New Blood (The Vampire Diaries - Book 2)

Chapter 9 - After School Special

Mystic Falls High School was holding a memorial assembly for Carol.

The students were sitting on the bleachers in the gym, holding candles.

Sheriff Liz Forbes was giving a speech. "Carol Lockwood always said that togetherness, in times of tragedy, leads to healing. That one community is stronger than a thousand of its members. But how does a community stay strong after losing its leader? And Carol was so much more than just a mayor. She was an open-minded friend and a concerned mother taken from us too soon by a terrible accident."

Tyler looked down, pressing his lips in anger. "Screw this."

Caroline looked at him. "Tyler." Tyler stood. "Tyler, wait."

Tyler walked away, leaving the gym.

"Please join me in observing a minute of silence in her memory," Liz said.

Everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes to pay their respects.

Elena furrowed her brows in confusion, seeing Rebekah. She looked away for a moment before looking back.

Rebekah was gone.

Bonnie looked at her in concern. "You okay?"

"I'll be right back," Elena told her, standing and walking away.

"Thank you very much," Liz told everyone. "In the wake of this tragedy, the town has selected an interim mayor. Many of you may already know him. Please welcome Mr. Rudy Hopkins."

Everyone clapped.

Bonnie's father stood, walking towards the podium and shaking Liz's hand. "Thank you, sheriff. Carol Lockwood put this town first and that's why I'm here to talk to you guys."

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Elena walked down the hallway and slowed to a stop, hearing crying. She walked around the corner and saw April standing by her locker.

"April?" Elena asked. April looked at her. Elena walked closer. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," April answered. "I'm fine."

"But you're crying," Elena said.

"It's just the whole mayor thing," April told her. "You know, it's bringing up stuff with my dad." Elena nodded in understanding. "And I know you're a vampire."

Elena looked at her in shock. "Wait, what?"

Kara rushed closer, snapping Elena's neck and let her body fall.

"Was that necessary?" April asked.

"No, but it was fun," Kara answered, smiling.

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Elena woke up in the library, slowly standing.

April walked closer. "The assembly's over."

"What the hell's going on?" Elena asked.

"The school will be empty soon," April answered. "How many times did you compel me? Don't--just don't lie. Rebekah and Kara say you lie."

Elena shook her head. "Rebekah and Kara are not who you think they are, April."

"What, they're not thousand-year-old Original vampires?" April asked.

"Listen, we can figure this out," Elena told her. "But we have to get out of here."

Elena grabbed April's arm, walking away to lead her out of the library.