Sandra Ellis Lafferty

Cory and Eric face different yet similar challenges :Cory is tempted by another girl, while Eric is tempted to settle for a mediocre college.

Elena gets herself into danger as she searches for more information about Katherine's past and her own potential future. She recruits Caroline to help her, knowing that Stefan would never agree to her plan. Elsewhere, Damon uses a new confidant to aid him in uncovering the real purpose and power of the moonstone, and Jeremy and Bonnie meet a new student with a surprising family history.

While in Mexico, Mitch and his new girlfriend witness an attempted murder. Country singer Jesse Lee Harris helps the Baywatch lifeguards raise money to save a ranch that rescues endangered horses.