I stretch, rolling over in my bed in attempt to get comfortable once again. Finally, I was able to get a decent nights rest, but now I am not so sure I am willing to let it end. I roll onto my back and gaze up at my night sky. Sure, it is fake, but still it is beautiful to look at. I smile to myself as thoughts of the previous day comes flooding back to me. Zeke and I decided to take Leo to the coffee shop, considering it hadn't really worked out before. He is quite, but seems kind enough, and he didn't laugh at Zeke and I too much when we let our dorkyness shine.

BUZZZ

  My phone vibrates next to my ear making me heart leap in my chest, any thought of sleep completely gone now. Fully awake, I grab my phone and smile when I see who it is. Speak of the devil.

    "What's up buttercup?"

  "Hey, I was going to say that!" Zeke whines loudly in my ear.

  "Poor baby!" I laugh.

  "Hmph," Zeke continues to pout, refusing to say more.

  "Well if you're not going to tell me why you called, I might as well hang up." I tease, knowing he will start talking.

  "Well I was thinking-" he starts to explain

  "Should I be afraid?" I interrupt, unable to pass the opportunity to tease him again.

  "No, well maybe," he hesitates.

  "You're doing that thing, that thing where you leave little cliff hangers everywhere." I groan in annoyance.

  "Sorry. OK I'll tell you, but you have to promise to think about it and not just say no" He blurts quickly, obviously nervous.

  "OK, but you are making me very suspicious."

  "Yea, I figured," He laughs softly, "but still you promise?"

  "Fine" I sigh, "promise."

  "Good, lets do the whole homecoming thing!" He announces, his voice rising with excitement.

   "Are you kidding me?" I jolt upright with surprise.

  "You promised not to say no right away!" He retorts defensively.

  "Zeke, why?" I whine, letting my body fall back into the bed in search of my comfort once again, but it has abandoned me.

  "Well Leo and I were talking after you went home. He asked if we would all being going to the game next Friday, and I told him no way, we never do." Zeke rambles through his explanation.

  "And this leads to you wanting to participate how?" I snap, not having the patience this situation calls for.

  "Let me finish!" He demands, "Anyways, as I was saying," exaggerating his words dramatically, "he looked a little upset. I guess his last school was more focused on academics then on clubs. They didn't even have a football team! Personally I think that's sounds a lot nicer, but he seemed bummed by the whole thing. I know we have always avoided it before but it is our senior year and all.... so why not at least give it a try?"

  I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding, grudgingly considering his proposal. He is right, it is our last chance, and I've seen enough old people on TV say they wasted their youth not being a part of the festivities. Some even claim to feel like something is missing! I don't think I really believe in that, but I guess who knows? Maybe in 20 years I'll be sitting there and suddenly I'll become overwhelmed with depression, all due to the fact I've never been to a dance.

  "Do we have to get all dressed up?" I ask, defeat evident in my voice.

  "Well for the dance of course" He laughs at me.

  "I know that," I grumble, "but like for the dress up days, or for the game?"

  Our school assigns a different theme every day homecoming week, some people get really into it. My freshmen year I even tried, especially when Monday was PJ day. I mean, who doesn't want to stay comfy on a Monday? Wore my favorite baggy PJ pants, a black pair with skulls, and a simple black t-shirt. Was fine until a guy came in wearing pretty much the exact same thing. Jenna would not give it a rest, all day making jokes about me practically being a guy anyways. I suppose I wasn't very feminine looking next to her white lacy little tank top and pink shorts, but still! After that I decided to just avoid the whole thing.

  "No I guess not,  I think Leo and I are planning to dress up some though." Zeke answers. It's not really too surprising, he was never anti homecoming so makes sense he would be supportive if Leo wants to join in.

  "You called me rather than telling me in person so I couldn't hit you, huh?" I glare at him, fully aware he can't see.

  "Like you would actually attack me!" He argues.

   "Yea," I whine, "but part of me would really want to!"

  "So, that's not a definite no?" he encourages.

  "Yea, I guess." I cringe even as the words leave my mouth.

   "Have I told you yet I love you?" He teases.

    "Oh shut up," I mumble. Swinging my legs over the side of my bed I give up all remaining hope of getting more sleep.

  "So, what are we doing today?" He asks, switching topics.

  "I don't know, I am just waking up." I stretch again.

