said to him, hopping off the railing.

"Need any help?" Stefan asked.

"No, it's okay. I'm just making sure he doesn't get hurt, that's all." I said back to him.

"Jeremy!" I called out to my little brother, who, of course, ignored me. "Jeremy, be care-"

My words were cut off when Jeremy suddenly tripped and fell. "Vicki? No! Oh, my god, it's Vicki!"

Hearing the concern in his voice, I ran over the dirt and grass to where he was. Vicki was on the ground. Blood covered her neck. "Oh, mu gosh," I knew Vicki through Matt. She was his sister. "No," I whispered and thought: please be okay...

"Somebody help!" My voice rang out as Jeremy and I carried Vicki back to the party, calling attention to ourselves.

"Vicki? Vicki, what the hell?!" Matt was instantly beside me, concern covering his features. People gathered around us, some whispering, some yelling.

Then Tyler showed up, and asked me, "What happened to her,"

"Something bit her neck. She's losing a lot of blood." I explained to him. A boy passed me a piece of cloth and I pressed it onto her open wound.

"Somebody call the ambulance," Matt said.

"Everybody back up, give her some space," Tyler instructed the crowd.

"Vicki, Vicki, come on, open your eyes, look at me," Matt was worried about his sister. We all were. I looked around the crowd and noticed that Stefan was gone.

3rd person POV:

Stefan entered the boarding house and quickly walked up the stairs. "What's going on?" Zach asked him.

"Someone else was attacked tonight, Zach, and it wasn't me." Stefan responded as he strode into his room. A crow flew in, and cawed at Stefan. A man was standing on the balcony, and Stefan instantly recognized him. "Damon." He frowned.

"Hello, brother," Damon smirked.

"Crow's a bit much, don't you think?" Stefan said.

"Wait till you see what I can do with the fog." Damon taunted, still smirking.

"When'd you get here?" Stefan asked Damon.

"Well, I couldn't miss your first day at school. Your hair's different. I like it," Damon looked like a predator that was about to strike its prey.

"It's been 15 years, Damon," Stefan said, suspicious. Why was Damon back in Mystic Falls?

"Thank God. I couldn't take another day of the nineties. That horrible grunge look? Did not suit you,"

"Why are you here," Stefan asked tensely.

"I miss my little brother." Yeah right.

"You hate small towns." Stefan stated, "It's boring. There's nothing for you to do."

"I've managed to keep myself busy,"

"You know, you left that girl alive tonight. That's very clumsy of you."

"Ah, that can be a problem..." Damon smirked, "For you,"

"Why are you here now?" Stefan repeated his question.

"I could ask you the same question. However, I'm fairly certain your answer can be summed up into one little word..." There was a glint in his eye, "Ariana."

Ariana POV:

I was so worried. Matt had left in the ambulance with Vicky, and I didn't know when the'yd be back. Or if...they'd be back.

"Hey. We're gonna go to Mainline Coffee, wait for news," Bonnie said.

"Alright, I got to take Jeremy and Elena home," I said.

"Nope," Elena slurred, she was still drunk, "I'm gonna go with Bonnie and Caroline, if you don't mind," she said sarcastically. I sighed. She was still angry at me.

"Ariana..." I turned towards Bonnie as she said my name. She looked at me in fear.

"What is it Bonnie?"

"I have this feeling...that it is only the beginning..." she whispered. I felt my heart pound had against my chest. I knew the feeling.

3rd person POV:

"She took my breath away. Ariana." Damon smirked, "She's a dead ringer for Katherine. Is it working Stefan? Being around her, being in her world? Does it make you feel alive?" He questioned.

"She's not Katherine," Stefan stated.

"Well, let's hope not. We both know how that ended," They shared a look. "Tell me something, when's the last time you had something stronger than a squirrel?"

"I know what you're doing, Damon. It's not going to work," Stefan said.

"Yeah?" Damon asked, unconvinced, "Come on. Don't you crave a little?"

Damon then went up to Stefan and pushed his shoulder. "Stop it," Stefan commanded.

