The sky above Chicago was full of stars. Stefan couldn’t sleep, but Klaus was sleeping like a baby. He kept talking about some surprise that he’s going to reveal Stefan tomorrow, and that he needs much sleep, he needs to preserve his energy. He still didn’t believe Stefan, although Stefan was doing everything for him. He killed everyone Klaus pointed to, he destroyed everything Klaus thought of, and he followed him like a faithful puppy. But Klaus was around for a long, long time. When anda are around for 500 years, anda learn not to trust people. But the thought of surprise Klaus was keeping from him was not the thing that was keeping him awake. He went back to the trashed house him and Klaus stayed for a while to pick up his glass ball he left under the bed. Funny thing about that glass ball. Stefan didn’t even know what it is, atau what’s on it, but he had a strong urge to protect it. His hati, tengah-tengah and his mind were telling him something precious was inside of that ball, and that he has to keep it safe. He was able to keep it from Klaus for a long time, and now it’s gone. And he knew exactly who took it. When he approached the house, he noticed that the doors of the basement were open. He saw prints on the bloody stairs. That moment, he knew his brother found him. Again. And he knew Damon took his glass ball. But like something was telling him that ball is important, somehow he knew Damon can’t destroy it, and that the ball will be safe. With him, atau with her. Elena. Stefan tried not to think about Elena. He has to keep her existence a secret. Klaus still doesn’t know she’s alive, and her being alive messes with his plans. The doppelganger is still alive, and that’s the reason why Klaus can’t go trough his plan about creating an army of hybrids. He knew Klaus would try to kill Elena if he found out she’s alive, and he would try to kill Stefan for keeping that secret from him. Elena. He missed her so much. For a long time, she was the air he was breathing, and now when she’s not around him, sometimes he feels like he’s suffocating. He loved her so much, and sometimes he thought about leaving Klaus and going back home, but what good would that do to anyone? Sometimes he thought about how stupid he was, leaving everything behind to save his brother’s life. But as soon as that thought floated in his mind, he felt remorse, because he knew he shouldn’t regret saving Damon. He would hate himself forever if he didn’t at least try to save his brother. When he headed over to Klaus, he knew what he’s getting into. The last time he hugged Elena he knew that’s maybe the last time he was hugging her. But he didn’t tell her anything, he assured her everything will be fine. He didn’t knew how Elena would react if Stefan left Damon die, because he knew Elena cares about Damon. That’s the other thing that was bugging him. He trusted Elena, and he tried to trust his brother, but he couldn’t shake of the feeling that Damon is taking every chance he gets to flirt with Elena. When he thought about Elena and his brother, he became angry. And sad. And then furious. He wanted to punch someone, he wanted to kill someone, but he knew he can’t be selfish. He knew he’s probably not coming back, at least not until Elena’s alive, and he wanted her to be happy. If she found her happiness in Damon, so be it. But still, one part of Stefan was hurting every time he imagined Elena with Damon. Like someone is stabbing him with a stake in a stomach, time after time after time. Stefan reached under his bantal and there, he found a letter. A letter he wrote for Elena over the summer. He wanted to take it to her so many times, but he was afraid of seeing her. He was afraid that he would break down after seeing that angelic face. Elena Gilbert was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and he saw a lot of women. She truly had a face like an angel. Such big, brown and bright eyes that smiled lebih often than her mouth did. Her little nose, on who’s bahagian, atas Stefan liked to leave his kisses. Her cheeks, so soft and silky, like every trace of skin that covered her body. And finally, her lips. Lips that made him melt. When he was looking at them, thinking about them, Ciuman them. Especially when those lips were Ciuman him. Elena Gilbert was truly beautiful, but that wasn’t what made her perfect. What made her perfect was the way she loved and cared about everyone around her. From time to time Stefan thought she’s a saint sent from Heaven above to heal the demon inside of him. He wanted to cry. But he knew he shouldn’t. The only thing he wants lebih than to be with Elena is to see her safe, and happy. And he’s going to protect her. He’s going to do everything in his power to protect her. And if he fails, if he dies trying, he’ll come back to Earth as a ghost to haunt anyone who tried to hurt her. That’s the thing Stefan was sure of, he’s always going to be protecting Elena, even if it kills him. He had put the letter inside of his jacket, sneaked out of the apartment and took the road to Mystic Falls. He knew he has to be back soon. Before Klaus wakes up, atau not too long after he wakes up. He could tell him he went to get breakfast, but he knew that story wouldn’t pass if he comes back hours after Klaus wakes up.
