Chapter One: Birthday Girl
I was determined to have fun tonight. My friends insisted on taking me out for my nineteenth birthday, although I didn't feel like nineteen was something worth celebrating. It was my last year being a teenager, yet I would still have two more years until I could legally drink. I guess it wasn't that big of a deal. I wasn't big on the whole drinking and partying scene like my friends were, especially with my past. My friends, who were currently passing around vodka in a water bottle along with a separate bottle filled with orange juice, as we sat in Rebekah's SUV parked in the parking lot.
Did they think they were being sly?
We were going dancing at one of those eighteen and over clubs. The older, hot college guys frequented the club and mingling with them made the experience even more fun. The bouncer just stamped your hand after checking your ID at the door; a green stamp meant you were able to drink, and a red stamp meant you were not.
"C'mon, birthday girl, you have to at least have a shot's worth. You're nineteen now and no longer live with your uncle. You don't have to be a Miss Goody Two-Shoes anymore."
This statement came from one of my oldest friends, Caroline as she held out the alcohol-filled water bottle to me. She was always the rebel, and my uncle never liked her, saying she was a bad influence on me. When, actually, I never usually went along with her schemes in the first place. I only got implicated in them through best-friend association, I guess.
I just behaved—some would say I was boring—but I didn't really see the need to smoke my brain cells away, or drink and act stupid. I just saw myself as having common sense; it didn't mean I didn't like to have fun. This is what I was trying to prove tonight by agreeing to come out to this club with my friends.
I shook my head to inform them I would stick to my guns and not be drinking tonight. After all, someone had to be the D.D. right? As if reading my mind, Rebekah, the supposed designated driver tonight, spoke up.
"You even look like a daddy's girl. If you're going for the girl next door look, you certainly succeeded. Plus, you know I'm not drinking, so you can have some fun tonight."
"Since it is my birthday, let's lay off the peer pressure on the alcohol issue and just go have fun, ok?"
Beside me, Bonnie giggled. She was obviously tipsy, and yet she continued to drink the vodka, opting to take my portion of the alcohol. She was one of those cute, happy drunks. Her medium-length, brunette hair was styled in spirals tonight, and her cheeks had that slight flush attributed to alcohol consumption.
"If Elena doesn't want to drink tonight, gals, just ignore it. I'm ready to dance, let's go!" Caroline exclaimed as she tucked the now empty water bottle under the seat before reaching for the door.
Rebekah was applying her lip gloss in the rearview mirror one final time when she spoke.
"Well, well, look who showed up tonight, ladies."
All four of us looked behind and out of the tinted rear windows just in time to see the boys of Delta Iota Kappa make their way to the front doors of the club. Their fraternity was the most notorious on campus for having the hottest guys, the best parties, and getting as many girls as they wanted.
The president of the fraternity, Damon, was no exception. I swear girls just lined up to give him their panties, and based on the way he looked tonight, I could see why. Even his back—which was the only thing I could see at the moment—looked hot. His dark-wash blue jeans hung low on his hips, and his black t-shirt clung to his back, clearly showing the muscles underneath.
I rolled my eyes and opened the car door and as if on cue, the other three girls began shuffling their way out of Rebekah's midnight blue Navigator. Everyone completed their last minute primping, teasing, lifting, and adjusting before we began to make our way across the lot. Our heels clacked against the hard pavement, announcing our presence to the bouncer and the line of about twenty people waiting to be admitted.
There was no sign of the Delta boys, so I figured they had already gained admittance somehow, probably the same way my looking-like-she-just-stepped-off-an-international-runway friend, Rebekah, was about to get us in.
Bonnie and I hung back as Rebekah and Caroline went up to the front of the line to work their magic on the bouncers. I watched Rebekah as she leaned forward and put her hand on the guy's arm, no doubt giving him a nice glimpse down the sequined top she was wearing. Caroline, in the meantime, was working her magic on his other side, throwing her head back in laughter and flipping her hair.
