Chapter One

Stefan couldnt figure out what bothered him more. The fact that Caroline had been ignorning his calls all day, or the idea that her ignoring him was consuming his every thought.

I thought we were back. I thought we had overcome what a horrible friend i had been to her over the summer. I have been there for her every step of the way the last few weeks, with everything going on with her mom. She was fine yesterday at the hospital...

Stefan thought over the events of yesterday. After Liz' came back to life, Caroline was is such good spirits. Even so, he made sure to get the coffee machine working again. Anything to make her smile.

When Liz asked him to look after Caroline, Stefan didnt hesitate to reassure her. There was never any doubt that he would be there for Caroline, shes his best friend. He cares for her and wants nothing more than to be with her, helping her though this difficult time.

He had left the hospital that day after Caroline had returned with her mom's coffee. He wanted to give them some time to themselves, and he had plans to make sure there was enough food at their house for when Liz could come home. If Liz got to come home.

But then He was unable to reach Caroline that evening when he called her. He wanted to check up on her, make sure there wasnt anything he could do for her and her mom. He tried calling three times before he got worried and headed over to the hospital.

When he arrived he found Liz sleeping sounding in the hospital bed and Caroline asleep on the chair in the corner.

Her head was slumped to the side slightly and she wore a slight grimace on her face. Stefan stared at her sleeping.

That can't be comfortable. Why didnt she sleep on the couch? Its just across the room...

Without thinking more about it Stefan walked over to Caroline. He crouched down and placed his hand on hers.

"Caroline." He whispered softly.

She stirred slightly but continued to sleep.

She must be exhausted.

He then placed one arm around her head and the other under her knees. He lifted her effortlessly and pulled her close to his chest.

"Stefan?" she barely had her eyes open. "What are you-"

"Shhh, Its okay. Youll be more comfortable on the couch." He looked down into her now closing eyes.

SHe had her eyebrows furrowed as if unhappy about something.

Probably thinking about her mom.

He could smell her hair as he walked across the room to the couch. She smelled like wildflowers and sunshine.

When he was at the edge of the couch he hesitated before laying her down. He wanted another moment wrapped up in the scent of her.

When he laid her down gently, her hair fell over her face. Stefan reached out his hand to brush it away. He paused there, with the back of his fingers resting on her cheek.

She has so much to go through right now. If only i could take some of it away from her.

He sat there, crouched beside her, keeping his eyes locked on the soft screamy skin of her face.

She opened her eyes for just a moment and looked back at him.

"You dont have to be here." Her voice shook. "Im fine."

She sounded so sad, broken.

"I want to be here. Go back to sleep, everythings going to be okay."

Stefan kept his hand on her face, softly stroking the length of her cheek bone with the tips of his fingers.

"Stefan?"

The voice came from behind him. Liz was awake.

He rose then, and gave Caroline one last look before turning to Liz.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" Stefa took a step towards the hospital bed.

"Im okay. A little thirsty but-"

Stefan crossed the room then to the table with the water pitcher and glass. He poured her a glass and walked back to the side of her bed to hand it to her.

"THank you."

She took the water and drank quickly.

"Youre welcome."

"No- stefan. I mean thank you for everything. THank you for being there for my daughter. She really needs the support."

"Of course Liz, theres no where else i'd rather be."

Liz took another sip of her water. THen stared over at Caroline. A soft smile grazed her lips and then she turned back to stefan.

"I'll go- Let you guys get some more sleep."

Stefan started to head towards the door but stopped short when he saw caroline on the couch. He took in her long legs and golden hair and was unable to suppress the soft sigh that made it out of his mouth.

"Stefan?"

He turned around to meet Liz' gaze.

"Tell her."

Tell her what?

"Hmm?" He let himself steal another glance at caroline.

"Tell Caroline how you feel." Liz spoke softly. As if Caroline wouldnt be able to hear if she was pretending to sleep. "She could use something to take her mind off of me right now."

How i feel? I thought i had made that pretty obvious lately...I mean we hadnt really talked about it but i thought we were on the same page...

"Liz-"

"Its okay Stefan. Just think about it."

"Okay." He paused and headed for the door again.

"Goodnight Liz," He said, as he shut the door behind him.