To allow someone, anyone, to suffer is the greatest sin there is.
The cool breeze of the night air sent slight shivers down Caroline’s arms as she stood at the edge of the grassy area in the center of the town square. It was finally the long awaited Night of the Comet Festival and she was ready to see what all the fuss was about. On the one hand, people were super excited to see a ball of ice and snow hurl its way across the skies. They were probably eagerly awaiting their chance to make wishes and see if they would ever come true. On the other hand, Caroline herself wasn’t sure what to expect. She believed Bonnie’s grandmother now and she didn’t know what would come of this festival. Would the souls of those who lost their lives the last time around make an appearance as ghouls that seek to feast on the flesh of the dead? Would more vampires slink around the town like devils seeking whom they may devour? Did the comet itself have the potential to transform the backwater town of Mystic Falls into a nexus that drew creatures of the night to it like a bewitching beacon? A lighthouse to light the way for those who seek power? She placed a hand on her neck and pulled at the vintage chain she found in her mother’s things after leaving the new age shop. She fingered the intricate piece of metal that had been resting in her cleavage, the magical key she had found hours ago. She couldn’t help but wonder if she found the item because of what this night signified. Was the key she now wore around her neck a lure and she the fish that got caught? Did she find the key because someone wanted her to? Was all this a precursor to something even larger than herself, than this town? If so, to what end? Caroline stood there, a contemplative expression gracing her features as she mulled over these sentiments. It seemed to her that festivals devoted to mythical comets, magical keys, witches, and vampires was just the beginning to what was about to be a most intriguing junior year of high school.
“We’ve got to stop meeting like this, peering into nothingness. At least there’s no fire to stare at this time.” Caroline glanced to her right to see Stefan standing next to her. “I didn’t know brooding was a requirement to be one of the cool kids in this town.”
“Hello to you too, Stefan.” She gave him a wry smile and noticed that he didn’t have a candle yet, neither did she. “How are you finding the festival so far? Is it satisfactory to a history buff like yourself?”
“A history buff?” He asked with a laugh. “I’m hardly one of those.”
“Please.” She scoffed, dropping the key back into her shirt. “That stunt you pulled earlier today in class with Mr. Tanner is all the evidence I need to know you’re a stickler for the facts.”
“Ehh maybe.”
Caroline snickered. “Anyway, how did you get here? Did you drive?”
“Why?” He asked. “Will you need a ride home later?”
“Nah, I rode with Bonnie. Oh look, they’re passing the candles out now.” She started walking forward before realizing that Stefan wasn’t following her. “Aren’t you coming?”
“I’ll be over there soon,” he said turning toward the grill. “I’m gonna get something to eat first.”
She nodded and headed even deeper into the center of the square, losing herself in the throng of people. The festival was officially in full swing at that point. The music was playing from the many speakers set up around the square, townies were lighting the candles in their cups before sitting down on picnic blankets to wait for the comet to make its appearance. She came up behind some townies she knew from school and stood in line after them to receive a candle of her own.
Don’t worry, mama. I’ll save you.
Caroline cocked her head to the side a little bit. She remembered this particular voice. The first time she heard it was right before hearing Stefan’s back in history class. She slapped her forehead and sighed. She had completely forgotten about hearing Stefan, what with emotionally unloading on Bonnie and then finding a magical key being at the forefront of her thoughts. She wondered if she should try to pick his brain and see what he meant about someone he knows causing a lot of death. But how would she go about gathering such information without it seeming suspicious?
“Here’s your candle! Enjoy the festival.” Caroline froze with her hand outstretched. A girl she had never seen before placed an unlit candle in her waiting palm. The girl was of asian descent and had a pleasant smile on her face. The smile wavered a little as Caroline just stared at her.
“I know you,” she said.
“Well, that’s unfortunate.” The girl said, her wavering smile turning mischievous as she plucked a lighter from her pocket.
“Umm, I’m not sure how but… your voice.” She watched as the girl tilted her head to the side in confusion. “I hope you save— never mind. Excuse me, I’m sorry.”
