(act one, chapter two: night of the comet)

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"I'm confused. Are you psychic or clairvoyant?" Caroline asked Bonnie as she, Buffy, and Bonnie walked through the hallways between classes.

Bonnie shrugged, her expression thoughtful. "Technically, Grams says I'm a witch. My ancestors were these really cool Salem witch chicks or something. Grams tried to explain it once, but she was looped on the liquor. So I kinda tuned out. Crazy family, right? Witches? I don't think so."

"You're gonna be Hermione Granger. Maybe even cooler. And than I can be Ginny. And Care can be Luna." Buffy spoke, excitedly.

"I thought you loved Hermione more." Bonnie said to her.

Buffy dramatically placed a hand on her chest. "I do! But I can love them both. I just relate more to Hermione. She's all about the brains and the book smarts, and you know that's totally me."

Bonnie chuckled to herself.  "Well, you've definitely got some Ginny in you too," she replied with a smirk.

"Please tell me you mean book Ginny, not the movie one." Buffy voiced. Don't get her wrong she likes movie Ginny but the one from the books is just so much better. The books are just better than the movies.  I mean, come on, she's fierce and brave, and she has her own story. I want that!"

"Yep, the one from the books," Bonnie confirmed, laughing as memories of their childhood flashed through her mind. "Remember when you made me read the first book when we were younger? I loved it! But then I got to the fifth, and it was just too long for me to finish. You, on the other hand, devoured those books. I swear you read them at least once a year!"

Buffy waved her hand dismissively. "It's called dedication! Plus, I get so invested in the characters. I just can't help it. And think about how much fun it would be to actually live in that world! Magic, adventure, and the occasional dark wizard. Way more exciting than this school drama."

"Yeah, well, feel free to conjure up the name and number of that guy from last night," Caroline interrupted, a playful smirk on her face as she recalled the handsome guy from the grill. A hint of jealousy crept in; Bonnie had Elena, so why couldn't she have a chance at someone too?

"I didn't see him. You did," Bonnie replied, smiling knowingly at Caroline.

"Why didn't you just talk to him?" Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow. She knew her best friend would usually jump at the chance to talk to any cute guy.

"I don't know," Caroline shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "I was drunk."

Buffy burst out laughing, shaking her head. "Well, next time, just channel your inner non-drunk! You know, be all brave and take charge!"

The three girls erupted into laughter, their joy echoing through the hall as they continued making their way to class.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"As Jeremy's teacher, I'm concerned. All right, it's the third day of school, and he's skipped six of his classes," Mr. Tanner said, glancing through Jeremy's file. The pages were filled with notes detailing the boy's misbehavior and absences, each line like a weight hanging over the room.

Jenna's heart sank. "Mr. Tanner, are you aware that Jeremy and Elena's parents died?" She hoped this would soften the man's stern demeanor.

Tanner nodded, his expression momentarily serious.

"Four months ago, a great loss. Car accident. Wickery Bridge, if I remember correctly. And you're related to the family how? The mother's kid sister?" Tanner looked at her questioningly.

"Younger sister. Yes," Jenna replied, trying to maintain her composure, but she felt the weight of grief settle over her again.

"Right." Tanner nodded, making notes. "Six classes? Are you sure? I mean, that's kind of hard to do."

"Not when you're on drugs. It's his attempt at coping, Miss Sommers. And the signs are there. He's moody, withdrawn, argumentative, hung-over," Tanner continued, his tone clinical as if he were assessing a patient rather than a troubled teenager. "Are there any other relatives in the picture?"

"I'm their sole guardian." The words felt heavy in her mouth, laden with the reality of her responsibility.

Tanner hummed thoughtfully. "Could there be?"

"What are you suggesting exactly?" Jenna asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her voice. She could feel the tension in the room growing thick.

"It's an impossible job, isn't it? Raising two teens," Tanner said, his voice carrying an accusatory tone, as if blaming her for Jeremy's struggles.

Jenna let out a short laugh, a mix of disbelief and frustration. "It's been tough, but no, it's not. I've done it for sixteen years now. I know how to handle things."

"Wrong answer. It is an extremely impossible job. Anything less, and you're not doing it properly." He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, giving her a scrutinizing look.

She felt her temper flare. "I think you forgot that I have a daughter, and I did a perfectly good job at raising her." Her voice was firm, but inside, she was nervous. What if he brought Buffy into this?

"Ah yes. Elizabeth—"

"Buffy. Her name is Buffy." Jenna interjected, her tone sharper than intended. By now, as a teacher, he should know how his students were called. It felt personal, as if he was undermining her effort as a guardian.

"Fine, Buffy is also a problem. Talking back to teachers, not focusing in class, passing notes. It is getting out of hand," Tanner continued, shaking his head as if he were disappointed.