Rebekah put her hand in her back pocket, the signal for us to come up and join them. When I reached her side she grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.
"Logan, this is Elena. She's the birthday girl tonight!"
Logan eyed me up and down, and I bit my lip self consciously. He was looking at me like I was a piece of steak, and it made me slightly uncomfortable but I tried not to let it show. I could hear the loud music clearly from out here, and was actually eager about getting to dance. I smiled at Logan, letting my excitement show, and that must have been the trick because he finally reached out for my hand to stamp it.
"Well, beautiful, enjoy your birthday," he said in a gruff voice, winked, and opened the red rope blocking the club entrance.
I thanked him and heard the protests from the people standing in line as I went through the door to be immediately immersed in flashing lights, a lot of bass, and a significant crowd of people. The music was even louder now that I was inside.
One of the lights overhead lit up my stamped hand for a minute, and the dark green martini glass caught my eye. I stared at my hand for a minute as I waited for my friends to be admitted, realizing that Logan had stamped my hand for being 21, and he hadn't even checked my ID.
"Well, Elena, looks like you'll be drinking tonight after all," Rebekah said, eyeing my hand.
I shook my head before replying.
"I don't know why he gave me this stamp, Bex. It was probably just a mistake," I shouted to her over the music.
She stepped closer to me so she wouldn't have to shout.
"He did it because it's your birthday and he thinks you're hot. Just enjoy it. At the very least you can get the rest of us drinks. Perks to being the birthday girl."
"C'mon, let's go get a seat!" She shouted this last part and smacked my ass playfully before the four of us made our way through the masses of people toward the lounge area they had in the back.
The inside of the club was very dark and edgy. It seemed to be themed in red and black coloring, with splashes of various colored lights to create different effects. As we walked toward the back tables, the black bar with crimson counter-tops was on my right, and the fairly large dance floor was on my left. Upon a raised platform were two DJ's mixing and spinning the songs.
The lounge area was in the back of the room, but it was still visible to the rest of the club. It consisted of black leather couches in a semi-circle around tables matching those of the bar; black with blood red tops. There was one table available in the corner, and we all squeezed in and sat down to claim it for the night.
From here I could see the corner of the large bar perfectly, and I glanced down at my hand again. I didn't want to drink, but I knew my friends would be asking me to get them drinks if I could. What if I got caught? Was that really how I wanted to spend my birthday?
For the time being I wouldn't have to worry about it, my friends still had their sufficient vodka buzz from the car. I would just cross that bridge when I came to it.
"So, now what?" I asked, looking around the couches at my friends.
Rebekah was currently scoping out the dance floor, probably for a hot guy she could get her claws into for the night. Bonnie and Caroline were looking at me, silently asking what I wanted to do. Well, we came here to dance right?
"If we leave, will we lose our table?" I asked them, knowing they would have the answer since they came here so often.
"No, just go up to the bar and ask for a reserved sign. They're like five bucks or something like that," Rebekah answered.
Caroline reached into her teal, sparkly halter top and handed me a five dollar bill. I looked at her questioningly.
"What?" she asked. "This outfit doesn't have pockets. Where else am I supposed to put it?"
I just laughed and scooted to the end of the couch, straightening my denim skirt before making my way to the bar. I silently wondered what would happen if she were to hook up with a guy and they found money in her bra. Would they think she was a hooker or something?
I laughed aloud to my internal thoughts just as I reached the bar.
"Care to let me in on the joke?" A male voice said from behind me, causing me to jump slightly. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he said again and I turned to see who the deep voice belonged to.
He was tall and I was forced to tilt my head up slightly. When I did I was met with the bluest eyes I had ever seen in my life. I didn't know how to describe them. They were darker than the sky, but lighter than the ocean. They were just…blue, and striking.
I didn't realize I was just staring and not saying anything until I saw his lips curve into a half smile. His lips were full and pouty, and he had the faintest hint of dimples that I'm sure would show if he smiled fully. Then I became aware that I was just staring at him—whoever he was—again.
