Chapter 20:

Caroline was right. The fried food really hit the spot.

I can't remember the last time I had something so greasy yet so yummy. Mozzarella cheese-sticks; the pros definitely outweighed the cons.

It had been an interesting dinner to say the least. Caroline was being very Caroline with all the chatter about Matt, the town, and everything and anything that had to do with her life. She was a very open person. Someone who trusted people with all her heart and didn't really see the danger in the world.

I wish I could be like that.

So innocent.

But I'm not. That was ripped away from me by the very person that I loved.

"So what about you?" I asked her. I had just told Caroline all about my crazy family. Including my withdrawn father and my flighty, lovable mother. "What about your family?"

Something in Caroline's eyes flickered and died.

I wanted to take the question back.

"It's just me and my mom. My dad, he skipped out a long time ago." She said in a shaky voice. It was very un-Caroline. Like I said; I wanted to take the question back.

"Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to pry."

"No, it's okay," Caroline's voice was quivering. She looked almost on the brink of tears. I was stunned. "I just haven't talked much about it since the… the umm… the accident." She finally choked out.

I've heard whispers about an accident around the school. The old sheriff had been patrolling around town, just like any other day. A deer had popped out, and the sheriff had swerved to try to avoid it. She should have just hit the tree, because in the end, she ended up hitting a tree. Long story short, the sheriff's in a coma and it's not looking good. It's why they brought in Charlie.

I just didn't know it had been Caroline's mom.

"Car, I'm so sorry that happened to you!" I exclaimed, "I just can't even imagine…." And I couldn't. I don't know what I would do if I lost Charlie. He might be a sideline dad, but he was still my father. "If you ever need someplace to stay, or eat ice cream, anything. Don't hesitate to come over."

Caroline was crying now. Full-out tears. She was blubbering something about thank you and I will. But honestly, I couldn't understand her through the sobs.

So, I got up and gave her the biggest hug I could.

It was out of character for me. I never knew what to do in these situations. Just like last night with Damon. Hell, I was never this good with Alice either. Forget Jessica or Angela, they hadn't really been my friends.

But with Caroline—I don't know. Maybe this is just the way it feels to have a friend.

I really wouldn't know. I've never really had one. But I'm excited to have one now.

Even if she's still crying.

Caroline stopped crying after a while, and our dinner had gone on as usual. We laughed, gossiped, and talked to our hearts' desire. And it really saddened me when I had to go.

But we had school tomorrow. Even if I dreaded the thought of it.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" Caroline asked. Our arms were linked as we walked towards our cars.

"Definitely," I said with a smile. "And I'll see you?"

"Definitely."

"Good," I said, "I don't think I can take Stefan or Elena without you."

"Ahh, I'm sure Tyler would help you," she teased. She knew all about Tyler's obsession with me and how much I hated it.

"That's not funny, Car," I said with a serious voice, but I knew I was smiling. Caroline was laughing.

We got to her car first. It's a little red convertible. Fits her perfectly.

"Have a good night, Bella," she says as she gets into her car, "And don't let the bed bugs bite. Or Tyler." She gives me a sly wink before bursting out laughing.

"I'll make sure," I call back as she drives away. "I'll make sure." The next time I say it, it's a whisper. Barely a sound.

I watch as Caroline's car turns the corner before I turn around to head to my own car. I take two steps towards the blue machine when a voice stops me dead in my tracks.

"It's funny," it sounds dry, humorless. "How dead-on Caroline was with that little statement."

My head snaps towards the person. They're leaning against the wall, covered in shadows. I can't make out their face. All I can see is a petite figure. Smaller than me.

So why am I so afraid?

"Who… who are you?"

"I know we haven't known each other that long, Isabella," the voice says again, "But you could do well to remember someone you just met. Never know when they'll pop up again."

The person steps away from the wall and out of the shadows. I see black hair, a pretty face, and dark eyes.

"Anna." I'm a little in shock, "What…"

Anna laughs. It's dead, and so full of hate.

"I'm really, really sorry to tell you this, Bella." She walks slowly towards me now. And she doesn't stop until her face is inches away from mine. I can't move. I'm glued to my spot in fear. "But the bed bugs… they're definitely going to bite."

That's when everything goes black.