"Let's do it. Together. I saw a couple of girls out there. But they weren't as beautiful. So why don't we just cut to the chase. Let's go straight for Ariana." Damon stepped closer.

"Stop it," Stefan shouted at his brother.

"Imagine what her blood tastes like..." Damon said. Stefan's face started to transform. His eyes turned red as veins started appearing under them. "I can."

"I said stop!" Stefan's calm demeanor broke as he crashed into Damon, throwing him out of his window and balcony. But the force also made Stefan fall. And once he hit the solid pavement, Damon was nowhere to be found.

"I was impressed," Damon said from where he was standing, beside a hedge. "I give it a six. Missing style, but I was pleasantly surprised. Very good with the whole face- thing. It was good."

"You know," Stefan spoke up, "It's all fun and games, Damon, huh? But wherever you go, people die.

"That's a given."

"Not here," Stefan said sternly, "I won't allow it."

"I take that as an invitation," Damon smirked.

"Damon, please. After all these years, can't we just give it a rest?"

"I promised you an eternity of misery, so I'm just keeping my word."

"Just stay away from Ariana," Stefan pleaded with Damon.

"Where's your ring? Oh, yeah, sun's coming up in a couple of hours, and, poof, ashes to ashes." Damon smirked, but then said, "Relax, your ring's right here."

Suddenly, Damon struck out his arm and pinned Stefan to the garage wall by the throat. His face was of a demon, and his fangs showed as he said, "You should know better than to think you're stronger than me. You lost that fight when you stopped feeding on people. I wouldn't try it again." Damon then tilted his head to the side, "I think we woke Zach up. Sorry, Zach."

Damon vampire sped away, leaving Stefan on the concrete, trying to catch his breath.

Ariana POV:

I spotted Jeremy with drinking from a beer bottle. As if he wasn't drunk enough already. "You okay? I called Jenna, she's picking us up. Elena's going with Bonnie and Caroline to the coffee place." He still continued to ignore me. "Look, Jer, you have to start caring for yourself. Please, I don't want you to get hurt."

"You keep saying that like I care," he responded unemotionally.

"You should care. It's your life." I argued

3rd person POV:

"Are you guys sober yet?" Bonnie asked Elena and Caroline after they drank from their coffees.

"Nope," They responded. Bonnie sighed. They were just mad that they didn't get Stefan.

"Come on. I need to get you guys home, and then get me home," She said.

Then Elena started complaining: "Why didn't he go for me? How come the guys never want me, but they always want her?"

"I'm not gonna answer that?" Bonnie shook her head.

"It's not fair," Elena whined, "We have pretty much the exact same face, yet the guys are always going after her. Everyone picks her. No one even thinks to give me a chance. I'm never the one..." She started sobbing.

Caroline, still drunk said, "I agree. I mean, Ariana's our best friend and all, but she's always stealing everyone from us. We never win." She pouted.

"It's not a competition, guys," Bonnie said.

"Yeah, it is," Elena said with hatred.

Caroline stayed at the cafe while Bonnie went to take Elena home. Caroline caught sight of a guy in his early twenties with black hair and ice blue eyes. They both smiled. Little did she know, that this boy was Damon, a vampire.

Ariana POV:

Once I got home, I changed into my pajamas. My PJ's, for tonight, consisted of a simple black singlet and purple short shorts. Bonnie came over and brought Elena to her room. Elena was practically half-asleep when Bonnie and I helped dump her onto her bed. Bonnie was such a good friend. I just hoped that my siblings would learn to be better for themselves.

I looked out my window and saw Stefan on the front lawn. What was he doing here?

I went downstairs and I opened my door. He was there, as handsome as ever. "I know it's late. But, uh...I needed to know that you were okay,"

"Thanks, that's really sweet," I said truthfully. After about a second, I opened my door wider. "Would you like to come in?" I asked him. I could feel the cool night air, and I wondered if he'd be cold. That's when I realized that I was only in my tank and shorts. Oh, well, my life couldn't get any worse, could it?

"Yes," he smiled and entered my house. I smiled back and led him into the living room...