Without any trouble, he found his way back. Back to Mystic Falls, and to Elena’s room. All he had to do is to follow his heart. Soon he found himself standing in the middle of Elena’s room. She was sleeping. He came closer to her. He had to see her face, even though her eyes were closed. He really wanted to see her eyes, but he knew that’s a luxury he can’t afford. He took the letter out of his jaket and put it on Elena’s pillow. He brushed the hair of her cheek and kissed it. She didn’t even flinched. He was happy, and he was fulfilled. He kissed Elena, one lebih time. His lips actually touched her skin. Even if it was for a last time. And before he let himself think lebih about this beautiful creature that was in front of him, he disappeared from her room. And from the town.
That morning Elena woke up feeling very strange. She felt like she could smell Stefan on her bantal again, although she knew it’s impossible. And for some reason, her right cheek burned. But it was a good burn. She stretched, sat on her bed, and then noticed the white paper on her pillow. She reached for it, opened and started reading.
„My dearest Elena,
there are so many things I want to tell you, that I want to explain to you. I guess the first thing I wanted to say is that I didn’t left you, at least, that wasn’t my intention. But anda have to understand that I couldn’t let Damon die. I did it for us, for all of us. I know anda care for him, and so do I. And even he has a hard time accepting it, I know he cares about me. And we all know he loves you. But I never thought you, atau us, is lebih important than him. I found myself in a situation where Klaus was offering me the cure, and I took it, without even asking for the price. I told him I would do anything. And I did. There are some things I didn’t tell you, Elena. I told anda that I wasn’t always Stefan anda know now, that there was a time I killed people, without regretting it. But there are some things I wanted to hide from you, because I’m ashamed of them. I never wanted anda to see this side of me, because I don’t feel worthy of your love. Person like anda should never Cinta a monster like me, and it’s a miracle that a monster like me can find something good in his mind to actually care for such a good person like anda are. anda need to stop looking for me Elena. You’ll get yourself killed, and you’ll get Damon killed. Klaus can never find out you’re alive. You’re the reason his plan is not working. And if he finds out you’re alive, he’ll want to kill you, and I don’t know how to stop him. He’s much stronger than me. I’m not coming back Elena, I can’t. But anda have to know, I’m doing this to protect you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn’t even know I was looking for anda until I found you. anda made my life better in so many ways, in ways anda can’t even imagine. I lived for 162 years, and the time I spent with anda was the best time of my life, and when I was with you, I felt like I finally have a purpose. My purpose was to Cinta you, and that was enough for me. That will always be enough for me. No other woman made me feel the way anda did, and no one ever will. The way anda played with my hair, and the way anda looked at me, the way anda hugged me, that’s something that’s going to stay with me forever. I never want to shake that feeling off. The way anda smile.. God, I Cinta your smile. I especially loved to make anda smile, because I had a feeling I’m making a difference in the world. If I can make smile an Angel like you, I can do anything. Sometimes, when anda put your hand on my chest, I had a feeling my hati, tengah-tengah started beating again. The first time anda touched me, I had a strange feeling. And then I realized, the only reason why it was strange is because it’s unfamiliar. Your touch could make my cold skin burn. And when I kissed anda for the first time, that was probably the happiest moment in my life. But Elena, anda have to realize we can’t have that, never again. anda need to be safe. And most importantly, anda have to be happy. Please Elena, find that happiness, with whoever anda want to. I don’t want anda to wait for me, because for me, years are like seconds, but for you, years are everything. Make the most of your life, do everything anda ever wanted to do. Fall in love, get married, have kids. But whatever happens, anda have to know that once upon a time you’ve been loved. Because Elena I loved anda the best I could, and I gave anda everything I had, and I can only hope that was enough for you. I loved anda lebih than anything in this world, I still do, and because of that I want anda to alih on. Maybe we’ll see each other again one day. It doesn’t matter in how many years.. maybe in 10, maybe in 50. Doesn’t matter if you’re gray and old, you’re always going to be the girl I loved the most. And as long as you’re walking on this Earth, I’ll always be protecting you. And when anda leave this world, I’ll leave it with you, because I don’t want to live in a world without you. I don’t want to breathe if we don’t share the same air. And maybe then, we’ll meet again.
