Authors Note: I of course own nothing pertaining to the Vampire Diaries. That refers to both the CW and the wonderful L.J. Smith. For without either of them we would not have Damon :) The only thing I own would be my original character. I'll stay as true as I can to the TV series. With those out of the way, on with the story!

Scenery was speeding by me in a green blur as I sat listening to Heart and the low humming of the Greyhound bus engine. It is weird going home. I haven't been there in ages, well, not since last year anyways. I don't know what possessed me to want to come back but, nevertheless, I'm fifteen minutes away from being in the one place I hoped I would never see again. Don't get me wrong, I miss my family, what is left of it anyway. I didn't stick around long after everything was settled I just know that my sister and brother went to go live with my aunt. That could either be disastrous or a perfect fit. My sister would be fine, my brother…my brother not so much.

I had the luxury to ditch town on the next bus having graduated not long after the accident. I could leave everything in a trail of dust with nothing but memories if I allowed them to surface, which isn't often. I'd rather feel nothing than be a broken mess for an unpredictable amount of time. Wow I sound like such a bitch, but come on! Try having your parents die in a tragic accident and see how you react.

The sound of brakes screeching to a halt shook me to the present and I stood a little wobbly getting my bags and stepping off. Wow. This place hasn't changed a bit. Granted I have only been gone for a year but still, exactly how I left it.

"Why do you want to leave so badly?"

"I told you Elena, I have to get out for a while. This place…everyone in it…. I need to get away for a while." I stuffed my clothes in my duffel bag with force and determination. I could not let her change my mind. I had to do this for me.

"Hailey, you can't leave we need you! Jenna is going to need help with this she can't do this by herself!"

"Elena, you are more than capable of helping Aunt Jenna adjust to "family" life, trust me it will be fine." I knew what was coming next and I had to physically brace myself for it.

"What about Jeremy?"

I let out a very heavy sigh mainly to clear my head and steady myself. I could not let her change my mind. Elena is determined and stubborn when it comes to stuff she believes in and won't think twice about using the 'Jer card'. It usually works, it's my one weakness.

"Jeremy is a big boy and at this point is going to reject all of us because in his mind we are going to try to replace Mom. Just...keep an eye on him for me would ya?" I grabbed my bag, did a last minute check, and headed out the door.

"Yea, sure." Her answer was almost inaudible. I knew she would.

I suppose I should probably find a hotel, I doubted I would get a warm welcoming back here, at least not from Elena. Aunt Jenna seemed understanding; she of all people should be. She and I are a lot alike. Both of us needed to discover ourselves and get out while we had the chance; even more so that we both ended up coming back. I can't even begin to fathom where I stood with Jeremy, but I guess I had time to worry about that later.

"Hailey?" Well, looks like later is now.

"Hey, Jer." Oh my god. Look at him.

"When did you get here?" I can't tell if he's happy to see me. His tone is so void. He looks a wreck.

"Just now, how are you?" I already know the answer to that. Horrible.

"Fine. You?" He didn't even hug me yet plus he's lying to me. So he's pissed. I guess he has a right to be, though I didn't do anything wrong.

"I'm doing good, wait, shouldn't you be in school?" Dark circles under his blood shot eyes, is that black polish on his nails? Oh Jer….

"Thanks Hailey, but Elena and Jenna already have that lecture covered."

"Good to see you too Jer."

"Well, if you're around long enough I'll be sure to say the same." Ouch. I was being made to feel guilty for going off and living my life. Glad to know I have a supportive family. Granted, I really didn't expect a big hug and 'Oh Hailey we've missed you so much! So glad your home!' Oh well. Welcome home I guess.

Did you enjoy? First chapter is short only because it was an introductory. Plus, it felt right to end it there. Most of the other chapters will be much longer so do not fret! Leave a review telling me what you think! I love to know what my readers are thinking! First 5 reviewers get a shout out! xxNaida