Dear Diary,

Today is such a good day—I'm feeling excellent! That cute guy I met, Stefan Salvatore, is walking Bonnie, Caroline, and me to school. I can't explain it, but I have felt so alive since meeting him. It's like he and I are meant to be together. I can see us as Stefan and Elena as if they were written in the stars.

Stefan Salvatore and Elena Gilbert.

Mr. and Mrs. Stefan Salvatore.

Mrs. Elena Gilbert-Salvatore.

Mrs. Elena Salvatore.

Finally, something's brought some excitement back into my life since the accident. Even though I barely know him, I can't wait to hang out with him. And how did he handle Tanner in class the other day? So awesome!

Today, I'm planning to ask him why he left Mystic Falls. It feels like he knows everything about me already, and I want to know all about him. I'll try to get Jeremy to come with us, too.

Hopefully, I'll have more to add later!

As I was about to step outside, my gaze fell upon a beautiful checker-patterned ceramic pan adorned with delicate flowers, each petal painted with precision.

"Elena's pan," I thought bitterly, a grimace spreading across my face.

I really should return it.

But I could always do it later.

What if it holds some special significance?

Why would it be special, though?

What if it's a treasured family heirloom or something equally precious?

"Family stuff," I mentally groaned—why did it have to pull at my heartstrings like that?

Sighing, I picked up the pan, its smooth surface cool, and carefully exited the door.

I didn't quite know where Elena lived, but I had a couple of options—I could hand it off to Jeremy in class or Matt during lunchtime.

Or maybe even Stefan Salvatore…

I shook my head to dispel the image of his striking face, focusing instead on the path ahead.

Unfortunately, I wasn't paying enough attention.

I collided with someone with an unexpected jolt, sending the pan flying from my grasp. It shattered spectacularly upon touching the pavement, fragments scattering like tiny stars.

"Watch it, kid!" a dark-haired guy yelled over his shoulder, his tone brash and uncaring as he continued, not bothering to look back.

"You broke my pan!" I shouted, my voice thick with frustration as tears gathered. Dropping to my knees, I began the painful task of gathering the shards. "You broke Elena's pan."

"What happened?" a concerned voice asked, accompanied by hurried footsteps approaching me.

"That jerk bumped into me, and I dropped Elena's pan," I replied, my voice cracking.

"It's just a pan," another voice remarked dismissively. I looked up to see a pair of red Converse sneakers standing near one of the ceramic shards, the brightness of the shoes contrasting with the dull gray of the pavement.

"Not to her!" I retorted, exasperation spilling over. The tears that brimmed my eyes only fueled my anger further. "It's probably incredibly important!"

"I doubt it, Bella," came the dismissive reply.

Determined not to let the rude stranger or my emotions off the hook, I choked, "It's probably her mother's grandmother's pan or something."

"Or her mother picked it up at a yard sale for ninety-nine cents."

"But it was still her mother's! Even small mementos can carry great weight when they come from people who mean something."

"Well said," the voice replied.

"Bella, don't worry about that," another said gently.

I saw Elena and Jeremy standing over me, concern etched on their faces. Elena extended her hand to help me up.

Mortification flooded through me as I realized Elena had witnessed my tears.

My cheeks burned as I accepted her hand; her grip was soft and warm, unexpectedly familiar.

Why did that feel so comforting?

"Did you recognize the guy?" Elena asked, her brow furrowed in concern.

"No, I've never seen him before." I quickly wiped my eyes and focused on the scattered shards of ceramic on the sidewalk, the reality of the moment settling heavily around me.

"Were you headed to school?" Jeremy asked, his tone friendly.

"Yes," I replied softly.

"You can walk with us," he suggested.

"She what?" Elena gasped, her surprise evident.

"I don't want to infringe—"

"She doesn't want to infringe—"

"Look, if I have to listen to you and your friends drool over some guy, then you can tolerate Bella's company for a little while," Jeremy said with a teasing grin.

Tolerate me? I thought, pulling my hood lower over my face in response.