  "No way! I have never known you to sleep past nine, it's almost two!" I stop mid stretch as I gape at his words. That can't be right! With a glance at the clock my heart sinks as I see the second hand tick to 1:48.

  "Wow! I haven't been sleeping well, but I didn't realize I slept in that late!"

  "Well hop to it little one!"

  "Zeke, I'm only like an inch shorter than you" I drone my usual argument to his teasing.

  "That still makes you littler than me!" He sings playfully. Before I can respond with a sarcastic taunt my phone vibrates against my ear.

  "Hey, hold on," I call to Zeke, pulling my phone away to check it, "I have a message from Elena, let me check it quick."

   "Fine, put me on hold. I see how much you care." he murmurs, but I just ignore him.

  Elena: What's up? You up for getting coffee or something? Just you and me.

  I bite my lip feeling the same nervous flutter I always feel when doing something out of my comfort zone. Still, the idea of having a sort of girls day is exciting.

  "Hey would you mind if maybe we don't do anything today?" I slowly ask Zeke, a bit nervous to hurt his feeling. We always hang out on the weekends, till now.

  "What's going on?" he asks concerned.

  "Oh nothing, Elena just invited me out," I explain, my voice trailing as I continue to speak, "just me and her."

   "Like a girl day?" He perks up.

  "Uh, yea I guess."

  "And you're going without me?" he whimpers.

  "Well considering girls day." I giggle, unable to contain myself.

  "Fine, abandon me." He teases.

  "I am going to go get ready then."

  "K, but I am kidnapping you tomorrow!" He promises.

  "Deal! Bye love." I disconnect, jumping up to get dressed.

----------------Damon's POV-----------------

  I lazily watch my bourbon slosh against the walls of my glass before downing it in one large gulp.

  "Isn't it a bit early?" Stefan chides, leaning against the door frame with his ever present look of disapproval.

  "Have you met the people I live with?" I retort, turning away from him to pour myself another glass. Not paying him any mind I stroll around the couch and fall into it, careful not to spill a drop. Watching the flames dance in the fireplace I will my mind to stay empty.

  The place we are currently staying in is not one I would have chosen for myself. Stefan, always knowing best, was very adamant that he should be the one to make our arrangements. I admit I like a little more, well, life in a home. The best thing that can be said for a place such as this is that its standing. Stefan's reasons that no one will stumble upon us being so deep in the middle of nowhere, nothing but forest for miles on either side. I feel it just makes us seem like creepy monsters that dwell in the woods.

  A shack more than a house really, its walls a dingy gray with the original paint long since faded. Nothing more than two bedrooms upstairs, a small living room and an even smaller kitchen downstairs. Definitely not enough room to spread out.

  "We need to talk about this" Stefan announces, trying to take charge.

  "Oh yes please, play time has gotten so boring" I drawl, not really paying attention.

  "Damon, seriously" He scolds as he charges into the room. With a groan I sit up, granting him space beside me.

  "What do we need to talk about now?" I take another drink of my bourbon, waiting for the lecture to begin.

  "What don't we need to talk about?" Elena barks, storming into the room. "What are you thinking bringing those girls back here?" Her eyes are sharp with anger as she shouts.

  "Don't get your panties in a bunch! Wouldn't want that now would we?" I eye Stefan mischievously, but he just shakes his head. I sigh and lean back once more, making myself comfortable.

  "Everything is fine, its under control." I sigh, downing the rest of my drink.

  "Damon, why? We were all doing so good with blood bags! What has gotten into you?" Elena's anger quickly fading to concern. A twinge of guilt strikes through me, but I bury it deep.

  "Elena, I have been living this way long before your time. I repeat everything is fine." I stand and turn my back on her, ending that conversation.

  "Just please Damon, don't bring them here anymore." She pleads.

   "What ever you say dear" I make a show of putting on a big smile before I scowl at my empty glass. She rolls her eyes at me before turning and collapsing back on the couch, her head resting on Stefan's shoulder.

  "What about Belle, did she really give you nothing to go on?" She asks, desperate for there to be something.

  I can't blame her for wanting this wild goose chase to be over. For over three years we have been searching for this key. The key to end, well everything. At least if the old bat is to be believed. Problem is, nothing is clear. Only having bits and pieces of a vision to go on. All we really know is that it involves Stefan and I, and that we need to hurry. Although I must admit, after three years the threat doesn't feel to imminent. All this time and nothing sinister has occurred. Well, at least till last night.

