Bloodlust * S.Salvatore *

Ch. 1 - Fog

"Liv! Over here!" 

Scanning over the crowded lunch room, I spotted Caroline waving at me and made my way over to our table. I set my bag down on the seat beside me and took a place between her and Bonnie, "Sorry I'm late, what'd I miss?" 

"Um a lot actually. There's this new guy- Stefan Salvatore, total hottie. Of course, I think he already has his eyes on Elena." She playfully rolled her eyes, "You should have seen his face when he saw her."

"Caroline, you weren't even there!" Elena intervened.

"Okay, yeah, but Bonnie told me!" 

"Well, I can't wait to see him," I grinned, hoping to put the matter to rest. I bit into the apple I grabbed from the lunch line and began scrolling mindlessly through my phone. "How was your trip?" Bonnie asked. "Oh um, it was fine," I shrugged and took another bite, "Just visited my aunt and cousins. Family bonding, as my mom called it."

"Fun." Caroline said sarcastically. The commotion died down to its usual lull after a bit. I felt a tap on my shoulder from Elena, "Hey, do you wanna come with me to visit my parents after school?" I nodded, "Of course. Meet at your locker?" She nodded, smiling to me as the bell rang.

I dug around my bag for my history book, "'Shit. I have to run to my locker, forgot my textbook." Swinging my bag over my shoulder I headed down the hall quickly to try not to be super late. I weaved my way through students and crossed the threshold to the classroom just as the late bell rang. "Ms. Beck, not a great start back," Mr. Tanner scolded, hardly looking up from the board. "Sorry, I forgot my stuff." I mumbled. "Take a seat," He motioned and began the lecture.

I rushed to the open seat over by Bonnie, when a new face caught my eye. His forest green eyes met mine and I quickly avoided my gaze. While somewhat listening to Tanner's droning, my phone buzzed.

Bonnie - THAT is Stefan. 

I rolled my eyes with a smirk and opened my journal. Absentmindedly biting on the end of my pencil, I found it difficult to focus. The lack of sleep from last night didn't help anything.

"Elena, I don't think I can do this."  I shuddered. 

"Yes you can. You don't have a choice. Think of him." She tucked my hair over my shoulder from behind and whispered into my ear. 

"I'm sorry."

The sound of the bell broke me out of my trance. Looking around at the semi-empty classroom, I went through the motions and got through the day. "Ready to go?"

"God- Elena, you scared me." I gasped, shutting my locker and faced her. "Sorry," she shrugged and grabbed her keys, "Let's head. I want to get home before dark." I nodded and we went out towards her car.

---

"It doesn't get any easier, does it?" She asked as we stood at her parent's grave. I sighed and shook my head, "Not really." I gave her some time alone and wondered over to the entrance of the graveyard.

"Hey bro." I said grimly, spotting the grave that read 'Coleman Beck'. "We miss you. Life still sucks but what can you do. It's boring without you," I sat down and leaned my head on the stone, "It's been four years. Mom's driving me crazy." I chuckled. Fog seeped into the yard and spread like a wildfire. I heard a scream from what sounded like Elena and shot up from my spot, "Elena?" 

Missing a step, I tripped and fell onto the concrete, cutting my knee in the process. Everything seemed to still as I got back up, "Hello?" 

"Hey, everything okay?"

I screamed and whipped around to meet the face of the new guy, "Shit- I didn't know anyone else was here." I placed a hand on my chest to regain my breath.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I'm Stefan Salvatore. I think we have History together?" He held out his hand for me to take. Hesitating slightly, I shook it, "Olivia Beck. You can call me Liv. Yeah, I think we do." We looked at each other for a while before he spoke, "Well, Liv, do you need a ride? I was about to head out."

"Oh actually," I glanced back, seeing the fog had cleared and we were in fact alone, "-never mind. Mine ditched. I'd love a ride."

"Right this way," He motioned over his shoulder when his ring caught my eye.

"Wow, nice ring." I smiled and gently grabbed his hand to examine it closer.

"Oh uh- thanks. Family heirloom. I know it's a little much-"

"No, I really like it." I held his hand in mine, taking in the appearance of his large blue ring when suddenly he pulled away. "Oh, I'm sorry. I got carried away." I apologized, realizing what had happened. 

"No- it's fine. Hey um, are you hurt?" 

I furrowed my brows, "What do you mean?" I felt a dull throb of my knee, reminding me of what had taken place moments before, "Oh yeah. I guess I scraped my knee earlier. But it's fine-"

"Let's get you home. It's getting late." He dismissed and started off I presume towards his vehicle.

"Thanks..."

It was nightfall once we got to my house. "Thank you for the ride. I really appreciate it." I smiled and gathered my things. 

"It was my pleasure."

"I promise I don't always hang out in a graveyard." I chuckled shyly.

"It gives you a mysterious edge. I like mystery."

"Oh really?" I grinned. "It was really nice meeting you Stefan."

"You as well, Liv."

I shut the door and wondered to the front of my home. The door was unlocked, strange since mom wasn't home. Her car wasn't in the driveway and all the lights were off inside. Stepping in, I closed and locked the door behind me. I threw my stuff aside and went towards my bedroom.

After getting changed, I heard a creaking noise in the kitchen, "Mom?" Investigating the sound, I turned on the light only to find nothing. I sighed, "Whatever. Mom, if you're here, I'm going to bed." Turning back to where I came, I spotted my bedroom window open and a crow sitting on the windowsill. 

"Stupid bird," I mumbled and shooed it away.