Love, Stefan.“
Elena was shaking. Tears were rolling down her cheek. Stefan was saying goodbye to her. But why? Why is he giving up? Deep down, she knew why. Deep down, she understood. She understood Klaus won’t let him go just like that. And now, she found out her existence is what’s keeping Klaus from going trough his plan, which means, she’s in danger. Again. And now, Stefan is not here to protect her. She knew Damon will protect her. Damon was always stronger than Stefan, and Damon could provide her safety. But even though Stefan wasn’t as strong, when he took her in his arms, she felt like nothing can’t touch her. She felt like his arms are the safest place in the world. She couldn’t imagine not seeing Stefan ever again. She couldn’t accept the fact there might be years before she sees him again. Only few months passed, and she felt like few centuries flew sejak her. She wasn’t mad at Stefan for saving Damon’s life. She was glad Damon lived. But she was mad at the situation. She tried to find people to blame. She tried to blame Stefan for putting himself in that situation, she tried to blame herself for not stopping him, she tried to blame Damon because Stefan cared about him enough to risk everything for him. She even tried to blame Tyler for biting Damon. And then she came to the conclusion there’s no one to blame. That’s how things work. Things happen, life changes, people anda thought are never going to leave anda do. She was surprised Stefan was calling himself a monster. Stefan isn’t a monster. But he is, he’s a vampire. It’s in his nature to kill. But he fought so hard against it, he tried to be a better man. He tried to live his life.. as a human. Well, most humanly possible. And she knew thing’s could never be the same. She was always blaming Damon for killing all those people, so how can she forgive Stefan now? But.. that’s love. It makes anda ignore some things, bad things. And it makes anda confused. Elena just wanted to tell Stefan how much she loves him, and how much she misses him. And how much she wants him back. Things can’t be the same, but maybe they can be better. She was ready to work on that. She knew it would take time, but she was ready to do it. Because she was certain she loves Stefan, and nothing will ever change that. Especially not some stupid thing like distance. Elena knew she has to fight for him, because she’s not one of those people who will give up once things get complicated. But she needs to do it rationally, and she needs to do it safely. She can’t just throw herself in api, kebakaran every time there’s one. She needs a plan, one that will actually work. And she needs luck. A lots of luck. But she’ll bring Stefan home, and they’ll be together again. The thing that hurt her lebih than being away from Stefan, was thinking about how he’s feeling. She knew he hates what he’s doing, and she knew he fought against it for a long, long time. And it was probably ripping him from the inside. All that guilt, it was probably messing up with his sanity. She knew he was always good like he was when she met him, but she could never imagine him as a killer. And one part of her didn’t want to. She wanted to preserve his memory of him as a man she loves, who wouldn’t hurt anyone, at least until he comes home. And then they can talk, and they can discuss, and they can decide what next. Together. She’s strong. She knew she’s strong. She’s a warrior, and she’s a fighter. She can take it. She can take everything life throws at her. And that’s something she learned from Stefan. To never give up, to stay strong, to keep fighting. She got up from her bed, dressed up quickly, tied her hair in a ponytail, got the letter and the keys of her car, and headed over to find Damon.
She got inside of the house in a hurry, and saw Damon sitting in his chair, drinking scotch.
