Time flew by, and the day finally arrived for our trip to Mystic Falls. My heart, however, wasn't in it—there were too many questions I needed answers for.
Caroline was busy packing her things.
"Hey, Care," I said, "I think I'll stay for another week."
Caroline looked at me, eyes wide with shock.
"Why?" she asked, her tone sharp.
"I just… feel like it," I replied casually.
Her expression turned stern. "Don't you dare, Aaron. I heard the news about the Founder's Court—Miss Mystic Falls—and you are my dance partner for it."
"Well," I said, trying to sound confident, "you and I have been dancing together since we were little. I'm sure I'll catch on in no time. Can't you ask Bonnie to cover the practices I'll miss?"
Caroline's eyes blazed with anger. I knew I had one chance. I widened my eyes into my best puppy-dog expression. Caroline could never say no to that.
She sighed, finally relenting. "Fine. But you're coming right after a week. I won't let anything mess with my Miss Mystic Falls competition."
I gave her a triumphant thumbs-up.
.
Dad and Steven were visibly shocked that only Caroline was leaving while I stayed behind, but they said nothing, agreeing silently.
.
That afternoon, Dad returned home after driving Caroline to Mystic Falls.
Some time later, I was in Dad's study. He was buried in work, while I sat across from him on the sofa, thinking what should I say.
He didn't look up. "Do you have something to say? You've been sitting there a while."
"Uh-huh," I mumbled, tilting forward slightly. "Hey, Dad… can I ask you something stupid?"
Dad didn't look up. "It's not like I haven't answered your questions before—like where the sun goes or where strawberries come from." He let out a small chuckle.
I frowned. "Those were when I was little."
He held back his laughter. "Okay, okay. You can ask me."
I took a deep breath. "Dad… are vampires real?"
For the first time, he looked up from his work and looked at me directly.
"Why do you ask?" he said.
"Wait… why aren't you laughing or saying no?"
Dad removed his glasses, setting them on the table. "If this is about TV shows—"
"No, it's not," I interrupted. "I read Jeremy's ancestor's journal. It mentioned vampires."
Dad's jaw tightened. "Well, that guy had quite the imagination. He was a… fanatic writer—"
"I also read our ancestor, William Forbes's journal," I said, cutting him off.
His eyes narrowed. "Aaron Forbes… did you come into my study without permission?"
"Yes," I admitted.
Dad stared at me, anger flashing in his eyes.
"But before you get angry," I said quickly, "you should probably forgive me. I'm only fifteen. You once said that when you're underage, you can do many stupid things. Once you become an adult, life gets boring."
Dad took a deep breath. "But First… how did you open the door?"
"I don't know," I said.
"You don't know?"
"The door wouldn't open no matter how many times I tried. Then suddenly, the doorknob twisted, and it opened."
Dad fell silent, deep in thought.
I pressed, "So… Dad… are vampires real?"
He sighed. "Look… monstrous things do exist. They walk in shadows and harm the innocent."
"Give me a clear answer," I insisted.
He met my eyes. "I'll give you a clear answer and explain everything when you're older. Until then… nothing."
I let out a frustrated sigh.
"Aaron Forbes, see yourself out of my study," he said firmly.
I rolled my eyes and left,I didn't noticed it but Bill Forbes watched me with a worried look as I went.
.
.
A few days later, I wandered the streets of Georgia, trying to clear my mind after a minor clash with Dad. As I walked, I realized why he and Steven had chosen to live here instead of Mystic Falls—everything around me was beautiful.
I bumped into someone by accident. I blurted out,"I'm so sorry. I wasn't looking where I was going."
When he turned, I recognized him from the restaurant. I didn't noticed him carefully at the restaurant but now as i look at him i see his eyes were unusual, bright blue, almost glowing.
"It's partly my fault too," he said, smiling. "I was standing in the middle of the street."
I smiled back.
He looked at me for a long moment before extending his hand. "Hi, I'm Ray."
I shook it. "Hi, I'm Aaron."
When our hands touched for a moment, his expression shifted slightly. "If you don't mind, could you tell—"
Suddenly, my phone rang.
"Sorry, I have to take this," I said, stepping away. It was Caroline.
Caroline :"Today I practiced the dance with Bonnie,"
she began, frustration in her voice. "Which you didn't join. And my competition is only Elena Gilbert… the Fall cousins don't stand a chance, not even Amber. So it's just Elena. Since her parents died—"
I was distracted at the phone and when i wasn't looking ,Ray sensed something and vanished into thin air.
Caroline continued, "She has this sympathetic… voice, saying how much her mom wanted this. How can I even compete with that?"
"Breathe, Caroline," I said. "The outcome hasn't been decided yet."
"You know how our grandmother and both aunts were Miss Mystic Falls. I deserve it too."
"Yeah, and—" I trailed off, turning back to see that Ray was gone.
"Hello? Aaron? Are you there?" Caroline's voice pulled me back.
I chuckled. "Yeah… sorry. What were you saying?"
Our conversation went on, a mixture of pep talks and arguments.
.
.
Later, back at home, I lay down for an afternoon nap, exhausted from walking.
In the living room, Dad and Steven were talking quietly.
Dad :"Aaron asked me today about vampires. He read William Forbes's journal,"
Steven: "How did he unlock the door?"
Dad:"I don't know. My best guess since aaron is my son... the magic didn't separate us. It thought it was me since no one but me could open the door—and let Aaron in."
Steven: "Could be,So… what did you tell him?"
Dad:"I said I'd explain when he's older. He's still a child,"
Steven:"Love,"
Dad: "I know. But I want my child far away from these things as much as possible,"
Suddenly, his phone rang. He saw it was from mom. He answered it. After talking with her. He
quickly rushed to my room and started shaking me to wake up.
"Dad… what?" I mumbled.
"It's your mom. Your sister's car broke down in the forest. When she tried to get a signal, she fell and found a body—a girl."
"What?" I froze.
"Vicky Donovan," Dad said grimly. "Your mom said you knew her. Do you want to go to Mystic Falls now?"
My body went rigid. Vicky… dead? I thought she had left town. And Jeremy… he can't be alone now. He needs someone to stay with right now.
"I'll go to Mystic Falls. Right Now," I said.
"Okay. I'll drive you," Dad replied.
I packed my bags in a hurry, leaving that same night for Mystic Falls.