"N…No. I'm sorry, it wasn't really that funny. More like an inside joke, I guess," I said and shrugged my shoulders.
I could feel my face flush in embarrassment and looked away from his face. That's when my eyes landed on the Delta, Iota, Kappa symbols on his black shirt. I took a small step back and looked at him fully, realizing the guy I was talking to was none other than Damon Salvatore, president of the DIK's.
Just my luck, I thought before turning back to the bar to try and get the bartender's attention. I attempted to force myself to not think about those eyes or his pouty lips, or the way the sleeves of his shirt rested just so on his very toned biceps.
Yeah, not helping Elena. Yes, he is hot, but he isn't your type. At all.
Ha, just keep telling yourself that. Who could resist that?
I can, and I will.
Great, now you're talking to yourself.
I rolled my eyes internally, and once again raised my hand trying to get the busy bartender's attention.
"Yo, bartender," Damon's loud, booming voice called as he raised his arm and succeeded in calling the bartender over.
"What'll it be," the guy behind the bar asked Damon who nudged my arm indicating I should go first.
"Oh, um, can I get a reserved sign for the table?" I asked.
"Which table are you at?"
I pointed to the corner where Rebekah, Bonnie, and Caroline were still sitting. The first two had their backs turned, which was probably a good thing considering the wide-as-saucers-eyes Caroline had right now. Obviously she had seen who I had been talking to.
"Table sixteen, got it," he said while taking a note of some kind. "Five dollars."
I handed him the bill and he gave me the small red sign with white print on it.
"And for you?" the bartender asked Damon just as I started to walk away.
I stopped, figuring I should thank him at least. Who knows how long I would have been standing there otherwise?
I waited until he was done putting his order in and the bartender left to make the drinks.
"So, thank you…for that," I said lamely.
"No problem. I take it you don't come here often?" He waited for my response.
I shook my head no, and he continued.
"Well, you have to be loud in order to be heard over the music. You just have to be aggressive."
"Oh, ok. Thanks. I'll be sure to remember that, Damon."
I cursed myself for calling him by his name when he hadn't given it to me, and began walking away. Hopefully he will just figure everyone knows his name and leave it at that.
"Hey, wait up."
No such luck. I stopped and turned back to him. After all, it would be rude not to, right? I looked at him and waited.
"Now that isn't fair, gorgeous. You know my name, but I don't know yours?"
I smiled a little and blushed at the compliment, even though I knew it was probably just a line. Still, it was my birthday and had been called beautiful and gorgeous by two different attractive guys tonight. I'll just make myself happy and think of them as compliments.
"Elena," I told him shyly. "My name is Elena."
"Well there, Elena..." He took my hand that wasn't holding the small sign and brought it to his mouth. His slightly parted lips grazed the back of my hand as his bottom lip glided along it to join his top in a kiss. He lingered for just a moment before pulling away, but not letting go of my hand. He looked me straight in the eyes, bright blue meeting deep brown, giving me tingles and causing me to blush even more. "...It was nice meeting you," he said before dropping my hand and walking back toward the bar to pick up his drinks.
I stood there dazed for a minute before Rebekah's voice calling my name finally got my attention. I walked over to the table and set the reserved sign on it before sitting back down.
"Ok, what was that all about?" Caroline asked me.
I didn't know what to think of what just happened. I glanced back over my shoulder to the bar and noticed Damon was looking over at me. "I have no idea," I said distractedly in response, still staring at the bar and the hot guy leaning against it.
He raised his drink in my direction and gave me that half smirk of his. I couldn't help but smile back at him and shyly turned my head back to my friends. The look on their faces said it all. They were well aware that something had just occurred. The only thing was; I didn't know if it was good or bad.
I knew Damon Salvatore's reputation of saying and doing just about anything to get into a girl's pants. If I hadn't heard it first hand from Caroline and Rebekah I wouldn't believe it. There was just something about him though. Like, maybe it was just an act? Great, now I'm trying to convince myself Damon Salvatore was a good guy so it was okay that I was attracted to him? I didn't want to think about this anymore.
