NYX’s NIGHTFALL

NYX’s NIGHTFALL

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

“𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐭“

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

Natalya woke up to the soft rays of morning sunlight filtering through her curtains, casting a warm glow across her room. Stretching languidly, she yawned and blinked away the remnants of sleep, feeling the gentle tug of anticipation for the day ahead. The scent of fresh coffee wafted from the kitchen, enticing her out of bed. With a contented sigh, she swung her legs over the edge of the mattress, relishing the comforting familiarity of her morning routine as she prepared to face the day. As Natalya descended the stairs, she could hear the faint sounds of her aunt Jenna's anxious murmurs emanating from the kitchen. With a furrowed brow, she quickened her pace, wondering what had her usually composed aunt so flustered. Entering the kitchen, Natalya found Jenna pacing back and forth, a whirlwind of activity. "Aunt Jenna, what's wrong?" Natalya asked, concern evident in her voice. Jenna glanced up, a slightly frazzled look on her face. "Hey, Natalya. I'm just trying to figure out what to whip up for breakfast for the first day back to school. Any suggestions?" she said, tossing a few ingredients onto the counter. Natalya surveyed the options and shrugged. "How about some simple pancakes or scrambled eggs? Can't go wrong with those," she suggested. Jenna nodded, relieved. "Good call." As they were setting the table, Elena descended the stairs, her usually vibrant demeanor replaced by a somber expression. Natalya and Jenna exchanged concerned glances as Elena joined them at the table, her eyes cast downward. "Morning, lena. You okay?" Natalya asked, reaching out to gently squeeze her sister's hand. Elena managed a weak smile. "Yeah, just not feeling it today, you know?" she replied, her voice tinged with melancholy. Natalya nodded understandingly, offering her sister a supportive nod. Jenna chimed in, placing a comforting hand on Elena's shoulder. "You're not alone, Elena. We're here for you," she reassured, her words carrying a sense of warmth and understanding. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the staircase, signaling Jeremy's arrival. However, when he entered the kitchen, it was immediately evident that something was off. His eyes were bloodshot, and a faint scent lingered in the air, unmistakable to Natalya and Elena. Natalya furrowed her brow, concern evident in her voice. "Jeremy, are you okay?" she asked, eyeing him closely. Jeremy scoffed, his movements sharp. "Yeah, I'm fine," he retorted, his tone defensive. Elena exchanged a worried glance with Jenna, sensing the tension in the room. "Jeremy, it's obvious you're not okay. What's going on?" she pressed, her voice tinged with frustration. Jeremy shook his head adamantly. "I'm not high, okay? Just tired," he insisted, his words laced with defiance. Elena didn't hold back. "Jeremy, cut the act. We know what's up," she said bluntly, her tone cutting through the tension. "Just leave me alone. alright?" Jeremy said as he walked out of the house. The two sisters looked at each other. "Aunt Jenna, we're going to pick up bonnie. Love you." Natalya said as she grabbed her keys.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

The car ride to school was eerily quiet, the weight of their recent loss hanging heavily in the air. Natalya gripped the steering wheel with white-knuckled determination, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. Beside her sat Elena, her expression somber as she stared out the window, lost in her thoughts. Bonnie, in the backseat, fidgeted nervously with the strap of her backpack, unsure of what to say. The three friends had been inseparable since childhood, but the events of the past summer had left them all reeling.As they approached the school gates, Natalya's grip on the steering wheel tightened. This would be their first day back since the accident that had claimed both of their parents' lives. The familiar sight of the school brought a flood of memories, both happy and painful.Elena let out a shaky breath, breaking the silence. "I don't know if I can do this," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Natalya glanced at her sister, her own heart heavy with grief. "We'll get through this together, Elena. We have each other," she said, her voice filled with determination.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

