Chapter 2
I hate to break it to you babe, but I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save
Who cares if you disagree?
You are not me
Who made you king of anything?
King of Anything – Sara Bareilles
A few days after the back-to-school party I find Tyler by his locker and ask "did you seriously threaten to beat up Jeremy Gilbert this morning?" Rolling his eyes Tyler responds "what does it matter the kids a punk and deserves to get his ass beat". "God Tyler. You are so frustrating, just ignore the kid". Turning back towards his locker Tyler sighs and states whatever. "Fine Tyler. Get your rocks off beating up kids. I am going to go find Matt" Walking away from Tyler I can't help but think to myself what is it about Jeremy that gets under Tyler's skin so easily
Later at lunch I find myself sitting with Matt talking about Vicki, when suddenly Elena sits down with us. "Can I help you Elena" I sneer. Ignoring my completely she turns to Matt and asks him how Vicki is doing. "Yeah, she is doing okay, I guess. She woke up last night and muttered "vampire" and then passed out" he shares. As I stare at him in disbelief, I question him "Come on Matt, a vampire? You know I love Vicki but she was drunk and probably using something" I respond. Watching Matt I see his face turn into one of disappointment and hurt, but before I can do anything he announces "I am well aware of that Annie. I am going to head back to the hospital, I want to be there when Vicki wakes up, get the real story about last night" As Matt leaves Elena turns towards me "I don't want to hurt him you know". "It doesn't matter what you want to do Elena, it matters what you did. You broke his heart and I had to put back the pieces. "Is that why you refuse to hang out with me anymore?" Leaning closer to her I state "I no longer hang out with you because you clearly have no issue hurting your friends" Standing up from the table I head towards my locker wishing today would just end.
Damnit. Fumbling around in my bag for my phone I notice several missed calls and texts from Matt. "Come on Annie we got to go" Yells Tyler from the car. Jogging towards him I start to read my missed texts from Matt. Vicki was freaking out. I am really worried Annie. Call me. After I take a seat in the car Tyler turns to me and asks "Why do you look so stressed-out Annie?" "Matt has been texting me about Vicki he seems upset about something" "Do you want me to drop you off at the hospital?" Taking a moment to think I respond "no, its okay. I will call Matt after we get home." Nodding Tyler starts the car and we begin our drive home. I hope Matt is okay or least okayish.
"When I asked her about it again, she said it was an animal and then out of no where Jeremy showed up" shares Matt over the phone. "Jeremy? As in Gilbert? As in the one Ty wants to beat up all the time for being around Vicki?" I ask while trying to stay serious. Laughing on the other line Matt agrees and shares how he thinks Jeremy has a crush on Vicki. "Then it gets weirder Annie. Stefan found Vicki after she wandered off and broke her stiches open. But he looked so concerned" "huh, maybe it would have been worth it to go to the comet viewing tonight, seems like lots of drama." "Oh, please Annie, you would have hated it and been miserable the whole time" Letting out a laugh I quickly agree. Taking a deep breath I ask "Matt are you happy" "What? I mean, I guess. Why? Are you?" "Yeah sometimes, just feelings like something is missing though. Anyways. One last thing before I hang up and go to bed. If you want to be friends of acquaintances or whatever with Elena, I will support you, you know that right?" through the phone I hear Matt sigh before he shares "Annie, I don't know what I want. Elena was a huge part of my life and ignoring that feels… wrong. You know" nodding to myself I agree "yeah Matt, I know" after a beat of silence I announce "All right Matt I am going to go to bed see you tomorrow?" "Goodnight Annie, see you tomorrow". I hang up my phone and l plug it in to charge before getting comfy in bed. The last thought I have before drifting off is, I wonder if I will hear that voice again tonight.
Needless to say, school was slightly less boring today. All because of history class and an epic Tanner Vs Stefan date showdown. Other than that school was fairly lack luster other than the general excitement for the football game tonight. Speaking of…
"I can't believe Tanner let the new guy onto the team" seethes Tyler as we make our way to the tailgate before the big game. "Calm down Tyler, you don't have to like the guy but face it he does up the team's chances of winning" I respond. Scoffing accompanied by an epic eye roll Tyler responds "God Annie. Just agree with me for once" before I can say a word Coach Tanner begins his speech and the football team goes to stand together. Part way through Tanner's speech I see Tyler walk away from the rest of the team. Where is he going? From behind the crowd a fight breaks out and Vicki is yelling at them. Running over I see Stefan pull Tyler away from Jeremy. For god's sake Tyler. From behind Stefan and Tyler, Jeremy rises from the ground with a broken glass bottle in his hand. "Tyler" I yell as Stefan pushes Tyler out of the way. Rushing over to Tyler I try to check the cut on his head as he pushes my hands away "I am fine Annie" he states as he stands and stomps off. From beside me Matt places his arm around my shoulder and states "Tyler will be okay he just needs a minute to cool off". Nodding, I watch Tyler punch a wall in the distance before I turn and give Matt a slight smile in agreeance.