"Let's dance," I said, and jumped off the couch to make my way to the dance floor without waiting for my friends. Regardless, I could sense they were right behind me.
As I walked by the bar, I glanced to my left and made eye contact with Damon once more before turning back to the dance floor. Raising my arms above my head, I moved my hips to the rhythm of the music and waited for my friends to join me.
The song that was on was just ending, and one of the DJ's started a very familiar song.
"All right, all right, we're gonna go back a few years for this one. Ladies, I wanna see ya'll out here shakin' it and most importantly, G-g-get...Get your freak on!"
Missy Elliott's voice came over the speakers and you could feel the energy in the room raise a few notches. I started dancing with Bonnie, before Caroline and Rebekah joined in as we all "got our freak on."
My eyes wandered over to the bar once more, but Damon was no longer there. Stupid Elena. Stop thinking about him and enjoy your birthday. I scanned the place anyway, hoping for-I don't know what I was hoping for. He wasn't anywhere on the dance floor, nor was he at the bar. I searched the lounge area and found him there with a few of his frat brothers, drinking beer and laughing.
He was sexy when he fully smiled. His white teeth shone in the flashing lights, and his dimples were out in full force. He looked so likeable in that moment; cheerful, playful, just one of the guys, the real him.
I continued to dance as I stared at the small group of frat guys. Bonnie came up beside me and we started dancing together, so I focused once more on my group of friends. At the "HOLLLAAA" part, the four of us paused and threw our hands up in the air, drawing attention to ourselves. We laughed, enjoying ourselves, and continued dancing.
My glance just so happened to drift over to the table of Delta Iota Kappa boys again and I found that Damon's eyes were on me. We made solid eye contact, the same as earlier when he was at the bar. I didn't look away as Caroline came up and we began playfully grinding against one another. Once again I raised my arms in the air, and brought them down to Caroline's bare shoulders, working my hands along her body until they rested at her hips.
I kept eye contact with Damon the entire time, admittedly making my movements sexier for show. I was swimming in his gaze when Caroline went around behind me and began whispering in my ear.
"You two are totally eye fucking each other right now."
Her comment surprised me, causing me to stop dancing, but she placed her hands on my hips and made me start my rhythm back up again.
"It's your birthday, and I want you to have fun, but at the same time be careful, sweetie. You know his reputation, Elena."
I started to protest but she cut me off. "I'm only looking out for you, know that. Now shake that ass, and have a good time!"
The song ended and another one began. Damon's lips were parted and his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes seemingly searching mine for something. Was he waiting for a signal of some sort?
I silently found myself wondering what it would be like to taste him. I already knew from the sensuous kiss on my hand earlier that his lips were soft, and I'm sure he would be a great kisser; practice makes perfect right?
Ugh, what am I saying? It was dangerous to even entertain any ideas of the sort, just like Caroline said. Granted I wasn't as innocent as all my friends claimed and joked about. Matt and I were in a relationship for over two years, but I wasn't exactly super experienced. I mean, I wasn't a virgin, but let's just say Matt wasn't very generous in the whole giving department. Besides the first couple of months of our exploration, I had yet to see an orgasm from a guy.
Ok, that's enough. Stop eye fucking him, or whatever Caroline called it. Just don't think about him anymore and train your thoughts on what an asshole he is. I'm just playing into his little mind games, right? This is exactly what he did to who knows how many girls on a weekly basis.
My little pep-talk complete, I turned away from Damon and resolved not to look at him anymore. Well, for a few songs at least. I continued to dance provocatively with my friends just in case he was still watching, also because we were clearly having an effect on other guys in the place, and the Delta Iota Kappa president wasn't the only hot guy here.
After a few songs we all decided it was time for a break. The four of us headed back to our table to give our feet some rest.
"Wow, it's hot in here isn't it?" I said, fanning myself. "I'm going to go get some water. Anyone want anything?"
"I'm ready for a drink. I think my vodka buzz is wearing off," Caroline said.