  "Nothing useful." I answer, pouring myself another glass of bourbon.

  "Well, what exactly did she say?" Stefan asks, turning his head to look at me.

  "Before or after the mind trickery" I shutter remembering the splitting pain that overtakes you when a witch boils your brain. "Next time you want information from an old friend, you get it yourself"

  "Well we weren't exactly friends Damon, I murdered half her family when I was... not myself." his voice is deep with sorrow at the memory of his past deeds when he was unable to control the blood lust.

  "There is that guilt again, really need to get over that." I raise my glass at him, taking a swig. "Still, would have been great to know that before I dropped your name" I slam my glass back on the table, the liquid sloshing over the edge. 

  "Yea," Stefan stiffens, turning to look apologetically at me, "I was hoping I wouldn't come up. But really Damon, would you have gone to talk to her if I told you who she was?"

  "No, that's the point"

  "The point is we needed her help" Stefan throws back.

  "Lot of help she was. Did all her hocus pocus and all she could tell me is some chick, Bridget, is also looking for the key"

   "Well that could mean that the time is getting closer couldn't it?" Elena theorizes.

  "I did my part, how about you figure the rest out" I grab my jacket off the back of the couch and turn to leave.

  "Where are you going?" Elena calls after me alarmed.

  "Out!" I answer simply. She quickly moves so that in a blink of an eye she is in front of me. "Aw is little Elena going to try to stop me?"

  "Damon there is one more thing" She shifts, physically standing her ground to me. Not that it would do any good, I am older and stronger than her. If I wanted to, I could destroy her without even trying. I lift my eyebrow at her waiting for her to continue. "I need you to stay away from Nereza."

  "Why would you even have to ask me to?" My eyes dart to hers and I focus on keeping a calm expression. "Does it look like I am going out of my way to spend time with the girl?" I allow a chill into my voice. As if on cue Elena's phone dings, turning it over in her hands its easy to see who it's from. "Maybe you are the one who needs to stay away" I challenge.

  "Damon," she sighs, shifting uncomfortably, "I just need you to do this for me."

   "Whatever you say dear." I narrow my eyes at her with a smirk.

------------Nereza's POV-----------

Me: I'm in! I can meet you there in 30.

Elena: Want me to pick you up? I can take Damon's car.

I stare down at my phone as I remember the last time I was in Damon's car, a blush creeping over me.

Me: No, don't worry about it. See ya there :)

  In one fluid motion I press send and throw my phone in my purse. Running my hands through my hair I pull it up into a messy bun, smiling at myself in the mirror as I do. Not taking the time to debate a top I grab the first long sleeve shirt I find and throw it on. Deciding to at least try to look a little cute I pull on a knee length and step into some black boots.

  Sliding down from my room I take a quick glance around to make sure Dad is no where in sight. He worked late last night, so he should be passed out till this evening, but better safe than sorry. Moving quickly, but quietly, I maneuver myself through the mess he made last night, and run out the door feeling a rush of excitement. The sun is warm, yet the breeze is cool making it a perfect autumn day. In no time I find myself walking through the shop door, the pleasant scent of coffee greeting me with its loving aroma.

  "Nereza!" Elena waves me over.

  I break out in a large smile when I see her sitting at one of the little tables, a coffee in her hand and my drink there waiting for me.

  "You are amazing!" I laugh, sliding into me seat and grabbing my coffee with excitement.

  "Oh I try." She giggles as well. I pull my wallet out to pay for my drink but she waves her hand. "Oh no, totally on me."

  "Thanks!" I smile at her and take my first drink, closing my eyes in complete bliss. There is a moment of awkward silence as I get settled, my mind grasping for a conversations. "So, um what's up?" I ask lamely and curse my brain for failing to come up with anything better.

  "Nothing really, just needing to get out of the house. Away from the guys!" she sighs and takes a sip of her coffee.

  "Yea I can't handle living with one guy, I can't even imagine two." I tease.

  "Well I'm lucky, one of them is pretty great." She laughs. I giggle softly but my mind wanders to what it would be like to live with Damon. Forcing the thought away, I struggle for a response.

