As Caroline packed her things for the trip to Dad's, she scoffed in disbelief.
Caroline: "I can't believe the 150th anniversary of Founder's Day is being held while we're both away at Dad's."
I nodded in agreement, though secretly I was relieved. At least I wouldn't have to attend yet another party. Honestly, Mystic Falls never seems to run out of them
.
Caroline: "But still, I'm happy we'll be at Dad's. I wonder if Dad and Steven planned a vacation for us or not."
Aaron: "Well, I hope not. Because I'm not moving an inch from the house."
Caroline shot me a glare.
Aaron: "Also, Dad's house is by the lake. We can just go for a swim. Maybe there will be some hot, tanned guys in Georgia."
Caroline: "Well, if there are, he better have a tan."
I laughed, and soon we both finished packing our bags.
.
.
(Scene at the Salvatore Boarding House)
Damon: "Damn it. The tomb vampires are getting under my skin."
Stefan lay stretched across the sofa, calmly flipping through a book.
Stefan: "Congratulations. Since you opened the tomb, you deserve a little headache."
Damon shot him an irritated look.
Damon: "Hey, what about that little Forbes?"
Stefan: "Caroline?"
Damon: "No, her little brother. I forgot his name."
Stefan: "You mean Aaron."
Damon: "Yeah. I don't have a good feeling about that little pup."
Stefan: "No need to feel pressured. I compelled him."
Damon: "And you failed—which led him to attack me at the Grill."
Stefan: "Well, you should've stayed away from his sister."
Stefan remained unbothered, lazily turning another page.
Damon: "That kid literally broke your compulsion. Doesn't that worry you?"
Stefan: "No. I don't feed on humans, so when I compel someone, there's a very low chance that it won't work. And That's what happened with Aaron."
Damon scoffed at Stefan's explanation.
Stefan: "The real issue isn't Aaron breaking my compulsion. It's that Aaron—a fifteen-year-old human boy—kicked your ass twice. Once at the party, and again at the Grill."
In a blur of speed, Damon vamped over, snatching the book from Stefan's hands and tossing it aside.
Damon: "I'm stronger than him. He's just a puny human."
Stefan: "If you say so. But don't you have bigger problems? I'm pretty sure Jonathan Gilbert has already blown your mind. Maybe you should worry about that."
Stefan rose from the sofa and walked out.
Damon grabbed the glass from the side table in anger and hurled it against the floor. Nothing was going his way. First, Katherine wasn't in the tomb. Then Pearl and the other tomb vampires started threatening him. And now John Gilbert knew he was a vampire—and Damon still had no idea what John wanted.
.
(Back to the Present)
Caroline and I sat in the back seat while Dad drove. She was busy on her phone, and I stared out the window, watching the scenery blur past. Dad glanced at us through the rearview mirror.
Dad: "So, how was your time at the dance, Care, honey?"
Caroline finally looked up.
Caroline: "It was great."
Dad: "Well, if you say so. Steven said he'll prepare lunch for us. He recently learned a new recipe. He wanted to cook for you kids."
Caroline: "Really?"
Dad let out a small chuckle.
Dad: "Yes."
The rest of the drive home, Dad and Caroline chatted about small things. I chimed in with the occasional yes or no, but mostly I stayed quiet.
After two hours on the road, we finally arrived.
We stepped out of the car and began unloading the luggage. Dad carried Caroline's suitcase—it was heavier, of course, since she'd packed half her wardrobe. Mine was a normal size, but Steven still came out to take it to my room.
After i went inside my room. The first thing i did was going to the balcony.
I stepped onto my balcony, the fresh air hit me.
Dad's house sits by the lake. Mom and Dad divorced when I was twelve. Unlike Caroline, I took it hard—I didn't even have many friends to talk to back then. So, Dad gave me this room to make me happy a little bit. It has a direct view of the lake, a view that somehow soothes your mind.
My thoughts were interrupted by Dad calling me downstairs for lunch.
When I entered the dining room, I noticed Caroline's eyes glittering. I knew that look—her eyes only sparkled like that when she had gossip.
She pulled me into the living room, away from Dad and Steven, who were still in the kitchen.
Caroline: "So, I heard some news. Kelly is back in town. And she's living with Matt, which is really very good. She might finally start acting like his mom. But…"
Aaron: "But?"
Caroline: "Something happened at the Founder's Party. I heard Kelly and Tyler kissed."
I was so surprised that I nearly screamed.
Aaron: "What?!"
Caroline: "Yes. And it was a whole mess."
Aaron: "Wait, isn't Tyler half her age?"
Caroline: "And Tyler is Matt's best friend."
Aaron: "Oh my God."
Suddenly, Steven appeared in the doorway.
Steven: "What are you two devils plotting?"
Caroline let out a soft laugh.
Caroline: "Don't worry. We were just talking about the party we missed."
Steven: "Was the party fun?"
Caroline: "Well… it depends."
Caroline gave me a smirk.
Fun? More like a disaster.
Maybe staying at Dad's house will turn out to be the better choice after all.