Chapter 3 (Elena's POV)

Three years later…

Beep beep beep beep beep…Elena slowly opened her eyes to the sound of her alarm clock and swiftly turned over in bed to shut it off. She sighed knowing it was time to get up and get ready for the day. Elena went to the bathroom to quickly wash her face and brush her teeth. She immediately went straight to her nightstand and opened the top drawer to pull out her journal. It was a daily routine of hers, to write in her journal every morning. She sat down with a light smile on her face and began to write.

Dear Diary,

Today is an exciting, special day. It's Stefan and I's third year anniversary. I can't believe we've been together for that long, but at the same time I can believe it. Stefan is an amazing guy and he's the love of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better or more perfect boyfriend. He's the most compassionate person I've ever met and he's always willing to help someone. That's why I know he'll be an amazing doctor one day. Unfortunately I wasn't able to see him this morning and tell him happy anniversary because he had to leave early for an exam but I know I'll see him later. I wish I could just skip the whole day and go right to this evening so I can be with Stefan. He says he has something planned for tonight and I'm dying to know what it is. As soon as I'm done with my classes I'm going to pick up some wine from the store and then I'll come home to see what Stefan has prepared for me. I'm thinking he's going to try and cook for me again and I say try because he's a terrible cook. I love him for always trying to do better and impress me, it's the sweetest thing. I'm sitting here reminiscing about the first time I met him at a café shop and how we went on our first date to the movies and how sweet our first kiss was. As much as I liked him back then I would have never thought we would make it this far. The fact that we're both in college now and living together, planning a future for ourselves and with each other. It seems like just yesterday we were in high school. I may be jinxing myself by saying this but I know I'll be Mrs. Salvatore one day, there's no one else in this world that I want more than him. We haven't discussed things like this very much but we both agreed on wanting to settle down one day and have kids, raise a family, pursue our dreams. So I wouldn't dare ask him about marriage right now, not with us both focusing on school and trying to succeed financially. I guess I'll just have to be patient for a little while longer. But it's ok because he's so worth it. I should go and get dressed now, I have a long day ahead of me. But before I go I want to say one thing. Happy anniversary to my love, my heart, my soulmate, my baby. Our love is forever.

Elena closed her journal and placed it back inside her drawer. She hadn't even realized she had a single tear coming down her cheek. Sometimes she got so emotional when it came to Stefan because she loved him so much and couldn't imagine her life without him. Elena took a second to get herself together and got up to get dressed. She grabbed a banana on the way out and headed towards her first class for the day.

Later that evening…

Elena walked inside the apartment to a mixture of smells coming from the kitchen. She immediately started smiling knowing it was Stefan who was attempting to cook for her for the millionth time. She put down her bag and walked into the kitchen to greet her boyfriend.

"Hey" Elena approached Stefan grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey, happy anniversary" Stefan leaned over and kissed Elena.

"Happy anniversary to you too"

"How was your day?"

"Long. I had a lot of work to do but I finished it all so I could spend the rest of the day with you. I was counting down the time until I could come home and see you."

Stefan smiled. "Me too. "

"How was your exam?"

"Challenging but I think I did well."

"I knew you would. So I see you're trying to pull off this chef thing again."

"Yea, well, it's our anniversary so no holding back" Stefan stated as he was trying to manage three different pots on the stove.

"Well if it turns out like your last twenty two attempts, I got wine." Elena held up the bottle.

"Mmm, perfect."

"So what are you making?

"It's supposed to be a surprise."

"Yea it looks like a surprise alright."

"Hey, don't be mean" Stefan eyed Elena playfully.

Elena laughed. "I'm not being mean, I'm just saying it looks like you could use a little help. How about you let me help you."

"No, I've got it covered. Besides I'm making this for you."

"This is for us and I don't mind helping. Maybe I can learn a thing or two from you." Elena sarcastically replied.

"Oh be quiet."

Elena stood next to Stefan as she took out a knife and started cutting vegetables while he was stirring and seasoning the boiling food inside the pot. They made their way around the kitchen, preparing the food and helping each other out and teasing each other during the process. This is what their relationship was all about, being each other's helping hand. They were partners and always stood by each other no matter what. Elena didn't need materialistic things or to be showered in jewels and money. All she needed was Stefan's affection and his love to be happy. About an hour later they were nearly done cooking and started to set the table with plates and piles of food. Elena was ready to pop open the wine.

"I always forget where we keep the opener." Elena opened a few drawers in the kitchen before she stopped and stared at a small black box that was sitting in the corner. It took her but a mere second to realize what exactly it was and what was inside. She slowly picked up the box in awe of it. Stefan had noticed what drawer she opened and tried to deflect her from the situation.

"Oh no, no, no, not that drawer, not that one."

"Yes!" Elena spun around with glossy eyes and a beaming smile.

"You didn't even open it…"

"I don't have to." Elena shook her head.

She briskly walked over to Stefan and kissed him until she was breathless. He grabbed her by the hips and continued to kiss her right back. He lifted her up on the counter and stared into her eyes, taking in all her beauty. "I love you." Stefan said.

"I love you too."

Elena pulled his face to hers for a second time and passionately kissed him.

"What about the food?"

"Forget the food." Elena whispered, "I'm hungry for you"

Stefan picked her up bridal style and walked into the bedroom to make love to his new fiancé. He gently laid her down on the mattress and grinned down at her, sensually stroking her face.

"So does this mean you'll marry me?"

Elena chuckled. "Yes, of course I will. Now come here."

She pulled his body onto hers and drifted off into a state of blissfulness.

A/N: Sorry it took me awhile to update. Should I finish it off with one last chapter or leave it alone? Let me know and leave comments!