"This place is a dump," 11-year-old Alessia thought to herself as she wandered through the town square of the small, abandoned town. The sun had just set, and darkness surrounded her, but she could see that all the businesses were boarded up beneath the faint streetlights. A sudden rainstorm began to drench her, and she quickly took cover under a large oak tree that sat alone in the middle of the square. She peered out from her temporary shelter and found it strange that there weren't people or cars anywhere in sight. There was an eeriness to the town, and it seemed that danger could be lurking anywhere.

She finally saw headlights bouncing in the distance, and hurried out from the square to meet them. She realized it was a sheriff's car as if came to a halt beside her. The window opened and a man peered out. "What are you doing here kid?" he asked. "It's not safe here."

"I'm looking for my Dad," she replied, "Maybe you can help me." Rain dripped down her face, and she began to shiver from the cold.

"Get in," he offered. Alessia quickly jumped into the backseat.

"I'm Sheriff Donovan," he stated as he peered at her though his rearview mirror. He figured she didn't seem like a threat, but he knew to never underestimate anyone who ended up in Mystic Falls. "What's your name?"

"Alessia," she replied through chattering teeth. "But everyone calls me Ally."

"Well….I'm sorry to have to tell you this Ally…..but no one lives in Mystic Falls anymore," he stated, "So….you're not going to find your Dad here." He could see the disappointment in her face. "I'll take you to the station and you can get some dry clothes, and some food, we'll contact your family, and I'll help you get back home in the morning."

"Sure, thanks," Ally replied. "Maybe you know where my Dad went? His name is Damon Salvatore." Her words hit Matt hard and he was speechless. He turned in his seat to face her, and that's when he saw them…..Damon's eyes looking back at him. She smiled uncomfortably at his reaction. "Do you know him Sheriff?" she asked again. Matt nodded his head, but the words still wouldn't come out of his mouth. "Are you ok Sheriff?" she asked.

"Uh….yeah…..and yes, I know your Dad," Matt replied, still stuck on the idea that the kid thought Damon was her father. As far as he knew, vampires couldn't procreate.

"Great, where is he?" she questioned.

"Well…he's out of town, but his brother Stefan is here," Matt replied.

"I didn't know I had an uncle too," she replied, "Could you bring me to him? I mean, that's if you don't think he would mind. I'm sure he would help me find my Dad." Alessia was excited and worried at the same time. She had searched for so long and she was finally getting closer to meeting her Dad.

"Stefan's a good guy….he won't mind," Matt replied. Matt turned around and reached for his phone. He couldn't believe the call he was about to make.

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A/N: Please let me know your thoughts and if you'd like me to continue. Thank you!