"Look, I know teenagers can be a handful," Jenna replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "But I'm doing the best I can under these circumstances. Jeremy is grieving, and so are Elena and Buffy. They all need support, not judgment."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"I was talking to Grams. She said the comet is a sign of impending doom. The last time it passed over Mystic Falls, there was lots of death. So much blood and carnage, it created a bed of paranormal activity," Bonnie explained, her tone serious as the four girls sat outside the Grill after school, the afternoon sun casting warm light on their faces.

"Yeah, and then you poured Grams another shot, and she told you about aliens," Caroline shot back sarcastically, a smirk on her face.

Bonnie rolled her eyes, but before she could respond, Buffy chimed in. "No, actually, I've heard about that. The whole thing isn't as crazy as it sounds." She smiled at Bonnie, who returned the gesture gratefully.

"So then what?" Caroline pressed, eager to steer the conversation back to Elena.

Elena sighed, running a hand through her hair. "So then nothing."

"You and Stefan talked all night. There was no sloppy first kiss or touchy-feely of any kind?" Caroline continued, her curiosity piqued.

"Nope, we didn't go there," Elena replied, her voice firm.

"Not even a handshake?" Buffy asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"Elena, we are your friends, okay? You are supposed to share the smut." Caroline added with a playful grin, leaning closer as if waiting for a juicy confession.

"We just talked for hours," Elena insisted, but her friends weren't buying it.

"Quite cute actually but really nothing happened?" Buffy pressed, her tone curious and encouraging.

"You were listening outside the door, Buffy," Elena said, raising an eyebrow at her sister.

"Yes, until you pushed my back into my room!" Buffy exclaimed, with offense as she recalled how Elena had quite literally shoved her back inside the room. "That was so rude!"

"Wouldn't be surprised if you kept listening," Elena teased, a sly smile forming on her lips.

Buffy crossed her arms, pretending to look annoyed. 

"What is with the blockage? Just jump his bones already! Okay, it's easy: boy likes girl, girl likes boy, sex!" Caroline spoke.

"Profound," Elena replied dryly, grabbing her jacket off the chair and shaking her head at her sister's boldness.

"Where are you going?" Bonnie asked as Elena stood up, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Caroline's right. It is easy. If I sit here long enough, I'll end up talking myself out of it, instead of doing what I started the day saying I was gonna do." Elena shrugged, determination in her eyes.

"Have fun getting laid." Buffy called after her, waving as Elena walked away. Once Elena was out of sight, she turned to Caroline with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Hey, I'm also going."

"Going where? Also getting laid?" Caroline asked, wiggling her eyebrows and grinning.

"Nope." Buffy replied, popping the "p" for emphasis. "Home."

Caroline feigned shock, clutching her chest dramatically. "You? Going home? What kind of sorcery is this?"

Buffy laughed, brushing off Caroline's playful accusation. "I have homework, remember? And besides, someone needs to keep an eye on things at home."

"Okay, fine," Caroline said with a mock sigh. "But you're missing out on all the fun."

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"He's on the rebound and has raging family issues," Elena said, chopping vegetables as she prepared a quick meal for herself. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board filled the kitchen.

Buffy looked up from her seat at the table, her book momentarily forgotten. "At least it's an ex-girlfriend. That's better than the alternative." She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a smirk.

"Yeah, just wait until you date a guy with mommy issues." Her mother chimed in as she entered the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. She leaned against the counter, grabbing a piece of fruit from the bowl.

"Or cheating issues," Buffy added, the corners of her mouth curling into a teasing grin as she put her book down completely, realizing she wouldn't be able to focus on reading if they were gossiping about potential boyfriends.

"Or amphetamine issues," Jenna spoke as they heard the front door open and Jeremy walking in. "Jeremy!"

Jeremy walked in the hall, his expression sullen as he noticed the three of them. He tried to make a quick getaway, heading towards the stairs.

"Jeremy, where were you?" Jenna asked him as she went after the fifteen-year-old, who was going up the stairs.

"More stoner stories?" Jeremy sighed dramatically, rolling his eyes. "Jenna, I get it. You were cool once, and that's cool, but I'm not interested."

Buffy listened as she heard the heavy thump of Jeremy's footsteps ascending the stairs, a sound that always signaled his retreat. Just then, she caught a glimpse of her mom tossing the apple she had been holding, aiming perfectly for Jeremy's back.

"Ow! Why? Why did you do that?" He yelled down the stairs, his voice tinged with both surprise and irritation.

"Listen up. Quit ditching class, or you're grounded. No discussion." Jenna's voice was calm but authoritative, echoing through the house.

Buffy couldn't help but chuckle at the exchange. "Parental authority. I like it. Use it on Buffy. Sleep tight." Jeremy shot back, sarcasm dripping from his words as he continued up the stairs, disappearing from view.

