In Loving Memory - 1x1

Chapter Three: The Big Bad Wolf

The next day at school, everyone was excited about the party that would be happening that night. Everyone but the twins. They weren't interested in going but Bonnie and Caroline had insisted. Plus, Stefan had said he would go if Amy did. Of course, Emma was going to go if Amy was. So neither of them had a choice in the matter. Daydreaming, Amy wiggled her pencil against the side of her cheek as she got lost in thought in the middle of history class. Not exactly the best class to get lost in. "The Battle of Willow Creek took place right at the end of the war in our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted in this battle? Ms. Bennett?" Amy was still lost in thought as Mr. Tanner called on Bonnie for a response. Clearing her throat, she furrowed her brows.

"Um...a lot? I'm not sure. Like a whole lot." Several students began to giggle, including Emma who shot a glance at Bonnie. Bonnie smiled at Emma but Mr. Tanner had a witty remark.

"Cute becomes dumb in an instant, Ms. Bennett. Mr. Donovan? Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome your embedded jock stereotype?" The teacher turned to step over to Matt who smiled sheepishly and shook his head.

"It's okay, Mr. Tanner, I'm cool with it." A few students start laughing again and even Emma found herself giggling at the blond boy. Though the next person to be called on was far from reality.

"Hmm. Amy? Surely you can enlighten us about one of the town's most significant historical events?" Pulling herself back to Earth, Amy blinks and looks at Mr. Tanner like a deer in headlights.

"Uh..." She manages but isn't sure what to say. She knew very little about the town. After all, her parents had made sure they didn't go anywhere near it unless it was to visit the few friends they did have there. "I'm sorry, I--I don't know." Amy felt embarrassed and glanced away from him but he leaned forward to press her further. Assertively, he presses his hands against her desk.

"I am willing to be lenient for obvious reasons, Amy. But the personal excuses end now." Emma looked at the teacher as she leaned forward herself. Part of her wanted to get up and slap him. Why would he lean down on a student like that? Emma's brow pulled together angrily as she watched.

"There were 346 casualties. Unless you're counting local civilians." The voice that spoke up made Amy turn her head. Stefan had saved her. It seemed like a pattern he might accumulate but she didn't want to get used to him just yet. She lipped a thank you to him but he continued to smile and look at Mr. Tanner. Emma looked toward the two of them, relieved that Stefan had spoken up. He was earning brownie points from her that was for sure.

"That's correct, Mister...?" His voice trailed off.

"Salvatore." He smiled curtly at Mr. Tanner.

"Salvatore. Any relation to the original settlers here at Mystic Falls?" Mr. Tanner's eyebrows raised curiously.

"Distant," Stefan replied, shortly.

"Well, very good. Except, of course, there were no civilian casualties in this battle." Shaking his head, Stefan interjected.

"Actually, there were 27, sir. Confederate soldiers, fired on the church, believing it to be housing weapons. They were wrong. It was a night of great loss. The founder's archives are, uh, stored in the civil hall if you'd like to brush up on your facts, Mr. Tanner." The snap back at the teacher had Amy's mind jumping for joy. Stefan was feisty and she kind of liked it. Mr. Tanner was clearly annoyed with the response and simply mumbled to himself before the rest of the students began to make it clear that they supported Stefan's response. Continuing to teach the class, he ignored the response and moved on.

Another day passed too slowly but at least history class hadn't been a bust. It was extremely entertaining watching Mr. Tanner be defeated by a student. Though as the twins went home and changed for the party, Emma wandered nervously into Amy's room. "Do we really have to go?" She was terrified to be alone and even though Amy would be there. She knew that when Stefan appeared the two would separate. It wasn't that she disliked Stefan but it was scary for her. Being alone, especially in the woods at a party where there were going to be drugs and alcohol. Turning to look at her sister, she dropped her head to the side.