Look Closer

Chapter 4

The weekend was pretty boring. I didn't really have much to do except catch up with my coursework, which I dutifully put off till the last minute. I chatted with Caroline, Skyped with my parents, my friends in the city... and oh! Allison, Ashley and I went to The Grill for lunch.

We had just been getting out of the car when I saw Caroline come walking out. She didn't notice me at first but the guy with her did. The guy who'd been following her, the one who threw that trash can. She'd told me his name's Tyler Lockwood. One of the founding families. Also, his mother is the mayor of this town. And he's a jock, quite popular, not bad-looking. The twins were beaming when we approached them.

"Hey, Seraphina! Didn't see you there!" Caroline smiled, "Are these your cousins? Hello!"

Allison and Ashley were practically starstruck. "She's only the most famous Miss Mystic Falls ever!" Ashley had told me later, rolling her eyes. 

Caroline and Tyler didn't stick around. They left together in his car after a few minutes. He seemed to be in a hurry. Were they going on a date? I must ask her!

So then we entered the Grill and ordered lunch. As we sat waiting for it to arrive, Allison got to work, finding a boy for me. I told her I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself but she just ignored me. Go figure. I must say, it was fun, boy-browsing with my cousins. Ashley was all for a bad-boy, she even pointed one out to me- dark hair, black leather jacket, killer looks.....complete with an oh-so-sexy smirk. Hmm, not bad.......

Then I saw him go sit beside my History teacher. And talk to him. I definitely couldn't approach him then. Sorry, Ash, no dare. Allison meanwhile, was staring at Matt, Caroline's other friend? He'd been the one to come over and take our order. My cousins are definitely impressed with my list of male friends. Point to Montez!

Following Allison's gaze, I couldn't help but wonder how Matt manages to be so put-together all the time. Popular jock, busboy at the grill and I'd heard from Caroline how he lived alone since his mother left town. School, extra-curriculars, job and then maintaining a house. I can't help him but respect him for being so responsible, and at such a young age. It's more than a little embarrassing when I compare myself to him.

I've lived practically alone too all my life, with my parents always busy with their important business trips. But I've had the household staff looking after my needs and giving me company all along. I've never had any problems with money either, my parents took care of that... and now that they're off for an indefinite time... I have Uncle Brian. I've never had taxes to worry about... or bills to pay. Times like these I realize how privileged I am.

Due to this newfound sense of responsibility and the fact that Uncle Brian would be out tonight, I decided to emulate Matt and take charge. I looked up colleges, since next year would be my last in school and I'd rather begin early. I made spaghetti for dinner, which we ate while watching animated Disney movies, helped the twins prepare for their Math quiz and cleaned up a bit. Feeling pleased with myself, I returned to my room. I was brushing my teeth when I heard it...

The sound of a feral animal. It sounded far off but I could hear it nonetheless. Creeped out, I went through the whole house checking if all the windows and doors were properly locked. God knows what sort of animals lurked in those woods....

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The next day at school, I was roaming around half-dazed with a cup of coffee in my hand...having had little sleep due to that animal scare the night before. I had been sleeping peacefully when I had heard a scream that woke me up. Again, it was too far away, I could tell, but it didn't help the nightmares that followed.... or the fact that I had been reading 'Dracula' before dinner too for that matter....

Ah there's Caroline, I just have to tell her about that! Oh wait... she's talking to Tyler... I guess I'll just wait here on the bench...

After sitting here during her entire conversation with him, I have decided that we really really really need to have a talk. It's going to be super-embarrassing, for both of us, but I think it's about time I address the issue. Caroline probably didn't realise it, but I could hear snatches of their conversation drifting here. Tyler said something about being sore...then Caroline congratulated him for his first time...then there was talk of chains and biting and Oh My God I thought Caroline was not over Matt yet! What is she doing, engaging in....stuff like this... with Tyler!? After that day in the library, I had wondered if she had a crush on Stefan...but hearing this...

I know it's her personal life... but she calls me her new best friend! I have to talk to her! Think of the devil and...here comes Matt. Too lazy to wave, I smile at him but apparently his attention is focused elsewhere. He approaches the couple in question with a serious expression. Deciding to give the two some privacy, I leave just after Tyler does. I guess I'll just meet her in class.

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" What do you think?" I ask Allison. She glances up from her cellphone to scrutinize me. 

"Definitely this one," she decides. I shrug and keep the red dress back in my closet. Caroline said she'd be here in half an hour to pick me up for the bonfire party at school. This would be my first party in this town and this school, I want to make a good impression! 

I pair my green dress with a cream cardigan and brown boots and am just done putting on my locket when she rings the bell. Uncle Brian calls up to me and I rush downstairs, grabbing my phone. Just in time!

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It was a pretty late when I got back. Uncle Brian was up working, and gave me a disapproving look while pointing at his watch. I don't have any curfew...per se, but I see where he's coming from. I haven't forgotten that animal from last night... and that bonfire was held not too far from the forest either. 

The party was fun, except for the part where Caroline was... distracted. She kept looking around at all times, avoiding Matt...and basically just dragging me around, introducing me to people. I met Bonnie again, and got from her a cold greeting, but Caroline didn't seem to notice. I am really not liking this girl now.... Bonnie, not Caroline, of course. She even had the nerve to look at me suspiciously when we got to know of a maintenance worker dying nearby! As if I had something to do with his death! It was a heart attack, those happen to people!

Caroline apologised for being preoccupied the whole time, on the ride back. I assured her that it's alright. I could see she's troubled, she would share in time. There's a lot I wish to ask her about too, but that can come later. Gosh, I realise now how boring small town life can be for a city girl. I don't want to be all snobby... but the most exciting thing right now in my life is my friend's complicated love life.....ugh. I can't even begin to contemplate how 'Desperate Housewives'-ish that sounds in my head, I am so exhausted! Quickly removing my contacts and shoes, I had just enough time for a quick brushing of my teeth before I collapsed on the bed. Aah...sleep!