Keeping My Distance

twenty

EDITED

Stefan and I have grown closer over the last few days. He finally asked me to go out on a proper date with him. Our first real date. 

I've only let him snag a handful of kisses, I don't want to move too fast. My heart is still vulnerable after Kol.

Speaking of my dead boyfriend, I haven't seen him in a few days. Which is fine by me. I already feel guilty for being attracted to Stefan and I didn't really need him around every second driving that point home. 

I turn over in Stefan's bed to see the spot next to me empty. I've been spending almost every night here with him, thankfully avoiding Elena. Although Damon gives us this certain look every time he sees me sneaking in.

Rubbing my eyes to get the sleep out of them, I sit up and get out of bed. Maybe he went hunting, it's been a few days since he's had any animal blood.

I walk down stairs, hesitant of running into Damon or Elena. But I hear voices from the parlor room, indicating everyone is already up and aware of what's going on.

"Stefan, she is my little sister. You can't do this to me," Elena argues, her tone serious.

All eyes snap to me once I've reached the bottom of the stair case. Guilt and fear encase my body.

"Evelyn," My older sister looks at me, her eyes holding a large amount of disappointment in them.

This unspoken tension travels to whole room.

Stefan steps closer to me, his green eyes worried for me,

"Elena found out you were here, Evelyn, and so I told her the truth that we have been sort of seeing one another."

I gaze back to Elena who is staring between Stefan and I in a look of betrayal. Like I betrayed her for doing this.

"How could you do this to me, Evelyn?" Elena asks me, and she steps forward with her fists clenched.

I frown at her behavior, I've never understood why she gets to be the center of attention.I never understood it when mom and dad were alive, and I definitely don't understand it now.

"I'll decide for myself what I want to do, Elena," my voice is low and stern.

I look to see Damon, his eyes are flickering between Elena and I. 

"Elena?" Damon asks her, his face clearly unsure of why his girlfriend is acting so upset about this.

Elena's ignores Damon and her eyes land on me, her face going from sad to hatred in a second. I don't believe I have ever seen my sister look so menacing.

"It's pathetic, really, Evelyn. How you continue to hand your heart to any guy who shows you the slightest bit of attention," Her tone is malicious, she's intentionally trying to hurt me,

"I mean, your first boyfriend is dead, Stefan is on the rebound. There's no way you actually thought this would work out for you."

Tears prick my eyes when she mentions Kol, but I stand my ground against my big sister,

"I'm not sorry for attempting to love again. And I'm not sorry that it's with Stefan. I'm not sorry that I've hurt you, because everything is always about you, and I'm so sick of it. Just leave me alone Elena." Damon's eyes meet mine, and for a split second we had a connection of sadness due to Elena's behavior before we look away from one another.

"Evelyn, I'm Stefan's epic love. I do remember you saying he would never get over me," Elena looks to Stefan now,

"Was she right?"

Stefan swallows awkwardly and looks down to me before continuing,

"I think everyone has a soft spot for their first love or epic love. But they can move on. And I did. I have moved on Elena."

"She's been here almost every night this week, Elena. It's not a big deal, why don't we just go?" Damon asks her, desperately trying to diffuse the situation, but making it way worse.

I give him a what the hell, look and he ignores it and still keeps his eyes on Elena.

Elena's eyes grow black and red, veins appearing under her eyes and her fangs poke out,

"So this has been going on for a while now?"

"You can't keep acting like you're the center of the universe, Elena. I'm so sick of you," I practically growl at her, my arms crossing over my chest.

She goes to step towards me, but Stefan and Damon move to stand in front of me protectively. Which was weird that Damon even bothered to protect me, yet the thought comforts me in a strange way. The fact Damon would protect me from Elena when I barely know him is weird.

Elena tries to get through them to attack me but Damon and Stefan push her back and she growls in frustration as she stumbles into the couch behind her.

"You are unbelievable, Evelyn. You've always been the worst member of our family," Elena says the harsh words in anger,

"Mom and dad would be so disappointed in who you've become."

I peek between the two brothers to look at her hate filled eyes, which bore into mine and start to make me feel horrible for no reason other than she is a selfish brat. Elena turns on her heel and goes towards her's and Damon's room.

Damon low whistles as Elena slams the bedroom door behind her,

"Well, that was extremely uncalled for. I'm going to go drink some bourbon. Anyone care to join?"

Stefan and I both shake our heads no.

Damon eyes us suspiciously,

"Okay. Don't have too much fun." His eyes rest on me for a second longer than necessary and then he's gone.

Stefan kisses my hair and hugs me tight,

"Are you okay?"

"I love you Stefan," I whisper into his chest, the first time the words have ever left my mouth for the vampire.

So many lies.

"I love you too, Eve," He whispers back, kissing my head again.

"Always?" I ask him looking into his green eyes.
There was no doubt in his eyes.
"Always," Stefan promises me.

And I believe him.