The Story of Ericka Gilbert

Chapter 1

School had just let out and I saw Elena talking to Bonnie. Elena had been dating and Bonnie didn't like it. Stefan just seemed so depressing

and self-righteous. I walked right by Elena when she grabbed my arm. 

"Hey Ericka Bonnie and Stefan are coming over for dinner. Want to

join us? Elena said 

I shook my head now. I tried to walk away but Elena wasn't having it today.

" Oh come on. You have to eat anyway. Bonnie will be more comfortable with you there."

 "No. I signed

"Look you're my sister. You and I used to be close right? We could be really close. Why are you fighting me?" 

"Since when have we ever been close? You don't even really understand sign language. You are selfish and nosy, AND YOU ARE NOT MOM!" I wrote on a slip of paper then threw it at her walking away 

I did everything I could do, so Vicky and I spent the day together. 

Finally I went home when I went in I could hear talking. I tried to sneak past but apparently Elena saw me.

"Oh hey Ericka, Guys this is my sister Ericka, Ericka, come sit down."

 I shook my head and kept walking to my room. Elena grabbed my hand and forced me to sit beside Bonnie.

"OK Ericka, this is Damon Salvatore. He is Stefan's brother and

Caroline's date." Elena introduced I gave an awkward wave and tried to leave but Bonnie had a mean grip. 

"Sorry Ericka doesn't talk much." Bonnie said

"You don't look too comfortable there, Ericka, "Damon signed to me 

I smiled a little and signed back "I'm not. I want to go to my room."

"Oh you know Sign Language? Elena asked 

"I picked up a thing or two in my studies "

"Well how about I go ahead and start cleaning dishes. Bonnie,

Caroline, Ericka come with me? "

"Sure." Bonnie and Caroline said

"Ericka said she had a rock collection  she can show me," Damon said 

I led Damon up to my room and signed. "'Thanks." 

"I'll admit you remind of a girl I used to know, I called Emerald for her eyes. She loved collecting rocks. They could be pretty and shiny as a diamond or rough and lackluster as coal. She loved the idea of mother Earth."Damon said 

I walked over to my closet and pulled out a box. It was filled with rocks and stones and jewelry I had made over the years, Damon stared and lightly touched some. For some reason I hugged him and gave him a chain with my very first stone on it.

"It's old and has seen for better days, but it has brought me lots of luck and friendship over the years. May it do the same for you. I signed

 Damon hugged me back. I didn't  know back then, but I gained a fierce protector and older brother in that moment. He would replace my bond with Elena and end up being exactly what Vicki and Jeremy needed.