August 27, 2007

Summer vacation was over. All students who were enrolled were forced to return to school for the first day. Mystic Fall High School's doors were wide open to welcome their incoming freshmen class and their returning students. Half the freshmen class were looking forward to high school. High school was going to be the turning point in their lives; at least, that was what movies told them. The other half of the freshmen population just saw high school as another four years added to their sentence. A particular group of freshmen students was excited to start the school year; except for prisoner in their group.

Caroline Forbes was beaming with excitement for the first year of high school. Cheer tryouts were here, even though she had already earned the title of junior varsity cheer squad captain during cheer camp. Caroline just couldn't wait. Bonnie Bennett, a fellow cheerleader, was more excited about the classes. She was a proud bookworm and couldn't wait to see the large library. Stefan Salvatore was the same, couldn't wait to start classes and join the school's newspaper. Sarah Salvatore, the cousin to Stefan, was ecstatic to see the art program that the school provided. Both Matt Donovan and Tyler Lockwood were looking forward to football tryouts that happened after school. Then there was Katherine Gilbert; prisoner since '98. Despised the idea of returning to school. She was only excited about the weekend. There was one last person, Elena Gilbert. The girl was quiet with her excitement, nevertheless, she was certainly excited about the start of school. The classes, the library, the cheer practices, and the program that had her beaming with excitement like she was Caroline, was the music program.

They belonged to an even larger friend group than just the eight of them, but they were already a part of the high school or some yet to arrive at the high school. The Gilbert twins had a younger brother named Jeremy; he was stuck in eighth grade with two of their other friends, Liz and Luke Parker. The twins' older brother was Malachai Parker. Malachai much preferred to go by his nickname, Kai. Kai was a sophomore at Mystic Falls High School and the boyfriend of Elena. In high school were the remaining three friends in their friend group; they were all upperclassmen, all in their junior year. Mason Lockwood was Tyler's older brother. Enzo St. John was the oldest friend of the Salvatore family; even older than the Gilbert siblings were. Last but certainly not least was Damon Salvatore. That man was hard to define. Some called him a bad boy or a deviant. Those related to him called annoying or self-centered. There was only one person didn't try to label him, but that was because she knew the real man behind the act he put up.

All the friends that were in high school, were supposed to meet outside the front entrance before class started. Katherine was hanging out with Mason and Enzo. Caroline was talking Bonnie's ears off with all that she wanted to do just on the first day. Tyler and Matt were on the grass tossing a football back and for the between the two of them. There were waiting for five more people to join up with them.

A 2007 black Dodge Charger came darting into a parking space close to the school before a girl in a silver Jeep could pull into it. The girl with the messenger bag that leaped to freedom had an annoyed expression on her face, but it wasn't from his driving. The pair had been arguing since a red light by Elena's house. The argument was over music. Kai was trying to say how rap was better than any rock music. Elena had to disagree with him. 80's rock was her favorite and called it the best type of music even over the pop music she enjoyed. Their argument turned into laughs and smiles as they began to approach their friends. Their friends went back to what they were doing rather than try to figure out how Kai and Elena's relationship worked. Elena started to look around for her closest friend but found him missing.

"Where are the Salvatore's?" Elena asked as she leaned into her boyfriend's embrace.

"Running late as usual," Katherine muttered under her breath. Katherine cared for two of the Salvatore's but despised the oldest since he was immune to her charms and he was also a world-class asshole. At least in his mind, he was. The two had disliked each other since they were kids; probably because they were a lot alike in their own ways. "Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Katherine nodded her head off to the head the entrance to the parking lot.

A 1969 baby blue, powder blue according to the owner, Chevy Camaro Convertible rolled into the lot. The two people in the front seat had smiles, or smirks in the driver's case, while the crammed two in the back had the same scowl alone both of their faces. Once the driver parked the car in a spot, rather than wait for the two in front to the let them out, the crammed prisoners made their escapes by climbing out of the car. The driver yelled something about scuffing up his baby, but both of the freshmen had ignored him. The two reached their group of friends with smiles starting to develop on their lips. Elena's gaze shifted from them to the people still in the classic car. The driver was putting the hood up while the passenger was talking about something with him.

"Damon made us go get her." Stefan's voice brought her attention back to the group "He is lucky we aren't late."

Elena understood where Stefan was coming from. Rose lived completely on the opposite of town from where the Salvatore family's boarding house was. That meant their route took them into town, went past the high school just to get to her house. Then they had to turn back around to get to the high school. Elena had gone on the drive herself, and it was quite annoying. But Elena wasn't about to tell Damon what he should do with his not-so-girlfriend, but not just friends.

Caroline clapped her hands together to gain everybody's attention, but then shot a scowl at the older boys who were completely ignoring her. Enzo and Mason both let out a chuckle before they walked by President Barbie to make their way into the school. Caroline looked peeved, but she shook it off quickly. "Anyways, we have five minutes before the warning bell because some people were late." Caroline glared between Kai and Elena to Sarah and Stefan. "We can meet at lunch to talk to catch about our classes. Whoever is the first person in the lunchroom will grab the table, okay?" We all just nodded our heads to appease Caroline. For such a bubbly person, she sure could put the devil in his place.

