They said that there is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.
Realizing it though, that took longer.
It could take months.
It could take years.
And when it happened, when it was finally realized and recognized, it was like a light turning on.
She had been suspicious of his feelings from the start, but she had known since receiving his letter. 'Always and forever': she understood what those words meant to him; it wasn't something he said easily to anyone, but he had signed his letter as such all but declaring his devotion.
Lifting her hand she knocked on the door before she could second guess herself. Before she could talk herself into turning away and retreating to the safety and security of the unknown.
She had always been afraid, but lately she had started asking herself questions all along the same line: what if… What if… what if…
They played through her mind like a mantra and she couldn't live like that any longer. No two words had the power to haunt her more than the combination of 'what' and 'if'.
In a heartbeat the smooth wood swung open to reveal a surprised Original.
"Elena," his lips lifted in a smile.
"Elijah," she breathed.
Staring into his eyes for a heartbeat she felt that moment move between them as it always did when they were in close proximity, but this time she wasn't fighting it. A single flashing, throbbing moment pulsed through the air before she met him halfway in a heated kiss that conveyed the emotions she had tried so hard to conceal for the better part of two decades.
Just like in Willoughby he stole her breath away, and for a long moment after they separated for air she couldn't open her eyes.
Eventually she peeked up from under her eyelashes.
"Is this how we're going to greet each other from now on?" She smirked.
"Do you have an objection to that?" He held her waist in a light grip.
"Not at all." She shook her head from side to side quickly.
"Good," he chuckled. Tightening his grip he tugged her into the house, swallowing her giggles when he pressed her into the wall.