As the three girls strolled down the halls of Mystic Falls High School, Bonnie animatedly recounted a conversation with her grandmother. "So, Grams tells me I'm psychic because we're descendants of the Celtic Druids. I know, right? I wasn't buying it either until I remembered my accuracy. I predicted Obama, David Cook, Heath Ledger, Britney's comeback, and I still think Florida will break off and become little resort islands. I think there's something to it," she explained, her voice filled with enthusiasm. Elena, lost in her own thoughts, paid little attention to Bonnie's ramblings as her gaze remained fixed on Matt, her ex-boyfriend. Bonnie noticed Elena's distraction and made eye contact with Natalya, who subtly gestured towards Matt. "Did I tell you about the orgy? I had the football team over. Threw a blindfold on. I still don't know who took my virginity -- EARTH TO ELENA," Bonnie exclaimed, snapping her fingers to get Elena's attention.

Startled, Elena jumped and turned her focus back to Bonnie. Behind her, Natalya struggled to suppress a laugh. "I'm sorry, it's just... I feel so bad. I broke up with him after our parents died, and... ugh, I don't know. I promise I heard what you said though," Elena apologized, leaning against the lockers. "Oh yeah? Then why don't you tell us what Elfie said?" Natalya teased, using a childhood nickname for Bonnie. Their grandmother, Sheila, had always played their favorite soundtrack, "Wicked," hence the nickname. "C'mon, then tell me," Bonnie urged, turning her attention back to Elena. "You were saying something about being psychic." Elena nodded, a curious expression on her face. "Huh, she missed the most important part," Natalya remarked, adjusting her hair. "Okay then, predict what's in store for me," Elena challenged, locking eyes with Bonnie. "I predict this year is going to be kick-ass. And I predict all the sad and dark moments are going away. You both are going to be happier than happy, with smoking hot sex too," Bonnie declared with a grin, her confidence shining through. Natalya scoffed at Bonnie's prediction. "Puh-lease, I'm not having piping hot sex with anyone. I'm waiting for a nice, rich guy, maybe older, to sweep me away and fly me to Paris before I put out," she stated matter-of-factly. "Well, it's always nice to have dreams, Glinda," Bonnie teased, her gaze shifting to Caroline, who was approaching their group. "Hey! Oh my gosh, Elena, Natalya, how are you guys? It's so good to see you," Caroline exclaimed, enveloping both girls in a tight hug. While Elena seemed less enthusiastic, Natalya reciprocated the hug with her usual bubbly demeanor. "Thanks, Caroline, we're hanging in there," Natalya replied as she pulled away, smiling warmly at her. As Elena busied herself with her locker, Caroline turned her attention to her. "So, have you seen Matt yet?" she inquired, her gaze fixed on Elena. Natalya's eyes widened in surprise. It wasn't a secret that Elena and Matt had broken up. "They broke up, Caroline," Bonnie interjected, shooting Caroline a disapproving look. "I know, but that doesn't mean they can't talk," Caroline insisted, her attention still on Elena. "You're right, it doesn't. But Elena and I have been through a lot, so why would she want a constant reminder of the relationship that failed because our parents died?" Natalya snapped at Caroline, her frustration evident. As if on cue, Matt approached their group. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear," Natalya muttered under her breath to Bonnie, who smirked in response. "Hey, guys..." Matt's eyes scanned over all three girls before settling on Elena. She offered him a small smile, a departure from her usual demeanor. "Hi, Matt," she greeted softly, looking down. He nodded in acknowledgment. "Good to see you," he replied before walking off in the other direction. "Well, that was fucking weird. What was he trying to accomplish with that stupid move?" Natalya sighed, unable to make sense of Matt's actions. It baffled her how upset he seemed with Elena when she hadn't left him for someone else. Caroline turned around and walked away before she could worsen the situation. "You know, Lena, don't let Matt get to you with his stupid games. Same with Caroline. Well, actually, Caroline cares about you. Matt is TBD," Natalya remarked as the three girls started walking down the hallway. They passed the admin office when Bonnie abruptly stopped. "Who's that?" she questioned, prompting the sisters to look through the window. "We can only see his back," Elena responded. "Yeah, but it's a hot back," Natalya winked at Elena.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

The secretary looked up at Stefan as he leaned over the desk. "I'm sorry, but your records are incomplete," she said. "Are they?" Stefan mocked. "You're missing immunization records, transcripts, parental contact information..." she rambled, shaking her head. "We really prefer parents to come in and meet with us in person, and we absolutely insist on transcripts," she said, looking up at him. Stefan lowered his sunglasses as his eyes dilated, captivating the woman's gaze. "Please look again. I'm sure everything you need is there," he said. The secretary looked back down, slightly disoriented. "Well, would you look at that! You're right, everything is here."

