Stefan looked out again at the water. Elena had been under for way too long, he knew she had a small lung capacity. Whenever they would make out she would always be in need of air, way too soon. He counted the seconds, '57, 58, 59, 60' . She had been under for too long, not caring about whether they were fighting, he dived into the exact place she went to and saw her floating unconscious. As thought he turned his feelings off, he went into a mode where only one thought run through his head 'Get her out and breathing'. Usually he might have been frozen in shock or start crying at the possiblitiy of her being dead, but he was not letting her go this easily. He yanked the piece of seaweed off her foot that seemed to keep her deep beneath the water and sprinted out of the water, carrying her bridal style. While he was running he felt a sharp pain in his foot but kept going, knowing that he might only have seconds to save the love of his life. He heard Caroline scream for someone to call an ambulance, but as soon as he reached the sand, he laid Elena on the ground and put her on her side so the water could get out of her lungs. When most of it seemed to flow out, he remembered back to their PE class and started to do the CPR that their teacher taught them. When the ambulance arrived, the paramedics said that her heart was beating but they needed to get her to hospital, without even thinking about it, Stefan went on to the ambulance with her, followed by Caroline while Lexi was picking up Bonnie and Klaus, to take them to the hospital in her car.
While they were waiting, Stefan looked down at his foot to see what caused had caused him so much pain. He was in shock when he saw a big and sharp piece of glass, wedged into the sole of his left foot. Caroline looked over at him and gasped when she saw what he was looking at.
'I am getting you, a doctor, Stefan. Your foot could be infected.' She said and went towards the desk.
But Stefan couldn't think about his foot. Elena was in surgery, he felt like he was about to cry every time he thought about it. They got into a stupid fight, they were both wrong but they were both so stubborn. He once read a story about a really sad guy, this guy who was Stefan's age, had just finished a really bad day, his parents got mad at him, his coach, almost everyone he knew, it seemed like they hated him, except his girlfriend who he loved. When he told her he didn't want to see her, she asked him why', then they got into a big fight because she was trying to help him but he wasn't in the mood. That afternoon, she got a lift home with her friend and their car crashed into a tree, the friend was killed instantly whereas the girl he loved was fighting for her life. When they were in the hospital this guy and his girlfriends sister were talking and she said, that before the car crashed she was writing an email to him and she showed him the email, it said- I love you, I know you think you're life is hard now, but it's going to be ok. Life is too short for us to be unhappy and I am always trying to make you see that, I am sorry if you thought I was being nosey when I wanted to help you but I love you so much, it pains me to see you unhappy. I wish you could see that too. Love always,' Seconds later the doctor came out with news that the girl had passed away and the guy cried so hard, and now he tells everyone, 'Don't let a day pass without telling your girlfriend you love her.'
Caroline called him over and he limped over. A doctor came and greeted him, when Stefan sat at the table, he didn't say a thing. Thank goodness, Caroline was there because she did all the talking for him. His mind kept playing through the day hoping that at one point he told Elena he loved her. The doctor put salt water on his cut and bandaged it, saying that later in the week Stefan has to come back, so he can check to see if it is infected or not. When he eventually limped back into the waiting room, Lexi and the others were already here. Lexi knew this was really getting to Stefan, as soon as he sat down on one of the chairs, she went over to him, sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around him. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and began crying.
He sobbed something like 'I forgot to tell her!'
She was confused but asked him 'Forgot to tell her what?'
'I forgot to tell her I love her!' he said, before sobbing again.
Lexi couldn't stop herself, tears began to pour down her face. Stefan was beating himself up, she knew that every day he told Elena he loved her because he never wanted her to forget and Elena told her about their conversation at lunch and how it seemed like they hated each other again, but now Stefan has realized that no matter what he will love her. She looked over at her other friends, Klaus was standing up holding Caroline his chest, as she soaked his shirt in tears. She also could have sworn she saw a tear run down Klaus's face, then Bonnie was sitting on Matt's lap, holing back tears as Matt gently rocked her and tried to calm her down.
