Okay, so once again I am a lying liar. I totally promised that this chapter would have Damon and Elena in it together. Unfortunately I plan out these chapters in my head, and in my head there are these little conversations that I don't think will warrant a whole chapter until I write it out. It then becomes much longer, and I realize I have to put off the idea I have for the next chapter. The good news is that I actually updated twice in 24 hours. My inspiration seems to be back once I finally got through the block caused by the last two chapters. I am hoping to be updating more often. I also want to give a special shout out to cdaye8184, coockiemonsterlove, and Jade2099 for always being so awesome and reviewing for like almost every crazy chapter that I publish. You guys are what keep me writing, so in case I don't say it enough. Thank you! I totally pinky promise with cherries on top that the next chapter will be Damon showing up in Elena's bedroom.

Six hours I spend waiting. I watch events unfold like I'm watching a TV show about my life. Jenna, Jeremy, and other Elena get ready for the Mayor's wake. Elena doesn't say a word to me as she prepares to leave. All she gives me is a courtesy wave goodbye as she is walking out the door. Clearly she's not over it yet, but the wave and the absence of withering glares gives me hope. After a few hours, I get a mysterious text from Katherine. All it says is thanks for the advice. As I sit wondering what her cryptic message could possibly mean, my phone starts ringing with Stefan's name appearing on the caller ID.

I tentatively press the talk button, afraid of what new catastrophe awaits me on the other end. For once since I got back, I am pleasantly surprised. Stefan's voice breaks the silence, and he sounds different than I thought he would. I don't detect a trace of sadness or pain or guilt. He sounds bewildered but in a good way, if that makes any sense. "Katherine showed up at the wake," Stefan informs me before I can even muster a hello. Nightmare scenarios run through my mind of murder and mayhem, and I remember how the wake ended last time with Katherine skewering Stefan. Surely she could not be that stupid I hope. Luckily for both of us, Katherine is not nearly as stupid as she acts sometimes. "She apologized," Stefan chokes out, the emotion of that confession glaringly evident in those two simple words.

Thank God I think to myself. At least someone listens to me when I'm speaking. There might just be hope for Katherine yet. Stefan breaks me out of my inner monologue by sharing his own inner thoughts out loud. "She apologized for everything, for compelling me, for lying to me, for being with Damon and me at the same time, and for not coming back to me sooner," Stefan admits to me.

His voice sounds so distant to my ears. I don't know if he is even talking to me anymore, or if he simply needed someone to voice his thoughts to other than himself. "She told me that she never stopped loving me. I don't know what to believe anymore. A few days ago you and I were happy together and Katherine was a distant memory. Now I can't even look at you without hating myself, and Katherine returns professing her undying eternal love for me. The craziest part being that I think I believe her. How did this happen," he questions hopelessly, possibly not expecting me to answer?

I can't even imagine how overwhelming this must be for Stefan. The woman who he convinced himself never cared for him just apologized after 145 years of silence. I struggle to think of something to say, something comforting and wise. Stefan deserves it after the day that he has had. The only thing I come up with is a phrase that seems to be my new mantra in this time. "Maybe this is what was supposed to happen," I speculate, hoping that he finds this possibility reassuring. I try to paint a pretty picture of what could be, praying that the idea takes root in his mind. Judging by his tone, it won't take a lot. "Katherine loves you, and you don't have to feel guilty around her. Whatever you have done, you know she's done worse. Hell, she's done worse to you. Maybe she's here to make things right just like we all are. It's never too late for redemption or for forgiveness."

I expect him to thank me or tell me that I'm right or maybe not to say a word at all. What I don't expect is for his righteous anger to rear its ugly head. "It's that easy for you, letting go," he spits out bitterly. "After everything that we shared, you can still stand there and push me towards another woman. It may have been longer for you, but I just broke up with the woman that I love not even five hours ago. Don't mistake my confusion about my feelings as me moving on from that. Some of us need a little more time before we throw ourselves at someone else. Remind me again, are you doing this for me, or are you doing this so you feel less guilty when you're wrapped up in my brother's arms?"

Every nerve in my body is boiling with anger. I momentarily forget my promise to future Stefan, and all I see before me is the man who ruined my life. My voice raises several octaves until I am nearly screeching through the phone. "You're right. I had plenty of time to get over the pain of our breakup. You saw to that. I had plenty of time locked up in the psych ward to ponder my life choices and my deep seated feelings. In case you've forgotten, you're the one who decided to break up with her not me, so don't you dare try to make me feel guilty for your decisions. And how dare you bring your brother into this, Damon has nothing to do with our breakup."

At this point, my rage is at such a fever pitch, I am prepared to hit him where it hurts. I know it's childish, but I make a cheap shot that I know will shut Stefan up. "You're feeling angry and bitter and you're lashing out at the closest warm body. Now I finally see the family resemblance. The difference is Damon isn't usually such a judgmental ass when he yells at me, and when he does, I usually deserve it." The silence on the other end is deafening. It might have been a low blow comparing him to Damon in that way, but I was tired of being on the defensive about every move that I make or word that I say.

I attempt to tone down my anger after counting to ten and telling myself to breathe in and out. My voice no longer reeks of anger, just frustration and exhaustion. Despite my best efforts, I still come off as a raging bitch, and what's even worse is that I don't think that I care. "God, I am trying so hard here Stefan to be the bigger person. I am even trying to push you towards someone who could actually make you happy. But I feel like there are two versions of you, there is the version that can be sweet and understanding, and then there is the part that can be a self-righteous dick. Maybe I was wrong, Katherine can do better," I snidely remark before hanging up the phone.

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