A/N : So sorry for the long update. The college kept me busy. And I'm sorry for the Elena's email. I've written the e-mail addresses but I think the site blocked them. If the e-mail addresses still won't show up in this chapter, blame the site haha no, I'm kidding. You can fill in the blank spaces with whatever you want. :P
Gah I don't know what to say except thank you very much for the reviews. That always makes me happy everytime I read them. Thank you! I appreciate it. :D
He rested his forehead on Elena's. "I think I fall for you." he said and leaned to kiss her again.
Elena quickly placed her fingers on Stefan's mouth. He pulled back and opened his eyes.
"Why?"
Elena sighed heavily and ran to pick his umbrella near a tree. She went back to him and placed it above their heads. Even though it's useless, they both were already wet. Stefan still looked at her disappointedly.
"It's too rush, Stefan."
"What do you mean? It's not." he disagreed.
Elena shook her head. "It is. Besides, we have a lot of time to get closer. I just knew you for a few days. So did you about me."
Stefan grabbed Elena's free hand and looked at her eyes closely. "I'm sure it's not the reason. Tell me, Elena. Is it about Katherine?"
Elena yanked her hand from Stefan and smiled weakly. "No, it's not about Katherine. It's about you and me. We have to get more closer first to make me sure about you."
"Make sure about me? Did I do something wrong to you?"
"That's not what I meant, Stefan. You're a great man. Your manners are always fine. Never failed to made me impressed you."
"Then what?" Elena didn't answer. "You know, Elena. I already said it. I'm starting to fall for you." Stefan tried again as he squeezed her hand.
"I know, Stefan."
They lost for words again. But suddenly Stefan asked. "Do you feel the same?"
Elena was hesitated. She had an internal debate in her mind. But then she nodded slowly. She wanted to be honest with him. With herself. Stefan saw that and suddenly grinned.
"At least you do." he said and grabbed the umbrella from Elena. "Come on, I'll drive you home. You're all wet." he said and wrapped his arms around her shoulder to get her closer. She let Stefan did that and walked beside him towards his car.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Where's Stefan? Jenna asked as she saw Elena walked into the house. "And why are you all wet?"
"Not today, Jenna. I'm going upstairs now." she said and quickly went to the stairs.
"Wait. What do you mean not today?" Jenna stopped her again and walked towards her. "What happened?"
Elena sighed and turned to face Jenna. "I forgot to tell him about it." but her eyes were suddenly burst into tears. And Jenna noticed that.
"Did he do something bad to you?" she asked, caressing Elena's cheeks. And that made Elena couldn't hold her tears anymore. She literally hugged Jenna, sobbing. "Elena, tell me what happened."
Elena didn't answer and this time Jenna let her to cry even louder as she caressed her hair. She would wait for Elena's explanation.
"There, there. You have to take a warm shower first before you get cold. When you're ready, you can tell me everything." Jenna said, pulling herself from Elena. Elena nodded and wiped her tears. Jenna pointed Elena's nose playfully. "Go take a shower, okay?" she turned Elena's body to face upstairs again then she went to the kitchen to prepare the dinner.
Elena's bedroom…
Elena looked fresh after she took a shower. She was already had new clothes on and sat on her desk chair. She was still thinking about the kiss. She couldn't deny that she was happy. Yet regret. No, she wasn't regret about Stefan kissed her. But the way she stopped him. But she thought that was for the best. She really didn't want to make it rush.
She took a deep breath and turned on her laptop. She checked her e-mail inbox and still no reply from him. Even though it disappointed her, but she decided to write another e-mail.
To:
Subject : It's me again.
From :
Hey. How are you? Uh why do I ask that? Though you won't reply this, will you? But it doesn't matter to me. I'll try harder to get your reply. Yeah you know that I'm THAT stubborn.
By the way have you read my previous e-mail about someone that I started to fall in love with? I need someone to talk to about this. And I just think about you. Your best friend needs you here.
Well, where do I have to start? Oh I know. His name is Stefan. Stefan Salvatore. There was something that I've never expected to happen. But it did anyway. Ugh… I'm sorry before but I can't tell you what that was. Maybe I'll tell you later, not now. But I swear, he didn't do anything bad. He didn't do anything harm to me. He did something… sweet. Memorable. And I loved it.
Do you think that my feeling for him is too rushed? I don't know what's happening on me. But I've never felt like this before. Sounds cheesy eh? But yeah you know that I've always being kinda careful with these things.
I decided to get more closer to him first. Just to make me sure about him. Do you think that is a great idea? Please help me.
And I'm still missing you.
Elena
She re-read it and clicked 'send' after she thought it was enough. She sighed heavily and leaned back to her chair.
"I think I fall for you."
Suddenly Stefan words came into her mind once again. She literally blushed and smiled as she touched her lips.
"Blood cancer. And I already have stadium 3."
Her smile faded as she remembered Katherine's face. Stefan's face when he heard her words. And when she placed her face on Stefan's lap.