  "You guys really do seem perfect together."

   "Aw thanks!" She beams. "So any man in your life?" She asks, getting comfortable as if I am about to tell her a long story.

  "Nope" I say flatly, taking a sip of my drink to end the thought.

  "Really? No one you have your eye on?" She leans in, looking for the good stuff. I simply shake my head, but she doesn't give in that easy.

  "Seriously!" I twinge, an image of Damon smirking down at me flashes in my mind.

 "I don't know, you seemed awfully sweet with Leo the other day" She smiles mischievously at me. I let out a sigh of relief at the mention of his name, then can't help but laugh.

  "No way, he is not my type at all! I was just tryin to make up for being a jerk." I explain.

   "OK, if you say so." She nods, but doesn't look convinced. "What is your type then?" Again a flash of Damon, this time bringing a blush to my cheeks.

  "Um well I haven't really dated anyone, so I guess I don't know. But not Leo!" I am being honest, and hopefully she doesn't question my blush beyond that.

  "You've never has a boyfriend?" She asks, her eyes softening as she studies me.

  "Well nothing serious anyways." I answer, trying to dismiss the conversation all together. The only person I've dated was Nick Simmons, and that was only for a week back in fifth grade.

   "So, have you talked to Zeke?" I ask, desperate to change the subject.

  "No, what's going on?" She looks reluctant to move on, but doesn't push further.

  "Leo wants to go for the whole school spirit thing. So Zeke is going to do it with him, wants to participate for the dress up days and everything."

  "Really? He seemed so against the idea of school spirit before!" Her eyes widen as she considers it.

   "Yea, never something he got into. But he tries to be a good friend. So if Leo is doing it, so is he" I explain.

   "What about you?" She asks, giggling at me as I wrinkle my nose in response.

  "I haven't decided yet. I'll go to the game, and I'll dress up for the dance," I pause, debating again, "I am not sure beyond that though."

  "Are you really doing anything new?" She questions skeptically.

  "Well," I hesitate, suddenly embarrassed, "football really was never my thing." I answer with a shrug.

  "And dances?" she pushes.

  "Not really something I got into either" I mumble, taking a big drink to avoid continuing. Her mouth drops open, her head shaking as if that was the craziest thing she ever heard.

  "OK, that's it." She announces, standing up.

  "What?" I cringe away from her determined smile.

  "You have never been to a dance!" She pauses, shifting her gaze somewhere in the distance as she considers something. "Although they have not always been that great for me." She mumbles before shaking her head and snapping back to the present, a smile spreading over her again. "Still, its stuff like this you're going to look back on in 50 years. Should enjoy it!" 

  "OK," I say slowly, still unsure what she is thinking.

  "So lets go!" She pulls at my arm, jerking me out of my seat. Wow, she is stronger than she looks!

  "Go where?" I ask as she drags me out the door.

  "Well you can't go to a dance without a dress now can you?" She giggles, slowing down just a bit so I am able to keep up with her.

  "Well, I guess but," I stumble on my words as I think about how I am going to be able to afford a dress.

  "Plus getting the dress can be half the fun!" She cheers. "Hmm, where do we go to find a dress in this town?" Her step falters just long enough for her to glance around.

  "There is a thrift shop two stores down." I offer, hoping that maybe I'll be able to find something cheap.

  "Might as well look!" She agrees, pulling me forward.

  When we walk through the door Elena is brought to a dead stop, pausing to take in the sight before her. It's not a big place, yet every possible space is filled with clothing. Want to walk around and look? Good luck!

  There are countless racks set around the room, seemingly in no particular order. Each rack filled to capacity with hangers holding on for dear life. There are no clear walkways, instead boxes lay scattered across the room filling any open spaces available. All box contains either more clothes, folded as nicely as possible, or shoes. Glancing at Elena I bite my lip to keep myself from laughing at her expression, one caught between amazement and confusion.

  "Miss Morelli!" A kind elderly voice calls from amongst the clutter.

  "Hey there Mr. Taylor" I smile at the small man stepping into view from behind a rack.

  He is short, a full head shorter than myself. His gray hair sticking out crazily from beneath a flat cap. His choice of clothing definitely dating him, wearing a simple white shirt under a tweed vest and slacks, he looks the same as he did when I first walked in here years ago.

  "How are you young ladies doing today?" He asks kindly.

