Guess who didn't realize it was Wednesday until she was sweating at the gym? This girl. Sorry! But better late in the day then never at all! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed last chapter along with this one. Alex and Elena are getting better huh? I think it's better to take things slow with these two, considering how fast their friendship developed in the first place.

Season 3 Episode 11 Our Town

"Wasn't Elena the one who said she didn't want to lie to Jeremy anymore?"

I flipped my hair over my shoulder, running a brush through it. Damon was in the shower, telling me all about how Elena was sending Jeremy away. He had gone to the Gilbert's the night prior and compelled him to leave for Denver, at least until Klaus was gone.

"The kid's not safe here." Damon said over the running water. "Not with Klaus running around. Jeremy has a target on his back."

"Yeah…" I replied, putting the brush down. Staring at myself in the mirror, I sighed. I didn't sleep much that night, no thanks to Damon and his wandering hands. But, I had other things on my mind. Alaric's ring wasn't doing its job, and it worried me. And now, Jeremy was being sent away and I was wondering if it was actually a good idea. We all had target's on our back not just Jeremy... maybe it wasn't such a bad idea...

"What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

I looked up, meeting Damon's blue gaze in the mirror in front of me. His hands were settled on my hips, and his hair was dripping down the front of his chest. It was more than a little distracting. I sighed, turning to face him.

"I was just thinking…" I said. "What if… what if we send mom somewhere?"

Damon's eyebrows furrowed. The idea of being separated from her was torture, but if Jeremy wasn't safe, neither was she. There was no telling what Klaus would do on this mission to get his family back. If my mom was put in danger because of me… I couldn't live with myself.

"Where would she go?" Damon asked.

"Maybe…" I said, awkwardly shifting my weight. "To Europe…"

"Isn't she the biggest workaholic ever?" Damon asked. I nodded. "How are you going to talk her into that?"

"I'm not." I replied shaking my head. "You would."

Damon opened and then closed his mouth. I didn't like messing with people's heads, especially not when it came to my mom. But if I was able to get her to a place as far away as Europe, then she would be safe. That's all that mattered.

"Just think about it." Damon said, running a hand through my hair. "We can talk about it later."

This was all I had thought about, keeping her safe. But I nodded, just for his benefit. He leaned forward, capturing my lips into a sweet kiss. I sighed, putting my arms around his neck. I wished that time would freeze then, and I wouldn't have to deal with all of this vampire nonsense. It would just be me, and Damon, and no crazy Originals claiming me as one of their own.

"I swear, after all of this is over…" Damon said, pulling away from me. "You and me, we are going to go somewhere."

"Oh really?" I asked amused. "Where would that be?"

"Some remote island." Damon replied with a smirk. "Where it's just you and me, and we won't have to worry about anything else."

I smiled. It seemed that we were on the same page. The idea was tempting, and I wished that we could go right then. But we had Klaus to deal with, and his hybrids. But it was fun to dream.

"I like the sound of that." I said, kissing him again. We didn't stand there for long when I heard the sound of Jace's truck horn blaring. Damon grunted against my lips and I just laughed.

"One of these days I'm going to tear that horn out of that metal death trap." Damon threatened. I let out another laugh. "Get to school."

I stood on my tiptoes, kissing him once more before I turned and walked out of the house. I trotted out to the truck, slipping into the passenger seat but was surprised to see a very large bag in between us.

"What is that?" I asked, pointing to the gift bag. I could tell it was a gift because of the balloons decorating it and the card taped to the side.

"Caroline's present." Jace replied. "Got her some purse she wanted."

"That's nice of you." I replied. "She will love it."

I could feel his eyes on me, looking all around. I smirked, looking up.

"What?" I asked.

"Where's your present?" He asked with his own smirk. "Don't tell me you forgot."

"I didn't." I replied, pulling the rectangle shaped present from my bag. "Here it is."

Jace nodded before pulling away from the house. We didn't really talk on the way to school, but I was fine with that. Jace and I didn't need to talk. We could be perfectly fine sitting in silence. That was the great thing about our friendship.

"Did Damon tell you they are sending Jeremy away?" Jace asked when we pulled up to the school. I nodded. "Seems kind of wrong you know?"

"What do you mean?" I asked. We got out of the truck and walked around to meet one another at the front.