After the fiasco at the tailgate and the big game I decided I needed some time to think and be alone. Midnight, the best time for a run. With Tanner killed by an animal earlier, everyone is on high alert but nothing beats a night run. That is until someone interrupts it. "Well, hello, what do we have here?" a dark voice says from behind me. Coming to an abrupt stop I turn around and see Caroline's new boyfriend Damon Salvatore standing behind me. "Can I help you with something Damon?" I ask. Tilting his head his lips turn into a smirk before stating "That's not fair you know who I am yet I have no idea who you are?" Narrowing my eyes I respond to him "somehow, I think I will live with that. Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to continue my run" As I turn away from him, I feel a rush of air. Suddenly he is in front of me staring into my eyes with a determined look as he states "Be quite and hold still for me I need a quick snack". I quickly back away from him as his eyes develop dark veins and turn black. "What the hell is wrong with you dude" I state. "Hmmm now that is interesting. I don't smell any vervain on you." Taking a step to the side to go around him I state "I think you need to leave now and stay away from me" Without further conversation I start my run up and begin heading home. Wow, Caroline's boyfriend is a full-blown creep.
Laying in bed after my run I can't help but wonder what happened to Damons's face and why he thought I would wouldn't say anything. That guy is delusional, what does Caroline see in him? Turning onto my side I decide I will mention Damon's weird ways to Caroline no matter how much I don't want to talk to her. Slowly I feel myself drift off as a soft voice welcomes me into a familiar dreamland "Hello Love" Darkness. A room full of darkness. A familiar dream and a familiar room. I look around knowing that an unknown man will appear shortly covered in blood and laying on the ground in clear pain. As though reading my thoughts a young man appears across from me laying on the floor covered in blood. I try to make my way towards his form but an unknown force holds me back. "Help.. me…" gasps the form. Knowing I won't be able to help, I fall to my knees as I watch the man gasp for air. As I continue to watch the young man tears begin streaming down my face. Eventually, the form fades into the darkness and I am left alone with the sounds of pain surrounding me. Letting out a gasp all I can wonder is when will this end.
The next day Tyler, Carol, Richard, and I head to the grill for some food and 'family time'. Great. Vicki. "How are y'all doing over here?" asks Vicki as she approaches the table. Ignoring her and the interaction I glance at my phone in hopes something can distract me, no such luck. After not only I ignore her, Vicki leaves the table in defeat and makes her way towards the bar. "Carol and I are going to head out, are you two staying?" Tyler and I glance at each other and nod. Once Richard and Carol leave Tyler goes to talk to Vicki, and I head to Caroline and Bonnie. Now is as good as time as any to tell Caroline how creepy her boyfriend is. As I approach, I hear them discussing Caroline's boyfriend Damon. "FYI Caroline Damon is weird. I was out running last night and he tried to corner me and told me to stay still because he needed a snack. So creepy." I state once close enough for them to see and hear me. Looking towards me Caroline glares while Bonnie states "see older sexy danger guy is correct" leaning my palms on the table I let out a laugh "older yes, danger more than likely, sexy… meh, debatable". Scoffing Caroline asks "don't you have someone else to go annoy" Smiling I see Tyler walk away from Vicki and states "Why yes, yes I do. I will text you later Bonnie!" Walking away from them I meet Tyler at the door and ask "are you okay" glancing at me he holds the door open and gestures me through before stating "Vicki roped me into being her date for the Founder's Day ball" Letting out a laugh I announce "Your mom will be thrilled to hear this"
"Really Carol? I know you don't like Vicki but do we have to crash Tyler's date" I complain as I follow Carol to a bench away from the Founders Party. "I never said I do not like Vicki, but she is trash and trash needs to be dealt with. Now stop complaining Anastacia". Grumbling, I cross my arms and continue following Carol. Off to the side of me I hear Vicki state "What's the matter, Ty? You're scared to stand up to your mommy? It's pretty pathetic.". Well shit Vicki, way to dig yourself a hole. Coming to a stop beside them Carol approaches the pair and with a small smirk and states "Tyler...We didn't get a chance to say hello earlier. It's Vicki, right? Matt's sister." "Yes, ma'am." "You'll have to forgive my son's rudeness. He gets it from his father." "Well, that's okay, Mrs. Lockwood. Tyler and I were just saying good night." Responds Vicki before she turns and walks away from Tyler. Stepping closer to Tyler I hear Carol whisper to him "That's what you get when you bring the trash into the party." As Carol turns to leave, she gives me a brief nod. Time for damage control, I think to myself. "God Carol can be a bitch" I state as I make my way to stand beside Tyler. Turning his head to look at me Tyler responds "What are you even doing here Annie" "Carol made me come for moral support or something. Are you okay?" "I'm fine let's just get back to the party" Reaching out Tyler throws his arm around my shoulders and guides me back towards the party.
Inside the manor Tyler and I separate. Looking around I notice Bonnie standing near the dining room. Making my way over I overhear Carol arguing with staff about candles not being lit before heading towards the kitchen. "Bitch" mutters Bonnie. Letting out a quick laugh I state "you got that right Bonnie" Whipping her head towards me she begins to laugh after a flash of panic. Suddenly a small flash appears and behind Bonnie all the candles lit themselves. "What the hell" Bonnie turns around as I step beside her. From the corner of my eye, I see a look of wonder and satisfaction appear on her face. Did Bonnie somehow light the candles? I ask myself.
A/N
If season 1 feels rushed that is on purpose… I wanted to start at the beginning to really build Annie up as a character. However, the purpose of the story is to get to Klaus and I would like to do that ASAP!
I hope you enjoy the ride
Alyssa