A/N: This story will be a triple shot. This is basically about DE's friendship, as I said in my last story I'd do a fluffy DE since my last one was a bit angsty. This is my first attempt in portraying a child's character so kindly be gentle with me. I have tried to come up with some playful plots. In the story Damon and Elena are 10years and 8 years old respectively so there won't be any lovy dovy stuff, it's basically about meeting your best friend. Enough of me boring you guys, without further ado let's get on with the story!
What will the world be without you by my side,
A blooming bud without the rays of golden sun,
Green grass without the pearly dews,
Life without a companion!
My heart was numb, lost in gloom,
But you found me in solitary day-light
Smiling, waiting,
To paint the canvas bright,
turning monochrome into kaleidoscope display,
As I stood petrified, You held my hand, gave me faith,
courage to open my eyes,
Hand in hand we stepped into our little world,
And I knew it was the beginning of a beautiful bond.
PART-1
Customary summer morning~
April, 1992
Under the white sheet laid a motionless figure, entangled in the mass of silk he was slumbering peacefully. His small frame was almost invisible between the thick mattress. The raven locks were disheveled spread across his forehead, creating a stark contrast against the pale skin. His pale pink lips slightly parted, dense dark lashes joined via spell, he was like a blissful angel. Morning sun was shining bright, illuminating the world. The young boy moaned in sleep, face scrunched by the invading rays, he stirred lightly; blinking a few times he flutter opened his eyes. His hooded lids averted towards right, the clock on table flashed it was only 7. He contemplated for a moment before pulling the sheets over his head and descending to utopia.
His sleep was broken yet again but this time the intruder was far more delightful. A heavenly aroma nuzzled his nose; he inhaled deeply with closed eyes. It turned the wheels in his head, instantly he climbed out of the bed, a huge smile plastered on his face. He let out a cheerful squeal, "Sunday, finally!" It was the last Sunday of the month, meaning downstairs there will be a sweet surprise waiting for him. Not wanting to waste a minute he rushed towards the bathroom, the grin never leaving his face. He wobbled with giddiness as he walked towards the sink. Picking up the tooth brush he plunged it into his mouth, the pesky bristles roamed over his pearly whites while his mind wondered about the surprise his dearest grandma has prepared. It was their exclusive pact, he would be obedient at the end of the month will be rewarded with a sweet delight.
Grandma Salvatore was an exquisite cook; her baking skills could outdo the finest confectioners with ease. He giggled with joy as he imagined the sweet froth to melt in his mouth, his tongue rolled over, grazing his palate as the lingering taste started to fade away. He snapped out of the trance and hurriedly finished his morning routine. Within twenty minute or so he was fully dressed, after tying the sneakers he went out of the room. He stole a quick peek, finding the course clear he hopped on the handrail, sliding down swiftly he landed with a soft thud. Though he had been scolded numerous times for this particular stunt but he just couldn't resist the temptation.
"Damon, darling is that you?" a soft voice chimed from the kitchen.
"Yeah…" he replied nonchalantly. Though he knew well he was busted, nonetheless he followed the voice.
There she stood in her floral dress gown, a white apron tied around her waist; she'd probably be in her late 60's. Her silvery grey were tied in a neat bun, though the fine lines were prominent on her face revealing her advancing years, but her blue orbs twinkled with mischief.
"Grandma, what are you doing?" he asked in sing song tone, hoping to divert the conversation.
The elderly woman gave an incredulous eye, as she beckoned him with a finger, "Damon…" the corner of her lips twitched upwards, "Did you come down via handrail?"
"Umm…" he pursed his lips, he could never lie to his grandma, "Maybe…"
She chuckled before scooting the young boy in her arms and placed him over the counter, "You little imp, you're never going to listen, will you?" she scolded playfully.
Damon bit his lips, "But its fun!" he said with the cutest pout, hoping that would melt her anger.
How could anyone resist the little devil, she laughed before cupping his face as she brushed his nose with hers, "Honey, you should be careful. We don't want you to get hurt."