„What’s wrong?“ – Damon asked partly uninterested, slowly sipping scotch.
„Stefan was in my room last night.“
Damon looked at her like she’s crazy, then smiled. It wasn’t a full smile, lebih of a half smile. Like he wasn’t surprised. But he was.
„And what did he say?“ – he asked while slowly getting up and coming closer to her.
„Nothing. I was asleep. But when I woke up..“ – she stopped in the middle of the sentence and touched her cheek. It was still burning.
„And how do anda know it was Stefan?“
„He left a letter..“
„Of course he did. And how do anda know Stefan wrote it?“
„I just know Damon, all right? I just know.“ – she replied, still holding her hand on the right cheek.
„Let me see“ – Damon tried to take the letter from her hands.
„No!“ – she screamed. „It’s personal.“
„Does he say anything about me?“ – he asked sarcastically, but Elena knew that he was actually curious.
„No. Well.. yes. He said.. he doesn’t regret saving your life.“
Damon laughed out loud.
„He should.“
„What?“
„That was a stupid alih Elena, and anda and I both know it. He exchanged the lives of God knows how many innocent people for mine. I never asked to be saved Elena!“
„I can’t believe you’re actually saying this. He’s your brother, he loves you! Of course he wanted to save you, and anda know anda would do the same for him!“
„I would never be so stupid. What good did he do? Now I have to walk around thinking I’m the one who’s responsible for him Berlakon this way. Well I’m not. I never asked for this. And I’m not taking the blame. Those were his selfish choices.“
Elena didn’t know what to say. She was looking at him, full of anger, but also, full of sadness. And she was worried about him. About the way he feels. She knew this is killing him inside too. He probably does feel responsible for Stefan Berlakon this way, when he knew how hard Stefan fought it.
„Oh Damon..“ – she whispered, trying to take his hand.
„Don’t do that Elena. What do anda want from me?“
„I just wanted to tell anda Stefan is not gone. And we need to help him..“
Damon laughed again, before she had a chance to finish the sentence.
„And I suppose anda have a plan.“
„Not yet.“
„I’ll tell anda what.. anda go home, think about it, and I’ll be here, getting myself drunk. And when anda hold a grasp of some great idea, anda call me“ – he sat down on the chair and continued drinking his drink.
Elena wasn’t in the mood to fight. She wasn’t in the mood to explain to Damon the situation and to express her feelings. She had no intention of helping him at the moment, because she knew he wouldn’t even accept her help.
„Fine“ – she answered, and kept walking to the front door. Damon didn’t even look at her, not even once. She sat in her car and started driving. Her cheek started burning up again. „Stefan..“ – she thought. „We’ll be together again. I can feel it.“
When Stefan came back to the apartment, Klaus was still sleeping. But Stefan wasn’t tired at all. He saw Elena, he touched her skin with his lips, and for now, that’s enough for him. He can hold on to that image for weeks, months.. even years, if it’s necessary. He had put his head on the pillow, and closed his eyes. That way, he could see her better.
„Rise and shine“ – he heard a rough voice above him. He opened his eyes and saw Klaus.
„Get up, we have work to do.“
„I still don’t understand what’s so important about Chicago“ – Stefan said, stretching, like he spent the whole night sleeping in the bed.
„I know anda don’t, but soon, you’ll find out.“
„Does this have something with anda disappearing yesterday?“
Klaus laughed.
„Indeed.“
„Where did anda go?“
„I visited an old friend. anda would like her, she’s a witch.“
„A witch?“
„Yes. I thought she can help me about this little problem I’m having. I try to make lebih hybrids, they bleed to death.. well, anda know how it goes.“
„And can she?“ – Stefan asked curiously.
„She thinks she can. But she needs this one little thing, and we’re going to get it. Let’s go.“
Klaus opened the door of the apartment, and Stefan followed him. They walked few blocks, without saying anything. Stefan was too confused to ask anything, but Klaus had this evil smile on his face, the one he usually wears. They entered a big storage room. There was a coffin in the middle of it. And it was opened. There was a man, laying on the floor. His neck was ripped open.
