Elena

It's been so long since I had lunch with Jeremy and Mason at the same time. Jeremy has been busy with school and dates with Bonnie and late night parties (something I'm a little concern about but I try to hide it). Mason is part of his father's company so he's totally booked with meetings, business parties (an event when he forces me to wear something beyond what the other guests might wear a.k.a. NOT CHEAP), and long hours in his office with paper work. I feel like I could finally breathe easily by just eating a decent meal at home with the two people I love.

Mason took my hand and gave it a kiss. His eyes dazzled at my engagement ring. "I just love how that ring looks on you."

"I do too, babe."

Jeremy smiled. He picked up another fresh roll from the bread basket. "So, did you guys pick the date yet?"

I shook my head. "We haven't even started planning for the wedding."

"But you guys been engaged for like what...Three months? Usually, when couples are engaged they start going through magazines and make a few phone calls the next day, and before you know it things get crazy with flowers, decorations, food, venue, dress and tux, and whatever you can buy to make a perfect wedding. But why are you two just sitting there tight and not doing anything about it? I mean is there even going to be a wedding?"

I cleared my throat. "There is. But we just don't have the time to make that possible. And for your information, planning a wedding is like making a Kardashian fan to choose between baby Penelope and Mason. It's hell. So rest assure, baby brother, there is at least going to be a wedding."

Jeremy ripped a piece of the roll and popped it in his mouth. "Wow. You're describing the experience of planning a wedding with a Kardashian fan. Mason, I think that ring spoiled her to embrace the wealthy welfare. What have you done to her?"

We all laughed.

The truth is planning the wedding sooner is not happening because of Mason's tight schedule. I hate to mention about it because it makes him feel bad that he can't squeeze any time to just sit down and discuss some things through about the wedding. I love Mason. But I don't love his career. I hate his career. Yes, he is successful and he's a comforting and understanding man I ever met. But I feel like I always have to be placed last...But as he promised, that'll change. I'll be first once I become his wife, I just have to be patient for that day.

I took a sip of my ice tea. "So, how are you and Bonnie? Still hitting it off?"

"Yeah. But she's a little depressed right now, that's why I didn't call you for three weeks. Her aunt recently died from a heart attack."

I gasped. "Oh no. Poor Bonnie...I'm glad you told me this. When is the funeral?"

"In two days."

"Oh man, I can't go on that day...Can you give Bonnie my condolences when you leave?"

Jeremy nodded. "I will."

After lunch the three of us went to the living room and cooled ourselves with nice cold cocktails. We talked and laughed a couple times before Mason's phone began to buzz. He excused himself a couple times to the bathroom, our bedroom, and then the kitchen.

This time he stepped outside of the balcony, arguing over the phone again. I tried to ignore all his phone calls and last minute meetings, but a lot of times it's not easy to ignore him being in a relationship with his career other than me.

Jeremy and I just awkwardly sat there on the sofa, sipping our cocktails a couple times. I sat up so unnaturally straight, and circled my glass a few times, hoping Mason would come out of the balcony already.

I finally spoke. "Sorry Jeremy. Mason is a busy man. The company tends to preoccupy him with a few phone calls and paperwork. I hope you understand."

"Oh I understand. You know to think of it, the first time I met him things like this did happen. I didn't think it happens constantly. Don't you mind sometimes when he's like this?"

"I do. Sometimes. Well, most of the time. But he is my fiancé, and these are some things I have to accept for his sake."

He placed his glass down on the coffee table. "Well, you know what. I gotta leave soon. Since you guys have to leave in two hours to the airport, I might as well help around."

"Oh really? Thanks, Jerm, I do need an extra hand around here."

He stood up from the sofa. "No problem. So what do you need help with?"

"Can you go upstairs and bring the suitcases from the bedroom? Mason and I were supposed to attend a party an hour ago, we canceled it when you called me that you can come today. But since you have to go soon, I guess me and Mason can just attend the party. It's for the company, you see."

"Alright. Well, that's perfect, Bonnie and I were planning to go to the florist to pick up the flowers for the funeral when I get back. Hey, I'll be right back." He turned around and went up the stairs.

