I do not own Twilight or Vampire Diaries.
Please note: I am not following the books or TV show. I am taking liberties with characters and timelines.
By the way, I thought I would share, if you have season one of vampire diaries there is an audio book on the last DVD in special features.
Forks
New Life New Home
Charlie's decision to move was a surprise to everyone in Forks. Not only was Charlie leaving his 25 plus year career as a police offer in Forks, he was leaving his home to find happiness with his daughter in another state across the country.
Sue Clearwater had not taken the news very well and tried to blame Bella for the sudden change. Charlie upset with Sue and her attacks on Bella set her straight with what had happened to him and how Billy, Jacob and Sam Uley had treated Bella. Sue reluctantly agreed it was probably for the best that Charlie leave Washington State and wished Charlie well in his new life.
This was not only a new life Charlie, but Bella and Damon also. They began to work their way towards becoming a family with no more secrets. Bella and Damon felt free for the first time in their lives. They shared everything with each other and Charlie. The good, bad and the ugly, some of which made them all cry at some point.
Charlie's education into the "real world" gave him an understanding of the consequences and agreed to keep the "real world" secrets with the understanding Bella and Damon would always tell him the truth not matter what.
There was something greater growing between father and daughter. Bella and Charlie grew closer with a greater understanding of each other more now especially when it came to Renee and Bella's childhood. Charlie opened up sharing what he wanted from life, no hesitation, no fears and stating his expectations from Damon and Bella until they were married. Damon and Bella agreed to Charlie's demand and assured him nothing would happen until they were married.
Damon began to process his relationship with his brother as he watched his mia Bella and her father forgive their past mistakes and grow closer. Damon saw the similarities with his relationship with Stefan. Bella had hid a lot of her life from Charlie, only because she was afraid to hurt her father. Damon had wanted to protect his younger brother and had failed. Keeping his distance was a way for Damon to cope with his failures disappointments.
Charlie watched as his daughter fell head over heels in love with Damon, the vampire. As Bella share her love, her dreams, her expectations with Damon Charlie realized at some point Bella would want to become like Damon and asked lots of questions about his way of life.
Moving Charlie was not all that difficult. Most of his prize possessions could fit in several boxes that would be shipped to Damon's home until Charlie found a new place to live. Bella and Damon talked Charlie into purchasing new furniture and other house hold items so they did not have to move his entire house.
Charlie had asked Damon to pack his clothes while he was arranging for the realtor to sell his house. Damon completed his task much faster having vampire speed wanting to be near his mia Bella. Damon watched as Bella emptied her closet placing most of the items in the donation box.
When Bella noticed him watching her she said, "I outgrew most of this after high school, I just never took the time to clean out my closet."
"It appears that most of those items are not what I would call my Bella style of clothing, much too stuffy for someone like you," said Damon with a smirk.
"Alice," was all Bella had to say.
Damon understood what Bella meant by Alice nodding showing his understanding. "I can't wait to meet this Alice."
Bella replied, "I don't know if I will ever see Alice again, so you wish may not be granted."
"Charlie will need to rethink his flannel obsession once we get to Mystic Falls. The weather in Mystic Falls is so different and I'm not sure Liz is a flannel kind of gal." Damon wagged his eyebrows.
Bella laughed, "Damon I've tried many times to get him out of those flannels shirts, maybe you will have more luck."
"OH... I may have arranged for most of them... not...make it in the box. He will not have a choice." Damon laughed along with Bella.
With the Swan house finally empty having not taken much to convince Charlie to donate much of what was inside the house. The few boxes were shipped and the trio flew to Chicago to begin the process of Bella moving to Mystic Falls.
It was during this time Damon officially asked Charlie to marry Bella. Damon would wait until they arrived in Mystic Falls as he wanted to present mia Bella with his mother's ring.
Chicago
When they arrived at Bella's apartment Damon did not enter following Charlie and Bella, "mia Bella you need to invite me inside or I'm stuck here in the hall."
Charlie laughed when Bella hesitated to ask him inside. Damon face showed signs of anxiety at the possibility of Bella changing her mind.
"Don't worry son, Bells would not be able to live without you, now that she has found her perfect man." Charlie chuckled as Bella turned bright red and quickly invited him inside.
"It's not that I did not want you to come in Damon, its…it's rather I never had man in here before, other than Ch... my Dad and he does not really count." Bella tried to cover calling her dad Charlie in front of him. It was becoming easier to call Charlie dad than it had in the past.
"Bells, I am going to go out and get us some of that delicious pizza around the corner, you two behave while I am gone," announced Charlie as he watched Bella begin her packing.
