I don't have an excuse for how long this chapter took to publish, or the fact that it's not as long as the previous 3. I went from having a horrible reaction to my lash extensions that forced me to remove them all, to food poisoning/flu honestly still not sure which one lol to just recently getting over whatever horrible cough/cold I've had all while working so I just haven't been up to writing or doing much these last few weeks besides for resting when I can. And of course the holidays in retail means little rest so that's how I've been doing lol, anyway enough of an update, sorry for the longest delay, I promise to stop getting sick usually my immune system is better than this! I'm excited for you all to see the next few chapters. Enjoy xx

PRESENT DAY

A throat cleared bringing Elena from her thoughts to the cold reality in the backseat of the yellow cab. It had begun to lightly rain, drops now scattered across the window she had been gazing out of. Blinking to focus her vision, she thought how funny it was at the sudden shift in the weather and how the unpredictability was strikingly similar to his recent behavior before turning to face the cab driver growing impatient with her. The cab still being parked not far from the emergency exit she snuck out of, the foolish hopeless romantic in her hoped to see him burst through the door with that "baby, I'm right here" smile and follow her, to fight for her.

"Um," she sniffled, her brown eyes two giant glassy orbs meeting the driver's tired hazel pair, "The Beverly West on Club View Drive." Not sure why she should head home other than to quickly pack a few of her belongings, she mutters the buildings name anyway.

The cab pulls away from the curb, taking backroads and avoiding the freeway that would be backed with traffic from the rerouted and blocked off boulevard near the Staples Center. Picking up one of the scattered tabloid magazines strewn across the backseat of the cab, hoping to distract herself from powering on her phone, Elena's eyes land on the bottom corner of the cover. She typically wouldn't pick up, let alone give her attention to a cheap magazine like this now that she often felt the blunt end of the articles. An on-set photo of Damon and her that he snapped of the two stares back up at Elena, captioned with an old, out of context quote, "I could spend forever with her." The magazine being dated from more than couple months back causes a twinge of pain to surge through her chest before she subconsciously flips to the pages discussing her relationship. More photos of the faux happy couple fill the two pages, dialogue and passages placed strategically around photos and before she gives herself the chance to linger on longer than she should, she quickly closes the gossip mag and throws it across the seat, watching it slide on the tattered leather to the floor of the cab, softly sighing to herself. She could go back to every laugh, but she didn't want to go there anymore.

"Beverly West." The cab driver says stiffly, the awkwardness growing between the star on the verge of a breakdown and himself. Elena hadn't even noticed how quickly the ride passed, or the silent tears that had slid down her face in the meanwhile; probably the result of seeing Damon's empty promise of forever quote. Paying the driver with a hundred and not waiting for the change out of guilt for being such a sucky patron, she slides across the seat and books it out of the back of the cab, regretting not having asked to be dropped at the back of the building for the private entrance. Holding her dress up off the growing wet pavement in one hand and her clutch in the air, she begins her short trek towards the doors. Elena brings the clutch filled hand up to cover her eyes and darts towards the buildings front door being held open for her by the doorman. Not bothering to really look at her surroundings or see if any paparazzi were stationed at her building, she takes large, fast paced steps—as fast as she can manage in her heels—until she lands under the buildings awning. Thankful to be out from under the now heavy, thick raindrops falling, her clutch dropping from her face to reveal her puffy, red eyes that land on the old, kind brown pair of her usual doorman.

"Good evening, Miss Gilbert. You're back earlier than expected tonight." He observes with a soft smile, curtly nodding towards her as he steps aside, the door now slowly shutting the world behind her.

3 YEARS AGO

The high noon sun shined through the girl's apartment as Elena sat cross-legged on the couch, Mac on her lap opened up to several job posting sites, her hair in a high bun, soft ringlets of caramel brown hair falling and framing her small jaw, a steaming cup of tea placed on the coffee table in front of her; not on a coaster which was sure to drive Caroline crazy if she saw. Having already been in the city with Caroline for a few weeks, Elena was struggling to find a job and was beginning to run low on money. Even with Caroline's dad paying for most of their rent, the leftover was still a decent amount split between the two friends and with no income and no sense of a budget the girls were struggling even if they wouldn't admit it. Caroline always had the option to phone a parent and ask for money, but Elena asking her aunt for money was out of the question. Jenna hadn't wanted Elena to move so far away and was constantly worried for her niece, so the moment Elena tells her she needs help, an "I told you so" is bound to slip from her aunt's mouth.

