Chapter 6
Stefan patted the hood of his red 1963 Porsche Karmann Coupe. He was proud of his 'baby'. He knew it was lame to have an attachment to a vehicle but in his defense it was the only car that he had ever purchased and owned. Stefan figured that the old girl needed to spread her wings and enjoy the open road – she had been cooped up in the garage for far too long.
Stefan wasn't a very materialistic guy, unlike Damon he didn't buy designer studs or in Damon's case compel his way to a designer filled closet. He enjoyed the simplistic life and he was proud to say that it didn't take him an age to pack a bag full of clothes for his trip. Caroline on the other hand, had most probably packed her entire closet with. Luckily his Porsche had enough trunk space – but if not he would most probably have to try and convince her to leave a few things behind. Truthfully he was hoping that everything would fit; because he really didn't want to be the one to tell her no. Especially when it came to her clothes.
It had just gone past nine and the morning air was crisp. Truthfully it was the perfect day for a road trip. Clear skies, perfect temperature and the sun was out in full force. Stefan couldn't have been more grateful towards Emily Bennet for making him a daylight ring. He didn't think it would be possible to live an eternal existence forced in the shadows.
The grumble of an engine nearby disturbed the eerie silence of the morning surrounding the Salvatore Boarding House. A few seconds later, Caroline drove in with her Ford Fiesta. Stefan motioned her to park alongside his car.
"We're going in that?" Caroline asked immediately as she climbed out her car.
"Good Morning to you too." Stefan chuckled.
"Good Morning Mr. Mannerisms." Caroline lightly punched Stefan against his shoulder.
"Nice comeback and to answer your very serious question: yes we are going with the old lady. I figured she needed to gain some miles and I didn't want to leave her in Damon's care." He shrugged his shoulders dismissively.
"So you figured I should leave my car here? Damn jerk would probably write Barbie desperately seeking Ken on it. Wolf boys need not apply." Caroline scowled.
Stefan couldn't help but smile fondly at the blonde.
"First off if he ever did that I would taint his precious car. So don't worry he knows not to mess with it and I'm sure Elena wouldn't allow it." Stefan sighed out.
"I wouldn't count on her." Caroline murmured under her breath as Stefan popped the trunk open
"What was that?" Stefan asked.
"Nothing" She shrieked out embarrassed.
Stefan gave her a puzzled looked and glanced towards her car.
"Where's your luggage?" he asked as he placed his bag in the trunk.
"Hello road trip equals shopping trip." Caroline exclaimed as she moved to her own car's trunk and removed a small duffel bag that had just the bare essentials. She figured she would have a shopping trip while he watched a movie or went scavenging for Cd's or records.
"You need more clothes?" Stefan asked incredulously.
"Did you just seriously ask me that? She asked outrageously as she handed him her duffel bag.
"What?" he asked genuinely confused as he grabbed her rather dense duffel bag and tossed it in next to his things.
"I'm a girl." Caroline flipped her hair back to exaggerate and make her point.
"I'm a boy, so what's the difference?" Stefan arm flexed with amusement.
"Ton's okay. Do you need to have an anatomy lesson?"
"All right don't chew my head off." Stefan chuckled.
At that moment Elena Gilbert stepped outside and came across what looked like a very domesticated little argument between two people she never expected to see being so intimate with each other. Caroline had her scrunched up face that suggested that she was annoyed but amused at the same time and Stefan was smiling back at her as if she was an adorable kitten in a display window.
"Hey guys. What's going on here?" Elena asked as she moved forward towards the pair.
Caroline and Stefan instantly halted their movements as they both turned their gaze on Elena. The pair weren't exactly thrilled to see her – and Elena could tell instantly as she watched how their bodies both stiffened and prepared for a confrontation of sorts.
"Nothing you need to know." Caroline whispered under her breath.
Stefan gave the blonde an amused smile and decided to answer instead, "Just going on a road trip."
Elena crossed her arms.
"Are you two looking for new leads in the whole cure thing?"
"No." Stefan answered firmly.
Elena frowned further.
"Then what are you two doing?" Elena asked.
Caroline gritted her teeth.
"Were hanging out. Do you have a problem with that?" Stefan answered annoyed, it was so not the time for Elena, of all people, to start playing detective.
"No … I just think it's odd that you guys are leaving, when things are so messed up around here." Elena said defensively. She was however rather curious to know what was going on with the pair – not that she was jealous or anything like that. Yeah right!
"You mean Elena drama?" Caroline answered.
Elena's face turned ashen white as she glared daggers at the blonde.
"This isn't about me. This is about the cure, you're acting like you don't even want to find it anymore."
Caroline stepped forward, Stefan immediately shifted towards her side and placed a protective yet warning hand on her shoulder. Caroline stopped in her tracks – her eyes searching his for a reason. Stefan just shook his head and instantly she knew what he meant. Getting angry with Elena and causing a scene with her was not the way to go.
"I'm sure we would take it if we could, but we need a break." Stefan said as he turned to face Elena – assured that Caroline wasn't going to get in a fist fight with Elena.
"What do you need a break from?" Elena dramatically waved her arms around.
Caroline sniggered – she looked like an angry gorilla shaking her manly arms above her head.
"We need a break from you," he answered.
Caroline could swear that she felt her jaw hit the floor. Did Stefan really just say that? Judging by mother of the planet of the apes, he did indeed just say that as her face turned snow white with horror. Caroline wanted to kiss Stefan, she was just so proud of him for taking a stand.
"Let's get going Caroline." He stalked off and climbed into the driver's seat.
Caroline couldn't help the grin that exploded on her face as she gave a small twirl and made her way towards the passenger seat. Elena watched with horror as Stefan sped out the driveway leaving her behind in the dust.
