~*Two*~

Long Time, No See

The Next Day

I'm sitting outside of the police station on a bench, waiting. The brilliant rays from the hovering sun reflect sharply and beautifully on top of the glossy surface of the lake nearby. Several trees stand, surrounding the outer perimeter. I'm just counting the trees when a familiar voice tears me from my mind.

"Elena,"

I turn at the sound of my old friend Bonnie Bennett. She strolls out of the building, smiling toward me. Her badge dangles from her neck, hanging from a lanyard. Bonnie has taken her intelligence and courage to Private Investigating, helping the police with cases, as well as helping out third-party clients.

"Hey," I greet when she tosses her arms around me.

"It's so good to see you," Bonnie pulls away from me.

"You, too," I say.

I begin to wander toward the bridge, away from the police station. Bonnie follows me, looking around for witnesses.

"So, show me the email," she says quietly when we're alone and away from the station.

I pull out the reason that I came here, a piece of paper with the email printed onto it. I hand it to Bonnie, who scans it thoroughly.

"So, you have no idea who this is?" She squints in the sun at me.

I shake my head as I sigh. "No idea."

"And when did you receive this email?" she asks.

"About winter of 2010. During Sophomore year of college." I say.

"Alright," Bonnie nods, folding the email back and handing it to me.

"And you said that there was a video attachment?" She reminds me.

I pull out my phone and scroll through my media files. Once I spot the video, I hand it to Bonnie.

"Wait, someone was watching your parents?" she gasps, astonished.

I nod. "I don't know why, though."

"I'll see what I can do. Forward me the Email, and I'll look into it," she tells me, and I wrap my arms around her.

"Thank you, Bonnie," I say. "Really,"

"It's my job, Elena," Bonnie says against my head.

"I know," I nod as I pull away from her. "But still, thank you."

Bonnie smiles. "Have you talked to Matt about this since you've arrived back into town?"

"He's still in Atlanta," I tell her. Matt Donovan, my other childhood best friend, is a very tech-savy kind of guy, and I think he'd be able to help out as well. Matt's on vacation with his mother and sister in Atlanta, visiting relatives.

"Alright. I'll let you know what I find." Bonnie says as she walks back toward the station.

"Bye," I wave to her, and when she's back inside the station, I look down at my watch. It's nearly one-thirty. I have to get back home for the funeral.

It's nearing two when I'm scrunching my hair into curls with some new curling foam that Bonnie gave me for Christmas last year. My hair walls in soft and voluptuous curls down my back, stoping just beneath my chest. My side bangs fall against my forehead .

When I finish, I wander over to my suitcase. I have nothing to wear to any formal event, let alone a funeral. Sure, I had somewhat of a 'goth' phase back when, however, that doesn't mean that I always wore only black. I just had pink streaks in my hair and wore plaid and punk clothing. I was a shoe in for Avril Lavigne.

I hastily dig and throw clothes everywhere around my room.

Hang on.

I reach into my closet, spotting a black plaid skirt from my high school days. I instantly grab a ruffly lace black top that my Bonnie gave me, and I throw a pair of black wedges onto my bed.

The organ plays a version of "Let It Be" by the Beatles as I step out of Grayson's maroon SUV, Jer behind me. I remember that Pastor Young was a big Beatles Fan. I wonder if April's playing. She's an amazing piano player. I spot several families and individuals who I recognize from Sunday Services that I'd attended with my family before I left town.

"Jer and I are going to go talk to the Youngs," Grayson says. "We'll meet you inside.

I nod, and watch as they walk away. I think that Jer's most likely going with him is so that he can talk to April. They were s friends, and Jeremy had a crush on her a while ago. However, I doubt that he would make a move in her when she's in a vulnerable state.

As I walk toward the front of the church, I feel my phone vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out, and groan as I accidentally drop it. When I pick it up, I glance at the caller ID.

"Bonnie," I say.

"Elena, are you busy?" she asks, and I sense a bit of unease in her voice.

"Yeah. I'm with Grayson and Jer at Pastor Young's funeral." I tell her. "Can I call you back?"

"Well, when you've got time, stop by my office." she says.

"Did you find something?" I ask, frowning. What could it be?

