Get out the candles and start thinking, Vampire Diaries fans: What do you get an 18-year old who recently lost an aunt and whose boyfriend has returned to feasting on the innocent?

Indeed, Elena Gilbert will celebrate a birthday on the season three premiere of The Vampire Diaries, as producer Julie Plec tells TV Guide there will be "a small time jump" when the show returns on September 15.

This milestone answers the question of whose care Elena and Jeremy will be living under when we next see them.

Elena can't really go wrong, can she?

"Elena and Jeremy technically don't need a parent living in their house," says Plec, referencing the demise of Jenna. "She will be taking care of herself."

What else is ahead for this love torn human? Prepare to squeal, Delena Shippers.

"Over the course of the season, Elena will be struggling with a deep, deep attraction toward Damon," Plec previews. "That's going to be a big problem for her."

Elena also won't be the only half of the show's main couple to have an eye on someone else: we'll meet Rebecca, a vampire from Stefan's "darkest ripper days who loves that Stefan's back to his bad behavior," teases Plec.

Any suggestions on who should portray this character, TV Fanatics? Submit them below and/or in our Vampire Diaries forum now!

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.