Today, I wore a dark blue long-sleeved Henley shirt that hugged my frame, a black hoodie that added a layer of warmth, faded jeans that felt comfortably worn, and gray Vans that scuffed along the sidewalk.

"I'll try not to be a burden," I replied, my voice injected with sharpness, feeling annoyed and embarrassed.

She scowled at me as a female voice called, 'Jeremy, you forgot your bag.'

A young blonde woman approached us, holding a blue book bag.

She was a beautiful young woman who looked like a college student in her mid to late 20s.

She had medium-length blonde hair, a pale complexion, and hazel eyes.

She wore a purple tank, jeans, and black boots.

Elena wore a shirt similar to mine, except it was her blood-red v-neck, with lace trimming around the hem. She wore a denim jacket and a red Chuck Taylor.

Jeremy wore a white t-shirt, gray hoodie, jeans, and black sneakers.

'I have a term paper to finish and classes all day, Jer. I won't be able to bring this.'

'Sorry.' He took the bag and threw it over his shoulder. 'Aunt Jenna, this-'

'Bella Swan.'

I blinked, glancing between them as she approached; she seemed highly remorseful.

I found myself thinking about a playground.

'I remember when you used to play with Jeremy as kids.'

'And we went to the playground?' I said excitedly, hoping she could trigger another memory.

Jenna paled and looked away from me; Elena looked at her,

then me.

I shook my head and shrugged.

'That's right, I did take you guys to the park a couple of times...'

She may not have triggered any of my memories, but my comment definitely triggered hers, but I decided not to nudge her anymore.

'It was nice meeting you, ma'am. I'll get out of your hair.' I started walking; Jeremy followed, as did Elena, but slowly. 'I'd love to read that term paper.'

We began walking, occasionally glancing at their aunt Jenna as she watched us, mainly me.

'That was weird.' Elena whispered.

'She said she remembered me; maybe she remembered my parents too.'

'What happened to your parents?'

'Her parents are dead like mom and dad.' Jeremy said in a hollow voice.

'Oh, um...I'm sorry.' Elena said quietly. 'What happened?'

'A drunk driver hit us; our car caught fire.'

The Gilberts exchanged glances before Jeremy gasped, 'Wait, you were in the car?'

I nodded, tousling my hair between using it as protection from their questions. 'Yes.'

'How did you survive?' Elena demanded.

'I was dragged from the car kicking and screaming.'

'Kicking and screaming?'

'My dad was screaming at the townsfolk to save me instead.'

The walk to school was as uneventful as most of the day; I spent the day thinking of Elena and Jeremy's aunt, Jenna.

She got spooked when I mentioned the playground; maybe Elena's parents went with us once...

I already knew who BH was: Beau Higginbotham.

But who were the others?

JG, WT, and IF, who were they?

'Hello, Earth, to Miss. Swan?'

Mr. Tanner's voice snapped me out of my stupor; the class stared at me anxiously.

I recalled the question quickly and replied, 'September 24th, 1864.'

'Correct, the first Founders' party was on September 24th in 1864.'

I stared at the photo; Beau seemed closer to the dark-haired boy than the other two.

Goal: Learn the identity of WT and find out what he knew about my uncle.

'Earth to Isabella!'

'Huh?'

'The bell rang two minutes ago!' Mr. Tanner flared.

'Sorry.'

'Are you high?'

'I beg your pardon?!'

'Are you high?!' He looked me in the eyes. 'You look sober-'

'I don't do drugs-'

'Just associate with people that do, then!'

'What?! No, I don't hang out with-'

'Vicky Donovan and Jeremy Gilbert!' He scoffed and wrote something. 'They're users.' He hands me a late pass. 'Get to class.'

I didn't walk with Elena and her friends today like promised. I wanted to, but I caught Isabella Swan's scent; I couldn't.

She dropped something and had to cut herself because the blood was intoxicating.

Elena and her brother came to her aid, and Jeremy insisted she walk with them.

'I don't want to infringe.' Was Isabella's soft reply.

'She doesn't want to infringe!' Elena asserted, the irritation in her voice painfully obvious.

'Hell, if I have to listen to you and your friends drool over some guy, then you can tolerate Bella's existence for a little while.' Jeremy protested.

