When the sports car stopped in front of the Boarding House Stefan opened Rylie's door and offered his hand like he did every time they drove together. He unlocked the door and went in. He had his supersonic hearing on over drive. If there were more vampires in Mystic Falls, he had to be on his guard. Rylie followed him in. But she was the only one he heard. The younger brother watched his friend walk to the drink bar and pour some of Damon's best whiskey into a glass. She turned and put the bottle up in an invitation. He just shook his head. She shrugged and turned back around.

Stefan made his way to the couch and crossed his leg at the ankle. He watched the girl move to the other couch. He saw she had something on her mind. What it was, he had no idea. He wasn't sure that she would even say what was wrong. He didn't want to push. Rylie was quite but she knew when to ask questions. He had spent plenty of nights with her since she arrived just talking. About everything. Books, movies, music, and Elena. He told her how much he cared for the doppelganger. And she listened. When love was brought up he saw sadness in her eyes. And some hurt as well. Same as when her parents were brought up. She told him how much she missed them. He even asked if she would ever consider looking for her biological parents. She told him no. Her words were, "They didn't bother to know me, why should I?" But he didn't believe it.

He wasn't sure if she would ask questions. And if she did, what would he say? Hi, I'm Stefan Salvatore and I'm over 160 years old. Why you ask? Well, I'm a vampire. Yeah, that wouldn't work out so well. More questions would come up. They always did. It's what happened with Jenna and look where that got her. She was dead. He hoped she wouldn't be around long enough to find out the truth. And if she was, he didn't want to be around when she did. She had enough on her plate. He knew the blonde was running. He was still figuring out from what though. He got some information out of her and did his research like Caroline asked him to do weeks ago. He was having some issues though. He would try some online sites and he would get pushed out of the server. Like someone was making sure he didn't see something.

Rylie was confused about what the guys needed with Caroline. She saw the worried look on her friends face when she was at the field. She was trying to think too much in to it. It could be anything, she thought to herself. But the face she hated kept popping in to her head. She had to keep shaking the image from her mind. She looked up briefly at the young teen. He was staring at her. Stefan looked like he was trying to read her mind. What was he thinking? She wondered to herself.

She twirled the amber liquid around in her glass. She had yet to touch the whiskey she poured when she first walked in. Why she did, she had no idea. She wasn't in the mood to drink. It was something to do with her hands, she guessed.

The house was silent. Too silent to Rylie. Stefan hadn't said anything since the car. She had nothing to say. She knew he wasn't going to answer any questions she had. She would have to wait for Caroline.

Digging into her bag she pulled out her cell phone. There were no missed texts from Caroline like she hoped.

"Did they say how long they would be?" she asked Stefan.

"No, but it shouldn't be too long."

"Do you know what they had to do?

"I do. But it's founding family stuff. So I can't tell you. Sorry." He replied. That seemed like a lie, she thought. But she just shrugged.

The door opened only a few moments later. Just like Stefan said, it wouldn't take too long. Caroline walked in first. She looked upset. Damon and Ric came in last closing the big wooden door behind them. Damon looked at Stefan and nodded his head. He then walked over to the drink bar to pour himself a whiskey.

"Take mine." Rylie said standing up. The raven head looked at the blonde. "Don't worry I poured it, I just didn't drink anything." She sounded mad.

"Then why pour it?" Damon asked softly taking the drink from her. Rylie shot him a look and walked to her younger friend.

"Ready? Because I am starving."

"Yeah. I'm ready whenever you are." Caroline answered giving a small smile. Rylie saw close up that Caroline had been crying. She hated to see people upset. That was her mother in her. Rylie was a lot like Stephanie Carter. Compassionate, even for the wrong people.

"Come on." Rylie said putting her arm around her friend and walking out the door.

After the girls left Stefan stood up. He was looking broody again, his brother thought. Damon was still at the drink bar with his friend right next to him. He heard Caroline's car start up and drive out of the driveway. She cried the whole time they were gone. If she wasn't annoying before, she was extremely annoying today. Ric tried to comfort her. Being the 'teacher' and everything. But Damon could have cared less.

"What happened?" Stefan asked as he got close to the bar.

"People are dead little brother."

"I think he knows that, Dick." Ric retorted. Damon rolled his eyes to this. "The coach is one of them." Ric said looking back to Stefan. "Caroline, is devastated. She heard from her an hour before practice."

"I thought you said it was druggies that were killed?" Stefan looked at his older brother with concern.

"By the time this vamp was done with them, they all looked like druggies. Liz and the Mayor are not happy about this." Damon said with a sip of his drink.

"Does Liz still think Rylie has anything to do with it?" Stefan asked crossing his arms.

"I don't think she does. And if she does she isn't saying."

"So what is your diabolical plan, brother?"

"We find the vampire who did this and kill them." Damon smirked. "Isn't that always how it happens Stef? You should know this."