"I'll be. Promise…" He replied while twisting his neck from side to side, scrutinizing every nook and cranny of the said area, his gaze shifted from the stove to the now empty glass bowls, he narrowed his eyes trying to get a peek of the oven but was obstructed by her gown. He could see the smirk playing on her lips, growing impatient with her tactics he whined, "Where is it Grandma?"
"Patience honey." She said with a coy smile, earning a huff in response.
Both of their faces light up with glee as the oven's ding vibrated the space. As soon as the lid was opened a mouthwatering aroma over took the air, Damon closed his eyes, marveling the scent of vanilla and butter. His eyes almost bulged out of the socket as Grandma Salvatore placed the mould on the counter. She glided across the kitchen, mixing the syrup and preparing the frosting. After smoothening and decorating the end result was nothing less than perfection. The blend of mascarpone crème and coco were overwhelming his senses. Involuntarily his hand extended to the turn table, before he could reach, it was swatted away.
"You know the deal honey, you don't get to taste sugar before breakfast." She voiced out in a stern manner.
"Grandma… It's tiramisu, how can I…"
"Those puppy eyes of yours won't get you anywhere child. This needs to be refrigerated, besides, I'm saving this for the guests."
"What?"
"Oh honey, your dad has invited the Gilberts for lunch; they've shifted a while ago. You know their little daughter…"
"Why would dad invite the dumb neighbors in our house?" he said irritated with the idea of being surrounded by unknown faces, "And why the hell would you share my dessert with them?"
"Damon! Don't be disrespectful, if your dad hears…"
"Well he is not here and that is no answer to my question. Why do I have to share my stuff with anyone?" he was a mere boy but those twin rings were scorching with anger.
Sensing his hurt, she tried to soothe the boy, "Honey, sharing doesn't mean less for you; it only means more for…"
"Of course it means less for me!" He climbed off the counter, stomping his foot against the hardwood floor. "Besides, what's mine is mine. You were suppose to bake for me, that's our pact."
"Honey, don't be like that. There's plenty for everyone and…" she cooed but was cut off by shriek sound.
"No! No! You broke our deal, you like them better. I don't mean anything to you…" His eyes turned glassy as he articulated the words, "You don't love me anymore, like everyone, you chose others over me…"
The vulnerability broke her heart, "Damon, honey, please listen to me…" Kneeling down in front of the jittery boy, she cupped his cheeks, grazing the soft flesh with her thumb, "I'm so sorry, you know I love you so much…" before she could finish he stepped backwards, pushing her with his small palms.
Without another word he turned, attempting to hide his free flowing tears hastily he ran out of the kitchen. His vision was blurred by the continuous stream making him collide with the end table. Unable to withhold the impact he stumbled and fell back, he watched the glass vase totter; rolling over the edge it landed on the floor shattering into tiny pieces. Bewildered by the events he didn't realize the tall figure standing in front of him. He felt hands gripping his shoulder, pulling him up to his feet; they roamed over his small figure.
"Oh honey, are you alright? Thank God you didn't get hurt?" he was pulled into a warm embrace, hands caressing his head in a comforting manner.
"Leave him be, Mama." The husky voice caused Damon to snap out of the trance. He turned towards the source; through his tear filled eyes he could see the evident annoyance in his father's face. He found himself still encaged in his grandma's arms.
"Giuseppe, he is just a boy."
He huffed, "Yes a boy, a careless one indeed." His eyes darted towards the floor as he continued, "Look at the mess he caused, Mama. This is unacceptable."
"I think you're overreacting. Come on now, can't you see, he's practically trembling."
"Oh don't you try to shield him, I heard what he said to you." He raked his fingers through his hair in frustration, "This boy is growing reckless and demanding with each passing day. And mama you're the reason behind this. You've spoiled him to the hilt."
