AN: Before starting off this new chapter.. I'd like to give all the credits to teresa. nguyen.165 for giving me the idea of introducing 'Nate' into the story ! :) A huge thank you goes to you !
And of course, another thank you goes to all of you who takes not only the time to read my story, but to review it as well ! :D
Elena woke up the next day with red and puffy eyes. She hated the fact that Damon had given her the opportunity of being weak instead of telling her to suck it up and enjoy the night. Don't get her wrong, she did enjoy her night- immensely. Right until Stefan decided to pour his heart out on the porch. She didn't understand why he decided to do that- was it because he had a couple of drinks and he felt confident enough to talk to her about it? Or was it because he genuinely wanted to talk to her and to get things off of his chest? Elena got out of bed and took a quick shower before making her ways downstairs. As she reached the bottom of the stairs, she was surprised to see how clean the house was, as if nothing had happened last night. She heard some rattling coming from the kitchen and so decided to go see who was there. She entered the room and saw Jeremy and Elijah sitting at the island table and stuffing their faces with fried eggs on toast.
"Morning 'Lena," they both said simultaneously as they saw her enter the kitchen.
"Morning boys. When did you get in Elijah?" she asked.
"Roughly 15 minutes ago. I wanted to see how you were doing," he said before giving her a warm smile indicating that he knew the situation she was in.
"Oh I'm fine. Slightly hungover though," she said and chuckled. They both knew that they would talk about it later, when they were alone. "Jer, did you clean up the house?" she asked her brother.
"Yeah, Alaric was in as well this morning. We wanted to clean everything up before you woke up. Kind of like a birthday present since we didn't give you anything yesterday," he answered sheepishly.
"You guys! Thank you, but I could have at least helped. And yesterday wasn't my actual birthday, I was just celebrating it. Now I feel so helpless," she said and chuckled slightly.
"Good. That's how you're meant to feel," answered the youngest Gilbert with a smile on his face.
Elena drank coffee while the boys were eating their breakfast. They started talking about the night before and the different things that happened. The hook-ups, the drunkards and the ones who ate all the time- the usual after party talk. They stayed there for a good half hour until Jeremy decided to go to his room and finish a drawing he started a couple of days ago. Elijah and Elena were left alone in the kitchen and they decided to use that time to have an actual talk. They haven't had one since she left for Mystic Falls. Damon always seems to have heard most of her drama these holidays. Elijah reached across the table and took Elena's hands in his.
"How are you? Really? And don't you dare play the 'I'm fine' card with me. You know that it doesn't work," he said and Elena smiled.
"Well that's the only thing that can describe how I'm actually feeling," she answered and attempted a laugh. "I mean, Stefan poured his heart out and I just listened and probably didn't respond the way he wanted me to. I didn't jump in his arms or whatsoever, instead I interrupted him and told him to stop. There's only so much you can listen to. Right?"
"You're the judge of that 'Lena. You're the only one who can handle how much you can take. It might be too soon for you to open up and to talk about it. But know that I'll always be here Elena," Elijah said. He knew her like the back of his hand. He knew she wasn't ready to talk about the events that happened with Stefan last night. As the days go by and when she would have come to terms with what he told her, she'd eventually want to talk about it to someone.
"Thank you," was all that Elena answered. Elijah gave a nod before making his way to the door. "I'll see you around okay?" he said before picking her off the floor into a tight hug.
Elena went back into the kitchen and cleaned the plates, pan and mug. Barely fifteen minutes later, the front door burst open and a devastated Caroline barged in. One look at her and Elena knew there was some serious girl drama. Caroline walked into the kitchen with tears streaming down her face.
"I broke up with him, 'Lena. I broke up with!" she repeated. Elena felt like someone had hit her stomach. She couldn't quite process what Caroline was telling her. She couldn't bear to see her best friend in so much pain either. She quickly crossed the room and encircled Caroline. She started to sob harder onto Elena's shoulder and her entire body shook at each intake of a breath.
"Alright, go to my room. I'll bring hot chocolate up," said Elena and Caroline nodded.
Elena quickly boiled some water and then made two huge mugs of hot chocolate. It was Caroline's drink whenever things weren't right. She walked up the stairs and into her room to see Caroline wrapped up in her blanket still sobbing. Elena handed her a mug that she gratefully accepted. She sat down next to her friend and patiently waited for her to start. If there was anything that Elena learnt from Damon and Elijah was that the person in need should always start the conversation first. They would start talking when they're ready to. Asking them about it would make them feel forced into telling you making them feel vulnerable even further.
