“So, how you planning on celebrating?” Stefan asked. “Eighteen, that’s a milepost, we should definitely do something unforgettable”
“I know something” Elena said.
“You do?” Stefan asked curious. “Please, share”
“I could dump you and start dating Damon. Sure that would be unforgettable” Elena chuckled, but she was the only one who thought it was funny. And she soon noticed. “I’m joking” she said quickly. Stefan’s face went back normal and he inhaled deeply. “Can we agree on something? We don’t pronounce my brother’s name today, alright? Today is our day and I want to celebrate it with you, not him. So, we can go to the movies, or the mall, or stay here messing around, as long as we don’t have to involve him in it. Okay?”
Elena shrugged. “Sure, I can do that. I will do that. But I get to decide what we do”
“Of course, it’s your birthday” Stefan agreed. He picked a strawberry from the basket and held it in front of Elena. “Open up” he said teasing. Elena stared at the strawberry, hesitating. He took the upper pancake and held it in front of Elena. Elena smiled a little, a smile that didn’t reach her eyes, which had a sudden sad gleam in them and she took the strawberry out of Stefan’s hand. He said not to speak of him. He never said she couldn’t think about him.
“First I want to go the Grill, have a drink with you and Bonnie. I wish Caroline could be here too, but she’s with her father. I hope she comes back soon. She would’ve come up with something unforgettable” Elena said, trying to clear her confused head. Stefan looked away, for he knew Elena’s wish on Caroline returning could be granted sooner than she thought. “Well, Caroline’s not here, like you said, so you’ll have to do with me and Bonnie. Hope you don’t mind?” he said.
“No, of course not” Elena said. “I would like Da…dancing! I would love to dance with you today” she quickly corrected herself. She had almost said the forbidden name. Gasp!
“I would love to dance with you too” Stefan smiled. “But first we might want to wash up” “Okay, but I’m going first” Elena said.
“I was actually thinking we could go together?” Stefan said. “Saves time and water”
Elena frowned her eyebrows. “Eww, that’s gross” she said. “I’m not doing that. I’m going solo. You can stay here and clean up the table while I get ready”
And leaving Stefan a little insulted she went upstairs.
“I have seen you naked before, you know” Stefan yelled.