New Beginning

Chapter Two

*Thanks goes to my new Beta Casey and her amazing polishing skills. She is doing a wonderful job of helping me fix this story up. If you guys wanna leave her some thank you comments, i'm sure she would be grateful. If you are doing a reread and see all the differences, let us know what you think of them.*

I watched as Stefan drove his car into the garage of the Boarding House. He, of course, hadn't changed a bit since the last time I'd seen him. One of the perks of being a vampire, I guess.

After he went inside, I sat in my car and scoped out the place. I knew Damon was somewhere in Mystic Falls too, but I couldn't sense his presence in the house. I had very few memories of him, mostly just flashes; I assume they were among the memories I had yet to unlock.

My phone went off, causing me to jump out of my skin. 'Barbie Girl' played as Caroline's name was displayed on the screen. I smiled as I remembered how angry it made her when I chose that as her ringtone.

"Hello Care, how can I help you?" I asked.

Her high-pitched, pissed-off voice filled my ears, "Where the hell are you, El?"

I pulled the phone away from my ear and snapped at her, "Whoa Care, you're gonna bust my eardrum! I'm doing something personal," I said with a huff.

"You were supposed to meet us at the Grill, remember?!"

I sighed into the phone. I completely forgot the plans Caroline had made on my behalf.

"Sorry Care, I can't make it. I'll totally make it up to you later, okay?"

I hoped this would smooth things over — the last thing I needed was an angry Caroline.

"You better call me and explain yourself later. None of this personal crap. Got it?" she said firmly.

I laughed lightly, agreeing with her, and hung up the phone. I'd have to come up with some kind of story that would satisfy her; otherwise, I'd be in the doghouse.

I took a few deep breaths, preparing myself for what would definitely be an awkward meeting. I pulled my car into the driveway. I shut off the engine and checked my reflection in the rearview mirror. I huffed in annoyance at my untidy curly red hair, and gently brushed my bangs from my stress-filled jade green eyes. Without hope for my messy hair, I slipped out of the car, quickly making my way to the front door. My white knuckles stood out brightly against the dark wood as I knocked. I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs, and tried to slow my heart rate by taking in deep breaths. I knew he'd be able to hear me. I ran my sweaty hands down my jeans, then fidgeted with the frayed sleeves of my jacket as my nerves started coming to the surface.

I heard voices on the other side of the door, and I lowered my head, successfully hiding my face behind my monstrous hair. I wasn't sure if they would answer the door if they saw who I was. Then again, I scolded myself, he had been alive for over a century now, who's to say he would even remember me? Maybe I didn't mean as much to the Salvatores as I thought I did? The handle jiggled, and my heart leaped into my throat as Stefan opened the door to greet me. There was no way he couldn't hear my pounding heartbeat; it sounded like I had jogged the whole way here. I kept my face turned away, hiding from his gaze, as his voice lilted towards me. Its familiar rhythm sending jolts of memories through my mind.

"Hello, can I help you?" he asked, curiously.

My pulse jumped in my neck, no doubt enticing the vampire as I fought with my cowardly self. Patiently, Stefan waited as I took a few gulps of air and pulled at my sleeves anxiously before I finally lifted my face to meet his.