The Eternal Curse (TVD FanFic)

Chapter Six: Waking Up to Truths

I woke up with a dull throbbing in my head, the remnants of a night filled with karaoke, laughter, and more secrets spilled than I'd expected. The morning sun streamed through the living room window, casting golden light across the scene of our impromptu sleepover. Elena had slipped off the couch in her sleep, her arm dangling limply to the floor. Caroline and I were sprawled out on the carpet, practically on top of each other, while Bonnie was curled up in the armchair like a cat, her face buried in a pillow.

As I shifted slightly, trying to get up without disturbing anyone, Caroline stirred beside me. Her eyes fluttered open, and within seconds, she was wide awake, full of her usual bubbly energy.

"Oh my god!" Caroline whispered excitedly, her voice a little too loud for the early morning. "I still can't believe it—you're a vampire! How did I not notice?"

Her voice cut through the quiet room, and both Elena and Bonnie groaned in unison, slowly waking up. Elena rubbed her eyes, pushing herself up off the floor, while Bonnie stretched and yawned, still looking half-asleep.

"You're so loud, Caroline," Bonnie mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

Caroline ignored her, turning her full attention back to me, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. "Seriously, though! You must be so good at hiding it because I had no idea. I mean, I usually can sense these things."

I chuckled softly, propping myself up on my elbow. "I've had a lot of practice," I admitted. "I couldn't exactly go around flaunting it."

Elena joined us on the floor, her hair a mess from the night before, but her smile was warm and genuine. "Well, now you don't have to hide it from us. We're in this together, right?"

"Exactly!" Caroline added, practically bouncing on the spot. "We're like a super squad now. Oh, and you're going to love this—Stefan doesn't drink human blood. He only feeds on animals, like Bambi or something."

"Wait, seriously?" I asked, genuinely surprised. "How does he even manage that?"

Bonnie shrugged, sitting up and wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. "He has a lot of self-control. It's kind of his whole thing," she explained. "But it's tough for him. Damon's not exactly the same."

Caroline rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yeah, Damon's... well, he's Damon. Let's just say he's not as picky about his diet."

Elena laughed, but there was a hint of something else in her eyes—a mix of fondness and exasperation. "Damon is Damon, but he's not all bad. You just have to get to know him."

I nodded thoughtfully, trying to process everything they were saying. It felt surreal, sitting here and casually talking about vampires like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"And get this," Caroline continued, leaning in closer as if she were about to share a juicy secret. "My boyfriend, Tyler? He's a werewolf."

I raised an eyebrow, unable to hide my surprise this time. "A werewolf? Seriously?"

"Oh yeah," Bonnie said with a small smile. "Mystic Falls isn't exactly your average small town."

"No kidding," I muttered, shaking my head. "So, vampires, witches, and werewolves... what's next? Ghosts?"

Elena grinned. "Don't give the universe any ideas."

We all laughed, the tension from last night melting away as we talked. For the first time in a while, I felt like I could really be myself around them. The conversation flowed easily, and it wasn't long before Caroline suggested we spend the day together.

"I say we go out and get some coffee," she announced, already up on her feet. "And then we can go shopping! We need to find Halloween costumes for the party at school tomorrow."