Author's Note: Hey everyone! Here's a bit from the first chapter of the second installment of PTL. It's now up and running and you can find it on my profile. Hope you guys continue to follow my series and enjoy! :D

xxxx

Stefan and Elowen stood there in a very, very prolonged lapse of silence. His face had a broad range of emotions on it. Sadness, confusion, but most importantly, betrayal. The look of hurt that clouded his eyes, directed at her, crushed Elowen, but she knew she had no right to feel that way. This was her fault.

"There's nothing I can say to make this any better. I know that," she spoke quietly. "This was exactly what you feared would happen and…. I almost made it come true." She glanced back inside the hospital. Josiah was sitting down with Matt, who had his arm wrapped around his shoulders. Tyler was on the phone a few feet away. He seemed distressed.

"I think it was…. In the moment of things. He wasn't putting up a front like he usually does. He was just…. Damon. No tricks or sarcasm or smart remarks." Elowen shook her head. "None of this will make it any better. I'll understand if you want space."

Stefan was still staring at her with that same miserable look. She had to avert her eyes. It made her feel more and more guilty the longer he looked at her like that.

"Stefan…. Say something." She willed herself to look back at him. "Anything. Please."

Another couple of minutes passed. Sighing, Elowen finally gave up. She didn't blame him for giving her the silent treatment. She started to walk back towards the hospital doors when he, at last, spoke up.

"Y'know…. The worst part is, I'm not that surprised," He mumbled. Elowen turned back around. Stefan gave a bitter laugh and met her eyes. "I think that's the part that hurts the most."

"Stefan…" Elowen took a few steps back towards him, but he backed away. She took the hint and stopped. Stefan saw Tyler rushing towards the door behind Elowen's shoulder and took off. She watched him disappear, her stomach in knots to the point that she didn't even process Tyler's arrival until he crashed into her.

"Shit, sorry." He grabbed her shoulders to steady them both. "Look, I've gotta go. Keep me posted, okay?" Tyler let go and continued his haste run out of the hospital.

Elowen didn't go back into the hospital until Tyler had left.