The job hunting was going horribly for her. Not knowing what she wanted to do made her decisions even more difficult, but she wanted to make it seem like more of a progressive afternoon than it was before Caroline returned home so she began to look at retail and restaurant openings. Another hour passed by as Elena touched up her resume and submitted to the local shops and diners in walking distance, feeling somewhat accomplished after pressing apply on the 10th application. The growing growl in her stomach made her question where her friend could be as the time changed on her computer to quarter of three. The door opening at the mere thought proved just how in sync these girls were and Elena's head turned to find the blonde strolling in with Tyler, her head thrown back in a laugh like a child. The pair had grown very close since their initial move-in, not quite dating but spending a good amount of their free time together. Caroline insisting to Elena she couldn't see herself dating the boy but didn't mean she couldn't still have some fun in the meantime; Elena knew her best friend like the back of her hand however, and knowing Caroline meant knowing how attached she can get to people even when she tried her best not to.

"You can't be serious!" Caroline's already high voice hits another octave at her exclamation, her hand reaching out to shove Tyler slightly. Her blue eyes fall onto the back of her friend's head and they instantly lighten up. "Elena! Listen to this!" Elena's bun slightly wavers, and more strands fall loose as her head swivels back towards the door it was once on, not having wanted to intrude on their moment before. "So, Tyler," she gestures towards the sun-kissed, toned brunette before continuing, "Was trying to claim that in high school, Matt and him for their senior prank stole the principal's car and he got pulled over for speeding in it and they were able to just walk away, and I was like 'There's no way! You'd be in jail!'"

Not sure of when or if her input was really needed, Elena just smiled and nodded as her friend rambled on about some story that was for sure an attempt to impress the blonde. This story involving Matt, who seemed extremely introverted and levelheaded, didn't sound all that legitimate to Elena, but she kept those thoughts to herself. She couldn't judge Matt's past or present actions or pretend she knows him when she does her best to avoid most alone time with him.

"We didn't go to jail because my dad was the Mayor of this small town! Like I told you! My dad couldn't have scandals ruining any chances of reelection!" Tyler says, scoffing on the last line while nudging her shoulder with his. His comment making him sound like a spoiled, rich kid; maybe he was actually a match for Caroline after all. The blonde rolls her sparkling blue eyes at him before pushing past him towards the couch her best friend was perched on, falling graciously next to her. He trails along not far behind her, occasionally his eyes falling onto the soft swaying of her hips as she walked away.

Caroline slowly slides down on the soft fabric, her head falling lightly onto Elena's open shoulder and sighs contently, happiness radiating off of her in waves, her usual pale skin now having a soft sun kissed glow. Elena peaks down at her friend only to be met with her friend's wide gaze.

"How's the job search going? Or have you decided to find a millionaire to snag like I suggested?"

"Care," she rolls her eyes, but a smile breaks out on her face, "I don't think a millionaire could solve all my problems."

"No, but he could definitely relieve some stress!" The blonde smirks, knowing her comment wouldn't go unnoticed. Elena shoves her off her shoulder, she never understood Caroline's constant gutter mind, being content as a single, off the market woman.

"Anyway," She bites back the remark, wanting to switch gears before the topic of her sex life, or lack of, was discussed between the three. "I applied to a few places. They might not be amazing jobs, but," She pauses, reaching for the lukewarm tea and bringing the rim to her lips. "it'll just be nice to get out of the apartment and afford more than ramen!" She chuckles before taking a large sip of the black tea.

"You know," Tyler clears his throat causing Elena and Caroline to finally acknowledge his presence once again. It wasn't his fault, many fell victim to being white noise when the girls were together, it's often why they were considered cliquey and snobby throughout their four years at Mystic Falls High; they were both far from that, but the two girls were just inseparable, practically conjoined at the hip. No one held a candle to the two, not even a pretty boy. "The restaurant Matt buses at is looking for a new bartender. I could tell him to put in a word for you and—"

"That won't be necessary, Tyler." Elena promptly cuts him off, preferring to not work with their downstairs neighbor. "Besides, I've never bartended a day in my life!"

"I'm sure you'd be a quick learner. I've seen you make drinks for us on multiple occasions. How hard could it be."

