[*Chapter Three*]

"Okay, ass in seats, class is starting!" Mr Tanner clapped his hands as his droning voice filled the classroom. The warning bell rang just as Darcy crept into the room, undetected. Or so she thought.

She slipped into her seat behind Elena.

"Nice of you to join us Darcella." Ugh, I hate that name she groaned, banging her head on the desk. Oh, so close. A few of her classmates laughed at her misfortune.

Lifting her head, chin on hand, she bats her eyes, "Of course. Couldn't miss your lovely face, could I, sir?"

Tanner rolled his eyes, walking to his desk picking up a pen, "Yeah, yeah, my face is lovely, now shut up."

"Alright, listen up" Darcy leant her head on the desk. Someone threw a rubber at her head. She just waved them off, undeterred.

"Let's start where we left off. The battle of Willow Creek took the place of the war in our very own Mystic Falls. How many casualties resulted in this battle?" Tanner made his way around the classroom. "Miss Bennett?"

Bonnie jumped, startled from her doodling in her notebook, "Erm...a lot? I mean a lot, lot." She replied sheepishly.

"Cute becomes dumb in an instant Miss Bennett, brush up on your history." Tanner barked.

Ha! Tanner called her dumb. Darcy snickers, burying her head into her arms.

Tanner looked around the room, "Mr Donovan," Darcy raised a plucked eyebrow interested to see where this was going. "Would you like to take this opportunity to overcome your embedded jock stereotype?"

"Nah, I'm cool with it." He replied, making Darcy laugh outright.

The class became hush with growing silence. Tanner must be looking for his next victim, she thought.

"Miss Gilbert?" Tanners hand slammed on her desk, making her jump up.

"Holy fucking shit!" Hand on her chest, glaring evils at Tanner who stares smugly. Proud of himself.

"Glad to see you are paying attention," He said in his nasal pathetic smug voice. He turns to pin Elena as his next victim. Darcy sits up straight.

"Elena?" Elena blinks from her intense lockdown with Mr sexy-ass-back.

Choose your next words wisely, Tanner Spanner. Darcy's intense stare remains locked on his form as he slithers closer to her sister, she finds herself holding her breath, knowing he was going to be a dick.

"Would you care to enlighten us?"

"I'm sorry, I don't know," Elena uttered, sinking in her seat.

Tanners wary eyes flicker to Darcy, only to see her watching his every move like a hawk. His throat bobs before biting the bullet and rounding on the brown-haired Gilbert.

Nu-uh, not happening. She knows what Tanner is like, She's not having any of it. Nothing but nastiness spews from his foul mouth.

"346 casualties," Darcy's hard voice called out.

"Unless your counting local civilians." Stefan's voice sounded over her shoulder.

Darcy whirled around opened mouthed. What?

"That's correct Mr...?" Tanner asked confused, disregarding Darcy gaze swivels back and forth between them, appalled. Dick. She answered the question! She huffs, leaning back in her seat arms crossed.

"Salvatore," Stefan stated.

"Salvatore... Any relation to the original settlers here at Mystic Falls?"

"Distant," Stefan said, locking eyes with Darcy, she can see the question had made him uncomfortable. Hmm, She's curious as to why.

"Well, very good. Except of course there were no civilian casualties in this battle." Tanner said smugly, seemingly putting an end to the discussion.

Darcy perks up, waving her hand, calling out mockingly. "Actually, there was 27 sir. Confederate soldiers fired on the church, believing it to be housing weapons," (more like vampires) "They were wrong. The founders' archives are in the Civil Hall if you'd like to brush up on your facts... Tanner, Spanner. Oh, you might want to remove the stick from up your ass, it's bad for your posture if you're erect all the time." She replied, gaze still fixed on Stefan's stiff frame.

Everyone laughed, but Stefan, who sat shocked that she knew the answer. He's got a feeling this one is much smarter than she appears, and for that, he needs to keep a watchful eye. He can't afford her finding out his secret... not so soon.

🖤💜🖤

"How can you walk in those heeled boots?" Elena questioned, slightly envious that her sister can walk around so graceful, despite the fact they are walking across the forest grounds. Yet, doesn't stumble once.

Darcy looks down at her black heeled combat boots and back at Elena, "It's my speciality darling." She winks and chuckles at her pout, "I'll teach you, huh? Then we can be rocking it together in these bad boys." She looks around the party for a certain someone, "So... Mr sexy-ass-back, caught your eye, huh?" She nudges the taller teen.

