Chapter 3: Category

Ooh yeah!

I used to think maybe you loved me, now baby I'm sure

And I just can't wait til the day when you knock on my door

Now every time I go for the mailbox, gotta hold myself down

Cause I just can't wait til you write me you're coming around

Moaning was heard through the music as Elena rolled over and hit the alarm, the force knocking it off of the table and silencing it. Fluttering her eyelashes, she looked over the side of the bed at the ticking mechanism and raised an eyebrow, half asleep and drowsy.

"Oopps." Pushing herself up into a sitting position, she looked out the window, the sun beaming in which caused her to smile. Another day. What was going to happen at school today? More drama with the blue-eyed stud?

"Elena!" There was a knock on the door as Jenna's voice called through, "Are you up!?"
"Just about!" Elena responded, her voice still groggy and filled with sleep.
"I'm just whipping up some pancakes, so come down when you're ready!"

Blowing out a breath, Elena pushed the covers off and got to her feet, stretching out as she looked into the long-length mirror. God did she look like a flustered mess or what? Shower first it was then. Going into the en-suite, she flicked the level as the shower came to life, hot water spraying from the head and splashing the tiles.

"Just one more day, then its the weekend."

Tucking her hairdryer away, she ran the brush through her hair and took a deep breath as she glanced into the mirror. Well, today was going to be different. She was going to take Jenna's advice and try the role reversal technique, but she was going to proceed very carefully and with a lot of caution.

Elena chose to wear a denim skirt, just stopping above the knees and a flowing long sleeved top; dolly shoes to finish the outfit off. It was another hot day so this outfit was more than appropriate. Taking another look at the mirror, she checked her hair as her brunette locks hung down below her shoulders, natural and frizzy as her natural waves were evident.

Applying lip gloss, she checked her make-up and its natural look. She had only applied mascara as her cheeks were a light shade of pink from the heatwave outside.

Lifting her phone, she hooked her bag over her shoulder and closed the door on her way out as she made her way downstairs and into the kitchen. Jenna stood at the stove, in the process of flipping pancakes as she eyed Elena.

"Ooh la la!" Jenna smirked, "Someone is looking fancy."
"I have nooo idea what you're talking about." Elena replied with an innocent smile as she dropped her bag and poured herself a glass of orange juice, "I'm just dressing for the occasion...being the heatwave."

"Oh, I'm sure you are." Piling the pancakes onto a plate, she clapped her hands, "Bon appetite!"
"God, they smell good!" Elena moaned in delight, sitting at the island.
"Well, dig in then!" Jenna smiled, getting strawberries and maple syrup out as she placed them on the counter, "Looking forward to today?"
"Yeah, I have a good feeling about today." Elena smiled big as she covered her pancakes in maple syrup and strawberries, "Caroline texted me last night."

"Oh?" Taking a bit, Jenna sipped her coffee and raised an eyebrow, "And?"
"Apparently there are cheerleader tryouts today at school. Last period I think."
"Elena, you need to do it! You love cheerleading."
"I haven't done it since-"
"Since your parents?"

"Yeah, since they were here." Elena swallowed hard as she took a bite and swallowed, "I don't know if I can do it without them."
"You can, just just have to believe in yourself." Jenna smiled and looked at the time, "Eat up, I got a housing showing at 9, I can give you a lift."
"Thank you Jenna."

All students were prepared for the heatwave. Students gathered on the green outside, girls getting a quick couple of minutes sunbathing. Elena looked out the window, a laughing spilling from her lips as she watched people hogging the water fountain, trying to stay cool before they face the day being stuck in a hot classroom.

"Go on then. Go get him!" Jenna kissed her head.
"Him?" Elena looked over at her, narrowing her eyes.
"Oh, did I say him?" Jenna smiled innocently, leaning her elbow on the steering wheel, "I meant them."
"Uh huh, I'm sure you did." Elena commented dryly, getting out of the car.
"Have a good day!"

Elena smiled, watching as she drove away. It was all down to her now, she had to get through today with the wisdom and advice of Jenna. Making her way across the grass, she looked around and smiled big as she spotted Bonnie sitting on the bench. Someone down to earth and calming to talk with before her day turned hectic and complicated.

