I absolutely loved the ideas I had for this story, and I can see the its future already. Basically, set in 1864, only Elena is staying with the Salvatore's not Katherine, and she has been doing so for 3 years now. I know the story goes straight into it, but there will be flashbacks in later chapters.

Anyway, enough of my rambling, ENJOY!


It was finally the day Miss Elena Gilbert had been waiting for. Today she would finally meet the man who would soon be courting her. She had no immediate interest in Edward Stock but she hoped to develop one in the future and not just be one of those women who was forced to marry into a nonexistent love. She had only been told of her evening with Edward two weeks prior by Elizabeth Salvatore, the lady of the house.

Living in the Salvatore Estate was like a dream for Elena after her parents died in a fire only 3 years ago. Living with the Salvatore's had proven to be quite a treat for Elena, and they had certainly helped her develop as a person and begin to accept her parents death as nothing more than coincidence and not her fault.

The day her parents died, Elena had been out with her horse in the fields outside of her families estate. Her and Mary, her horse, had left to ride around the fields when she heard screams and panics. The area around her filled with smoke, as she coughed and choked. She had ran all the way back to her estate, leaving her horse in the fields, tied to a wooden fence. When she had returned back to the estate it was in flames, higher than she believed was possible. She had screamed for her parents and younger brother, Joel, whilst the rest of her small town ran around calling to each other.

She remembered it just like it was yesterday, only it wasn't, and being with Damon and his brother Stefan was finally making her see that.

XXX

Elena had spent most of her day walking the grounds with Elizabeth. Elizabeth was a wonderful, kind women, yet Elena always feared she was weakened by her abusive husband, Giuseppe. Elena had tried repeatedly to hint to Elizabeth that she should tell of her beatings, but she could not offer too much direct advice- it was rude to interfere in the affairs of others.

When Elizabeth was called by Ida, a young work girl in the estate, she left to attend to family business, leaving Elena with her thoughts.

As she sat alone under a large oak tree, she gazed into the depths of the forest as she opened the first page of her old leather journal.

The small journal Elena held in her hands, may have seemed like a worthless book to an outsider, but to Elena, it was everything. When she was younger, she was given the journal by her parents for her 15 birthday, and she had carried it around with her everywhere she went since that day. She had always enjoyed writing, and by pouring her heart and soul into the book, she began to feel better. After the fire, Elena failed to write in the journal, as it held to many strong memories. Tucked away at the back of the book, was an old tattered paper. A small drawing that she remembered so clearly. Her brother, Joel, had drawn it for her for her birthday, and she adored him for it. Unlike many others in her town, who focused on work and money, Joel focused on himself, and art. He seemed to have a talent for it, and when her parents began looking at his work, they had began showing off his talent to the world. Displaying picture all around the estate, some even in the servants quarters.

Elena held the almost destroyed work in her hands, delicately turning it over to gaze upon a small note on the back. She would always look back at the short, simple message in her hours of need, which tended to come frequently.

I love you, dearest sister, and wish you nothing but happiness on your birthday,

Always and Forever,

Your brother,

Joel.

She stared down at the last piece she had of her family before tucking it away back inside the book, as she let the tears run freely down her face.

"Miss Elena?" a calm and gentle voice asked, pulling her from her thoughts of despair. She looked up sheepishly, to gaze upon Damon.

Damon Salvatore, like a brother to her, but so much more. He was always so loving and affectionate with her and she adored his kindness. She felt that the blue-eyed, dark-haired stranger was utterly perfect, although would never admit it aloud. She knew that his feelings were anything but friend based, but she could never see or experience the love he held for her deep in his heart. Her future was set in front of her in a long straight line. She was to court Edward Stock and marry him, later bare his children and live a full, acceptable life beside him, as his companion. Only she knew that she had no feelings towards Edward, although he was caring and sweet, she knew her heart belonged to another, and always would.

And that was her biggest fear. Losing him. That was why her evening with Edward was such a big deal for her. She hoped she would fall in lone with Edward and never love another. She wanted to move on. If she ever let her feeling for Damon spiral out of control, than she would have to be the one to pick up the pieces of her broken heart when he was told to court another.

A huge lump formed in her throat as she looked up at the man she had such strong feelings for.

"Yes, Mister Salvatore", she replied in a simple, calm tone.

Damon seemed to frown at her reply, before smiling at her.

"Please, Miss Gilbert, I only ask for you to call me Damon. Three years, and I don't think you have yet to call me that" he laughed.

The sound was like a lullaby to Elena. She had dreams of him at night, smiling and laughing, and hearing his laugh, like a sweet melody to her ear, filled her heart with joy.

She composed herself as she replied. "Yes, and you have yet to call me Elena. Please, Damon, I ask you to call me Elena. I will not be offended I assure you."

