THE NEXT DAY AT SOPHIE'S HOUSE
Sophie got up early, creeping through the house as she gathered her things. The morning air felt heavy, and each step she took made her heart pound. She placed a neatly folded note on the counter, hesitating for a moment before turning toward the door, just as she reached for the handle.
Alisa: Sophie?
Sophie froze, closing her eyes briefly before turning to face her mother.
Sophie: Hi, Mom.
Alisa crossed her arms, concern evident in her tired eyes.
Alisa: What is going on?
Sophie swallowed hard, gripping the strap of her bag.
Sophie: I've decided that I want to leave town.
Alisa: What for?
Sophie: The note I left for you explains everything, Mom. I'm truly sorry.
Alisa: Is this about what happened to your father?
Sophie: This has nothing to do with Dad, Mom.
A tense silence filled the room.
AT FAITH'S HOUSE
Faith woke up early, her body still heavy with exhaustion from the night before. As she stepped out of her room, she noticed a note on the table. She picked it up and read "Left early to help build – Stefan."
Faith sighed, setting the note back down before making her way to the back door. As she reached for the handle, she noticed Sophie standing just outside. Their eyes met through the door's small window.
Faith opened the door.
Faith: You want to come inside?
Sophie: No thanks.
Faith stepped outside, closing the door behind her. A brief silence hung between them.
Sophie: I'm truly sorry, Faith. I'm leaving town. I left a note for my mom.
Faith: I'm not mad at you.
Sophie looked down for a moment, hesitating.
Sophie: Can you do me a favor? While you're still in town, can you watch over my family for me?
Faith: Yeah, I can do that.
Sophie: Let's head to Zoey's house to let her know I'm leaving.
Faith: Are you sure about this?
Sophie: Yeah, I'm sure.
Faith: Let's go, then.
The two girls left for Zoey's house.
AT ZOEY'S HOUSE
Faith and Sophie arrived at the house, exchanging a glance before Faith sighed and knocked on the door.
Clio opened it, offering them a warm but questioning look.
Clio: Come on in, girls.
The two stepped inside, and Clio closed the door behind them. They barely had time to settle before Zoey appeared at the top of the stairs, looking down at them.
Zoey: What are you two doing here?
Sophie: I came to say goodbye. I'm leaving today. I left my mom a note explaining why. Of course, it's part truth and part not.
Zoey: Oh... wow.
Faith stood silently, shifting her weight.
Zoey: Well, me my mom are leaving tomorrow.
Faith: I'll stop by tomorrow.
Zoey: Okay.
Sophie: This isn't easy for me. I'm sorry for getting mad at you both over stupid things. I'm sorry for pushing you away sometimes. Things haven't been easy since my dad just up and left us.
Zoey stepped closer to her friends.
Sophie: I need to do this, and you both understand why. I'll stop by when I can. One thing I want is for the three of us to write letters to each other.
Faith backed up slightly.
Zoey: Faith?
Faith: I had a friend who made me do that when they moved... but after they left, they um...
Sophie: Faith, you know us. We aren't going to do that. We still want to be your friends.
Faith: There's a lot I want to tell you both, but I can't right now. I'll try my best to write back.
Sophie: I might only send one or two.
Zoey: Same here.
Sophie: We're doing that so it doesn't overwhelm you.
Faith suddenly turned and walked out the door. The girls exchanged looks before following her.
CRYSTAL COVE
Faith sat down on the beach, pulling her knees close to her chest as she watched the waves crash against the shore. The rhythmic sound of the water hitting the rocks should have been calming, but her mind was too clouded with emotions to feel any peace. The salty breeze brushed against her face, mixing with the warmth of the morning sun, but even that couldn't pull her out of the heaviness settling in her chest.
She picked up a small rock beside her and tossed it into the water, watching it sink beneath the surface.
Faith knew her friends wouldn't be able to find her here—not easily, at least. This place had always been her escape, a hidden spot where she could be alone with her thoughts. Away from the town. Away from the reality that everything was changing.
The sound of distant seagulls filled the air, but she barely heard them. Her mind was elsewhere back with Sophie and Zoey, replaying their conversation over and over again. She wanted to believe their friendship could survive the distance, but deep down, a familiar fear crept in.
What if this time is just like before? What if I let them go, and they never come back?
She clenched her fists against the sand, trying to push away the thoughts, but they lingered like ghosts in the back of her mind.
IN THE TOWN SQUARE
Sophie spotted Stefan across the square and called out.
Sophie: Stefan!
