A new beginning - A TVD Fan Fiction

Chapter 10

CAROLINE POV:

A new year has begun and each day that passes brings us closer to the day that everything goes to shit. Every time the sun rises and I open my eyes to welcome a new day, I feel dread enveloping me. The feeling increases the more time passes and my mind has been on overdrive because of it. I cannot help but lose myself in over thinking all the steps of my preparation.

It got so bad that my mother, Enzo and even Davina pointed out how out of sorts I seem to be. My god, if even Davina noticed it via simple phone conversations I must have gotten much worse than usual - to be fair, the stakes are much higher now. I know that I have done everything in my power to get ready for what is to come and that everything else has to be faced and handled later on. Unfortunately, I cannot help but put this pressure on myself. I know my faults. I do. After some honest talk with my mother, we decided that I need a break from it all. My father also got involved and helped arrange my spring break vacation to escape for a while and find my bearings. Right now it seems to be exactly what I need.

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Spring break arrived sooner than I had expected. When I brought my luggage downstairs to wait for my dad - who would drop me off at the airport, I was surprised by the amount of people gathering in our living room. My mom, Bonnie, Sheila, Tyler, Mason and Enzo were chatting away until Bonnie turned around and noticed my lingering on the stairs.

"Hi Care. Surprise!"

"Uh - what, what is going on?", I just blinked and asked in a bewildered tone. My mother pushed through the people and approached me with a happy grin.

"Well, honey. Everyone present came to send you off."

"What?" I asked confused, "why?"

They laughed at my reaction.

"Now gorgeous, that is because over the past year you have helped and supported us when we needed it and even when we didn't know that we did need it. It is only fair that we show you our support, when the roles are reversed." Enzo stated whilst I looked into the crowd in bewilderment. Looking from one person to the next I did not know what to say or feel. The words started to settle in my mind. That is when I started to feel something warm surrounding my chest and tears started to gather in my eyes. 

"Wh-ah... I-did... do... ehm..." I couldn't hold in the tears any longer and started bawling my eyes out. I cradled my head in my hands, still standing on the last step of the stairs.

"Oh honey." I could feel welcoming arms and a familiar scent surrounding me. "It's alright Caroline. It's alright."

At this moment - when I finally started falling apart - my mother's embrace is the most comforting and warm place I could ever find myself in. This, this is what I had missed for so many years. This is all I had longed for. This is all I ever needed. This is worth protecting. This is worth fighting for.

For a while I had forgotten. Forgotten, what all my planning and preparation is all for. I let my fears and doubts take control over me. Let the pressure build up until I was ready to explode. I had forgotten the vow I made myself. Forgotten that instead of just following history I wanted to take action and protect the ones I love this time. I am strong, I am smart and I am cunning. I have proven myself many times 'Before'. Back then I spent many years alone and lonely, so this right here - having people I can rely on, this is something I need to get accustomed to... again.

"Thank you. Thank you all. So much." I mumble tearfully.

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