❝Sometimes the right path isn't the easiest.❞
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My phone rang constantly as I laid in bed. I honestly didn't want to wake up but I knew I had to get up since it's Elena's birthday today. I removed my blanket off me and picked up my phone from my night table, seeing Caroline called me multiple times. I rolled my eyes and got up from my bed, not in the mood to call her back.

I haven't really talked to anyone this summer since Damon almost died and Stefan chose to hand over his life to Klaus to save Damon. I got into my shower, still half sleep. I really didn't want to go to Elena's birthday party, since Tyler would be there, but it's Elena's day and I'm going to focus on her. I get out the shower and pick out my dark green tank top and shorts with black flats. I knew Caroline would make me change for the party, so I laid out my back up outfit. My phone rang again and I decided to answer.

"Hello?" I said into the phone.

"Oh thank god. Your thumbs still work to answer the phone." Caroline responded, sarcastically.

"Good morning to you too, Care." I rolled my eyes as I get my purse.

"I need you to stop by the Salvatore's house." She said to me, "Elena needs help."

"And you can't help because?"

"I'm meeting up with someone." She answered and I knew exactly who she was talking about. Tyler.

"Okay, fine." I sighed, hanging up before she responded. I walked out to my blue jeep, before driving off. I knew her and Tyler kissed. That's one of the reasons I stayed away from everyone; I broke up with Tyler because of that. No one knew me and Tyler were even together, especially since we started out as 'friends with benefits'. I never wanted anyone to know, because I knew he would do some douche move and hurt me. And I never told him why I wanted to break up, only that it was over before going M.I.A for half the summer. I don't need anyone's sympathy.

I soon arrive the the Salvatore's house and walk inside without knocking. "Elena?"

"In here." She grunted, so I walked towards where she was and see her putting up balloons.

"I thought birthday girls weren't suppose to do the dirty work," I chuckled and she did the same, walking over to me and engulfing me in a hug.

"I missed you," She sighed, breaking away, "Where have you been for most of the summer?"

"I have been cuddled up in my blanket, eating ice cream, and watching The Notebook." I smiled, withholding my frown.

"That seems like someone who got out of a relationship," She raised an eyebrow.

"Or someone that is glad to spend some time to myself," I clarified, "Happy birthday, Elena."

"Thank you, Ro." She smiled as Caroline walked in, setting down a box of beers.

"Finally, I need to get a head start before the party," I clapped my hands and make my way towards the beers, though as soon as I was about to get one, Caroline slapped my hand away.

"This is for later, Ro. I need you concentrated." She informed me, so I glared at her briefly before I walked towards where the cups were, helping Elena.

"Where do you want this?" Tyler asked coming into the room, holding the keg. Damn, he got muscular.

"Over there." Caroline said, pointing to a corner of the room. He walked towards where she wanted it and put it down. I instantly turned my attention to the stuff in front of Elena and I when Tyler looked at me.

"How's it going with the search for Stefan?" I asked Elena, clearing the tension.

"I feel like I have to fight Damon every single time we get a lead on Stefan." She sighed.

"Maybe he doesn't want to find him." Tyler butted in and Caroline glared.

"Tyler!" She exclaimed and he shrugged.

"What, he's into you, isn't he?" He asked, looking at Elena. I felt his eyes flicker to me as I looked at Elena as well.

"The only reason Stefan left with Klaus was so that he could save Damon's life. I mean, trust me, Damon wants to find him," Elena explained to us.

"But you kissed him. Probably screwed with his head." Tyler went and I looked at Elena wide eyed. They kissed? I missed a lot.

"Tyler!" Caroline called out again, but he looked at me. "I'm sorry," She told Elena, who was taken back by his impulsiveness.

"I... don't worry about it. Look, yes, I kissed him, but it was a... goodbye kiss. I thought he was going to die," Elena defended and I shook my head, a small smile on my face. Elena then looked down at her phone, "Oh, I just got a missed call from Bonnie. I'll be right back." She walked away, leaving me with people I didn't want to be alone with.

"Just because I tell you things doesn't mean you're allowed to know them!" Caroline shot at Tyler. I pick up my bag from the table, looking through it for my phone.

"Sorry," He apologized, "I've got to run if I'm going to change and pick up Sophie in time." I shot my head up at him and he was already staring at me. Slutty Sophie? Really.

"Wait, your bringing a date? Slutty Sophie is your date?" Caroline asked with a laugh.

"Hey, it's been kind of slow in that department... And I'm horny all the time now." He stated, nonchalantly and I cringed.

"Well I'm off," I interrupted. I was not listening to their sex lives.

