Gilbert Twins [1 - Twins Series]

15 - Let Her Go

Book: Gilbert Twins
Chapter 15: Let Her Go
Word Count: 1953

A/N: This chapter goes on as normal with Liz's funeral and everything, but it is mainly about Caroline's and Ariana's friendship and their everlasting bond, as you will see when you read it. I just don't think we've had that much of my fav friendship #cariana in a while 💖
-L Xoxo

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The next day, Caroline had gathered everyone in the living room. By everyone, that was Elena, Ariana, Matt, Tyler, Nathan, and Stefan. Although Caroline looked a lot happier than she did before, Ariana knew way better. She'd been best friends with Caroline most of their lives, and she could clearly see how much Caroline was truly struggling and bottling all of her feelings in.

"You've all asked what you can do to help. There are five day's worth of projects on here. We are going to do them in one. We can break the rules and cut through the red tape. I expect my mom to be properly celebrated and buried by the end of the day." Caroline spoke.

"Sure, Care. Whatever you need." Matt said.

"Ari, you're coming with me." Caroline announced. Ariana nodded.

"Where are we going?"

"Casket shopping!" Caroline smiled, but again, Ariana could see the clear pain in her eyes. "Let's move!"

---

Outside Archer and Son's Funeral Home, Caroline was talking to some woman who was apologizing about Liz's death.

"Your mother was such a vibrant woman. Even after your father ran off with that man--"

"Thank you, Ms McGruder." Ariana rushed over before things could get even more awkward. "I'm sure we'll see you at the funeral." She quickly led Caroline away. "Well, welcome to the world of awkward sympathies. That's why you have to be prepared with your responses. I recommend at least three."

"I don't know how you survived this." Caroline sighed, frowning sadly. Ariana linked her arm with her blonde best friend's.

"The responses will be different for each category of people in your life: friends of circumstance, casual acquaintances, loved ones."

"I kissed Stefan." Caroline told all of a sudden, completely catching Ariana off-guard, so much that she stopped walking, staring at Caroline in surprise. "I want to talk to him about it, but if it's bad, I feel like he won't be honest, you know, not today."

"Then talk to him about it tomorrow." Ariana suggested with a shrug as they started walking again. "You already have a lot on your plate."

"I think I need to know today." Caroline muttered, glancing down at the ground as they walked, arm in arm. "We're behind schedule. Let's go."

---

Many people were walking for the funeral while Caroline was inside, looking at Liz's dead body. Ariana hesitantly approached her.

"C? Are you doing alright?"

"Yeah. Fine." Caroline whispered quietly. "All things... considered."

"Sure you're doing okay?" Ariana wasn't buying it, taking another step closer to Caroline.

"Mm-hmm. Yeah. No. I don't know!" Caroline threw her hands up, visibly frustrated with herself.

"It's okay to not know just yet. Your emotions are all over the place. It's okay..." Ariana reassured, placing a hand on Caroline's shoulder comfortingly. "Do you want one of my famous Ari hugs? Free of charge, only for Caroline Forbes?"