I leaned back on the sofa as I waited. My eyes remained at the glass doorway of the balcony. Mason paced back and forth couple times, talking over the phone with a furious expression. I can see his eyebrows knitted together, the five lines on his forehead folding and his dark eyes darting straight at a distance. There is two things I like and dislike about him behaving like that. One when he makes that face I know it's about work. Two he's nice enough to finish that discussion somewhere I can't hear him.

My hands impatiently twisted a few strands of my hair and played with the beads embroidered on my dress, then finally just continued to fiddle around with my necklace. I buried the thick silver ring that hung on its chain with my palms, my fingertips tracing the patterns on the ring; memorizing every detail by touch and comforted by the cool temperature. This ring is something I always had, and is meaningful all because of the one person who gave that to me. The initials still remained perfectly on the back of the band, D S. I'll never forget him. The jerk who loved me and disappeared without telling me. We never contacted with each other, or seen each other again. The only thing that helps me feel close to him is his ring.

Ah Damon Salvatore, now that's a name I'll never forget nor something the town won't ever either. He was the mystery outsider who lived beneath the shadows. The only thing everyone knows about him is that he lives in a boarding house that he inherited from the family estate, along with a big fortune that he shared with his brother, Stefan. There was a scandal when Stefan was found dead in his own home, rumors spread that Damon murdered him so he can have the family fortune for himself. At the time, I tried to ignore all such rumors, it's not right believing in something that nobody knows is true or false. But there is one thing I believed about Damon, he's just a freaky guy that I wanted to stay away from. Well that's what I thought before my feelings changed on the day of Stefan's funeral.

It's a foggy Sunday. Aunt Jenna urged me to attend the funeral since many people were too chicken to go. I changed into my funeral sleeveless dress with a fish net hat, something I thought I'll never wear. These clothes reminds me of mom and dad's funeral, just brings back the memory from the scent and the feeling of them.

Aunt Jenna baked a casserole for Damon. I don't know how she baked that as a whole piece, because Jeremy will steal a slice anytime he gets a chance. I threw on a black raincoat and the two of us went inside the car and drove to the church. When we arrived, Aunt Jenna pulled me to the nearest benches to sit down. I'm disappointed that no one came to the funeral, except the priest. The coffin is open. My stomach churned from the sight of Stefan's unnatural gray skin and his eyes pinned together from his eyelashes.

Suddenly the door burst open. The three of us looked at the doorway. It's Damon. He stood there all wet, his suit dripping and his black hair shaggy and covered in beads of rain. He slowly walked across the aisle and took a seat on the very front bench.

The priest started with a short sermon and we had a moment of silence and a prayer. After that, Damon stood up, not nearly dry still damp wet. He walked up to the stand as the priest stepped aside.

"Thank you for coming. I apologize of my appearance, it was not easy coming here on time without getting wet. Anyway, Stefan...Stefan Salvatore was my friend, my family. I'm not an affectionate person so I tend to tease him with all my sarcasms and we'll always start off with fist fights outside or in the living room. This is actually the first time I miss him. And I'm going to be missing him for awhile. When mom and dad were alive, I promised them that I'll take care of him no matter how much he cries and annoys me...I never thought I'll miss him worrying about me, or waiting for me at night and urging me to tell him where I was or what I was doing. I'm sorry I didn't prepare properly for this eulogy, it's a little short but it is all I gotta say and all I need to say for the last time. I miss you baby brother. I hope you wait for me when my time comes." He stepped off the stand and walked back to his seat.

After another sermon the funeral finally ended. A few men came in and closed the coffin before starting to carry it outside, while others carried umbrellas to block the rain. The rest of us followed from behind. When they carefully placed the coffin down on the dugout hole, Damon volunteered to bury the coffin himself.

When a few flowers were placed on the engraved stone tablet dedicated to Stefan, I was ready to leave but Aunt Jenna dragged me to where Damon was.

"Damon, I'm so sorry for your loss."

He looked up at us with a confused expression. "And you are?"

"I'm Jenna. Of course, you don't know me, but my niece knew your brother quite well, they went to the same school together. Introduce yourself."

I swallowed hard as his dark eyes looked at my face. I choked out a 'hello', but forced myself to say something else. "I-I'm Elena, Elena Gilbert. It's nice to meet you, Damon."

He opened one of his hands and reached for mine. I blinked a few times from that gesture.

"It's nice to meet you, Elena. What a shame that Stefan didn't tell me about you."

