Here is the next chapter:) thank you for the reviews so far you guys are awesome! I was in a writing mood this weekend and just couldn't stop!:)
Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries, L.J. Smith does. But I do own my OC's
Please read and reviews are greatly accepted:D Enjoy!
Our plans got changed last minute and Elena and I went home to help Jenna prepare dinner. Turns out Bonnie had something to do, so we'll start tomorrow. Jenna always gave great advice, even though she can be too sarcastic at times.
"He's on the rebound and has raging family issues," Elena told Jenna what she told me while she was chopping.
"Well at least it's an ex girlfriend," Jenna commented while eating an apple. "Wait till you date a guy with mommy issues and cheating issues, or impediment issues." She smirks and Elena gives her a look.
"Oh seriously? That's just plain wrong. What kinda guys have you even dated in the past anyway?" I ask with disgust laced within my voice.
"That is another story, and one I would rather not retell,"
We all laugh and we hear the door open. We look on and see a stoned Jeremy. He had his hood up and was sweating.
"Jeremy?" questioned Jenna.
He only looked and went for the stairs.
Jenna followed, apple in hand, "Jeremy, where were you?" Elena and I only shook our heads and continued to prepare dinner. We decided to let Jenna handle this one, seeing as how both Elena and I never could get through to him.
"More stoner stories Jenna? Look I get it, you were cool once and that's cool," he gave her a lazy thumb up and continued to walk upstairs.
Jenna, fed up, threw her apple at him, "Oh no no no no no!"
"Ow, why, why did you do that?" didn't sound all that enthusiastic.
"Look, quit ditching class or you're grounded; end of discussion," I admired Jenna right then. Raising three teenagers was a difficult job, and for her to lay down the law and goes as far as grounding Jeremy, go Jenna.
"Parental authority, I like it," amusement was clearly evident in his voice. "Sleep tight,"
Jenna came back in the kitchen, looking exasperated. Elena and I both gave her sympathetic smiles.
"I have no idea how your mother did this," she put her head in her hands.
"Don't worry so much Jenna, he'll come around eventually," I patted her back.
"I hope so Liz, otherwise I have no idea what I'm going to do,"
"That's why you have the two of us,"
Together, the three of us finished dinner and ate in silence. No one wanted to discuss what just happened with Jeremy. It was all to never wrecking. Instead, we talked about the comet tomorrow night.
"So you two and Bonnie are gonna hand out the programs?"
"Yeah, and after that's done, I have to head out to put the mural up in the town square," I scooped some more food onto my plate.
"You know, I am so proud of you, Liz. For you to put your own creativity up for everyone to see is really really awesome," Jenna praised me.
I inwardly groaned. I hated when people praised me for my art. I don't know why, I just hated it.
"I know right, I tell her all the time how great it is, but all she does is deny it," Elena agreed.
"I hate it when you two double team on me," I gave a small glare to both of them.
They only laughed. We cleaned up the plates and stored the leftovers in the fridge. I was soon showered and dressed for bed. I was lying down on my bed when I heard a sound coming from my window. Cautiously, I got up and approached the window. Drawing back the curtains, I came face to face with a crow. Its black eyes stared right back at me.
It 'cawed' and flew off. I only stared at the spot where it was only a few seconds ago. The strange thing was though; I think it's the same crow that's been following me around for a while.
I fell into a dreamless sleep and woke up to the bright morning sun. I dressed in a whit ruffled shirt and blue jeans. I pulled over a gray shrug and left my hair naturally wavy. After I finished dressing, I did my make up and went downstairs. I met Elena in the kitchen and we ate a silent breakfast.
"So, are you gonna talk to Stefan?" I broke the silence. She put her bowl down in the sink and began to wash it.
"Honestly Liz, I really don't want to." She didn't look at me.
"Well, then how are you gonna know if he's truly into you, or if he's really on the rebound?" I placed my bowl on the counter. I stared at her with my arms crossed, waiting for her to look at me.
"Didn't you hear what I told you yesterday? His brother told me himself about his ex, Katherine," she finally met my eyes and I saw hidden pain.
"Are you really going to believe a person whom you just met, that says their brother is on the rebound?"
"Well, why wouldn't I?"
"Uh, because you don't even know his brother," I said in a 'duh' tone. "And you've known Stefan longer. So who're you going to believe?" she didn't answer me though.
We soon left to meet Bonnie in town. People were already arriving and setting up spots for tonight. Kids were running around playing and getting their faces painted. It was really turning out to be a good show so far. Together, Bonnie and Elena and I walked around and handed out programs. We also touched on the rebound subject.
"Would you like a program?"
"Night of the comet,"
This is all we said to people passing by.
"He didn't call, or text. Then I realized we never got to the exchanging part," Elena confessed as she handed out a program.
"That's an important milestone in any relationship," Bonnie told her.
"Isn't it? The timing was wrong anyway,"
"When is the timing ever right Elena?" I asked her as I passed a program to an elderly couple.
"I'm not ready Liz," she confessed.
