A/N: Hey guys, long time, no write. The full Note is on LOADR, but basically, life is a bitch. We're taking it to Jeremy and Ric for a bit in this chapter before we return to Mystic Falls. Enjoy :)
I Remember You
Chapter Five: Headstrong
Jeremy opened his eyes and groaned at the bright lights. "Hey, Ric," he called, "Ric, are you awake?"
"Yeah, Jer. I'm awake. I don't think I've slept since...god...how long has it been?" Ric groaned.
"I don't know, but at least a week. Elena must be freaking out. We need to get to her, Ric." Jeremy said. He stood slowly and paced the small cell he was in, looking for a way to escape. "Have you heard them say anything at all?"
Alaric groaned, "Ummm, I heard Stefan's name get thrown around a few times. And Klaus." Alaric sighed, "Man, I don't know how we're getting out of this one. But I'm worried. If Stefan and Klaus are involved, it's only a matter of time before he comes back."
Jeremy snarled, "Like Hell. I'm not letting him near my sister ever again. He'd need to kill me first." He looked around his cell, "Hey, do you see that?" He asked Ric as he saw a sliver of sunlight coming through the wall where their cells met.
"Fuck yeah, I do Jer. Let's see if we can bust this baby open." Alaric grinned to himself. "We'll have to be quiet about it though, okay?"
…***...***...***
Tyler sighed when he saw Elena outside. "Fuck my mom. Come on, let's go." He held his hand out and helped Elena up. "God 'Lena, you're freezing." He held her close as they walked into the house. "Go up to my room, and hop in the shower. I'll bring you up a towel and some warm clothes."
Elena nodded and smiled at him softly. "Thank you, Tyler." She started up the stairs slowly, feeling the blood rush back to her legs. "Ugh, that is the last time I sleep outside. I should have gone home," Elena mumbled to herself as she tripped up the steps. She made her way to the top step and sat down, running her fingers through her hair, the sting of unshed tears in her eyes. She heard footsteps coming up the stairs and sighed, "Tyler, I'm fine. I don't need a chaperone to the shower." Elena looked over when she felt someone sit next to her, and she was shocked. "Mrs. Lockwood, I can explain," she began before she was interrupted.
"Elena, please," Carol began, "It's me who should be explaining, and apologizing." She looked at the brunette she had come to know so well and felt pain for her. "I know you've had it rough these last couple years, and I am so sorry if I've ever made you feel less than welcome in my home. That was never my intention. I was looking out for my son, and you," Carol saw the disbelief in Elena's eyes and continued, "No, it's true Elena. I've come to know you so well over the last 18 years. I've watched you grow up, I've watched all you kids grow up. And when Damon left, I hoped that you would have the chance at a normal life. Every time I would see you with Matt, I got a little more hopeful that you would leave Mystic Falls behind you.
"But you were never as happy with Matt as you were with Tyler. And that made me nervous, for you and him. You both deserve a normal life, and that would never be possible if you two were together."
Elena looked at the older woman, flabbergasted, "Mrs. Lockwood," she whispered, "I love Tyler, I do. But as a friend. That's all we'll ever be. It was so confusing at first when Damon left, sure, but I've never thought of Tyler as more than a friend, and he feels the same. Both of us agreed, that night was a big, alcohol induced, mistake. Your son has been a rock to me. He has protected me, and fought for me, and made me laugh...more than I ever thought I'd be able to again. But, I promise, we are nothing more than friends."
Carol nodded at Elena and hugged her, "I am so sorry, Elena. Can you ever forgive me? I feel so ashamed of myself. I should have been protecting you, and being a strong female role model, and instead I acted absolutely awful to you."
Elena chuckled, "Of course Mrs. Lockwood. You were just doing what you thought was right. Do you have any extra shampoo or body wash? I don't really want to smell like Tyler."
Carol laughed and stood, extending her hand to Elena, "What, you don't want to smell like Eau de 18 year old boy?"
"No, not exactly." Elena smiled.
…***...***...***
A few hours after Elena had showered, she and Tyler were sat in his living room, waiting for Damon. "So, you're mom and I talked." Elena told him.
Tyler nodded, "I heard. Just friends? You wound me, Elena," Tyler quipped. "But really, I'm glad you two worked it out. I know how much you used to look up to her." He pulled Elena closer to him.
Before Elena could respond, there was a knock on the door, "Elena, Tyler." Elena looked up and saw Mrs. Lockwood standing in the doorway. Elena quickly went to move herself out of Tyler's embrace when Mrs. Lockwood shook her head. "It's fine, Elena. I meant what I said earlier. I just wanted to let you two know you have a visitor. I'll be in my study across the hall if you need anything." With that, Mrs. Lockwood walked away and Damon took her place.
"Well, hello, Elena," Damon leered, "You're looking lovely as ever."
"What do you want?" She leaned into Tyler's side even more and glared at Damon. "I thought we would contact you, not the other way around."
Damon laughed humorlessly, looking into her eyes. "I know that was the plan. But that was before I started Stefan on his little detox. He's talking. I know where Ric and Jer are. And I know what Klaus' evil plan is."
A/N: So, what do you think? How did you like the conversation between Carol and Elena? What about Jeremy and Ric? Let me know.