Several weeks later:
"Elena," I hear Caroline's voice yell aloud. Looking around the crowded bar, I finally see a hand waving. Hoping that it's her, I walk in that direction. I promised her and Tyler that I'd join them for a drink when I got off work this evening. The hospital has been so busy with tourist season. I took care of everything from jellyfish stings to stepping in glass in the ocean to car accidents and gastroenteritis and lions and tigers and bears oh my. I even had to sew up a kid that got bitten by a barracuda. That was a nasty wound.
"Elena, hey. I'm so glad you made it."
"Hi Caroline, Tyler." Stooping over, I give Caroline a hug before sliding in next to her in the booth.
"How was work?"
"I don't even want to talk about it. It's tourist season, need I say more?"
"Not really. Where's Tag tonight?"
"He's putting in some job applications. He really wants to get a construction job."
"Really?"
"Yes, Tyler he does. His dream is to be an architect. He told me he wants to learn the hands on part of putting structures together too."
"That's admirable," Tyler mentions, taking a drink from his pilsner glass.
"It is. I'm very proud of him but I hate that he's going to be a senior next school year."
"It doesn't seem possible, Elena."
"I know and it makes me feel old," I add, pouting.
"I'm your age, Elena and I don't feel old so stop acting like you're one hundred and ten."
Shaking my head, I can't help but laugh at my best friend. She always knows how to cheer me up.
"Tell Tag that he can use me for a reference if he needs one on his applications."
"Thanks, Tyler. I will."
"I'm going to get something to drink. Do either of you need a refill?" I ask, standing up.
"I'll have another beer."
"Caroline?"
"Sure, I'll have another Mango Margarita."
"Okay then."
After ordering our drinks, I go back to take a seat at our booth, looking around when I see that Tyler is gone.
"Where's Tyler?" I ask, looking around.
"He saw somebody that he knows. He'll be back in a little while."
"So, Elena... we need to find you a man."
"Caroline, not this again. I'm happy the way I am."
"I know that but you could be so much happier if you got some once in awhile."
"Don't go there. Besides, almost every guy I've gone out with runs off like a bat out of hell when they find out that I have a son."
"He's older now. They won't run off."
"They will when they find out that I was seventeen when he was born."
"Elena, I hate it when you put yourself down. You're a wonderful mother. Tag loves you very much."
"He asked me about Kol a few weeks ago."
"Really? Do tell."
"He wanted to know if I knew anything about his father. I told him that I only knew his first name. I also told him that although I regret giving Kol that part of myself, I have never regretted having him."
"Of course not. Tag is really a great kid. You're so lucky."
"If not for you and my parents, I might not be so lucky. Thanks, Care."
"Elena," she says softly, wrapping an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close for a few moments.
"I love you too, Care."
After giving her a smile, I raise my glass, clinking it with hers before taking a swallow. Deciding not to talk about the heavy stuff anymore, we're giggling incessantly by the time Tyler sits back down.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing. We were just talking about hot guys," Caroline says, teasingly raising an eyebrow at him.
"I think I'll go back to talk to Mitch for awhile. I'll be at the pool table."
"Okay, babe. Have fun."
"We will when I get you home," he says to Caroline, his voice husky sounding.
"Tyler!"
Laughing, he shakes his head and walks away again.
"Your husband is a keeper."
"He is indeed," she agrees, feigning a swoon.
"I'll be right back. I really need to pee," I whisper, sliding out of the booth. Turning away from her, I make my way to the bathroom, dropping my chin to my chest when I see the line waiting to go into the bathroom. Squeezing my legs together, I get in line, hoping it'll move fast since I really have to go. When it's finally my turn, I breathe a sigh of relief, hurrying into the stall.
Once I finish, I wash my hands then go out to rejoin Caroline. Wanting another drink, I stop at the booth to see if Caroline wants another one before I walk over to the bar to order another round. Deciding it's just as easy to text her, I do. With my eyes staring down at my phone, I startle when the next thing I'm aware of is landing on a heap on the floor, having walked right into someone. Without looking up, I take the hand he offers, stunned when I feel tingles racing through my body from where our hands are joined. Looking up, I gasp when I see who it is. Immediately goosebumps erupt on my skin.
"I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going. Please forgive me," I utter, babbling.
"No worries, Dr. Gilbert."
"You know me?"
"You sutured me up about six weeks ago. Bike wreck, remember?"
"Oh yes, Mr. Sal...?"