"Uh, no, he's okay, I guess." Elena shrugs, playing it off.

Darcy laughs hard, wiping her eyes, "Oh, El, what am I going to do with you?" Elena is clearly oblivious or doesn't want to accept Stefan Salvatore is a delicious specimen. And if she doesn't snatch him up, she knows someone more than willing to do the job.

Bonnie offers Elena another beer, giving her a little push, "Oh come on! Admit it!"

Elena rolls her eyes, with a bashful smile "Okay, okay!... He's a little pretty."

"He has that romance novel stare." Bonnie giggles, "Stefan stared at Elena, piercing her very soul."

"Where is he anyway? Where's your Romeo?"

Elena shrugs at Bonnie's question, "I don't know. You tell me, you're the psychic one."

"Yeah, Bon Bon, tell us your predictions... Oh, wait...I'm still waiting for you to finish mine. I wanna know all about this hunky dude." Darcy said, remembering this morning school ride.

Bonnie nods with 'I see what you're doing' smirk, "Not gonna happen, Darce...Right, Grams says I have to concentrate," She starts to close her eyes when Elena stops her. "Wait! You need a crystal ball." Darcy hands over her empty beer bottle with jazz hands, "Ta-da, I bring forward the crystal ball. Do your thing, Bon."

The Bennett girl takes the neck of the bottle; her fingers brush against Darcy's. Dropping the bottle, she latches on the ebony-haired girl's hand. Her eyes widen, face paling, seeming to disappear to another world for many bated breaths. Finally, she drops Darcy's hand. "T-that was weird..." Looking between the two sisters, "Did you see that?"

"See what Bonnie?" Elena frowns.

"When I touched Darce... It was strange. I saw two men, blue and green eyes, a black ring, a crow and it was very foggy," She rambles, panicking. Darcy and Elena stare at each in shock. What the hell just happened? What had Bonnie seen?

Elena nudged her sister making her look at Bonnie who was staring into space, with a scared look plastered upon her face, "Do something, Darce, you're better at this than me."

That was true. Darcy has a special way of comforting people, Greyson you used to say she was special and filled people with light when she was around them. Darcy nods, wrapping her arm around her friend and leads her over to a nearby rock.

"Bon Bon? Are you okay?" She asks, brushing away a stray hair from Bonnie's face.

Bonnie shakes her head numbly, peering into her friend's blue eyes, "What... What if, Grams is right? I keep seeing these things.." She breaks off, lip trembling, scared.

Pulling the girl into a hug, "Oh, Bon Bon, it's going to be okay. Have you talked about it with your Gran? Maybe it will help clear your head a bit?"

Bonnie shakes her head, "No. I can't..."

"Shh. Yes, you can, if you don't feel up to it on your own, I can come with...If you want?" She assured.

Bonnie nods mutely, sending Darcy a grateful smile. She's glad she has an awesome friend like her. She's helped a lot with her mum leaving and her Dad always working. She'll be lost without Darcy in her life. "Thank you." Bonnie hugs her tight, then pulls away," I'm going to get another drink, do you want one?"

"No, I promised I would only have one. Designated driver." They hug once more and go separate ways.

When Bonnie has become more Bonnie like, they go separate ways, the latter in a hunt for another beer. Darcy sighs, looking around at the other horny teenagers. She thinks back before her parents died, and blinks back the tears pooling in her eyes that she will never let flow. Once upon a time, she was just like these teens, laughing, having fun, going to parties. Now she no longer has those desires to be a typical teenager again. Rather, she had to grow up, far too soon, and be the rock that moulds her family together. When instead she'd rather the ground she's standing on to open up and swallow her whole.

Raised voices bring her back, Darcy whips her head around in the direction of the woods upon hearing her brother's voice. She stands rigid, seeing Jeremy, Tyler and Vicky fighting. Grumbling under her breath. How can one girl have some much influence over two guys? What's so special about Vicky Donovan? Despite being her best friends sister, she's just a messed up druggy with no self-respect or regard for Matt who busts his ass off to support them both, since their mother did a runner.

Breaking into a run, she intervenes before the two hormonal boys throw fists. Arriving just as Tyler's about to throw a punch but get stopped as Darcy socks him in the jaw. Tyler drops like a sack of potatoes holding his jaw, mouth gaping in shock from the pure strength, knocking him on his ass. Darcy may look lithe and delicate but don't let that fool you, she packs a mean punch. Like a man. Although the training and hunting with her Dad helped condition her into who she is today.

