Grey Areas {TVD}

Chapter 1

Nik POV

"For the last time, I'm not telling you where I am. You said I could leave so I left. You still owe me 40 years!" I shouted into the phone before hanging up and placing it in my pocket, "The bloody nerve of that man"

I looked around at where I was, sighing at my situation. My cousin had been calling me every other week for the last year, making me want to rip his heart out just for some peace and quiet. Deciding enough was enough I took the phone and looked at the water falls before me. I threw the phone as far as I could into the water, before turning away and heading back towards the parked car,

"All I asked for was some time away from the family" I ranted to myself as I quickly made my way back towards the local town, "But can he accept that, no course not why would he"

Eventually I found myself on a street, whistling as I walked. the forest was somewhat peaceful, only the noise of the wildlife filled my ears when I approached a sign,

'Welcome to Mystic Falls'

"Welcome Home Nik" I sighed. At one point I'd sworn to never return here, fearing the memories that came with it. So I stood, staring at the sign. Contemplating weather I really wanted to cross the border and return to Mystic Falls.

Before I could make the decision though a police car pulled up next to me and rolled down the window, "You okay kid?" a blonde officer asked,

I nodded, "Just been a while since I came back here" I admitted,

"You need a lift?" She asked,

A smile crept onto my face, "You mind?"

"Of course not" She laughed nodding to the passenger seat, "Hop in"

I opened the door and sat in the car, "My names Liz" she greeted, "Liz Forbes. I'm the sheriff round these parts"

"Nick, Nick Grey" I replied with a little wave, "High school student"

"Where are your parents Nick?" She asked as she resumed the journey. I felt a shiver run down my spine when we crossed the border into the town. Guess there was no turning back now,

"Nah, just me" I answered, "Dad died and Mum. Well we aren't exactly on speaking terms at the moment"

She gave me a look, a look I'd seen many times when I'd told that story. Pity and suspicion, "So who are you here with?"

"Just me" I admitted, "I have a friend in the town. He's legally an adult so..."

"So your staying with him. As your legal guardian?" She asked slowly,

When I nodded I saw her eyes widen comically, "You have no family anywhere else?"

"We're not on speaking terms anymore either" I chuckled darkly, "I'm kinda the disappointment of the family"

"Well then I'll have to make sure this friend of yours is up to scratch" She warned,

With a shrug I turned to look out of the window, "He's a good man Miss Forbes" I assured her, "One of the best"

-- Line Break --

"This the place?" Liz asked as we pulled up infront of a large house,

I nodded, "Yeah, Toby lives here"

She turned the engine and went to get out of the car before I stopped her,

"You know I'll be alright Sheriff" I swore, "I've known Toby for what feels like an eternity"

She laughed sarcastically at my words, "How old are you kid? 17? You're not old enough for relationships like that"

I leant forward and stared into her eyes, "I'll be fine sheriff. You can go"

"Nope" She declined once more, "It's my legal obligation to do this"

I groaned, before following her out of the car. The two of us walked up to the front door, a polished brown oak door with a golden lions head knocker,

Sheriff Forbes whistled as I used the knocker, "Hell of a place your friend owns. What does he do?"

"He runs his own company" I told her, "Works in real estate"

Before she could ask anything more the door was flung open and I was met with the face of my oldest friend, "Nik!" He exclaimed grabbing me and pulling me in for a hug, "How are you doing"

"I'm good Toby, how are Claire and Lindsay?" I asked as we separated,

"They're good, healthy as anything" He answered with a grin, "Can't wait to see you"

Liz cleared her throat, dragging Toby's attention over to her, "Ah Sheriff how can I help?" he asked, "Whatever it was I didn't do it"

She laughed before walking back slightly, "I just needed to see who Nik here was staying with" She answered, "But everything seems to be in order. I'll see you around Mr Grey" She told me.

I nodded at her as she travelled down the driveway towards her police cruiser. I was about to walk into Toby's house with him when she turned around, "Oh and by the way Nik when you join the high school, and you will be going or I'll file something with social service, look out for my daughter"

"Will do Sheriff, what's her name?" I replied

"Caroline"

~871~