"No, no, no." she said, shaking her head. "That's their business. I shouldn't think about that. She's his ex, anyways. I don't have any rights to get jealous or whatever." she calmed herself. "But…"
"Elena, the dinner is ready!" Jenna suddenly yelled and corrupted Elena's mind.
Elena gasped and yelled back. "I'll be down in one minute!" she looked at her e-mail inbox once again. Then disconnected the internet, turned off her laptop and went downstairs.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
It was still dark. Damon was still at Uncle Dean's house to prepare his wedding which was just in 3 more weeks. Time had flight fast. Stefan sighed and hopped out of the car. He slowly walked towards the door while remembering what happened with him and Elena a few hours ago. He kissed her.
Stefan smiled a little. He couldn't believe that he could do that. He didn't know what did come into his mind before it happened. He loved it, of course. Loved the fact that he could kiss her and she had feelings for him.
"It was a very good start." he said to himself and chuckled.
I think I'll be brave starting with you
But I'll fall away if you tell me to
He began sang as he kept imagining Elena's face. When he reached to front door, he soon unlocked it and walked inside.
I'd rather be wrong
Then hope that I'm right
Cause I can't go on
With this all inside
He continued to sing and turned on all of the lamps. He couldn't hide his happiness.
I think I'll be brave
And say how I've wanted you
His phone suddenly vibrated and made him stop singing. He saw the caller's name.
"Hello?" he picked the phone, still smiling.
"You sound happy, baby bro."
"I am."
"What happened?"
"Hmm it's not your business, D." he laughed a little.
"Huh. Right. Well, are you at home?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Bonnie and I are gonna have dinner at Mystic Grill. Want something?"
"Umm I want chicken steak and blueberry pie."
"Fine. I'll be home in an hour or so. Is that okay?"
"Yep. I'll be waiting."
"Okay." Damon agreed and ended the call.
Then Stefan went upstairs to take a shower.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"So what did happen that made you forgot to invite him to have a dinner with us?" Jenna asked as she washed the plates and Elena cleaned the table. Elena was a bit shocked and didn't know what to say. Jenna turned her face to see her niece curiously. "Elena?"
Elena blinked a few times and turned to face Jenna. "Yeah. Something happened. It was a good thing actually."
"Then why were you all wet?" she asked again, turning back to wash the rest.
"I didn't bring my umbrella."
"How did you get home?"
"Stefan drove me home."
"Ah… The lovely Stefan." she said playfully, grabbing a small towel to clean her hands. Elena's face turned red. She swore, everytime she heard someone mentioned Stefan, she felt her heart wanted to jump out of her chest. "Then when will you invite him?"
"Uh, I don't know yet."
Her answer made Jenna furrowed. But she didn't want to ask why. She thought that Elena wanted to make it more special. "Okay then. Tell me whenever you want to invite him. I'll prepare the ingredients for foods."
"I will. Thanks, Jenna." she nodded and walked out of the kitchen. "Hey, I have to do my homework in my room." she said as she pointed the ceiling, pretending like she pointed her bedroom.
"Of course. See you tomorrow." Jenna smiled and then Elena went upstairs.
As she walked upstairs, she thought how she would invite Stefan for dinner. She wanted to make it looked normal. But what would she say?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Stefan walked alone. He was in a park. He didn't know where exactly he was. It was for the first time he had been there.
"Where am I?" he said confusedly as he looked around. He saw a long wood chair in front of the fountain. He walked towards it and sat there.
"It's too quiet." he thought. "And it's still noon." he said again, looking at his watch. But then he saw someone was standing near a tree across his chair. He felt familiar about him. And he remembered it was him. He looked around again and saw Elena walked to him from another direction.
"Elena?" he stood and tried to get closer to both of them until he could hear their voices.
"Hi Arden." Elena greeted him.
Arden?
He nodded. "Elena."
"I missed you."
"I know."
"How have you been?"
"Stop." he said to her. She looked at him curiously. "Let's get the point here. Who is Stefan Salvatore?"
Stefan gulped. He heard clearly that he who named Arden said his name. How did he know about his name?
Elena didn't answer. And it kinda made Stefan sad. He wanted Elena to say something. More than friends, for the specific.
"Elena, who is Stefan Salvatore?" Arden asked again.
"Stefan is…" Elena started to talk.
Suddenly his phone rang loudly. Stefan was panic and searched for it from his jeans pocket. He saw that Arden and Elena were searching the source of the voice but didn't see him. He literally walked back to his chair and picked it up.
"Stefan, open the door!" his eyes suddenly open and sat on the couch. He looked at his phone which he exactly was holding in his hand.
"Damon?"
"Yes. Who else? Open the door, Steffy. I forgot to take the key from Bonnie when I drove her home."
"Ah yeah, yeah." Stefan said, rubbing his sleepy eyes and ended the call. He looked back at the couch and then stood to follow what Damon said.