"Of course Miss- Elena. May I sit?" He asked politely.

Elena's heart raced and her breath hitched in her throat, so she simply nodded. What was this man doing to her! She was supposed to be courting another in less than a few hours and was falling head over heels for Damon Salvatore yet again. Every time she saw him, he would ignite a love deep in her that she could never let another have. She knew her infatuation with Damon was only a phase, or so she hoped.

"Might I ask what you are doing, sitting all alone, you will ruin that beautiful dress of yours", he whispered, looking her over.

And it was true, she loved beautiful, like nothing he had ever seen. She wore a deep green dress with a rather floral neckline and hem- he truly hated the dress when he first saw it in the shop. Too over the top. Only she made it look as though the dress was made just for her. It looked like a masterpiece around her petite frame.

Elena simply shrugged. "Is a lady not aloud time alone with her thoughts?" she teased.

It pleased her to see that Damon was not at all offended, and knew full well that she was joking. One of the many things he could do, was read her like a book.

"Yes, indeed", he chuckled, "only I fear something may happen to such a beauty. Alone out here is not always safe Elena. I care for you greatly, as you know. I do not want to see you hurt" he said, all joking aside. The words flew from his mouth before he could stop them, and he instantly regretted them. He did not want to treat her like she was made of glass, but he could not help but worry.

Elena looked at him, confusion but love in her eyes. She simply grinned, turning back to look at the forest. "I am aware of your care, Damon. And I truly appreciate it, more than you know. I would hate for anything to happen you."

Damon sent a small smile her way, but on the inside he was jumping for joy. Those simple words made his heart stop. He loved her so much, yet couldn't have her, and he was so heartbroken. That was why he lived for the moments when they would get time alone, to be there for each other, and love each other secretly, in their own way.

XXX

Elena sat at her vanity whilst Marian, her personal assistant (Elena hated thinking of them as lower than her, so did not dare use the word 'slave' or 'servant'), tied her hair in an extravagant style on the top of her head; her hair curled and tied back into a large bun, loose strands framing her face. She smiled at her beauty and for some reason, longed for Damon to see her. She wanted to see the expression on his face when he saw her, only this was not for him, she was being pampered and prepared for another, Edward, to be exact.

She was torn from her former thoughts as she heard Marian speak. "Of course the light pink would go perfectly with your hair and shoes, although it is your decision Miss Elena."

Elena shrugged and turned to Marian, a smile on her face. "Choose for me, if you will Marian. I believe you will make me look divine."

Damon waited impatiently at the bottom of the grand staircase. He wished to see Elena before she left, he wanted to see how beautiful she looked. It was silly really, because she was not his to think of as beautiful. Now she was Edwards.

He inwardly growled before he heard footsteps on the staircase. He looked up and gasped. Elena looked so beautiful. Her hair framing her face. He eyes shining with happiness and admiration. Her cheeks red and rosy. He dress was so gorgeous. The pink dress hung on her frame perfectly. The pink silk flowing over her ever curve. The pink material shone in the light. The, once again, floral hem, embroided with very few small gems stood out to him. She looked beautiful, indescribable.

Elena giggled as she descended the stairs, watching his face as he noticed her arrival. His eyes gleamed and his mouth hung open. Was that drool she saw?

XXX

Elena slowly opened the door to the estate and was greeted by a group of servants. One held the door open, one took her scarf to hang up, one lead her to the sitting room and the other welcomed her home with a smile. She dismissed them immediately, hating the attention and lack of personal space.

"Miss Elena? Might I ask how your evening went?" Stefan, Damon's younger brother, asked arriving in the sitting room.

Elena sighed. "I felt nothing, Mister Salvatore. Only I fear I will have to see him again. He was so rude, not a gentlemen at all. Stared at other women for most of the evening. I feel rather used", she said looking up at his green eyes.

Stefan stood shocked. He didn't expect that answer. Most women would give a simple 'yes Mister Salvatore' or an 'Indeed' but she seemed to pour her heart and soul into that answer.

Stefan stood next to her and gently laid a hand on her shoulder. "I know of your affections with my brother", he said, glancing around, "and I cannot begin to understand what it must be like to truly love someone but be stuck with another for all eternity... Oh, my! I apologize Miss Gilbert, I am not sure what came over me", he declared, ripping his hand from her shoulder.

"It's okay Stefan. It's all true. I appreciate your honestly", she said before leaving to her quarters. She desperately didn't want to be alone tonight, but the peace, she knew, would help her sort out her problems.

Stefan sighed and left as well, leaving a dumb-struck Damon, standing in the shadows, having heard the whole thing.


Wow! Huh? I loved writing this chapter. I know the story rushes straight into it, but I just cannot keep this couple apart for too long. They belong together. I did write another version but failed to post it. I just love this chapter. Tell me, did you too?

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