A/N: Thank you to those of you that read this and, of course, those of you that reviewed! I know that the first chapter was very short, but I wasn't exactly sure where I wanted to go with it. I'm slowly getting back into this whole writing thing, so bear with me here. This next chapter doesn't have much interaction and kind of focuses on Elena, but I'm already pulling together the next chapter for you all, which I promise will have more than one character and plenty of dialogue. :P Anywho, let me know what you think of the story! Any constructive criticism would be great, as well as any suggestions/ideas you guys have. Also, I'm open to any ideas for future fics if you guys have something you've been dying to read. You can PM me or review! Thanks all! Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I, most unfortunately, do not own The Vampire Diaries, despite my greatest attempts at dreaming it up.
Elena awoke, much to her misfortune, to warm strips of sunlight pouring through her half-veiled window, illuminating her room to a piercing bright yellow haze. The sun's intensity reflected off of everything, particularly unmasking the troubled expression etched into her features. However, mere seconds with the glow heating up her skin caused her to stir, troublesome look quickly replaced and forgotten by the admittance of a low groan. One of her eyes dared to crack open, squinting and stifling a yawn at the alarm clock on her bedside. Seven AM… on a Saturday. The weather had to be nice today, of all days? She squeezed her eyes back shut; another growl slipping as she instinctively reached for her pillow and pulled it over her head, immediately enveloping her in darkness. Her body stilled for a moment, hoping to give her back to sleep, but it was no use. She was awake, a blessing and a curse, for while there would be no return to the unsettling dreams (yet, anyway) that plagued her all night, the lack and need for sleep was going to be written across her features all day.
With one swift motion, Elena is untangled from her sheets, feet padding across the floor to the bathroom. One look in the mirror confirmed her reoccurring thoughts. Last night had really happened.
Elena felt weak, slightly numbed by the burning ache resonating from her wrist, yet the adrenaline coursing through her veins prohibited her from taking a moment's rest or crashing right then and there. She had to help him. She had to. She had to help them. Determination and strong will lingered in her eyes throughout it all. She would not let them fail. Better yet, she would not fail them.
After agonizing minutes that seemingly carried on like hours, Stefan's face regained color. He removed himself from Elena, much to her relief, who then stumbled away from the scene about to unfold before her. Stefan would take it from here. And he did, beyond what he even needed to. The stake was repetitively driven in Frederick's lifeless form, a noise and image Elena willed away. However, not more than the next one. No, she wished she could've repressed the look Stefan gave her for the rest of her life.
An exasperated sigh rested at her lips, pressing the 'ignore' button on her phone for what was probably the eighth time today. Her eyes stayed downcast on her phone, rejecting the curious and sad look Aunt Jenna was giving her from across the kitchen table. The older woman looked as if she wanted to probe, but in consideration of the news of Vicki atop all else, she opted to let it be. For that, Elena was entirely grateful. She could take care of herself. Well, usually.
Elena truthfully couldn't explain her behavior. Stefan didn't deserve it. He hadn't intentionally done anything wrong. Deep down, she knew that. Yet… she resisted, her head whirling with indecision. With everything happened in her life right now, she needed a release, even from Stefan. She promised herself she'd explain everything to him, vowing to leave nothing out, but now was not the time. Now, she wanted to be alone.
The sun that provided Elena with her rude awakening was now carefully hidden away behind some clouds, casting an evening appearance in Mystic Falls. Even with this change of weather, Elena found herself deep in the woods, sitting cross-legged before the double tombstones. Elena had long been over crying. The deep chocolate eyes that once drowned in tears now only captured sadness, that familiar spark in them that defined Elena's character temporarily dissipated.
No words were spoken. She sat like this as moment's passed, fingers tracing the engraved letters, the small gesture bringing an ounce of comfort to her. Regardless of recent news, these were her parents. They always would be. She missed them so much…
Just as a single tear threatened to escape, an unmistakable presence was felt behind her. She stiffened involuntarily, eyes shutting and waiting. Whoever it was, she didn't want to face them now. Nothing but continued silence greeted her. Elena let out an inaudible sigh (though she was sure whoever was behind her had not let it go unnoticed), before opening her eyes back up, keeping her gaze ahead. More silence. Finally growing tired of the charade, and feeling slightly irritated (the flush of red that filled her cheeks gave way to this), Elena rose and whipped around, bracing confrontation.
She wasn't sure who she had been expecting, but she was certain it hadn't been him.
A/N: Eeek, I apologize for the cliffhanger there guys, but I promise I'm working on something now! Don't hate me too much. :P