And there it was. I knew the subject of me getting alcohol for my friends was going to come up eventually since I got the green stamp.
"I…I don't know, guys, what if I get caught? And I can't very well order drinks for everyone. They'll probably only let me get two at the most."
I glanced nervously at the bar, and guess who was sitting there? Yup, Damon was once again getting drinks for his boys. His attention was focused on the bartender as he ordered, so I was able to stare without feeling like a creeper.
"Well, you won't need to get drinks for everyone, Elena," Bonnie offered. "I mean, Rebekah isn't drinking since she's driving, and you're not drinking. So, that leaves—"
"Actually, Bon," I interrupted and turned to her. "I think I might be rethinking that whole…sobriety thing after all."
Bonnie glanced once from the bar and back to me before her eyes narrowed slightly. She opened her mouth to speak but closed it once more after a quick cough from Caroline.
"Of course, Elena. It's your birthday, so go right ahead," Bonnie said instead of whatever she was about to say.
"Well, I can probably get two drinks, maybe three at the moment. So, we can share them? What should I get? I don't want anything too strong, something kind of sweet maybe?"
"Are you thinking a cocktail or a shot?" Rebekah asked.
"Cocktail."
"Try a Lemon Drop and for the second drink get a Sex on the Beach," Caroline offered.
"Lemon Drop and Sex on the Beach. Ok, got it. Waters too?"
Everyone shook their heads in agreement and Rebekah handed me some cash as I nervously stood up, slipping the money into the front pocket of my skirt. I slowly walked toward the bar, head down, hands shaking, palms sweaty, bass pounding in my ears. I don't know if I can do this. Can someone go to jail for trying to buy alcohol at a club if they're underage? I'm only nineteen. What the hell am I thinking?
I looked up, settled on turning back around and forgetting the whole thing when I realized I had reached the bar. Well, I will just look dumb if I turn around now. I also noticed Damon was no longer there. Just as well, I needed to concentrate.
Lemon Drop, Sex on the Beach. Lemon Drop, Sex on the Beach. Lemon Drop, Sex on the Beach.
I chanted over and over in my head until the bartender was finished with his customer. I raised my hand to get his attention, but brought it back flat against the counter-top when I realized it was still shaking.
Get a grip, Elena. Unless you want to end up behind bars on your birthday.
I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. With a quick nervous glance at the table where my friends sat, I saw they were all staring at me. Caroline gave me a reassuring wave, and I tried again.
"Excuse me, bartender?"
I really hope my voice didn't just come out as timid as I think it did, but my guess is that it had considering he didn't even look my way. I steeled my nerves once more and prepared to try again when I suddenly felt a hand on my lower back. I tensed.
"Be aggressive," a whisper informed me, and I turned around quickly to find myself once more face to face with Damon.
We were a lot closer to one another this time, our bodies basically touching, and I had spun so quickly that Damon didn't have the time to move his hand, so it was now ghosting against my abdomen. I took a step back and felt the hard granite of the counter against my spine.
"Are you stalking me?" I asked, the question coming out ruder than I intended.
Instead of looking taken aback, he smirked and stepped forward, our bodies against each other once more. He leaned forward, blue eyes dancing.
"No. Do you want me to be stalking you?"
My eyes widened and his smile grew. Yeah, I bet that flashy smile and eye thing get you whatever you want, don't they?
"Of course not," I replied. "Now, if you excuse me I was just about to order some drinks."
I turned back to the bar, slight anger at Damon's audacity had replaced any nerves I had, and I placed both palms flat on the bar and called the bartender. This time he heard me.
"What can I get ya?"
The nerves returned.
Lemon Drop and Sex on the Beach.
"LemonDropandaSexontheBeach, please?" I asked so quickly that my words ran together. I slid my stamped hand forward slightly and prayed he wouldn't ask for ID. Just the stamp sufficed, right?
I saw him glance down at my hand before looking at my face once more. He hesitated. Oh, God, I'm going to get caught. I could feel my face get hot, and my heart was racing. I don't want to go to jail.