"Damon Salvatore. It's nice to meet you," he says, still holding onto my hand. My eyes drift down to our enjoined hands, the feeling is almost taking my breath away.
"I'm Elena. It's nice to meet you outside of the hospital too. Can I see?"
Nodding, he pushes his sleeve up to show me my handiwork.
"It looks like it healed nicely."
"It did. Thank you for taking care of me."
"You're welcome. You obviously survived your father. I remember you were afraid to be off of work."
"I didn't mean to imply that my dad is a bad guy. He just runs his business like a tight ship."
When we hear someone yell for a Damon, he turns around, looking at another long haired brunette who's motioning for him to join her at the bar. It looks like the same girl that picked him up from the ED that day.
"I suppose I should get back to my friends," I tell him, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear."
"Me too. Listen, it was really nice to see you again. Um.. any chance I could have your number?"
"I don't know if that's such a good idea," I whisper, my eyes drifting from him to the girl at the bar and then back to him.
"I was hoping maybe I could ask you out sometime?"
"Damon.. I.. I..?"
"Please?"
Nodding, I ask for his cellphone and punch my number in. He does the same with mine. When we part, I watch his fine backside disappear in the crowd for a moment before seeing him again when he takes a seat beside the brunette. Sighing heavily, I stick my phone back into my pocket and walk back over to join Caroline and Tyler. Suddenly feeling tired, I tell them goodnight, grab my purse and walk outside, hoping the fresh air will sober me up a little bit. My home isn't very far from here so I decide to walk. It's not that late yet and it's a balmy night. When I look up at the sky, I smile when I see a star shooting across the horizon. Closing my eyes, I make a wish. With thoughts of Damon in my mind, I can only hope that my wish will come true.
"Why are you up so early?" I ask, stepping into the kitchen to make myself some coffee. Grasping onto his shoulders, I stoop over to press a kiss to his cheek.
"Thanks for making my coffee."
"You're welcome, mom," he says, wiping his cheek off where I kissed him.
Shaking my head, I pour myself a cup and then take a seat across from him at the table.
"Do you have any plans for today, Tag?"
"I do mom. I have a job interview with GSS Construction. Why else would I be up this early?" he laughs, picking up his milk glass and taking a big swallow. Once he finishes, he gets up and puts his dishes in the sink.
"Do you want to do something after your interview?"
"Sure mom, unless they hire me and put me to work right away. I'll text you either way, okay?"
"I just thought we could do something together. I miss hanging out with you. Now that's school's out, maybe we can do a few things together?"
"I'd like that, mom but it depends on my work schedule, that is if I get the job."
"You'll get it. I have faith in you."
"Thanks mom. Keep your finger's crossed."
"I will. Don't forget to text me," I remind him.
Turning around at the kitchen door, he gives me a nod, then takes off. I hear his footsteps as he hurries toward his room. Once I finish my coffee and cereal, I get up and put my own dishes in the sink. Running some water, I start to wash them and put them in the drying rack. It's just the two of us so although the house has a dishwasher, I rarely use it.
"Bye mom," he yells just before I hear the front door slam closed. Looking out of the window, I watch as he jumps into his car and takes off down the road. I am truly blessed that he's grown up to be such a responsible and kind young man. He did spend a lot of time with my dad growing up so he knows to respect people and treat them with kindness. Both of our lives could've been a lot different had my parents not helped us out. Sure they were beyond disappointed when I turned up pregnant after my first sexual experience but once they got over the shock, they really went above and beyond to make things easier for me and then us after he was born. I'll never be able to thank them enough. With my mind elsewhere, I don't even notice that Caroline has walked in until I hear her voice.
"Where were you?"
"I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have Tag for a son. Things could've been so much different for us were it not for my family and you, of course."
"He's my nephew. What else would you have me do, Elena?" she asks, feigning shock.
"Is he still looking for work?"
"Actually, Caroline, you just missed him. He left to go to an interview at GSS."
"Really?"
"Yep. He and I are going to do something later today unless they hire him."
"So.., Elena, there's a reason I stopped by this morning."
Suspicious, I cross my arms over my chest and tell her to spill.
"Tyler has a friend and I thought the two of you might hit it off."
"Caroline, no. I'm not going on anymore blind dates. Nearly every one of them has been an absolute disaster," I snap, shaking my head back and forth.
"Please, Elena. He seems like a good guy."
"How many ways are there to spell N-O!?"
"Elena?"