„Well, I guess she woke up.“
He laughed, but Stefan was still confused. He had no idea about who Klaus was talking about.
„Yes, I did. And I’m not happy.“
Stefan heard a voice that was coming from the back of the room. He heard foot steps. Klaus was smirking, with eyes wide open. Finally, young woman with a bright blonde hair and long vintage dress showed up. But when she saw Stefan, she stopped walking.
„Stefan..“ – she whispered. But Stefan had no idea who she is.
Klaus turned around and smiled to him. Then approached him, put his had on the back of Stefan’s neck, looked him in the eyes and said, „now anda remember“. And so he did. He remembered everything. Klaus, and how they were friends. And the girl that was standing over there, Rebekah.. he cared for her. Once upon a time, he cared about her. He also remembered everything he did back than, and why was Chicago so important to Klaus. All those memories were rushing trough his brain, and he didn’t know what to do with them.
„Now.. I need something of yours. That pretty necklace..“ – Klaus said, while trying to find the kalung on her neck. Rebekah touched her neck, and when she realized the kalung is not there, here eyes became enormous.
„Where’s my necklace?“ – she screamed. She tried to look at it in the coffin, but it wasn’t there.
Then Stefan remembered. She threw the kalung at him, and then, Klaus made him forget, but he picked it up anyway. And he kept it, and then, he gave it to Elena. What Klaus needs, it’s with Elena.
„I remember.. I remember throwing it at you“ – she berkata to Stefan with a teary voice.
„I.. I don’t have it“ – Stefan said. He was frightened.
„You’re lying!“ – she screamed.
„No, he’s not“ – Klaus said, and he was very calm. „I compelled him to forget everything. He didn’t remember anything. If anda threw the necklace, someone picked it up. Police maybe.“
Rebekah sighed, and Klaus was still very calm. Only from the outside. From the inside, he was probably full of rage. Nothing is going the way he planned, and that’s probably not making him happy. And Stefan was frightened. Be he knew he has to stay calm too. Klaus can’t, sejak any circumstances doubt him atau his loyalty, and he can’t find out Elena is alive, atau that kalung belongs to her. He knew, that no matter what, he has to protect Elena.
Without any trouble, he found his way back. Back to Mystic Falls, and to Elena’s room. All he had to do is to follow his heart. Soon he found himself standing in the middle of Elena’s room. She was sleeping. He came closer to her. He had to see her face, even though her eyes were closed. He really wanted to see her eyes, but he knew that’s a luxury he can’t afford. He took the letter out of his jaket and put it on Elena’s pillow. He brushed the hair of her cheek and kissed it. She didn’t even flinched. He was happy, and he was fulfilled. He kissed Elena, one lebih time. His lips actually touched her skin. Even if it was for a last time. And before he let himself think lebih about this beautiful creature that was in front of him, he disappeared from her room. And from the town.
That morning Elena woke up feeling very strange. She felt like she could smell Stefan on her bantal again, although she knew it’s impossible. And for some reason, her right cheek burned. But it was a good burn. She stretched, sat on her bed, and then noticed the white paper on her pillow. She reached for it, opened and started reading.