"Who is?" Bonnie asked.
She turned to us, "At least I put myself out there,"
"Is that what you're calling it?" the two of us turned to her. If she really like Stefan, than she wouldn't listen to what somebody else says about his past relationships and just go for it.
"What'd you two mean?" she looked down at her feet.
I sighed heavily, "All we're hearing is reasons why you can't," she looked at me in surprise. I'm her sister and I will do anything for her, including telling her straight up.
She nodded and we walked off, passing out programs as we went. Hours later, it was time for me to head over to the square and help set up the mural. I said goodbye to my sister and Bonnie and walked off. While I was walking, I kept getting this eerie feeling that I was being watched. I turned around every so often to check, and found nothing out of the ordinary.
Soon I was standing in front of the mural. It looked amazing. They way the colors contrasted and made the town and the comet itself come to life was fantastic. I went over to my section and just stared at my painting. I was always so judgmental of my own work, while others praised me I disagreed.
"Very nice work Liz," a voice from behind said, interrupting my thoughts.
I turn and see Stefan. I gave him a smile, "thanks, can't believe this'll be up for the whole town to see," I return my gaze to the board.
"You're a very talented artist, you should take more pride in your work," I looked over at him and sighed.
"I know that's what everybody tells me. I just can't though, I don't know why."
"It's because you see your work through your own eyes, when you should be seeing them through someone else," he explained. I just stared at him dumbfounded. What the hell is that suppose to mean?
"Thanks, Stefan, I think?" I had a puzzled look on my face, he merely chuckled though.
"Have you seen Elena, by any chance?" I knew this was coming.
"Uh she should be out on the field somewhere,"
He nodded, "thank you," and walked off.
I just sighed again and continued to stare at the mural. What did Stefan mean? It was all very confusing. I guess it made some sense, if you thought about it. I'm seeing my work through my eyes and my eyes judge too harshly. Whereas the eyes of a stranger hold no judgment at first glance.
When it was time to setup, I moved over to where all the other people were. Our instructions were to carefully move the mural over into the center. For everyone to see and comment. It took us about twenty minutes to piece everything together in place. Once we were done, we stood back and admired our work. Soon everyone dispersed to go off and watch the comet. I went over to the Grill to meet Elena.
I met up with her at a table where Tyler, Matt, Caroline and Bonnie were sitting. We were just talking about school and whatnot.
"Hey, Liz, how'd the mural come out?" all eyes were on me. I hated being in the spotlight, it was so embarrassing.
"Uh, I think it came out good. But you should go see it for yourself,"
"Well, if Liz worked on it, then you'll know it's gonna be fricken sweet," Matt laughed and put his arm around my shoulders. I laughed too and agreed.
We were all enjoying ourselves when Jeremy came up, looking frantic, "Hey has anyone seen Vicky?"
"You tell us, you're her stalker." Tyler countered. He really had an attitude towards Jeremy.
"I can't find her," he said defensively.
"She probably found somebody else to party with," Jeremy only sighed, "sorry pill pusher."
"What's with the pill pusher?" Elena asked. I looked at Jeremy in disbelief. I thought he'd stop by now. This was getting ridiculous.
"Ask him," Tyler said without taking his eyes off of Jeremy.
"You wanna do this right now?" Jeremy threatened.
"Are you dealing?" Elena asked in disbelief.
"Jeremy, seriously? You don't even think of the consequences. I thought you stopped," I shook my head and closed my eyes.
"She's never going to go for you," Tyler continued to taunt.
"She already did," Jeremy countered back. We all looked at him in disbelief. "Over and over and over again,"
"Yeah right," Tyler said.
I put my head into my hand and sighed.
"You slept with Vicky Donovan? I mean, Vicky Donovan slept with you?" Caroline questioned.
"Is that true Jeremy?" I asked.
"There's no way," Tyler said shocked.
"And I didn't even have to force her into it," Jeremy added. That shut Tyler up for the time being.
We all looked at him, expecting an answer. When he didn't Matt asked, "What the hell's he talking about Ty?"
"Nothing man, just ignore him he's a punk," he sent a glare to Jeremy.
"You know, how about all of you shut up and help me find my sister?" Matt left and soon we all split up, everyone except me, Elena and Jeremy.
"Oh no no no, Jeremy," I put my arm out to stop him.
He turned around and looked at the two of us. Oh he had no idea what was coming to him now. If he thinks that getting it from one sister was bad, wait until he gets it from two.
"You are coming with us," Elena grabs his arm and I grab the other and we lead him away from everyone else. "So that's your game now, dealing?"
"Ugh, I'm not dealing,"
"Okay Jer, cut the crap. I know you are because I caught you the other day, remember? And I warned you what would happen if you didn't stop. So why are you still doing it?" I crossed my arms.
"You have no idea what you're saying Liz, so why don't you just drop it and leave me alone?"
"Because I won't stop until you drop it,"
Elena soon joined in on our argument. "Look we are sick of the tough love speech Jeremy; it's really having no impact."
