❝Don't let how you feel, make you forget what you deserve❞
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"Rowan Fell, you have to go."

"I don't want to." I groaned pulling my blanket over my head. "Go without me."

"You know everyone is expecting you to be there. You're apart of the Founding Family." My mother pestered.

"No. You and Logan are. Or was." I defended. "And I don't see the point of bringing chili. Everyone brings chili."

"It's tradition." She deadpanned. I could feel she's getting impatient with me. "I know you are going through things with Tyler, but you still have to go."

"That has nothing to do with Tyler. He's going to be at practice today, so..." I muttered and she sighs loudly. "I just hate parties." It was silent after a few seconds before she pulled the blanket off my body with such force. "Mom." I whined like a little child. I hold out my hand, moving it around frantically trying to get it back.

"You have twenty minutes to be ready and be nicely dressed. We are going to stop by the Lockwood's, then you can meet up with Elena at her house. Deal? Deal. And I want you to wear a dress this time, since the last time you came to the party wearing sweats and Marvel T-shirt." She commanded, tossing my blanket in the far corner of my room and left.

I turned on my back, crossing my arms and blowing the strands of hair out my face. There is no point for me to go, because the only point of a Founder's Party is to have a private meeting about the supernatural.

But, I wanted to make my mom proud. She knew I hated the council, so she never pestered me about joining it. I stood from my bed and walked to bathroom, taking a quick shower and my morning routine.

When I come out of the bathroom, I put on my gray short sleeved dress, with knee high tights, tan suede boots, and a blue jean jacket.

I put on my my heart shaped earrings and necklace before placing my bag over my shoulder.

"Rowan." My mother bellowed and I sighed.

"I'm coming." I grabbed my phone and walk downstairs, seeing my mom holding a big pot of chili. "You know, you could have at least been different and made pasta." She past me the pot of chili, signalling me to hold it.

"I slaved over the kitchen all morning, not thanks to you." She glared. "And, no, it can't be different since it's-"

"Tradition." I cut her off. I heard it over a million times. I walked out the door first and she followed, fixing her earrings.

"You look decent, sweetie." She complimented and I grimace.

"Thank you." I gritted through my teeth as she began pulling my hair behind my ear.

"You could have done something to your hair, though. You always leave it down. Why can't you at least put it in a ponytail or a messy bun, I heard those are the styles these day." I roll my eyes at her. Despite her compliment, she still feels the need to give her negative feedback.

I didn't respond to her as we walked to the Lockwood's house. My mom didn't want to spill it as we drove and either way it was only a 5 minute walk. Tops.

"And please don't embarrass me. Most of the time when I'm at a the council meeting, you doing something stupid and idiotic that reflects on me." She sighed, dropping her hands to her side. I just nod at her, lowly humming any sung that was in my mind until we got there.

My mother and I were never big on conversations. Well, we used to be until Logan died. He was a my cousin, but she treated him as if that was her child more than me.

When we make it there, my mom rung the bell before quickly fixing her dress and fixing my hair. "Mom." I said, but she continued to touch my hair, "Mom. Stop." My voice was serious, making her look me square in the eye before turning to the door when it opened.

"Carol." My mom smiled.

"Allison." Mrs.Lockwood smiled, hugging my mom shortly. "Hello, Rowan. I haven't seen you all summer."

"Yeah, she was just studying and trying to get ready for school." My mom said for me. I just smiled, looking down at my boots, knowing she was lying. She always had to made me seem like the perfect daughter.

"Good for you. I wish Tyler was like that." She replied. "Well, come on in." Mrs.Lockwood moved to the side, letting us in.

"Where do I put this?" I asked, gesturing towards the pot.

"In the backyard. You'll see your name." She smiled and I nodded, walking away. I walked to the backyard, seeing a bunch of name tags on the table. My eyes scan for my last name and when I find it I place the chili down.

I huffed before going back inside, seeing my mom laughing at something Mrs.Lockwood said. "Um, well, I got to go help Elena." I told them.

"Oh, okay. Tyler can drive you."

"It's fine." I said quickly.

"Oh don't be silly, Rowan. Tyler has to go to practice anyways." Mrs.Lockwood smiled, "Tyler!" She called and within seconds, I hear footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Yeah mom?" I didn't want to face him. I just looked at my mom who was twirling the straw that sat in he strawberry lemonade.

