Four months have passed since the Gilbert siblings lost their parents. Eventually, everyone started moving on. Their Aunt Jenna is now taking care of them.
I was doing my homework when Caroline's shouting caught my attention.
Caroline walked into my room holding two tops.
"Aaron, what do you think will look good on me today?"
I looked at the tops in her hands. One was navy blue, and the other was green. I chuckled and said,
"Everything looks good on you, Care. But if I had to choose, I think you should wear the navy blue one. It suits you better."
She smiled.
"Really? I knew I could trust my little baby brother."
She kissed my cheek and left my room. I went back to my homework. Today, I would definitely get scolded by my math teacher for not finishing it.
I heard my mom's voice from downstairs.
"Aaron, Caroline, make sure to eat your breakfast. I have to leave early today. And be safe at school."
I replied from my room,
"Bye, Mom."
Lately, animal attacks have increased. Just last night, a couple died. My mom, being the sheriff, is drowning in work.
I packed my half-finished homework. Time was ticking—I needed to get ready for school. After that, Caroline and I left together.
Even on the way to school, Caroline kept talking. We really are an odd sibling duo—one is talkative and extroverted, the other is quiet and introverted.
Caroline asked,
"Aaron, are you listening to me?"
I sighed.
"Yes, Caroline. You're talking about the upcoming school party."
"Yes! And I think I should wear a white outfit. Also, today Bonnie said she's picking Elena up for school."
We had reached the school.
"Well, we're here," I said.
"Yes. I'm going to check on Elena and see if she's okay."
I tried to stop her.
"Wait, Caro—"
But she was already gone.
I don't think anyone would be truly okay after losing their parents. Constantly asking about it can ruin the moment, especially when someone is trying to move on.
I watched Caroline go up to Elena and Bonnie, asking Elena if she was alright. Then Caroline turned to Bonnie and asked the same question—while Elena was standing right there.
Since Caroline went to her friends, I headed to my classroom. On the way, I bumped into a guy in front of the guidance counselor's office.
"My bad," I said.
I looked up and saw a tall guy wearing sunglasses indoors. Who the hell wears sunglasses inside? Maybe My reaction was too obvious .
He took them off and said,
"My apologies. I wasn't paying attention. Hi, I'm Stefan. I'm new here."
I composed myself.
"Hi. I'm Aaron."
He chuckled. I frowned slightly.
"Um… excuse me?"
He quickly explained,
"Your reaction to the sunglasses was kind of funny. Sorry if that sounded rude."
"Oh. It's fine. Nice meeting you," I said.
I quickly walked away. I'm not good at meeting new people or getting along with them. So I just try to keep my distance.
When I glanced back, I saw him bump into Elena near the men's restroom.
Damn—this guy really has a habit of bumping into people.
I reached my classroom. School feels less like a learning institute and more like a survival ground. Just survive a few more periods and go home.
After school ended, I got detention—for unfinished homework. Well honestly I'm not surprised. I texted Caroline, telling her to go home without me. She replied with a thumbs-up.
I sat there, drawing. I missed the days when Jeremy and I were close, drawing together. Now all he does is drugs and hangs out with Matt's sister, Vicki.
Lost in thought, I unknowingly drew the new guy. I immediately scratched it out and ruined the page.
Yeah… something's wrong with me.
Finally, detention ended.
On my way home, I got a text from Caroline:
"At the Grill at 7."
I smiled. She wouldn't be home anyway—she'd probably be shopping.
At home, I lay on my bed. Time flew. Being introverted means fewer friends. I really only had one—Jeremy. Now he ignores me.
I checked the time. I need to get ready. If I'm late, Caroline will kill me.
When I arriveed at the Grill i saw Caroline and Bonnie were talking.
"His name is Stefan Salvatore," Caroline said. "He lives with his uncle at the Salvatore Boarding House. Military family. Gemini. Favorite color—blue."
Bonnie blinked.
"You got all that in one day?"
"Between third and fourth period. We're basically planning a June wedding."