Tyler stumbles, dragging his drunk ass off the rough forest floor, he's about to advance towards the raven-haired girl when Jeremy jumps in, face flushed from the induced alcohol, anger swirling around his hazy brown eyes.

He steps forwards into the Lockwood's boy's face, pushing him back by the chest, "Touch my sister. I'll kill you... I dare you." He seethes, spittle flying from his mouth. Everyone who knew the Gilberts knows no one messes with his sisters, most of all...Darcy. And absolutely no one puts a hand on her. Jeremy will protect her until his dying breath.

Vicky sees things were about to turn serious and intervenes tugging on Tyler's arm, coaxing him away. "Come on, Ty, leave them be. It's not worth it."

Tyler shrugs her off, roughly, staring daggers at the Gilbert siblings. "Watch your backs." He meets Darcy's furious gaze, "You may be Matt's bitch, but that won't stop me next time." He threatens, a promise lacing every word.

Everything she said to Jeremy before is now cancelled. Tyler has just made the shit list.

Vicky's mouth drops open in shock, eyes wide in disbelief. Jeremy lunges about to throw hands, only to be stopped as Darcy lays a calming hand on his shoulder.

"Let him go. He won't do anything." She says nonchalantly, her gaze never wavering. Darcy knows all too well about Lockwood's wolfy problem. Her father and Uncle John made sure she was well trained and aware of Mystic Falls leeches and furry problem. She can spread the families secret before Tyler has his next shit.

The two siblings return to the party, Jeremy grabs another drink, peeling at the bottle label, "Sorry about that. I know you don't like me getting into fights, but there's something about Tyler that makes me want to punch him in the face every time I see him and the way he treats Vicky. I can't stand him." Jeremy throws back the beer. He hates making his sister disappointed in him.

They pass a cosy-looking Elena and Stefan who stare attentively. They continue walking along the waterfall, stopping at the rail, peering into the cobalt streams.

"Jer, do you remember when your dad brought me home?" She watches as he nods, "You, Mum, and Dad were the only one's who welcomed me with open arms, Elena had a bitch-fit. She didn't want to have a sister. Yet, here's little seven years old you, who gave me a chance of a loving family." Grabbing his face in her palms, brushing the wild hair away from his face, leaning her forehead on his, staring with determination to get the message across. "Without you and your persistent need to be my baby brother, I wouldn't be here... You are what keeps me standing tall, and no matter what I'll always protect you, who breaks your heart... I'll be your partner in whatever battles you come across. We may not be related by blood but in my heart and soul. You are my brother. Always."

Jeremy wraps himself around his sister, clinging on tight, breathing in her familiar scent of cherries. In her arms, he will always be safe. He becomes a little boy again, seeking her approval. A tear escapes, letting out the consuming pain that has been building since their parent's death. He's never felt a strong bond with Elena, she has always been bossy, and now with mum and Dad have gone, she's worse, invading his space, trying to control his life. He wants to grieve with the help of Darcy's support. Because that's what his older sister does, she lets him go at his own pace, there when he needs her. And for that he's thankful, having someone he can confide in, without her he's scared to think what damage he could cause to himself.

Pulling away from the warm embrace, Jeremy rubs his neck, gestures over his shoulder. "I'm gonna get another beer; you want one?" Darcy shakes her head, watching as he stumbles his way through the hip-thrusting crowd.

"Ahh, the fun Gilbert?" Darcy startles at the voice, having not heard anyone sneak up to her. Whirling around, hand to her chest, she meets Stefan's mischievous green eyes, "Fucking shit! You almost gave me a heart attack."

"Sorry." He raises his arms, fighting the rising laugh. He finds her reactions amusing.

"No, you're not, it's written all over your face." Wagging a finger at his smug face.

"You're right. I'm not." He shrugs his leather-clad shoulders, brushing hers, leaning on the rail. His gaze roams over her face. Stefan already knew, due to his earlier snooping. "Are you okay? You seem upset."

Letting out a shallow breath, "Yeah, I'm fine." Stefan shrugs, following her gaze over to Elena, Bonnie, Caroline and Matt. Stefan frowns not missing how Darcy subtly moves away from his side.

Darcy knows how possessive her sister can be; she does not want her to get the wrong idea. Don't get her mistaken, she likes Stefan, and from what she can tell, even though he holds a dark, mysterious aura, he's a good guy. But she won't go there again. She won't repeat history.