After Stefan had his emotional breakdown with Lexi and everyone else, the doctor came out and told them that Elena was going to survive. That Stefan had saved her life and after getting all the fluid out of her lungs, she was going to be ok. She was still asleep but they were welcome to see her for a moment. The doctor walked them to her room and left, everyone wanted to get inside but everyone realized that Stefan wasn't in the room with them. Lexi walked outside and saw him, sitting down on the chair across from her door with his elbows hanging for his knees while he nervously played with his fingers.
'Why don't you come in and see her? She is still asleep.' Lexi said.
'I doubt she wants to see me, asleep or awake.' He said, looking towards the ground.
'That's not true.' Lexi said, firmly.
'Really? So before she went into the water, she told you she loved me again or better yet, didn't she dive into the water to get away from me and then almost died? Trust me, I don't think she ever wants to see me again.' He said and with that he stood up off his chair and limped outside.
Lexi sighed. Stefan always pinned the blame on himself, it was what he did every time something went wrong. From Elena's room, she could suddenly hear her tired voice float outside. When she walked in, she saw Elena, propped up by a pillow, looking and talking to all her friends, who were either crying or on the verge of tears. As soon as Lexi opened the door, Elena looked excitiedly towards her but then tried to hide the disappointment on her face when she just saw Lexi come through. Lexi wasn't offended, it was obvious she wanted to see Stefan, he saved her life and they had some serious apologizing to do.
'Where is he?' she asked. Even though she was emotionally, physically and mentally drained, you could still see tears in Elena's eyes and the pain of not bring around Stefan.
'He is being Stefan and feeling guility about what happened and thinks you still hate him, even though he is still madly in love with you as if nothing has changed.' Lexi said.
When Elena heard the last part she smiled, then she turned to her friends and made them give her a group hug.
'You have no idea, how scared I was. I thought I was going to die, I thought I would never get to go shopping with Caroline, or partying with Lexi, or studying with Bonnie, or hanging around with any of you ever again, or…' she trailed off.
Everyone in the room knew what she was going to say 'or tell Stefan, I love him.'
'What about me? Are my jokes really that bad?' asked Klaus, pretending to be offended.
Elena laughed. 'Well, I don't know, they don't often make sense.'
Klaus pouted, but then Caroline hugged him and whispered she loves him.
Elena looked around and smiled, she couldn't believe she had almost lost this. Her friends, she couldn't imagine a life without them. With the thought of Stefan hanging in the back of her mind, she tried to enjoy the moment as it was and appreciate that she had such great friends, but all she wanted to do was fall asleep.
Bonnie could see Elena zoning out and her eyelids fighting to stay open. She went over ot her bed and hugged Elena. Then gestured for everyone to do the same, after the painful good-byes, Elena went straight to sleep. The doctors weren't letting her go to cheer camp for at least 2 days, but Elena was hoping she would feel better tomorrow and perhaps even sneak out. For now, she simply let herself fall to sleep, knowing that her life was so much better then she had thought before.
Stefan was on top of the building that they were staying in, he didn't want to think but then he didn't want to stop thinking. Elena almost died, what if she did? That question kept floating through his mind, what would he have done if she did? He remembers his parents funeral, he stood over their grave's to watch them get buried, if he had to watch the same thing happen to Elena… He wouldn't be able to live with himself, Damon wouldn't be able to help him, Stefan only began to actually feel happy when he met Elena, a life without her seemed impossible.
He got a fright when he heard someone coming up behind him. He expected to see Lexi but instead he saw Bonnie, he was never too close with her. She always was happy and nice but didn't really like hanging around with people from the football team.
'You're not going to jump are you?' she asked.
'No.' he said, shaking his head.
She came and sat next to him. 'She's ok, you know.'