"But I need your help," Caroline whined as I walked to the door. "What are even doing?"

"Well, unlike you Caroline, I have other places I rather be," I smirked as she crossed her arms over her chest.

"Oh, and what's that? With a guy?" She wondered, clearly wanting details. I glanced at Tyler and see him clenching his fist.

"Nothing that concerns you." I simply said, walking out the door.

•
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When I got home, I did nothing. Literally. But I did scroll through Instagram if that counts. I honestly just didn't want to spend my time listening to them talk to each other about their sex life. And the only reason Tyler was saying that was to signal something to either me or Caroline. I didn't care what Tyler did with his life, not anymore.

I could see he was happy with Caroline, so I'm glad he's happy. I just need to be happy and the only solution; a guy. That's basically the other reason I'm going to Elena's birthday party. A distraction is what I need.

I check my phone, thinking it's time that I should get ready. Changing out of my other clothes, I put on my ripped jeans with a simple top and I put on some makeup before making my way out the door.

I get into my Jeep and drive to the Salvatore's house. I knew what to expect; drunks, stoners, and needy people. I only wanted to get drunk, because I will not be sober as I watch Caroline and Tyler have eye sex.

I park my car, behind multiple of other cars, and get out. Music is played loudly as I made my way to the door. I open the door and is instantly greeted with the smell of weed. Great. I push myself through the crowd hoping to find at least someone I know.

I pass by the library and see Jeremy with a blunt. I shake my head at him, and continue walking to soon see Caroline, leaning against the door, drinking from a bottle. I walk up to her to see what she's staring at, which seemed to be Tyler grinding on Sophie.

"Hey." I said to her, taking the bottle and taking a sip for myself.

"Hey." She muttered. "What does he see in her?"

"A ticket way to sex." I laugh dryly, putting the bottle to my lips again.

"Since when are they dating?" Matt asked, coming towards us. I only shrugged, continuing to drink.

"I thought you were ignoring me." Caroline said to him.

"I'm not ignoring you." Matt said, his voice slurring.

"Well you've only said five words to me all summer and those were four of them." She retorted.

"Maybe because every time I've seen you, you've been with him." Matt shot back. I miss their relationship, honestly. They were cute together, despite Caroline lying about what she is to him and compelling him.

"Cause he's my friend. Which I thought you were." This is going to turn into a big scene.

"Aren't you supposed to be mortal enemies? I mean, isn't that how it works in the vampire-werewolf universe?" Matt said a little too loud and my head shot up at him.

"Matt." I warned, my eyes wide.

"What is wrong with you?" Caroline asked, sternly.

"I don't know. I'm, uh... out of it, I guess. Sorry." And with that he left, having Caroline slump against the doorframe.

"Wow. I missed a lot." I muttered.

"Oh, no shit." She snapped.

"Hey, just because your little vampire hormones are on the rock, don't turn your frustration on me." I spat, shoving her bottle in her hand, and Tyler looked our way, walking over. I just glared at her and walk past Tyler, going to the drinks.

Okay, she has every right to be pissed, but just because she's sex deprived, doesn't mean I'm her punching bag. I skim through the drinks, only to spot one unopened beer, which I gladly took.

"You okay?" Tyler asked me. I turned my head towards him, but look past him and see Sophie and Caroline gone.

"I'm fine." I muttered, drinking my beer.

"No you aren't." He said.

"A month apart and you act like you know me so well." I roll my eyes.

"I do. I've known you for a year." He smirked and I scoff, trying to walk past him, but he held my arm. "Do you hate me or something? What did I do wrong?"

"I just hate how out of all people you chose her." I responded and he furrowed his eyebrows.

"This is about Sophie?" He asked.

"No." I said simply. "What we had... did it mean anything to you?"

"Of course it did." He whispered.

"Then why did you kiss her?" I asked, removing my arm from his grip, and walking away from him. I knew I should have at least let him explain, but I wasn't ready to hear it. I wiped away the tear that streamed down my face involuntarily.

Without thinking, I made it outside. I toss my now empty bottle to the ground, deciding I should just give up. No matter what, Tyler is always holding me back from my plans. I was supposed to find a distraction and keep my mind off him, but that's impossible.

I walk home, leaving my car in the driveway since I'm too drunk to drive. I really needed a walk. If I couldn't find a distraction, I guess I have to clear my head. I thought about everything would have been easier if I didn't bump into Tyler at the bonfire. I wouldn't feel this way. I would be reading my book, in the corner of the library like always. Not cry over a guy, I knew would hurt me anyways.

Bad things always happen to good people.