'I'll try not to be a burden.' Isabella replied with just as much vituperation as Elena did as she threw her hood over her head.

The two teen girls glared at one another as Jenna scrambled to them.

'I have a term paper to finish and classes all day, Jer. I won't be able to bring this.'

'Sorry.' He took the bag and threw it over his shoulder. 'Aunt Jenna, this-'

'Bella Swan.' Jenna sounded relieved to see her. 'I remember when you used to play with Jeremy as kids.'

'And we went to the playground?' Isabella said excitedly.

Jenna decolorized and looked away from her; Elena looked at her, then Isabella, who shook her head and shrugged.

'That's right, I did take you guys to the park a couple of times...'

'It was nice meeting you, ma'am. I'll get out of your hair.' Isabella started walking; Jeremy followed, as did Elena, but slowly. 'I'd love to read that term paper.'

'That was weird.' Elena whispered to Isabella.

'She said she remembered me; maybe she remembered my parents too.'

'What happened to your parents?' Elena asked.

'Her parents are dead like mom and dad.' Jeremy's voice sounded empty.

'Oh, um...I'm sorry.' Elena muttered. 'What happened?'

'A drunk driver hit us; our car caught fire.'

The Gilberts traded glances before Jeremy gachoose 'Wait, you were in the car?'

Isabella nodded, tousling her hair between Elena and herself, sending my senses into overdrive.

'How did you survive?' Elena insisted.

'I was dragged from the car kicking and screaming.'

'Kicking and screaming?'

'My dad was screaming at the townsfolk to save me instead.'

Just like Elena's father.

They make small talk the rest of the way to school; the Gilbert siblings did.

Isabella was adding up things.

She didn't come to lunch today; she was still on campus.

I could smell her; her scent lingers like perfume.

Why was she concerned about why she left Mystic Falls?

I have an idea of why she left.

Her blood makes her a target, so maybe the Bennett witch used her magic to make them leave.

Magic wouldn't make sense to someone logical like her.

'Hey.'

I looked up and saw Elena, Bonnie, and Caroline approaching me.

'Hey.'

'Where were you this morning?' Elena asked. 'Caroline and Bonnie ditched-'

'We didn't ditch.' Caroline insisted.

'I asked Caroline to show me what she was wearing tonight.' Bonnie affirmed.

'It was me, Jeremy, and Bella.' She spat out her name like it was vomit.

'We just saw her.' Bonnie said casually.

'What happened?! Did you say something to her?'

'She asked us where the library was.' Caroline explained in a bored tone. 'She was dressed significantly better than she was yesterday.'

'Why was she going to the library?' I asked.

'She wanted to look at the school's yearbooks.' Caroline announced.

'Why-'

'Did she mention me?' Elena demanded.

'No...'

Elena scoffed, folded her arms, and sat back, pouting.

'What happened this morning?' Asked Bonnie.

'Do either of you remember us playing with Bella at the playground?'

'No, not really.' Both girls replied.

'She mentioned going to a playground, which upset my aunt

Jenna.'

'Maybe it made her think about your mom.' Bonnie whispered.

'Why is she trying to look at an old yearbook?'

'Research.' Caroline said. 'She said she wanted to do a family tree thing for her grandmother. It's sweet how she takes care of her grandmother.'

'I bet she's up to something.'

'Like what?' Bonnie challenged.

'I don't know, something about her rubs me the wrong way.'

The school didn't have any yearbooks or, more accurately, not the ones I needed.

Those were at City Hall; I could swing by when we visited Grandpa Beaufort and Uncle Beau.

I could always talk to Elena and Jeremy's aunt, Jenna; mentioning the playground triggered some memories.

I feel like Gran has all the answers, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

Maybe it's nothing; perhaps I'm just paranoid and overthinking.

Bella, it would help if you had a hobby.

Despite my last conversation with Mr. Tanner, I needed to talk to him.

Who better to talk to about the town's history than the history teacher?

My pulse quickened when I reached the class; Stefan Salvatore stood between me and the door.

What the heck? I thought as he turned his awareness onto me.

