On My Own (TVD Series)

Home Sweet Home

Lauren's POV

Sitting at the edge of a pier, overlooking the Sea of Crete, I dangled my feet watching as my reflection rippled through the waves before crashing against the sand. The day was over as the sun was just minutes away from hiding under the horizon and locals were returning back to their parties at some nearby restaurants.

I had spent hours sitting here since lunch, reading my father's journals while distracting myself with sightseeing as some ships pushed through the waves to Athens. Many were yachts and overcrowding parties that docked at the nearest ports around me. The locals hadn't really noticed anyone that came off that boat, including me. It was different here, I felt invisible.

For the past three months, I felt free. Relieved even, as no one texting me or calling me for help. I had no supernatural beings killing each other, nor did any people go missing around Chania. I was normal, for once. In a place which I would've loved so much more had I known who I was before any of this. Visiting the surrounding cities was my new favorite adventure, the food, the culture, everything was new to me and the thought of leaving it here had made me dread it.

Taking one last look at the ocean, I packed up the journals in my bag before throwing it over my shoulder. With the wind picking up and the lights on nearby restaurants turning on, I lost myself in the crowds of locals dancing and laughing between songs. It was a relaxing feeling, being in a place where no one stared, where my name didn't mean anything but just a few letters. 

"Are you ready to leave to the Airport, Ms. Salvatore?" My driver asked, returning back from the restroom.

"No...but yes."

"Everything looks clear from the time you leave Greece."

"Good...it's gonna be a long flight home," I mumbled, following him to the car.

"I've wanted to ask...why come alone to a country where it's known for romantic getaways?" My driver asked opening the door for me.

"...I haven't been alone in a very long time...and I needed someplace where no one knew me."

"Hmm...understandable."

Sliding inside of the car, we had driven for a few minutes before we sat at the very front of the ferry, watching from inside the car. Music blared off into the distance, followed by laughing and yelling as we passed the main streets of Athens. With an ancient city, life here was similar to that of New Orleans, filled with music and friends around the streets, hopping from bar to club until the early hours of the day. 

The drive to the airport was quiet, as many of the workers were trading their hours and shifts. Stepping outside of the car, my driver had placed my things on the sidewalk before saying goodbye to me.

"It was a pleasure driving you around, Ms. Salvatore. I hope to see you in Greece again." He smiled.

"Likewise. Thank you..."

Gripping my luggage, I strode over to the attendant, handing them my passport and luggage before passing through TSA and on over to my gate just as we were starting to board. Taking my seat in first class, I kept myself near the corner as I watched the workers haul carts and cars back and forth the runway before the plan started to back out from the attachment.

'Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen...on our flight today we are looking at an 18-hour flight today. We will be landing in London before the connecting flight to New York if you are going to the U.S, where the flight will be another 7 hours. Please stay in your seats until the seatbelt light above you turns off, an indicates that it is safe to wander around the cabin.'