"Give it a shot, Lena!" Caroline eggs on, the pair cornering her into the topic.

"I'll sleep on it."

• • •

A week passed by with no luck on the job end for Elena. Not a single place had reached out to her and disappointment was beginning to settle deep within her chest. That job at the bar was sounding more and more appeasing. Without much effort or even an application, the owner of the bar Matt worked at had offered Elena a position as a part time bartender on nights and weekends, but she respectfully declined, feeling she had only gotten the job because of Matt's crush on her. She had no experience or training and it didn't make sense to hire her over someone who was more qualified, however the owner said the job would still be there for her if she wanted it.

Walking through the partially empty campus, Elena made her way towards Caroline's favorite café to meet her for a late lunch. The air was crisp and cool, but nowhere near the typical autumn weather Virginia typically experiences this time of year. Her phone buzzed in her back pocket and she quickly retrieved it expecting an impatient Care only to see a notification from Jenna asking her how her first month has been and if she's met any celebrities yet. Oh, Jenna! Pushing through the café's glass door, she slides her phone back into her pocket, mentally noting to call Jenna later and searches the room for her blonde friend. Fall and Halloween décor are littered among the student ran café.

"Elena! Over here!" Her friend waved her long arm rapidly from the back of the tiny café, curious glances shooting up from their textbooks and conversations towards the girl. With exam season was slowly approaching the looks Caroline was receiving were not appreciative.

"Hey Care." Elena softly says as she slides into the empty seat across from her friend.

"So," Caroline says with a mouth full of a seasonal danish, "I've had like, the worst day. One of my scene performances for class got moved up so I was late for it and my partner never even bothered to tell me the time changed! Thankfully, I've already managed to charm Professor Maxfield since the first day. He thinks I have real potential, Lena! Which, he's not wrong!"

Elena rolls her eyes and sneaks a piece of Caroline's danish while her friend talks, not wanting to interrupt her. Her best friend seemed to overshadow her even when it wasn't intentional and being the nice person Elena was, she never really tried to stop it; even when she wanted to share things and talk more, she enjoyed hearing about her friend's lives. She was just that kind of person.

"You always seem to have these professors wrapped around your fingers."

"What can I say!" The blonde shrugs casually, her curls falling behind her shoulders.

"I think I'm gonna have to work at the bar with Matt." Elena says in one breath, wanting to switch subjects before Caroline droned on about herself for longer. Her friend's shoulders sagged as the words flew out of her mouth, her blue eyes shining with comfort towards the chocolate brown ones.

"No luck huh?" Shaking her soft brown waves in reply, Caroline clicks her tongue before finishing off what was left of her danish, realizing now that her friend had eaten some. "It won't be that bad…working with Matt. He's a great guy Elena, and he's not too bad on the eyes."

"I know," She sighs heavily, guilt rising in her chest, "Matt's been so nice to us and so helpful. I just want us to stay friends and it's easier to keep a distance than to work with him." Before she can add to her thought or Caroline can chime in, a waiter comes over to ask if they'd like anything else and both girls place orders for to-go iced coffees. Not long after they're out the door, their afternoon pick-me-up's in hand, strolling aimlessly around to pass time, the talk of Matt and her possible new job put to rest.

A disgruntled Caroline pulls Elena to a halt as she begins to dig through her shoulder bag for who knows what, pens and miscellaneous items beginning to topple out of the side. The blonde is mumbling under her breath about being an airhead while her hand slams around the bottom of her deep, blush pink bag. Elena chuckles to herself, knowing Caroline Forbes's bags were similar to one of Mary Poppins's, large and full of the unknown.

"I think I left my phone back in my stage class, come with me to go get it?" Her annoyance levels peaking at an all-time high as she has to take the long walk back to the performing arts building.

"Are you sure it's not at the café? We can go—"

"I last used it in class to text you when to meet. It has to be there. I only pulled out the scene I have to study in the café while I was waiting for you." Her friend pleads, insisting she left it back in the classroom.

"Ok, ok. We'll go find it."

The pair dart off towards the west side of the expansive UCLA campus, Elena trying to keep up with her friend's long legs and quick pace. Feeling slightly out of breath, she made a note to start working out again now that she had an abundant amount of free time. Before long the girls were strolling into a very empty room, the lights no longer being on, but streams of sunlight still shined through the large windows.

