Hey guys! This is sort of a filler chapter, but I've been very busy, so don't hate me or stop reading because of it. Actually, after I wrote this I realize that it wasn't that much of a filler. I promise we will see more of the heretics next chapter! I love you all. You've shown me that my writing isn't so bad. This story even got to 8.9k reads! I never would have dreamed of something like this happening almost 5 years ago when I started on wattpad. Different account, abandoned, but still.

To everyone in America who is doing distance learning during this pandemic, I wish you the best of luck. I have 3 classes on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. All online. In my humble opinion, it won't be so bad. I know that some of you may not work the best online, but I know you will be able to pull through. Each and every one of you is strong. You may never be able to see it, but I do, even if I've never met you. It's a hard time to live through right now. Over 500k dead all over the world from this thing. I implore you to wear the mask and to socially distance. You may not die from it, but I will. I am not only overweight but I have breathing issues and a bad immune system under stress. Clearly I am under a lot of stress right now while writing this book, as writing has and will always be a form of escape for me.

I usually don't share personal information like this, but you need to understand the gravity of what happens in life. My father had a heart attack in October of last year. I was 14 years old. Now, I'm almost 15 and my father has almost died in front of me 2 times. He has diabetes and heart disease. He is also an asthmatic like me with permanent lung damage. If he gets this, it will be game over. When you don't wear your mask and socially distance, you are hurting families like mine. We only go out a few times a week, usually for my many doctors appointments. One exposure is all it takes. Just be careful. I need my dad and my mom and family need me. If your willing to take the risk for yourself, remember that you are forcing your decision on us all and will further the spread of COVID-19.

Stay safe and enjoy The Original Heretic, my original escape.

While life had never been simple, things now had become even more complicated than I had ever imagined. Damon and Stefan were hurting after their mother and I was unable to find a way that would comfort them. The heretics were mourning Lily as well. The last few heretics had woken up and were chatting amongst themselves, trying to figure out just what they were going to do now that Lily had been left in the prison world.

The woman was a ripper without her mate. Stefan acted nothing like her when he fed. She would be a danger to Jeremy and the humans of Mystic Falls. As much as I wanted to give her children a chance to be with them, I could not allow the humans in the town to fall victim to her bloodlust.

I did not hear from Elena and Alaric personally for weeks, but Caroline did say that she was constantly trying to get her to meet up with her and her guardian about Jer. The boy didn't want to be anywhere near her. She had messed with his best friend who had his back through everything. Elena did not know about Lily Salvatore and the destruction she had left with her existence. If she did, who knows what she would do to try and get Damon and Stefan back. The girl was not in love, she was just plain obsessed. Anyone who actually loved someone would just want that love to be happy, even if it meant that they go off and be with another person.

Everything about the doppelganger screamed stupid and jealous. She had gotten Tyler to try and get back with Caroline, claiming that he still wanted her and that his ex deserved better than the Original Hybrid. I personally found it offensive. My brother would do anything for Caroline, even if it meant tearing out his heart over and over. No matter what, everything he did, it was for her and her happiness.

Nothing about what was going on was normal. Then again, our lives had never been normal. Our past was filled with darkness and blood, we were born from it and eventually it would likely be the death of us. It felt like nothing I did would ever be enough. We would always have family, but we would also always have enemies. Always and forever would be such a long time indeed.

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"Do you think that I could turn when I get old enough?" Jer had caught me by surprise, something that he had been doing quite often these past few weeks. Jer? Turning is a big deal. Then again, the heretics would appreciate the lack of a tasty snack in their home. You aren't a snack, but you still have blood and they seem to be in less control of their lust for blood than the rest of us. Must be due to Lily and her ways. That kind of thing can rub off on a person.

"Jer, why would you want to live forever? To choose that?" Henrik asks his best friend. Henrik had already turned, but into a normal vampire. I am still trying to learn how to turn a normal vampire into an Original. I wanted him to be as safe as possible. Henrik was not indestructible like the rest of us and it worried me to no end seeing him go out, even with super strength and senses.

