It is four months since a tragic car accident killed the parents of 17-year-old Elena and her 15-year-old brother, Jeremy. As the school year begins, Elena and her friends are fascinated by a handsome and mysterious new student, Stefan Salvatore.

As Mystic Falls prepares to celebrate the passing of a comet, Vicki is still in the hospital. Stefan goes to the hospital and tries to use his abilities to make sure Vicki doesn't remember what really happened, but his attempt is cut short when Vicki's brother arrives.

Elena tries to ignore Bonnie's warnings about the disturbing vibes she got from Stefan and invites Stefan and Bonnie to dinner. But the evening is disrupted by the unexpected and unwelcome arrival of Damon and Caroline. Plus, the town is shocked by an act of violence.

Elena asks Stefan to escort her to the town's annual Founder's Party. Zach reveals a useful family secret to Stefan. At the party, Damon tells Elena a story about the Salvatore family's past. Finally, Stefan takes action to get Damon out of his life for good.

Stefan is hopeful that his plan to get rid of Damon is working, and decides to reveal parts of his past to Elena. At a fundraising car wash, Bonnie is surprised by powers she didn't know she possessed. Finally, Elena hears a disturbing story about the Salvatore family.

Elena demands that Stefan explain the frightening events that have been happening in Mystic Falls. In flashbacks, Stefan explains how his rivalry with Damon began. Back in the present, Damon impulsively takes control of Vicki's future, and a terrified Vicki runs away.