"Without Jeremy… it's like our little group isn't complete." Jace replied. I sighed.

"Yeah." I replied. "But I would rather have him alive."

Jace nodded once more and we walked into the school.

Caroline had skipped school, not that I blamed her. If it were my birthday I probably wouldn't go to school either. What was funny, was that Jace had to carry around his birthday present to her all day. He had grumbled about it to which I had laughed.

"So, you want to send your mother away?" Bonnie asked me as we took down the decorations off of Caroline's locker. "Isn't that going against everything you have ever believed in?"

"Yes." I replied. "But… she's not safe. Not with Klaus running around all mean and broody."

"None of us are safe." Bonnie replied giving me a look. "Well, except you I guess."

I scoffed.

"I don't see how Klaus threatening to kidnap me and make me part of his family is safe." I replied. "Besides, Jeremy and I have training. Mom doesn't."

Klaus hadn't threatened her yet, but I didn't put it past him. Jeremy was the first target, but who would be the next? What else could go wrong the longer we kept those coffins away from him?

"I just don't feel right about the whole thing." Bonnie replied. "I feel like… Elena's taking his choice away. I don't want you to do that to your mom."

I understood what she was saying. Taking away someone's choice... it wasn't a good thing to do especially to someone you cared about. But I pushed that aside, thinking about her safety over mine.

"But mom doesn't know about this huge secret." I said. "She doesn't know that any of us are in danger."

"True." Bonnie replied. "I don't know… I guess I'll just… miss him…"

I stared at her for the longest time, an expression of sympathy on my face. Bonnie had been hurt by Jeremy, who had kissed Anna the vampire ghost whilst dating Bonnie. I could see that she still had feelings for him, and it made my heart crack a little bit.

"He will be back." I told her. "As soon as we deal with Klaus, Elena won't let Jeremy stay gone for long."

"Yeah." Bonnie said. "I guess you're right."

I smiled, squeezing her arm to reassure her.

"Have you talked to Alaric?" She asked. I gulped. "I'll take that as a no."

"They just started getting serious." I replied, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. "I don't want to hurt him."

"I'm sure Rick will understand." Bonnie replied turning to me. "You both want her safe."

"Yeah…" I replied. "So, we are meeting at Caroline's right after class?"

"Yes." Bonnie said with a smile. "She won't see it coming."

"Well, she is a vampire." I said. "She might hear us."

"Oh, shut up." Bonnie said, hitting my playfully. "Jace is coming right?"

"Yeah." I said with a nod. The two of us fell into silence as we walked down the hall. However, I could see the small smile on her face. "What's the smile for?"

"Nothing." She replied, but her smile didn't fade. I rolled my eyes. Bonnie had always been a Jalex shipper, as she called it. My friends teasing me about it didn't help my anxiety. Jace didn't give me any indication that what they were saying was true, but I had seen him lie. He was good at it. And when I started to doubt our friendship, I started to worry. But, I couldn't because Jace hadn't said anything. I prayed he never did.

"I'll see you later." Bonnie said, walking into her class. I sighed, doing the same.

Class seemed to drag, and although I knew that I should have been paying attention, I couldn't. How was I supposed to tell Alaric that I was thinking of sending my mother, his girlfriend, away for who knows how long? The decision hadn't been made, and I was thinking very hardly about it. But it just seemed like the best choice, the safest choice for her. We both wanted her to be safe…

"Hey, Rick." I said, knocking on his classroom door. He looked up, meeting my gaze with a smile. "You busy?"

"No." He said, closing a folder. "Just grading some stuff."

He stood up.

"Did you need something?" He asked politely. I swallowed, closing the door behind me. I didn't want anyone to hear this conversation, not just because of its supernatural content, but also because it still wasn't common knowledge that my mother was dating everyone's favorite history teacher. I didn't need the extra attention.

"I need to talk to you." I said, looking him over. Damon's blood had done wonders on his wounds from the accident. "It's kind of important."

"Ok." He said, crossing his arms over his chest. "Lay it on me."

I chewed on my bottom lip. This was a lot harder than I imagined. I kept telling myself that this was a good idea, that she would be ok… but I was so afraid of him making me feel guilty or even… disapproving that made me feel like a child who had done something bad.