„My dearest Elena,
there are so many things I want to tell you, that I want to explain to you. I guess the first thing I wanted to say is that I didn’t left you, at least, that wasn’t my intention. But anda have to understand that I couldn’t let Damon die. I did it for us, for all of us. I know anda care for him, and so do I. And even he has a hard time accepting it, I know he cares about me. And we all know he loves you. But I never thought you, atau us, is lebih important than him. I found myself in a situation where Klaus was offering me the cure, and I took it, without even asking for the price. I told him I would do anything. And I did. There are some things I didn’t tell you, Elena. I told anda that I wasn’t always Stefan anda know now, that there was a time I killed people, without regretting it. But there are some things I wanted to hide from you, because I’m ashamed of them. I never wanted anda to see this side of me, because I don’t feel worthy of your love. Person like anda should never Cinta a monster like me, and it’s a miracle that a monster like me can find something good in his mind to actually care for such a good person like anda are. anda need to stop looking for me Elena. You’ll get yourself killed, and you’ll get Damon killed. Klaus can never find out you’re alive. You’re the reason his plan is not working. And if he finds out you’re alive, he’ll want to kill you, and I don’t know how to stop him. He’s much stronger than me. I’m not coming back Elena, I can’t. But anda have to know, I’m doing this to protect you. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me. I didn’t even know I was looking for anda until I found you. anda made my life better in so many ways, in ways anda can’t even imagine. I lived for 162 years, and the time I spent with anda was the best time of my life, and when I was with you, I felt like I finally have a purpose. My purpose was to Cinta you, and that was enough for me. That will always be enough for me. No other woman made me feel the way anda did, and no one ever will. The way anda played with my hair, and the way anda looked at me, the way anda hugged me, that’s something that’s going to stay with me forever. I never want to shake that feeling off. The way anda smile.. God, I Cinta your smile. I especially loved to make anda smile, because I had a feeling I’m making a difference in the world. If I can make smile an Angel like you, I can do anything. Sometimes, when anda put your hand on my chest, I had a feeling my hati, tengah-tengah started beating again. The first time anda touched me, I had a strange feeling. And then I realized, the only reason why it was strange is because it’s unfamiliar. Your touch could make my cold skin burn. And when I kissed anda for the first time, that was probably the happiest moment in my life. But Elena, anda have to realize we can’t have that, never again. anda need to be safe. And most importantly, anda have to be happy. Please Elena, find that happiness, with whoever anda want to. I don’t want anda to wait for me, because for me, years are like seconds, but for you, years are everything. Make the most of your life, do everything anda ever wanted to do. Fall in love, get married, have kids. But whatever happens, anda have to know that once upon a time you’ve been loved. Because Elena I loved anda the best I could, and I gave anda everything I had, and I can only hope that was enough for you. I loved anda lebih than anything in this world, I still do, and because of that I want anda to alih on. Maybe we’ll see each other again one day. It doesn’t matter in how many years.. maybe in 10, maybe in 50. Doesn’t matter if you’re gray and old, you’re always going to be the girl I loved the most. And as long as you’re walking on this Earth, I’ll always be protecting you. And when anda leave this world, I’ll leave it with you, because I don’t want to live in a world without you. I don’t want to breathe if we don’t share the same air. And maybe then, we’ll meet again.
Love, Stefan.“
Elena was shaking. Tears were rolling down her cheek. Stefan was saying goodbye to her. But why? Why is he giving up? Deep down, she knew why. Deep down, she understood. She understood Klaus won’t let him go just like that. And now, she found out her existence is what’s keeping Klaus from going trough his plan, which means, she’s in danger. Again. And now, Stefan is not here to protect her. She knew Damon will protect her. Damon was always stronger than Stefan, and Damon could provide her safety. But even though Stefan wasn’t as strong, when he took her in his arms, she felt like nothing can’t touch her. She felt like his arms are the safest place in the world. She couldn’t imagine not seeing Stefan ever again. She couldn’t accept the fact there might be years before she sees him again. Only few months passed, and she felt like few centuries flew sejak her. She wasn’t mad at Stefan for saving Damon’s life. She was glad Damon lived. But she was mad at the situation. She tried to find people to blame. She tried to blame Stefan for putting himself in that situation, she