This is no coincidence!

'Hey,' he said, eyes looking hazy as moving towards me.

For some reason, I envisioned a lion shadowing a newborn lamb, and an oppressive feeling of dread fell on me.

I stepped back, as did he; both stood there, afraid to move.

'I uh, I-' he cleared his throat.

'I have to get to class.' I answered, impelling myself to look away from his glorious face.

'Get to class?' He contested. 'School is over.'

'Mr. Tanner is waiting for me.' I countered.

'Don't tell me you got detention on your second day.'

'Er, no. It's about- Were you trying to see to Tanner?' I asked.

'No, just waiting.'

No, that's not ominous at all.

'On me?'

He was silent for a while, then smiled.

'Actually, yes. I was waiting for you, Isabella Swan.'

Why would he be waiting on you?

What reason would he have to wait on me?

Especially when the far more captivating Elena Gilbert is waiting in the wings.

Wait a minute, how does he know my name?

'Isabella Swan?' I said, alerted. 'How did you know-?'

'You told me.'

Liar, my mind flared.

'When?'

'When we saw each other yesterday.'

Even if I did introduce myself as Isabella, my last name was not said once.

And I've replayed our encounter since I laid eyes on you; I never uttered my name.

'Are you sure?'

'Well, you're the most discussed topic in school. I'm sure I heard it somewhere.'

'Yeah.'

But not from me.

'So...'

'I should hurry, my grandmother-'

'Have you got a minute?'

Yes.

'What for?'

'It's about Elena Gilbert.'

Ugh, I can't escape her shadow.

Of course, he's here for Elena Gilbert, but that doesn't explain why he wants to see me.

'I'm new; I don't know-'

'Elena seems to believe that you despise her.'

Why would a tiff between two teenage girls be his problem?

Unless...

'What business is it of yours?'

'She's my friend.'

'Hmm.'

'She said you insulted her.'

Insulted her?!

'Did she tell you what I said?'

'No-'

'So you don't even know if she's telling the truth-'

'Elena Gilbert isnt a liar-'

'But you presume I am.'

'I didn't say-'

'Well, Salvatore-'

'Stefan.'

'You assume Elena Gilbert is being truthful, but in order for that to be true, I would have to be lying.'

'Hey, you didn't realize-'

'Are you seriously implying I'm too stupid to know if I'm insulting someone?'

'You're putting words in my mouth!'

'And you're putting ideas in my head.'

'I just want to know the truth.'

'Well, I didn't insult her. Ask Caroline and Bonnie.'

'Isabella-'

'Maybe you should get your facts straight before-'

'Miss. Swan?' Mr. Tanner's voice called as the door to his class flew open. He stepped out. 'I thought I heard your voice.'

I walked past Stefan Salvatore and staggered into the room.

'Yes, sir. I'm sorry to bother you, but I have a question about town-'

'Question about the town?

'We could talk about it tomorrow-'

'Nonsense. Nothing is more important than your past, Miss Swan.'

How right you are, Mr. Tanner.

'Yes, sir.'

'Step inside.'

You should have compelled her, Stefan!

I should have compelled her; no matter, I could simply do it later.

If I don't bleed her dry first.

Her scent, I smell her even from a distance, being so near her, just one sip of her blood.

'You shouldn't get entangled with Stefan Salvatore.' I heard Tanner say sharply, snapping me out of the blood-filled fantasy.

'Huh?' Bella choked as something hit the floor.

From what I've learned from watching Bella, she probably dropped something; it sounded like pencils.

'I think he and Elena Gilbert are involved with each other.'

'I'm not interested in him.'

Something in her voice suggested that this was inaccurate.

'In a small town like this, diplomacy is everything.'

'Yes, sir. I'm beginning to realize that.'

'You seem like an intelligent young woman; I'd hate to see you on persona non grata with everyone because of some guy.'

Was Tanner actually being friendly to a student?

'You don't have to worry about that.' Her voice sounded weird.

'Are you going home alone? There's been a lot of attacks on the news. If your grandmother isn't home, you should get to a public place.'

'Yes, sir.' She sounded odd.