"Alex…" Rick said, getting my attention. "Is everything ok?"

"Yes. No." I said quickly and then sighed. "I don't know."

I slipped into one of the desks, holding my head in my hands. Maybe I should just forget this, throw the crazy idea out the window. But then again, I would never forgive myself if I had the chance to send her to safety and I didn't. If Klaus decided to go after her… I couldn't live with myself.

"I'm worried." I said, finally lifting my head. Alaric furrowed his brows. "About mom…"

Rick's confusion absorbed and he leaned against his desk leisurely.

"I get it." Alaric said, with a nod. "Klaus is running around killing people. You want to make sure she's safe."

"Exactly." I said with a smile. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard after all…

"Well, we can check up on her frequently." Alaric said. "Even a phone call is better than nothing."

I opened my mouth and then closed it.

"And, I can stay at your house more often if you would like." He offered. "I can set up the house so there is a weapon hidden in every room and-"

"Rick." I said, cutting him off. "I don't think you understand…"

His confusion returned, and a few frown lines formed on his forehead. I sighed, standing up. I hated doing this, I hated even thinking about it. But the idea of losing my mother… that was something I couldn't bear. Vicki was dead. I was fine. Jenna was dead. I was fine. John was dead. I was fine.

But I could not lose her.

"What are you getting at?" Alaric asked. I sighed again, turning to meet his gaze. I swallowed the lump that was forming in my throat, forcing myself to stay calm.

"I was thinking of sending her away." I said. Alaric made a noise in the back of his throat. "Just until we figure out this thing with Klaus."

"You know how long that will take?" Alaric asked, pushing himself off the desk. "It could take a long time. You can't just send your mom away Alex."

I felt my chest tighten. I knew that he wouldn't be happy, but he was basically scolding me, like a father would. I internally slapped myself at the thought. I liked Rick, but he was getting under my skin.

"I know that you care about her…" I said. "But this is in her best interest."

"We can protect her here." Alaric replied. He was pouting like a child. I crossed my arms over my chest.

"We can protect Jeremy here too." I countered. Alaric's eyes widened a bit. "There's no reason to send him away."

"That's different." He replied, but I could hear that he understood where I was coming from. They couldn't send Jeremy away for his safety, and wonder why I would want to do the same for my mother.

"I know you want what's best for her." I said softer than before. "But Alaric… I can't take the chance that I may lose her…"

He met my gaze and then he sighed. I hated doing this to him, I really did. But as guilty as I felt, my need to protect my mother was much stronger.

"I haven't figured everything out yet." I told him. "But if I'm going to do it, I have to do it soon."

Alaric nodded, turning and going back to his desk. He wasn't happy with me, and I couldn't say I blamed him. He had just lost Jenna, and my mother had been helping him cope. I could see them getting closer and closer, and I hated separating them. But in the end it would be worth it.

"I'm sorry." I told him before turning and going out the door before I let his forlorn face change my mind. I bolted down the hallway and tried to shake off the feeling of dread. Today was Caroline's birthday, and I couldn't let this decision drag me down.

"Happy birthday!"

Caroline turned to where we had just jumped out from our hiding spots. Balloons, hats, and all sort of cliché birthday decorations were decorating her front hallway. The blonde vampire turned to us in surprise, and although I expected that, I didn't expect her to be frowning.

"What are you guys doing here?" She asked. My face fell as I looked her over. She wasn't the usual chipper Caroline I had called friend. She looked very irritated to see us.

"Well you blew off school and missed our work of birthday art, so..." Elena explained, taking off the plastic crown on her head and placing it on Caroline. She smiled, but it was small and forced.

"Change into warmer clothes, we are going to the Falls." Bonnie explained. "S'mores, camp fire…"

"And cake!" Jace said excitedly. I turned with furrowed brows. "What? I like cake…"

"Come on it will be fun." Matt said with a grin. "I've got tequila."

I wanted to be excited about this, especially considering everything we had going on and what was on my mind. But Caroline didn't look excited, and that was worrying me. She obviously had anything but her birthday on her mind, and it was making me sad.

"Thanks, guys." Caroline said. "Really, um, I'm just not feeling my birthday this year."

"I'm sorry, what?" Bonnie asked in surprise. "You've already claimed your birthday as everyone's favorite day of the year."