"Sleep tight!" Jenna called after him, her voice light but carrying a hint of concern.

Buffy turned to her mother, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Don't worry, Mom. You're doing the best you can." She said, her voice soothing. She could see the weariness in Jenna's eyes and wanted to reassure her.

Jenna smiled back, her heart swelling with gratitude for the bond they shared. She walked over to Buffy, wrapping her arms around her in a gentle embrace. "I appreciate that, sweetheart. It means a lot. I'm just trying to figure things out."

Buffy hugged her mother tightly, feeling the warmth and love radiate between them. "You know, no secrets is so much easier. It makes everything feel lighter," she said, pulling back to look into her mother's eyes.

"Exactly. I wish Jeremy would understand that too," Jenna said, her tone softening as she thought about her nephew.  She knew it would take time for him to open up again after everything he had been through. But she was determined not to give up. "He's hurting, and I want to help him, but I can't if he keeps shutting me out."

Buffy nodded, her expression turning serious. "He'll come around, Mom. It just might take a little time. Just keep being there for him."

Jenna squeezed her daughter's hand, feeling the weight of her words. "Thank you, Buffy."

"Always," Buffy replied, her confidence shining through. "We're a team, right?"

"Always," Jenna echoed, her heart feeling a little lighter as they stood together in the kitchen, facing the challenges ahead as a united front.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

"Hey, I got you a candle." Caroline spoke, handing it to Buffy before linking her arms with her.

"Thanks, Care." Buffy replied with a soft smile. She then bumped into Tyler, who lit her candle.

"Oh, thanks, Tyler." Buffy said, glancing at the flame flickering in her hand.

"No problem, Buffy." Tyler replied, giving her a lingering look before walking off.

Elena walked off towards Matt, who lit her candle before she bumped into Stefan.

"Hey, have you seen James?" Buffy asked, looking around the square and noticing his absence.

"No, were you meeting him here?" Caroline asked as she and Buffy both watched Bonnie walking off.

Buffy shook her head, sighing. "Not exactly. He said he'd try to make it." 

Just then, Matt walked over to the blondes. "Hey, Buf, Caroline."

"Hey, Matt." Buffy greeted him warmly.

Matt smiled at Buffy. They had been good friends before, though not best friends. Since the accident, they hadn't really spoken much.

"Matt?" Caroline asked, snapping her fingers in front of his face.

"Yeah?" Matt blinked, refocusing.

"We wanna go inside." Buffy suggested, glancing toward the Grill. "Wanna come with us?"

Matt nodded, and the three of them made their way over to the Grill. Tyler had joined them as they sat down at a table.

"Has anyone seen Vicki?" Jeremy asked as he approached them.

"You're her stalker. You tell us," Tyler quipped, sitting down next to Buffy.

'Lucky me'. He thought.

"I can't find her."

"Probably found someone to party with. Sorry, pill pusher, you were replaced." Tyler spoke to Jeremy, who was looking around in panic.

"What's with 'pill pusher'?" Elena asked, eyeing Tyler suspiciously.

"Ask him." Tyler shot back, nodding toward Jeremy.

"You wanna do this right now?" Jeremy challenged.

"Are you dealing?" Elena asked, standing up, her tone sharp.

"She's never gonna go for you." Tyler sneered.

"She already did." Jeremy replied, making Buffy's eyes widen in shock. She had suspected something, but hoped it wasn't true. Vicki was four years older than him, after all. "Over and over and over again."

WELL SHIT.

"Yeah, right."

"Okay, you slept with Vicki Donovan?" Caroline interjected, her voice full of disbelief. "I mean, Vicki Donovan slept with you?"

"There's no way." Buffy added, her tone in a whisper, glancing between Jeremy and Tyler.

"I didn't even have to force her into it." Jeremy said, locking eyes with Tyler, full of hate.

Buffy exchanged a worried look with Bonnie. This is spiraling way too fast.

"What is he talking about?" Matt asked, confused.

"Nothing, man. Ignore him. He's a punk." Tyler dismissed.

"You know what? How about you all shut up and help me find my sister?" Matt snapped, frustration clear in his voice.

Buffy softened, giving him a sympathetic look. "I'll check the bathroom, Matt. Don't worry, we'll find her." She reached out and squeezed his shoulder before standing up. "Come on, Care, Bonnie, let's go."

As they walked away, Buffy leaned over to Bonnie. "I don't like this, Bon. Something's off about all this Vicki and Jeremy stuff. I hope it's not as bad as it sounds."

Bonnie nodded, her expression serious. "I know. It feels like things are about to blow up."

Luckily for them Stefan had found her not much later.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Words: 2604

Posted: January 10, 2024

Be sure to comment. I love reading them and it keeps me motivated!

Updates are gonna be on Wednesday and Sunday. If I'm too busy with school it will only be on Sunday.

x Kat