“I was kidding about knowing me being unfortunate. I didn’t mean anything by it,” the girl said grabbing Caroline’s arm. She gasped slightly, the girl’s skin was cool to the touch, much like Stefan’s. “I’m Anna.”
“I’m Caroline.”
“Nice to meet you, Caroline,” she said flicking the switch of her lighter and brought Caroline’s candle to life with the flame. “I hope you enjoy the festival, they say it’s supposed to be killer.”
What an odd thing to say, she thought as she turned away from the girl. She shook her head before making her way over to the group of classmates she knew that had been gathering closer to the water fountain. Bonnie and Elena were talking to Matt and Tyler, a few feet away stood Jeremy talking to Anna surprisingly. How had she gotten over there so fast? Walking the rest of the way over to her peers, she sidled up to Matt who smiled at her arrival.
“Wanna give me a light?”
“Sure thing.” Caroline tilted her candle slightly, allowing Matt’s wick to catch flame before turning to Bonnie.
“Can I get a light too?”
“Of course!” She mimicked the motion for Bonnie, smiling as her candle came to life as well. As she looked up, they both watched as Stefan stepped to the side to speak with Elena. “So, that’s really a thing.”
“I guess so.”
“Interesting,” Caroline hummed.
“Jealous?” Bonnie’s tone had a curious lilt, Caroline realized she was being teased. Especially when she saw her friend’s sly grin.
“No way, I’m not ready for any type of relationship right now.”
Bonnie sobered up quickly. “Shit, my bad Care. Too soon for jokes, huh.”
“Nah, you’re fine. I love jokes, laugh to keep from crying is what people always say.”
“We had a moment earlier today, a breakthrough.” Bonnie began, turning to face her fully. “I was really worried about you, Caroline. Apparently, there was a good reason for it too. You can talk to me whenever you need, but there’s only so much I can really offer you. As a friend and as a… witch.”
Caroline nodded thoughtfully, it didn’t take a genius to see where this conversation was headed. Her friend was right, she probably needed to talk to a professional and the whole witch thing of it all put some things into perspective. Bonnie hasn’t been trained to do anything yet, so help of that nature would be completely out of the question. Caroline also wouldn’t dare put her in the crosshairs of a vampire. Friends or not, that person, that creature brings danger to an entirely different level.
“Please don’t take it to mean that I won’t be there for you, because I will be, but I just wanna make sure you get all the help you need. What happened with that—
“I know, Bonnie.” She grasped her friend’s hand. “I appreciate you for being there with me earlier. I don’t know how much you saw but… just thank you. If only therapists with a penchant for dealing with the paranormal were real.”
Bonnie grinned. “I don’t know about paranormal therapy, but what about regular therapy? Maybe Jenna could be a resource for you? You know she’s getting her degree in psychology, talk to her.”
“Yeah, maybe.”
“What about your mom?”
“No,” Caroline said with a grimace. “I don’t really know how to tell her what happened without explaining everything. There’s no way she’d let it go without trying to hunt the bastard down and that could possibly get her killed. I may not have the best relationship with her, but I would never want her to get hurt trying to arrest a… well, you know.”
“Right… back to the Jenna route then?”
“Maybe, I’ll think about it.”
“Good,” Bonnie said. “Hey, why don’t we go inside and get some food. I’m starving.”
The girls headed into the grill and made a b-line for the bar. There wasn’t much of a line but the barman was already tending to a couple that stood a few feet away from them. Caroline took a second to look at him and realized he seemed familiar. Unfortunately, she couldn’t place his face. She had been staring for awhile so when Bonnie elbowed her, she almost gave herself whiplash abruptly turning to the side.
“What?”
“It’s your turn to order,” Bonnie said giving her a pointed glare.
“Oh, my bad, I spaced.” Caroline rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly.
“That’s quite alright.” The barman smiled kindly at her. His expression making a sensation tug at the back of her mind. “Do you know what you’d like to order?”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “Do I know you from somewhere?”