Stefan looked up, spotting Sophie's panicked expression as she hurried toward him. He immediately stopped what he was doing and met her halfway.
Zoey: We need your help! We can't find Faith.
Stefan: Where did you two look?
Sophie: The woods.
Stefan: Did you check her house?
Zoey: We looked there first, then went to the woods.
Stefan exhaled, his expression shifting.
Stefan: I think I know where she went.
Sophie: Then lead the way!
The three of them quickly left the town square.
AT CRYSTAL COVE
Stefan: She's here at the beach.
Zoey: Are we close?
Stefan: We have to walk a bit, but it's not far.
Zoey: That's fine.
As Stefan led the way, Sophie glanced at him curiously.
Sophie: How did you know she was here?
Stefan: It's a vampire thing. I always know where my siblings are.
Zoey: Faith never really opened up to us about being a vampire.
Stefan: I can't blame her.
Sophie: Is she upset at us again?
Stefan: Probably.
Zoey: Does she not like opening up to people?
Stefan: She does and doesn't. She holds back a lot.
Ahead of them, Faith got up and started moving further away from them.
Faith sends Stefan a thought
Faith, Make them go away.
Stefan, Faith, stop it. They want to make this friendship work.
Faith, I can't. Every time I try, something bad happens. We both know that—we've lost friends before.
Stefan, Faith, this time is different. They're not like her.
Faith, Stefan, just... no. I can't handle it if it happens again.
Stefan, Faith, they are not like Katherine. They genuinely want to be your friends. So drop it, okay.
Faith began to cry.
BACK WHERE STEFAN, ZOEY AND SOPHIE ARE AT
Stefan sighed.
Stefan: Faith once had a friend who wrote her letters after moving... but she died shortly after.
Sophie: Yeah, she told us.
Zoey: Is that why she doesn't want to do it?
Stefan: She's scared it'll happen to both of you. She's saying to only send one or two letters to protect you.
Sophie: What do we do?
Stefan: We talk to her. But you two need to help me.
Zoey: We can do that.
They walked closer to Faith, Stefan sitting beside her. Sophie and Zoey stand behind her a bit away.
Stefan: Faith?
Faith: You really think it's going to be different this time?
Stefan: Yeah. I'm sure.
Sophie and Zoey stepped forward.
Sophie: Faith, we're not her. We're different. We truly want to be your friends.
Zoey: The past won't repeat itself. We want to be here for you.
Faith sat there, still not facing them.
Stefan: Faith, please, they really mean it. You've done a lot for both of them. I haven't been around them that long, but I can tell how much they care about you.
Faith finally looks up, tears still glistening in her eyes.
Sophie and Zoey rush over, sitting beside her and wrapping their arms around her in a comforting hug.
Sophie: Faith, when I get to a safe place, I'll send you one letter. If you need time to respond, that's completely fine.
Zoey: Actually, we both will do that. Me and my mom decided it's best for us to leave tomorrow morning.
Faith: I'll stop by and say goodbye then.
Sophie: I should be going soon.
Faith: Stay at my house for the night. By the time we get back to town, it'll be dark out. It's safer if you don't leave until morning.
Sophie: Okay.
The four of them stand up, brushing off the sand before making their way back toward town.
AT FAITH'S HOUSE
Zoey: I still have to pack.
Faith went into her room, closing the door softly behind her.
Zoey sighed and quietly left Faith's house, heading home. The room felt heavier now, the silence stretching between Sophie and Stefan.
Stefan: I'm sorry about my sister. Sometimes things like this don't get to her as much, but other times... it hits harder.
Sophie: It's okay. I get it. There's a lot from the past she's still carrying.
Stefan: You're not wrong.
Sophie: At least she has a brother like you.
Just then, Faith quietly emerged from her room. She didn't say anything, but Sophie walked over and wrapped her in a hug. Faith tensed for a moment before relaxing slightly.
Stefan: You wanna talk now?
Faith hesitated, then wordlessly turned and walked out to the back porch.
Sophie: It's fine. We'll talk tomorrow.
Stefan: You sure?
Sophie: Yeah.
Stefan: You're a good friend to her.
Sophie: Thanks.
A pause settled between them before Sophie asked,
Sophie: When we were at the beach, you said you could always tell where your siblings are. How does that work?
Stefan: It's a vampire thing. We have a strong bond with our family members. It's like... an unspoken connection. When you and Zoey asked me where Faith was, I already knew.
Sophie: Wow... that's kind of amazing.
Stefan: It has its perks.