"Yeah, and now, it's just a reminder that technically, I'm dead. Look, I didn't even like 17." Caroline said. "And the only point to being 17 is to get to 18. It's a filler year; I'm stuck in a filler year."

And now it made sense. Caroline was not happy about her birthday, because she wasn't actually aging. Unlike us non-vampires, we would actually reach 18. Even though Caroline had been on this earth for 18 years, her body would never actually shift to that age. In all actuality, the idea of immortality and staying old forever sounded good, but when it came down to never changing or never getting older… I could see why she would be upset.

"You're not stuck Caroline." Elena said.

"Yeah I am, but its okay. You know, it's all good, I'll be fine." Caroline replied. "But I just need some time to wallow in it."

The others in the group seemed to slump, as if they were giving up. Caroline wanted to be alone, to be sad. But that wasn't the Caroline I knew. The Caroline I knew would be out celebrating with her friends, drinking and making stupid decisions. Because that's what 18 year olds did.

"No." I said shaking my head. Everyone looked to me. "We are not going to let you wallow."

I walked up to her, taking her arm in mine.

"I have a better idea."

Alaric walked into the Lockwood mansion, Lauren holding onto his arm. After Alex dropped the bombshell that she was thinking of sending Lauren away, Alaric knew that he would have to spend as much time with her as possible.

"I hate these things." Lauren said. "They are always asking for money for something."

"Well, it's an excuse to get you out of the house." Alaric said. "And besides, you get to hang out with me."

Lauren smiled, a smile so similar to her daughters. Even though Alex looked nothing like her mother and was a carbon copy of someone else, she still had those traits that were like the woman who birthed her.

"I guess that makes it not so bad." Lauren said, leaning into his side. Alaric hadn't felt this way about too many people. He had loved Isobel, and then he was on the verge of loving Jenna, but she was taken from him. He wouldn't let Lauren be taken either.

"There's the lovely couple."

Alaric turned, seeing Damon smiling with a drink in his hand.

"Hello Damon." Lauren said politely. "You didn't drag Alex to this thing tonight?"

"No." Damon replied with a smile. "She's off celebrating Caroline's birthday."

"Good to know." Lauren said then looked to Alaric. "I'm getting a drink, you want anything?"

He shook his head no. He wanted to be completely sober while he spent his time with her. He wanted to see her clearly, remember everything about her. There was no telling how long she could be gone. She kissed his cheek before walking by Damon.

"You brought her to a council meeting?" Damon hissed when Lauren was out of earshot. "How hard did that car hit you?"

"Not hard enough." Alaric mumbled. "Alex told me what you two are planning."

Damon held his hands up.

"Hey, this is all her idea." Damon replied. "But honestly, you can't expect her to be safe here. When Jeremy is gone, who do you think the next target is?"

Klaus' whole goal was to get his family back, and he had already threatened to take Alex to complete it. Lauren was her mother, which meant that she was an obstacle. Without Jeremy there to take his anger out on, Lauren could very well become a target.

"You're right." Alaric grumbled. Damon's eyes widened.

"Never thought I would hear you say that." Damon mused. "Say it again."

"Screw you." Alaric muttered before taking the remains of Damon's drink and knocking it back.

"What are we doing here?" Elena asked as I pushed open the door to the Salvatore family crypt. It was dusty and full of cob webs, but it would definitely do. Everyone filed in, using flashlights to light the way.

"Caroline was right...technically, she's dead." I said, making Caroline glare. "Sorry, but seriously we don't need to celebrate your birthday."

Everyone furrowed their brows.

"We need to have a funeral." I finished. Everyone stared at one another for a second before they smiled. Matt brought out the alcohol, pouring it into glasses so we could toast.

"Okay. Here lies Caroline Forbes..." Caroline said, then looked at us to go on.

"Cheerleader, Miss Mystic Falls, third grade hopscotch champion..." Elena said.

"Friend, daughter, overachiever..." Bonnie continued.

"Mean girl, sometimes, no offense." Matt said.

"None taken." Caroline replied.

"A bad ass vampire." Jace said. Caroline rolled her eyes. I stepped forward.

"A beautiful person." I said. "Inside and out."

Caroline grinned at me, and I smiled back.