"I want to be with you all forever, Henrik, is that so bad? Believe me, drinking blood sounds kinda gross as a human, but you seem to like the taste," Jer points out. Henrik lets out a low grumble. "Plus, I could potentially find a mate. Astrid and her mates look happy with each other. Nik and Caroline are happy as can be."

I pinch the tip of my nose in thought. No, it wouldn't be so bad having Jer around all the time. He's a good kid and has started to tame Kol in ways I never thought possible. Henrik, he makes you happy as well. I swear, I bet you two are so gay for each other. That look just screams gay.

"I mean, yeah it would be nice to have you around forever, but you would also be missing out on the human experience," Henrik tries to argue, but Jer looks unamused. It seems as if he has already made up his mind and will be doing it. I bet Jer just wants Henrik's approval because he is his only friend besides Kol right now.

Speaking of the devil, he's drinking a blood bag on the couch, likely listening to the entire conversation. You sneaky devil, you. You just love to watch and observe this crap go down, don't you?

"What human experience? You mean the experience that starts with a crying baby and ends with death? I don't want to be away from you, Henrik," Jer almost pleads. I try not to giggle at his choice of words. You sound like you're trying to profess your undying love for my brother, Jer. I love it. I'll set up the wedding and pick out the suit with you. I accept this relationship, as nonexistent as it is right now. I swear, you two are so cute-

My thoughts of the potential of Henrik and Jeremy are interrupted by a knock at the door. Annoyed and stressed, I go to the door only to find Matt Donovan. I remembered him from the gym. Damn, he probably thinks I'm a bitch. I usually don't get that bitchy. Then again, I needed to help Nik.

"Hey, Astrid," he says awkwardly. Henrik runs to the door, wanting to see who was on the other side. "Hey, Henrik."

"Mattie Blue! How are you doing? Please don't tell me the bitch told you to come here. Caroline has specifically told her that she does not want to speak to her. She did almost make her go feral. I think that I would kill the bitch if I saw her. That is why I stay in the house, to make sure that Astrid's word is kept," Henrik rambles on. Matt laughs at his ramblings. The real question is how the hell Matt knows Henrik? Actually, why does Henrik call Matt Mattie Blue? Odd nickname. I've probably used it myself. Maybe Henrik saw that on the other side and then took it for himself.

"She didn't send me, Henrik, I promise," Caroline walks down the stairs with Nik beside her as Matt speaks. She smiles at her ex. Caroline had still wanted for them to be friends, much to Nik's dismay. "Look, I just wanted to check up on Henrik and Caroline. You guys were my friends and I know that we aren't close anymore, but I still care about you. If these people keep you safe and happy, I have no problem with it. I don't know why Elena even cares at this point. I have no clue how this mating bond works, but it looks like it makes you all really happy."

Matt was one of those people who got dragged into things because he cared so much. Elena had done him dirty so many times. Elena had hurt Matt on many different occasions, even before her parents had died, according to Stefan. The blue-eyed boy just wanted his friends, and she gave him dirty looks whenever he tried to talk to them during school. The doppelganger had become so controlling over the people she claimed to care about. It was abusive and so manipulative. Her claims of innocence were useless, I knew who she was on the inside. After all, all doppelgangers are the same.

Caroline walks with Nik, him still holding her hand. "Hey Matt! I didn't know that you would stop by," Caroline had a permanent glow to her now. Nik did as well. We were lucky that Caroline came around in the end because I didn't know if I could deal with this whole heretic situation on my own. Mary Lou and Nora seemed to love the blonde vampire, going shopping with her. Of course, she dragged Nik along. My brother always did pay for everything.

"I needed to talk to you all. First, I see that you're all okay. Jesus, Elena is going crazy about it. Can't seem to get it through her head that you are all happy as a family. I think she's going to do something bad. I know that she will see this as betrayal, but Caroline and Jer are my friends and you are their family now," Matt begins, still standing at the door.

"What do you think that she has planned, Donovan?" Nik questions, sounding more worried than rude towards the fair eyed man.

"Do you know anybody named Esther?"