A/N: I hope people are liking this story….Lots of hits, visitors, and follows...but no reviews :/ This chapter will be go to Mystic Falls for a bit, and then jump back to Tennessee.

I don't wanna steal your freedom

I don't wanna change your mind

I don't have to make you love me

I just wanna take your time

I don't wanna blow your phone up

I just wanna blow your mind

I don't have to take your heart

I just wanna take your time

No, I ain't gotta call you baby

And I ain't gotta call you mine

I don't have to take your heart

I just wanna take your time- Take Your Time by Sam Hunt

Chapter Ten

Mystic Falls, VA

Stefan paced around his room, waiting for Damon to answer the phone. "Come on, Damon. Answer your damn phone," he growled. When the call went to voicemail, again, he flung phone in anger. It hit the mirror near the door, and Stefan didn't even flinch as the glass shattered into tiny pieces. He's probably with her right now, he thought to himself. Stefan huffed and kicked the glass to the side as he barrelled out of the room and down the stairs. He didn't give his father a passing glance as he barged out the front door.

Once Stefan was out of his father's line of vision, he pulled a second phone out of his pocket. He dialed the tip line that Miranda had set up to find her "missing" daughter. "Hi," Stefan said in a fake southern accent, "I heard on the news about that missing girl, and her car. I believe I saw it at a Lockwood Quick Stop." He paused while the worker took down the information. "Yes ma'am. It was a silver Audi. I hope that poor girl is okay." He smirked as he hung up the phone. My brother is an idiot. Did he really think that I had no connections at the Police Department? I'll get Elena before he's even figured out what's going on, Stefan grinned to himself.

He had one more phone call to make to set his plan in place. "Miranda," he said sweetly, "I made the call like you said. We should have her back in a few days. Please, I know you're worried, but when she returns, let me pick her up? I've missed her so much."

…***...***...***

Across town, Jeremy had just sat down at The Grill with Matt and Caroline. "My mom is up to something," he groaned, "I can tell. She's being secretive, making phone calls at all hours of the day and night, locking herself in the bathroom…" he trailed off. "I think she knows where Elena is." He furrowed his brow as he looked down at the table.

Caroline nodded, and grabbed Jeremy's hand. "Jer, don't worry," she whispered, "My mom has it covered. No one will get to her." She smiled gently when Jeremy looked up at her. "My mom has been feeding some of the guys false leads. There's a leak somewhere. My mom isn't telling anyone anything. The only people who know what's going on are the three of us, and Damon."

Jeremy shrugged. "It seems weird. She was so hellbent on getting 'Lena home, and now it's like she's stopped searching. I have a bad feeling."

"Jer," Matt said, "How about I call Vicky? I'll tell her what's going on. She can fill Elena in, and Damon as well. That way they're on guard."

…***...***...***

Nolensville, TN

Elena woke up, feeling more rested than she had in awhile. She looked at her surroundings, and smiled. She felt whole again. The entire time she and Tyler weren't speaking, she was miserable. She could put on a brave face at work, but the second she hopped into Damon's car, the tears would start to fall. She tiptoed down the stairs and into the kitchen, trying to not wake Tyler as he slept on the couch. After Damon left, they had stayed up for hours, laughing and playing video games. It was a nice feeling, acting normal.

Elena flicked on the coffee pot and started pulling out the ingredients to make waffles when she heard a knock on the door. She looked at the time and realized that it was Damon and Vicky. She was heartbroken that Damon was leaving today, and she didn't know what she would do once he was gone. He was her safety net, her safe place to land, and she wouldn't have that in a few hours. Elena ran to the door and opened it, quietly ushering the pair inside.

Vicky gave Elena a knowing grin and hugged her, "You look good, Elena."

Elena blushed and looked down. "Thanks, Vick. Coffee is on in the kitchen," she offered, "I was just getting ready to make waffles."

Damon smiled, "Look at you, being a good little housewife." He pulled Elena into his side. "How was it after I left last night? Were things okay," he questioned.

Elena nodded and grinned up at Damon. "Things were great. We just played video games all night. It was really nice."

"Hey guys," Vicky's voice called from the kitchen, "We might have a problem."

Elena ran into the kitchen with Damon on her heels. "What's wrong, Vicky? Are Matt and Jer okay?"

Vicky ran her hands through her hair, "Yeah. They're fine. But, um…" she paused, biting her lip. "Jer thinks that your mom knows where you are. He heard her talking to someone about booking a flight here as soon as possible."

A/N: Dun...dun...dun...what do you guys think? Would you rather shorter chapters updated more often, or longer chapters with less frequent updates? Also, I don't normally ask this, but can I please get at least 5 reviews before I put up the next chapter? With all the hits and follows, I'm kind of discouraged that there's been no feedback.