"She was 17, and she had a really good life." Elena finished. "So rest in peace, so that she can move forward."

Caroline's smile widened as she looked around at all of us. It occurred to me that all of us were human, we would die, and Caroline wouldn't. She would stay frozen, and most likely have to watch everyone she cared about die of old age or tragic events. But, if there was anyone strong enough to handle that, it would be Caroline Forbes.

"To Caroline." Jace said, holding out his glass.

"To Caroline." We echoed and drank from our glasses.

Alaric had gone to try and find Lauren, leaving Damon to look at all the plans for the Wickery Bridge. He remembered it like it was yesterday, following Stefan, meeting Elena, watching her parent's car go over the bridge. He watched as Stefan saved her from the wreck, running to go find help. He remembered diving into those water's pulling out Alex, saving her life.

This bridge was where it all started.

Damon huffed, moving from the room and into another. He was both surprised and horrified to see Klaus talking to Lauren. The blonde was smiling politely, but was shifting as if she was uncomfortable. Damon felt his blood boil as he approached.

"Lauren." Damon said, as cheery as possible. "There you are."

"Here I am." Lauren said with a smile. The way she was eyeing Damon, he knew that she was looking for an escape route. "Damon have you met-"

"We've met." Damon cut her off, narrowing his eyes at Klaus. "Hello Klaus."

"Hello Damon." Klaus replied cooly. "Lauren and I were just discussing her very interesting life."

Lauren visibly swallowed.

"What did you say your daughter's name was?" Klaus asked, but he was staring at Damon. Damon glared at him with cold eyes.

"Alexandra." Lauren answered. Klaus clapped his hands.

"Yes!" Klaus said. "What a lovely name. Wouldn't you agree Damon?"

Damon ground his teeth together. Klaus always did a good job of bating him, especially in front of humans that didn't know their secret. He knew that if Alex was there, she would be desperately trying to get her mother away, and probably threatening Klaus. And since Alex wasn't there, Damon would just have to do it for her.

"Lovely." Damon agreed and then turned to Lauren. "Lauren, Alaric was looking for you. He went back inside."

"Right!" Lauren said, silently thanking him. "I'll go find him. It was nice to meet you Mr…"

"Please call me Klaus." The hybrid said, kissing her hand. Lauren swallowed again and then forced a smile. Like a mouse escaping a cat, Klaus let go of her hand and Lauren rushed inside. Damon turned and glared murderously at him.

"Charming woman." Klaus said. "But I must say that Alex looks nothing like her."

"What are you doing here?" Damon asked through his teeth. Alex was right in her assessment that Klaus could come after Lauren if he wanted to. She was in just as much danger as any of them.

"I think you know." Klaus replied. "I want my family back."

"Scaring Alex's mom, not a good strategy." Damon replied. Klaus chuckled. "If you hurt her-"

"I have no plans on hurting Lauren." Klaus replied. "But in the end, she will be hurt when Alex comes to be in my family."

"Alex would never join you." Damon replied. "Besides, you don't even have your family."

Klaus narrowed his eyes.

"I see that we are still at an impasse." Klaus said. "Make Stefan give me my family back."

"Not gonna happen." Damon replied. Klaus chucked murderously, stepping forward and getting in Damon's face.

"Return my family, or Alex's mother will pay the price." Klaus threatened, sending another glare before he turned. Damon felt his stomach drop and he went to go find Alaric.

The thing about alcohol was that I hated how it tasted, but I loved the way I felt afterward. I was laughing, drunk, like a normal teenager. This is how it was supposed to be, breaking into creepy crypts, drinking until none of us could stand, and just having fun.

"Caroline." Elena slurred. We all looked over to the blonde. "What are you doing?"

"What? Nothing!" Caroline replied, shoving her phone in her pocket. I narrowed my eyes. Ever since Tyler had been sired to Klaus, their relationship had taken a toll. That morning, they had officially ended things.

"Let me see that." I said, grabbing her phone. She reached for it, but I held it out of reach. "She's texting Tyler."

"No!" Elena whined. I had to admit, I was much less angry at Elena when we were both drunk and against Team Tyler. I let out a laugh as Caroline took her phone from me.

"So what?" She asked. "I'm delicate…"

"Caroline, you can't text him anymore." Elena said, suddenly serious. "He's on the bad side now."