  "We are good, just going to look around." I catch Elena's look of uncertainty as I take a step forward.

 "Is there anything you two are looking for?" He offers, knowing every inch of his store.

  "Um, Dresses?" Elena scans the racks skeptically.

  "Oh, are you shopping for the dance?" He perks up as he turns around and leads us to the back of the shop.

 "Yea, figured it's my senior year. Might as well." I explain, my stomach clenching at the thought.

  "I'm glad for you. Your mother would be so happy to see you out with your girl friends, having fun like a proper young lady" He praises, thankfully missing my cringe.

   He and his wife Esther, who passed away last year, have always been very kind to me, however they constantly enjoy telling me how a young lady would act.

 "Here you are" He announces, stopping in front of two racks seeming to shine from all the glittery dresses they hold.

  "Thanks" I force a smile, even as every part of me wants to run from the shimmering fabric.

  "OK then," Elena scans the racks, her lips twisted back in dismay before taking a deep breath. "Let take a look!"

  Cautiously I chose a hanger at random, pulling it toward me with a grimace. I may not know exactly what I am looking for, but this thing with shoulder pads is definitely not it!

  "That's it Reza, perfect dress!" Elena teases, diving into the racks as well.

  "I think this is pretty much useless." I drop my hands to my sides, giving into defeat.

  "Come on they are not all bad!" she argues, pulling out a sparkly dress.

  "It's yellow" I state, as if that's reason enough.

  "Yea, I guess with your pale skin tone that wouldn't really work." She agrees, returning it to the rack. "What about this one though?"

  "Well, let me see it." I take the offered dress, a little excited at the find.

  The red 50 style dress could look nice with a bit of accessorizing. Holding it up to myself I try to contain my disappointment.

  "There is no way this will fit me, I would have to drop like two sizes, and that's not going to happen."

  I shove the dress back into its home. My violence shakes the rack, making a dress tumble to the floor. I groan, feeling stupid for my temper, as I scoop the dress up.

  "You have to try that on!" Elena demands.

  Before I can protest I am dragged into the changing room. Finally, getting a chance to look at the garment, my stomach begins to flutter. The simple purple cocktail dress is perfect! I step into the dress, the fabric smooth and cool against my bare skin. Shimmying it up my body I send out a prayer for it to fit.

   I pause, completely in shock. I think it actually fits! The soft fabric clings to my body, seeming to give me shape, and ends just above my knee. The sweetheart neckline sits beautifully, giving just a tease of my cleavage and the straps seem to balance just off of my shoulders. For a moment I let myself get hopeful, but then the zipper snags.

  "Elena, I need your help." I call through the curtain.

  "Does it fit?" She asks, eagerly pocking her head in to see.

  "I think so, but I can't get the zipper"

  "Oh turn around." She instructs, stepping inside with me to help.

  "Wow," She pauses, looking at my reflection in the mirror, "you look beautiful!"

  "Well lets get this zipper closed before we make any decisions" I insist, trying to ignore the blush that quickly colors my skin.

  I feel her fumbling with it, her cool hands brushing against my skin sending chills through me, yet the zipper does not budge.

  "This thing hates me." Elena grumbles continuing to play with it.

  "Or it hates me." I sigh, feeling disappointment wash over me once again.

  "Maybe we can replace the zipper?" She asks hopeful.

  "Do you know how to sew?" I turn, raising an eyebrow at her. She purses her lips, slowly shaking her had no. "Yea me either. I give up." I sigh in defeat.

  "You can't do that!"

  "Well, I am not going to wear anything else out there!" I argue, just wanting to be done with this.

  "Fine, but not giving up all together!" She turns and leaves the room so that I can change back.

  "What do you mean?" I ask through the curtain as I slip the dress off and quickly throw my old clothes back on.

  "We didn't find anything here, but we can go into the city and find something better." She offers, her voice rising with all new excitement.

  "I will think about, K?" I answer, stepping through the curtain.

  Rather than returning the dress I carry it with me in search of Mr. Taylor. I find him sitting behind the counter now, whatever work he was doing before long forgotten as he turns the pages of the novel before him. At the sound of us approaching he flips the book upside down and turns to face us, his smile already set in place.

  "Find something that will work?" He looks even more excited than Elena had at the idea of a dress.

