Gabriella Gilbert || Vampire Diaries

Chapter Eighteen

    I don't bother hiding the scar on my thigh. I don't need to, it's not like anyone will notice. If they do, I can just lie. When I first saw it, I was surprised to see it there. Vampire blood should've healed me completely. In this case there was too many wounds, not enough blood. So, the scar remains.

    My bruise, on the other hand, is concealed by a light layer of foundation. It's been a few days, so concealer is almost unnecessary, but I don't want to worry Jenna or Jeremy.

    I flinch as I dab the beauty blender a little too roughly on the bruise. "Are you okay?" I turn around, relieved that it's Elena instead of Jeremy or Jenna.

    "Yeah," I answer before looking back in the mirror, "all good." Truth is, the nightmares have gotten less violent, but that day's events keep replaying in my head.

    I haven't gotten much sleep and it shows. I apply some more concealer under my eyes.

    "It's been a few days," Elena says tentatively. She stands beside me, making eye contact with me through the mirror. "Do you want to talk about it?"

    "It's seven in the morning," I remind. I give a forced smile before pulling my leather jacket on. "I'd rather not."

Elena touches my arm, almost making me jump. I look over at her, some of my curls end up resting on my shoulder as I turn my head.

"If you need to talk, I'm here," she says, giving me a reassuring smile. "Don't shut us out again."

I nod my head, not saying anything else as she leaves my room. I can't help but feel resentment towards her for my involvement with Frederick. If she hadn't left me, I wouldn't have been forced to find my own way home.

    She didn't know, it's not her fault, I tell myself. But still, I can't help it. Every time I see her, I get flashes of that day.

    Maybe I'll feel better about it when the bruise heals.

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    I don't feel better about it. Like, at all.

My bruise still requires concealer, but not as much as before. I'm sure to be careful when it comes to leaning my head on my hand.

Elena's being nice, and I'm trying to reciprocate that, but it's difficult, and we know it.

"Let's gooooo!" I announce, making my voice loud enough for the entire house to here.

"Here!" Aunt Jenna calls out, handing me my jacket.

"Thanks," I thank, shooting her a smile. "Elena! Jeremy! Come on!" I open the front door, immediately greeted by the most hated man on this planet.

"Nope," I snap, trying to push the door shut. My uncle John uses his strength to push the door open, letting himself in.

"Gabby!" He greets with an smug smile.

"Gabriella," I correct, quickly turning away from him.

    "Sorry," He apologizes, walking past me towards Aunt Jenna. "Jenna!"

    "John." Jenna sighs, looking at John with distaste, "You made it. "

    "I said I'd be here by noon." He shoots her a smirk before walking closer to the kitchen.