“I used to go to Mystic Falls High with you guys,” he said gesturing toward her friend. “Bonnie was just telling me how you guys were on the cheer team, I was on the football team all four years.”
“Oh, no wonder I thought you looked familiar. I’m not on the cheer team anymore, but I do remember you now. Ben, right?”
“Yep!” He chirped. “And you are?”
“Caroline Forbes.”
“Well, nice to meet you again. So, your order?”
“Oh right, I’ll have an Amaretto Sour and the Cajun Chicken Linguine with Andouille Sausage and Spinach, extra saucy please.”
“Think you’re slick slipping’ that Amaretto in there like I would miss it, huh?” He raised a brow with a chuckle.
“Look, it’s been a day for the both of us,” she said gesturing between herself and Bonnie. “We just wanna relax a little.”
“I get it, I still can’t serve the sheriff’s daughter or her pretty friends any alcoholic beverages.” Ben crossed his arms as if he was trying to one-up her. She crossed her own arms in return, accepting his challenge and raised him a new one.
“I won’t tell if you won’t.”
“Ahh, a fellow rule breaker.” He smirked darkly as he took a look around the bar. “You’ve got yourself a deal, Forbes. Anything for you, Bonnie?”
Caroline turned and watched as she debated her answer. “I’ll have a Vieux Carré.”
“Young women of class and culture,” Ben said with a smirk. “I’ll have your orders ready soon.”
“What was that?” Bonnie asked as they headed to a table with a view of the entire grill. “Not that I’m complaining or anything.”
“Just rubbing elbows with the local barman to keep the booze flowing,” Caroline said pulling out a seat when they reached their table of choice. “Harmless flirting, nothing more. Besides, he seems more your type than mine…”
“He is not my type.” Bonnie laughed.
“You keep tellin’ yourself that,” Caroline said laughing right back.
The girls sipped at their drinks as they ate in a companionable silence. Thoughts of Jenna and therapy began to float through Caroline’s mind. Perhaps Jenna was a good option for her to seek out some help. She knew that dealing with trauma alone was a recipe for disaster but she wasn’t quite ready to dive into all of it just yet. Besides, wouldn’t it be better to talk to Ms. Sheila about what happened? She knows that Bonnie’s grandmother is really a witch now, wouldn’t she be able to help her take some preemptive measures to make sure she can’t be targeted by a vampire?
“Excuse me.” Bonnie and Caroline looked up to see Stefan standing a couple of feet in front of their table with a question in his gaze.
“Hey,” the girls said in unison.
“Have either of you seen Elena?”
“Lost your new girlfriend already?” Caroline asked with a smirk.
Stefan rolled his eyes good-naturedly. “She went off on her brother earlier while Matt, Tyler, and I were looking for Vicki. Something about pushing pills.”
“Jeremy’s dealing now? Shocker,” Bonnie deadpanned.
“Vicki?” Care asked, worry coursing through her. “Did something happen to her? Is she alright?”
“She’s fine,” Stefan said after a beat. “I found her high on the roof.”
“The roof?” Bonnie’s brows shot up as she glanced back and forth between the two.
“Ever notice how the druggies are the biggest attention whores?” Caroline gave Bonnie a wry grin even though relief was crashing over her in waves. Bonnie rolled her eyes and chuckled before turning her attention back to Stefan.
“Sorry about Elena, Stefan, but I think she already went home.” She watched as Bonnie pulled out a pen and a piece of paper. “I’m gonna give you Elena’s cell number and her email. She’s big on texting and you can tell her that I said so.”
“Thank you, Bonnie.” She saw Stefan reach out for the proffered paper and froze as Bonnie did when their hands touched.
“You okay?” He asked, getting a strange look in his gaze as his eyes shifted back and forth between the two of them.
“What happened to you?” Bonnie and Caroline asked in unison, almost as if they were both in a trance.
The grill as she perceived it, fell away and in its place was a peculiar and overbearing nothingness. She couldn’t even tell where she began and where the darkness ended. It was as if her senses were cut off from her before hitting her with the full force of their power. An overwhelming absence that had the potential to swallow her whole seemed to choke her as her sense of touch was ambushed with stinging sensations. Copper filled her tastebuds and rust filled her nose as voices began probing her thoughts by way of her ears. Taunting whispers becoming clear voices as she could just make out the difference between male and female.