Stefan knew this. It had happened ever since he returned to Mystic Falls. And ever since he and his brother returned home, people died. The Lockwood's were dead, so were Jenna, Coach Tanner, Vicky, John Gilbert, Zach, Anna, Andie, and his dear friend Lexi. Most of their deaths weren't because of the Salvatore brothers, Stefan knew. But maybe if they hadn't returned then these poor people would still be alive. And now they had the cheerleading coach to add to the ever growing list of lost ones. But who would be next? Stefan thought to himself.

"Caroline said you were doing research on Rylie." Alaric said taking Stefan out of his thoughts.

"Um, yeah. She couldn't get any information out of her. So she asked me to do some digging on her."

"Wait, Caroline Forbes couldn't get information out of someone?" Damon said.

"I know, I said the same thing."

"Find anything?" Alaric asked.

"Well, I found out she's adopted. Both her parents are dead. And she's from Pennsylvania."

"That's it?" Damon asked. "Any thoughts on why she picked Mystic Falls?"

"I couldn't get that out of her. I can't compel her to even find out. I found a few things online. But every time I try a few sites I get kicked off. Like someone else is making sure I can't see it."

"Why can't you compel her?" the older brother asked making another whiskey. Stefan looked at him and then down to the bottle that was in his brother's hand.

"What do you lace your whiskey with all the time, Damon?" The raven head looked down at the bottle and his face went into knowing. He had been putting vervain into it ever since the vamps knew an Original can compel other vampires.

"What are you trying to see online that someone won't let you?" Damon finally asked.

"Who her birth parents are. I found out where she was born."

"Where?" both men said at the same time.

"Mystic Falls Hospital."

3333

Rylie knew something was off with Caroline even before she returned back to the Boarding House. The look the younger blonde gave her at the school said it all. But she wasn't sure what it was. As soon as they drove off the property Rylie started to question her. But Caroline would not give up anything. She said she had gotten bad news and didn't want to talk about it yet. The older girl hoped it would be soon.

Caroline had helped Rylie so much since she came into town. The least she could do was be there for her when Caroline needed her. So when the younger said she didn't want to talk about it, Rylie just simply said "When you do, I'm here for you Care." Caroline didn't say anything, but looked at her and smiled a thanks. The rest of the car ride was quiet, except for the radio playing Katy Perry.

The girls went to the square to do some shopping. Caroline was excited about one store in particular. She said it had the best stuff and with good prices. She pretty much dragged Rylie out of the car and into the shop. Inside there were more than a dozen racks filled with clothes. The walls were packed with handbags, shoes and accessories. Rylie went straight for the shoes. Caroline went right to the spring dresses handing on a round rack that was stuffed to the brim.

Rylie's eyes went to a pair of beige open toe heels. She fell in love right away. She pulled down the sample shoe in awe. On the bottom of the heel it was black with a sticker showing the sizes and the price. Caroline was right, the prices were great. She found a sales associate and asked for the shoe in her size. Within minutes she had them on her feet thinking about what she had in her closet that she can wear them with.

"Oh my God, Ry, those are amazing!" She heard from behind her. She turned to look at her from over her shoulder.

"I love them. I just can't think of anything to wear them with. Or what to wear them for."

"We can always throw a party just so you can wear them. And we can get you a great outfit with them."

"I think I'm going to get them." Rylie said with a smile as she looked back in the mirror to study them some more.

After a few more hours of shopping the girls were spent. They both walked out with bags stuffed with new stuff. The only thing Rylie would hate is wasting the money on these new items if she had to run again. She didn't want to think that. It was just about a month that she settled into the nowhere town she needed to be. She had made friends with a great group of people.

Caroline pulled her car into the Grill's parking lot. It was packed for a Thursday night. The girls headed out and towards the building.

"I'm sorry you have to be here on your day off." Caroline said. "However, I know the food is good and I am too tired to drive around for another place."

"It's fine. I'm starving." The older said holding the door open for both of them.

When they entered, the smell of burgers rushed them. Rylie's mouth watered. She couldn't wait to get her hands on one. Jeremy saw them enter and waved. They waved back and found a table before the host could get to them. Rylie sat facing the bar and Caroline the door. People were laughing around them. A typical night at the Mystic Grill, Rylie thought.

"What are you thinking of getting?" Caroline asked.

"Um, I think I might just get a burger. I need food now, I don't want to decide." She laughed. "What about you?"

"I'm thinking the same thing. I need to use the bathroom. I will be right back." The younger blonde got up and headed for the ladies room in the back of the restaurant.

While she was gone Jeremy came over and took drink orders. Rylie order both of them a coke. She didn't think Caroline would mind. She waited on the burgers, not knowing how Caroline liked hers cooked. Shortly after, the vampire was back. The girls sat in a comfortable silence until Jeremy returned with their drinks and they ordered their food.

"Hey girls." They heard from over them. The blondes looked over and saw Liz, Caroline's mom.

"Hey, Mom." Caroline said with a smile.

"Hey, Liz." Rylie greeted. The sheriff was in her uniform. She always was. Rylie had never seen her without it. "Want to join us? We're just having some dinner." Rylie offered.