Damon untangled himself from the embrace, finding the courage to speak up he blurted out, "Don't blame Grandma. If only you could find a little time to spend with me instead of…"
"Watch it Damon. Don't you dare talk to me in that tone." He roared with a pointed look.
Not wanting to back off Damon took a step forward, "Or what? What will you do? Abandon me forever, just like mom did?"
Before he could comprehend he felt a gnawing sting on his cheeks, sound of slap reverberated the space. Clutching the tender flesh he stared into his father's red rimmed eyes, "You ungrateful brat, I work day and night to provide the best for you and this is what I get in return. Your arrogance, this attitude will not do in my house."
"Giuseppe, that is enough!" she tried to intervene but Giuseppe motioned her to halt.
"No mama. He needs to understand…" turning his attention to the young boy he grunts, "You are to abide by my rules if you want to stay in this house."
Damon was taken aback by the outburst, as tears started to wail up in his eyes he felt a sudden rush surge through his veins, he couldn't pin point though, all he knew he was enraged, hurt and suffocated and he wanted to abscond from the current situation. He clenched and unclenched his small fists, with quivering lips he muttered, "Fine… I won't… I don't want to be in your house…" as soon as the words left his mouth he bolted from his position, pushing past the living room he fled upstairs. Upon reaching his bedroom he slammed the door shut. He plopped on top of the bed as he launched his fist on the pillow, thrashing it against the mattress before throwing it to the ground. Charged with nervous energy his small legs kicked the corner of the table. As it quaked under the impact the soccer ball involuntarily rolled in front of him. This infuriated him further more. Climbing down the bed he gave it one hard blow, it flew across the room and dashed against his wardrobe. His eyes skimmed through the scattered clothing passing the ragged pillow, his eyes caught hold of a cotton scarf.
It was like a bulb lit up in his head, his mind wondered about the cartoon he saw yesterday evening. Pooh and piglet were set off on an adventure, he distinctively remembered they have gathered the necessities into a similar looking scarf and tied the edges around a stick so it could easily be carried over the shoulder. Bouncing on his feet he reached for the scarf, scrutinizing it inch by inch as to cognize it's strength for the task in mind. Satisfied he placed the cloth on the bed, marching towards the wardrobe he picked up pair of shorts and a tee shirt. He recalled about the half eaten cheetos packet and a granola bar that were tucked in the bed side table. Collecting the said food items he packed all the commodities, with his best efforts he tried to transform the scarf into a sack. He looked around the scattered articles in search for a stick but to his dismay he couldn't find anything remotely resembling the one that Pooh had used.
"This is not my day!" he exclaimed to himself as he dropped to his knees burring his face in his hands. He peeked inside the open cabinet instantly an idea formed in his head. Rushing to the cabinet he grabbed the mini baseball bat, he tried to fasten a knot around the grip but as soon as he'd raise the bat, the sack would end up slipping through the knob. 'Easier said than done…' he mentally scolded himself for not paying attention to the boys scout. Defeated he untied the knot, after pocketing the food he left the room. He hustled down stairs then to the main door. He was about to step outside but was held up by a voice.
"Damon honey, where are you going?"
"I'm leaving this house." He said in a determined tone.
She chuckled at her grandson's theatrics, "Honey, please. You know your father's temper is a bit… Let's just say he needs to work on that, like you need to work on your attitude. Whatever said and done, you shouldn't have brought up your mother. Besides you know he loves you. We all do…"
"No, he doesn't. And neither do you… If you loved me you wouldn't have broken our pact, it was suppose to be between you and me. But you wanted to share with our neighbors; you chose them over me…"
"Damon please, come inside, we'll talk about it…" she motioned to hold him but he stepped back.
"No… I'm not coming; I'm never going to come… Never…" with that he ran as fast as his tiny legs could carry, ignoring his grandma's pleas he kept on moving forward until, the voice became nothing more than a fading echo.
A/N: So... Let me know what did guys think? Review please!
Wish all of you a very happy and prosperous New Year! Stay safe evryone and continue spreading DE love!