A/N: For those of you asking if I have an actress in mind for Lucy, I sort of picture her looking like Maia Mitchell.

Here's a gif set of her: post/185196058116/jcmieschung-why-are-you-letting-me-go-on-about-my

& a photo of her: post/185196096486/maiaholic-she-is-always-on-point

Thanks so much for the reviews you've left so far. I really appreciate it, and would love to hear your thoughts on the story if you haven't given any so far. I'm considering leaving links to visuals (outfits, scenery, etc.) at the end of each Chapter. If that's something you'd be interested in let me know! They'd need to be at the end because I wouldn't want to spoil the content of the Chapter, but I'm not sure if anyone would click them once it's over.

Song: Portrait of a Summer Thief

Artist: Sounds Under Radio

You open up to say you're feeling all right
With pictures on the wall
You'll figure out that feeling here is all right
With still frames in the hall
But it's not that hard

Could you save me from,
Could you be there for me?
Could you wake me from,
Could you be my thief?

I jumped as I shut my locker to see a pair of brown doe eyes staring at me. Elena quickly crushed me with a hug, one that I let myself melt into.

"You were awesome!" Elena said. "So now that you've got your first game under your belt, how does it feel to be the hot new cheerleader?"

I smiled. "I was really nervous before the game, but now that it's over I feel pretty great."

"I knew it!" Elena jumped up and down. "Some of us are going to the grill to celebrate the win, do you want to come?"

"Yeah sure, let me just get changed." I said.

Elena put her hand out to stop me as I turned back to my locker. "Don't change, trust me. It's a good night to have our school colors on. Come on, I'll drive."

The difference between the Mystic Grill tonight and the week prior when I had first been here was night and day. Most of the tables packed full of Mystic Falls High students, sporting maroon and black and grinning from ear to ear due to our win. I gathered that wins didn't come often for the Timberwolves. There were pitchers of beer all over the place, and I chuckled at the leniency as I would have assumed the sheriff's department had nothing better to do than to bust kids for underage drinking.

I sat in a booth at the Grill with Caroline, Mike, Elena, and of course, Stefan. Wherever Elena went, Stefan followed. Something about him was strange, but I couldn't quite place my finger on it. He didn't say much, though that could just mean he didn't like me. His eyes were always scanning the room, and his mind always seemed to be elsewhere. Elena clearly saw something good in him, however, and she had been a great friend to me this week, so I trusted her judgment.

"Tonight was awesome!" Caroline said. "You did great new girl, I'm glad I asked you to join the squad."

Elena nodded. "We told you that you could do it!"

"Yeah well, it's easy to keep spirits up when our team is winning." I shrugged.

"And that," Caroline said. "Is all thanks to my super hot boyfriend, the quarterback."

Caroline kissed Matt on the cheek. Elena rolled her eyes, but I couldn't help but smile. Despite her horrible first impression, Caroline really was as nice as Elena said. She was neurotic, and a complete control freak, but she was nice. I chalked her attitude towards me on my first day here as her reaction to me being a disruption in her perfect routine. She and Matt made a picture perfect couple; beautiful blonde head cheerleader, and charmingly handsome quarterback.

I found myself tuning out of the conversation and scanning around the room. My eyes wandered across the bar, and my heart dropped a bit when I didn't see the raven haired stranger I had met a week ago. I told myself I just wanted to give him his jacket back, but I knew that was a lie.

My thoughts were interrupted by a body sliding into the seat next to me. I recognized the dark haired boy as one of the players on the football team. He put his arm around me, and I was overpowered by the scent of beer coming off of him.

"Just thought I would come over and introduce myself to the new girl," He slurred his words. "I'm Tyler Lockwood. But you can call me tonight."

I rolled my eyes and looked at Elena for rescue, who was stifling a laugh with her hand. Caroline was less than amused.

"Tyler, how many times do I have to tell you to stop hitting on my cheerleaders?" Caroline crossed her arms.

"If you don't want to me to hit on your cheerleaders then stop asking the hottest girls in school to be on the squad, huh Caroline?" Tyler said, and tightened his grip around my shoulder.

"Tyler buddy, I think you should lay off the beer." Matt said. "You're drunk."

"Matt buddy, ease up. We're just having fun here." Tyler said. "I'm getting to know the new girl. What was your name again?"

"It's Lucy." I said, wriggling to lean away from his beer scent.

