Gilbert Gables: Elena waits on the porch for Stefan to return. When he arrives, she notices the hole in his shirt and rushes toward him. "You're bleeding!" Stefan tells her it's all right, which she should already know, since his quick healing was one of the pieces of evidence that led her to conclude he's a vampire. Stefan lets Elena know that he wasn't in time to stop Vicki from feeding. He promises Elena that he'll find Vicki and show her how to live a non-murderous unlife. She wants to know what they can say to Germ and Matt. Stefan says, "We'll come up with a story." Elena says, "You mean we'll come up with a lie." The moon shines down between them, but that's all the romance that is left. When Stefan says, "I'm so sorry," Elena stares at him. "I gave you today, just like you asked. And I understand that you would never do anything to hurt me. And I promise I will keep your secret. But... I can't be with you, Stefan." Brow furrowed, he stares at her as she continues. "I'm sorry. I just can't." She turns and leaves him standing there alone, on her front porch. Once inside the house, she slides her back down the wall and dissolves into tears. Title Card!

So, what did you think? I love that Elena has the sense God gave a cat, and refuses to date a vampire, just 'cause he's handsome. I mean, eventually, I'd like to see her with Stefan (and/or Damon -- what, just sayin'...), but wow, that's just refreshing. I hope Bella is watching The Vampire Diaries for pointers. I'm really digging Vicki's story, too. She's gone from one miserable life of addiction and compulsion to another. I'm so glad she's not dead. Thank you, Damon. It's late, so I'm going to wrap this up without additional commentary, but I do owe you the results of last week's "Question of the Moment."