SHADED HEARTS ~ K.M

22 ~ after school special

The following day at school, all the students gathered in the gym. Paying a tribute to Carol Lockwood, Tyler's mother.

Last night his mother was killed along with so many of Klaus's hybrids.

Bonnie tells me that Klaus killed both, which further rises my gut wrenching feeling of guilt.

He probably killed them right after we were together in the woods. In the same day.

I can't help but feel guilty with being with the person that is considered our enemy.

We were alone, I could have done something to harm him, trap him. Help stop everyone's main problem.

But I didn't.

"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." Sheriff Forbes, Caroline's mom saids in front of all the students.

"Screw this." With a slight glance I watch Tyler get up walking away. Anger and sadness evident on his features.

I sat right next to Bonnie with Elena on the then other end of her.

They both stared at Caroline -who sat by Elena- issuing her to probably check on him.

"Please join me in observing a minute of silence in her memory." Sheriff Forbes continued.

"Are you okay?" Bonnie asked quietly to Elena.

Elena's focus seemed to be elsewhere before she responded. "I'll be right back." She then gets up leaving as well.

Bonnie then turns to me with a sad smile reaching for my hand.

I grasp on to hers tightly returning her sad smile.

After the minute of silence. Sheriff Forbes spoke again once more.

"Thank you very much. In the wake of this tragedy, the town has selected an interim mayor. Many of you already know him. Please welcome Mr. Rudy Hopkins." She concludes, before Bonnie's dad walks up.

"Mayor? What is he doing." I whispered to Bonnie.

"I'm asking myself that same question." Bonnie saids her expression matching mine.

Since when did he decide to stay in Mystic Falls?

"Thank you, sheriff. Carol Lockwood put this town first, and that's why I'm here to talk to you guys. You folks." Uncle Rudy speaks.

                                     
                                    ~*~

After the tribute the students dispersed. Elena and Caroline haven't came back yet. So in the mean time Bonnie and I stayed behind to talk to Uncle Rudy.

Caroline's mom and him were sitting at a table as we waltzed in their conversation.

"I'm saying yes for a reason, and my reasons just walked in." Bonnie's dad saids before turning his attention to us.

"I'll let you know what we find." Caroline's mom saids.

"Thank you Sheriff."

"Hey, sheriff. Hey, dad." Bonnie speaks first.

"Uncle Rudy. Sheriff." I say after giving them a small wave.

Sheriff Forbes smiles before walking away leaving.