Sophie: Faith didn't tell me much about vampires. She just said my bite could kill her since I'm a werwolf. She also said she can drink animal blood, but it's not as good as human blood. And somehow, she can walk in the sunlight.
Stefan: Yeah, we're... special like that. We don't burn in the sun.
Sophie: That's all she told me.
Stefan: Yikes. Now I get why.
Faith stepped back inside, her expression unreadable.
Sophie: Hi.
Faith didn't respond.
Stefan: Faith, don't be like that.
Faith: What else do you want me to say? I get why you and Zoey want to leave.
Sophie: Faith, we just want you to open up to us.
Faith scoffed at the idea, shaking her head.
Stefan: Faith, these are your friends. You don't have to treat them like they don't matter.
Faith's voice cracked as she spoke.
Faith: I can't deal with losing anyone else. The closer I get to someone, the more likely they'll leave... or die. I can't take that anymore.
Without another word, she turned and bolted out of the house.
Stefan: Damn... what is causing her to be like this?
Sophie: She sees us as her family. She's helped us through a lot.
Stefan: Talking to her is just making it worse.
Sophie: Yeah, I noticed that back at the beach.
Stefan's expression suddenly darkened.
Sophie: What?
Stefan: It's... hard to explain. I'll be right back.
He quickly made his way outside.
OUT BACK OF FAITH'S HOUSE
Stefan walked carefully, making his way toward Faith, who stood near the edge of the porch, arms crossed tightly over her chest.
Stefan: Faith?
Faith: What do you want?
Stefan: Whoa, easy.
Faith: Stefan, I'm fine.
Stefan: No, you're not. I know what's happening—you're letting your memories take over again, and you're close to shutting it off.
Faith clenched her jaw.
Faith: So what if I am?
Stefan: Faith, no. We can't have you shutting off your emotions and turning into the monster again.
Faith's voice wavered.
Faith: I can't deal, okay? I wasn't ready for this. I knew they wanted to leave before they even told me. I felt it. now it's happening.
Stefan: Faith, you need to face your fear.
Faith: Stefan, you know I can't do that. Not after what happened when you and Damon left me that night. I can't go through that again. That night broke me.
Stefan ran a hand through his hair, his expression pained.
Stefan: Faith, I'm sorry. We had no idea what was going to happen to us when we turned. I've tried to make up for it by being here when I can, but it's hard when Damon keeps pushing us away.
Faith: I'm used to Damon doing that by now. He started long before we turned. The night before everything changed, he pushed me toward Valery. He was hiding something—I knew it—but he was so damn pushy about it. I was scared of what he was planning that night.
Stefan: Faith... I'm sorry. It's been hard trying to keep an eye on both you and Damon. Sometimes I needed a break too, but I always come back.
Faith: You've been there more than Damon ever has. It's my fault we're broken like this.
Stefan: No, it's not.I can try to get Damon to come back for you.
Faith: Don't bother. I'm over it. The last time he saw me was a few nights ago—that was the first time since we turned.
Stefan: What?!
Faith: After we turned, he disappeared. He's still mad at me. That's why he keeps bringing up London. He knows that day is my biggest regret, and he uses it against me. Whenever he sends thoughts to me, it's about that night. I shut him out, and then I just end up hating myself for it.
She swallowed hard, her voice growing softer.
Faith: With Zoey and Sophie, I felt like I found a family. then when I realized they wanted to leave, I withdrew. I tried to act like I didn't care, but when you came to town, I knew you'd catch on.
Stefan sighed, his voice gentle.
Stefan: Faith, I'm truly sorry you feel this way. I've tried to make up for that night, but I know it's not easy to move on. I never realized you hadn't seen Damon until a few nights ago.
Faith's shoulders shook, her breath hitching as tears slipped down her cheeks.
Sophie heard faith crying. Sophie makes her to the back door. She closed it behind herself and stood by the door.
Sophie: Faith?
Faith looked at Stefan, then at Sophie, who cautiously came closer.
Sophie: I'm sorry for everything you've been holding in. I get it—it's hard to let go of the past. But maybe it's time you try.
Stefan stood up.
Stefan: Let's head inside.
Sophie: It's not cold out.
Faith knew why he was saying that.
Faith: We're fine, Stefan.
Stefan gave her a look, but Sophie followed his gaze upward, realizing why he wanted them inside.
Faith sighed.
Faith: I'll see you in the morning.
Stefan and faith makes their way into the house.
INSIDE FAITH'S HOUSE
Faith: I need you to help me move a bookcase to block the doors.
Stefan: You really think she'd come in here while she's shifted?