"Lucy huh," Tyler repeated. "Pretty name for a pretty girl. What's that old necklace you've got on, is that a locket?"

"Tyler please don't!" I tried to pull my necklace away from Tyler, but he had his hand around it before I could.

Tyler opened the necklace, and I felt like the world was moving in slow motion. I hadn't opened it since I put the contents inside, and now they were on display for all of my friends. On one side were dried purple flowers, pressed underneath a piece of glass, and on the other side was a picture of a blonde boy. Elena and Stefan exchanged glances with each other, clearly having seen what was inside.

"Who's that, your boyfriend?" Tyler asked. "Don't worry, I can take him."

"That's none of your damn business." I mumbled, snatching the locket out of his hands and closing it again.

I tried not to let it get to me, but I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I fixated my gaze on a spoon on the table, willing the tears not to fall.

"Aw, Lucy misses her boyfriend." Tyler teased.

"Tyler," Matt warned. "I think it's time for you to go."

"Come on Matt," Tyler said. "Don't you want to have some good old team bonding time?"

Matt stood up and grabbed Tyler by the neck of his jersey. A wave of silence washed over the tables around us as everyone stopped to watch the commotion. Matt pulled Tyler into a standing position, and pressed his forehead against his.

"I said," Matt practically growled. "I think it's time for you to go."

Tyler put his hands up. "Alright, alright. No need to cause a scene."

Matt stared Tyler down as he retreated to a corner of the grill where more of the football team was sitting. I took the distraction as a moment to slide out of the booth and run out of the restaurant. I ran to the corner and leaned against the wall and started sobbing. I couldn't process what had just happened.

I heard frantic footsteps, and I lifted my head to see Elena and Stefan approaching me. Elena breathed a sigh of relief when we made eye contact.

"Lucy, there you are." She said. "Are you okay?"

I shook my head, and Elena pulled me in for a hug, "Stupid question, come here."

Elena stroked my hair and held my head close as I sobbed. She whispered to me gently until my sobs slowed down to more shallow breaths. Her presence was so calming to me. Even though I had only known her a week, I could already tell that she was an amazing friend.

Stefan stood beside us, silent as per usual. He looked distressed, scratching his chin and exhaling every few seconds. His gaze kept shifting out into the night, as if he was scanning for something. He looked back to Elena, and nodded at her.

"Lucy . . ." Elena broke the silence. "Who's photo was in your locket?"

I shook my head, "I can't talk about it Elena. I'm so sorry. You've been such a good friend to me but I just can't . . . I can't."

"It's okay," Elena whispered. "You don't have to talk about anything you don't want to. Just know I'm here if you decide you want to talk about it."

I nodded. "I just want to go home. I think I'm going to walk back to school, I could use the fresh air."

Stefan and Elena exchanged glances again, and I was surprised to hear Stefan interject. "Why don't you let us take you back? It's not safe for you to be walking by yourself."

"Let me guess," I said, wiping away a stray tear. "Animal attacks?"

Stefan stiffened, and Elena turned to me. "You've heard about the animal attacks?"

I shrugged. "Overheard some guy talking about them. I thought he was making it up, I've never heard of animals just attacking people in the streets of a town before."

"Yeah well," Stefan sighed. "The animals here are a . . . special kind."

"Fine." I said. "You guys can take me back. Just no Matt and Caroline level PDA. Or I will run straight into the forest."

Elena laughed. "Come on, lets go."

We got into Elena's car, and the drive was filled with mostly Elena talking. I sat in the back and stared out the window at the forest, wondering about the animals that hid behind the tree line. The school parking lot was mostly empty, save for my car and a few others of kids who had carpooled to the grill.

Elena turned around after pulling into the spot next to my car. "So listen, there's this thing tomorrow, the Founder's Day Fundraiser, and I'd really love it if you could come."

"Who all is going to be there?" I asked.

"Caroline, Matt, Stefan, Me, and hopefully you." Elena smiled, then saw my expression. "Don't worry, the only Lockwood that's going to be there is Carol. She might get drunk, but she won't hit on you like an aggressive douche bag."

I forced a laugh. "We'll see, I'm not sure what I've got going on tomorrow."

Elena nodded. "I'll text you tomorrow then?"

"Sure." I said. "Bye Stefan, bye Elena. Thanks for the ride."

These summer stars are fading out
Your silhouette reminds me now
Of all the things I wish I could have said
So picturesque and black print dress your darkened hair a perfect mess
I touch you with my hands, could only try,
But it's not that hard...