"Thank you and sorry I'm late." Damon said as Stefan swung the door open and let Damon walked in.
"That's okay." Stefan answered and locked the door again. "Where's my food?"
"Here." Damon handed the boxes. "I'm going upstairs now."
"Okay. Thanks, D."
"Yeah." then he went upstairs. Stefan walked towards the kitchen.
"Arden? His name is Arden?" he thought. "Who is Arden to Elena? Best friend? Boyfriend? Family? And how the hell did he know about my name?" he had so many questions in his head as he ate his food. "But when I kissed her, she didn't say anything about having a boyfriend or something." he said again. Then suddenly he realized. He thought that Elena was right for taking more time for both of them. She wanted to make everything clear and nothing to hide. She wanted him to know everything about her. But in the other hand, she wanted to make sure herself about him. And he should take this opportunity to get to know about Arden. Or whatever his name was.
"Your wish is my command, Elena." he said to himself and stopped eating. Then he placed the dirty plate on the sink and turned off the kitchen lamp. "I'll try to follow your way." he whispered and went upstairs to his room.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Morning, Caroline."
She gasped and turned around. "Geez, Elena you scared me."
"Sorry." she smiled and continued her steps beside Caroline. "So today we have schedule, don't we?"
"Yep. And you have to be there, on time."
"Will do, Chief." Elena winked and walked to her locker, separated from Caroline who was walking towards the library. Suddenly someone tapped her shoulder. She literally turned around.
"Shocked?"
"A bit, Mr. Salvatore." she answered, smiling and turning back to her locker.
"It's a purpose."
"Ah you're fad." she looked at him and laughed. "Uh wait, are you free tonight?" she asked nervously.
Stefan smiled and looked at her eyes. "Yes. Why?"
"Would you want to come to my house to have dinner together?"
"Just two of us?" he asked, smiling widely.
"No, Jenna will be there too."
"Ah I thought…"
"Jenna will help me cook." she could see the disappointment from his eyes. But she just smiled.
"You can cook?" he looked surprised.
She furrowed. "Yep. And I'll cook Indonesian foods. You're gonna like it."
"Hmm, sounds good. Okay then, 6 PM."
"Okay." she smiled and nodded. "See you tonight." she closed her locker and went to her class, left Stefan alone.
At Stefan's class…
Katherine walked to Stefan's table as he corrected his task. He was too focused on it and didn't realize that she was coming.
"Hi." she greeted.
Without a look, Stefan greeted back. "Morning, Katherine."
"What are you doing?"
"Can't you see?"
Katherine smirked. Stefan didn't see that and thought that his words were irritated her. He remembered about her sickness in all of a sudden. He looked at her and apologized. She gave him her best smile and nodded.
"By the way, are you free tonight?"
"Nope. I have an appointment."
"Really? What appointment?"
Stefan found it annoying. Even though maybe she just wanted to look normal by asked that, but it still made him uncomfortable.
"Not your business."
"Ah yes, sorry. But can you please accompany me to the hospital this afternoon? I have to meet my doctor."
Stefan stopped writing and looked at her again. "I can't. I have to help Mrs. Webber to check the new books for library and today is my football schedule."
"I forgot that you're a librarian."
"I'm not. But I don't want to disappoint Mrs. Webber. She is always kind to me as you know."
"Yeah I know. Okay then, I'll go by myself. Bye Stefan." she said disappointedly. Stefan just nodded and watched her went out of the class.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Okay, enough for today gals." Caroline clapped her hands, signing the practice was over. Her team literally stopped moving. They grabbed their towel and went to cheerleaders' room. Elena sat on the land and straighten her legs.
Caroline looked at her and smiled. "You coming with us, Miss Gilbert?"
Elena laughed a little. "No. Go ahead."
"Okay then. See you tomorrow." Caroline waved her hand and left Elena.
As she tried to make her breaths became normal, she watched around her. Team football still practiced. Her eyes were automatically looking for Stefan. When she saw him, she smiled. He was focused on the game. But she enjoyed it much. He was so charming.
Then suddenly they stopped playing. Stefan went to his coach and talked about something. When he turned around, he saw Elena was looking at him not far from his place. He waved his hand and smiled. Elena did too. It made him wanted to go to her, but he remembered that Matt wanted to have a meeting before they could go home. So he nodded once, still smiling and went to the team's room. Elena, a bit disappointed, just looked at his back. But she decided to go to her room and went home. She had to prepare everything for dinner tonight.
20 minutes later…
Elena was walking towards the school cage and saw Stefan carried Katherine to his car. His face was clearly in panic. Then she ran to him but it was too late because he already turned the machine on and went out of the school.
"What happened, Matt?" she asked as Matt walked closer to her.
"Katherine was talking with Stefan when suddenly she fainted." he sighed and shook his head. "Well play, Katherine." he whispered. But Elena heard that. She just looked at him who was smiling at her.
Well play? Was she joking with her sickness or it was just Matt?
A/N : Good? Bad? Weird?