The friend group began to break up to make their way to the high school that was waiting for them. Kai began to pull Elena along with him, but she didn't budge. She sent him in without her so she could wait for one more friend. Stayed in her place on the sidewalk with her back to the parking lot. Her eyes watched the English passenger wander into school by herself. Though both girls waved at one another to acknowledge one another. Elena then went back to standing still until she felt an arm slung around her shoulders. Elena knew who it was by the feel of the leather on her nearly bare shoulders.

"Look at this. A lady waiting on her knight in shining armor." Damon's sarcastic voice carried out his lips. When Damon started to pull Elena along with him, her Converse-clad feet followed him.

"Oh really? Where are they?" Elena asked with a teasing tone in her own voice.

Damon's laugh always brought a smile to Elena's face. "You think you are funny?"

"Yep." Elena popped the P. "You are going to apologize to Sarah and Stefan." That wasn't a question, it was demand from the petite brunette on his arm. She was feisty as hell even compared to Damon.

"No. They didn't have to get a ride from me." Damon's excuse that time was not one of his better ones. "I would have done the same for you if you asked me for a ride."

"Yeah, but I didn't and I don't live across town," Elena mentioned while they passed through the threshold; taking them out of the peaceful parking lot and into the chaotic hallway. "Apologize to them. It will save you a fight with Stefan, and an argument with your father."

"I hate when you are right, Gilbert." Damon used his nickname for her when her reasoning got to him. "Where is your first class?" He asked her wanting to change the subject.

"World History with Alaric." Elena held out the sheet of paper that held her class schedule.

"Mr. Saltzman, Gilbert." Damon reminded her while plucking the sheet of paper from her hands. "World History, Algebra II, English I, Biology, Lunch, French III, Study Hall, Choir." Damon read off her classes out loud. "At least we have study hall together. Choir?"

"I quit church choir so this way I have a musical outlet," Elena explained her thinking behind joining the choir. Elena needed some way to let her voice out rather than just singing about church and God.

"You are going to hate it. Trust me. You will sing songs you hate." Damon whipped out a pen from his pocket to write a note in the blank space under her schedule. "Sign up for this class. Your time will be better spent." Damon handed the paper back to Elena.

The warning bell went off when Elena was reading his note. "Creative Writing?" Elena asked. Sure, Elena loved writing, but how would that give her a musical outlet.

"You will like it, it helped me put the music in my head into a fully structured song," Damon explained to Elena as he pulled her to join the mob of students rushing off to their classes. "Go to the office while you are in study hall. They will help you change your classes around. You won't regret it."

Elena nodded her head as she shoved her paper into the pocket of her ripped up jeans. "The Grill, seven, right?" Elena asked him. "I will bring over my journal."

"And I'll bring mine. Get to class before Alaric has to write you your first detention." Damon let the girl go as he started back away to go off to his own class. A wide grin on his lips as he kept his eyes on her.

"Mr. Saltzman." Elena corrected him with a smirk on her pink lips. "At least then you will have a friend with you." Her voice carried through the hallway until they both disappeared into the crowd of students.

Damon hung back for a few moments. Just to try to catch a view of her before he went to go receive his tardy slip. Found her escaping the swarm to enter into a classroom that had their friend waiting at the door. He had wanted to do something that he hadn't done since elementary school, but it would have been weird now. Elena didn't need a protector anymore, and she could carry her own books. Damon had missed his old job, but both of them had agreed on the fact he no longer had to protect her from bullies or lift the books she could barely hold onto. It was a good act that Damon had to admit wasn't an act, he liked carrying her books for her. Meant they could spend more time together. Times have changed since then. They aren't kids anymore, they have grown up, but Damon can't help miss it.

October 2, 2016

Another event. Another stupid black-tie event. Another chance for people to change the young girl for being at of her element. Those events were her type of thing. Nope. She was the type of girl that could wear jeans and a tank top all day. To be comfortable than be forced into a dress that cost more than just a few hundred dollars. To cram her feet into five-inch heels to give her the appearance that she was the same height as her date. Have her hair tangled up with at least twenty hairpins to make her hair look "elegant". That wasn't who she was, but it was who she had to pretend to be. It was all an act for her.

That night's event was boring; yep, absolutely boring. It was to celebrate the family, the family's enterprise that been in business now for thirty-five years. Ever since the man in charged founded it back when he was only twenty. The empire they had built had grown from the start-up company that was started in the basement of their mansion. Hold for the eye roll. If Elena hadn't shown up, there would be questions and hushed whispers filled with lies and rumors. To save the family from being interrogated by their guests, Elena became the woman people expected from her. Got into a stunning black gown with cutout details and plunging neckline; Elena had to tape down her neckline to stop the dress from showing off her breasts. She slid on a pair of black sling-back heels that were hidden by the length of the dress. That only took about ten minutes; the hair and makeup were going to take the longest. Just to get her hair up in a bun without any stray hairs; that was going to take a while to get it perfect. Had to be held together with one band, twenty hairpins, and a mixture of hair clay and hairspray. The end results may have been worth it, but still was a hassle. The makeup was even worse. For something that is called "No Makeup Look", it took a lot of makeup. Took a lot of time as well. Finished the look in an hour and a half; had to redo some of it a couple of times. She looked gorgeous but felt uncomfortable in her own skin.

