I told Gran about career night on the drive home; she was a bit hesitant but agreed that we should go. I noticed that her protests all but vanished when I mentioned Jeremy, even though I made it clear that we're just friends.

I changed into a long sleeve forest green shirt, faded jeans, and a pair of black Converse.

As I brushed my hair in the mirror, I grimaced at my shirt or, more accurately, its color. It was the same color as Stefan's eyes; I don't think anyone would notice, but I threw a brown flannel over it just in case.

We were supposed to meet Jeremy and Jenna, but I could never connect with them. I saw Jeremy into it with Tyler, but they were led outside so I couldn't get to Jeremy. And Jenna was talking to Mr. Saltzman.

I saw Stefan and Elena leaning against the wall, facing one another; I wondered if they were talking about me.

I texted Caroline and Matt but got no response; everyone seemed too busy to talk to me.

'I think I left something in the truck.' I told Gran. 'I'll be right.'

I briskly stumbled to the trunk, taking out my keys as I approached. And in classic horror movie fashion, I dropped my keys, and when I reached out to grab them, another hand got there first.

'Hello, School Girl.'

I swear my heart stopped when I heard his voice.

'Haven't seen you around much.'

I didn't turn to face him; I didn't even look at his reflection. I only stared at my keys dangling in his hand.

'What was your name again?' when I didn't respond, he scowled. 'Didn't your parents teach you to respect your elders?'

I thought of Renee and Charlie, and something inside of me tightened, steeling my nerves; I turned to him.

Damon Salvatore.

He dressed like what a kids' television show would label a cool/rebellious teenager.

'Amber.'

'Amber?!'

'Amber Alert. I'm sure you've heard of me.'

'Cute.'

'What are you doing here?'

'Stefan called me.'

'I'm not Stefan.'

'I can see that.'

'What do you want?'

'Ouch. I'm only a well-wisher-'

'There's a girl named Vicky Donovan. Have you seen her?'

'She's the sister of that quarterback Elena used to date before Stefan?'

'Yes, that's her.'

'No.'

'Hmm. Maybe I have my keys.'

'Leaving so soon? Don't care about your future?'

'My future is set in stone; yours, on the other hand-'

'What's that supposed to mean, you little-?'

'Damon. Bella?' Stefan rushed up, confused by the sight of us. 'What's going on?'

'Nothing much-'

I snatched my keys as Elena scampered to us. 'I'm going back inside.'

'Wait a minute.' Damon grabbed my wrist but let go as if my skin burned him.

I looked at my bracelet as they stared at me, Damon glared at me as Elena grabbed Stefan's arm.

'Bella?' called a voice, making both Elena and me jump. I turned to see Gran and Jeremy approaching, Damon backed from me.

'Jeremy.' I gasped as Stefan grabbed Damon's arm.

'You wanted to show me something?' he replied as Damon and Stefan walked away, or more accurately Stefan dragging him.

When they were out of sight, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

'I did?'

'Pictures of your uncle.'

I nodded and pretty much crumpled against the truck, causing him, Gran, and Elena to rush to me.

'Bella?' cried Gran as Jeremy helped me off the truck. 'What's wrong?' she turned to Elena. 'What happened?'

'Damon sucked what energy I had left in my social battery.' I gasped. 'I'm feeling a little woozy.'

Gran took the keys from my trembling hands. 'I'll take you home.'

Jeremy helped me into the truck, I felt like I was going to heave. 'I'll show you the photos tomorrow.'

'Caroline?' breathed Elena when the person she was talking to before was out of earshot.

We walk a short distance away and stop. 'She's ok. I took her home. She was shaken up. But all she knows is Logan attacked her. Nothing else.'

She let out a relieved sigh. 'Where's Logan?'

I paused before stating quietly, 'Damon's dealing with him.'

She paled at my response. 'As in...?'

I nodded. 'You saw what happened tonight, right?' Elena touched me, but I crossed my arms and she retracted her hand. 'I mean, you understand why we can't be together? You see it?'

'Yeah, I'm starting to see a lot of things, Stefan.'

No, you don't, you're still thinking we can do it.

'Come on. I'll, uh, I'll give you a ride.'

'Uh, I can get home.'

'I know.' she sighed.

'All right. That'd be nice.' I sighed in response.