"Need I remind you about Mason whatever his last name was? And then there was Sam who practically tried to rape me. And let's not forget Jensen, shivers."
"So my track record is a little spotty but come on, Elena, please?"
"I love you dearly Caroline but the answer is still no. Besides, I gave my phone number to a guy I saw at the bar when we were there last week."
"Do tell?"
"He's a hottie, Caroline, but I did see him with another girl which may explain why he hasn't called yet."
"Elena, I won't let you be the proverbial other woman."
"Don't worry. I won't either. The only way I'd go out with him is if he isn't in a relationship."
"Good, now tell me all about him," she says, giving me a wink before taking my arm and leading me into the living room.
Damon:
"Katherine, do you think you could pick me up for work today? I had to take the Camaro into Finn's shop to get a new set of tires."
"Sure, I'm just about to step outside," she starts to say when I hear smooching in the background.
Rolling my eyes, I wait rather impatiently for her to pick up the phone again.
"You still there?"
"Yes, Katherine, I am."
"Sorry. I'll be there shortly."
"Okay, I'll watch for you to drive up. See you in a few."
As soon as I hear the dial tone, I click off my phone. Walking into the kitchen, I quickly finish my cup of coffee before I fill a travel mug with some more. My sister is thirty and happily married to the so-called love of her life. She and Nik have been together for nearly ten years but they just made it official two years ago. He's ten years older but he quite simply adores my sister. Since I was only fifteen when they got together, I didn't think much of the age difference. Our parents raised an eyebrow but after they really got to know him, they grew to love him too.
I'm just glad that she's so happy. Our oldest brother, Stefan, is an aeronautical engineer working for the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. He married Rebekah a dozen years ago. For years they didn't want to have any children but I've seen not only Rebekah but Stefan too staring at pregnant women recently so maybe I'll be an uncle someday? I do know that Nik and Katherine want kids but they're in no hurry. Since Nik is forty, I think they'll decide sooner rather than later to start to try.
With my mind elsewhere, I don't notice Katherine pull into my driveway till I hear her honk the horn. Grabbing my travel mug, I lock, close my door before jumping into her car. Nik is quite wealthy so she drives a Mercedes. It's a fine, fine ride.
"Hey," I greet her while buckling my seat belt.
"Good morning. So, Damon, do you have any plans for next week Saturday night?"
"Why?"
"Well, there's this friend of mine who thinks you're pretty cute. So I was thinking maybe the four of us could go out?"
"No way, Katherine. I'm not going to go on anymore of your blind dates. Every one of them has been a disaster. I can't believe that you're even suggesting it again!?"
"Damon, come on?"
"Absolutely, positively not. I won't do it. And besides, I'm going to call a girl I met to ask her for a date this weekend."
"Really?"
"Yes, really."
"Damon Joseph Salvatore, you can't just leave me hanging like this, spill."
"She a doctor and she's beautiful. That's all I know right now," I tell her, staring out the side window as we continue to drive to work.
"That's great, Damon. I'll have to tell Taffy that you already have plans."
"You already set it up didn't you?" I ask incredulously, turning to face her.
"Sort of..."
"Katherine, why do you do this shit?"
"Because you're my little brother and I love you and you need a woman. You're going to be twenty five soon and it's time you found someone."
"You didn't get married till you were twenty eight. Why the rush for me?"
"Because, I kind of like playing matchmaker..."
"Can we just drop it now?" I ask when she makes the turn into dad's company.
"Yes, we can drop it."
Once she pulls into her assigned parking space, she stops the car and jumps out. Katherine is the business manager in charge of bookkeeping at the business. That's what her college degree is in. Dad hired her at a good salary as soon as she graduated. Had it not been for her relationship with Nik, I have no doubt that she would've moved out of St. Augustine to Miami or some other big city. Nik's business is booming. He owns a series of restaurants both here in St. Augustine, Gainesville and Daytona Beach. He keeps his headquarters here because he likes the small town atmosphere. And if truth be told, I love it here too otherwise I would've packed up when I got out of high school too.
Stepping out of the car, I walk into office to check in. After saying goodbye to Katherine, I jump on one of the trucks and head to the construction site.
Tag:
"Tagen Gilbert?"
"Yes, mam. I'm here for a job interview."
"Have a seat Mr. Gilbert."
Nodding, I turn around and take a seat again, this time picking up a magazine. Although I thumb through it, I'm nervous so I'm not really paying any attention to what's on the pages.
