TW: character death, that's it I think

a/n: What's this? A new chapter?Wow! I finally updated.

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"Hey, Y/N. Sorry for calling you in today, but I need answers."

Sheriff Forbes sat down in her chair and I sat across from her. I looked around her office; it looked the same from when I was last in here. A few photo frames on her neatly organized desk; files stacked up and pushed off to the side. The window blinds were open, the light from outside streaming in.

"It's no problem. What can I help you with?" I asked, even though I already knew the nature of her questions. She must be trying to find information on Vicky.

I know the full story, but of course, I couldn't tell her anything without sounding crazy. Who would believe that vampires, vampires of all things, would be real?

"Do you have any idea where Vicky is?" Bingo. I was right.

I shook my head, making a confused face, but not overdoing it, "No, sorry. Vicky and I aren't exactly friends."

"I know," she said exasperatedly. How many people has she interviewed? "But what was there anything she might have said that seemed off to you."

"I'm sorry, but no. Honestly, this seems like something she would do. Just disappear, you know?"

"You're right," she said as she adjusted in her chair, "I guess that's all I need from you."

I stand up to leave when she grabs my arm, "How are you doing?"

I knew she wasn't just asking how I felt today. She was asking how I felt in general. It was nice, you know, knowing that someone still cared.

"I'm... better. My aunt being here with me is helping. I still miss my parents, but I like to think that they're safe and had a reason for leaving."

I knew the real, or at least what might be true, reason they left, but I couldn't tell anyone without rousing suspicions.

She smiled at me, "Well, that's good. I'm happy for you. And I promise you that we'll find them one day." I smiled and nodded my head before leaving. The thing about promises was that they were easy to say, but hard to follow through.

When I walked outside, the bright light of the sun hit me. The wind was blowing slightly, tousling my hair around my face. I saw Elena and Stefan off to the side, talking. Probably discussing what happened.

A little bit ahead were Jeremy and Jenna standing by their car. Jenna noticed me and sent a wave my way. Jeremy looked at me and a smile came across his face.

What? He's not mad at me? What happened? Well, whatever it is, I don't mind. I recently made up Stefan and I want to do the same thing for him.

If he's willing to push past what happened, then so am I.

Elena walks away from Stefan and I can see the defeated look on his face. I make my way over to him, "Hey Stefan."

He takes one last look at Elena before directing his attention to me. His gaze softened, "Y/N."

I shoulder my bag and start walking alongside him, "Everything okay?"

"Elena and I... we aren't together anymore," he said.

"I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Seriously, Y/N, of course, he isn't, "I mean, of course, you're not."

"I'll be fine," he turned to me, "What about you and Jeremy?"

"We're... well, we're not so good. I accidentally told him something and he didn't take it that well," I explained.

"His loss," Stefan said simply and I sent him a shocked look. How did he know? Was it obvious?

"Not really," I commented. I mean, was it his loss? I'm not good enough. I'm different and he would never go for me anyways. I was only getting my hopes up.

He grabbed my shoulder gently and turned me around, "Don't think like that. You're good enough and if he can't see that then he's blind."

I smiled at him, "Thanks, Stefan. I just have a hard time believing that sometimes." He shook his head before walking again, "You shouldn't."

"Hey, Stefan?" I ask as we continue walking along the sidewalk; cars whizzing past us and people talking on their phones, going about their day.

"Hmm," he replies, turning his head to me as he stops walking, pulling us over to a spot where people couldn't bump into us. He's always protective of me. He sometimes makes me think this is what it would be like if I had an older brother.

"This is going to sound weird, but I have a bad feeling about today," I say, glancing around me to make sure no one was listening, "like a weird, witchy feeling, you know?"

When I woke up this morning, an overwhelming sense of dread crept in. It wasn't fear, but something stronger, deeper. It reminded me of the feeling I had before school started—that something bad was coming and I was the only one who knew.

He raises an eyebrow, "That's weird. The only thing going on today that I know about is my birthday."

He said it so nonchalantly that I almost skipped over it. "Your birthday? Why didn't you tell me?"

He laughed at the excited look on my face, "Because it's not a big deal." I nudged him with my elbow, "Not a big deal? It's your birthday. How old are you turning anyways?"

