A/N: Sorry if the story seems all over the place and moving too fast, but according to the TVD timeline, the first two episodes took place over a week. Seriously, a lot of ish went down this week. Anyway, enjoy.
When I finally stepped through the door of my home, a thrill of excitement coursed through me as I turned to Gran.
I eagerly recounted the news about the comet streaking across the night sky and asked her to join me for the adventure.
I mentioned wanting her to meet my history teacher, and the thought of the Beaus also came to mind.
Gran's interest was piqued immediately at the mention of my history teacher.
We decided to visit the Beaus first; it had been far too long since Gran had seen them. With warmth, she expressed how much she missed them, recounting delightful stories about Charlie and Renee before inevitably turning the spotlight on me.
She made me sound far more impressive than I really was.
"Isabella?"
His velvet voice washed over me like a wave, racing my heart and weakening my knees. I felt slightly light-headed as Gran turned around, her gaze fixed on the exquisite creature standing before us, but I remained rooted.
I desperately wanted to maintain my composure and avoid tripping over my words, and feet.
"Bella?" Gran inquired, her brow furrowed slightly as she turned to me. "Who is he?"
For a brief moment, I kept my eyes squeezed shut, gathering my thoughts before slowly facing him, still feeling wobbly.
When I finally opened my eyes, I was utterly mesmerized by Stefan Salvatore's enchanting face.
"I'm a school friend—" he began.
"We never officially introduced ourselves," I pointed out, the words tumbling out before I could think.
"Oh. Well, I'm Stefan. Stefan Salvatore," he replied, his voice smooth like silk.
"And I'm Bella Swan," I introduced myself, a hint of stubbornness in my tone as I needed to correct him on the Isabella.
"Bella..." His voice wrapped around each letter of my name, sending a delightful shiver down my spine.
Why did he have to say it like that?
"This is my grandmother, Mrs. Higginbotham," I said, gesturing to Gran.
"Hello," she greeted with a warm smile.
"Nice to meet you, ma'am," Stefan said, his charm palpable.
"What brings you here?" I asked, trying to keep my composure.
"Visiting my father," he replied casually.
"Interesting," I remarked, my curiosity piqued.
"Are you visiting your parents?" Stefan turned his gaze back to me, his expression sincere.
"My grandfather and uncle," I answered, trying to keep the mood light.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to pry..." he said, a hint of concern in his voice.
No, that's precisely what you meant to do.
"My parents are in Forks, next to my dad's parents," I elaborated, feeling the need to fill the silence.
"Bella, don't be so antagonistic," Gran chimed in gently, her voice laced with concern. "It's not like you to be so defensive."
But I couldn't shake the feeling.
Even if he had family here, why did he have to appear on the day I decided to bring Gran?
At the precise moment, no less...
It felt unsettlingly coincidental.
"We should be going," I insisted, urgently grabbing Gran's arm and leading her toward my truck.
"Are you going to the comet thing?" Stefan inquired, curiosity etched on his face.
"Yes, Gran and I—"
"Would you like to—?" he began, but I cut him off.
"Did Elena reject you?" I asked, the sharpness of my tone surprising even me.
The question hung in the air, leaving him momentarily taken aback. Gran turned to me, her eyes wide, astonished by my sudden boldness.
"I didn't ask her," he replied softly, the tension thickening between us.
The silence stretched, heavy and uncomfortable, until Gran said, "We're meeting someone there."
"Oh," he responded, a flicker of understanding crossing his face.
Gran turned to me again but remained silent as we walked to my truck, an unspoken tension simmering.
"Bella," Gran finally said, her voice breaking the heavy silence.
"He's into another girl," I muttered, frustration bubbling. "I don't want to be anyone's side dish. It's the main course or nothing."
Of course, if Stefan Salvatore is indeed a vampire, then it's almost certain that I will be the main course—an unnerving thought that sent shivers down my spine.
As we made our way to the Grill, Gran peppered me with questions about Stefan Salvatore, each more probing than the last.
"Who was that?" she asked, her brow furrowing with curiosity.