"Mr. Gilbert, Mr. Salvatore will see you now."
"Thank you, mam," I tell her kindly then stand up and follow her into his office. After introducing us, she leaves the room, pulling his office door closed behind her.
"Can I call you Tagen?"
"Please call me Tag. Tagen is on my birth certificate but I've been Tag for as long as I can remember."
"Alright, Tag. What is it that you hope to gain by working for my company?"
"My dream is to be an architect. I want to learn all about the construction industry. Yes, I want to draw the plans but I also want to know the materials, the labor involved and everything that goes with building a structure."
"That is very commendable, Tag. Tell me a little about yourself. What are your interests other than buildings and architecture?"
"My mom is a doctor. She works in the emergency room at the hospital. We moved here when I was eight. Both mom and me are very happy here. I like hanging around with my friends, baseball, football. I like to go swimming and I like to run. Oh and Mr. Salvatore, I know this is wrong to ask right now but my mom and I have plans to go out of town next month. My grandparents have been out of the country and we have it planned to go to their place after they get home. Is that okay if I have that time off? I'll let you know when as soon as I do."
"Well, Tag, you're a very impressive young man. Family is very important to me so yes, as long as you give me advance notice and we're not running behind, you can go to visit your grandparents. Is that agreeable to you?
"Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Salvatore."
"Construction is hard work though. Are you up for it, Tag?"
"Yes, sir. I'm more than up for it."
"We have long hours and sometimes there's overtime if we need to get a job done."
'I understand, sir. I'd be honored to work here."
"Stay seated. I'll be right back," he says, standing up to walk out of his office.
Breathing a sigh of relief, I take a few deep breaths because although I think it's going well, I still feel incredibly nervous.
When I hear the door open again, I turn around. A younger man follows Mr. Salvatore into the room.
"Tag, this is my son, Damon. Fortunately he was't too far away when I called him to come back.
"Damon, this is Tag Gilbert."
"It's great to meet you, Tag. Do you have an older sister?" he asks while offering his hand for me to shake. Grabbing on, I shake excitedly, an ear to ear smile on my face.
"It's really good to meet you too, Damon and no, I'm an only child."
He gives me a nod and lets go of my hand, after which, I turn my attention back to the older Mr. Salvatore.
"Damon will be your mentor and your teacher this summer. You'll work the same hours that he does and you'll report to him if you have any problems or concerns. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Mr. Salvatore."
"Welcome to the GSS Construction family."
I grab on tightly when he extends his hand for me to shake too. I'm so excited that I can't hold still.
"Thank you, Mr. Salvatore, so much. You won't regret this, I promise."
"Why don't you go with Damon now so he can show you around. After you finish with him, stop back in the office because you'll need to fill out some paperwork."
"I will, sir. Thank you again."
"Come on, Tag, I'll introduce you to the guys and acquaint you with the place."
Standing up, I follow Damon out of his dad's office and outside the building, silently saying thanks that I got the job. Once we get outside, I ask him if it's okay if I text my mom quick to tell her that I won't be home for a few hours. When he shakes his head no, I pull my phone out of my pocket to tell her that I got the job and that I'll be home later. I smile when she texts a 'thumb's up' back. After putting my phone back into my pocket, I catch up with Damon, walking alongside him as he shows me the layout of the place, introducing me to my co-workers and explaining the rules. After that, I get in the company truck with him. He drives me to one of the buildings they're working on right now. Allowing me to get some hands on experience as well as getting dirty, he hands me a hammer and a nailbelt and puts me to work. He's a really nice guy and so far I like him a lot. As I pound in each nail, he grabs a hammer to help me out.
Elena:
"Tag, you're home. How did it go?"
"I loved it mom. My boss is a nice guy too."
"I'm glad. Oh and sweetheart, Allie called."
"Did she say what she wanted?"
"I think she misses her boyfriend," I mention, raising an eyebrow when he gives me a look.
"Mom, I'm seventeen. I'm old enough to have a girlfriend."
"I know that, Tag. I just hate that you're growing up so fast."
"I love you, mom. I'll call her back and then maybe you and me can watch something on TV. I feel bad that we didn't get to do something today."
"Don't worry about it. I'm really excited for you, Tag."
"Me too," he says, his voice giddy with excitement.
"What time do you have to be there tomorrow?"
"I need to be at the job site at eight am. Can you wake me at six forty five or so?"
"What makes you think that I'm going to be awake that early?"