"Can you call it?"

Elena nods her head towards her friends darting blue eyes as she wanders the medium sized room before her eyes land on the phone in her hand typing in her familiar passcode and dialing the contact labeled "Care" with every pink heart emoji there was to be found. Towards the front of the room a phone begins to buzz to life against the floor, the vibrations causing it to slide under a chair.

"Oh, thank god!" Caroline lets out a content sigh as she rushes towards the device and picks it up as Elena ends the call. The blondes phone was filled with several texts from Tyler and one from her dad. "Ok, we can go!" She chirped, her bubbly self back to normal.

"One of these days Care you're really gonna lose that thing, you know." She teased as she linked arms with her friend and lead her towards the exit, Caroline's grip on her phone getting tighter at the thought.

"Miss Forbes." A voice spoke in the hallway as the girls left the empty room. An older, blonde gentleman greets her with a firm smile, his eyes questioning why she was back almost an hour after class ended. "I know you enjoy your craft, but you must take a break at some time."

"Professor Maxfield!" Caroline's voice sings out. "I was just grabbing my phone I left in the room."

"Caroline? Taking a break? You must not know her that well." Elena retorts at the same time Caroline is speaking, both pairs of blue eyes now focused on her; one looking amused and one trying to shoot daggers at her.

"And this is?"

"My friend, Elena." She dismissively says.

"Well, Elena, I can agree with you. Your friend certainly does not know the meaning of a break. If she's not in my office hours or class, she's trying out for these auditions she finds on and off campus." He chuckles.

"That's Caroline for you!" Elena holds firm as Caroline tries to tug her back towards the parking lot entrance.

"Speaking of auditions, Caroline, I know you haven't been in Los Angeles long and I don't typically send my new students for these sorts of things, but I got word of an open call next month for a television show of some sort and I'd really like to see you try out. I haven't known you long, and like I said I don't usually tell my new students this, but you have such promising talent and come with a long list of recommendations from your previous school and shows, I think you might have a chance at it."

Caroline's eyes light up more and more as Maxfield finishes his sentence, the reels in her mind already spinning at the possibility of auditioning for a network show. Her head is nodding faster than imagined, the yes's and talks of exchanging information in an email flying around Elena. Without a goodbye, Maxfield adjusts the bag on his shoulder and walks pasts the girls, iPhone in hand most likely forwarding Caroline the promised details already. Not taking a moment longer, Caroline lets out a loud squeal in the otherwise silent hallway, gripping her friend's hand tightly.

"Oh. My. God." The blonde's voice has hit a new octave as she bounces up and down excitedly, refreshing her school email every second. Sliding her hand out of her death grip, Elena can't help but grin ear to ear at how happy her friend was. "I'm going to audition for a T.V. show, Lena!"

"How about we go back to the apartment, change and go out for drinks to celebrate?" Throwing her arm around Caroline's shoulders, the girls speed walk across campus towards the Chevy Cruze they shared, giddiness bubbling between the friends.

"You have to come with me, Lena! To the audition! I want you to be there with me, for this moment."

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else Care." Elena smiles widely at her best friend as the pair get into the car and speed off towards their home. Caroline's head is bobbing animatedly as she talks about her future and what this could mean for her, her eyes never leaving the road. Elena's focus begins to shift from being happy to wondering when the pieces of her life will finally click into place like they seemingly are for her best friend, her vision glazed over on the blonde's sharp side profile. Deciding she needed to put more effort into finding out what she wanted to do with life, she started with simply texting Matt asking if the bartending position was still available. Caroline worked hard for what she's wanted, and Elena would have to first start being able to have a livable income before she could achieve whatever it was she planned to do with life.

The golden hour sun was beaming strongly, allowing amber flecks to sparkle through Elena's brown eyes, warming her from the inside out. The chime of her phone telling her all she needed to know, Elena finally felt some sort of peace. The job might not be glamourous or permanent, but it was a new start, and that's what this whole move for Elena was—a brand new start.

Like I said, on the shorter side compared to the previous three. Had to get back into the swing of this after just casually adding to it on days I wasn't feel so bleh, but I'm back and feeling inspired and excited. Follow, review, tell your friends, message me, whatever you feel like doing! Also anyone watching Legacies? I don't not hate it so far, but it's no TVD.