Faith: With you around? Yeah.
Stefan gave her a skeptical look.
Stefan: Why do I feel like I'm missing something here?
Faith let out a deep sigh, hesitating before responding.
Stefan: What?
Faith: She's been hinting at something, and I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm doing this to keep you safe. I've been outside while she's shifted before, and I was fine.
Stefan: ...Wait. You think she likes me?
Faith fell silent, her expression unreadable. She turned to look at him, and Stefan's eyes widened slightly.
Stefan: Oh. Whoa. That's new.
Faith: It's bad enough when she's just focused on finding her mate. This... complicates things.
They didn't dwell on it any longer. Instead, they got to work, moving bookcases and blocking both doors.
As they shoved the last bookcase into place, Stefan broke the silence.
Stefan: Faith, about what we talked about earlier...
Faith: I'm over it. And there's nothing you can do to make Damon stop being a jerk to me now.
Stefan: There has to be something.
Faith: There's nothing left to fix.
Stefan: Faith, come on. There has to be a way to fix this.
Faith: I'm not sure there is. Not anymore.
Stefan: Even if I talk to him for you?
Faith: Stefan, I highly doubt it.
Stefan: Faith, there has to be something. It's not right that you can't open up to anyone about what you're truly feeling.
Faith didn't respond. Instead, she turned and walked into her room, sitting down on her bed in silence. The weight of everything pressed down on her, but she didn't know how to let it out.
A sudden scratching noise echoed from the back door.
Stefan, still sitting on the couch, tensed at the sound. His mind was already running in circles, trying to come up with a way to fix the broken relationship between his sister and their brother.
THE NEXT DAY – AT ZOEY'S HOUSE
Clio: Are your friends coming to say goodbye?
Zoey: Yeah, they should be on their way soon, Mom.
Clio: Well, we don't have all day to wait on them.
A knock sounded at the door. Clio opened it, revealing Faith standing there, looking exhausted.
Faith: Sorry if I'm late.
Zoey: Faith—whoa, you look like a disaster.
Faith: I'm fine. Sophie should be on her way... I think.
Zoey: Wait... it was a full moon last night?
Faith: Yeah. I helped her like I do some nights. Had to keep my brother safe, too. We had things we needed to talk about anyway.
Zoey: I'm glad you two are back to talking.
Faith: We talk a lot more than me and Damon do.
Sophie appeared behind Faith, slightly out of breath from rushing over.
Sophie: I made it!
Clio: Glad you did.
Zoey: You okay, Sophie?
Sophie: Yeah, I'm okay.
Zoey: It seems like you both had quite a night.
Faith: Yeah... it's been a long one.
Sophie: Do you need help packing any last-minute things?
Zoey: No, we got it all in the carriage now.
Faith: Sorry if we're delaying you two.
Clio: It's okay, Faith.
Zoey: I'll write letters, no worries. I'll send you one and wait for you to send one back.
Faith: Thanks, Zoey.
Clio: Zoey, is there something you want to say to them?
Zoey sighed, glancing at Faith and Sophie before finally speaking.
Zoey: I just wanted to say goodbye for now. Who knows? Maybe we'll see each other again someday.
The girls shared a bittersweet smile before stepping forward and wrapping Zoey in a tight hug.
Sophie and Faith left.
AT FAITH'S HOUSE
Faith walked into her home, aware that her brother had gone to help the townspeople with rebuilding efforts. She had expected a quiet evening, but a sudden knock at the door caught her attention.
She wasn't expecting anyone.
Approaching cautiously, she listened closely. The sound of a steady heartbeat told her it was human. Faith hesitated for only a second before opening the door.
Faith: Hi, how can I help you?
A woman stood outside, looking slightly nervous.
Pearl: I'm sorry to bother you, but are you Stefan's wife?
Faith's brows furrowed slightly, but she answered.
Faith: Yes, I am.
Pearl: He's at the town's hospital right now. He sent me to get you.
A flash of worry crossed Faith's eyes. Without hesitation, she stepped outside, closing the door behind her.
AT THE TOWN'S HOSPITAL
Pearl led Faith to Stefan's hospital room.
Faith: Pearl, you can leave us now.
Pearl nodded and stepped out.
Inside, Stefan was sitting up on the hospital bed, looking more annoyed than injured.
Stefan: I got hurt a bit, they rushed me here, and now I need a way out.
Faith let out a sigh.
Faith: You've healed, though?
Stefan: Yeah, I'm fine. But I can't stand it here. It's getting... tempting.
Faith: Yikes.
