A New Start... As Jenna Sommers

Chapter 8

As I walk through the halls to Tanner's classroom for Jeremy's parent/teacher conference, I think of all the bad things that will happen in the future. And the thought that I might not be able to fix or help them in the way they need, weighs down on me like no other.

-

"As Jeremy's teacher, I'm concerned. All right? It's the third day of school and he's skipped six of his classes" Tanner starts explaining to me.

"Mr. Tanner, are you aware that Jeremy and Elena's parents died?" I ask, getting annoyed.

"Four months ago, a great loss. Car accident. Wickery bridge if I remember correctly. And you're related to the family how? The, uh mother's kid sister" he states condescendingly.

"Younger sister," I correct.

"Right"

"Yes. Six classes? Are you sure? I mean, that's kind of hard to do," I comment, trying to gage him.

"Not when you're on drugs. It's his attempt at coping, Ms. Sommers. And the signs are there. He's moody, withdrawn, argumentative, hungover. Are there any other relatives in the picture?" he says, making his accusation quite clear.

"I'm their sole guardian," I state, standing my ground.

"Uh-huh. Could there be?" he asks.

"What are you suggesting, exactly?" I question, starting to get fed up.

"It's an impossible job, isn't it, raising two teens?" he pocks at my lack of experience.

"It's been tough, but, no, it's not. And for you information Jeremy is not getting high during school thank you very much. He has been having panic attacks because he hasn't been around people for months since the accident. And yes, on the day he skipped, and no one knew, but all of the other classes he went to the admin office and signed out. So next time you feel the need to make an accusation about one of your students get you facts straight first," I say ranting to him.

And with that I walk out of the classroom, leaving no room for discussion.

-

-

Mystic Grill - Elena's POV

I was at the Grill with Bonnie and Caroline just talking about random stuff, blanking out every now and then when I hear Caroline.

"...told you about the aliens. So, then what" she asks, looking over to me.

"So, then nothing," I say, seemingly stating the obvious.

"You and Stefan talked all night? There was no sloppy first kiss or touchy feely of any kind?" she says, disbelieving.

"Nope. We didn't go there," I say, holding strong to my point.

"Not even a handshake? I mean, Elena, we are your friends. Ok? You are supposed to share the smut," she complains.

"We just talked for hours," I state.

"Okay, what is with the blockage? Just jump his bones already! Ok, it's easy. Boy likes girl, girl likes boy, sex!" she says, with a smile on her face.

"Profound, but seriously. I think I like him, but I don't think I want a relationship with him, I don't think I'm ready to be honest," I say, standing up.

"Where are you going?" Bonnie asks.

"I'm going to go talk to him. I can't leave him hanging onto a thread, thinking there might be something when there really isn't," I say walking off, with a look of determination on my face.