I was stuck in History class again with Tanner, while Stelena kept trading Notebook‑worthy glances. I mostly ignored them and started making a bucket list — things I wanted to do in this life just in case I kicked the bucket earlier than planned. Honestly, I should start making seasonal to‑do lists too, because I seriously need to plan ahead.
Tanner shot me a glare when he noticed I wasn't paying attention, and I rolled my eyes. Seriously, how long until Damon kills him? He should speed up his schedule. And no, I'm not planning on saving his sorry ass. I want Alaric around, so… sorry not sorry, Tanner.
"Originally discovered nearly five centuries ago, it hasn't been over Mystic Falls in over 145 years. Now, the comet will be its brightest right after dusk during tomorrow's celebration. Are we bothering you, Mr. Salvatore? Ms. Gilbert?" Tanner droned, before sassing Elena and Stefan.
They dropped their gazes from each other, and the bell finally rang. Thank the Gods — I was dying of boredom. It's not like this is my first time taking History. Sure, I need to study the town's history, but even that I already knew from the show and the Vampire Diaries wiki.
Elena left with Stefan, and I went searching for my blonde best friend. I found her quickly — she had left me alone to suffer through Tanner, so the first thing I did when I reached her was pinch her arm.
"Bitch, you skipped class and left me alone not only with freaking Tanner but also with a Stelena love fest," I hissed.
"Sorry, but we got home late yesterday and I fell asleep," she said with a sheepish grin.
I rolled my eyes, but it was all in good fun.
"So, meet later at the Grill?" Caroline asked as the bell rang. She had another class; I didn't.
"Sure," I agreed. She winked and ran off, leaving me shaking my head.
I walked into my Grams' house and called out, "I'm home!"
"In the living room," she replied loudly. I tossed my books onto the kitchen counter and dropped my bag on a chair. Grams' place was exactly what you'd expect — a mix of wiccan décor, hippie vibes, and books. It showed her witch side, her teacher side, and her happy‑drunk‑hippie side.
I stepped into the living room to find her watching some TV show while sipping an alcoholic drink. I wondered if she'd always been like this or if she became this way after my mom left.
"Sup, Grams," I said, grabbing the open bottle on the table and closing it.
"Tomorrow is the night of the comet," she said seriously. Of course I already knew that. Maybe if she hadn't kept my magic from me, I could be truthful with her.
"What about it?" I asked. "Tanner already talked about it in class."
"The comet is a sign of impending doom. The last time it passed over Mystic Falls, there was a lot of death. So much blood and carnage that it created a bed of paranormal activity."
No wonder canon Bonnie thought she hit the bottle too often. She hasn't shown a single feat of magic, but she's giving creepy warnings about evil comets?
"Right. Did you read that in your tarot cards, Grams?" I replied sarcastically.
"I'm giving you a warning, Bonnie. Dark times lie ahead," Sheila insisted.
"What language are you speaking?" I snapped. "Because it sounds like bullshit."
"Bonnie Bennett, clean your mouth, child," she barked.
"Whatever." I rolled my eyes and left the room, ignoring her calling after me. I grabbed my bag from the kitchen and stormed out, slamming the door behind me.
Sue me — I'm physically a teenager. I can throw temper tantrums all I want.
I headed straight to the Grill. I still had an hour before Elena and Caroline showed up. I chose a table outside to soak up some sunshine and ordered a Greek salad and a fresh orange juice. Settling in, I pulled a small leather book from my bag.
While I'd been more interested in the old grimoires in my attic, I also had other reading material — like the diaries of my witch ancestors. Before leaving the house this morning, I'd grabbed a random journal. I'd wondered why Sheila let all those books gather dust in the attic when she could use them. I concluded she probably kept the most powerful grimoires with her, and her house was too small for the rest.
I knew Emily's grimoire was stuck in Daddy Salvatore's grave, but I didn't feel like grave‑robbing tonight. I'd have to eventually, though. Either that or let Damon get his paws on it.
I opened the journal and read the first page.
My name is Maisie Bennett, writing on the twenty‑first day of September in the year seventeen hundred and forty‑five, in the Colony of Massachusetts, under the dominion of England.
From birth I have been blessed with the gift that has flowed through my blood since time immemorial. I am one of Nature's children, as was my mother before me and her mother before her. Though I have seen but sixteen springs, it is my duty to preserve our knowledge. Thus, I set quill to paper so that my thoughts and deeds may guide the gifted ones who shall come after me.
Our line was once free, but the New World has been claimed by the Empires of the Old. For a century now, our proud blood has been bound in chains. We serve the white men because our skin is darker, though I cannot fathom the reasoning behind such cruelty.
My mother was sold as a child to a British household known for its merciless treatment of servants. After years of hardship, she did not long survive the birth of my younger sister. Sweet Aurea is now ten springs old. When our mother passed, the Lords deemed it wasteful to spend their servants' time teaching us our duties, and so we were sold once more.
Aurea was sent to another colony, and we have not laid eyes upon each other since. Yet I know in my heart she still draws breath, for I use my gift to watch over her well‑being.