tried to blame herself for not stopping him, she tried to blame Damon because Stefan cared about him enough to risk everything for him. She even tried to blame Tyler for biting Damon. And then she came to the conclusion there’s no one to blame. That’s how things work. Things happen, life changes, people anda thought are never going to leave anda do. She was surprised Stefan was calling himself a monster. Stefan isn’t a monster. But he is, he’s a vampire. It’s in his nature to kill. But he fought so hard against it, he tried to be a better man. He tried to live his life.. as a human. Well, most humanly possible. And she knew thing’s could never be the same. She was always blaming Damon for killing all those people, so how can she forgive Stefan now? But.. that’s love. It makes anda ignore some things, bad things. And it makes anda confused. Elena just wanted to tell Stefan how much she loves him, and how much she misses him. And how much she wants him back. Things can’t be the same, but maybe they can be better. She was ready to work on that. She knew it would take time, but she was ready to do it. Because she was certain she loves Stefan, and nothing will ever change that. Especially not some stupid thing like distance. Elena knew she has to fight for him, because she’s not one of those people who will give up once things get complicated. But she needs to do it rationally, and she needs to do it safely. She can’t just throw herself in api, kebakaran every time there’s one. She needs a plan, one that will actually work. And she needs luck. A lots of luck. But she’ll bring Stefan home, and they’ll be together again. The thing that hurt her lebih than being away from Stefan, was thinking about how he’s feeling. She knew he hates what he’s doing, and she knew he fought against it for a long, long time. And it was probably ripping him from the inside. All that guilt, it was probably messing up with his sanity. She knew he was always good like he was when she met him, but she could never imagine him as a killer. And one part of her didn’t want to. She wanted to preserve his memory of him as a man she loves, who wouldn’t hurt anyone, at least until he comes home. And then they can talk, and they can discuss, and they can decide what next. Together. She’s strong. She knew she’s strong. She’s a warrior, and she’s a fighter. She can take it. She can take everything life throws at her. And that’s something she learned from Stefan. To never give up, to stay strong, to keep fighting. She got up from her bed, dressed up quickly, tied her hair in a ponytail, got the letter and the keys of her car, and headed over to find Damon.
She got inside of the house in a hurry, and saw Damon sitting in his chair, drinking scotch.
„What’s wrong?“ – Damon asked partly uninterested, slowly sipping scotch.
„Stefan was in my room last night.“
Damon looked at her like she’s crazy, then smiled. It wasn’t a full smile, lebih of a half smile. Like he wasn’t surprised. But he was.
„And what did he say?“ – he asked while slowly getting up and coming closer to her.
„Nothing. I was asleep. But when I woke up..“ – she stopped in the middle of the sentence and touched her cheek. It was still burning.
„And how do anda know it was Stefan?“
„He left a letter..“
„Of course he did. And how do anda know Stefan wrote it?“
„I just know Damon, all right? I just know.“ – she replied, still holding her hand on the right cheek.
„Let me see“ – Damon tried to take the letter from her hands.
„No!“ – she screamed. „It’s personal.“
„Does he say anything about me?“ – he asked sarcastically, but Elena knew that he was actually curious.
„No. Well.. yes. He said.. he doesn’t regret saving your life.“
Damon laughed out loud.
„He should.“
„What?“
„That was a stupid alih Elena, and anda and I both know it. He exchanged the lives of God knows how many innocent people for mine. I never asked to be saved Elena!“
„I can’t believe you’re actually saying this. He’s your brother, he loves you! Of course he wanted to save you, and anda know anda would do the same for him!“
„I would never be so stupid. What good did he do? Now I have to walk around thinking I’m the one who’s responsible for him Berlakon this way. Well I’m not. I never asked for this. And I’m not taking the blame. Those were his selfish choices.“
Elena didn’t know what to say. She was looking at him, full of anger, but also, full of sadness. And she was worried about him. About the way he feels. She knew this is killing him inside too. He probably does feel responsible for Stefan Berlakon this way, when he knew how hard Stefan fought it.
„Oh Damon..“ – she whispered, trying to take his hand.
„Don’t do that Elena. What do anda want from me?“
„I just wanted to tell anda Stefan is not gone. And we need to help him..“
Damon laughed again, before she had a chance to finish the sentence.
„And I suppose anda have a plan.“
„Not yet.“
„I’ll tell anda what.. anda go home, think about it, and I’ll be here, getting myself drunk. And when anda hold a grasp of some great idea, anda call me“ – he sat down on the chair and continued drinking his drink.