"A Lemon Drop and a Sex on the Beach?" he asked.
I just nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
"Coming right up," he said before moving to the other end of the bar to make the drinks.
I sighed in relief, and felt like my knees were going to give out on me any second.
"How old are you?" Damon's now familiar voice asked, startling me and I jumped.
I hadn't known he was still here. I sat down on one of the bar stools and placed one elbow on the bar, the other on my rapidly beating heart.
"Do you derive pleasure from scaring me?" I asked, looking up at him.
He smiled before responding.
"Maybe, and you didn't answer my question."
"Twe…Twenty One, why?" I stuttered.
He seemed to think for a minute before leaning in close to me and bringing his lips to my ear.
"How old are you really?"
His hot breath fanned across my neck, causing me to shiver. He only pulled away slightly, tipping his own ear toward me so—I'm assuming—I could whisper my real age without letting those around us know the truth.
I leaned forward, placing my hand over his on my knee—wait, when had that happened—and responded.
"Nineteen," I said so quietly I'd be surprised if he even heard it.
"Don't worry. It will be our little secret," he whispered and stepped back, slipping his hand out from underneath mine just as the bartender returned.
"Ok, that will be $13.50."
I stretched my legs out straight in order to reach into my pocket where I had put Rebekah's cash, but Damon staid my hand with his.
"Just put it on my tab, Ty," Damon said, and squeezed my hand when I tried to protest.
"Sure thing, man. Have a good night," the bartender replied and walked over to help another patron.
I removed my hand from Damon's and stood up to grab the two drinks.
"Damon, I can't let you do that. At least let me pay you back." I moved to reach into my pocket again, but Damon placed his hand at the pocket opening this time, right near my hip, so I would be unable to access it. I bit my lip and looked up at him.
"Can't you just let a guy buy you a drink? Besides, if you really insist, I can think of a few ways you can pay me back."
He leaned in once again and whispered, "You don't have to pretend you're 21 if you want sex on the beach."
Damon's hand began to slide upward before I stopped him.
"Ugh, and this is where I say good night, Damon. Thanks for the drinks."
I grabbed the two cocktails from the counter and started to head back to my friends.
"Anytime, sweetheart," he called before I was out of earshot, and I turned around.
He winked at me and smiled. I just rolled my eyes before turning back around, acting indifferent. Secretly, my stomach was doing flip flops and my heart was pounding. I could still imagine how his hand felt first on my knee, and then on my hip. Then he ruined it with his comment.
Ugh, what an ass!
I took a sip of the Lemon Drop, licking the sugar off my lips. Hmm, not bad, a little sour, but the sugar sweetened it up.
Liquid courage, that's what I need, I thought before taking a small gulp as I reached the table.
My friends were eagerly waiting for me to recount what had just occurred. I personally didn't know what to think. Damon's whole sweet one moment, pervy the next was really confusing the hell out of me.
I took a small sip of the Sex on the Beach cocktail before setting it on the table. My nose wrinkled in disgust.
"Yuck, remind me next time that I do not like sex on the beach."
"Who does?" Caroline asked while taking a sip of the too-sweet concoction. "I mean, everyone thinks it's romantic, but in all actuality, sand gets everywhere, the wind tangles your hair, it smells like fish..."
She trailed off after realizing we were looking at her.
"What? It's true!"
"She was talking about the drink, Caroline," Rebekah said. "Although I do have to agree with you regarding the real thing," she giggled.
During the exchange I had proceeded to down over half of the Lemon Drop. It was really good, and had created a nice bouncy feeling in my head. I couldn't be drunk already, could I? No, I don't think that's possible.
"You're my two favorite sluts, you know that?" I said, giggling.
Ok, maybe it was a possibility. After all, I didn't have a whole lot of experience being drunk. A few times in high school was about the extent of it.
Caroline and Rebekah pretended to be offended for a minute before joining in on the laughter the whole table had erupted in.
"Speaking of which," Caroline began. "It looks like a certain slutty someone has chosen his next victim."