My new masters are less cruel than the last, yet I have heard whispers that the Lord of this house takes slave girls to his bed once they reach their majority. I cannot say whether I would prefer the lash. Though my mother warned me never to use my gifts against others, should such a fate be forced upon me, I would call upon Nature's power to defend myself. The Master is old, foul of scent, and looks as though he has spent his life in drink. I do not believe the Gods would judge me harshly if he were to pass quietly in his sleep.
In the little time that is mine alone, hidden away in my chamber, I practice my gift in secret. Though many years have passed since the Salem Witch Trials, fear still lingers in the hearts of men, and they believe our gifts to be the Devil's work. I have yet to decide whether I shall devote myself to healing or to creation. Healing is noble, yet the crafting of enchanted objects calls to me. My mother spoke of gifted ones who forged items that could heal, harm, create, or shape the world — objects that could be used in broad daylight without the white men ever knowing.
I shall rest now, for I must rise with the first light to serve in the kitchens. Before I close this journal, I shall weave a spell of my own making to keep it from prying eyes. It shall turn invisible to all who do not share my blood. The incantation is invisibilia et ad omnem sanguinem, and it requires a price paid in blood.
Until a later date,
Maze B.
"Bon Bon, there you are," Caroline's voice snapped me out of the journal. I quickly closed the book and shoved it into my bag.
"Oh, hey Care," I said with a smile. My mind was still stuck on Maisie Bennett's diary. It was incredible. I knew the Bennetts had been enslaved, but reading the thoughts and spells of a woman who lived so long ago was surreal. She sounded strong — and the bit about killing her owner in his sleep made me grin. I wanted to read more. And that invisibility spell? If I got my hands on Emily's grimoire, I was absolutely using it. Damon wasn't getting that book.
"You look a little on the moon," Caroline said, sitting across from me. "I got here earlier than expected. My mom forgot to go shopping, so I came here for lunch."
"I was reading a journal from one of my ancestors," I said as Vicki arrived with my juice and took Caroline's order.
"Any dirty bits?" Caroline asked with a smirk.
"Well, she did mention planning to kill her 'lord' if he tried dragging her into his bed," I said. "She was very practical about it."
"Well, you had to get your genes and personality from somewhere," Caroline teased. She wasn't wrong — I was cold‑hearted and practical. No wonder I liked Maisie already.
Elena arrived then. "Hey guys. I thought I'd be the only one early. Aunt Jenna forgot to make lunch. What about you?"
"Hey Elena," Caroline said. "My mom forgot to shop."
They both looked at me.
"Grams was being annoying," I sighed. Maybe I could've handled it better, but still. "So I ignored her, threw a fit, and left."
"What happened?" Elena asked gently.
"She said the comet is a sign of impending doom. Last time it passed, there was death, blood, carnage, paranormal activity — blah blah blah," I said, mimicking Sheila.
"Yeah, and then you poured Grams another shot and she told you about aliens," Caroline joked, though she eyed me suspiciously. Well, I had told her this town was the new Hellmouth.
When I didn't elaborate, she turned to Elena. "So, you and Stefan yesterday. What happened?"
"Nothing," Elena said.
"What do you mean nothing?" I asked. Did they just stare at each other all night? Boring.
"We just talked."
"You and Stefan talked all night? No sloppy first kiss? No touchy‑feely?" Caroline asked. I nodded along. If I didn't know better, I'd think Stefan was gay or Elena's Petrova vajayjay wasn't working.
"Nope. We didn't go there."
"Not even a handshake? Elena, we are your friends. You're supposed to share the smut," Caroline said dramatically. I agreed — I was a virgin in this body, and after years without sex plus teen hormones, I deserved some smut.
"We just talked for hours," Elena repeated.
"Boring," I muttered.
"OK, what is with the blockage? Just jump his bones already! It's easy. Boy likes girl, girl likes boy, sex!"
"Profound," Elena said, rolling her eyes. Then she suddenly stood up.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Caroline's right. If I sit here long enough, I'll talk myself out of it instead of doing what I said I'd do." She grabbed her stuff and left.
"You go girl," Caroline called after her, then grinned at me. "They grow up so quickly."
"She's not going to get any anyway," I said, remembering the episode.
"But at least she tried. When are you going to get laid, bitch?" Caroline teased. "I don't want my best friend ending up a nun."
"When I find a hot guy who isn't a douche," I said. "In this town, guys are either taken, idiots, or not much to look at."
Vicki arrived with our food — my salad and Caroline's burger with curly fries. We shifted to other topics, like which Charmed power was the coolest. We finished eating and paid.
I was about to head home to read more of the diary when Caroline grabbed my arm.
"Where do you think you're going, missy?" she smirked. "You're helping hand out pamphlets for the comet. Tomorrow too."
"Stupid evil comet," I groaned. "I should be home preparing to use it for some awesome spell."
"As if. Now take your share." She shoved a stack of papers at me. "Off you go. And no pouting."
"Screw you, Care," I said as she walked away.
"Aww, I knew you wanted a girl‑on‑girl experience with me," she called, winking before bursting into laughter.
Damn troublesome blondes.