"Reza, relax!" Zeke's stern voice cuts through my panic and forces me to concentrate on him over my hyperventilating. "You're acting like this is a date! You're just hanging out with some people from school, you will be fine. This is good," he encourages, trying hard to keep his voice low as the two of us whisper during final hour.

   I bite my lip nervously and glance around the room, making sure no one is paying us any attention. Everyone is too involved in the stupid cross word puzzle the teacher assigned us, his pathetic attempt at having a 'fun' first day I'm sure.

  "Come with me?" I plead, fully aware that I appear pathetic as I pout, and yet, uncaring in my current state of panic.

  He doesn't respond, only arches his eyebrow at me disappointed. I give up my begging with a sigh and sink further into my seat.

  "Just calm down. It's not like there is a lot to do. Bring them over to the coffee shop, just chill. Then when you are done you can come over to my place and tell me how horrible you were," he pokes me in the side to reassure me that he is only kidding, I still narrow my eyes to glare at him.

  Joking in my time of need, how dare he! Deep down I acknowledge that I am completely overreacting, but to be honest my nervousness is blocking out all of my common sense. Glancing at the clock I continue to nibble on my lip, it's almost as if I can literally feel the seconds ticking by. Only five minutes left and the first day is officially over, and my first time hanging out with someone besides Zeke will begin.

  "Sorry I'm late," I jump as my stare is interrupted by a sudden presence in the door way.

  The tall boy with the shaggy black hair from the cafeteria comes strolling into the class. His casual stride and uninterested tone making it very obvious he was not sorry in the slightest.

  With a half glance around the room he heads towards one of the few open seats left in the class. It's only a coincidence he sits besides Jill, I am sure. My eyes take him in, his confidence radiating off of him. Wow, he is even more striking up close. I force myself to look away as I mentally scold myself for thinking so, its obvious this guy is nothing but bad news.

   Really though, what girl could blame me? He doesn't even have to make an effort to demand the attention of the room. His light blue eyes shining with a playful taunt, almost as if they are daring someone to challenge him. He wears a bored expression, but something tells me that there is so much going on that he doesn't let reach the surface. Something in me is screaming to learn the secrets behind his facade. Another part of me is screaming to run and never look back.

  "Excuse me young man, how is it you are only just arriving?" the teacher, Mr. Emmett demands.

  He waddles out from behind his desk in a huff, his stomach jiggling with the effort, and stares at the boy as if he is an intruder. The boy only smirks in response and shrugs unconcerned.

  "What can I say, I was busy," He finally answers after Mr. Emmett's silence makes it clear that a shrug is not an acceptable explanation.

  With a sigh Mr. Emmett grabs another worksheet off of the pile on his desk and holds it to the newcomer. Without so much of a glance he casually excepts the paper and shoves it into his bag. It truly does seem as though he doesn't have a care in the world.

  "Well, hopefully you will find us important enough to grace us with your presence tomorrow?" Mr. Emmett jabs as he settles back behind his desk. The boy glances around the room and grins as his gaze lands upon Jill.

  "We will have to see, won't we?" he playfully winks to the girl, making her giggle. I quickly avert my eyes feeling annoyed at myself when a sudden pang of jealousy runs through me.

  "Your name?" Mr. Emmett scoffs, obviously annoyed with this new obstacle he will have in class.

  "Damon," he stands and swings his bag onto his shoulder. "Damon Salvatore," and with that he walks out of the room just as the bell rings.

  "Well doesn't he think he is all high and mighty," Zeke murmurs as he collects his own things. "Think we have found Za-WHORE-ic's next toy," he starts to make his way to the door.

  For a moment I am completely lost, just staring at where Damon last was. Finally, snapping out of my trance only once I see Zeke leaving. I spring from my seat and shove papers into my pack as I run after him.

  "You're sure you won't come?" I ask in one last ditch effort as we exit through the main doors.

  "Naw, you go! I will pick out a movie and get the snacks ready, deal?" I nod forcing myself to smile. Even if it's a weak one, at least I'm making the effort. He gives me a quick kiss on the cheek and then he is off. "See ya doll," he calls over his shoulder as he jogs away.

  Feeling slightly abandoned a sigh escapes me as I lean against the wall beside me. Closing my eyes I force my breathing to steady. I can feel the heat of the sun shining on me, and it brings a true smile to my face. It really is a nice day out. That's got to be a good sign, right?

  "Hey Reza!" I am brought back to the moment with a start.