"162." 162? Wow, I mean I knew he was a vampire, but still. That's old, really old.

"We should do something. It's not like somebody is turning 162 every day," I suggested, excitement filling me. When my parents were still here, we always did something fun for birthdays and I want to share that experience with him.

"It's not a big deal, Y/N," he said, trying to brush off the subject. Little did he know, I was not giving up that easily.

I shook my head, "No, sir. We're doing something for your birthday."

"You're just like Lexi, so persistent," he said, crossing his arms over his chest.

Upon seeing the confused look on my face at the mention of Lexi, he explained, "Lexi's is my..." a smile came across his face, "she's my crazy best friend. She came for my birthday."

I could tell how much he cared about her with the look on his face. It wasn't often you would see a smile on his face, but when he was talking about her, there was one.

"Can I meet her?" I asked, wanting to know more about Stefan, including his friends.

"Sure. I'll talk to her and let you know what she says."

I nodded before leaving him to his own devices. When that dreadful feeling reappeared, I sighed. What's going to happen?

---

A small yawn escaped my mouth, leaving me shaking my head. I rubbed my eyes before focusing on the book in my lap.

I found a book about witchcraft in the floorboards of my parents' room. I decided it would be good to learn more about it.

I set the book down on the table and went to grab a glass of water from the kitchen. As I left the room, I felt a whoosh of air, but ignored it, thinking there was a draft or a window was open.

When I came back, I noticed the book had flipped to a random page. Huh, that's weird. I shook my head before picking the book up and placing it back in my lap.

Looking down at the page, I notice something familiar-- a crescent moon and a sun. They were just like my birthmarks and the crescent moon charm I recently added to my charm bracelet.

Written on the top of the page in dark, thick ink were the words: Lunam Lunatis et Solis. Just like before, I could easily read the words, despite not knowing Latin. The Crescent Moon and the Sun.

The words below were written in a smaller font, but still in the same dark, thick ink that would have bled through if not for the thick yellowing paper.

My eyes scanned the words in the paper. Mumbling quietly to myself, I read the words, "The crescent moon and the sun—such wonders that when combined create something powerful."

I let my fingers drift over the slightly crisp, wrinkled paper, "The sun—the celestial body of strength, firmness, and power. The moon—the celestial body of beauty, calmness, and nurturing."

Two different things, yet when put together, they form something different, but in a good way.

I wonder what else this book might tell me. Could it answer my questions about why my birthmarks make me special?

A buzzing sound cut through the silent room. My head lifted in search of what was making the noise when my gaze landed on the phone beside me.

Flashing across the screen was Stefan's name. I picked the phone up, pulling it to my ear, "Hey, Stefan."

I heard shuffling on the other end before he started speaking, "Hey, Y/N. So I know how you said you wanted to do something for my birthday-"

I quickly cut him off, thinking he would try to cancel, "Did you find something for us to do? And don't say it's not important."

A laugh broke through the static background of the phone, "I'm not, but apparently, Damon got Caroline to throw a party tonight at the Grill."

My eyebrows furrowed together, a sigh leaving my mouth, "I thought Damon wasn't supposed to be around Caroline."

"You know Damon doesn't listen to anybody's rules except his," Stefan said in a joking tone, but I could hear the tenseness in his voice. There must be more to it, but I'm not going to pry. I'll let him tell me when he's ready.

"Well, are you going?" I asked even though I knew he was.

"Yep, and I'm bringing Lexi," excitement filled me when he mentioned her name. "So, can I meet her?"

"Yes, Y/N. You can meet her," even though his voice was sort of monotone, I just knew that he was smiling at my antics.

"Great, so I'll see you there?" I asked, getting up from my spot on the couch to get to my room. Stefan replied with a simple 'yes' and we hung up. I pocketed my phone as I entered my room. I slid over to my dresser in my socks, almost falling over.

Once I regained my balance, I shook my head and laughed a little at my clumsiness. I pulled one of the drawers open and grabbed a pair of jeans. I would've kept what I had on, but leaving the comfort of my house in these shorts was a big, fat NO. That'd be way too uncomfortable.

