SUMMARY: "He kept thinking about their return to Mystic Falls. Would Elena revert to her tame persona? Then again she didn't have anyone to party with. From what he witnessed at the club, Caroline didn't match up. No, Elena liked things hard. Honestly, Damon was enjoying the wild Elena. She acted on her impulses, which interestingly gravitated towards him. No doubt, good news."

WARNING: Substance abuse, sexual situations, strong themes, language, some OOC.

SETTING: Not too distant future & Pre-Pilot AU.

PAIRINGS: Damon/Elena. Elena/Caroline (friendship). Elena/OC.

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PROLOGUE

"I used to be more fun." - Elena, Bloodlines

"She's just totally going through a blah phase, she used to be way more fun." - Caroline, Friday Night Bites

"The night that my parents died, I blew off family night so that I could go to some party. I ended up getting stranded and they had to come pick me up." - Elena, Blood Brothers

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Dear Diary,

I turned 18 today. Jenna explained the details about my inheritance. I'll never forget this birthday. For the first time, I feel in total control of my life.

I asked Damon to leave Mystic Falls with me. We are going to the coast for one week. The last time I was there, I was 16 and my parents were alive. I loved spending the summer at the beach house. I miss my old life. I want to be that girl again... someone free, daring, outgoing. The real me.

My depression in Mystic Falls was unbearable. Just being in the house after Jeremy's death made me feel sick. The grieving left me numb for weeks. Stefan didn't seem to understand what I needed. Our relationship came to an end.

Time to start a new chapter of my life.

xo

Elena

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A/N: Story was written before I knew the Gilbert's owned a lakehouse. My first fanfiction ever. It was inspired by a few bad boys I'm friends with. For extras, please visit badboysarebest (dot) livejournal (dot) com.