"Well, we use to date but then it didn't work out. So it was a little awkward after that, we hadn't spoken since then. He never told me from the time that he had a brother."

His hand is warm. And I am surprised at my disappointment that he let my hand go when Aunt Jenna handed him the casserole.

"I baked you a casserole for your supper tonight. It's a little cold now but just heat it up when you get home. Its real good, my nephew always finishes his slice clean. I hope you like it."

"Thank you. It's very kind of you."

Aunt Jenna looked at him and then back at me. "Elena, why won't you keep Damon company? I want to go visit your parents grave alone."

"Um...Sure. Alright."

She gave me a light squeeze on the shoulder and left. I looked around like a fool. I'm all alone with him. He closed his umbrella and stood underneath mine, still holding the casserole firmly. He took out his hand and grabbed mine.

"Shall we go for a walk?"

"Okay...But um, no hand holding. Sorry, that part is not something I do when I first meet a stranger."

"A handsome stranger you mean?"

I nearly blushed as red as the roses next to Stefan's grave. He smiled. "I'm a gentleman, Elena. By all means, don't be shy and give me your hand."

I didn't do it right away, but I did and my hands are relieved that they're going to survive from frostbite. He pulled me closer to his side as I held on to the umbrella to cover us both while we walked.

"I can't believe Stefan would leave a girl like you. You're a very beautiful girl. I'm sure Stefan must had tortured himself to death before letting you go."

I smiled. "Well, you sure know how to flatter girl. Is this something all college boys know how to do?"

"Ah. I'm not a college boy anymore, already graduated four years ago. I started early so I could to whatever I wanted. I joined the marines for the past three years, but I was sick and had to be deported. I never returned since then."

"I'm sorry."

"I got over it. So how about you, still in high school?"

"Obviously yes. But don't worry, I'm eighteen. So you're safe."

He chuckled. "Is that a warning? Or are you asking me out?"

"Don't be silly. Just reassuring you since you're like twenty."

"Twenty one actually."

"I was close."

"Well since you're sort of legal, are you legal enough to stop by at my place for dinner? I don't want to eat alone tonight."

I stopped. "You're kidding right? We just met and all of a sudden you want to have dinner? You act quick, but dangerously."

"I know little about you. But this place where we are is a pitiful scene, I want to learn more about you somewhere comfortable and warm. Here is too cold and smells like death and flowers. What do you say?"

I was young then, I didn't know any better so the answer that I never thought I would ever say just popped right out of my mouth. "Alright."

When I went back home with Aunt Jenna, I lied to her that I'm going out to the grill to see Matt. If I tell her I'm going to some strange house with a boy she'll kill me. I changed into last Spring's white laced dress; a v cut bodice with the thin straps along with simple black high heels. I covered myself with the black rain coat I just wore before running outside to the car.

When I arrived, I pulled over the car by the house and went inside.

"Hello?!"

The house is beautiful yet a little dark. The wallpapers are a dry velvet color with a few old paintings hanging on the walls, a large chandelier dazzling with its crystals and light, and the carpet a bloody red and thin layered. I removed my jacket and walked around.

"Damon! Damon, where are you?!"

He finally appeared with two wine glasses on both hands. He handed me one. "You came. You know I'm glad you're eighteen, although you're not twenty-one yet let's keep this alcohol business a secret just between you and me."

I took the glass from his hand."Agreed. By the way, I didn't tell my aunt about this. She'll freak out if I told her the truth. So let me settle this, what we're doing is nothing what my aunt would think of. This is just a causal dinner to get along and know each other."

"Agreed." The two of us clanged our glasses and took a sip of the wine.

The two of us never agreed on that, because the wine really manipulated us to do something we regret later on...Well, along with a kick of a few shots of tequila for fun.

The two of us laid on the floor by the fire. My head is spinning and I can hardly speak clearly. Damon suddenly crawled on his hands.

"You drunk, girl?"

"Yeah. You?"

"Can't tell? How about another shot?"

"If you want to see me die, fine let's do this."

He poured the bottle on both glasses. He handed one to me. "Here's to us." And the two of us drunk it straight down.

When he slammed his glass down on the floor he started to laugh. "Why didn't I meet you before Stefan? We could have been a perfect match."

I grabbed the bottle and gulped large swallows. "Sure. I think by then I would still have broken a Salvatore's heart."