  I open my eyes to see two very friendly smiles directed towards me, Elena eagerly leading who I assume is her boyfriend. I release a sigh of relief, I didn't even realize I was worried he would be as stuck up as his brother. He actually seems to be the exact opposite. His brown eyes are more stern than playful. Not hard and glaring, rather like he carefully watches every move around him. Where his brother wore a smirk, his lips are turned up at the sides in a kind smile. I realize I am staring as the space between us grows ever smaller, quickly I think of something to say in return.

  "Hey, how was your first day?" I adjust my bag on my shoulder, trying to stand up straighter to appear as confident as them.

   "As good as any first day of school can be," Elena answers with a shrug. "This is my boyfriend Stefan."

  "Nice to meet you," his voice is gentle and although he is tense, he definitely seems much more welcoming than I expected.

  "Same to you," I feel my smile becoming more genuine the more I am around them, they are easy to feel comfortable with.

  "So, what's fun to do around here?" Elena asks, turning away from the school.

  "Not a lot. I mean the town is really tiny. We have a movie theater, but it only has one screen, and to be honest never seems to be playing anything good," I laugh a little as I lead them down the sidewalk toward the center of town.

  "Otherwise, I mean, we have some cute little shops, but nothing as big as a mall or anything. There is the park in the town square, but you can really only amuse yourself on that for so long," I inwardly cringe hoping they don't think I am childish for admitting I still play at the park. Come on though, who doesn't love the swings?

  "Zeke and I normally just go to the coffee shop when we want to get out somewhere," I finish quickly trying to keep my blush down.

 "Zeke your boyfriend?" Stefan casually questions, almost as if he is assuming it before I even have a chance to respond.

  "Oh no!" I blurt out, and then feel awful at how instantly I refused the idea. It's not that I don't love Zeke, and I can admit he is even cute, but that would be weird. "Zeke is more of a brother to me, we grew up together," I finish with a nervous laugh.

  "Do you have any real siblings?" Elena asks but she seems distant, lost in a past thought.

  "Nope, only Zeke at heart," I look to her out of the side of my eye, feeling like we are teetering on a bad subject. She said there was problems that led her to stay with Stefan, maybe something with her family?

  Stefan nods "Sometimes, that can be better," he mumbles more to himself. As if he senses the same downward spiral in our conversation he quickly changes the topic. "So, where is he today?" He is louder now, his voice rising with enthusiasm as he tries to bring us back into the realm of good times.

  "Oh, he is a loser who had to take care of some stuff."

  Don't need to mention that he is just getting ready for our night of movies. I come to a stop in front of the shop, the beautiful aroma of coffee beans already wafting out to great us with its warm embrace.

  "How disappointing," a sarcastic, dry tone startles me from behind.

  My heart jumps in my throat and an involuntary squeak escapes me. Out of reflex I spin around to identify the sudden presence, only to come in contact with the hard being of none other than Damon. I sigh to myself as I a blush creeps over my skin. Not only did I physically run into another one of these people, but in doing so I also flung my pack, making it expel all my belonging to the sidewalk.

  "Great," I grumble, kneeling down to collect my abused books.

  A mixture of embarrassment and anger swells inside at Damon for making me look silly. I keep my gaze stuck to the cement, unable to force myself to make eye contact with anyone as I focus on stopping my fingers from trembling.

  "So, I assume that's a way of saying hello around here, just hit people with things?" Elena teases as she bends down to help.

  "Heh," I force myself to laugh, but it sounds tight "Oh yea that's totally how I roll." I shove what I can back into my bag without even looking to see what I am grabbing.

  "Didn't have to sneak up on her like that Damon," Stefan scolds, his face turning hard. He glares at Damon with an anger that is more than should be for this situation, his lips pursed and his jaw clenched.

  I glance up just in time to see Damon roll his eyes and shrug. He bends as well, picking up a single book to hold out to for me.

  "Oh, how kind of you," I remark more snippy than I intend to and try to hide my glare behind the curtain of hair that has fallen in front of my face.

  "Temper, temper. You should be thanking me for helping you." Damon stands and smirks down at me, his lips twitched up to one side in that crooked smile of his. His eyes narrowing ever so slightly, watching me curiously.

  It infuriates me. I yank on the zipper to close everything inside, rather violently.

  "Or you could apologize for scaring me," I throw back as I come to my feet as well.

  "Me? Apologize?" his lips twitch as he continues to hold his smug expression.

  I stare up at him, his eyes even more mesmerizing this close. I feel my anger depleting as my heart quickens... with what? Nervousness?

  Elena comes close behind me and gently places a hand on my shoulder. "Don't mind him. He thinks he is God's gift." I force myself to break eye contact with Damon and glance at her with a smile, knowing she is trying to make me feel better.