'I know that, but it doesn't change what happened.'
'Stefan, why are you doing this to yourself? What happened, happened but you saved her life and right now, she doesn't care about what happened. Actually, I don't think she even remembers it, but she does remember that you saved her and when she looks back on this, whether you and her are together or not, the most important thing she will remember will be that you didn't come see her and that you saved her, then broke her heart.'
Stefan listened to what Bonnie was saying. 'I don't know if what you're saying is true, but you're right. If she wanted to see me and I didn't come, she would upset but I don't think she wants to see me, so until I know that I don't want her to be stuck in the same room as me.' He said before turning around walking down the stairs towards his room, leaving Bonnie by herself.
Bonnie sighed, Lexi was right, Stefan could be very stubborn. Many people would think that see didn't know Stefan well, Stefan probably didn't think she did either, but she did. She observes people from a distance and through others. She knew Stefan loved Elena on the night of Halloween and the night of the back to school party, she watched as Stefan protectively watched over Elena, knowing that a relationship would soon blossom. Every time Stefan came off the football field, he had the same look on his face as he did now, it was a look that he could have done more mixed with guilt and fear, it was easy for him to feel this way, even if he played amazingly, he always had this look. It used to stay on his face until the next day or longer, but that was before Elena came along, she was the only person who could convince Stefan that he did do enough he only ever believed her because he knew that she knew himself better than he did and she would never lie to him.
The next day, after quick breakfast, Caroline, Lexi and Bonnie drove out to the hospital to see Elena before the fitness session. She was awake.
'Good morning sunshine!' sang Caroline when she walked in.
' At least someone is happy today.' sighed Elena.
'Aww, don't be moody, what has your skirts in a twist?' Lexi asked, sitting down on the single sofa.
'What do you think? Today the whole team could have gotten that sequence perfect, but because I had a little shortage of breath, I have to miss out on the entire day!' she said.
'I would love to swap places with you, however your shortage of breath caused you to pass out and you would be dead if it weren't for Stefan.' Caroline said.
As soon as Stefan was mentioned, Elena's face was heart-breaking, when she first heard it her eye's lit up but then fell when she realized the situation.
'He hasn't called or anything, has he?' Bonnie asked.
Elena looked down at her phone. 'Nope' she said, with a light smile on her face.
Bonnie hoped he would have done something after their little conversation.
'Well, speaking of Stefan, while he was being a hero, he cut his foot on a piece of glass so Damon has forbidden him to train today and Katherine is making him stay outside your room for the day to make sure you don't sneak out!' said Lexi.
Elena was shocked, she was annoyed that Katherine knew she would sneak out but was happy that Stefan would be forced to be near her and post near-death experience or not, she was to find Stefan and tell him she loved him, she didn't know what his reaction would be but by now, she didn't really care, she just had to see him.
Once Lexi, Caroline and Bonnie left, Elena tried watching TV. The shows were just a whole lot of old shows that were being aired for retired people, who stayed at home for most of the day or the old people in the hospital for check-ups. She was waiting for Stefan, but after about an hour or so, she realized he had snuck in and she hadn't even noticed he was out there. She sat up straight, feeling the blood go to her head made her a bit dizzy but she had to get over it. Slowly, she swung her legs around the side of the bed and forced herself to get up, she felt the dizziness get worse but that wasn't going to stop her. She gradually walked over to the door, shuffling her feet, trying to get closer. When she reached the door, she opened it and saw him. He looked up at her and she knew that she needed to touch him, he was perfect. The sun was coming through the window splashing onto his face, causing his eyes to sparkle and his hair was gelled up as usual but today had a bit more freedom to it then usual. She leaned against the side of doorway, trying to hold herself up. Stefan saw her struggling and stood up, to help her but when he got within distance, Elena opened her arms and feel forward straight into him and she felt like the gates of heaven had opened.