"Give her a break!" Bonnie yelled. "You can't control what everyone does all the time."

Everyone went silent then. Elena stared at Bonnie with wide eyes. All of us did. Bonnie even seemed surprised by her outburst.

"Wow…" Jace said, breaking the awkward silence. I swallowed, sobered up by the sudden tension in the room.

"Ouch, Bon." Matt said. Bonnie looked up at Matt and then back to Elena.

"Sorry, I know it's Caroline birthday, funeral or whatever but…" She said. "I just feel it's really wrong that you compelled Jeremy to leave town."

I shifted awkwardly as Elena furrowed her brows.

"And you." Bonnie said turning to me. "You want to send away your mom. I just don't think it's right…"

"You're sending your mom out of town?" Caroline asked surprised. I could feel everyone's eyes on me. They were so judgey, and even though I didn't think that that was their intention, I felt it all the same. Maybe Bonnie was right… maybe I had no business sending mom out of town.

"I'm going to go get some air." I said, turning on my heel and walking out of the crypt. I grabbed a bottle of alcohol on my way out, needing something to take the edge off. Who was I to tell Damon to compel my mom to keep her out of town for a little while? Who was I to mess with her head and make it seem right when I knew that it wasn't? Who was I to take her away from the one man who could be her happy ending?

Bonnie was right… It was wrong…

"Hey."

I looked up, seeing Jace towering over me. I was leaned against a rock, the bottle in my hand. I took off the lid and took a sip. Jace followed, taking a good amount of his own.

"You ok?" He asked. I shrugged. "You're crying…"

My hand shot to my face and indeed, there was water on my cheek. I wiped it away. I hadn't even know I had been crying, but with all the emotions running through my head and the alcohol, it was no surprise that I had started the water works.

"Hey, it's ok." Jace said, putting his arm around me. "Everything's going to be ok."

I shook my head.

"Bonnie's right." I said. "Who am I to send my mom away? That makes me no better than… her."

Jace let out a chuckle, to which I glared. Only he could laugh at my pain.

"And by her you mean Elena right?" He asked. I nodded. "Well, you are sisters."

I groaned, hiding my face in the crook of his neck. We stayed like that for a long time, a very long time actually. He leaned his head on top of mine, and I was very content in this position. However, the moment was cut short by the ringing of my phone. I shot up, straightening my back and pulling the phone from my pocket.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Pretty girl." Damon said, making my heart jump. "Listen, we've got a problem…"

"What's wrong?" I asked, enticing Jace to tense beside me. "Damon, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, thanks for the concern." Damon replied. "But Klaus…"

I felt my stomach drop. Whenever Klaus was involved nothing was ok.

"Is it Jeremy?" I asked. "Please don't tell me he got Jeremy."

"No, not Jeremy." Damon said. "Klaus said that if he didn't get his family… he was coming after your mom."

I didn't speak. I couldn't. I knew it. I knew that if we waited long enough she would be put in danger.

"Listen, I need back up." Damon said. "So bring Jace and get to the Lockwoods fast. Stefan's not giving up anytime soon."

"I'll be there soon." I said, hanging up the phone. I turned to Jace. "We've got to go."

I started rushing through the tree's toward where Jace parked his truck. He was not far behind me, trying to catch up, but I couldn't slow down. My body literally would not stop.

"Alex, what's wrong?" He asked. "Alex come on-"

"He threatened her." I said sternly. "Klaus. I won't let him near her."

Klaus had threatened my mother. This meant war.

Jace and I made it to the Lockwoods and I was freaking out trying to find my mother. My eyes were frantically searching the party goer's not having much luck locating the woman who had borne me. I didn't find Damon either, or even Klaus. I was beginning to wonder if something bad had happened.

"There's Klaus." Jace said, nudging me. I whipped around, following Jace's extended finger. In a second I was on the move. In reality, it was probably stupid for me to be charging at full speed toward the most dangerous creature on the planet, but the adrenaline running through my veins wouldn't let me stop. I reached him, pushing as hard as I could on his back, unfortunately not making him move an inch.

"What the bloody-"

"Where is she?" I asked, not letting him finish his statement. He turned around in a flash to see me, his eyes were angry, but softened a bit at the sight of me. "Where is she?"