"I would love too. I just got off a double." The oldest blonde sat down with a sigh. "How was school Caroline?" she asked her daughter.

"Alright. I got called for a last minute practice. But the coach didn't even bother to show up." The girl replied with sadness in her eyes, Rylie saw.

"I heard." Was all Liz said. "How's the Falls treating you Rylie?" she said turning her attention to her.

"Pretty good. I made some friends. Found a job. I like it here. Seems pretty safe too. I mean, I made friends with the town sheriff." She smiled at the last part.

"Well, I heard she's good at her job. I'm sure she will keep you safe." She joked back. "So will her daughter."

Jeremy arrived with their food and took Liz's order as well. Caroline and Rylie shared until it came out. The three didn't say much as they are. But Rylie noticed that the sheriff kept looking at her. Not full face, but from the corner of her eyes. Like she was studying her and didn't want her to notice. Rylie figured that the older woman was trying to read her. She had spent little time with Liz. All together maybe a half hour since she arrived in town. The sheriff was most likely doing her job to protect the town to the newcomer. There was nothing wrong with that.

The girls finished their meals and ordered some coffee. Rylie knew that Caroline was coming over later to drink. But didn't mention that to the blonde's mother. They made small talk about the weather, and Rylie's new job. But nothing serious.

"So when is your birthday, Rylie?" Liz asked sipping her coffee.

"In a few weeks actually." Rylie answered. Wow was my birthday just around the corner? She thought to herself.

"Really? When?" Caroline asked with a big smile sitting up straighter.

"Um, two weeks from Friday."

"We have to throw you a party!" the younger exclaimed. She looked all giddy.

"Sorry, for Caroline. She loves throwing parties for everyone. Don't be worried. They usually come out great." Liz said.

"I rather not celebrate this year. I'm only turning 24. It's nothing huge." Rylie said looking down. She hadn't had a party for herself since she turned 18. Her mother had thrown her a get together at their house. Even though Stephanie wasn't well, she was able to gather all of Rylie's friends and a few cousins in for some pizza, cake and some music. It wasn't much on the budget they had. But it was a great party. Rylie had the best time. It was also the last party her mother threw for her. And the last one they had before the cancer took her.

"Oh, come one Ry. You need to have some fun. And every birthday is huge." Caroline urged.

"Really, Care, I don't want a party. What I want is to spend all day in bed. Maybe watch some movies."

The younger blonde looked defeated. Rylie felt bad for upsetting her. Maybe she should have a party. But something told her no. So she let it go and drank her coffee.

"Well, girls. Thanks for letting me eat you with. I'm heading home. This old gal needs some sleep." Liz announced.

"You are not old, Mom. And I'm staying with Rylie at the Boarding House tonight." Caroline said and smiled to Rylie.

"Is everything ok?" the sheriff asked looking a little worried.

"Yeah, we made these plans a few days ago. It's a girl's night." Liz nodded and smiled as she walked out. Caroline looked back at her friend. "So, are we ready to leave?"

"Yeah, let's go drink a little and hit the sheets. I have work tomorrow before the game."

"Ugh, yeah and I have school." The younger girl complained. "But at least there is an after party for the game."

The blondes walked out of the Grill and hopped into Caroline's car. The drive to the Boarding House was short so there wasn't any conversation. Rylie liked it though. It felt comfortable. When they arrived, the girls grabbed the shopping bags and went into the house. They were greeted by Stefan reading in the living room. He looked up and gave a small smile in hello.

"No Elena tonight?" Caroline asked.

"No, she wanted to spend some time with Jeremy. Did you girls have fun?" he asked putting his book down.

"Yeah it was fun." Rylie replied. "Hey, do you think Damon would be upset if we took some of his whiskey?"

"I think he would." They heard from behind them. All three looked and saw Damon walk in and right to the bar. "But I'm pretty sure my brother has a stash he can lend out. Right little brother?"

"Sure. Let me go down and get some." The younger brother got up and left for the basement.

After Stefan came back with a bottle of whiskey the girls visited for a little while and then made their way up to Rylie's room. They put Rylie's new clothes away and got changed into the pair of matching pajamas they thought would be fun to have. Caroline made her way over to her bag and took out her IPod and speakers. Before they knew it they were dancing around to "Jump" by Van Halen while drinking their whiskey. They kept changing the songs to everything they could think of. They went from Journey to Spice Girls to Michael Jackson to Rascal Flatts. By the time they were drunk and tired it was just about 1am.

Tomorrow is going to be a long day, Rylie thought as she was falling asleep next to her best friend.

AN::: Sorry it has taken me forever to post a chapter. The holidays at a busy jewelry store is killer. Writers block also doesn't help. The chapter has been worked on a little at a time. But I'm also not getting the response to this story. I can guarantee the next few chapters will be getting better. And more intense. So please keep reading! And please review. I want to know what you want to happen, what you think is going to happen, etc. That stuff keeps me going! So I hope my minions enjoyed this chapter!