"Yes, but I'm not going to tell you over the phone. You need to come in and see it," she sighs. "Call me when you're free, alright?"

I nod. "Alright. Thanks."

When I hang up, I stuff my phone back into my pocket and resume my way to the church entrance. However, when I see Mason Lockwood standing on the steps, I stop in my tracks.

Crap. What is he doing here? He doesn't even live in town. I groan with the rememberance that his sister in-law is the mayor.

I instantly turn around and speed-walk away. I can't let him see me. My heals sink into the plush grass as I continue to flee, and as I'm looking back to make sure he didn't see me, I accidentally step in the wrong direction and I fall face first onto the ground, the soft grass entering my mouth. My glasses go flying off to god-knows-where. I spot them and stretch my hand to grab them before someone can step on them. I slide them on, then suddenly, soft hands are at my shoulders, helping me up.

"Thank you," I say as I rise to my feet, "I'm so sorry, I'm-"

All of the oxygen leaves my body as I stare up at the man who helped me up. His eyes are the color of crystal powder blue, and I'm stunned at the brilliant shade. I don't think I've ever seen the color before. Tousled raven hair covers his head, and as I continue to stare at him, I feel my cheeks begin to flame in embarrassment.

"It's fine. Are you alright?" He asks, and I'm lost again to the velvet softness of his angelic voice. I think that Michelangelo personally sculpted his body.

"Yes, thank you," I nod, suddenly breathing heavy and uneven from embarrassment.

"Wait, do I know you?" The man in front of me frowns, his eyebrows knitting together on his forehead.

"No, sorry," I shake my head. I would definitely remember knowing this guy.

"Well, look who's back in town," a snide voice purrs. I look up. Katherine's curled up against Damon, smirking at me. "Long time, no see."

"Katherine," I nod in acknowledgement. When I get a more detailed view of her as I straighten up, I notice with no surprise that Kat's outfit is just shy of inappropriate for an event like this.

She's wearing a tight black cocktail dress, which is so low-cut that I can see her chest peeking out. On the sides, cuts rip out from the sides, giving the dress a very vixen-like accent.

I turn my attention back to the present.

"Yes, I've just gotten back into town the other day." I tell her.

"Wait, you know her?" Damon asks, and I'm trying not to be distracted by his voice.

Kat sighs. "Damon, this is my identical twin sister, Elena," she says. "It's more noticeable without the glasses. Elena, this is Damon."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Elena," Damon says as he looks down.

When I follow his gaze, Damon's hand is stretched towards me. I take it, and I'm suddenly overwhelmed with an electric shock that runs through my hand as it touches Damon's.

What the-?

I look up and Damon's blue eyes lock with mine, and I'm trying desperately to look away.

"Elena!"

Perfect.

I snatch my hand away and turn in the direction of the voice. Isobel, the woman who Kat had went to live with when our parents went missing, is running over excitedly towards me. I notice with dread that Caroline Forbes, my old friend, is behind her, reluctance plastered across her expression. Her apparel, like Kat's, isn't very appropriate for a memorial.

"Aunt Isobel," I smile, and soon, she's wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me. I feel like I'm hugging a stranger. I never saw Isobel in my life. Maybe once or twice.

"Oh, Elena, look at you! You look absolutely beautiful!" She caresses my cheek. "You remember Caroline Forbes, right?" Next thing I know, I'm facing Caroline, who's glaring at me. According to Bonnie, when I left town six years ago, Caroline had become closer to Katherine, and soon, Caroline became popular, and Bonnie had been sitting alone at lunch. April Young, had however, befriended Bonnie.

I nod. "I do." It's hard to forget someone who you were friends with for nearly eleven years.

"So, you're back from college?" Caroline asks awkwardly.

I nod. "I just got back a couple of days ago."

"Caroline's the publicist for the Mayor," Isobel brags as if Caroline is her own daughter.

"Wow, that's amazing," I smile at Caroline, who smiles rudely. Caroline and I may have lost contact sourly, but I still am proud of her for achieving her dreams.

"Oh, did you meet Kat's fiancé Damon?" Katherine and Damon, who are locked in an embrace, staring at us.

Fiancé?

Katherine, engaged?

"Yes, I did," I nod, forcing myself to display a smile. "I didn't know that she was engaged, however,"

Isobel frowns and looks at Katherine.

