AN: The way for this chapter is: "We'll figure it out."
She's going to miss him, she admits tearfully. She's spent more of her life with him than without. Twenty two years, traveling and exploring.
"Elena. It's okay." He reminds her. She's going to be great at university. She's wanted a degree in English for a while now. He's not going to hold her back.
"I'll miss you. You're my guy best friend." She says, and he's not offended, because Caroline has held the title of Elena's Best Friend for several years more than he has had Best Guy Friend. That's not all she feels for him, but it's cruel to tell him now, the words could slip out so easily, but he only sees her as a friend. It's okay. It's okay. It's okay, really. She just wants him to be happy, and if she can't do that, then she'll be okay with watching someone else do it. Although the thought makes her want to punch something.
"Elena." He drawls.
"I can come visit you. It's not like I won't see you for the next few years." The idea of doing so is very unappealing. He can't imagine not communicating with her.
"But I don't want to hold you back." She says, and he rolls his eyes.
"Elena. You're not holding me back. As your "Best Guy Friend", I can tell you, we'll figure it out. We always do, remember?" He asks. She nods, sniffling.
"You're going to do great." He assures her.