Caroline Forbes used to be childish. She used to dress up and curl her hair in front of the mirror and pretend that she was going to some ball with a prince. She used to crave attention and seek every chance to shine. Caroline was a child much longer than most teenagers. Then everything changed. A bite and pain and now she would never grow old.

Caroline Forbes used to need people's approval. She used to flirt and bat her eyes at every boy she met. Mostly Matt. She had always wanted his approval most of all. But he had been Elena's boyfriend. Wasn't it ironic? Caroline Forbes had loved Matt for a long time. Maybe she always would. But she didn't feel need to flirt with him anymore. She didn't feel the need for his attention or that he would laugh at her jokes. Matt was nice and that was it.

Caroline Forbes had grown up always envying Elena Gilbert. Elena was well-spoken and nice and boys liked her without her needing to bat a single lash. While Caroline struggled in school, Elena had straight A's. When Caroline's mom only bought her simple clothes, Elena wore expensive clothes with such grace it literally hurt. Caroline Forbes had always envied Elena Gilbert and now it was worse than ever.

Caroline Forbes hadn't meant to fall in love with Stefan Salvatore. Actually, she had done everything in her power to resist that feeling. She had gotten together with Matt, felt his heart next to hers, but never felt anything inside. When Stefan held her hands and dried her tears, her body felt like it was on fire. It wasn't her fault, it really wasn't, but she was falling in love with her best friend's boyfriend. Again.

Caroline Forbes envied Elena Gilbert more than ever because this time, she knew that Elena relationship would last. Caroline saw how much Elena loved Stefan. She saw how much Stefan loved Elena. That was why it was worse this time. The pain would never end.

Caroline Forbes didn't dress up and pretend she was going to a ball anymore. Instead she watched Stefan and Elena and pretended she was them. She didn't seek attention, she hid so that she could watch Stefan without being caught. She didn't flirt with anyone, flirting with Stefan would be pointless, she realized that.

Caroline Forbes had grown up and her life had changed. And it hurt, so bad.