The pages of the book fluttered wildly in the wind. I placed a heavy object on top to keep them from turning.
It was bright and sunny outside. I wondered what Caroline was doing.
Ever since Elena's visit last night, she had been acting strange. And this morning, she rushed out of the house, saying she had something to do with Elena.
Absentmindedly, I scribbled something on the page—Salvatore… vampires.
I froze.
Then I quickly scratched it out.
I didn't even know if vampires were real, or if Jeremy and my ancestors had just been… drug buddies. Honestly, it would make more sense if there had been some weird substance going around in the 1860s and people started babbling about imaginary creatures.
But Dad's reaction—that was what bothered me.
I picked up my phone and dialed Jeremy's number. For the past few days, he had been bluntly ignoring me.
After a few rings, he finally answered.
"Hello."
"Jeremy… since I came back from my dad's place, I've been wanting to talk to you. But after Vicky's death, I thought the timing wasn't right. And then Caroline and I got into that car accident, so I couldn't—"
"Okay," he cut in. "What do you want to talk about? If it's something serious, I can come over. Otherwise, just say it."
"Well… it's not that serious. We don't have to talk face to face."
"So what is it?"
"When we read your ancestor's journal… there were mentions of monsters. Vampires."
His voice turned sharp. "Aaron. You shouldn't meddle in that. Whatever was written in those journals—it's all imagination."
"Well, but—"
"I'm hanging up," he said flatly. "I've got work to do."
The line went dead before I could say another word.
I stared at my phone, stunned. Jeremy had never hung up on me like that before.
Slowly, the shock faded… and irritation took its place.
I exhaled and tried to calm myself down. He had just lost Anna in the fire during the fireworks on Miss Mystic Falls Day. Maybe that was why.
Still… he had never cut me off like that.
I tossed my phone onto the bed and turned back to my books.
Dad had said he'd come to Mystic Falls when he had time and explain everything himself. Until then, I should stop overthinking.
As I reached for my pen again, my eyes fell on the bracelet around my wrist.
I had put it back on yesterday—after Caroline insisted, rather harshly, that I had to wear it. But why? Why did I need to wear this piece of jewelry all the time?
Elena, Dad—even Caroline—all of them had told me the same thing.
There's this theory about Pandora's box—that people can't live with mystery. Even if they're told something is dangerous, they'll still open it… just to know.
I slipped the bracelet off my wrist.
It looked completely ordinary. Nothing special about it at all.
I walked over to my dresser, yanked open a drawer, and tossed the bracelet inside. Then I shut it firmly.
For the past few nights, I'd been having the same dream—Damon Salvatore standing in my room, his face twisting as he bared his fangs.
Maybe I'd just been thinking about vampires too much.
---
A few days passed.
Jeremy didn't call. Not a single message.
But something else changed.
Caroline was constantly with Elena. And Elena and Stefan? They were obviously fighting.
I walked downstairs to get some water, but stopped short when I saw Mom standing there, holding a few things.
"Are you off today?"
I turned back by the sound, Caroline was standing in the living room door with same surprised face as me seeing mom being at home.
Mom looked at Caroline with smile.
"The historical society volunteer picnic is today.
You are the one who signed me up."
Caroline blinked, then quickly composed herself. "Oh. Right. I just assumed you'd bail."
"Nope. I'm just gonna spend the whole day with my daughter and son."
I looked at mom with smile, "really?"
Mom gave me a quick nod.
Caroline shook her head in disbelief, "you're gonna pretend to be a mother?"
I gave Caroline a side eye glance. Growing up with me Caroline clearly knows this glance means 'knock it off'.
Caroline seemed to understand my message.
Mom looked at Caroline and sighed softly.
"Come on give me one day. I've been buried in work. I've barely seen you two."
Caroline looked like she wanted to say something but she didn't looking at me.
"Well ok."
She turned back saying this but quickly tunred around and add,"just a warning that I'm in a mood."
Mom nodded.
As Mom handed her some things, I followed Caroline.
"Hey, Care… is everything okay?"
She frowned. "Why?"
"You've been… different lately."
"I'm not different. I'm fine."
"If you say so."
She narrowed her eyes. "Aaron Forbes, you're not saying that just because I'm being harsh with Mom, are you?"
I crossed my arms. "Not the whole reason since you always act like this."
"Don't judge," she snapped. "When does Mom ever spend time with us? Never. She never does. So don't say I'm at wrong."
"Yeah… she doesn't. But look at Mystic Falls lately—all these animal attacks and stuff—"
"What is the work of a sheriff in animal attacks. Shouldn't animal department work in these cases?"
"Well, it's true mom is a workaholic."
---
Later that day, at the volunteer picnic…
Carol Lockwood had officially taken over as mayor. Not surprising. If it wasn't her, it would've been another founding family.
The new public park had been donated by the Fell family.
I spotted a lot of familiar faces—but not Jeremy. Then again, he never liked crowded places. The only reason he used to come was because his parents made him.
Same as me the only reason I come cuz my sister is the one who brings me.
Caroline went to elena's side saying elena needed some help with her work and I stayed my mom's side helping her with boxes.
As I worked, a man approached—Mason Lockwood. Tyler's uncle.
The last time I'd seen him, I was seven.
"Thanks, Mason," Mom said.
"Hey, Sheriff, you got a second?"
"I'm off duty," she replied with a smile. "Call me Liz."
"Alright Liz, so-"
Then mason Lockwood's eyes turned to me. He looked like he just saw me. Well since I was working behind the table, it was hard to see me. So it's no shocked that he didn't see me in first place.
Mason gave a smile.
"Aaron right?"
I gave a polite smile.
Mom nod her head.
"Yes..my son, Aaron forbes."
"How are you doing?"
I nodded and just said,"great."
Manos smiled and looked at mom again.
"Liz can you give me a second?"
By his eyes you can see he wanted to talk with mom alone.
Mom realised it must be something urgent and went a bit far with mason.
I used to be the kind of person who didn't pry. But lately… curiosity had gotten the better of me.
I tried to move closer.
And immediately tripped.
I stood up quickly, pretending nothing had happened. If a 15 year old boy tripping wasn't already embarrassing enough. I took the que and just stayed there and dropped the idea of spying on mom.
---
(Elsewhere)
Mason led Liz a little farther away before speaking.
"I wanted to talk to you about the Council."
Liz stiffened. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Mason stopped her. "I know you and the founding families have a secret council."
"Then you know it's a secret," she replied sharply, "and not something discussed with outsiders."
"I walked away from it because I wanted a life outside this town—not because I didn't believe in it." He lowered his voice. "I know vampires exist. And you've got two of them living right under your nose."
Liz raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Yeah."
"Who?"
"Damon… and Stefan Salvatore "