I pulled off my shorts and tugged on my jeans, jumping slightly to pull them up. As I buttoned them, I looked around for a pair of converse. I got down on the floor and found a pair under my bed.

I put the shoes on and tied them before a noise caught my attention. Making my way downstairs, the noise was clearer and I knew where it was coming from. I reached the living room and saw my aunt on the floor, bending her body weirdly.

"Aunt Lidia, what are you doing?" I asked, making my way over to her. She looked up at me and smiled sheepishly, "I was, uh, trying something new, but I might have been doing it wrong.

I reached out a hand and pulled her up. She stretched, behind her knees to get the blood flowing again.

I put a hand to my mouth to hold in the laughter building in my throat, "Yeah, I think you were."

Her features hardened as she glared at me and I raised my hands in surrender, "Easy, just kidding."

She narrows her eyes, not believing me, "Uh-huh." Her eyes look over me when she notices that I'm dressed, "Where are you going kiddo?"

"There's a party thing at the Grill," I said, closing the book I had been reading earlier and putting it on the bookshelf near the TV.

One of her fingers reached out and poked my cheek, and I raised an eyebrow at her confused, "What?"

"This is a life-changing moment. You, my sweet, darling niece who never goes out, is going to a party?"

I rolled my eyes. Here comes the theatrics. Someone should let this woman become an actress. Better yet, a comedian!

"I'm only going because today is Stefan's birthday and he's going," I explained before turning around.

"Speaking of Stefan..." she paused and I waved my hand for her to continue, "His brother, Damon?"

"What about him?"

She shrugged her shoulders, a sly smirk coming across her face, "It's nothing. Just that he seems sweet on you."

This time I didn't hold back my laughs, laughter erupting from my mouth. When I finally calmed down, I looked back to her to see a confused look, "Aunt Lidia, I love you and all, but Damon is not "sweet on me"."

Her arms crossed over her chest, "You may not see it but I do. Besides, he's handsome, very handsome."

"More of the point. He wouldn't go for someone like me," I said before a thought came to mind. Maybe I'm just not anyone's type. I'm okay with that though. Or am I?

"You have got to get more confidence in yourself," she shook her head, "Do you need me to take you there?"

I smiled at her, tilting my head slightly. She rolled her eyes before grabbing her bag off the couch. She walked towards the door before turning to see me still standing there, "Are you coming or not, kid?"

I quickly shuffled after her before grabbing my jean jacket that was slung on a chair.

---

Arriving at the Grill, I could see the party was in full action. Loud chatter and people were milling about. As soon as I entered, loud music filled my ears and my eyes took in the sight of people dancing while holding their drinks. Some people were yelling to each from across the room and I wondered why they just couldn't talk regularly, right across from each other.

My eyes scanned over the crowd to see if I could find someone I knew. I quickly moved from near the doorway when a group of people behind me started hooting and cheering.

Looking around, I found Caroline strutting over to a table where Bonnie sat. Squeezing through people, I muttered apologies, trying to catch up with them as Caroline pulled Bonnie to the side. I stayed a little behind, not wanting to intrude on their seemingly private conversation, but still close enough so that I wouldn't lose them in the crowded room.

I could hear snippets of their conversation. Caroline was looking at Bonnie, with a slightly nervous look on her face, "-so Indian Giver and I know that we're not even supposed to say that anymore, but I need my crystal back." She needs the crystal back? I thought she gave that to Bonnie to have, not to borrow.

"Why? You said you hated it," Bonnie replies, sounding confused at Caroline's request.

Caroline looked down at the necklace, then to Bonnie, stuttering slightly, "B-but then I saw it on you, and it realized how great it is." I call bullshit. Why would she want it back when she practically threw it at Bonnie because she didn't want it?

Caroline shrugs her shoulders, clearly trying to play it off, "And I've got, like, 3 outfits I can coordinate with it so-"

Bonnie cuts her off before she gets too far, shaking her head, "I can't give it back to you."

"Okay," she started, obviously annoyed, "uh, well, I didn't want to have to tell you this, but I'm your friend." Where is she going with this? "When you wear it, it makes you look fat."

What the- Who says that?