Elena wasn’t in the mood to fight. She wasn’t in the mood to explain to Damon the situation and to express her feelings. She had no intention of helping him at the moment, because she knew he wouldn’t even accept her help.
„Fine“ – she answered, and kept walking to the front door. Damon didn’t even look at her, not even once. She sat in her car and started driving. Her cheek started burning up again. „Stefan..“ – she thought. „We’ll be together again. I can feel it.“
When Stefan came back to the apartment, Klaus was still sleeping. But Stefan wasn’t tired at all. He saw Elena, he touched her skin with his lips, and for now, that’s enough for him. He can hold on to that image for weeks, months.. even years, if it’s necessary. He had put his head on the pillow, and closed his eyes. That way, he could see her better.
„Rise and shine“ – he heard a rough voice above him. He opened his eyes and saw Klaus.
„Get up, we have work to do.“
„I still don’t understand what’s so important about Chicago“ – Stefan said, stretching, like he spent the whole night sleeping in the bed.
„I know anda don’t, but soon, you’ll find out.“
„Does this have something with anda disappearing yesterday?“
Klaus laughed.
„Indeed.“
„Where did anda go?“
„I visited an old friend. anda would like her, she’s a witch.“
„A witch?“
„Yes. I thought she can help me about this little problem I’m having. I try to make lebih hybrids, they bleed to death.. well, anda know how it goes.“
„And can she?“ – Stefan asked curiously.
„She thinks she can. But she needs this one little thing, and we’re going to get it. Let’s go.“
Klaus opened the door of the apartment, and Stefan followed him. They walked few blocks, without saying anything. Stefan was too confused to ask anything, but Klaus had this evil smile on his face, the one he usually wears. They entered a big storage room. There was a coffin in the middle of it. And it was opened. There was a man, laying on the floor. His neck was ripped open.
„Well, I guess she woke up.“
He laughed, but Stefan was still confused. He had no idea about who Klaus was talking about.
„Yes, I did. And I’m not happy.“
Stefan heard a voice that was coming from the back of the room. He heard foot steps. Klaus was smirking, with eyes wide open. Finally, young woman with a bright blonde hair and long vintage dress showed up. But when she saw Stefan, she stopped walking.
„Stefan..“ – she whispered. But Stefan had no idea who she is.
Klaus turned around and smiled to him. Then approached him, put his had on the back of Stefan’s neck, looked him in the eyes and said, „now anda remember“. And so he did. He remembered everything. Klaus, and how they were friends. And the girl that was standing over there, Rebekah.. he cared for her. Once upon a time, he cared about her. He also remembered everything he did back than, and why was Chicago so important to Klaus. All those memories were rushing trough his brain, and he didn’t know what to do with them.
„Now.. I need something of yours. That pretty necklace..“ – Klaus said, while trying to find the kalung on her neck. Rebekah touched her neck, and when she realized the kalung is not there, here eyes became enormous.
„Where’s my necklace?“ – she screamed. She tried to look at it in the coffin, but it wasn’t there.
Then Stefan remembered. She threw the kalung at him, and then, Klaus made him forget, but he picked it up anyway. And he kept it, and then, he gave it to Elena. What Klaus needs, it’s with Elena.
„I remember.. I remember throwing it at you“ – she berkata to Stefan with a teary voice.
„I.. I don’t have it“ – Stefan said. He was frightened.
„You’re lying!“ – she screamed.
„No, he’s not“ – Klaus said, and he was very calm. „I compelled him to forget everything. He didn’t remember anything. If anda threw the necklace, someone picked it up. Police maybe.“
Rebekah sighed, and Klaus was still very calm. Only from the outside. From the inside, he was probably full of rage. Nothing is going the way he planned, and that’s probably not making him happy. And Stefan was frightened. Be he knew he has to stay calm too. Klaus can’t, sejak any circumstances doubt him atau his loyalty, and he can’t find out Elena is alive, atau that kalung belongs to her. He knew, that no matter what, he has to protect Elena.