"Stefan Salvatore," I replied, my heart racing slightly at the mention of his name.
"How do you know him?" Gran pressed, her eyes narrowing.
"A guy I met at school," I answered, trying to keep my tone casual.
"Is he in your class?"
"No," I answered, glancing down at my shoes.
"Did you know he was coming?"
"No," I said again, my voice betraying a hint of frustration.
"Did you tell him you were visiting family at the cemetery?"
"No," I replied, growing more anxious. I had mentioned my plans to Caroline; maybe she had shared that detail with Bonnie and Elena.
"He seems to be quite fascinated by you," Gran observed, raising an eyebrow.
"Then he must be downright smitten with Elena Gilbert," I scoffed, unable to suppress the bitterness in my voice.
"He didn't ask her," Gran noted, and I wondered if that meant something.
"He was probably planning to meet with some people, including Elena," I suggested, shrugging it off.
"Maybe," Gran conceded.
"I can't think about boys right now," I said, waving my hand dismissively as if to swat away the notion. "I can barely focus on friends."
"Speaking of friends, how is that girl, Vicky?" Gran asked, a note of concern in her voice.
The mention of Vicky was a welcome distraction from my swirling thoughts.
"I haven't seen Vicky; she didn't attend school," I confessed, my worry deepening.
"Understandable, but didn't Matt update you on her?" Gran pressed, her expression turning serious.
"He also didn't come to school, but I'm hoping they'll be at the Grill," I replied, feeling a tiny glimmer of hope.
"But isn't Matt friends with that Gilbert girl?" Gran asked, and the question felt like a sudden slap to my face.
If I'd said yes, I could have reached out to Matt or Vicky—and, perhaps more tantalizingly, I could have been near Stefan Salvatore.
"Yes, but Elena and I don't seem to get along," I grumbled,
more to myself than to her, a thread of frustration weaving through my voice.
"I know," she laughed lightly as we stepped into the lively atmosphere of the Grill. "You two do seem to get under each other's skin without trying."
It struck me how even Gran could see the tension between Elena and me while Stefan Salvatore appeared oblivious.
Maybe he was just eternally optimistic—or perhaps just blind to the reality of the situation.
"Was it like that when we were kids?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
"I think so, but I don't remember much," Gran reflected, her gaze drifting into the distance.
"Jeremy and Elena's aunt is college-aged; maybe she remembers," I suggested.
Jenna remembered taking us to the park; maybe she knew more.
"Before she told her name, I could have sworn it was Miranda," I mused, picturing the park visits from our childhood.
"Jenna, I remember her," Gran said flatly, a hint of
something serious in her tone.
"Oh. I wonder who Miranda is," I pondered, intrigued.
"Jenna's sister, the Gilbert children's mother," Gran explained, sharing a piece of family history I hadn't known before.
"Yo, Bella!" a jubilant voice rang out, cutting through the buzz of conversation and clinking dishes.
Gran and I turned to see Vicky striding toward us, her bright smile lighting up her face as she waved energetically. Her enthusiasm was contagious and instantly brightened my mood.
"I'm going to catch up with Vicky for a bit. Find a table, and I'll meet you in a minute," I said, eager to reconnect with my friend after what felt like ages.
Gran nodded, her expression softening with understanding. With a determined look, she scurried off, her cane tapping rhythmically against the polished wooden floor as she blended into the lively crowd of the Grill, bustling with chatter and laughter.
"You actually made it! I had no idea you were coming," I exclaimed to Vicky, dressed in a vibrant green top paired with faded jeans and sturdy boots that gave her a laid-back vibe. "I would've had Matty come and pick you up."
"My Gran and I spent some time with my grandfather and uncle—"
A voice interrupted, "Vicky, what are you doing here?"
I turned to see Jeremy walking toward us, his casual stride full of confidence.
"Fighting with Robert about my schedule," she replied, glancing at him with an eye-roll. "You'd think getting mauled by a rabid animal would earn me at least an extra day off."
So, now she's claiming it was an animal attack?