"I guess I just thought that you'd make me some breakfast for my first official day on the job?"
"Of course I will. Now give your mom a hug and go get cleaned up for supper."
"Thanks mom. I love you."
"I love you too, Tag."
After giving me a light hug, he walks out of the kitchen with a skip in his step. Shaking my head, I get up and walk over to the oven to check on the chicken that's baking.
"Push 1 mg of Epi and give Amiodarone 300 mg IV stat," I yell as I intubate the patient. He came in pulseless with the ambulance crew giving CPR.
"As soon as I have him tubed, I stand back so RT can start to bag him."
When I yell clear, immediately everyone steps away while I place the defibrillator paddles to his chest, shocking him. When I look at the monitor and see that it's still flatline, I tell them to resume CPR.
"Start a Lidocaine drip at 2 mg per minute."
As soon as they do another five cycles of CPR, I tell them to stand back once again while I shock him, this time with 300 joules of electricity. I breathe sigh of relief when we see a rhythm on the monitor. Get him to ICU start. Consult cardiology. Can you page Dr. Jansen?"
The unit clerk nods, quickly going over to a phone to page him.
"Dr. Gilbert, Dr. Jansen is on line one."
"Hello Dave. It's Elena. I have a fifty six year old male. He arrived in full arrest. We gave him epi, Amiodarone and Lido before we got a rhythm back. He's on his way to ICU now, can you see him?"
"I'm on my way."
"Thanks, Dave," I utter, hanging up the phone. Needing to take a beat for a few minutes, I walk into the doctor's lounge. Fortunately I'm all alone. When the surge of adrenaline starts to wane, I always feel just a little bit shaky. Sitting down, I drop my head on the back of the couch. Just as I'm about to close my eyes for a few moments, I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket. Taking a breath, I pull it out of my pocket, my mouth dropping open in shock when I see who it is.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Elena. It's Damon Salvatore."
"Damon... hi. Um, what can I do for you?"
"I was hoping you'd agree to go on a date with me Saturday night, that is if you're not working?"
Stunned, I sit there staring at the phone for a few seconds until I hear him say my name again.
"Elena?"
"I'm sorry, I just came out of a code blue. The adrenaline is wearing off now."
"Please don't apologize. I really admire you for helping people. Sooooo, how about Saturday?"
Closing my eyes, I stay silent for a few seconds again. Then I think, why the hell not? I deserve to have some fun once in awhile."
"Sure, Damon. That would be great. Where would you like me to meet you?"
"I can pick you up."
Knowing that Tag is going camping with some of his buddies this weekend, I agree to let him pick me up at home. After giving him my address, I settle back onto the couch, trying to relax a little bit. Even the sound of his voice sets my nerves alight.
"Casual or dress up?"
"Casual. I think we'd both be more comfortable."
"You're right about that. I'm kind of a jeans and tee shirt type of a girl."
"Well, I'm kind of a jeans and tee shirt type of a guy so that's perfect."
"Good to know. What time should I be ready?"
"Is five too early?"
"No, I don't work Saturday. Listen, Damon. I need to get back to work. I usually need to take a little breather after life and death incidents."
"I understand. I'll see you Saturday, Elena. I can't wait."
"Goodbye, Damon," I whisper softly.
When I hear his answering goodbye and then the line go dead, I hold the phone to my chest for a few seconds, my reverie broken when I hear my pager going off. Dropping my chin to my chest, I get up and go back to the ED, more than a little excited for Saturday night.
I wanted to give you one more chapter so you could get a feel for the story. But there will be no more of this posted till 'Tears' is complete.
Thank you so much, Eva. I love you lots and lots and lots.
Thank you all so very much for the amazing reception to the first chapter. Between the reviews, follows and favorites, I'm beyond happy so thank you and please continue.
Chapter title: 'More Than a Feeling' by Boston (It's one of my top 10 favorite songs.)
Please give 'Angels Fall', 'Dig' and 'Tears in Heaven' a look. 'Tears is close to the conclusion but there are good number of chapters left in both 'AF' and 'Dig'.
Also, I would very much appreciate it if you would be so kind as to click that 'review' button.
Be safe and have a fabulous day and an amazing week ahead. I was going to update yesterday but I was circling the drain by the time I got home from work. Nursing is a stressful job. I'm going to bed for awhile now. Night, night, dear readers. And please don't forget to tell me your thoughts. We'll see you with chapter 3 after 'Tears' concludes.