She glanced over to a particular Delta president, who was sitting with the other Delta Iota Kappa's at a table a few down from ours, and all of our eyes followed.
"Damon?" Rebekah scoffed. "You make him sound like a serial killer or a vampire or something. Besides, Elena wouldn't do anything with him."
My cheeks burned as Rebekah said this, and I looked down, suddenly extremely interested in the small amount of yellow liquid remaining in my glass, along with the bright red cherry. The truth was that it had crossed my mind. Until he started saying things that perfectly fit with his reputation, that is.
Bonnie must have noticed my movement and my red cheeks because she said, "I wouldn't be too sure about that one, Bex."
At Bonnie's comment, Rebekah looked back to me.
"Really, Elena? I mean, do you think that is such a good idea?"
"So it's ok for you, but not for me?" I felt my anger rising. "Why, because I'm just a poor, sweet, innocent, goody girl, and you go out and party all the time and fuck whoever you want? Are you jealous that you've been trying to garner his attention for over six months since your one night stand and in less than an hour he's interested in me? Because that could never happen right? It's my birthday for Christ's sake."
I stood up, downing the rest of the alcohol.
"Don't worry, Rebekah, you're right, he's not my type!" I yelled before walking away in the direction of the girl's bathroom.
I wouldn't say I was running, but I certainly wasn't walking at a normal pace. I hadn't meant to yell at Rebekah, but it was my birthday, and I was sick of the "Elena's so naïve" comments from my supposed best friends. I was angry, and I could feel the beginnings of tears start to make my eyes water.
Lost in my thoughts, I must not have been paying attention to where I was walking, because I suddenly ran into what felt like a wall.
"Oomph."
Except that it wasn't a wall, because I felt hands on my arms to stop me from falling backward. Surprised, I glanced up to find Damon's blue eyes looking down at me.
Great, I said sarcastically in my head, blinking quickly to banish the threatening tears.
"Hey, are you all right?" he asked me, concern in his voice.
But was he really concerned? Or was I just placing one foot into his snare again?
Instead of answering him, I grabbed the back of his neck and brought his head down to mine, pressing my lips firmly against his in a brief kiss. I don't know whether it was the alcohol that had given me courage, or if I was trying to spite my friend. It had all happened so fast that I wasn't even sure if he kissed me back.
Breathing in while I was still pressed up against him, I smelled his expensive cologne and almost moaned at the scent. God, I think I just got turned on by a smell. And now I'm just standing here sniffing him, how mortifying.
"I'm sorry, I have to go," I said quickly and moved past him.
I rushed to the bathroom door just a few steps beyond. Once there, I went into one of the black stalls and locked myself in. I heard the entrance open just a few moments later, followed by Caroline calling my name. I didn't answer.
"We know you're in here, Elena. I can see your heels in the third stall," Bonnie said.
I stood in front of the door for a second before reaching out to the knob and unlocking it with an audible, "click." Swinging the door open, I found my two oldest friends standing there, the worry plain on their faces.
I looked down and sighed. "I'm sorry," I told them.
"What? Elena, sweetie, why are you sorry? I mean, granted you did sort of just attack Rebekah out there, but she was being a bit of a bitch," Caroline said.
"I know, I just…is it wrong that I'm attracted to him?"
They didn't need to ask to know which "him" I was referring to.
"Of course not!" Caroline replied. "Who wouldn't be attracted to those muscles, his abs, that smile? Damn, what I'd like him to do to me with his—"
"Ahem," Bonnie interrupted before Caroline could continue with her fantasy.
"I mean…um…sorry."
She looked down sheepishly, and Bonnie and I laughed.
"But in all actuality, Elena, when was the last time you actually felt any pleasure? From a guy?" Caroline added.
"I don't know, umm…six months maybe? If not more, why?"
Thank God for the Rabbit, right? The magic those little ears could work, oh God, it was amazing. I swear every girl should own one of those. Well worth the money.
I looked at her curiously.