"How are you feeling?" Jeremy asked concern etched on his face.
"I hurt."
"Well, the doctor gave you something, right?"
"Just the kid stuff." She leaned in closer to him, momentarily forgetting I was even there. "Nothing with an 'O' in it. They're definitely on to me."
In a surprising move, Jeremy discreetly handed Vicky a couple of pills. "Here. Knock yourself out—literally."
Without hesitation, she tossed them back like they were nothing more than candy. "Thanks, Jer."
Mr. Tanner had been right all along, and I suddenly felt a strange mix of emotions swirling inside me.
Deciding I needed some space to think, I turned and went through the crowd to look for Gran.
"Have you seen my sister?"
Matt's urgent voice pierced through the soft murmurs of the café, startling both Gran and me as we scanned the menu, the printed words momentarily forgotten.
"What?" I asked, my eyebrows furrowing in concern.
"Vicky's missing! Have you seen her?!" His panic was palpable, echoing in the air like a foreboding warning.
"I saw her earlier. She was talking to Jeremy," I replied cautiously, watching Matt's face contort with worry.
I couldn't help but wonder if Matt was aware of Vicky's struggles with drugs, but another thought crossed my mind...
"Maybe Stefan Salvatore saw her," I suggested tentatively, hoping to redirect our focus.
"I saw him at the hospital," Matt replied.
That would explain Vicky's abrupt departure from her earlier claims about vampires.
"Maybe Elena asked him to check on her," I insisted, clinging to a thread of hope.
"Have you seen him?"
"Seen who?"
"Stefan Salvatore." His eyes darted around the room.
"I saw him before we arrived but not since we arrived. I'll help you look," I assured him, feeling a surge of determination.
"Thanks," Matt said, gratitude spilling from his voice as he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder before dashing off.
"Gran, can I help?" I turned to her, my heart racing with the situation's urgency.
"Yes, of course," she replied, her expression mild but concerned.
I hurried after Matt, propelled by anxiety and resolve, as he made his way toward Tyler, Elena, her group of friends, and Jeremy, who were all gathered in a corner, their faces tight with concern.
"Hey, has anyone seen Vicky?" Jeremy asked, his brows knitted together in worry.
"You're her stalker. You tell us," Tyler shot back, his voice tinged with sarcasm as he locked his gaze on Jeremy with an accusing glare.
"I can't find her," Jeremy's voice faltered, desperation creeping in.
"She probably found somebody else to party with. Sorry, pill pusher, I guess you've been replaced," Tyler sneered, his words laced with venom.
"What's with the 'pill pusher' comment?" Elena turned sharply toward Tyler, confusion etched on her face.
Elena clearly hadn't heard the rumors.
"Ask him," Tyler shrugged, dismissing her concerns.
"You want to do this right now?" Jeremy shot back.
"Are you dealing?" Elena questioned, her tone turning serious as she focused on Jeremy.
"She's never gonna go for you," Tyler retorted, crossing his arms defensively.
"She already did—over and over again," Jeremy fired back, a smug look of triumph spreading across his face.
Whoa.
"Yeah, right," Tyler scoffed, trying to keep his composure.
"You slept with Vicky Donovan?" Caroline exclaimed, her eyes wide with disbelief. "I mean, Vicky Donovan slept with you?"
"There's no way," Tyler interjected, shaking his head in disbelief.
"And I didn't even have to force her into it," Jeremy added.
It suddenly clicked for me—this explained why Jeremy had warned me to stay away from Tyler.
"What the hell is he talking about, Ty?" Matt demanded, a mix of anger and confusion coloring his tone.
"Nothing, man, just ignore him; he's a punk," Tyler tried to brush it off.
"You know what? How about all of you shut up and help me find my sister?" Matt declared, his voice rising above the noise as his frustration boiled over.
"We'll check the back," Bonnie offered, her determination clear.
"I'll check the square," another voice chimed in, and soon they all scattered in different directions, leaving me unsure of whom to follow.
