the truth

chapter eight

The next day, the morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over the classroom where the students currently settled into their seats. A new figure, Mr. Alaric Saltzman, stood at the front, scribbling his name on the chalkboard. Aurora made her way to her usual spot besides Bonnie while Elena settled nearby. Alaric then suddenly turned to face the class, his demeanor relaxed and welcoming.

"Good morning, everyone. Alrighty." Alaric began as Elena shot Bonnie a concerned look, silently asking if everything was alright. Bonnie merely shrugged, causing Aurora's worry to deepen.
"Alaric Saltzman. It's a mouthful, I know. Doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. Saltzman is of German origins. My family emigrated here in 1755 to Texas. I, however, was born and raised in Boston. Now the name Alaric belongs to a very dead great-grandfather I will never be able to thank enough. You'll probably want to pronounce "Alaric" but it's "Alaric," okay? So, you can call me Rick. I'm your new history teacher." Alaric introduced himself as Aurora observed the way Mr. Saltzman carried himself—a mix of casualness and a hidden depth that intrigued her. She glanced back at Bonnie, who seemed distant, lost in her thoughts making her frown concerned for her friend. 

Before Aurora knew it the bell rang, signaling the end of the class. Aurora packed her belongings and exited the classroom. Outside the door she waited for her two friends before joining them as they entered the hallway. Bonnie then began to explain to the two girls about the strange dreams that have been keeping her up at night. 
"And then, I ended up at the remains of the old Fell's church before I woke up back in the woods." Bonnie informs the two girls causing confusion to spread across their faces. 

"And you always see your ancestor Emily?" Aurora wonders a hint of interest in her voice. 
"Mhm. Do you believe in ghosts?" Bonnie questions the girls making them exchange a knowing look. 
"Two weeks ago I'd say no, but now..." Elena trailed off with a sigh. 
"Because I think I'm being haunted." Bonnie confirmed making Elena furrow her eyebrows. 
"I don't get it. Why Emily?" Elena asked curiously 
"Grams said she was a powerful witch back in the Civil War days, and that this medallion was hers. A witch's talisman." Bonnie elaborated 
"And it all started when you got the necklace?" Aurora recalled making Bonnie nod. 

"I think she's using it to communicate with me." Bonnie admitted 
"Okay, what does Grams say about it?" Elena inquired confusion in her voice. 
"I can't call her. She's gonna tell me to embrace it. I don't want to embrace it, I want it to stop." Bonnie huffed making Aurora glance sympathetically at her friend, feeling bad that she was going through this and wishing their was more she could do to help her. 

The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the town as Aurora pulled in to the driveway of the Gilbert residence after school. After entering the home, she noticed Elena waiting on the couch, fidgeting with her hands.

"Rory!" Elena exclaimed, turning her attention towards her cousin. "You won't believe what happened today."
Aurora raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I've only been gone less than an hour... what's going on? Why do you look so worried?"
"Damon showed up at school and he threatened Bonnie over the necklace. Bonnie got so frightened that, on the way home, she chucked it out the window of the car."" Elena sighed. 

"Rightfully so, we need to figure out what Damon wants with that necklace so we can figure out how to get him to leave Bon-Bon alone." Aurora concluded making Elena nod. 
 "But that's not all. Stefan showed up today too. He told me that he not coming to school anymore because he's going to back off. Can you believe that? He practically said he's going to stay away because 'it's better this way.'"
 "What? Why would he say that?" Aurora's heart sank feeling sympathetic for her cousin.