"It's your birthday, and you should just go out and have a good time. Forget about Rebekah, forget about Damon. Throw caution to the wind, and enjoy yourself. It's just one night. If you happen to land yourself in Damon's bed in the process…well, is that really such a bad thing? I'm sure he knows more about what he's doing than Matt ever did."
I closed my eyes and stupidly began to think about the pleasure the Rabbit couldn't bring. Pleasure I'm sure Damon Salvatore would probably be only too willing to give.
"True," I replied.
"Just don't think about it," Caroline chimed in. "We all know Damon is a one-night-stand guy, but maybe that's what you need. That kiss you gave him certainly looked like you want it. I'm not saying to sleep with him if you don't want to, but a little fun couldn't hurt, right?"
The more the three of us talked, the more I was becoming okay with the idea that it didn't really matter all that much.
"I know you're over thinking things right now, Elena. Stop thinking, just play it casual, and see where the night leads."
"And it can't go anywhere if we're cooped up in the bathroom all night. Let's go get Elena here another drink. She seemed to enjoy the Lemon Drop earlier, how about another one? My treat?"
Caroline reached into the top of her dress and pulled out a twenty. I smiled, thinking about my private joke from earlier, and followed them out of the bathroom and to the bar. I kept my eyes straight ahead and focused on my goal.
"Rum and coke," Caroline whispered in my ear, and I nodded.
I successfully got the attention of the bartender, ordered a Rum and Coke for Caroline, another Lemon Drop for me, and a Sprite for Bonnie.
"Hey, Elena, we'll be right back," Bonnie said, and the two of them walked away as the guy behind the bar made the drinks.
I followed them with my eyes and saw they had huddled into a small group with Rebekah; the three of them chatting conspiratorially. They returned before the bartender finished, smiles on their faces, looking extremely smug about something.
"What's going on? I asked them.
"Nothing," they said in unison, contradicting their feigned innocence.
"Really?" I cocked an eyebrow at them. "Care to try again?"
"Don't worry, Elena," Caroline replied as the bartender came back with our drinks.
"Sixteen even."
Caroline handed him the twenty she had pulled out in the bathroom and told him to keep the change.
Wow, that was generous of her.
"Have a good one, ladies," he said to us and we grabbed our drinks.
"Ok, Lena, pound that shit and let's go dance."
"Caroline, I'm not going to chug my cocktail. I want to enjoy it."
I was about to take a sip, but Bonnie placed a hand over my glass, stopping me. I looked at her questioningly.
"Happy Birthday, Elena!" she exclaimed, raising her glass in a toast.
"Happy, Birthday, Lena!" Caroline followed.
I raised my glass and glanced over to the Delta Iota Kappa table. My eyes found Damon's and I made a decision right then and there.
"Whatever happens, happens," I said before bringing my glass against the others.
Bonnie and Caroline smiled and repeated the phrase before sipping their drinks. I, however, was longing to dance, so I did what Caroline said and "pounded my shit," licking the sugar and popping the cherry garnish in my mouth before setting the empty glass on the bar.
I could already feel the alcohol course through my system as I searched for Damon once more, deciding to tease him a little. When our eyes met across the crowded club, I pulled the stem still attached to the cherry and swirled my tongue around the small piece of fruit before sucking it back in through barely-parted lips.
I saw his eyes widen slightly, and he licked his lips. I gave him a sexy, playful smirk before biting the cherry and tossing the stem into the empty glass. Bonnie and Caroline were looking at the exchange with wide-eyes.
"Ready?" I asked before they could say anything on the matter.
Caroline and Bonnie opted to take their drinks with them and led the way to the dance floor. I was feeling that buzzed light-headedness due to drinking, and felt a carefree smile come across my face. This is how I wanted to spend my birthday; just having a good time.
AN: This is something I wrote a long time ago and have now adapted to TVD fan fiction. It will be a fairly short story… maybe 10 chapters at the most? About half is already written, and chapter 2 picks up right about where this one leaves off. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Until next time…