"Miss Swan?" A familiar voice interrupted my spiraling thoughts. I jumped at the sudden sound of my name, losing my balance and landing awkwardly on the floor. "Miss Swan, are you alright?" Mr. Tanner appeared, extending a hand to help me; his attire—a crisp white shirt, fitted jeans, and casual sneakers—made him look approachable and professional.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I stammered as I regained my footing, still recovering from my surprise.
"What was going on with the other students?" he asked, concern lacing his voice like a gentle breeze.
"Vicky Donovan is missing," I explained urgently. He sighed deeply, and before he could launch into a lecture, I interjected, "I have to introduce you to my Gran."
I tugged him toward Gran's table, where she sat calmly sipping her coffee, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Gran," I said, gesturing toward Mr. Tanner, "this is my history teacher—"
"William?" Gran's eyes widened with recognition.
William?
"Hello, Miss Marie," he greeted her cordially.
Miss Marie?
Gran stood up, and they embraced, the warmth of their reunion filling the air like a soft embrace. It felt like a giant puzzle piece had fallen into my lap, and I just needed to figure out whether it was a corner piece or something more significant.
"How have you been?" Gran asked, her voice tinged with heartfelt concern.
"Good. I've been doing well. I'm so sorry about your daughter," Mr. Tanner replied gently, his empathy palpable.
"Thank you, but having Bella has made it easier for me," she responded, her eyes briefly flicking to me, seeking solace.
I exchanged glances between them, searching for answers, when Gran turned back to me with a puzzled expression. "Bella, why didn't you tell me Will was your teacher?"
"Will?" I repeated, glancing at him in disbelief, and from the corner of my eye, I spotted Matt and Vicky walking in, relief flooding over me like a wave.
Good, she was safe again.
"Will was your uncle's best friend."
"Best friend?" I choked, turning to him with wide eyes.
"They were inseparable until Beau went to school in Grove Hill, but even then..." he continued, his voice trailing.
"Friends?"
The puzzle piece that had fallen into my lap became clearer—a centerpiece to my growing understanding.
W.T.
William Tanner.
He's W.T.
"Ugh," Caroline groaned, exasperation lacing her voice as she and Bonnie navigated through the bustling atmosphere of the grill.
The smell of grilled burgers and fried food filled the air, mixing with the low hum of chatter and laughter.
"It's just so much drama. Have you ever noticed how the druggies are the biggest attention seekers?" She rolled her eyes, her irritation palpable.
"Yeah," Bonnie replied, nodding in agreement as they approached their usual table.
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted them. "Excuse me," it said. They turned to see Stefan Salvatore standing there,
his hair slightly tousled and his green eyes shining with curiosity. "Hi."
"Hi," Bonnie responded.
"Um, have you guys seen Elena?" he asked, his brow slightly furrowed with concern.
"I think she went home," Bonnie answered, rummaging through her bag before pulling out her phone. "I'm going to give you Elena's cell number and her email. She's really into texting, so you can tell her… 'I said so.'" She smiled as she typed away, distracted by the task.
Stefan's lips curved into a grateful smile, but Caroline felt a pang of vulnerability wash over her as memories of Stefan's rejection resurfaced. Standing there, it felt as if the air around her thickened, and she was suddenly reminded of her own shortcomings.
"Thank you," Stefan said earnestly, his gaze lingering on Bonnie for a moment.
In a surprising gesture, Bonnie reached out and touched Stefan's hand, but then froze as if a spell had been cast on her. Caroline watched, a wave of concern washing over her as she recalled the times she and Bella had worried about Bonnie's emotional ups and downs. Maybe Bella was right to be concerned.
"Are you okay?" Stefan asked softly, breaking the stillness.
"What happened to you?" Bonnie blurted out, her voice sharp before she immediately shook her head in frustration. "That's so rude. I'm sorry. Excuse me." With that, she turned and walked away abruptly.
Caroline sighed, watching Bonnie leave with a mix of empathy and annoyance.
"Yeah, she kind of wigs out," she said, turning back to Stefan. "It's like her thing." The sounds of the grill faded into the background as she tried to make sense of the whirlwind around them.