"This morning, I broke up with him," Caroline repeated once more. Elena gave a weak smile and nodded telling Caroline that she was listening. "I know I shouldn't have, but I just couldn't do it anymore. Every time I looked at him, the only thing I could think about was the fact that we would be separated in a couple of weeks. What's the point of being with someone knowing that the time you've got left together is limited?"
"You enjoy every single moment you spend together, Care. Even then, you don't have to break up, you can still be in a relationship. Even a distant one," replied Elena trying to soothe Caroline's pain.
"I never believed in those kind of relationships. Yeah, you get to Skype everyday, but it's not the same as being together. I regret my decision so much, but it's probably for the best. That way, we both get used to being around each other but not being together. I mean, it would suck if we broke up on my last day in Mystic Falls and then see each other again in a year and not know where we stand," Caroline explained. Elena understood where she was coming from, but she still couldn't help but feel hurt for Caroline. They were an amazing couple, and know things are bound to get awkward.
"I'm not going to go to that camping trip that Stefan had planned," said Caroline.
"No, Care! You've got to come. Everyone's going to be there. A chance for all of us to be together one last time before we each start to leave to different countries."
"I can't bring myself to face him again Lena. It's too soon," admitted Caroline.
Elena took Caroline's hand in both of her own. "You're going to have to face him sooner or later, Care. At that camp there's going to be another 15 of us, so it's not going to be only you and him. Everyone is going to be there. Please?"
Caroline hesitated a little bit before finally answering, "Fine! But I'm doing this for you. I'm doing this because you want me to go and because…"
"And because you secretly want to go as well," finished Elena. She saw Caroline smirk and knew she was right. "Come here, " Elena said and she embraced her friend.
Caroline left soon after saying that now that she's definitely going, she has to go back. Elena's phoned buzzed- an incoming call from Elijah.
"Hey Elijah, what's up?" she greeted him.
""Hey Lena. Just wondering, are you going to that camp thing Stefan is throwing?"
"Yeah I am. Why?" she asked curiously.
"Because I don't want to go if you're not going. I know- everyone is going to be there, but you're my best friend. You need to be there too."
Elena smiled at his response. He was the sweetest best friend anyone could ask for.
"What about Damon though," she askd.
"Can't come. It's his last week and so he wants to do a couple more things," explained Elijah. "I tried convincing him and told him that everyone would be there and all. Nothing to do. His answer was: 'it's just a couple of days out, and I could do so much then. You guys go and have a good time.' He did insist on giving details afterwards though. Such a girl!" he continued.
Elena chuckled slightly before concluding, "well yeah, I'm going to the camp thing, and so are you!"
"Sure thing. See you Lena!" he said before the phone went dead.
A couple of days later, everyone was more than excited to go on that trip. They were all at the Salvatore Boarding house packing the last few things in the car. 2 cars were available for the group; one was driven by Stefan and the other by Tyler. Since only half of the original group was able to make it, they ended up being about only 10. They split the group in 2 and the drive started. Stefan and Damon's parents owed a camping house in the woods not to far away from town. Elena never went there, but apparently it was the cutest house ever built. . They house was located far enough to feel as if nothing else existed in the world, but close enough to head back to Mystic Falls if an emergency occurs. The drive was about 2 hours and they were more than excited when they reached their destination. The house was just large enough to fit everyone in. It was so simple, yet they had all the basic needs. It was a wooden house with a small kitchen, a room with a long dinning table, a small bathroom and a big empty room. A porch gave a view on the valley in front. The view was breathtaking. You could see as far as your eyes allowed you and the air was just so fresh! Elena leaned on the small wooden railing that was on the edge of the porch and took in the sight.
"Quite a view, isn't it?" she heard Stefan say.
"It's incredible. To think that a place like this exists just outside of Mystic Falls is unbelievable."
"I usually come here when I need some time alone."
"I wouldn't blame you. I would probably come hide out here all the time if I were you," she answered and he chuckled.
The rest of the group slowly started to join them and the conversation just ended. Stefan wished the moment had lasted longer, but he was still thankful for even talking to her a little bit.
