Elena was in the kitchen getting another bag of hamburger buns when she heard the doorbell ring. She sighed, everyone knew these events were open door, but Tyler, being raised the way he had always rang the bell. She walked halfway into the living room before calling out,
"Get your ass in here Lockwood, how many times do I have to tell you it's open door!" she called, with a laugh.
She'd just turned to go back outside when the door came open and a voice spoke from behind her.
"Sorry, didn't know it was open door."
Elena froze, blushing deeply, "Hi, Mr. Saltzman."
"What have I told you about that?" he joked, following her into the kitchen.
"Alaric, right," she said with a smile, "Sorry, by the way, I thought it was Tyler he's normally the only one that bothers knocking." she said grabbing a pack of buns off the bar.
Alaric followed her out and over to where Jenna stood over the grill,
"Jenna, can I help with anything?" he offered.
"Alaric, I'm so glad you made it!" she smiled, "And since you're offering, would you mind watching the burgers while I run in and get a drink?"
"Of course, no problem," he said, taking the spatula from her.
Elena cursed the pang of jealousy when Jenna shot him a flirty smile before going inside.
Wait, jealousy, no, he's a…teacher, she thought to herself.
"You alright, Elena?" Alaric's voice brought her back from her internal ramblings.
"Yeah, yeah, fine, just out in space for a minute, sorry," she said, glancing over at him, "If you'll excuse me a minute…I need to find Bonnie," she said, before hurrying off.
"Of course," he replied to her already retreating back.
"Bonnie!" she called, hurrying up to her best friend, "I have a problem, a huge, catastrophic problem!"
"Girl, what is wrong?"
"Umm, I just realized I have feelings for someone…someone I shouldn't," she said hesitantly.
"Let me guess, Damon?"
Elena cringed at the thought, sure Damon was hot, and charming, and a good guy when he wanted to be, but she was still angry about the Lockwood party.
"No, not Damon, it's a little more complicated…" she said quietly.
"I knew it, you have it bad for Mr. Saltzman!" she cried.
"Why don't you just run it on CNN next time?" she hissed.
"Sorry," Bonnie responded sheepishly.
"Ok, yes, I like him," she said quietly.
Bonnie grinned, "I knew it! What are you going to do?"
"Nothing, he's a teacher Bonnie."
"A teacher who's currently watching every move you make," she replied.
"Are you serious?" she asked, subtly turning her head toward Alaric at the grill, to find his eyes resting on her.
"Told you," Bonnie mused.
"Think I should call him on it?" Elena joked.
"Totally, I dare you!"
"I was kidding Bonnie," she sighed.
Bonnie pushed her towards the grill, "Go, girl, make your move." she whispered.
She had no choice but to head over to Alaric, who'd seen her get pushed forward. She smiled and walked over.
"Need anything?" she asked.
"No, thanks though, your aunt got tied up with Mrs. Lockwood," he said gesturing to the right.
"I can take over if you want," she offered with a smile.
"No, I'm fine, but thank you, my sympathies go out to you aunt though."
"Yeah, Mrs. Lockwood is impossible to get away from once she starts rambling," she said absentmindedly playing with the hem of her tank top.
"Something wrong Elena?"
"No…yes…" she sighed, "It's not important."
"Elena, whatever it is, you can tell me."
"I think…I have feelings for you." she said quietly.