'What did you want to ask?'

'My uncle Beaufort. He was a soldier, and it's rumored that a Founder's Day parade inspired him to join the army. I wondered if maybe the town had yearbooks from the '80s and early '90s?'

'Yes,' he cleared his throat, 'City Hall keeps that stuff. Doesn't your grandmother talk about him?'

'No, and I wouldn't ask anyway.'

'Why not?'

'She just lost my mom, it's probably still hurts.'

'It never stops hurting when you lose the ones you love.'

'Yeah,' Isabella agreed.

Why couldn't he show Elena that same understanding?

'Besides, I want to make her feel better. And I figured my

little family project might give her closure.'

'Healing through history?'

'It sounds dumb, I know.'

'I think it sounds great.'

'Oh, okay, then. I could hear the smile in her voice.

'I still have some friends at City Hall,' Tanner said, 'I could talk to someone for you.'

'That would be great.'

'Stefan.' Called Elena. I turned to find Elena and Bonnie approaching me. 'Where did you run off to?'

The door opened and out stumbled Isabella.

'Do you need help?' Asked Tanner.

'I got it.' She insisted.

I glanced at Elena and Bonnie; Elena turned away while Bonnie turned to Bella.

'Why don't I give you two some privacy?'

Bonnie rushed over to Bella; she made excuses about her

grandmother asking her to check on her, and they exited the other way.

Elena watched them go and took my arm. 'Why do we need privacy?'

'I wanted to ask you if you wanted to have dinner with my family and me every night for the rest of the week.'

'I'd love to.'

'Did you talk to her?'

'Yes, but what exactly did Isabella say to you and Caroline?'

'She basically called us stupid.'

'Elena,' she looked at me, and I looked her in the eyes and compelled, 'what did Isabella say to you and Caroline?'

'When we asked her if she was from Washington, she implied that we didn't know that Washington was a state.'

'Did Isabella call you and Caroline stupid?'

'No.'

'Why don't you like her?'

'She thinks she's smarter than me.'

'Is that the only reason?'

'No, she ruined almost ruined my life.'

'How?'

'I remember people yelling at me because of her.'

Stupid childhood drama.

'Forget this conversation.'

'Stefan?' She blinked in confusion. 'Did you talk to Bella? Would you like to come to dinner? My Aunt Jenna said you can every night if you like.'

'How are you liking Mystic Falls?' Asked Bonnie.

'It's warm and dry.'

'How cold was the city of Forks?'

'Always wet, always cold.'

Apparently, Gran had asked her Grams to ask her to check on me. I didn't mind; Bonnie was like a cross between Jesse and Angela.

Whereas Caroline seemed like Lauren and Angela, I could easily see myself being friends with her and Bonnie.

Elena kind of gave off Lauren and Jesse vibes.

Bonnie was more than Angela than Caroline; she didn't need to feel the silence with chatter.

'Bonnie?'

'Yeah?'

'Have you lived here your whole life?'

'Yes.'

'Would say Mystic Falls is a dangerous place?'

Bonnie stopped and glanced at me, then looked off into the distance; I remember hearing a bird, a crow, I think.

'I'm not so sure anymore.'

'What do you mean?'

I looked- or tried to at least- to find the crow; when I couldn't, I turned back to her.

'Bonnie?' She seemed far from me at the moment; I snapped my fingers. 'Bonnie?'

'What were we talking about?'

'Bonnie?!'

It sounded like Caroline, lo and beheld; it was the blonde wonder.

'Bonnie, why did you leave me? Where are Elena and Stefan? Are you okay?'

'It has begun.' Bonnie said in a hollow voice.

'Bonnie?' Caroline shook her.

I stared at them, then turned the trees; I felt someone or something staring back at me.

We took Bonnie to Caroline's house. 'Is this ok?' I asked. 'Your parents won't mind us being here?'

'My parents are divorced.' She replied sharply, not sure if I was because of Bonnie or if she didn't want to talk about the reveal.

'Oh.'

'Bonnie?' Caroline shook Bonnie. She turned to me. 'Bella, what happened?'

'I don't know; I just asked about the town...'