The uncomfortable woman just felt even worse during the event. Forced to meet people she never would see again. Had to pretend to remember people that she completely forgot all about. Kept a plastered smile all through the event; stopped herself from several eye rolls during the evening. That was how she spent most of the event. During the few minutes of downtime, Elena spent it with her producer. The two were talking about making another album. When they were about to set up a time to meet, they were interrupted by her boyfriend. The woman had to go back to just being an object on his arm for the rest of the night. It was demeaning, but she was still willing to do it for the man.

The event wasn't even the worst part of the night. The limo ride back to their shared loft was without a doubt, the worst part. Each sat at separate windows, leaving a space between them for the ice-cold tension. Their relationship was not how it used to be; it used to be filled with love and happiness. They used to spend long limo rides discussing how much they equally hated those events. The quite limo would be filled with their laughter. Their conversations would carry them from the limo to their loft where they would continue to talk through the night. His laughter always brought a bright happy smile to Elena's lips. Even when she was sad, he could make that girl happy. At least, that was how it used to be, but their relationship had changed drastically over the last year. Every time, Elena tried to bring it up with the man she fell in love with, but that man wasn't there. The man that had taken his place would shut down. Would refuse to even admit there was ever a problem between them. But there was a large problem. A problem that Elena had said she was willing to get over, but she needed him to be with her through it. She was alone even when she wasn't. They hadn't even slept in the same room for months; he had been sleeping in the guest room. Only used their shared bedroom as a closet or an office when Elena was in the living room. There was only one reason she had yet to break it off. Her career.

Back at their loft, they both went toward their once shared bedroom. While he went right to their large bathroom to take a shower, Elena went over to the vanity in the bedroom. Had to play Jenga with the hairpins in her hair; she had to slowly pull out each hairpin to stop her hair from turning into a large knot. Each pin had been carefully extracted from her hair. By the time she began to pull the tie out of her hair, her table was covered with stretched out pins. Would have to shower later to get out the clay and spray that covered her hair. A heavy sigh escaped her lips when she looked at herself in the mirror. Why was she still doing that crap? Why did she continue to become a new person? Her parents had raised her to just be herself and she would be happy, but she had let herself become someone new to make another person happy. Her mother would be so disappointed on the woman she became. There was a lot about Elena to be proud about, but her relationship certainly was not one of them.

Another heavy sigh slipped past her pink lips but tried her best to shake the feeling off. To add some noise to the quiet apartment she was stuck in, she reached for her phone in her sparkly silver handbag. A handbag Elena had taken to the event to hold her wallet, phone, extra lipstick, and compact while she was at the event. Had to turn her silver iPhone back on, as she had it turned off when she was out. That way her phone wouldn't go off at all during the night to save her from embarrassment. The phone's settings began to reset slowly, but at least the music app was ready to go. Clicked on play all music on shuffle to just give her something to listen to besides the shower. Her phone began to chime several times indicating mixed calls, text messages, emails and lastly a voicemail, as Elena was removing the plaster of foundation that covered her face. She planned on looking at them once her makeup was off.

Once the makeup was taken off her face, Elena threw out the three makeup wipes out in the small waste bucket under the vanity. Her right hand picked up her cell phone to start getting back to her missed items. Had emails to reply to, texts to send back, and calls to return. Messaged back her band who had asked her about meeting up soon. Sent an email to the interviewer who was trying to interview Elena on her second album. Not having anything to talk about, Elena canceled the interview. It was finally time to start getting back to the several missed calls and the one voicemail she had gotten when out.

"Odd." Elena thought out loud when she noticed nine miscalls from her twin sister. Katherine never called. Emailed, sure, but Katherine usually stuck with just texting people. For her sister to call her only could mean something bad had happened. What had Elena worrying was the voicemail her sister left. The same one Elena had yet to listen to out of fear of what Katherine had to say that Katherine was willing to blow up her sister's phone even though Katherine hated when people did that to her.

Elena's thumb hovered over the play button, but she was nervous. With her eyes closed, Elena's thumb pressed down on the play button. "Hey Elena," Katherine started out. "I hate to do this over voice message, but you should know right away." Another pause came from Katherine; like she was trying to think of what to say next, but words were lost on her. Elena was shocked to hear Katherine choke on a sob. Katherine only cried when it involved the family; she didn't even cry when she broke up with her boyfriend of five years. "Mom…" Katherine stuttered out trying told hold back her crying it sounded like. "Mom has cancer." Those words brought on a wave shock on to Elena. Just those words had the brunette singer frozen in her seat at the vanity.

The first chapter of the brand new Coming Home. I decided to keep certain elements from the original, but I am going to do it in a new way. For a while, the chapters will start with the past then move into the future in the other half of the chapter. I wanted to do this so you can see the past between Elena and Damon, but also to show you what lead them to where they are now. I would love to get some feedback and hear how you like this version. I always enjoy reading the comments.