From Ashes To Embers(Klaus Mikaelson)

Chapter 28

   I've been home three days. Kat called me last night to tell me she's out of the tomb. I don't know the ins and outs, I don't know what's happening back there, I've decided not to answer the Salvatore's or Elena or anyone else that I have millions of missed calls from.

   Any phone call from them is just going to make me regret leaving and I cannot go back. I turn my phone off and shove it into a drawer. I'm tempted to fire it into the pool. I put a bikini on and go outside with a book to sunbathe. It's hot over here. I smile to myself,  I'm finally free.

   After a morning of tanning and reading in the sun, I decide to go for a ride. I head to the stables to tack up my ex-racehorse, Fleetwood. Alessio is in the stables when I go in, one of the people who run the place and take care of it when I'm not here. "Ciao, Alessio," I announce myself.

   "Ah, Angela, how are you today?"

   "I'm good thanks, just taking Fleetwood out for a ride."

   "Emilia was asking for you. A lot. She misses you." My heart warms. Emilia is his four year old daughter. She comes over here a lot seeing as her dad works here and sometimes I even babysit her and take care of her when he and his wife, Maria aren't home.

   "Aww, really? Well you will have to bring her over soon, my cookie jar is growing lonely without her."

   He laughs, "oh I will, don't worry."

   A few minutes later, I'm sitting on Fleetwood, taking our usual route through the Italian countryside. I've been trying not to think about Mystic Falls the past few days, busying myself with tasks around the house and distracting myself with anything and everything. But no matter how hard I try, I just can't take my mind off of what I left behind. I can't stop wondering what's happening or how everyone is doing, wondering if everyone is ok.

   I feel guilty for leaving, selfish too, even though I know it's what's best for me. I have no desire to see him again, ever. Who knows what sort of danger I could be in if I do? Even if he really did love me, that was more than 500 years ago, so I'm sure he's well over it by now and feeling vengeful.

   My heart skips a beat when Fleetwood trips, but instantly composes himself, bringing me back to the present moment. I sigh, taking in my surroundings. Maybe I need something bigger to take my mind off it. Like... I don't know, going travelling, or doing something crazy like skydiving or something. Or maybe I just need to get laid. It has been a while. Maybe I just need to find a nice, good looking, Italian man to fool around with for a bit.

   I mean, it wouldn't be hard to find one. Plus, wherever I go, lots of men giving me 'the eyes' seem to crop up everywhere. I find it annoying most of the time, except for the times that I could make use of it, like now.

   I kick Fleetwood into a trot as I continue plotting and scheming about my next few weeks, and what I'll fill them with to take my mind of Mystic Falls.

Gilbert Lake House (two days previously):

   Elena and Stefan are at the Gilbert lake house. Stefan is cooking while Elena sits on the couch with a glass of wine, when Stefan's phone rings. "It's Damon," he tells her, his finger hovering over the accept button. This was supposed to be their getaway, their break from everything going on back home.

   Damon's phone call would most likely bring bad news and more drama from home. Stefan looks at his girlfriend. He's about to decline the call, not wanting to worry Elena and ruin her day of peace when she tells him, "answer it."

   He raises a brow, "are you sure?"

   "Yes. If there's something going on, we should know. It doesn't mean we have to do anything about it, but we should know."