Heart of Darkness

Close Encounter

It was another beautiful summers day as Elena walked the familiar route to the graveyard to visit her parents gravestone. It had become something of a ritual every week to seclude herself in the isolation that the somewhat morbid environment offered her, far from any prying eyes or hushed whispers. 

The harsh squawking of a crow startled her and she lifted her eyes to observe the bird sitting on the low hanging branches of a nearby tree, proudly presenting its glossy feathers to any observers. 

Elena shook her head at how ridiculous it seemed that this animal had made her heart race in shock, and scorned herself for being so easily startled. Anyone would think that she was made of sterner stuff for a girl who hung around in a graveyard most days. 

She ignored the bird and continued on through the looming trees, eliminating any evading thoughts that tried to convince her that the animal was watching her progress. What a ridiculous notion. Once set up in her usual position, Elena drew the journal from her bag and set about writing her latest entry, soon becoming lost within the memories that were being documented. 

Her intense concentration was broken when the phone in her pocket erupted in a shrill ringtone and the brunette jolted to the extent that she almost drew the ink straight through the completed paragraph but managed to contain her reaction. She blew out an exasperated sigh as she dug the phone from her pocket, wondering who was interrupting her peaceful schedule. 

'Hey Caroline, what's up?' she said lightly, gently folding the small book away as her friends chirpy voice screeched on with unrestrained excitement. Elena winced and pulled the phone away from her ear for a moment at the sheer volume, almost missing the rambling explanation. 

'- and these guys are gorgeous Elena! Imagine the hottest guy in school and then forget about him because these godlike men just kicked dust all over the whole lot of them!'

'I can't believe I'm missing out on all the drama,' the brunette replied with a hint of sarcasm that went unrecognised by the oblivious blonde. 

'I know right! You need to get yourself back here so that we can dig up some juicy gossip!'

Elena fought back the urge to laugh at the ridiculousness of the conversation and merely agreed with the excited blonde before hanging up. The phone in her hand rang only seconds later and she was relieved to see the caller idea. 

'Hey Bonnie,' she said in greeting, using her free hand to shove the diary back into her bag along with the pen. 'Yep, Caroline was just telling me all about it.'

Bonnie laughed on the other end of the call, having similar notions about their friends odd enthusiasm for any well dressed man that came to town. 

'I'll see you at Caroline's soon then?' 

The question was almost a plea, the dark haired woman did not want to face the excited girl without backup. Elena laughed and rose to her feet, dusting away the stray grass that clung to her jeans. 

'I'll see you there, can't wait,' she said sarcastically before cancelling the call and slipping the phone into her jean pocket. This was not going to be fun. 

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The midday sun was beating down upon Mystic Falls as Elena ambled through the streets towards her friends house, not feeling the need to rush. If anything she would rather make the walk last as long as possible. 

Her mind was occupied with thoughts of the conversation that her and Bonnie would have to endure this afternoon, paying little attention to the quiet streets as she progressed through the town.