Damon watched from the couch as his mia Bella organized her life so they could be in Mystic Falls by the end of the week. Bella was able to organize the important stuff to take with her within a few hours as the two men watched television. The cub's game was on and Damon found it fascinating how Charlie seemed to get into the baseball game.
Bella became nervous as she picked up the phone to call the building manager. Damon asked if he could go with Bella, "I can be helpful when it comes to the building manager," said Damon as he opened his eyes wider indicating he would use his compulsion.
"That I will take you up on, I do not relish the thought of paying for the remainder of my lease. It seems like such a waste of money, when I know they will find another renter quickly," replied Bella. Damon nodded in agreement and kissed her.
The head of the English department was disappointed when Bella turned in her resignation at Northwestern; however Bella was given a wonderful letter of recommendation. Bella was given a letter of introduction to continue her work on her doctorate at either Duke University or Whitmore College as both were close to Mystic Falls.
While Bella was at the university, Damon went to the bar he often frequented while passing through Chicago. Damon had known a few friendly witches who he had done a few favors over the years and promised him the same in return. Damon wanted one of his witchy friends to spell a few pieces of jewelry he planned to give Bella and Charlie.
Damon had a Lapis Lazuli ring with matching necklace he wanted spelled for Bella knowing she would need it once she made the conversion from human to vampire.
Damon also had two rings spelled for Charlie; one ring would protect him from burning in the sun protection should Charlie chose to become a vampire, the other ring would help if Charlie died from supernatural causes if he remained human. With this spelled ring Charlie would return from the dead and remain human.
These rings would allow Bella to have some comfort if Charlie chose to continue working as a police officer in Mystic Falls. Eventually Charlie would run across a vampire while on the job, it was better to be safe than sorry. The witches were happy to learn that Damon had finally found his mate; they gave him a few extra pieces of jewelry that they spelled as a wedding gift.
Mystic Falls
Alaric Saltzman, the newly hired history teacher at Mystic Falls High School arrived to teach summer school classes, he captured the attention of class when he walked in and proceeded to write his name on the board.
Turning toward the class gave the history of his name, "Alaric, being a great grandfather I never had the pleasure of meeting sadly, but thanks to him you can call me Ric, not Alaric, or Mr. Saltzman, just Ric. I recently left Duke University where I taught History, so this is not unfamiliar territory for me."
Jeremy Gilbert stayed after class, Ric asked him about his grades and the two discussed how he failed history and landed in summer school. Ric liked Jeremy and suggested writing a paper on a Mystic Falls event in history to cover the requirement to pass the class.
At the same time, his aunt Jenna Sommers was in a meeting with the assistant principal about Jeremy's grades and his apparent drug habit. Jenna was incensed at being called a horrible excuse for a guardian. Just as Jenna was exiting the building, she ran into Jeremy and Ric, talking about a variety of topics for Jeremy's paper.
"Aunt Jenna, I would like you to meet my history teacher, Ric. Ric this is my Aunt Jenna…she is my guardian since…well since…anyway. Ric has agreed to help me with my homework this summer," Jeremy proudly announced with a smile.
Seeing the smile on Jeremy's face for the first time in months, Jenna said, "thank you Mr. Ric..." Jenna hesitated.
Ric said, "Saltzman, Alaric Saltzman actually but I would prefer to be called Ric."
Jenna smiled and repeated, "Ric."
Jeremy noticed the connection between Jenna and Ric and left waiving, "See you at home Aunt Jenna."
Ric smiled and said, "Jeremy seems like a nice kid, I understand your family has had some losses this past year which is why he failed history and needs to be in summer school. Try not to worry Jeremy will be fine given some time. I remember what I was like at his age."
Jenna's mouth turned into a frown, "I wish all of Jeremy's teachers were like you. I just got called out for being a terrible guardian by the assistant principal."
"Sorry, I think some of the staff here is jaded and forget what it's like to be a teenager."
Jenna laughed at Ric's comment, "Well I appreciate you helping Jeremy. Maybe I'll see you around."
Ric smiled and replied, "I'm sure we will."
"Great," Jenna blushed with embarrassment.
Ric smiled and nodded. "See you later."
Later that night Stefan gave Elena a bracelet with vervain inside to prevent a vampire using compulsion on Elena. Stefan also gave Elena other items to pass out to her family; Aunt Jenna would receive a necklace and Jeremy a bracelet.
"The vervain will prevent a vampire from using compulsion on you," Stefan told Elena as he placed the necklace around her wrist.
After making sure Elena was at home, Stefan spent the night trying to locate the rogue vampire in town who had killed a few people without any luck. I need Damon back to help me, thought Stefan as he returned home to try to sleep.
Mystic Falls Town Square
Damon drove into Mystic Falls giving Bella and Charlie a history lesson about the town and their founding families pointing out the historical landmarks.