"Where is who my dear?" He asked, a small smile forming on his face. I felt my blood boil at his blatant lack of regard for me or my family.

"My mother." I spat. "You threatened her life."

"Ah." He said amused. "Damon told you."

"Of course he told me." I replied with malice. "Now, where is she?"

Klaus sighed, leaning down toward me. I could feel Jace tense behind me, but I stood my ground. I wouldn't let Klaus intimidate me, not when my mother's safety was in question. I gripped the stake that was in my hand.

"She's fine." Klaus said. I didn't look convinced. "Look."

I followed where Klaus gestured and past a large crowd of people stood my mother. She was with Alaric, smiling and laughing at something he said. She was fine. She was safe. I glared at Klaus.

"You won't touch her." I said. Klaus chuckled. "I mean it."

"Or what?" Klaus asked. "What will you do?"

I licked my dry lips. I didn't have a lot to bargain with, and baiting Klaus probably wasn't the best idea. But I had to do something.

"I'll never forgive you." I said. Klaus narrowed his eyes. "You say you want your family back… fine. But if you harm her… I will not rest until every single one of them is gone for good."

Klaus set his jaw, grinding his teeth. This was all I had that would ensure her safety, and even that was flimsy. If she died, I would do whatever I could to get back at him. And if he killed me, so be it. I would not let her die for me.

"Guys."

We all turned to where the voice called to us. Damon stood not too far away. I felt a bit of relief wash over me at the sight of him, but it was short lived by the look he was giving us.

"We've got a problem." He said. I furrowed my brows. "Stefan just grabbed Elena."

I felt my stomach sink.

"Well, he's getting desperate." Klaus said, once again amused at something he should be. I turned to look at him.

"You do realize this is a problem right?" I asked. "Not just for us, but for you too."

"He's gonna try and use her against you." Damon tried to reason with him. "Do what he says, get rid of your hybrids."

Klaus let out a bark of laughter.

"Or what?" He asked. "Stefan would never dream of killing her."

"Are you stupid?" I asked. Klaus glared at me. "Stefan's emotions are off. It doesn't matter if he loves her or not. Right now he's after you."

My anxiety was starting to come to a head. First with Klaus and my mom, and now Elena's safety hung in the balance. Whatever Stefan did, it couldn't be good. He was acting solely on revenge mode, and that meant he could do something drastic.

"I know that you are young and naïve, but that kind of love never dies." Klaus said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "He's bluffing."

"Maybe he is, maybe he isn't but if you don't want to believe him, believe me." Damon said, coming up behind me and pulling me away from Klaus. "I know my brother better than anyone, and right now, I don't have a clue how far he is willing to take this. So if he says blink, I suggest you blink."

Klaus narrowed his eyes at us, but we didn't stick around to see what he would say. Damon drug me away, and I could feel the threat of angry tears pricking my eyes. When we were a good distance away from Klaus he stopped us. He turned around, inspecting me all over. I swallowed at the lump in my throat.

"Are you ok?" He asked me. I simply nodded. "Listen, we've got to find Elena."

"I know." I replied. Damon took my face in his hands. I refused to cry. I wouldn't let them fall, because I wasn't sad. I was angry. I was afraid. And yet, I was still numb.

"I'll go look for them." Jace said, pulling out his keys. "I'll call if I find anything."

Damon nodded and I watched as Jace walked away. There was a long pause, and I just stared at the ground.

"Pretty girl…" Damon said, pushing my hair from my face. "Hey, Alex, what's wrong?"

"We have to send her away." I said, meeting his gaze for the first time. Damon furrowed his brows. "My mom… she's not safe…"

"I know." Damon replied. It was then that I let out a sob. One that caused him to grab me and pull me to his chest. I had been so worried, so afraid that Klaus would do something. And now I knew. She had to go. She had to or she could die.

I couldn't let her die.

"How is she?" I asked when Damon came out of Elena's house. She was alive, but when Damon had picked her up, she hadn't looked good. I didn't really stick around, or ask questions. I was in my own mind right now.

"She's not good." Damon said honestly. "She could really use a friend…"

I met his gaze. He meant me. Damon had been so hell bent on getting me and Elena back to the way we were. And although I still had my reservations… she did need someone.