'What about the town?'

'If it's dangerous. We looked at the trees and heard a bird; then she spaced out.'

'Did she say anything?'

'It has begun.'

'What has begun?'

Though I shrugged, I was suspicious that Stefan Salvatore was or knew what it was.

'Bonnie?'

'Should we call her grandmother?!'

'No, she-' she hesitates, then slaps her. 'Bonnie!'

'Bitch.' Bonnie groaned as she rubbed her cheek.

'Are you okay?' I chuckled, relieved.

'Well, I was just bitch slapped,' she chuckled, 'other than that-' she looked at me and stopped.

She and Caroline stared at me; I withered under their gaze.

'Is something wrong?'

'It's nothing.'

Something in her voice told me that it was very much something, but the way she kept glancing at Caroline indicated that she didn't want to talk in front of her.

'You spaced out.'

'I'm fine. Caroline.' Caroline helps her up. 'Perfectly fine.' Bonnie stared at me for the longest time, then said, 'Your answer is no.'

'What?'

'What are you talking about?'

'Just say no, Bella, there's going to be a pop quiz in history.'

'What?'

'Stay home and study.'

'Is this your I'm psychic shtick?' Carolina groaned. 'Bonnie! You scared me half to death!'

I noticed Bonnie cringing at the word death; I glanced at Caroline. She looked both angry and relieved.

'I should head home.' I said.

'Your grandmother is worried about you.' Bonnie said in agreement, looking out the window.

'Are you sure you're okay?'

'I'm fine.'

'You go, Bella,' Caroline insisted, 'I got Bonnie.'

One of the girls with the witch, the brunette, went to her own home as Stefan and the girl Elena turned the corner.

They chatted about boring high school stuff; they were going to a party in the woods.

Elena is a dead ringer for Katherine; it's remarkable how they look alike.

How much alike are they, I wonder.

I decided to cook fettuccine with mushrooms, tarragon, and goat cheese sauce for dinner tonight. Gran was sleeping when I got home so I could cook in peace.

Mr. Tanner seemed odd; maybe that's how he always is, but I should be careful. I don't need that kind of attention, especially if it's a teacher.

I wouldn't mind if I were getting that kind of attention from

Stefan Salvator, though.

I shifted my thoughts over to Bonnie and her eerie message.

Just say no; what the heck did that mean?

Is that some messed-up anti-drug campaign?

It worked; I'm saying no to everything!

I was in the kitchen turning off the stove when the sound of a crow and a knock captured my attention. I scampered to the door, hoping it didn't wake Gran. I peeked out the window; there stood Tyler, Matt, and Vicky. I opened the door and found myself looking for the bird.

'Bella,' Vicky called, 'where did you go? I looked for you.'

'I had to swing by Mr. Tanner's class, and then I walked home with Bonnie.'

'What smells so good?' Tyler pushed past me and headed for the kitchen.

'I was cooking dinner- don't raid my kitchen with dirty hands.'

'There's a party in the woods; we're headed there now,' Vicky explained as I heard the water running, 'I thought you might-'

'Bella?' Gran's voice called from upstairs.

'I can't, but you could stay for dinner-'

'This shit is-'

'Tyler.' Scolded Matt.

'What?' Tyler threw him an angry look until he saw Gran giving him the evil eye. 'Er, sorry. I just meant that your granddaughter is an excellent cook.'

'Thank you.'

'We were wondering if Isabella could accompany us to a social event-'

'You mean the bonfire?' Gran chuckled.

The three were shocked, but I wasn't; my Gran was razor-sharp.

'Uh, well-'

'Bella's not partying type, but if the three of you would associate any other time, I would gladly let her go.'

'Right.' Matt said, grabbing Tyler by the arm. 'Well, we'll see you tomorrow, Bella.'

'Bye, Bells.'

'Save me a plate.'

After dinner, I reread Wuthering Heights until I fell asleep on the couch.

I had another dream about Elena, but it was different than the first one.

I was at school, sitting in front of Mr. Tanner's desk, staring at Mr. Tanner; he was lying on the ground; his neck was ripped open.

