'Are you sure you compelled Bella to forget about vampires?' Elena asked me as we stood outside the school. 'I think she still remembers.'

'Bella isn't unintelligent; she might not suspect vampire, but she understands something is up.'

Elena scowled. 'Maybe Damon could compel her to forget.' I frowned at the comment. 'What's wrong?'

'I don't think we should let Damon anywhere near her.'

'Why not?'

'If she really does remember, then he will kill her.'

'Maybe we could-'

'I compelled her to steer clear of Damon.'

'That's brilliant advice, but what if she tells the sheriff?'

'Then why hasn't she gone yet?'

'Maybe she was looking for more proof.'

'Bella's blood, it's... he won't think twice about draining her dry.'

'Maybe-'

'No, I don't think Damon realized it, but I think Bella's blood.. He could escape because he could reach out mentally to Caroline.'

I saw Bella's truck pulling up; her grandmother ambled out and entered the school, Politely moving past us as she did.

'What are you saying, Stefan?'

'He didn't feed after he attacked Bella; he said her blood-'

'Are you saying Bella's blood made Damon stronger?!' gasped Elena. 'Do you think he knows?'

I could hear Bella and her grandmother talking as they hobbled past us; glancing back as they did, I heard mine and Damon's names.

I think Elena might be correct, but I can't risk Damon getting stronger or Bella's life

'I don't know.'

'How was school?' Gran asked. Her voice made me jump and, inevitably, drop my books. 'Sorry, didn't mean to startle you.'

'It's ok. I'm fine. School today was fine.'

'Did they find a permanent teacher yet?'

We hurriedly collected my books and began to walk towards the doors.

'Yes.'

'What is his name?'

'Mr. Alaric Saltzman.'

'Is he anything like William?'

'I don't think so, but it's only his first day. He made us stand and talk about ourselves.'

'What did you say?'

'The bell rang and saved my butt. I'm sure someone told him about the attack. Maybe he's a gorehound.'

'Gorehound? That sounds unpleasant.'

'It is.'

'This town,' she lamented, 'is not as safe as I remember.'

'Back you lived here; Gramps probably had a shotgun.'

'Your father called it a boomstick.' she chuckled.

'Do you remember if any more of Beau's old friends still live in town?'

Gran shrugged. 'I think they're dead, all except one. He left town.'

'Do you remember his name?'

'Something with a J. I doubt he still lives in town. Maybe if I saw that one of those yearbooks.'

'I would like to talk to Jeremy's aunt Jenna.'

'Why?'

'To learn about my life before we left.'

'What's going with that blonde girl?'

'Who, Caroline? What do you mean?'

'Aren't you supposed to be hanging out together?'

'Yes, but she has to get Bonnie and Elena together.'

'Is that Gilbert girl still acting like the sun rises and falls out of her rear?'

'A little.'

I glanced up and saw Elena and Stefan talking, both watching me.

I think they're on to me.

'It's that Salvatore boy, Stefan. That is his name, right?'

'Yes, ma'am.'

'Who's Damon?'

'Damon Salvatore?!'

'Another one, eh?'

'He's Stefan's brother; how do you know him? Did you meet him-'

'I heard that Gilbert girl say something about him getting stronger just now.'

Damon getting stronger?!

That can't be good.

'He lurks around the school on the pretense of his younger brother, but it's really to scope out the girls.'

'Has he threatened any of you?'

'I heard he bit a girl. Damon's crazy if he thinks he can bully me.'

'Should I call the sheriff?'

'No, it's just rumor and innuendo, no need to alarm her over gossip.'

'I suppose you're right. Just be careful.'

'Are you going to career night?' Jeremy asked.

We sat in history class a few days later, waiting for class to start. I thought he didn't know I was next to him; he seemed so into that journal. The room was full of constant chatter; I was surprised he heard my quiet hello.

'Uh...'

'You can, and your grandmother, come with us; Jenna and I. I think Jenna likes Mr. Saltzman.'

'Ok.'

Heck of a way to raise your GPA.

'I don't know, Gran's still in Grandmama Bear mode.'

'How's your neck?'

'Sore, but I don't have to wear the collar anymore. What are you reading?'

'I found this old journal that belonged to an ancestor. Jonathan Gilbert.'

JG.

'Johnathan Gilbert?'

'He wrote a lot about demons and people getting slaughtered.'

Perhaps vampires as well.

'You'll have to let me read it sometime.'

'Yeah, sure.'

JG.

Could JG be a vampire?

'When was Johnathan Gilbert born?'

'Sometime in the 1800s.'

'Are you writing about your- what is he to you?'

'Great-great grandfather, maybe add a few more greats, I don't know. I bet my dad knew.'

'Maybe your aunt Jenna knows.'

'Maybe my Uncle John knows.'

'Uncle John?'

'My dad's little brother.'

JG.

'Are you doing something later?'

'Just going to career night with Jenna, why?'

'I have some pictures of my uncle; maybe you can help me name names.'

'Alright.'