Barely A Memory

Chapter 7

"I mean," he continued after noticing her frown, "I've never been in a tornado before, so maybe it is this life-altering, sensual experience. Or maybe I have. I can't remember. Maybe that's how I became a vampire."

Elena knew what he was doing, and her heart collided with her conscience. He's trying to make you smile. And, damn it, it was working. Why was it working? Couldn't he just let her be sad? Against her better judgment, she poured gasoline into the fire. "You think you died while being caught in a tornado?" she chuckled.

"If anyone asks, that's what I'm going to say." Mission accomplished. A proud smile overtook his face, lighting up his eyes and crinkling his forehead in all the right ways. That look on him was quite refreshing. Usually, Stefan's forehead crinkled and formed those lines when he was pensive and guilty.

Giddy warmth spread through Elena's stomach like wildfire. She wondered if Stefan had felt it too, for he instantly took his eyes off of her and looked down bashfully. The atmosphere surrounding them was almost too much to handle. The sane part of her wanted to burst out into tears, while the nervous-schoolgirl part was making her laugh and reddening her cheeks under his previous stare.

She needed to get out of this car and fast.

Fortunately, she could now spot their destination. Quickly, Elena pulled off on the road and practically jumped out of the car, sucking in all of the fresh-but-not-as-sweet, Stefan-less air her lungs could hold.

Get a grip, Elena. She closed her eyes. Don't even consider this again. You'll ruin him.

She composed herself and turned to face Stefan. "Welcome...," she began, "to the swimming hole. A perfect place to party... and panic."

He eyed her curiously. "Panic?"

Elena walked ahead of him and did not look back; she knew he'd be following. "When you fall in love, there's this really weird feeling you get right before, like 'am I really going to do this?' 'This is insane' But, ninety-nine percent of the time, you do it anyways. Even though you're really scared. It's a lot like..." She ran forward a little bit, and when Stefan caught up to her, she dramatically extended her arms to expose the scene before them.

It was nothing special, but it was spectacular. The small clearing was beginning to bloom with flowers and dandelions, the grass the brightest shade of green he had seen in Mystic Falls. About twenty feet away from them was a cliff. There was no gradual slope. It just... stopped. Amazed by the scene, Stefan approached the edge. Thirty feet below, there was a shimmering lake, teeming with what seemed to be fish and wildlife. Amused and baffled, he turned back to Elena, his eyes almost glimmering. "It's a lot like jumping off a cliff?" he questioned.

She nodded.

Stefan shook his head and laughed to himself. "Everything is a metaphor with you, isn't it?"

Elena smiled and averted her gaze. Stefan could hardly remember where he lived, and yet he was speaking about similes and metaphors like he'd learned them yesterday? She had to admit, she was impressed. But she needed to stop smiling. So, she quickly pursed her lips and started to explain. "Now, I'm not saying you're going to get the whole loving experience here, but a big part of loving is living. You don't need love to enjoy life. They say you fall in love? Why not just fall?" she gestured to the edge of the cliff. "Just let yourself go. Fly."