As soon as her head hit his shoulders she had calmed down. It wasn't until that exact moment that Tyler realized just how much he had missed Caroline. As her breathing evened out and she began to fall asleep a mixture of emotions went rushing through him. He couldn't believe how many times he had put her in harm's way; yet she was still right by his side telling him not to leave again. It was baffling to him, because no one had even been there for him like she had.
He had every intention of walking away from Mystic Falls. After all, Caroline was tortured and nearly killed twice, all at his expense. Tyler only had two people left to care about in Mystic Falls, and she was one of them. She had done so much for him. He couldn't bear causing her even an ounce more of pain. He had been so selfish before, and he hated himself for it. He knew the best thing for him to do would be to leave. She really would be better off without him here, but she asked him to stay so that is what he is going to do – for now at least.
He suddenly thought of Jules. He was sure that she had been captured as well. Lord knows if she hadn't; his door would have been knocked down three hours ago and he would be on his way back to Florida. He was thankful for his time with Jules. He felt a sadness overcome him as he thought about the unlikely hood of her still being alive. He learned a great deal from her, and does not regret his time away from Mystic Falls. However, with this sadness he also felt a great deal of relief. He never fully trusted her, and did not particularly like having her boss him around. He knows there is still a great deal to learn about his kind, but Caroline is really the only person he want's helping him through it. That is, if he is able to keep her safe while doing so.
He can't believe how quick Matt was to throw his and Caroline's relationship away. Yes, he was going through a lot, but having her by his side only would have helped him through it. Matt was a fool, and he knows that one day he will come crawling back to her. That thought made him sick to his stomach. He hated seeing Caroline so upset, but deep down was happy things did not work out between the two. Tyler had fallen for her – and hard. He had never felt this way about anyone, and the feelings only grew in the short time he had been back. Her willingness to forgive him after he left her in Jules hands to die was remarkable. She had become such a strong person and continually risked her life for him, even after he had given her every reason in the world not to.
He was not sure how to handle everything he was feeling, and he prayed he wouldn't disappoint her again. It was obvious she was still head over heels in love with Matt. He glanced down at her and the tear soaked blanket that proved it. He thought back to the night he had kissed her. It had felt so right, but he wouldn't put himself in that position again. He couldn't bear to cause her anymore stress, and he did not want to make their relationship awkward. She was his best friend, and he wouldn't be able to function without her at this point.
Her phone rang and she quickly regained consciousness. She set up and grabbed it causing Tyler to wince in pain. One of the few perks of being a werewolf was quick healing, but the wooden bullet had sure done a number on him. She shot him a quick glance that said sorry while she answered. He did not like the look he saw overcome her face. He began to focus on the phone call to hear what the person on the other line was saying. It was Stephan, and he was only able to catch the tail end of their conversation. It was something about funerals. Caroline hung up the phone and the tears began to fall again. He hated seeing her like this.
He quickly began trying to comfort her "Caroline, what happened?" She took a minute and collected herself and then gave him the cliff notes.
"The ritual was completed last night. Bonnie was able to save Elena, but Jenna and John, Elena's real father died. Worst of all it was for nothing, Klaus got away. I just can't handle this anymore. I am so tired of losing people I love." she cried.
At that Caroline zoned out and went into a quiet catatonic state as the tears flowed. He walked her over to the couch where she leaned back to into his shoulder and sat quietly for some time. Tyler couldn't stand seeing the sadness that had overcome her; before he left he had only seen Caroline be strong, ready to handle any situation that was thrown at her.
When she finally snapped out of it she began telling Tyler everything. She explained how Matt found out, and how he reacted. She explained how she thought she had compelled him to forget, but that he was really working with her mom.
"Tyler, I just don't know what I am going to do. I don't even know if it is safe for me to go home. Last time my mom found out she was ready to steak me." Even more tears began to fall from her eyes.
Tyler didn't know what to do. Guilt suddenly came rushing through his body, and his stomach started knotting up. He should have never betrayed Caroline when Jules attacked her. If he would have just done what was right he would have been here for her this past month.
Tyler was starting to lose it. He was enraged that Matt had created such a mess for Caroline, and he was equally upset with himself for abandoning her.
He had to pace his breathing like Jules had taught him; it helped him control his anger. After a few minutes he finally told her, "Caroline, were going to get through this. I'm going to be here every step of the way to help you."
With that she squeezed his hand, and he pulled her in even closer to his chest. He rested his chin on her head, wrapped his arms around her and told her that it was all going to be ok. She finally calmed down, and stayed there in his arms for another long while.
She eventually stood up. "I really should get going. Damon compelled someone out at the cemetery so they could secretly have a funeral for John and Jenna. I should go home to get ready."
"Caroline, are you sure that is the best idea? What about your mom?"
"I think I will be ok to run home and get ready. She has known for weeks now and not acted on it. Besides she will be working anyways. "
"Are you sure? I could go with you if you want me to?"
"I will be ok, and you need to stay here and rest. I really think I just need some time to myself to process everything and figure out what I am going to do next."
He said, "Ok, if that's what you want to do." as he gave her a weak smile."
She gave him a heartfelt, but tired smile in return. "Thank you so much for dealing with me Tyler. I feel so bad. Here you are recovering from your transformation, and you have to deal with me while I am a blubbering mess, dragging you into all my drama."
"Caroline there is no where I would rather be. You have been there for me in my darkest hours taking care of me, and when I really didn't deserve it. From here on out I am going to be here for you –anything you need, I'm here."
She shot him another smile and gave him a hug before turning to leave. He felt an odd electricity race through his body. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before. No other girl had ever made him feel this way.
As she walked towards the door he offered to drive her home, but she declined. She told him that he needed to rest, and the run home would help calm her nerves.
He nodded still feeling uneasy about it all. As she walked down the steps of the Lockwood mansion he called out to her, "Caroline, if you feel uncomfortable tonight you can always come and stay here. My mom won't be coming home for another couple of days. It might give you some time to figure out what you want to do next to handle the situation with your mom. Not to mention I would feel better knowing your safe."
She thanked him and continued her trek home. Tyler shut his door and watched her walk away from the window. When she finally blurred out of sight he sunk back into the couch that now smelled like her. He knew he wouldn't see her again tonight, and a rush of sadness overcame him. He thought to himself, there is no way she would feel safest with me after everything that had happened between them. If there was anyplace she was going to end up tonight it would probably be the Salvatore's boarding house. The thought saddened him as he drifted off to sleep.