"Fine." I said, walking past him and going to the door. I turned back around to him. "You will get my mom ready right?"

"Yeah." He said with a nod. I swallowed hard. "She's going to be fine."

"Yeah…" I said with a nod. I turned once again toward the door, but this time he stopped me. My back was pressed against the wood, his body pushing me in. His lips were on mine, tender and loving. I needed that, especially now. I held on to him so tight, if he were human I could have bruised him. We stood like that for a long while, and I didn't want it to ever end. But it did because this was real life and I had to eventually go on with it.

"I'll see you later." He said, pecking me on the forehead before he disappeared. I sighed, the absence of him making me feel cold. I faced the door once again, forcing myself to push it open and step inside. It was quiet, eerily quiet. I closed the door silently behind me, listening for any sign of life. I eventually heard it, a small cry, one I assumed was Elena's.

I went up the stairs, taking deep breaths as I did. Elena was hurting, and even though she had betrayed me and went behind my back, I couldn't help but feel the despair she felt. It was the bond, making it hard to forget about how close we used to be. I pushed her door open, the room dark.

"Elena." I said, peeking my head through. She didn't respond. "Hey, can I come in?"

A sniffle was her response. I stepped inside, noticing how much it hadn't changed. I closed the door behind me before I walked closer to her bed. I could see now the make up running down her face with her salty tears. She was curled up in her bed, much like a ball. I took a deep breath before I sat on the end of her bed.

"Want to talk about it?" I asked. She shook her head. "That's ok. You don't have to."

She then looked up at me, moving her whole head to stare dead at me. Her face was blank, but her eyes held the truth. I could practically see her pain in those big brown eyes.

"Why are you being nice to me?" She asked, her voice cracking. "Not like I deserve it."

I shrugged.

"Damon thought… I thought you could use someone to talk to." I said, looking her in the eye. "If you don't want me here-"

"No." She cut me off, grabbing my arm. She was holding on so tight, as if she was afraid I would leave. "Please… stay."

I was silent, but I did nod. The two of us were completely silent, not saying a word for a good five minutes. Elena had relaxed, but she didn't let go of my arm. It was like she was holding on to her last bit of sanity, and she wouldn't let me leave.

"He took me to the bridge." She whispered. I stared at her. "He knew that my parents died there. That you and me… that we almost died…"

I swallowed remembering that day as if it was yesterday. She gripped my arm tighter.

"He's gone Alex." She said even quieter, but her sadness was all too loud. "He's never coming back."

I swallowed, a lump forming in my throat. I wanted so bad to believe that Stefan would turn back to the person, vampire, he was. But it didn't look as if that would happen.

"I love him." Elena sobbed. "I love him."

"I know." I told her, taking the hand that she had a death grip on my arm and holding it. She met my gaze. "I know."

She took in a shaky breath, before she smiled at me. It was a small smile, and it wasn't a happy one. It was a smile that told me she was grateful that I was there for her. I squeezed her hand, smiling back at her. I stayed there until she fell asleep, and even then, I waited an hour before I left.

"You got everything right?"

I was fussing over my mother, as if she was a child. Her bags were packed, ready to go on some trip to Europe that Damon set up. He made her believe that she needed this vacation, that she needed to broaden her horizons. Alone.

"Yes, mother." She joked. "I'll be fine."

"Yeah." I replied, forcing myself to smile. I knew this was the right decision, but that didn't make it any less hard to let her go.

"I love you kid." Mom said, pulling me in for a hug. I squeezed her so tight, but she didn't seem to mind. "I'll be back soon."

"Yeah." I repeated, but this one sounded more like a sob. She pulled back, looking me in the eye before she wiped my tears from my face. "I love you mom."

She smiled, hugging me again before she let me go. That was when Damon came to my rescue, holding on to me as if I would run after her. I was glad he was there, cause I could barely stand up as it was.

"You be careful." Alaric told my mom as he held on to her. "Don't go bringing some English guy home."

"I'm more into the Italian men." Mom said, pulling back. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too." Rick said, cupping her face and kissing her once. "I'll watch your girl."

"Thank you." Mom said, giving one more small kiss on his lips. With one final wave, she boarded her plane and was off somewhere safe.

"You ok?" Damon asked me. I shook my head.

"I will be." I told him. "Once Klaus is dead."