He grabbed her to stop her from falling and pulled her back into her room, shutting the door behind him. When he made it back to her bed, they fell against each other again. Elena was holding onto Stefan as tightly as she could while he had completely buried her face in her neck and hair. Elena started to cry, she had almost lost him, she was so selfish and stupid. She could feel a few tears fall down Stefan's face as well.
This was how it felt, this was how it felt to have pieces fall into place, it was how scientist must feel when they have finally worked out a cure for disease, how a parents feels when their child can ride a bike.
Elena felt Stefan lean back, she looked him in the eyes, he was so beautiful, his eyes were an emerald colour that shone as brightly as the sun and you could tell that they were the windows into his soul. You could see the hurt, the sadness, the pain and gulit he carried with him but then you could see the love, compassion and happiness he was capable of. Whenever she thinks of home, she thinks of his eyes and how they make her feel like nothing could hurt her and that is how you feel in your own home.
'I love you so much…' he whispered.
Elena laughed, those were the last words she thought about. All see can remember is diving in and then thinking those words, the rest is blank.
Even though she laughed, Stefan still couldn't get himself to smile. 'I forgot to tell you that yesterday and I have spent the last few hours regretting it so much, if you didn't wake up, if I never got to say that again… I don't know what I would do. How can you even see me? It was my fault you dived in and I am so sorry I treated you that way, I was upset but that is no excuse, you could have died, I never would have forgiven myself..' Stefan went blabbering on.
As if a light turned on in Elena's head, she understood. She had been upset he hadn't wanted to see her, but now she understood, he thought she didn't want to see him. His gulit was getting to him, Elena was the only one who could get him to forget about it but usually he always wanted sex after it and she never disagreed.
She ran her hands into his hair and leaned her forehead against him which made him shut up.
'Stefan…Stefan, Stefan, Stefan… Stefan.' She said over and over, as if she were explaining something to a child. 'I love you. I forgot to tell you too but now I am making it up for it by telling you every day, for as long as it's true. I know, I almost lost you too. I know you're feeling guilty but you can't. You were the one that saved my life and the only reason I wanted it to be saved was because of you. If you had died, I wouldn't know what to do either, I would go back to being the sad little girl who childishly shuts off her emotions, I would never feel powerful or happy or even feel like I could do the things I can. I wouldn't have you by my side pushing me to do better or telling me I could do everything. I would never feel alive, you make me alive because you don't let me shut off my emotions, you make me face everything and you make me realize things I have never known. You're the gravity holding me to earth and I wasn;t surprised when the doctor told me you saved my life because a life without you, would be no life at all and I would always want to see you. If the world would ever be about to end the last person I would want to see is you. I dived in because I didn't want to believe this hold you have over me but now, I do believe it and by simply looking at me, I wanted to run straight into your arms. We belong together Stefan and nothing you say, do or think will change that.' Elena said, the tears kept coming but that didn't stop her from kissing him as passionately as she could.
Stefan was so stupid. How could he think Elena wouldn't want to see him? If the roles had been reversed, he would have gone straight to her and forgotten all about their fight. She was brave enough to do that with him and thank god, she did or he would still be outside holding a grudge. When she kissed him, he felt his heart start again. He could almost feel the blood starting to circulate in his body just because he knew that with Elena he could survive this. She leaned back as he laid down on top of her, with his elbows supporting himself. She started pulling at his shirt and he knew exactly where this was going. He went to his knees and pulled his shirt off while Elena smiled at him or well, his abs. He leaned down to kiss her and began unbuttoning the hospital pyjama's she was in.
She pulled back and looked at him, then said 'We can't do this in a hospital.'
He went to kissing her neck. 'Says who?'
'Stefan… you know it's not allowed.' She said, trying to stay stern but right now, where this was going was the most entertaining thing there was to do at the hospital.
'Too bad, you almost died and we have to have make-up sex, so I say we can be an exception!' he said then kissed her lips again.