"Bonnie, hey!" Elena waved as she made her way over.
"Elena! Nice to see a friendly face at this time of the morning!"
"I was just thinking the same thing!" She laughed and noticed a guy standing watching their exchange, "Oh hey."

"Oh Elena, this is Matt Donovan, our football captain! Matt, Elena Gilbert is our shining new student!"
"Ah," Elena blushed crimson, "I wouldn't say shining, but the new is right."
"I'd stick to the shining." Matt commented with a grin.

Staring at him, her breath caught in her throat as a blush raised on her cheeks again. That was a compliment right? This guy, quite cute and friendly actually complimented her? What was this?

"Elena!" Turning her head to the owner of the bubbly voice, she seen the bouncing sunshine curls before she realised who it was. Caroline was here, let the day being, "Come on, were going to be late!"

Before she got a chance to say goodbye, Caroline had grabbed her arm and dragged her away. Alright then, looks like they were in a rush. After they got inside, Caroline turned to her, a frown on her face as she crossed her arms, "What are you doing?"

"Uhm," Elena looked around the hallway, "Talking to you?"
"I mean speaking to them! Bennett and Donovan!"
"Uh, I didn't know I was forbidden." She shrugged, "They're both really nice."
"If you want a name around here, they aren't the people to be speaking too okay?"

The bell rang loudly, alerting students that it was time to attend to their lessons. Caroline gave her a grin and waved at her, rushing down the hall to her lesson. What the hell was that? What did she have against Bonnie and Matt? Shaking her head, she made her way down the hall and to her Maths class. At least she would have some time to breathe.

The day had passed by with flying colours. Each class like a film on fast forward until it got to lunch where Elena had chose to run and read somewhere quiet so she could gather her thoughts for this afternoon. She hadn't admitted it, but she was incredibly nervous about this afternoon's tryouts. What if she screwed up and embarrassed herself? What if she forgot what she was going?

Shaking the thoughts from her head, she made her way down the hall and into her Chemistry class. Smiling at Miss Harrison, she made her way to the back of the class and found her seat, noticing how the lab bench was spotless and shining. Taking her seat, she tucked her bag under the table and out of the way. Looking up, she seen Bonnie and Matt walk in as they sat across the room. Boy, she really hoped they weren't mad at her because of what happened this morning. To her relief, Bonnie turned to wave at her and smiled as Elena returned her wave.

Tucking her hair behind her ear, she looked down at her phone which was sitting at the top of her bag. Aunt Jenna? Leaning down, she was reading the text and smiled. It looks like she was still at the house viewing. Feeling someone sitting in the seat beside her, she looked up and her eyes widened.

"You have got to be kidding me." Elena whispered, the words leaving her mouth before she could stop them. What the hell was he doing here? Surely he wasn't in this class, especially the last time she checked. "What are you doing here?"

"Elena, you hurt my feelings." Damon grinned, tilting his head to the side.
"But-" Moaning in frustration, she furrowed her eyebrows and tapped her fingers against the bench, "This isn't even your class Damon."
"Oh, on the contrary," Damon began as he leaned in closer, whispering in hushed tones as if he were telling her a secret, "I am now."

"Now?" Sitting back, she took a shaky breath as his proximity was killing her, "Stalking is illegal you know?"
"Well," Looking her over, his eyes twinkled with mischief as he leaned over to tuck her hair behind her ear again, his fingertips grazing her earlobe, "So is being gorgeous."

Elena's mouth dropped open in shock at his choice of words. Is this how he did it? Winning the girls over with his charm and his stupid swooning techniques. Feeling a spark run through her, she snapped out of it too find Damon had curled his finger under her chin to close her mouth. Slapping his hand away, she huffed in annoyance and watched as he turned in his seat; a satisfied grin pulling at his lips.

Rubbing her hands together, she inhaled and tried to calm down as her heart was racing. He was playing a dangerous game and he knew it. She wasn't giving in, she was going to overcome his charm. Looking up, she listened to Miss Harrison as she explained the different types of chemical reactions; Damon's eyes burning into her temple as he looked between her and Miss Harrison.

