Inaction's and Consequences

Chapter 7

Disclaimer: I do not ownanything related to The Vampire Diaries, TV show or books. However Idecided to have a little play around with the characters (I woulddefinitely like to play with Damon).

The next morning Elena arrived at the Lockwood Mansion to help inpreparation for the pageant later that day. Elena left her new dress,shoes and make-up upstairs in one of the rooms so that she couldshower and change later for the presentation. Initially she had torun a few errands for Mayor Lockwood. After that she headed outsideand walked down the steps into the garden in search for Caroline. Itdidn't take long for Elena to notice the blonde hair of her friend,who was standing at one of the tables with her back turned. As sheheaded towards the table where Caroline was stood, she noticed thatshe was talking to someone on the phone. Caroline must have heard heras she turned around and looked at her, annoyance etched all over herface.

"Look, I got to go." Elena overheard Caroline say to theperson on the other end of the phone whilst staring at Elena. "Becareful. And remember, there is sublimating and then there isinsanity."

"I'll be fine, bye." Elena recognized Stefan's voice onthe other end of the phone as he hung up.

Caroline finished her call with Stefan and looked at Elena beforemaking her way over towards her. The look on Caroline's face warnedElena to expect the inevitable onslaught of criticism from herfriend. Deciding she wanted to try and avoid confrontation whilstother people were around, Elena turned and made her way to anothertable and began to arrange the flowers in the vase.

Not one to be avoided when she was on a mission, Caroline stormedover to the table where she was stood, looking imposing with aclipboard in her hand. "Look, I'm your best friend and I wouldnever pick sides." Caroline told her sounding sincere, althoughElena knew what was coming. "But are you sure that this is whatyou want? Because Stefan is your soul mate." this caused Elenato look up and raising her eyebrows at her Caroline. "Sorry.Picking sides." Caroline apologized..

"It's not like I don't love Stefan any more." Elenaexplained, as they moved to another table to arrange more flowers."But I can't deny that ever since I turned, my feelings forDamon have become more intense."

"Yeah, I know. Stefan filled me in on all the gory Damondetails." Caroline complained sarcastically.

"He did?" Elena asked looking clearly worried at herfriend for a second. "Is he okay?"

"No, he's heartbroken." Caroline scolded.

"Well, what was I supposed to do? Lie to him?" Elenaasked, getting a little angry with all of the Stefan support she wasgetting from someone who was supposed to be her best friend andElena's feelings should be Caroline's priority over Stefan's.

"No!" Caroline admitted, then added "But youweren't supposed to let Damon weasel his way into your confusednewbie vampire heart."

"Well, he did and that's exactly what I am. Confused. I needto figure out what these feelings actually mean." Elenaexplained. "Although you and I already know that my feelings forDamon began long before I became a vampire." she whispered asshe noticed Professor Shane walking down the steps and over to herand Caroline.

"Excuse me." Professor Shane interrupted. "I'm alittle lost. I'm here to interview contestants."

"You're Professor Shane." Elena asked as she andCaroline look at each other.

"Yeah, that's right." he replied smiling. "Professorby day, pageant judge by other day. In spite of being absurdlyunqualified, I'm apparently awarding a scholarship."

"Uh, inside by the parlor." Caroline offered asProfessor Shane pointed up towards the house.

"Right in here?" he asked.