  Stefan nods, putting his arm around Elena's waist. "As I said, sometimes no siblings is better," he smiles letting me know he is teasing.

  With a deep breath I push past Damon and enter the Coffee shop. The familiar chime of the bell above the door making my entire body relax, as if I was entering my home. I bite my lip as I reflect on how vocal I was. Typically, I wouldn't have even glanced up had that happened back at school. Sure, it was probably nothing for someone else, but for me it was huge. Smiling proudly now, I get a surge of confidence as I stroll to the counter.

  "Hey Jim, how's the wife?" I call out to Jim who is busy cleaning behind the counter.

  Jim is a handsome man, for being in his thirties, with a kind face and eyes that shine with humor. He is one of the only people I feel truly comfortable around, having spent more time with him than my own father growing up. I needed a place I could hide out when my dad was having a really bad day, and next door didn't always cut it. Zeke and I would sit here for hours, many times even when we didn't have any money to spend. Jim never minded our loitering, occasionally putting us to work sweeping or wiping down tables in exchange for some hot chocolate.

  He was hesitant to let us order coffee at first, he would always grumble we were too young. Wasn't until I was a freshman did he finally give in and let me order one of the drinks that always made this place smell so wonderful. Since then I've tried just about every drink he makes, but now I tend to stick to my favorite one.

  "Still a bitch," he laughs in response never breaking his friendly manner. He beams at me as I lean across the counter to grab a straw and start playing with it. "How's your dad?"

  "Still a drunk," I answer in the same happy tone, only much quieter.

  This is a normal hello for the two of us, but it's the first time I've brought anyone here other than Zeke. Considering I don't really know these people, really don't need them knowing all my dirty laundry.

 "Where is the little weirdo?" Jim looks around expectantly, only to find the three behind me. His smile drops a bit as he takes them in, glancing back and forth between us trying to decide if they are with me or just others in line.

  "He is home preparing for our movie night," I answer, not needing to go into any more explanation.

  "Ah, the old vampire versus zombie debate?" he asks, a knowing grin pulling at his lips. I nod a yes which only makes him chuckle. "The normal?" he doesn't wait for my response before starting to fill a cup.

  "Yes sir," I pull out my wallet knowing the exact charge.

  "Mocha caramel frappe with a double shot espresso coming right up!" he fiddles with the blender, humming lightly with the music that plays through the shop.

  I nibble on my lip suddenly self conscious about our exchange and nervous to return my attention to the three with me. Mustering up all the confidence I have, I turn back to them and lean back against the counter, trying to appear casual. Three odd expressions meet me in return. Elena, with an eyebrow raised but a smile still firmly on her face, is the only one I have the courage to pay any attention to.

  "What? It's good!" I say laughing.

  "I'm sure," Elena laughs and shakes her head.

  "I will take your word for it," Damon mumbles as he taps his foot impatiently.

  Jim comes right back holding the most delicious drink ever, I have to control myself not to snatch it away while he is handing it to me.

  "Thanks bunches!" I push the money over to him and move to the side so the others can place their order.

  Stefan steps up and opens his wallet. "Three large coffees," he says, handing over the money. It takes Jim not even a minute to have their drinks ready.

  "Well, you guys are original," I tease leading them to a booth.

  Elena and Stefan settle in one side and it occurs to me that for once I won't have the bench to myself. Glancing over at Damon I am horrified to feel my blush returning. His lips forming that smug smirk again as he holds his hand out, inviting me into the booth first. I slide in across from Elena, trying to get as close to the wall as possible.

  Damon slides in next to me and I feel his leg brush against mine. Heat rises to my face as my heart speeds up. It's not that I like him or anything, I tell myself, It's just I'm not used to being so close to anyone. Damon's smirk growing on my nerves as he doesn't even try to hide the fact he is amused at my discomfort. He looks completely at ease all while I'm trying to make myself as small as possible.

  "Coffee is not meant to be cold," Stefan laughs as he stirs in a sugar packet.

  "Pusha," I deny his kind of thinking and hold out my drink to them. "Want to try?"

  "Pusha?" Damon arches an eyebrow at me, mockingly questioning my word choice.

  "I haven't even had a drink yet, so you don't have to worry about cooties," I tease, forcing myself to ignore Damon and just have some fun.

  Elena laughs as she grabs the drink and takes a sip. "Mmm, that is pretty good," she offers it to Stefan who shakes his head and takes a drink from his own cup. She goes to hand it back when Damon snatches it up.

  "Aw, am I not invited to try?" his crooked smile never wavering as he pauses.