He stared at me and gasped out the word, 'Run.'

I jumped out of my seat and rushed into the hallway.

'Run!' Called a voice from behind me.

I turned to see Caroline, Elena, and Bonnie rushing toward me, but I was unsure who had told me to run.

Caroline ran past me, then dropped to the ground, holding her bleeding neck. It didn't look like Tanner's wound, but I still wanted to gag.

'Run.'

Caroline, however, didn't die like Tanner; she just lay there.

Bonnie grabbed me and shook me, 'Get out of here! Get out while you still can!'

I saw that Elena had stopped running; she was walking back the way she had come.

'Elena, don't.' Called Bonnie.

'I have to go, Bonnie.' Elena hummed, seemingly hypnotized by something.

I turned to glimpse what had her entranced; she was walking toward a man. He was classically handsome and athletic, with a brooding, mysterious, and intense aura.

He had a pale complexion, a broad forehead, a strong bone structure (angular jawline), deep-set, forest-green eyes, a straight nose, and a well-formed mouth. He has short, dark blond hair; it appears like it was gelled.

He stood at 5'11 and had a lean, flat-muscled, athletic build. He gave Elena and me a heartwarming smile, showing his straight white teeth, and his mouth was covered with blood.

Was it Mr. Tanner's blood or Caroline's?

It was Stefan.

It was Stefan Salvatore.

'Bella, go!' Bonnie's eyes became opaque as her hands began to glow.

I turned to Elena; her arms were outstretched, and she submitted.

'Come, Bella.'

I felt my body move of its own accord towards him.

'No, Bella!' Bonnie charged toward her.

'No!'

I jolted upright as someone began to bang on the front door frantically. I looked at my watch; it was a little after midnight.

I ran to the door before Gran could but stopped short; who the heck was banging on my door so late?

The only people I know are Elena, her friends, her brother, Vicki, and her brother and his friend.

And... Stefan Salvatore.

'Bella?' Called a voice.

It sounded Matt.

I rushed to the door as Gran down the stairs.

I threw open the door to find Matt on my doorstep; his eyes were rubicund like he'd been crying.

'Matt?'

'Vicky's been attacked.'

Caroline Forbes sat in the dimly lit Mystic Grill, her fingers idly tracing patterns on the smooth tabletop as she anxiously waited for her friend Bonnie to bring the car.

The aroma of sizzling burgers and the faint sound of clinking glasses surrounded her, but it did little to lift her spirits. A swirl of thoughts occupied her mind—thoughts about why Stefan Salvatore seemed to harbor such indifference toward her.

It gnawed at her: what was it about Elena Gilbert that made her so irresistibly charming to everyone?

It felt painfully apparent that she was always living in Elena's shadow, longing for the same warmth and admiration that others so freely bestowed upon her friend.

As her gaze drifted across the bustling restaurant, she noticed a captivating figure—a guy who appeared to be around 24 or 25 years old.

He stood at an impressive height of about 5'11", his athletic physique subtly outlined beneath his fitted clothing. His light complexion, contrasted with olive undertones, showcased his strong bone structure defined by high cheekbones and a

chiseled jawline that gave him an air of confidence.

His dark brown hair, nearly black, tousled just above his ears as if he had run his hands through it in a moment of thought. But what truly drew her in were his striking blue eyes; they sparkled with an intensity that seemed to clash beautifully against the darkness of his hair and eyebrows.

He wore a sleek black leather jacket, a luxurious John Varvatos original, layered over a deep blue shirt that accentuated his well-toned arms. His dark jeans hugged his figure perfectly, completed by polished black boots that hinted at a sense of style and sophistication.

When their eyes met and he flashed her a warm, genuine smile, Caroline felt an exhilarating rush of hope ignite within her. She couldn't help but smile back, her cheeks flushing with a mix of excitement and shyness.

But a sudden wave of uncertainty washed over her, prompting her to look away. Gathering her courage took a moment, but when she finally turned back to meet his gaze again, her heart sank—he was gone. That fleeting moment served as a stark reminder of how lonely it felt to crave connection, even in a vibrant room filled with laughter and life.