I cut in.
"Wow. Impressive."
Caroline smiled proudly.
"I always am."
Later, Tyler talked with Caroline, Bonnie talked with Matt, and I sat beside Bonnie playing games on my phone.
Matt asked,
"So… how's Elena?"
"Her parents died," Bonnie said. "How do you think? She is putting a good face, but it's only been four months."
"Has she said anything about me?"
"Nope. Not getting involved. You should call her."
"I feel weird calling her, she broke up with me."
Bonnie replied, "give it more time."
At that moment, Elena walked in with Stefan.
Matt muttered,
"More time, huh?"
He walked over and shook Stefan's hand.
"hi , I'm Matt."
"Stefan."
I leaned toward Bonnie.
"My intuition says Elena and Matt are never happening again."
Bonnie nodded.
"I feel that too."
We all sat together—Caroline, Bonnie, Elena, Stefan, and me.
"So you were born in Mystic Falls?" Caroline asked.
"I moved away when I was young," Stefan replied.
"Parents?"
"They passed away."
The table went silent.
Elena then look into Stefan's eyes and said,"I'm sorry,"
"It's okay," Stefan replied.
"Any siblings?" Caroline asked.
"None I talk to. I live with my uncle."
Caroline smirked.
"So you don't know about the party tomorrow."
"What party?"
"its back-to-school thing," Elena said.
Stefan looked at her.
"Are you going?"
"Of course," Bonnie answered for her.
I looked at Caroline. It is kind of obvious that stefan is interested in elena. And I also feel bad for my sister .
Time went by and suddenly it's time for school party. Even though I have zero intention of going. I still have to because of my sister. In her talk 'no brother of mine can ditch a party'.so here I am getting ready for the party. I took my phone and my headphones too. Definitely gonna zone out in the party and ignore everyone. Who cares. I then get downstairs. Caroline was already waiting for me.
Caroline: hello my baby bro. Get here quickly. Tonight I'm going to talk to stefan.
Aaron : hey care. Um... I think stefan might be interested in elena.
Caroline: well .. yeah he is new here and never met anyone so of course he will take interest in everyone. But just watch . Tonight I'll talk to stefan and make some moves.
Aaron : well if u say so.
Everyone was here. I then spot a quite spot and sit there away from everyone. Then I heard a voice from my behind.
Stefan : Hi.
Aaron : hey.
I just said hey and stared at him. Why is he still here. Is he waiting for me to say anything. I took the furthest and quietest spot in the party. Can't he tell that action means DO NOT DISTURB.
Stefan : so , you are Caroline's little brother .
Aaron: yes. Aaron forbes.
Stefan: I'm stefan Salvator.
Aaron: i know.
The air then felt awkward.
Stefan: ok . So I'll get going. Enjoy.
Aaron : hmm.
Stefan: Bye
I didn't reply and just politely smiled. Then I see stefan walking away from me. I let out a breath. Finally peace once again.
Vickiy is walking in the woods. Suddenly she heard a noise. She turned,"jeremy is that you?"
Then all of a sudden something came and bit her.
Caroline searching for stefan all the time finally found him.
Caroline: there you are. Have you been down to the falls. They are cool at night. I can show u if u want.
Stefan : i think u have had too much to drink.
Caroline: well , of course, I have. So-
Stefan: Caroline, you and me it's not gonna happen. I'm sorry.
Then he left for elena leaving Caroline all alone.
After going to elena.
Stefan: is she like that to all the guys?
Elena : no you are fresh meat. She will back off eventually.
Then elena saw jeremy going into the woods .
Elena : you've gotta to kidding me.
Stefan : what happened?
Elena: my brother
Stefan : that drunk one?
Elena: that would be him.
she get off and starts to follow jeremy
Stefan: do u need help?
Elena : you don't wanna witness this.
She then followed jeremy and went to woods. Some time later we heard a scream.
I got up from my chair and come forward. And see Vickiy was bitten by something. I see stefan disappearing after seeing Vickiy.