Could you save me from,
Could you be there for me?
Could you wake me from,
Could you be my thief?

I woke up to my phone beeping, and saw that it was already past noon. I was surprised my mom let me sleep this late, but thankful for the extra rest after my late night last night. I opened my phone to a text from Elena.

Hope ur feeling better. Up for the fundraiser tonight? –E.

I smiled and typed a quick reply to her. Sure, where is it? Should I meet u there?

Stefan was going to drive me. I can pick u up and we can all meet at his house?

If ur sure I won't be intruding on u two then sure! I replied.

Don't be ridiculous. Pick u up in two hours? Elena said.

Sounds good.

I pulled on a sweatshirt and went downstairs to see my parents sitting in the living room watching some television program.

"By god! She wakes!" Dad teased.

I laughed. "I was tired! When did the new sofa come in?"

"This morning while you were hibernating." Mom smiled.

"It looks awesome." I said. "I'm glad we went with the darker grey."

"Me too." Mom said. "Your father and I were going to go for a walk in town, would you care to join us."

"Actually, Elena asked if I could come to this fundraiser thingy with her, if that's okay with you?" I asked.

Mom nodded. "You've sure been spending a lot of time with Elena. We're so happy you've made friends here."

"She's really great. The rest of the girls on the squad are too." I smiled.

"What's the fundraiser for?" Mom asked.

"For the Founder's Day Ball." I said. "Apparently it's a big deal here. I don't think I'll be out too late though, maybe we can watch a movie or something when I get home?"

"Sounds great." Dad said. "There's still some coffee in the kitchen left from this morning. If you'd like some help yourself."

"My wallet's on the counter," Mom said. "If you want you can take some cash to donate to the fundraiser."

I smiled and waltzed into the kitchen to get some coffee. I poured it over ice, since it was already room temperature. Mom's wallet was right next to the coffee pot, so I grabbed a twenty to donate. I downed my coffee before heading upstairs to get dressed for the fundraiser.

Elena hadn't mentioned any specific dress code for the event, so I assumed that it wasn't crazy fancy. I still didn't want to look underdressed though, so I paired a chunky grey turtleneck sweater with black jeans and ankle boots. My phone chimed letting me know that Elena had arrived just as I finished putting on mascara and a touch of lip gloss. I went downstairs and out to Elena's black SUV.

"You look cute!" Elena said. "How are you feeling today?"

I smiled. "A lot better."

"Good." Elena said. "We're going to have fun today."

"So what exactly is Founders Day?" I asked, as Elena drove off.

"It's the annual celebration of the Founding of Mystic falls. It's always a huge event, with a parade and fireworks and things, so there's a lot of fundraising for it." Elena explained. "This town loves it's history."

I nodded. "That sounds really fun. I can't wait to go to it, we didn't really have anything like that in Lynchburg."

"Just don't tell Caroline you're excited about it." Elena laughed. "She'll drag you into helping her decorate floats before you can come up with an excuse not to."

"Caroline Forbes? That sounds so unlike her." I teased.

Elena pulled her car into a long driveway. "Alright we're here, do you want to come inside with me or wait in the car?"

My jaw fell open, "This is Stefan's house?"

House wasn't even the correct word to describe it. This was an estate that made my house look like a modest abode. It was a sprawling Tudor manor, with more windows than I could count, and a daunting wooden awning over the entrance. I had never seen anything like it, with this much charm and character.

Elena nodded. "Yep it's the original Salvatore boarding house from when Stefan's ancestors settled here. I guess they kept it in the family. Why don't you come inside, it's pretty cool."

I agreed, and followed Elena into the house. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior. The floor and walls appeared to have the original wood, and the furniture seemed like it was straight out of the 19th century. The diamond paneled windows let in light that danced around the room, making it look like something out of a movie.

"Stefan?" Elena called out, walking up the stairs. "Stefan we're here."

"So it's just Stefan and his parents here?" I asked, following Elena through the house.

Elena shook her head. "His parents aren't around. He lives with his older brother."

"Oh I didn't know Stefan had a brother." I said. We reached the top of the stairs and entered a bedroom that I assumed to be Stefan's.

"Stefan's not one to brag." A voice cut in from the corner of the room.

