When A Vampire's Blood Doesn't Heal (A Vampire Diaries Fanfic)

Part Three: Party

{48 HOURS LATER AT THE MYSTIC GRILL. PARTY PREPARATIONS FOR THE GRILL'S NEW OWNER, ALARIC 'RIC' SALTZMAN }

"Why are we the only ones here getting things ready when tonight is a celebration party for Alaric?" Bree asked as she and Caroline rearranged the storage room of the Mystic Grill.

"I mean, where the hell is everyone? Where's Damon?"

Caroline shrugged, seemingly unconcerned. "Damon and Stefan took Rick out of town for the day so that he would be kept out of everyone's way here at the Grill. Tyler and Matt and Jeremy should be here soon. Same with Elena and Bonnie."

Brianna looked up at the attic door that was built into the ceiling.

"Yeah.." she sighed. "And with little miss wicked witch's help and little miss responsibility's help, we could get this place in tiptop shape with a little chanting and hocus pocus magic. Then we wouldn't have all this work ahead of us." She muttered.

Caroline abruptly stopped what she was doing and turned to Bree. "What is it with you the past couple of days, anyway?"

Bree simply shrugged her shoulders. "I really like Ric, but I can think of a thousand other places that I would rather be tonight. That's all."

"Well, you have to be here. Ric's your new boss." Caroline said matter of factly.

"But what's up with you? I mean, I know you've never quite been a Bonnie Bennett fan. And I know there's a lot of awkward tension between you and Elena because you've been out with Stefan a bunch of times." She folded her arms across her chest and looked at Bree with curiosity. "But since you became a vampire, you've been super bitchy even for you, Brianna."

"It's exactly like Damon and Stefan said that it would be." Bree said quietly. "Since my full transition, all of my emotions are heightened and crazy."

"It's just that every time I try to get out of you about what's up with you, ESPECIALLY when Stefan is mentioned, you change the subject."

"And that would be because my personal life is none of your business, Caroline." Bree said good naturally.

Caroline had trouble keeping a straight face. "I'm just thinking that maybe the reason you aren't yourself lately...."

"Would be because last week I was a normal human being raising a kid and this week I'm a vampire who's stuck on earth for all eternity?" Bree offered testily.

"Maybe it has something to do with a new man in your life?"

"Don't go there, Caroline."

"Maybe you need some relationship advice?"

Brianna stared at Caroline in surprise. "Relationship advice from YOU, Carebear? Now that IS funny."

Caroline pretended to pout. "You don't have to get all nasty about it. It isn't my fault some man has you all worked up into some hormonal fueled tizzy."

"Hormonal tizzy?" Bree repeated.

"That's right."

"What I wouldn't give if he was JUST SOME MAN." She muttered under her breath before she realized that she'd actually spoken out loud.

Caroline grinned widely and her eyes grew round. "So I'm right!" She squealed proudly.

"There is someone!" Bree groaned inwardly. Caroline studied her thoughtfully.

"What, Caroline?!" She demanded. "What is that frown for?"

Caroline made a sour face. "You didn't.... it's not Damon. Is it?"