"Please don't be ugly, please don't be ugly," Bonnie chanted as he slowly turned around and made eye contact with the girls. "Oh wow, ten out of ten handsome," Natalya remarked. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jeremy walk past with what she called his stoner friends. She watched as he dragged his feet, swaying a bit. "Oh, he's definitely stoned," she thought to herself. She quickly excused herself as she watched him enter the men's room. She ran off towards the room, not angry at him, but upset with how terribly he was doing at hiding it. Jenna didn't deserve the shit storm that would come crashing down on her if the school found out. She slammed the men's room door open as Jeremy was putting eye drops in his eyes. Ignoring the two guys using the urinals, she grabbed Jeremy and spun him around, pushing him back a little. She took one look into his eyes and saw how bloodshot they were. Jeremy jerked his arm away from Natalya. "Great first day of school and you're stoned. You know I hate being the bad sister, but I can't keep letting you do this to yourself," she said. "I'm not stoned," he said. "You were stoned when you left the house this morning, Jeremy. Elena might have believed you, but I sure as hell didn't," she responded as she started digging through his coat pockets trying to find his stash. He jerked away, but she was faster. "Where is it? Is it on you?" she said, fighting with him. "You need to chill yourself," he said back in a lazy tone. "Chill yourself... Oh, stoner talk, you're so cool," she mocked him. "There's none on me, stop it," he said as he pushed her back, trying to get her to back down. "No, I'm going to be on your ass every single time. Do you even stop to think about how this is affecting others, Jeremy? I get it, you're hurting, and that's okay, do what you need to do. But don't do it where there are people who can make our lives an even bigger fucking mess than it is now. Do you even stop to think about how this could affect Aunt Jenna? The woman who stopped her life to take care of us so we weren't orphans? So, next time you go to take a hit from a bong, think to yourself... Is it worth it? Because I promise you, I will be there every time to ruin your buzz. Got it?" Natalya said frantically. Jeremy couldn't think of what to say, his silence scared Natalya. Did she let her anger get the best of her? Did she go too far? Her thoughts were running wild. "I know who you are, Jer, and it's not this person," she said softly. She watched as his eyes softened then hardened again. "I don't need this," he said, storming away. Stefan left the office and strolled down the hallway, drawing the attention of other students as he passed by. Bonnie and Elena followed behind him, intrigued to learn more about the mysterious new kid. He headed towards the men's room just as the door swung open, and Natalya walked out, colliding with him. They bumped into each other, and Natalya felt herself falling, but then she felt arms around her, steadying her. She looked up at the person she ran into. "Oh god, I'm sorry, and great, I'm coming out of the men's room," she said, running her hand through her hair. "Ugh, it's not what it seems like," she added, feeling flustered. He was gorgeous, more Elena's type than hers. "Pardon me," he said, stepping back. Natalya made a funny face at his old-fashioned language. "So, the men's room?" he retorted. "Yes, I was..." Natalya sighed. "Long story." She tried to step around him but bumped into him again. "Sorry," she said, finally managing to walk around him.

‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞!!

𝐎𝐦𝐠 𝐬𝐨 𝟒 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲!! 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝟔 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐢'𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬!!

𝐀𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐞 & 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭!!

𝐗𝐎𝐗𝐎 -

𝐌𝐢𝐚 ♡

𝐀𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 : 𝟎𝟐/𝟐𝟗/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 : 𝐭𝐛𝐝