"So it was you who dumped Stefan, then."

"Guilty. Yes I was the one...That's why we're not meant to be."

He crawled to my side and playfully pinned me straight down. "Well, how do you know that?"

I smiled. "Simple. You're Stefan's brother. After our bad break up, I promised to myself I'll never get back with him. Now when I look at you, I see a little of him in you, and because of that I'm breaking my promise if we ever end up together."

"Who said I just want a relationship." His hands rubbed straight down to my arms while his eyes remained so close to my face. "All I want is something more...I'm not Stefan. All that kid wanted is commitment and trust. Me? What I want is courage. Because anyone who wants to be with me has to be brave enough to take what I'll do next."

"Brave enough for what exactly?"

"This." He leaned closer and pressed his lips against mine.

Full of excitement, I responded by gripping his hair tightly with one hand and the other pressed against his back. Damon pulled me up as my legs embraced tightly on his pelvis, he rushed to a room and kicked the door closed behind him.

Jeremy finally came in the room with the suitcases.

"Where should I put this?"

I shook my head awake and pointed to the door. "Just leave it there. Mason will put them in the car once he's finished with his phone call."

Jeremy looked at Mason outside on the balcony and then back at me. He came up to me and wrapped his arms around me. "Hey sis, I know you and Mason are in a rough spot right now. But hang in there, other than his crappy schedule, he's a decent successful guy who's head over heels for you. You hadn't been in a relationship for a while, but look how it turned out when you finally decided to move on. This time God was nice enough to grant you a future husband right at your doorsteps."

I gave him a weak smile. "Thanks, Jeremy...I'm trying to hide how I feel. But I guess I should understand him."

He gave me a light kiss on the head. "Everything is going to be fine. I hope you have a lot of fun in New York. I gotta go back to school. If I'm an hour late Bonnie is going to get pissed. I love you."

"I love you too. Tell Bonnie I said hi."

He gave me one more look and walked out the door. Mason finally stepped out of the balcony.

"Sorry, babe. My assistant made a mistake on something. But I promise that'll be the last call before we get on the plane."

I grabbed my coat. "I doubt that."

Mason placed his hands on my shoulders. "Sorry, E. I know I've been a pain in the ass for awhile from work and from my old man. But I promise I'll make everything work, and after New York we could start looking for a venue for our wedding."

"You promise?"

"I promise. I'll think of any excuse to escape from work. Our wedding is something that can never wait."

I embraced my arms around his neck and pulled him closer for a kiss. "Now that's better."

"By the way, did Jeremy just leave?"

I nodded. "Yeah. It looks like we could crash that party you were recently invited to for at least an hour. You in for it?"

"I don't have a choice. Let's go."

~ I slept through the entire ride in the plane. I nearly drugged myself to sleep for the whole day. Apparently, Mason was too busy with emails. If I see him type another letter I'm seriously going to shoot myself or at least the laptop. There is no place where he can't stop working. I wonder if we're ever going to stop at a jewelry store to buy a huge fat engagement ring for the company, by then Mason can have another fiancée.

Mason shook me awake. "Babe, we're here."

I opened my eyes, still feeling drowsy and dizzy. "Already."

He kissed my forehead. "Yes. Come on."

I forced myself to stand up. I wobbled a little from the first time, but after pinching myself a few times my legs shook back to its senses. After our butler carried out the luggage, Mason took my arm and led me every step of the way. Thank gosh he called for a private plane. Because if there was fifty people on that plane trying to get out, I'll be bumping into every one of them till I fall on my face when I arrive at the exit.

Mason just swept me off my feet and took me inside. I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled.

"Promise me you'll do this after we're married."

"I promise, babe. Get some sleep. I'll just carry you inside the hotel if you're not awake by then."

I nodded. "Okay." I closed my eyes and quickly returned back to sleep.

Those drugs worked beautifully, it lasted after two hours when we finally arrived to the hotel. I opened my eyes. I looked around. I guess I really did sleep till we got our room.

"Mason?!"

Mason got out of the bathroom, fixing his tie. "Hey, babe. Slept well?"

I rubbed my eyes. "Um yeah. Never better...You going somewhere?"

"Uh yeah I am. You remember Bruce Chang, the president of this energy resource company?"