From then, Elena stopped fighting back. She almost died and now if she wanted to she could tick off having sex in a hospital from her somewhat bucket list. She felt like she was drowning all over again but this time, she was drowning in Stefan's love for which wasn't so bad.
That afternoon, all her friends came to visit her and Stefan. He offered to leave but Elena is keeping him within a 5 metre radius, (it stretched that far when he had to go to the bathroom). Elena was lying against his chest, they were now excellent at putting on their clothes in this mini hospital bed, considering the nurse liked to visit them to see how they were going and her friends made a surprise entrance.
This was the moment, Elena thought. This was the moment she wanted when she woke up, Stefan's arms were protectively around her and she was able to laugh with him or her friends, without dwelling on the past or thinking about everything that had happened. Then, Klaus and Caroline went to the desk to see if she would be allowed out for the night, so they could go to dinner.
Stefan leaned forward and kissed Elena's cheek and said, 'I need a quick word with Lexi.'
He took his arms back from around Elena and jumped out of the bed. Elena whimpered when he did but he simply kissed her forehead then walked outside with Lexi following him. Elena turned to her friends, feeling her mood slowly drop without being able to feel Stefan near her.
When Stefan made it outside he turned to Lexi and looked her straight in the eye.
'Lexi, you have to listen to me. Ok, as soon as the night is over, you have to go to Kol and you have to forgive him. I don't care if you think he raped you or that he cheated or what. You broke his heart first and you two are just going to keep hurting each other unless you forgive him.' Stefan said sternly.
'Stefan, why are you on Kol's side? This is what Elena and you were fighting about!' said Lexi.
Stefan shook his head. 'No! Both of you don't get it, I wasn't talking about what I would do if I was in Kol's position, I was talking about what I would do if I were you. If I broke up with Elena and then she slept with another person, I would still forgive her. I love her too much to let our relationship die because of some silly mistake! I know, you love Kol too and what use is it if you try and tell yourself different?' he said, then he turned around and went back to Elena, leaving Lexi with a lot to think about.
When he walked into the room, Elena reached for him straight away. He kissed her before going back into his original position. He felt Elena relax in his arms and you could see the happiness radiating off her. Stefan had never felt so special, or so loved. He knew Elena loved him, she told him every day but when he saw these little things, it made him realize that every time she said it, she truly meant it and that feeling was almost better.
While Bonnie and Matt were arguing between themselves, Elena smiled up at him and whispered, 'I heard what you said to Lexi, and I admit I was wrong. I should have let you explain and shouldn't have accused you.. Forgive me?' she looked up at him with sad and sorry eyes.
Stefan kissed her head. 'You have nothing to be sorry for, we both made mistakes, but you have to promise me, that even if Kol and Lexi keep fighting, we're not going to let their fight become ours, ok?'
'Ok, I promise.' She said, then they sealed their deal with a kiss.
The doctors weren't going to let her go out for dinner that night, because tomorrow they were letting her go back to the camp but she wasn't allowed to participate. So her and Stefan got takeaway chinese and watched re-runs of 'How I met your mother'. When it was getting late, Stefan was thinking about going back, so she could get some sleep, but Elena was determined to stay at his side at all times, then after a lot of arguing and puppy eyes, Stefan stayed the night in the hospital with Elena in his arms.
He knew they wouldn't be too happy to see him here tomorrow, but Elena was happy and that was all that mattered to him. After not being able to touch her or hold her for hardly even a day, Stefan felt disconnected from the world but he had her all to himself and his life was almost back to being perfect again.
A/N: Hey Everyone! I know, I don't usually write author's notes but thanks for everyone who is reviewing. After Stefan and Elena broke up, I wasn't sure if I would be able to keep writing but I managed to get this chapter out. I had the idea of eventually bringing in the coach who Elena first slept with but I'm not sure if I will keep writing this. If anyone does want me to keep writing and go one with the story, then I can. Thanks so much for reading it!