"Rowan needs a ride to Elena's? Is it okay if you take her?" She asked him.

"Yeah… um, okay." He said, walking beside me. Soon enough, we were pushed out the door and towards his car. I got into the passenger seat, looking down at my phone as he got into the driver seat. He didn't try to say anything to me, which was good as he began to drive to Elena's. "When I got you your car back, I thought you would use it." He joked. I laugh dryly at his words, causing it to be awkwardly silent now.

I didn't say anything to him, so I guess he got the memo that I wanted it to be quiet the rest of the way. When we make it to her house, I mutter a thank you before getting out. I speed walked to her door, ringing it constantly before I heard someone yell 'come in'. I open it and close it behind me, walking to the kitchen.

"I just had the most awkward car ride with Ty-" I cut myself off short when I saw Bonnie was here. And Caroline. But Bonnie! "Bonnie." I squeal, hugging her. She was sitting down so I was practically hugging her back.

"Hey, Ro." She said, rubbing my shoulder. "But the problem with my dad's side of the family is normal made for a really boring summer."

"After the last few days, I would kill for a normal family." Caroline said as she help Elena cook. I have to remember Caroline is my friend too, so I'm going to act nonchalant about the fact she kissed Tyler. She didn't know about us dating. He did.

"Since when did you learn how to cook?" I asked Elena.

"Damon helped a little." She responded and I smirked.

"Damon's helping you cook now?" Bonnie questioned, judgement seething in her voice.

"Stop judging. He's just trying to be a good- Ow!" Elena hissed out in pain.

"Did I splash you?" Caroline asked.

"No. My necklace." She said pulling it off her skin to reveal a pink bruise. "It burned me."

"Maybe it's a sign you shouldn't be wearing it." Caroline stated.

"Care." I said in warning tone and so did Bonnie.

"What, I just saying. If you're going to be 'cooking' without Stefan." Bonnie and I rolled our eyes at her statement.

"Let me see it." Bonnie said, changing the subject. Boonie looks at the necklace Elena held out and touches it, but caused an electric shock. Elena dropped the necklace before looking at us, bewildered.

"What the hell?" I muttered to myself.

•
•

"So your not, like, switching Salvatores are you?" Caroline asked my eyes widen.

"What?"

"Caroline." Bonnie sighed.

"Stay focused." She said to Bonnie, before turning back to Elena. "As your friend, who worried for you daily, what is the deal with you and Damon?" I rolled my eyes since I know Elena wasn't going to be honest.

"There is no deal. He's just been focused on finding Stefan as I have." I let out a fake cough, making Elena look at me. "And so has Rowan."

"Yeah, but that doesn't make him any less Damon. If my own father, who I love dearly can't change me, no one's changing Damon. Not even you." Caroline stated. She had a point. Damon may be willing to finding his brother, but he's still the same selfish ass everyone despises. He's not going to change his ways even for a girl he instantly fell in love with.

Or so to speak.

"Look, why are we even talking about this?"

"Hey, guys." Bonnie said, causing us to turn our heads to her. We all look as the necklace began to levitate.

"What's happening? Are you doing this?" I asked, concern in my voice.

"I'm not doing anything." Bonnie said and I shift in my seat next to Elena, "I has it's own magic."

•
•

Bonnie went to Elena's place for Jeremy to help her, so it was just Caroline, Elena and I. I was suppose to meet up with them so we could head home since my mom was still in the meeting.

After doing a little searching, I found them walking down the hallway to the door. "Hey. I was thinking if Stefan ever told you where he for the necklace from." I said when I caught up with them.

"No. And I never asked. Hopefully Bonnie will be able to figure it out." Elena said. I slowed my pace when a sharp pain reached my head and I heard faint chanting. I steadied myself on the railing of the stairs as Elena and Caroline walked to me. "Are you okay?"

I waved my hand dismissively, telling them I'm okay. "Why don't you go lay down. You looked flushed." Caroline suggested. I nodded, standing up, but still hold on to the railing. Voices began rings inside my head, calling out a name.

Gloria.

"Please tell me it's time to go." Alaric joined in, making me focus on my surroundings and try to peace together what's happening.

"Beyond. Where's Damon?"

"Probably off somewhere doing bad things to good people." Elena gave her a stern look, "Consider me the honesty police." She said before her face dropped.

