As Bonnie caught her in a bear hug, Elena's arms wound just as tightly around her friend. But as she started babbling excuses and then apologies, Elena shook her head.
"It's okay," she answered. "I know things have been a bit crazy here." Being in this place was, in and of itself, weird and crazy. It served to throw everyone a bit off.
"Besides," she reminded the other girl. "You're not the only one who could have reached out." But Elena had been caught up in the new relationship with Damon. And fixing things with her biological father. And welcoming a house elf into her life.
"Come on." Arm looped through Bonnie's, tugging her into the mall. "We'll talk and gossip and get completely caught up and shop till we drop." She shot her best friend a winning smile.