Bonnie's voice carried over the noise of the hallway, but Elena barely glanced at her as she tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear, shifting the books against her hip.
"You were the one who said to go for it," she countered.
I shoved my sketchbook into my bag, adjusting the strap on my shoulder. "She's just being cautious, Elena."
Bonnie nodded. "Exactly."
Elena narrowed her eyes. "Why the about-face?"
"It's not an about-face," Bonnie denied. "You're single for the first time in your entire high school career. It's the perfect time to play the field."
Elena let out a soft laugh. "Oh, because I'm so that girl." She shot us both a look. "Seriously, what are you guys not saying?"
I hesitated while Bonnie shifted beside me.
Elena wasn't stupid. She could feel something was off.
"It's nothing," I lied.
"Selene..." Elena sighed, folding her arms.
I exhaled, rubbing my temple. "I have a bad feeling."
Her brows lifted. "Hmm. Is that all?"
I met her gaze, knowing she didn't believe me. Not entirely.
But what was I supposed to say?
Hey, I think your boyfriend might be a vampire, and every time he looks at me, I get the worst chills?
Bonnie pressed her lips together, and I knew she felt it too. The way Stefan moved, the way his eyes lingered just a second too long.
Before I could say anything else, Elena looped her arm through mine and Bonnie's.
"Hey, we're just expressing concern for our best friend's boyfriend," I said, forcing my voice light. "For all we know, he could be an ax murderer."
Elena rolled her eyes. "And I love you both for it, I do." She gave Bonnie's shoulder a squeeze and held my hand. "But I feel good. It's been a hard year, and I'm starting to kind of feel like things are getting back to normal again. And you know what? Stefan is a big part of that."