"Care, what's wrong?" I asked. "What is it?"

"It's my dad." We all turn to in the direction of where her eyes are landed on and see her father.

"Why would he even show up here?" Elena questioned.

"I don't know. But can't … I'm gonna wait outside."

"I get it. I'll call you." Elena said and Caroline walks out the door.

"I'm going to go upstairs and lie down." I smiled wearily.

"Are you sure your okay?" Elena wondered and I nodded.

"Yeah. Tell my mom I'm still here if you see her." I walked up the stairs, my vision slightly blurry. Isn't Gloria the woman that owned the bar in Chicago? Why is her name being screamed in my head repeatedly?

Out of instinct, I realize that I'm in Tyler's room. I closed the door behind me softly and look around the room. It still was the same room he used to sneak me into after every party or event. He, himself, knew I hated parties and that I just wanted peace and quiet. This, in his case, was the quietest place in the whole house.

I guess he was right.

I walk to the bed, laying down and seeing he took down his posters of cars that hung above it and placed it by his dresser. Secretly, I missed his room. Whenever I had a problem, I'd come here and rant to him about every little thing.

"Rowan?" I quickly lifted my head and see Tyler standing by the door with his bag. He dropped it down and looked at me with a confused expression. "What are you doing here?"

"Not really sure. I just needed to be alone and this was the quietest place to be at." He chuckled at my response. He stayed by the door after closing it, while I sat on the bed.

"Why? What's wrong?" He asked, concern in his voice.

"I just got lightheaded. Too much people to be around." I lied, a sigh escaping my lips.

"You were never a fan of parties." He smiled and I returned it.

"I'm sorry." I said suddenly. He brought his eyebrows together so I continued. "I should have been mature and at least talked to you about what happened with Caroline. I know I wasn't there when you needed me the most, so I had no right to have gotten mad when you did what you did."

"Yes. Yes you did. I hurt you." He said softly. I look down at my hands, fumbling with them until he took ahold of them. "You shouldn't apologize to me. I was a dick." I laugh at his words before he embraces me in a hug.

I hug back, but break away quickly. "You smell like sweaty gym socks." I grimace and he smirked. "It's terrible."

"This," he said pointing to himself, "This is sexy."

"No, it really isn't." I laugh, but stop when I see his eyes flickering repeatedly looking at my lips. I stayed still as he inched closer. Is he going to kiss me? What about Caroline? Should I let him kiss me? Do I want him to?

His face was inches from mine, centimeters barely. He was moving closer to me and I hitched my breath. This is it. He was going to kiss me.

That is until my buzzed. Thank you god!

Or should I say my mom.

"I, uh, have to go. I'll see you?" I said and he muttered something under his breath before nodding. He backed away from me and I stood walking out his door, not daring to look back. I looked down at the the text that tells me to meet her in the backyard. When I pick my head up, I collide with a tall figure, my head pounding again.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?" A male voice asked. I peeped through my closed eyes, that always close on instinct when I bump into someone, and see a slightly tall boy with dark brown hair.

"Oh, um, no. I-It's fine. I'm fine, it's actually my fault." I shake my head. This is some serious déjà vu. He smiles at me and I take in his chocolate eyes that's staring into mine. "I, uh… I'm Rowan."

"I'm Dylan." He said to me. My phone buzzed again and my eyes widen. My mom! I totally forgot about that. "Something wrong?"

"Um, I just forgot that I have to meet someone. My mom. She's apart of the Founding Family." I rant and he chuckled. "I'm sorry, I'm being excessive."

"It's okay." He chuckled lightly. I take in his features some more, before he clears his throat.

"Oh, yeah. Right." I looked down at my phone and see her text, "I have to go."

"Okay."

"I'll see you around?" I questioned, backing away towards the backyard.

"Yeah, I guess so since your mom is apart of the Founding Family." He smirked. I nodded awkwardly before walking away to my mom. I mentally hit myself. Despite everything, I'm still antisocial.

I soon, see my mom talking indistinctly with Mrs.Lockwood, "Mom?"

"Hey, sweetie. I'm glad your still here, we can go now." She said and I nodded. We walk inside the house and saw Tyler by the stairs. He gives me a small smile before I walked outside. "Where did you go?"

"Nowhere." I muttered, "Just somewhere quiet."