"Would you stop?" Elena hissed under her breath, her hands growing clammy from his intent stare, "Pay attention."
"Pay attention? Chemistry happens to be my favourite subject." Damon smirked, brushing his hand against her arm subtly as he stretched.
"For the lo-"

There was a knock on the door, disrupting the class as Miss Harrison called out to them. The door opened as the familiar blonde walked in, a grin on her face.

"Miss Forbes, to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Sorry Miss Harrison, I came for Elena. Cheerleading tryouts." Caroline smiled sweetly.
"But of course," Turning around, she looked over at Elena, "You're excused Miss Gilbert. Maybe your partner can catch you up on what you will miss."
"P...Partner?" Elena gasped in shock, feeling the smugness radiating off Damon.
"Yes Miss Gilbert. The person you are sitting beside is your partner for future references."

"Ah, I see." Elena grabbed her bag and tensed up as Damon leaned into her, clearly happy with the circumstances.
"Cheerleading huh? I'd pay to see that." He raised an eyebrow suggestively as she scoffed, "Bye partner."

Elena rolled her eyes and walked over to Caroline, following her out into the hallway. Rolling her shoulders back, she released the breath that she had been holding. She had come to the conclusion that Damon Salvatore was going to be the death of her. That was her official diagnosis. Time of death? Still to confirm.

Breathing heavily, Elena walked outside as a plea of relief escaped her; she relished the cool air against her skin. Cheerleading was more difficult than she had previously remembered. Wiping the sweat from her brow, she dragged herself over and took a seat on the bench as she dropped her bag, stretching her limbs in the process as she buried her face in her hands.

"Well, I can't say that I'm not impressed because boy am I."

There it was, the devil himself who was causing her mind nothing but a whirlwind of thoughts and confusion. She was going to have hit him with a restraining order soon. The tingling on her skin grew as she felt him moving closer to her. Was he really looking to get a rise out of her or something?

"I mean, wow. Who knew you could get your leg that far over your head?" Damon laughed, grinning like a Cheshire cat, "Not that I'm complaining."
"Do you seriously have nothing better to do!? Like...for the love almighty! Give me a bone here!"
"I can give you a bone al-"

"Uh no!" Elena groaned and glared at him, her patience growing weaker by the minute as she hopped off the bench and began walking away, until she suddenly turned to scoff at him, "Even if I wanted a bone, not that I do, BUT if I did, I wouldn't be getting it from you!"

"Oh?" Damon raised an eyebrow, his eyes practically growing in the sunlight, "You may be harder to crack than I initially thought."
"Hard to crack is an understatement. You will not be getting anything out of me, no matter how much you win by charming and swooning me!" Elena snapped, crossing her arms.

"Ah." Laughing, he slowly walked towards her, his stare growing intense, "So I charm and swoon you huh?"
"I, uh...what?" Swallowing hard, she felt like jello under his gaze as she took a step back, "There was supposed to be a 'try' in there...somewhere."
"Oh, but I don't think so." Damon tilted his head, still moving closer to her, "I think I do 'charm' and 'swoon' you, but you won't admit failure."
"Oh Damon," Elena scoffed, still taking steps backwards and gasped as she backed into a tree, "Ho-how about you just admit the fact that there is nothing to win here?"
"Elena," Closing in on her, he held her gaze and smirked, their lips just inches away from each other as he whispered, "I think there is a LOT to be won here and I will win."

"I-I think-"
"What do you think Elena? I'm dying to know." Damon whispered in hush tones, his gaze moving from her eyes to her lips repeatedly.

"Elena!" Elena jumped at the sudden change in energy; Damon moving back in the process as they glanced over to where the voice had come from to see Caroline, who was waving Elena over to her car. Oh yeah, she did remember that Caroline had agreed to give her a lift home after school today as they were both involved in cheerleading tryouts, "Come on, lets go!"

"This isn't over Elena, remember that. This is just the beginning." Damon stared at her, turning on his heel as he walked away.
"Oh...golly." Letting out a breath, she felt her heart slowly returning to its normal rate as she rubbed at the goosebumps on her arms, "Time of Death...right about now."