Everyone dumped their bags and sleeping bags in the empty room. They all scattered on the porch, in chairs, on the small wall surrounding the house or on the floor to eat the packed lunch that they all brought. No one said a word as they dug in their food. When everyone was done Stefan suddenly said, "Who's up for a walk?" Everyone eagerly agreed. Although they were all full and tired, the place was too beautiful not to be explored.
They all stayed together as they climbed up a hill. As it was raining the previous night, the dirt was replaced by mud and it made the climb harder than it should be. However, they were all in a good mood and were helping each other up. Caroline was trying to avoid Stefan, but good nature as he is, he talked to her a few times to see how she was doing. Elena smiled because Stefan really was out of the ordinary. Caroline broke up with him, and instead of being macho about it; he went to talk to her to make things more comfortable. They talked for a while and even managed to make Caroline smile. Elena knew that deep down, they would always have a place for each other in their hearts. Maybe that place was just for friendship, but it was still there. As the sun was setting, they decided to go back to camp. The lightning was becoming edgy and Elena couldn't see where she was placing her feet anymore. She stepped on a loose stone and landed on her back. The mud didn't help the situation. As she was about to get back up, her feet slipped on more time making her slide down the path a little further. A sharp rock planted itself on the bottom of her left palm and set a deep gash all the way to the base of her fingers. She didn't feel any pain, but she could see her blood oozing out and getting mixed with the mud. All she could manage to do was laugh at how clumsy she was. The rest of the group who watched it all happen and had no idea how to react burst out laughing with her. Elena stayed sitting down in the mud for a good five minutes laughing while the others were bending over gasping for air as they continued to crack up. They were all replaying the scene in their heads, which set out a new round of laughter. After a while Matt stopped laughing and gave his hand out to Elena. She clung onto it as she got up and was extra careful were she placed her foot. They got to camp a lot faster than when they were climbing. Elena closed her left hand and winced slightly. She felt the pain for the first time since the incident.
"You should probably get that cleaned," Elijah said. "Come on." He lead her to the kitchen and turned on the cold water. Elena hesitated before putting her hand under the gushing water. Just as the water made contact with her wound, she retreated her hand from the pain.
"I know, it's going to hurt like a bitch Lena, but you've got to get the mud out. It can easily get infected. Ready?" asked Elijah and Elena nodded. She felt someone on her right. She turned around and saw Stefan standing just beside her. He read the pain in her face as Elijah put her hand under the water. He stepped forward encircling one arm around her waist while the other was held out for her to cling onto it. Elena held his hand and channeled all the pain into her grasp.
"There are tiny rocks in there 'Lena. I've got to get it out," said Elijah not giving her a chance to respond before he started to play with her hand trying to get it out. Elena let go of Stefan's hand and encircled his waist instead. She hid her face in his chest and clenched his shirt every now and then. Both of Stefan's arms were around her now and he was gently rubbing her back.
"He's nearly got it all out 'Lena. It's nearly done," he reassured her. She just nodded and tightened her arm around his waist. After what seemed to be an eternity, Elena felt Stefan's arm loosen around her and Elijah rinsed her hand.
"All done. We brought a First Aid kit, we'll bandage it up for you," said Elijah as he smiled at his best friend.
"Thanks."
Five minutes later, her hand was bandaged up and all three of them went out on the porch to join the others. Some were playing beer pong already while others were just talking in a circle.
"So did our warrior survive?" asked Nate as he saw Elena and he grinned widely.
"Minus 5 points for your sarcasm. And yes, I'm fine," she answered with a smile playing at her lips. She sat down next to him and he looked at her bandaged hand. She couldn't straighten her fingers, as the pain would shoot up through her arms. She realized though that what used to be a white bandage already had stains of blood on it.
"How deep was is?" asked Nate concerned.
"Pretty deep. It's okay. I'll survive," replied Elena. Stefan was sitting opposite them and hadn't missed anything from their interaction. He hated the way Nate looked at Elena like she was a prize instead of someone with countless qualities.
"Nate, up for a beer pong game?" Stefan interrupted and wasn't planning on taking 'No' as an answer.
AN: I know it's a bit of a filler chapter, but I felt like I had to update. With everything that's happening on the show, my Stelena heart is slowly starting to fall into pieces!