[ elena is going to try and look modest, but yes, that's exactly what she's saying, john. she could teach you a thing or two or ten, though she has the suspicion you don't need it. even if he hasn't had much practice, he's clearly a natural, and her own smile widens in return. ] She's my friend's mother, who is also here.

[ she and tyler weren't exactly close back home, but she did grow close to him in chicago. he's not the same tyler, of course, but the affection is still there. ] Small towns have their own traditions. Ours prided itself on its Founder's Balls and charity events. They were big on its own history, which meant a lot of these things. I'll have you know you're looking at the runner-up for Miss Mystic Falls. [ she says it a bit mockingly, but it's all in good nature, a smile still on her face. ]