"What did you mean by that? The fun Gilbert?"

Stefan chuckles, "There's Elena the sad one, your brother the gloomy." They withdraw from the falls, hands in their leather jacket pockets, walking around the thumping party. "And you. The fun Gilbert."

Darcy snorts, "Don't let my sister hear you say that. She might think you like the wrong sister."

"How come you're not with your friends?" He asks, hearing Bonnie and Caroline laughing, secretly shipping the pair. Darcy sees and gives them the middle finger. "They seem like good friends."

"Yeah, they are, I'm more closer with Caroline and Matt than with Bonnie, we gel better together."

She sees Jeremy stumbling into the woods, Elena hot on his trail, "Hey, I'm sorry to cut this short, I've gotta go saves Jer's ass before Elena kills him." She doesn't wait to hear his response, already running across the way.

"Save it I don't want to hear it, Elena!"

"No, Jer we're doing this now." Elena protests. Darcy latches onto her arm, pulling her to a stop, Jeremy stops curious to what was about to go off.

"El, leave him be, he's doing no harm."

Elena shrugs her off, glaring heatedly, "No Darce! Stop babying him, he needs to be told what he is doing Is not acceptable, Mum and Dad would not want this to happen, so I'm stopping it before it gets out of hand!"

Like hell, you are.

Darcy steps closer until they are mere inches apart, her blue eyes shine with mounting fury, "Don't you dare bring them into this, I'm warning you, Elena, back off and let me deal with this."

Elena lets out a sarcastic laugh; she nods, clapping her hands, mockingly, "Yeah, look at how well you've done so far, very clever."

"At least he talks to me, unlike you. You always smother him, in his face, you don't let the boy breathe. I can't blame him not wanting to be around you when you're always on his ass. You need to back off before you fuck things up for real this time." Darcy dismisses Elena, turning to Jeremy noticing his alarming features, "What's wrong, Jer?" Walking closer.

"I can't find Vicky, she walked off into the woods with Tyler, but he's over there." He points across to Tyler, who's with Matt.

Darcy and Elena glance at each other with worry, putting their argument behind them for now.

Elena steps forward, "We'll help you look for Vicky, okay? I'm sure she's fine." Probably getting high somewhere.

The three siblings head into the woods together, Elena clutches onto Darcy's hand seeing a thick mist swirling around their feet, Darcy tugs Jeremy to her side, not wanting him to wander off too far. The stop in a cluster of towering trees, obscuring their view, casting them in darkness. The fog rises higher, coming up their knees. A high pitched caw sounds. They jerk their heads overhead into the dark void, something large and black flies at them, Jeremy falls back, tripping over a large branch on the terrain ground. Darcy attempt to haul him up but freeze as they come face to face with Vicky, a large bite visible on her side, blood dripping from two brutal holes.

A vampire bite. Great just what we need, Darcy thought.

"Omg, Vicky! No, no, please be okay." Jeremy panics, his eyes were filling with tears. He turns to his sister's as he attempts to pick up Vicky, "Please help her." He begs on a choked whisper.

Elena and Darcy spring into action, they lift the seemingly dead girl into their brother's arms and run, recklessly throughout the woods.

"Help! Someone help!" Elena cries, bringing the attention of the teens, they all become alert seeing who's in Jeremy's arms.

Matt rushes through, "What the hell- Vicky!" He races to help his sister, panic washing over his features. There's chaos everywhere, shouts and screams echo all around. Bonnie calls 991. Darcy jumps to his side, helping Matt lay Vicky down.

"What happened to her?" Tyler is freaked, pulling on his hair, taking in the scene.

Elena panics, hands flying about, "Her neck, something bit her. She's losing a lot of blood."

Darcy pulls off her top, not caring she's left in a bar and places it over the bloody wound. She glances at Matt. He jerks his head over to Stefan who's face is laced with panic. They watch as Stefan he runs off through thick trees then back to each other. What the hell was that?

When the ambulance arrives, Darcy hurdles her siblings together, giving them tight hugs. A breath of relief escapes as she clutches them tight, glad it wasn't them.

"I'm gonna go with Matt to the hospital. You two get home, okay?" They nod and hug one last time before Darcy runs and jumps into the back of the ambulance. As the doors close, Matt pulls her closer, wrapping his arms around her slim waist, head buried in her shoulder, letting his tears for sister fall.

🖤 Let me know your thoughts by voting and commenting. I would love to hear what you think and how I could improve myself! 🖤