"Gabby, are you ready to go?" Caroline calls out as I rush to put my hair in a ponytail.
"Just a second!" I yell as I put some light pink lip gloss on.
After Caroline and I reached our understanding about my friendship with Damon, Matt came to our table with our burgers. Elena and Caroline sat with us for a little bit longer before leaving, claiming they had some homework to do.
Damon and I stayed at the Grill and played a game of pool once we finished our food. Obviously I won and Damon accused me of cheating even though there was no way I could have. We kept playing and left around 9:30, so Damon could drive me home.
On the way home, he told me the story about why Caroline hates him so much. I told him I didn't blame her for hating him after what he did, but I still thought what she said at the Grill was out of line. He asked me if I wanted a ride to school in the morning, so I could avoid an awkward car ride with Caroline and I accepted his offer.
When we got back to the Forbes house, he walked me to the door and grabbed my hand in his, giving it a squeeze. He thanked me for defending him and told me he liked seeing that side of me, saying it was kind of hot. I laughed and told him it wasn't a big deal, squeezing his hand one last time before saying goodnight and going inside.
Liz wasn't home yet, but Caroline was and she showed me to my room and she apologized again. I kept telling her it was okay, but she was resilient, so I told her I accepted her apology and we spent the rest of the night talking about my life back in New York and her life in Mystic Falls before going to bed.
"We're going to be late," Caroline complains.
"No, we're not, Caroline," I laugh, grabbing my green army jacket and khaki messenger bag as I run out of my room.
"Finally," Caroline humphs as I greet her at the front door. "You take forever."
I glance down at my phone and it reads 7:20 a.m. "I literally just got ready in five minutes."
"I've been ready since 7."
"I'm sorry that not all of us wake up at the crack of dawn," I retort with a grin as I slide my jacket on and put my bag on my shoulder.
"Whatever," Caroline shakes her head as she opens the door. I follow behind her, closing the door. "I won't be able to drive you home after school because I have a hair appointment, but I'm sure my mom can give you a ride if you go meet her in town."
She walks to her car, clicking the alarm. She turns around when she notices I'm not walking to the passenger seat. "Don't you want a ride to school?" she asks.
"Actually, I already have a ride," I answer with a sheepish smile and right on time, Damon pulls up.
"Good morning ladies," he waves at us with his signature half smile.
I smile and wave back at him before turning back to Caroline. She gives me a look. "What?" I ask.
She pulls me aside, out of earshot from Damon, but I know he's able to hear every word. "Why are you letting him drive you to school?" she presses.
"Because I don't have a car and I'm new in town," I answer like it's the most obvious answer in the world.
She rolls her eyes. "He's not good news, Gabby. You shouldn't-"
"What did we say about judging my friendship with Damon?" I interrupt her. "I thought we agreed to respect my decisions."
"Yes, but-"
"No buts, Caroline," I say with a laugh. "I know what happened between you guys, but Damon's my friend and he's going to drive me to school for as long as I want him to drive me. I'll meet you there."