Somehow, I think that you play rougher.
I didn’t raise my sons to be so weak.
I hate you and I still do. Not because you forced me to turn, she turned you.
It was just supposed to be me, Stefan.
Just me.
“Um, I’m sorry, that was so rude.” Bonnie backpedalled, the both of them shaking their heads to clear their thoughts. Caroline turned and tried to catch Bonnie’s eye but she wasn’t paying much attention, still fretting her seeming social blunder. “I’m gonna go.”
“Wait, Bonnie.” Caroline called after her but noticed that Bonnie was already making her way across the restaurant in her haste to flee out of embarrassment. “Sorry about her, it’s been a day.”
“That it has,” Stefan said. “I’ll see you around.”
Caroline watched as he left the grill. There was something off about him, something off about the entire situation. The voices whispering to her never came at her with such a vengeance before. Something was different about this time. The voices, whether she could recognize them or not, never said a name. Today, they said Stefan’s name specifically and he was turned into something. They said he forced someone else to turn as well. Could it be that he isn’t as human as he seems? There was so much to figure out but one thing was for certain. Stefan was hiding something.
As Caroline got ready for bed that night, the content of the one-sided conversation she had at the grill haunted her thoughts. Somehow, she was learning bits and pieces about the people around her as well as people completely unknown to her. Someone hated Stefan and had it out for him. Someone wished to save their mother and another wished to reunite with their daughter. Two lovers yearned for each other and two others vowed vengeance against those who had wronged them. It was astonishing how in tuned she was to the murmurings on the wind and how she somehow connected with Bonnie at the tail end of their meal. That would be the most surprising thing if she had not spilled her guts to her or found a magical key. A bump from her bedroom caught her off guard. Abruptly, she turned her attention to the open door joining her bedroom to the bathroom. A flash jet black hair and blue eyes caused her heart rate to pick up.
“Ahh, so you’ve finally noticed me.” The condescending tone of the voice sent her scrambling to the door. She closed it and turned the lock, her limbs shaking in panic. “That won’t keep you safe, sweet Caroline.”
Where do you wanna go? You can go anywhere, anywhere.
Looking down at her pajama-clad frame, she realized she was still wearing the key she found on her necklace. Her mind went blank. She couldn’t think of anywhere she wanted to go but a burning need to get to a safe haven coursed through her veins. That need continued to burn greater still as a chuckle from her abuser slinked into her ears, almost as if he was standing right behind her. The thought had her jolting in place, her heart beating slightly less powerfully when she saw that she was still alone in the mirror.
“You really think a locked door will help save you?” The sound of him jiggling the doorknob sent her thoughts into overdrive. With only thoughts of being literally anywhere but in her own bathroom, she put the key in the hole and turned it twice. When she opened the door again, a room without any lights on presented itself to her.
Put me in, put me in. Deep inside your neck. Turn me once, turn me twice. You’ll end up in your head.
The whispers lured her into the dimly lit room, coming to a crescendo in her thoughts as she stepped deeper inside. She couldn’t make out too much of the room but she could see the outline of bookshelves, a desk with a chair, and a couch with the help of the moon shining through a lone window. It seemed like it could be a very small library or an office. A creak from the ground stopped her in her place and silenced the whispers in her mind. She lifted her foot and brought it down again, the creak was from a loose floorboard. Bending down, she wiggled it free to find a stash of seemingly random items hidden away from the world outside. She reached in and picked up a slender piece of metal first. It was forked only at one end and had what appeared to be an abnormally shaped brain on the other. Holding the item a bit away from her face, she realized she was holding another key. The trance she was in from the moment the whispers started seemed to release its hold on her after she had secured it to the necklace she still wore. Looking back down, she saw a circular shaped item with a gold stem spinning wildly as it gleamed in the moonlight and an opaque looking stone.
