Author Note: I realised I made a few grammar errors in the previous chapters so I apologise, but I was so into writing it I was typing at speed and obviously made a few mistakes :P thank you sooooo much for reviewing – you really make me happy (yes, little comments make even school alright – don't judge me!) if you like it please review! Oh and I'm English so I spell words like 'colour' with a 'u', just thought I'd say that...

Chapter 2

The canary yellow dress wasn't hard to spot amidst the less attention seeking colours; so I made a beeline straight to her. She was talking to a woman with a heavily powdered face, and earrings so large you'd think her ears would drop off under the weight. Powder-Face's nasal voice was almost hysterical as she waved her arms around animatedly. Arianna was nodding along with sympathy. The frenzied woman paused for breath and I took my chance without hesitation.

"Arianna," I said, tapping her on the shoulder, "Can I speak to you for a few minutes?"

"I'm speaking with Sophia right now, but-"

"Please? It's important." There I was again, lying through my teeth. My big sister led me to the edge of the room and looked at me searchingly. "Are you alright, Alicia? Was it you who almost fainted in Mario Russo's arms?" My eyes bulged. "Who told you that? I did not!"

"Come on honey, sit down."

"No! For the hundredth time! Yes, I am alright. And no. I don't want to sit down!" I pronounced each syllable harshly, frustrated with all the caring people in the room. She looked taken aback. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean it quite like that. It's just that so many people keep asking me that – it's driving me up the wall!" I tried to redeem myself with an apologetic smile, but when she said softly, "It doesn't matter, Lissie," I knew I was forgiven. Only Arianna calls me Lissie! My small smile melted into a grin when I saw that my lovely elder sister wasn't cross at all. "So what's so desperate you need to steal me from my thrilling conversation with Sophia?"

"Erm... nothing. I just wanted someone to talk to. I haven't seen Stefan anywhere and- ooh there he is! See you in a bit! Have fun with Powder-Face!" She rolled her eyes as I ran off (well, ran is a bit of a exaggeration – I can barely walk in these stupid shoes) to a stiff black tuxedo with an ice blue neck tie.

I crashed into him and heard an 'oof' as I wrapped my arms around him and squeezed the life out of Stefan Salvatore. "Can't. Breathe..." he choked out, eyes popping. I let him go reluctantly and shuffled backwards a little till we were a 'seemly' distance apart. "Hi." I said, smiling brightly.

"Hi..." he wheezed, his breath slowly returning to him. "Alicia... it's been ages..."

"Since what? You saw me, or could breathe?"

"Both, I think." He laughed but that got caught up in a gasp of air, and he spluttered. "Give me a minute to recover." I rolled my eyes and tapped my foot in mock impatience.

"I'm okay now, I think."

"Good. It has been too long and I'm incredibly bored. This is without doubt the most tedious party I've attended in a long while – perhaps ever! But then again, it's the first real party I've been to in a long while, so... who am I to judge?"

"Just don't let Father hear you say that – he spent God knows how much on it. But I'm pleased you're enjoying yourself," he grinned wryly.

"So... where's the lucky bride-to-be? I've been dying to see her dress. Mine's much nicer though, I bet. Isn't it?" I bragged jokily.

"If I'm honest-"
"A good gentlemen must always be honest" I interrupted, reciting the rubbish I endured five years of. Stefan rolled his eyes.
"I was going to say I think your dress is much nicer, but I might have to change my mind now" he threatened, but with a smile. I feigned horror for a couple of seconds, but we both burst out laughing before I had time to pretend to faint.

"Tell me about Carlotta, I don't remember her - but five years is a long time, I suppose" I genuinely wanted to hear about the love of Stefan's life.
"Well, she's... a brunette... and... she has... brown...ish eyes..." He looked at me hopelessly. "I barely know anything about her but Father wants me to marry her so..." The corner of his mouth crinkled into a lopsided smile. He didn't love her. That was crystal clear. My brow furrowed as I tried to think of something comforting to say, but I came up with nothing. "Hey, it'll be alright in the end – things always turn out right, trust me," I murmured into his ear as I hugged him once more.

"Mmm... I suppose... Damon would stand up for himself and that's what I need to do. But I'm not Damon so..." he trailed off. Oh God, I need to help him but...I don't know what I can do. Think, girl think! "You could always run away, you know. Like in fairytales where the princess and the prince run off and live happily ever after... Well, except you wouldn't have a princess – but I'd come with you! And you're not a prince, but..." I bit my lip as he gave a weak laugh, shaking his head. It killed me to see him this upset. "Stefan, look at me." He raised his head slowly. "It will be fine. I promise you. And hey, you might end up falling in love with her!"

"Maybe..."

"Oh cheer up; it's a party – time to be happy! Come and dance for a bit." I tugged him onto the dancefloor and put my hands on his shoulders. Nervously, he glanced around, and then placed his hands on my waist. "You found my waist – well done!" I rolled my eyes at his hesitation.

"You don't have to be so sarcastic, Allie." He called me Allie – he must be feeling brighter; that was my childhood nickname!

"Oh, I do, believe me."

"You sound so much like Damon these days."
"That a good thing?" He paused for a second. "Yeah. He's a good brother... and he's entertaining." He was smiling now. This was more like the carefree boy I'd made friends with when we were five.

"Stefan!" A high pitched squealy voice ruined the light-hearted atmosphere I'd created. I turned around to see who had spoken. A plump olive face stared back at me. Sausage-like ringlets hung from her head and kept falling in her tiny 'brownish' eyes. She wore a net pastel pink dress that fitted tightly around her chest but stuck outwards directly underneath. Please don't be Carlott-

"Carlotta. Are you enjoying yourself tonight? I must say, you look stunning." Stefan sounded wooden and emotionless – which I think he was. The soon-to-be Mrs Salvatore either didn't notice the fact his speech seemed overly rehearsed, or she chose to ignore it. "Why are you dancing with that girl? And who is she?" she demanded childishly.

"Uhh... Carlotta, this is Alicia DiGrazio, we were friends about ten years ago, and I haven't seen her in five, so we were just catching up. Allie, this is my fiancée, Carlotta Marino." A fake smile stretched across my face while I held out my hand politely. Ignoring it, she looked me up and down with an expression of disgust etched on her round face. God, she was such a bi- mean girl. What would Mother say if she heard me say 'such profanities'?

"It was lovely to meet you, Carlotta. But I'm afraid I need to socialise elsewhere," I made my voice sugar-sweet and sickly, and I was delighted to see the furious glare she gave me.

For the second time that evening, I sauntered off, despite the desperate look on Stefan's face. Feeling guilty, I turned around to face him and mouthed I'm sorry;and he sighed and mouthed back it's alright – I understand. I smiled, then strode off to find the elusive Damon Salvatore.