"There. I said it. But it's because I'm your friend, so—" she continued, laughing it off.

Bonnie shrugged, "I'm sorry. Caroline, I can't." Caroline's face scrunched up, "Well, what do you mean you can't, Bonnie? It's mine."

"I thought you said it was Damon's," Bonnie replied, looking quizzically at the other.

"Well, it is," Caroline starts again, but Bonnie stops her from continuing. "So he's the one who really wants it back?"

I sighed when I realized that made sense. How could she go from hating it to wanting it back? Damon must've told her to get it for him, especially after what happened at the Halloween party.

Caroline's quick to defend herself, "No. Maybe. Just—" she reaches out and tries to grab a hold of the necklace, but it reacts the same way it did to Damon—it shocks her hand.

I look away as they continue their conversation, the sound of cheering distracting me. When I turn back, Bonnie's gone and Caroline is standing there shocked and confused. She walks off and I huff, being left alone again.

I tap my fingers against my arm, looking around the Grill to see if there was someone I could stand by while waiting for Stefan. It was as if the heavens had decided to be nice to me.

An arm wrapped around my shoulder and I was about to elbow them in the stomach when familiar laughter sounded above me. I looked up to see Stefan smiling down at me and I let out a sigh of relief.

"Geez, Stefan. You scared me. I thought you were some drunk guy," I said, turning my body slightly to hug him.

He wrapped his arms around me and when we pulled away, I noticed he was alone. "Where's Lexi?"

"She came here earlier because I had to do some things. How about we go and look for her?"

I nodded my head and we weaved through the clusters of people dancing and talking. Stefan grabbed my hand and dragged me over to a girl with long brownish-blonde hair and hazel-green eyes.

Once she spotted us, she put down the glass in her hand and walked over. She held out a hand, "You must be Y/N?" I nodded my head, sort of shouting over the loud music, "I take it you're Lexi then?" She nodded as well and we started talking, poking fun at Stefan.

Lexi managed to get Stefan and me out on the dance floor, regardless of our denials. Stefan was behind her and she was holding my hands while dancing.

"Okay, I'm gonna need a little more foot movement from you." Oh, she's funny, really funny if she thinks I'm going to dance in front of all these people.

"Yeah, I'm not really—not really interested in making a fool out of myself," Stefan said, moving around her.

"And I would just fall on my face," I added to which they both laughed.

Lexi rolled her eyes, "Oh, come on. You're not that bad." She laughed as she waved her hands in the air. She's carefree. Does what she wants regardless of how other people view her. It's different from the people here.

I couldn't help but let my mood dampen by that dreadful feeling creeping back up again. It was stronger now. Much stronger. The hairs on my hair were rising as goosebumps covered my skin. Whatever it was, wasn't good and I just hoped nobody would get hurt.

"Do me a favor. Tell me if you see Damon with his camera phone," Stefan said before grabbing both Lexi and I's hands and twirling us around.

---

After our immense dancing, we settled around the pool table. I was leaning against it, watching Stefan and Lexi play. This is fun. I'm not a party person by any means, but being with people who make me feel good is nice.

Lexi jerked her stick forward, making the cue ball hit another, sending it into one of the pockets. I clap for her, and both she and Stefan cheer.

She raises her hands to give both of us high fives. I take a sip of my water as my eyes scan over the crowd. Stefan takes the stick from Lexi and gets ready for his shot. I notice a familiar girl with long brown hair and brown eyes staring longingly at the two.

It's Elena. I don't think she's noticed that I've caught her. An indifferent look came onto her face as she watched Stefan and Lexi laugh at something the other said. Jealousy.

She's jealous. Jealous of Lexi because she's with Stefan. I completely understand why she wouldn't want to be with Stefan. I mean, vampires are a tad bit problematic, but if she truly cares about him, couldn't she just work through it?

Damon comes up behind Elena and they start talking. I notice the annoyed look on her face and the desire to get away from him in her eyes. I almost laughed out loud but didn't want to bring attention to myself, so I stayed quiet.

Shortly after Damon finished bothering Elena, Lexi left to go get more drinks, or in her words, "get some liquid courage."

I turn to Stefan, "So you and Lexi?"