Stefan: I compelled Pearl to get you for me.
Faith: I'm not stupid, I knew you did.
Stefan gave her a small smirk before getting serious again.
Stefan: I need you to sign the discharge papers. We walk out of here holding hands, looking normal.
Faith: Ugh...
Stefan: I know, but play the part, please.
Faith: Fine.
Faith left the room and went to the desk to handle the paperwork. A few minutes later, she returned with the discharge forms signed.
Faith: Done. You're free to go.
She glanced up at Stefan, but something was off—his fangs had slipped out, and his eyes darkened.
Stefan: Yikes...
Faith: Oh, great. I'm going to hate this idea, but—
Stefan: What?
Faith: Stefan, calm down for once, and let me explain.
Stefan clenched his jaw, but he nodded, signaling for her to continue.
Faith: Drink a little from me. Then we walk out of here like nothing happened.
Stefan looked at her in shock.
Stefan: Are you crazy?
Faith: You want to get out of here without causing a scene? It's the only option we have.
Stefan let out a deep sigh. Faith stepped closer, tilting her head slightly.
He hesitated for only a moment before sinking his fangs into the side of her neck. It was quick—controlled. As soon as he pulled back, he wiped his mouth, shaking his head.
Faith: You good now?
Stefan: I feel fine.
Faith: Your veins are still showing.
Stefan took a deep breath, steadying himself. Slowly, the dark veins around his eyes faded.
Faith: Ready now?
Stefan: Yeah.
They walked out of the hospital, hand in hand, playing the part as they made their way back home.
AT FAITH'S HOUSE
As soon as they stepped inside, Faith exhaled.
Faith: Let's go out to the woods.
Stefan: Yeah, you look a bit paler.
Faith: Well, I haven't had anything since I drained Brad.
Stefan raised an eyebrow.
Stefan: That was his name?
Faith: Yeah, it was.
Stefan: Let's go, then.
IN THE WOODS
Faith spotted a deer grazing nearby. Without hesitation, she went after it, her movements swift and precise. As she fed, Stefan wandered a bit, waiting for her to finish. The cool night air was still, but then—
A rustling sound.
Faith froze.
Her instincts screamed at her to stay alert. Before she could react, something—or someone—was suddenly in front of her. Startled, she stumbled back, falling to the ground.
Looking up, she saw a familiar face.
Damon.
Before she could say anything, he extended a hand and helped her up.
Faith: What are you doing back?
Stefan, having heard the commotion, quickly found them. His eyes narrowed when he saw Damon.
Damon: Well, I got bored in London and decided to come here.
Faith: Go anywhere else.
Damon smirked at her sharp tone.
Damon: Whoa there.
Faith: What, Damon?
Damon didn't answer right away, just watching her with an expression she couldn't quite place.
Stefan: Damon, we both know you have something big planned, and you need our help, don't you?
Damon: What? No.
Faith: Then why are you here, Damon?
Damon: I got tired of London.
Before Faith could respond, another presence emerged from the shadows.
Enzo.
Faith sighed and turned away, walking further into the trees. She wasn't in the mood for this.
Damon watched her go, then turned to Stefan.
Damon: What's got her pissed off?
Stefan crossed his arms.
Stefan: Damon, why now?
Damon: What?
Stefan: You know what. Faith told me that a few nights ago was the first time you two had seen each other since the night we turned.
Damon's jaw clenched.
Damon: Damn it. She fessed up other things too, I'm guessing?
Stefan: Yeah, she did.
Damon exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck.
Damon: I came to make up for it. The night she told you everything... I felt it. Her sadness. And it hit me really hard. I know I screwed up—big time. For years now.
There was movement behind them. Faith had slowly made her way back.
Stefan: Faith?
She didn't say anything. She just stood there, her gaze unreadable.
Enzo glanced at Damon.
Enzo: Damon?
Damon took a deep breath and looked at Faith.
Damon: Faith, I'm sorry. For leaving you after that night. For always bringing up 'home' to you over the years. And...
He hesitated.
Damon: I'm sorry for getting into your head. And for the nightmares.
Faith's expression changed.
Faith: What?
Damon's eyes widened slightly.
Damon: Oops.
Stefan's face darkened.
Stefan: Damon, what have you done?
Faith took a step forward, her voice dangerously low.
Faith: The nightmares. The ones about everyone leaving. About me getting hurt and broken. That was you?
Damon didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
Faith's breathing grew unsteady, rage and hurt flickering across her face.
Faith: You... you did that to me?
Damon remained silent, knowing there was no excuse that would make this better