My phone buzzed against my ear as I headed towards the cafeteria, intending to help Caroline with the Miss Mystic float for the Founders' Day parade.
"John's still here," Jenna's voice sounded exasperated.
"Let me guess, he's still being an ass," I replied, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the annoyance.
"Yep," Jenna confirmed with a sigh.
I opened my locker, the familiar creak echoing in the noisy hallway. "Elena was running late, but she should be there," Jenna added.
"Okay," I said, slipping my bag into the locker.
"Um, Damon was here looking for you," Jenna mentioned, her tone cautious.
I felt a pang in my chest at the mention of Damon. "Oh," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"I'm not trying to get involved in what's going on between you two. Just be careful, Selene. Trust me, guys like him have a track record of breaking your heart."
"Don't worry, Jenna," I assured her, though I wasn't entirely sure I believed it myself.
"Okay," Jenna said before hanging up.
I was just about to shut my locker when a hand grabbed my arm, pulling me away. I frowned, finding myself being dragged down the hall by Alaric. He led me into his classroom, where Elena and Stefan were already seated.
"What's going on?" I asked, sitting down beside Elena.
"Isobel's here," Alaric said, his expression grim.
My gaze snapped to his, wide with shock. "What?" I leaned back in my seat, trying to process his words.
Footsteps echoed in the hallway, and I looked up as Damon entered the classroom.
"Damon, thanks for coming," Alaric said.
"Sorry, I'm late. My dog ate my uh...never mind," Damon quipped, his eyes landing on me. The hurt and longing in his gaze made my chest tighten, but he quickly turned to Stefan and Elena. "What's with all the furrowed brows?"