Elena rolled her eyes and I looked over to follow the voice and had to stifle a gasp. It was Damon, the man from the bar, stumbling into the room. He looked completely disheveled, yet at the same time as unnervingly perfect as the night I had met him. All he had on was a pair of jeans, and I let my eyes wander over his torso, I had never seen a man so perfectly sculpted in my life. My eyes met his, and he smirked.

"I'm Damon." He said, and raised his eyebrows.

"Lucy." I replied. For whatever reason, he didn't want Elena to know we had met, and I decided to go along with it.

"Damon." Elena sighed. "You look . . ."

"Dashing? Gorgeous?" Damon suggested, walking towards her. "Irresistible?"

"Wrecked." Elena said, leaning away from Damon with a look of disgust on her face. "You look wrecked."

Damon shrugged. "No reason why. Do you know that I am one of Mystic Falls most eligible bachelors?"

"Huh." Elena said.

"Yep." Damon replied, and winked. It wasn't even at me, yet it made my stomach fill with butterflies.

Elena looked at Damon with concern as he struggled to pull on a shirt, "How are you doing?"

"Never better." Damon said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "What can I do for you? I'm a barrel of favors today. It's my newfound purpose . . . how can I help people?"

"I'm just meeting Stefan, we're going to the fundraiser." Elena said. "Stefan. There you are."

I turned and jumped as I saw Stefan just standing in the doorway that Elena and I had come through. He hadn't made a noise coming in. He shared the same look of disgust that Elena had on her face while looking at Damon.

"Stefan can I talk to you for a moment?" Elena asked.

"Are you sure that's . . ." Stefan looked from me, to Damon, then back to Elena.

"He's fine." Elena said.

"He's Damon." Stefan replied.

Damon held his hands up. Elena rolled her eyes and led Stefan out to the hallway. I turned back to Damon, who was struggling with the buttons on his shirt.

"Help a guy out, will you?" He looked at me. "Can't get this."

I approached him, and starting buttoning his shirt, one by one. The smell of whiskey rippled off of him. I looked up at him, and was caught off guard by his eyes once again. They were dazed and unfocused, but still utterly piercing.

"So," I broke the silence. "Why pretend not to know me? Or were you just so drunk that you actually don't remember meeting me?"

Damon chucked. "Please. Who could forget a face like yours?"

"Still didn't answer my question." I rolled my eyes.

"Elena does this thing where she gets all judgey." Damon said. "I thought I'd spare the both of us. Trust me."

I finished button his shirt and straightened the collar. I rested my hands on his shoulder for a moment, and looked at him, trying to decide if any of my questions were worth asking. My thoughts were interrupted by Stefan clearing his throat from the corner of the room.

"Brother." Damon said. "Goody."

Stefan looked at Elena, who nodded. "We'll meet you in the car Stefan. Come on Lucy."

I followed Elena back to her car, and wondered how she even managed to find her way around Stefan's house without getting lost. Maybe he had drawn her a map or something.

"So what's the deal with his brother?" I asked, shutting the car door behind me. "I mean it's like, not even close to five o'clock, and he's wasted."

"That's Damon." Elena sighed. "He's not always like that. Well he is, but not really. He just had his heart broken."

"Oh?" I tried not to look too curious, but hoped that Elena would elaborate.

"Yeah it was actually really sad." Elena looked as if she was trying to find the right words. "They had to break up because of . . . other circumstances. But she made it seem like she would wait for him, and then he came back to find her, and she was just . . . gone."

"Wow." I exhaled. "And he has no clue where she could be?"

Elena shook her head. "None. Hasn't heard from her in years."

Elena looked over as Stefan opened the door and got into the car. I thought about Damon, and wondered what he was like before he had his heart broken. I pictured his face, and couldn't imagine what type of girl wouldn't want to be with him, let alone would want to break his heart.

"Are you talking about Katherine?" Stefan asked. I had no clue how he had heard us from outside of the car. Maybe he really did just know Elena that well to know that she'd be telling me about Damon's ex.

"Sort of, yeah." Elena nodded. "Maybe this heartache will be good for him. It'll remind him that he has one, even if it doesn't beat."

"Won't hold my breath." Stefan pressed his lips together in a firm line. "Let's just go."

Elena started the car, and we drove away, leaving the dark and mysterious man behind us, and leaving me with even more questions than I'd had before.

Just open up, you said you'd open up
I wish you'd open up, why can't you open up?

Could you save me from,
Could you be there for me?
Could you wake me from,
Could you be my thief?