delicate

24

-

I pulled myself out of my memory. I felt something cold on my cheek. I wiped my hand across my cheek. I stared at the tear on my hand. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Why is this so complicated? Figuring out how I feel about him is the worst thing I've ever had to experience.

I hate him. I'm scared of him. I want to kill him. I want to sleep with him. I want to be with him. I feel bad for him.

Who lets things get this messy?

...

I kept staring at Caroline, who was sitting at the island next to Stefan. Damon was standing opposite of them. I kept my hands planted on the counter.

"...that's why we need it," Caroline finished.

"But why have it here? Just have it at your house," Damon responded.

"Your house is bigger!" Caroline looked at me. "Tell him."

I shook my head. "I'm not getting involved."

"I thought that was your favorite pastime," Damon countered.

"You're actually thinking of yourself, but don't worry, no one's surprised."

Someone knocked on the front door. Damon glared at me as he passed me. I moved to where Damon was standing.

"This party's for Elena, right?"

Caroline nodded, "Yeah. We were going to have it a few months ago, but things just kept happening."

"How many people are going?"

"It's an open invitation."

I tilted my head, "Why don't you just have it at Tyler's?"

Her face lit up, "Why didn't I think of that?"

I checked the text on my phone. It was a text from Matt. I looked at her. "I have to go help him with something, so I'll ask him while I'm there."

She smiled, "Thanks, Ev."

I smiled, "I'll see you later."

"Bye, Ev."

I looked at Stefan, "Bye." I walked out of the kitchen. I looked up from my phone and stopped completely, seeing Kai talking to Damon.

He gave me a once over before focusing his eyes on mine. "What are you doing here?" He seemed cheery and lighthearted.

"Shouldn't you know?" I kept walking.

I could hear his footsteps following after mine and leading away from Damon. "Got a minute?"

"No, but I'm sure the girls you're sleeping with do."

He laughed. Laughed. "You're jealous."

I rolled my eyes. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"You would."

"Go away!"

He grabbed my arm as he rushed in front of me, blocking my path. "Wait a minute!" He looked into my eyes. "We need to talk. We have issues, and they need to be resolved. If you don't want to talk, that's fine. Just listen."

"Unfortunately, I'm losing my hearing as we speak, so -"

He smiled, "God, I missed that."

I tilted my head, "Let go of me."

"Listen first."

I stared at him, deciding what to do. "Twenty seconds."

"Thanks." He stepped closer, leaving a foot of space between us. "First, I'm sorry for linking us, but it's best for both of us. Just trust me on that. Second, I'm really pissed at you for showing up the way you did after me telling you I didn't want to talk to you. Which reminds me, why did you let me tell you to go away?"