"I was just going to tell her," Kat says tiredly.

I don't know how much longer I can stand near her, near Katherine and her extremely attractive fiancé. No. I can't even be one-tenth percent attracted to my sister's fiancé. She'd kill me in my sleep.

"Where's your uncle and brother?" Isobel asks, looking around for them.

"Oh, they went to talk to...the m-mayor," I stutter as I see Damon staring at me.

"Ah, well, perhaps they're already inside," Isobel says.

Suddenly the bells to the church toll, and Isobel pats my back. Katherine and Damon are already heading into the church.

"Shall we go?" Isobel asks.

I nod.

I'm sitting in the third pew from the front, on the left side. Jer's on the aisle, Grayson beside me. Isobel, Caroline, Kat, then Damon are to my right. I'm twiddling my thumbs as I sit, listening to Mayor Lockwood speak about Pastor Young. The church choir rises, and suddenly Isobel grabs my hand and rises, so I'm forced to stand. I'm suddenly wobbling in my shoes, and I grip the back of the pew in front of me for support.

"Whoa, Elena," Grayson says. "You alright?"

I nod, swallowing. For some reason, I look over to the right, and Kat's checking her phone, as well as Caroline. Damon's looking right at me.

God, I wish he'd look away. This isn't helping. I force myself to look away as I tear my gaze from his.

Five minutes pass. My feet are hurting from standing in these shoes, and in the corner of my eye, I see April Young emerge from the front row. Her head is bent downward, and I my eyes follow her as she walks to the back of the sanctuary. Everyone glances back at her, and I feel sympathy for her. She's just lost her father to cancer, and she's literally the talk of the town. Also, what Kat has done to her, isn't helping my conscience. I quickly sneak a glance at Kat and Caroline. They both are looking at her as if she was some disgusting bug.

I sigh sadly as I join in the chorus of "Amazing Grace".

Ten minutes later, the entire group of the guests are once again lingering in the front grounds, talking about the pastor or his daughter, April. Another Beatles cover of "All We Need Is Love" croons in the back as I search for Grayson and Jer in the sea of guests.

"Elena,"

I look up. Mason Lockwood is standing a few feet away from me, smiling softly at me.

"Mason," I breathe, too stricken with shock to say anything else.

"How are you?" He asks softly, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he strolls over to me. I cross my arms over my chest as I feel Mason's gaze glancing at it.

"I'm fine," I say. This is too awkward.

"Enjoying the post-college life?" He smiles jokingly.

I nod, wanting to disappear.

"Elena?"

I whip around at the sound of Grayson's voice. Jeremy, Isobel, Kat and Damon are behind, talking to the mayor. Caroline has excused herself.

"Grayson," I say, relieved. His stare is fixed on Mason.

"Oh, this is Mason Lockwood," I say, attempting a smile as I gesture to Mason. "He was my English professor at Whitmore." Grayson outstretches his hand toward Mason, who shakes it firmly. "This is my uncle Grayson," I tell him.

"Nice to meet you," Grayson says.

"You, too, sir," Mason nods.

"Well, you coming, Ellie?" Grayson asks, wrapping his arm around me. I nod. Anywhere but here.

"Goodbye, Professor," I smile at Mason, and I am overwhelmed with relief when Grayson leads me away from Mason.

"Who was that, your boyfriend?" Jeremy taunts.

"Shove off, Jer," I attempt to smile. "He was one of my professors at Whitmore,"

"Alright," Jer sighs. "So, we heading to lunch?"

"Sure, if you all-" Grayson smiles.

"Actually, I have to meet up with Bonnie," I admit, and everyone looks at me.

"She can wait," Jeremy says. I shoot him a glare.

"Come on, Elena," Damon says, and I look at him. He's smiling warmly at me, and I can't resist. Bonnie and I didn't have actual plans. I still have to call her.

"Alright," I sigh.

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Soundtrack that inspired/mentioned in this chapter:

Theme Song: Bad Things ~ Meiko

For You ~ Angus & Julia Stone

Under My Bed ~ Meiko

(PIANO VERSIONS)

Let It Be ~ The Beatles

Amazing Grace ~ LeAnn Rimes

All You Need Is Love ~ The Beatles