"Oh yeah. Did he bring his granddaughter?"

"Yes he did. She adores you. He just called me a few minutes ago and asked me over for a business discussion. You should come. I told him you were too tired from the long trip. But since you're awake it'll be perfect for you to come and keep little DeDe company."

"Alright." I crawled off the bed.

Mason pointed to the closet. "I called for a maid to unpack your things."

I opened the closet and looked through a few options. "Do I have to look fancy?"

"Save that for dinner. Right now, just wear something appropriate."

"Appropriate."

I chose a violet sleeve dress, the one Mason bought for me back in Italy. I put on a pair of heels that is almost the same color as the dress along with an English hat that is weaved with a while color and a velvet ribbon tied around its waist. Mason started to put on his socks while I freshened up with light makeup and a quick brush on my hair.

"Let's go, babe. Thomas is waiting in the car."

I grabbed my purse and took his hand to leave.

Thomas drove us to a popular cafe called The Opreé. When he pulled over he stepped out of the car and opened the door for us. Mason and I stepped outside and walked inside the cafe. The place is empty but very beautiful. The floor is made of marble squares, a long stream beside a dozen tables and a fountain placed near a few Greek statues posing its grace and art. Mr. Chang and his wife stood up from their seats. Little DeDe ran toward me. She wore an adorable white dress with a long puffy skirt, a few daisies embroidered around the bodice. She smiled as her long black curls danced along with her as she ran.

She embraced her arms around my waist. "Oh I'm so happy to see you again!"

I smiled and rubbed her back. "Me too."

I bend down and she dropped her arms. I placed my hands on her shoulders. "My you grown so big and beautiful."

"I always ate everything on my plate in every meal, just like you told me."

"I told you it works. You look as beautiful as a fairy."

I pulled myself up and DeDe took my hand. She also took Mason's hand and dragged us both to the table.

"Hello, Mr. Chang. Have you been well?" Mason greeted.

"Never better." He took Mason's hand and gave it a shake. He looked at me.

"It's good to see you again." I said.

"Mason your girl has been growing more beautiful than ever. You better marry her quick before another man takes her away."

Mason and I chuckled. Mrs. Chang gestured her hands to the chairs.

"Please take a seat. The tea is going to grow cold."

Mason sat beside Mr. Chang. DeDe sat between me and her grandmother. We all took our fill with a few cups of tea and many courses of dessert.

"Can I see your ring again?"

I placed my cup down and opened my left hand for her to see. She looked at the ring with dazzled eyes.

"When I get married I want my ring to be just like yours."

I chuckled. "Oh, DeDe that'll change when you get older. You'll get a more beautiful and exquisite meaningful ring in the future. I bet you on that."

"Oh if only that can happen sooner."

"Trust me, it will."

Mrs. Chang lifted the kettle. "Would you care for some more tea?"

"No thank you. By the way, how are things back in Korea?"

She placed the kettle down carefully. "Splendid, as usual. Before we left DeDe and I baked some rice cakes for you and Mason."

DeDe clapped her hands. "They're so delicious. Har-mon-ni is an expert on making them. Can we give her some now, Har-mon-ni."

"Alright. But after you finish your milk."

"Rice cakes. Sounds delicious. What kind are they this time?"

DeDe took big gulps of her milk and spoke without wiping away her milk mustache. "The rice cakes are called Grue - Thung. In English its Honey Rice Cakes. They're round and in different colors of yellow, pink, white, and green. Inside they have a sweet filling that's grounded sesame seeds with honey and sugar. It's really yummy, I ate like seven of them. But I couldn't eat anymore because Har-mon-ni said I'll get in trouble by my Umma again."

I picked up the napkin and wiped her mouth. "I can't wait to try them. Thank you...Maybe when you guys come to America to sign the contract, perhaps you and your husband can stay in our summer house. I'll be delighted to have DeDe there too. We can go horseback riding, shopping, have picnics outside at the veranda, and watch movies in our home theater."

DeDe grabbed one of my arms. "That'll be awesome. I want to go. Can we Har-mon-ni? Can we?"

"I'll think about it, dear."

I didn't research anything on Google, this is something I know. To help you understand with the translation; Har-moni means grandmother (there are two ways to say it depending on if its the mother's parent or father's parent) and Umma obviously means mom in Korean. Anyway enjoy!