"You two and Jenna, between the three of you-"
"We can all stop if you want," I cut him off.
"Send you to a therapist or some rehab where you'll be forced to sit in a group and tell some stranger your feelings?" Elena somewhat threatened him.
"And how you let your like fall apart?" I added.
Jeremy was silent through the whole thing and just looked at us. "Or you could talk to us,"
"I vote for none of the above," and with that he walked off, leaving Elena and I.
We both sighed and crossed our arms at the same time.
"I'm worried," I said.
"I know I am too, as if we don't have enough on our hands to worry about," she added.
"Look, let's just find Vicky; we'll deal with Jeremy afterwards,"
"Alright,"
We split up in opposite directions. I look outside in the parking lot. I only see cars and a few drunken people though. After some time, and with no Vicky, I had back into the Grill. I see Matt and prepare to tell him that I couldn't find her when I see Vicky, sitting in a booth.
"Matt," he turns at the sound of my voice.
"Hey, Liz,"
"Is she alright?" I asked motioning to Vicky, who had a new bandage over her neck.
"Yeah, yeah, she'll be fine I think," I nod.
"Good, I'm glad everything's alright then."
"Thanks for your help Liz," he said out of nowhere. I give him a weird look.
"For what?"
"For helping of course," he said it as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"I really didn't do anything though," I gave a sheepish laugh.
"Still, it's nice to know that some people actually still care,"
"No problem," I nod and make my way over to where Bonnie and Caroline sat.
"Hey guys," I said as I sat.
"Hey Liz,"
I notice Caroline staring over at Matt and Vicky.
"Ugh, there is so much drama," Bonnie and I nod in agreement. "Ever notice how the druggies are the biggest attention whores?"
"Real nice Care; you know, way to be sensitive," I roll my eyes.
"What I'm just stating the truth."
Stefan walks in and he shares a few words with Matt. He then comes over to our table.
"Have any of you guys seen Elena?" truth be told, I had no idea where my twin wandered off to.
"I, uh think she went home Stefan sorry," I say with sincerity in my voice. I would have to talk to Elena about that. I look over in Bonnie's direction and both of us share a knowing glance.
"I'm gonna give you Elena's cell number and email," she begins to write down the info.
"She is big on texting and you can tell her I said so, or she'll find out eventually who told you anyway," I give him a little laugh.
Bonnie gives him the napkin, but as soon as she touches his hand, her eyes close and she jerks her hand back in surprise. All three of us look at her in concern, while she has a frightened look upon her face.
"Are you okay?" Stefan asks.
"What happened to you?" it comes out as a whisper.
She suddenly gets this look of realization on her face, "that was so rude. I'm sorry, excuse me." She gets up and leaves. We follow her retreating form.
"Yeah she kinda wigs out, it's kinda her thing," I stare at Caroline.
Soon after, Stefan leaves and it's just me and Caroline. We talk for the next twenty minutes until I say that I have to get home.
I start making my way to my car, when I got this urge to go see the mural again. I walk over and see the lights are still on that surround it. I just stare at it in silence. I don't know how long I stood there, but soon a voice interrupted my trance.
"Nice painting," I turn around to see who it was.
Right in front of me, was the most gorgeous guy I had ever seen. He was tall and lean. He wore all black and had shaggy brown hair. What really captured me though were his eyes. They were the most intense blue I had ever seen. It was captivating. But he also wore a smirk on his face, telling me that he was use to women falling for him all the time.
"Did you do this?" he came closer and I returned my gaze towards the mural.
"Uh yeah, I did actually. I did this section," I pointed out the comet.
"Huh, not bad," he said as he admired the work.
"Thanks,"
We stood in silence for a minute before I broke it, "I don't think I've seen you around town before, are you new?"
"Yeah, I am. I just moved back here,"
"Oh where'd you live before?" I questioned.
"Uh you know, here there everywhere."
"Must be an exciting life,"
"Eh it has its moments." I laugh a little.
I can feel his eyes on me, and he moves a little closer to me as well. I know I should feel uncomfortable, but I don't. There was something about this guy that made me want to be closer.
"So you're an artist?"
"For lack of a better term," I say.
"Well in that case, you are the most artistic person I know," he looks at me, "and I know a lot of people,"
"Thanks," I know how impolite I was at the moment, not introducing myself and all, but I just didn't want to yet.
"I'm sorry," I turn to him, "I don't think I got your name?"
"Oh, Elizabeth, Elizabeth Gilbert; but people call me Liz,"
"Well it is a pleasure to meet you Liz," he shakes my hand very enthusiastically, and had a smug smirk on his face. "And I must say, this mural is almost as amazing as I am,"
"Wow, you're just full of yourself aren't you?" I scoffed.
"Very," he winked. Okay, now is the part where I start to get uncomfortable.
"Um, I never got your name,"
He leans in closer to me and I feel my face het up. From embarrassment or blushing, I don't know. I did know that my heart started pumping very fast for my liking. Taking my hand once again he finally begins to tell me his name,
"Damon, Damon Salvatore,"