Elena walked down the path, her arms folded across her stomach as she pulled at the deep pink cardigan she was wearing, the wool soft against her fingers. Anything to distract her from Jenna had convinced her to join in with today. Today was a Mystical Falls gathering so that everyone could play catch up or meet newcomers that had decided to join in with the lovely neighborhood tradition. Unfortunately, they fell under the newcomer edition which meant it was going to be a lot of meet and greet; an event that she didn't want to partake in, but Jenna had convinced her none the wiser, so here she was at an event they called the Mystic Falls Festival.

"Elena, try and at least smile. These are people that you are going to be seeing a lot of, so you may as well get the first stage out of the way." Jenna smiled big.
"Jenna," Whining, she tilted her head as she followed her across the street to where everyone was gathered, already into the festivity of things, "We could be home."
"What's at home huh? It would only be us two, what fun is that?" She laughed, raising an eyebrow, "We see each other all the time."
"I've got no complaints, have you?" Elena smiled sweetly, brushing herself down, the white vest and jeans she wore making her feel out of place.
"Nope and I never will. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't get to know our neighbors." Nudging her, she grinned, "Besides you are looking extra cute."

"Elena!" The brunette turned her head, a smile reaching her face as she seen Bonnie making her way over, "So glad I've found someone I know."
"Honestly, its a relief to me too. I was starting to panic a little," Elena laughed, "Bonnie this is my aunt Jenna, Jenna this is Bonnie from school."
"Bonnie, a pleasure to meet you." Jenna smiled at her, "Are you here with your parents?"
"I'm here with my dad! My mom has been called into work today, I'll go get him!" Bonnie gave them a beaming grin and ran off.

"She seems lovely." Jenna commented, raising an eyebrow.
"Bonnie?" Elena gave her a nod, looking around, "She has a heart of gold."
"The kind of person you need in your life huh?"
"Yeah, I believe so. Just as long as I don't screw up down the road, we will see."

"I wouldn't take you as the screw up kind Elena." The sultry voice caressed her ears as she took a deep breath and turned to see HIM, "You seem like a...first time try girl."
"The irony of that statement has not been missed." Elena responded dryly, trying to push pass the growing lump in her throat as she calmed her nerves.
"My manners- Damon Salvatore, and you are?" Damon turned his attention towards Jenna, holding his hand out for her.
"Me? Jenna Sommers, I'm Elena's aunt." Jenna smiled, placing her hand in his.
"Jenna, the pleasure is all mine." Dipping his head, he pressed a kiss to her knuckles and gave a knowing grin to Elena.
"No words have ever been truer." The brunette tapped her lips as she took in her surroundings, knowing as soon as she looked at him, she'd be under.

"You don't mind if I take your niece for a walk do you?" Damon asked Jenna, his charming smile out to play.
"Mind? She minds a lot and a walk? Do I look like Lassie?" Elena furrowed her brows, crossing her arms knowing she had won.
"No, I don't mind at all." Jenna grinned, looking at Elena.
"What!? What do you-huh? You don't mind?" She shot her aunt a knowing look, "Surely you do, I'm here with you."
"Oh no, not at all, you two go ahead. I'll catch up with you later."

"Bu-"
"Come on Elena." Damon grinned, his hand going to her lower back as he began leading her away.
"Uh-" Elena turned to shoot daggers at Jenna as she returned it with a cheesy grin and thumbs up, "Not only does your charm work wonders with high school girls, but my aunt? Seriously?"

"High school girls huh?" He looked at her, raising an eyebrow, "Are you in that category?"
"I'm not in ANY of your categories and that Salvatore will never change."
"Oh Elena, challenge accepted." He stopped dead and turned to smirk at her as he brushed his hand up her arm and to her neck, pulling her closer.
"Uh, what...what are you doing?" Elena held her breath, her heart thumping, the sensation radiating over her body.
"I believe that I'll have you in a category by the end of the night and it will be the one that I want you in."

Oh holy categories! She was going to kill aunt Jenna.

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope that you are well and are enjoying your weekend! :D

I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Thank you for your continued support!

Shauna

xx