  Is he actually asking permission? I waive for him to continue, not that I think it would really matter if I wanted him to stop. He takes a sip before quickly recoiling from it, his mouth twisting down as he clicks his tongue in disgust.

  "No, you can have this back," He hands it off to me even faster than he grabbed it away.

  "Fine go back to your boring coffee, you don't know what good taste really is," I laugh and share a smile with Elena.

  "So, I have to ask, the great vampire versus zombie debate?" Elena asks after a short awkward silence. Stefan seems to tense for just a moment before going back to his drink, all while watching me with careful eyes.

  "Oh, it's just this stupid thing Zeke and I talk about some times," I answer quickly, completely having forgotten Jim and I brought it up. Hoping that will be enough of an explanation I try to think of a subject change, really don't need to point out how much of losers we are.

  "Oh please, do tell," Damon drawls, not really sounding too encouraging.

  He peers down at me, his eyes narrowing with curiosity. I hesitate, unable to decide if he really cares, or if he just likes to make me uncomfortable.

  "Well you see, we disagree what seems to be scarier. In theory of course, a vampire attack or zombie attack," I say not looking up at any of them, distracting myself by stirring the whipped cream into my drink.

  "Hmm interesting, and what do you say?" Damon leans in closer, as if he really is interested.

  I mentally try to talk the blush down, but know it is of no use. I feel frozen by his watch, my heart pounding against my chest as I struggle to form words. I focus on not looking at him, but at Stefan and Elena instead.

  "Well I say zombie. I mean, it's not like there is going to be a sudden outbreak of vampires. Even just the idea of the two, what is the likely hood you would ever run into a vampire? But if there was a zombie outbreak, they would be everywhere! You just wouldn't be able to escape it!" Realizing how dorky I must sound I stop myself from going on any further by shoving the straw in my mouth and taking a big drink.

  Stefan seems to be really uncomfortable with this conversation, just sitting there tense, glancing between everyone. Elena, on the other hand laughs and looks over at Damon.

 "Hmm I don't know I can think of some really scary Vampires," she smiles mischievously. Damon nods and chuckles softly, finally leaning back and relaxing. "So, why is the debate just between those two?" she continues, turning back to me.

  "Well, because they are both undead. I mean werewolves or ghosts or anything like that wouldn't be fair to bring into the discussion cause they aren't the living dead." I answer as if it all makes perfect sense, cause well it does!

  This brings a laugh from both Elena and Stefan, who seems to be slowly relaxing as well. "So what about mummies, wouldn't they count as the living dead?" Stefan asks starting to get into the conversation.

   "Zeke and I had a whole different debate about that," I explain with a laugh, "but pretty much we decided that mummies are an Egypt thing. And considering we aren't in Egypt, we don't have to worry about it." Even Damon chuckles a little at that one.

  We continue to discuss monster movies, and the many other genres that they enjoy watching. We have a lot of similar tastes, and I was pleasantly surprised to find they actually know a lot of classic movies that I obsess over. Not everyone can get into an old black and white movie, but it seems they really knew their stuff! It is really nice to be able to sit and have a group discussion, with different points than Zeke and I had.

  At the thought of him my heart sinks a little, still wishing he would have come. I think he would have enjoyed this just as much. For a moment I debate inviting them to watch movies with us, but quickly discard this. It's our thing, and I wouldn't want to invite others without discussing it first.

  "So, you guys never said what brought you here?" I ask when our movie discussion begins to die down.

  Instantly it seems everyone around the table stops mid breath. The air is even still and tense. Damon clears his throat and turns his gaze to Stefan, a mischievous shadow crossing over his face.

  "Yes Stefan, tell her what brings our little family to this charming town," Damon sneers.

  "We have been moving around a lot, just trying to find the right place," Stefan answers carefully, as though each word is precisely chosen.

  "Oh," I say simply, feeling awkward. I didn't think it was an odd question to ask, but now everyone is on edge. "At least you get to experience different places," I try to lighten things up, forcing a smile at them, "I've never left this town. No other family to go visit. It's just Dad and me," I trail away, hoping someone will jump in so I don't keep talking.

  "And Zeke," Elena adds, bringing a big smile back to both our faces.

  "Of course, can't forget him. He really is the most fun guy. I think you guys would like him." I glance at Damon, not so sure if he really would.

  He has been quiet for most of the night, occasionally throwing out a random sarcastic comment, otherwise he seems to be more of an observer. I think Zeke's loud humor would bother him after only five  minutes.

  "Well see, that gives us an excuse to do this again!" Elena says with a big smile as she glances around the table.

  "I'll pass on trying that drink again though," Damon mumbles under his breath, making Elena and me burst out laughing.