Elena woke up to the sounds of light rain falling on the roof, she rolled over & glanced at her alarm clock sitting on the bedside table.
The red glaring numbers flashed back at her telling her it was 5am. Elena sighed, she had such an awful night's sleep tossing and turning. How was she ever going to get through today when she felt like this? She tossed the bed covers off and padded quietly over to the window to draw the curtains open.
She looked out at the dark gloomy clouds overhead, with her head resting on the glass pane, her eyes welling up she felt the tears drop down her cheeks.
Elena quickly glanced over her appearance in the mirror, the dark shadows under her eyes were concealed, a dash of pink lip gloss on her lips and her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She saw no visible signs anything was amiss and closed the door silently behind her.
She was due to meet Bonnie her short dark haired friend, who also happened to be a witch and Caroline, a blond vampire. They are her two best friends, since forever it felt like. They had known each other since they were five, with their friendships remaining as strong as ever, Elena was lucky to have them in her life.
She was on her way to the Grill to catch up with them for lunch. As she walked down one of the tree lined streets she knew so well, her mind drifted to the events that led her to her current predicament.
Just a few months ago, life was as good as she had felt in a long time. She had a boyfriend she was crazy over, great friends and her brother was on the straight and narrow.
Then things took a turn for the worst, Damon was bitten by a werewolf and death was knocking on his door. Stefan being the brother he is put his life on the line to save him. That meant pretty much selling his soul to the devil, Klaus.
Stefan left Mystic Falls with Klaus, and hasn't been seen since. She had tried to get on with her life, but the darkness was sometimes overwhelming.
She broke out of her reverie, noting she was standing out the front of the familiar building. Walking through the doors she could smell the freshly brewed coffee, and baking bread. The Grill was busy at this time of day, she looked around seeing they were already seated in a booth near the window. She gave them a wave and approached the table.
Bonnie raced up giving Elena a huge hug, "Happy 18th Birthday." Elena smiled as she sat down.
Caroline reached over the table and squeezed her hand, "So birthday girl, what have you been up to?".
"Hey guys, thanks. I woke up early today, you know went for a run, then showered and here I am. I'm happy to be spending time with my two bestest friends."
Caroline's penetrating eyes narrowed and said "We will always be here for you Elena, how are you really?".
Elena looked out the clear glass window, her mind drifting off to that dark place. It was interrupted by Caroline's chatter. She glanced back at the blonde who was seated across from her, she and Bonnie were exchanging looks. Bonnie said "We know it's been a rough time for you. This summer, with Stefan being gone. We want you to have a good time today that's all."
Caroline excitedly said "Exactly and that is why I have arranged for the biggest and best party to be held at the Salvatore Mansion tonight. You only turn 18 once, let's do it in style."
Elena groaned, "A party, seriously Caroline? I'm not in the mood, can't you just cancel the whole thing?".
"What? No way. It's planned and ready to go. You will be there Elena. I even got permission from Damon to have it at his place. He is never one to turn down a party."
Elena's hairs on her neck prickled when she heard the mention of Damon's name. Oh he had been her rock ever since Stefan left. If it wasn't for his support she doubted she could have made it through. He was always so positive and looking for ways to bring Stefan home. She knew he missed his brother just as she did.
She smiled, "Damon likes to party anyway, now he can drink even more bourbon and have a room full of woman willing to donate their blood to him." She didn't know why that last part bothered her so much, the thought of all those woman who would find him so appealing she grimaced.
Carolines face frowned, "Damon can do what he wants, as long as he doesn't kill anyone. I plan on getting very drunk tonight. Let's make a pact, the three of us stick together."
Bonnie lifted her water glass saluting the air saying, "Count me in."
They both looked at Elena, she rolled her eyes, "Do I have a choice?".
Elena stood in Stefan's room, the light reflecting back on her appearance in the mirror. The short blue dress was perfect for a summer's night, the colour suited her skin tone and dark hair which she had curled hanging just below her waist.
Placing an earring in she suddenly smiled, there stood Damon lounging in the doorway. He was wearing his trademark black shirt and dark tight fitting pants. Did he always have to look so impeccably dressed, and so darn handsome? She gulped feeling her pulse begin to quicken.
Those blue eyes were staring back at her, he looked her over lingering on her long bare legs, travelling up slowly over her waist and chest. She felt exposed becoming light headed. Finally his eyes met hers again, there was something in that look, that made her feel alive.
He gave her a lazy smile and drawled, "Hello Elena."
She spun around so she were facing him, "Damon hey, thanks for letting Caroline arrange the party." She glanced over him, "You managed to scrub up alright."
He patted himself down, "Who me? In these old rags?."
Elena laughed, "Ok you look terrible then."
"You on the other hand look absolutely beautiful Elena." As he strode over to her closing the distance between them, her heart racing at his closeness. He leant forward his eyes never leaving hers, she stood hypnotized as he slowly reached down and took her hand. She felt that spark which always seemed to ignite whenever they were around each other. Damon leant closer and placed a soft kiss on her hand, "Happy Birthday princess." Elena gulped, her heart beating out of control.
"Damon." she said, he placed a finger to her lips.
"Shush Elena. Let me speak." His eyes still locked with hers, "I know these past weeks have been hard on you, it's taken a toll. I know how much you wanted Stefan to be here with you at an important time in your life. I'm sorry that he isn't. But above anything I want this day to be about you. I got you a present."
She finally found her voice, "I told you I didn't want anything."
"Oh I think you would want this", as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out a silver jewellery box.
"Damon" she gasped, as her mind raced with the possibilities of what lay within.
"Don't worry it's not what you are thinking", he said seeing her surprise. "Open it."
Her fingers trembling she opened the box, there lay her vervain necklace she thought she would never see again. The one thing that gave her hope for Stefan and herself, her eyes started to tear up she was overcome with emotion. "How, Damon? I thought this was gone forever."
He grinned, "You know me, Mr Dependable."
Elena looked at him in wonder, "Thank you, I mean it for everything." She turned slightly gesturing, "Do you mind?" He took the necklace from the box, gently placing it over her neck his fingers tingling her skin as he clasped it shut. Her eyes clouded over, confusion swept over her as she quickly looked at the floor hoping he wouldn't notice.
He could tell something was wrong, humouring her he said, "What it doesn't match your outfit?".
She gave him a faint smile, moving towards him "Damon, I..." but couldn't find the words she wanted to say.
He looked away, "Elena, I understand. It's always going to be Stefan."
"No, it's time you listened", his eyes met hers again. "You know this means a lot to me, what it represents. You are so selfless, knowing it may hurt you but you do it anyway. I don't know what I would have done if weren't for you." She croaked up, why was she being so emotional?
Damon gently placed his hand under her chin tilting her head up, "I would do anything for you, and I mean anything." His lips were mere inches from hers. Elena stood there mesmerized, as though time was still, her heart ticking away. She could smell bourbon on his breath, the cologne he was wearing. Elena licked her dry lips, she knew she wanted him to kiss her.
Breathing heavily he sighed, dropping his hand saying, "Now is not the right time. Your friend's are waiting, common we have a party to go to."
Elena snapped back to reality, she nodded her head. "Damon, we need to talk about this sooner or later,"glancing at him to see his reaction.
His face was devoid of any emotion. "We will, but for now let's go and have some fun," whilst escorting her from the room.