  "Well, I love this dress." I set the dress on the counter for him to see. "But the zipper won't work."

  "Oh dear," he mumbles.

  Digging his glasses out of the pocket of his vest, he sets them atop his nose and examines the zipper.

  "How did I miss that?" He says more to himself than to either of us. I glance around the store, how could he expect to catch every imperfection with so much?

 "It's OK, just wanted to point it out to you." I explain.

  "If you come back in a couple days I will have it all set. Should even be able to have it fixed in time for the dance!" He folds the dress up, setting it somewhere behind the counter.

  "Really?" A flare or excitements erupts it me.  "I thought Mrs. Taylor was the one who fixed all the clothing."

  "Oh yes, she did." He nods, licking his lips as his settles back into his chair. "But being partners in this business so long I picked up a stitch or two." He chuckles to himself.

  "We will definitely be back for this then, won't we?" Elena grins at me, letting me know there is nothing I can do to get out of the dance now.

  Surprisingly, I think I might actually be looking forward to it.

  The air has a cold bite to it now that the sun is no longer high above us. Wrapping my arms tight around me I think once more how much I hate winter. The night is calm, no one besides us strolling the streets. As we wander aimlessly, our steps echo in the silence that is so unusual for our little town.

  "So, ready to call it a night, or want to do something else?" Elena walks casually beside me, her hands resting in her back pockets.

  "Come on." A smile tugging at my lips as I eye the park in the center of town.

  "What you have in mind?" She asks, but I just grab her hand and pull her with me.

  "Come swing with me!" I laugh, dropping her hand to run ahead, smiling wider with every step forward I take.

  Elena laughs louder as she runs faster, passing me and in turn beating me to the swings. Turning around she sticks her tongue out at me, I return the favor making us both laugh even harder. When on the swing my legs instantly begin pumping, bringing me higher into the air. Elena is next to me, eagerly doing the same.

  The cool metal is familiar in my hands, and momentarily brings me back to all the summers Zeke and I spent playing here. I hold on to the chains tighter as I push myself to swing more, always trying to go higher. I close my eyes and concentrate on how the wind feels against my face. It always felt as if I could only make myself go high enough I would be able to take off and fly away.

  "Reza," Elena's voice is low and serious, such a contrast from a moment ago that it startles me. Losing my rhythm I drop my feet to the ground, coming to a stop beside her.

  "What's wrong?" I ask, my voice quivering slightly as my nerves jump to alert.

  "I just," She stops, studying me intensely, "I need you to tell me the truth."

  "About what?" My heart quickens, my mind searching for what caused the sudden change in her.

  "You said you aren't into anyone, that's not true is it?" She accuses coldly.

  I shake my head, pushing any thoughts of Damon away. Even if I did kinda have an interest in him, I don't actually expect anything, so why would it matter?

  "I don't like anyone." I insist. "Why are you bringing this up?"

  "I see the way you watch him Reza, I worry about you." She continues, ignoring my question.

  "Elena, really there is nothing to worry about" I try to smile, to lighten the mood, but she just continues to stare at me.

  My smile slips away and I tighten my hold on the metal chain, something is wrong.

  "He isn't a good guy right now. You need to stay away from him." She shifts her gaze to something behind me, I resist the urge to turn to see what has her attention.

  "I am not stupid." I state, my voice pulling her awareness back to me.

  "I don't think you're stupid." She shakes her head, her eyes soft with concern.

  "I know his isn't, that's why I don't like him!" My cheeks burn with the lie, but I hope its too dark for her to notice.

  "Look at me." She insists and I find myself unable to ignore her. Looking deep in her eyes I am overfilled with a sense of danger.

  "You need to stay away from him!"  She insists, my breath catches in my throat as my head begins to spin, something is very wrong.

  "You will not look for Damon again." She continues softly. My skin begins to tingle, every muscle tensing with the need to escape.

  "You will move on and find someone better for you" She smiles softly, yet I feel as though her words have more to them than they sound.

  "I need to go." I announce, unable to stay another second longer.

  Her eyes widen and her mouth drops open, her eyes darting across me as though looking for something she can't seem to find. I can't ask her what she is looking for, I need run.

"Nereza-" She starts, but I shake my head to stop her. In one fluid motion I stand and take off running home. "Wait!" she calls, but I dare not look back.