Noticing the crowds gathered in what appeared to be the town square Bella asked, "Is there some celebration or event going on?"
"Ah, that would be our founder's day celebration. There will be a parade, concert and a speech by our mayor. That would be Richard Lockwood. He takes his job very seriously, as does his wife, Carol Lockwood. Be careful or you could find yourself involved with planning some event or other," replied Damon.
Damon drove towards the town hall building noticing the sheriff's car parked there.
"Why don't we go introduce you to some of our local police, you can pick up an application. I have a feeling Sheriff Forbes in her office today," announced Damon happily giving a knowing smile to Bella who nodded slightly in agreement with Damon's plan to reconnect Charlie to Liz.
"Why are all these people staring at us," asked Bella exited the car turning to see most of the group of volunteers in the park across the street stop whatever they were working on stare at them.
"You're new in town, strangers actually. We don't get a lot of strangers in town with all our "real world" issues," replied Damon. "Don't worry once they realize I'm taking into see the sheriff they will calm down a bit and hopefully stop staring until they get to know you.
As Damon closed the door of the car he said, "I'm currently on the town council and they don't know I'm a vampire and I would appreciate it if we could keep it that way. Their main concern is keeping the town safe from vampires, and I want to make sure it stays that way."
Charlie walked up to stand next to Damon and Bella nodding "I trust you Damon or I would not be here with you and my daughter. I know that you will do whatever it takes to keep us safe. Your secret is safe with me, besides if things keep going, one day Bells might be just like you and I will do whatever it takes to keep her from harm."
Damon took Bella's hand and they walked up the stairs, "We should stop and see of the Mayor's in his office. The sheriff's office is just down the hall, oh look there is our Mayor and his wife."
"Greetings Mayor and Mrs. Mayor," Damon smiled as he, Bella and Charlie were soon standing in front of the couple. "I would like to introduce you to Mr. Charlie Swan and my fiancée Miss Isabella Swan, formally from Washington State."
Damon paused a moment while Lockwood's gave way to their shock of Damon of having a fiancé, "Bella, Charlie this is our Mayor and his lovely wife Richard and Carol Lockwood."
Charlie reached for Richard Lockwood's hand and said, "Good to meet you Mayor and Mrs. Lockwood. Damon has been telling my daughter and me all about his home town and by the looks of things he was not exaggerating. Mystic Falls looks like a wonderful place to live."
Bella smiled up at Damon adding, "We are looking forward to living here,"
Mrs. Lockwood smiled tightly, "And when do you plan on moving in and where will you be staying. I have a listing of some wonderful homes that are available."
The mayor smiled adding quickly, "My lovely wife is also a realtor, she knows more about the town and the homes here than most of the residents."
Damon chuckled, "Thanks for the offer Mrs. Lockwood."
"Carol," Mrs. Lockwood quickly reminded Damon. "I told you before; I am Carol to my friends. Mrs. Lockwood reminds of my mother-in-law."
"Carol, sorry for lapse, Charlie and mia Bella will be staying with me until they settle and get better feel for the town. Charlie here was the police chief back in Forks and is currently looking for employment. I thought to bring him into see our wonderful Chief and see if we could hook him with a job."
"Police chief huh? Why did you leave your last job?" ask Richard Lockwood wondering why a man with a position such as his would leave his job and move across the country.
Charlie replied, "Bells here wanted to move across the country to be with Damon and after living in the rain most of my life I thought I could use a change and some sunshine."
"Rain?" asked Carol Lockwood in confusion.
"Oh, yeah Forks Washington is the rainiest place in the country and don't get me started on the ice storms. It was so bad we had to have chains on our tires, right dad?" announced Bella
"Well welcome to Mystic Falls, we can't promise there will be no rain or ice but we do have sunshine and wonderful springs and summers. The flower gardens are some of the best in the country." Carol Lockwood stated proudly as began telling them of her own gardens and the garden parties they should expect to attend.
Just then Elizabeth Forbes exited her office having a heated discussion with another man unknown to Damon.
"Oh there is our chief of police now," call Richard Lockwood loud enough o catch the attention of the two to stop their heated debate.
Bella saw Charlie smile brightly as he called out "well if it isn't Elizabeth Forbes, it's been a long time."
Damon noticed Liz's face flush as she stopped to stand near Charlie.
"Charlie Swan, what brings you to Mystic Falls? This is a long way from Washington State."
"It sure is, but my daughter Bella decided to relocate to be with Damon and I wanted to be closer to her…so I included myself."
Liz and Charlie continued to talk as the others watched in amazement. The Lockwood's and the unknown man stared in surprised to see the normally staid Chief Forbes so animated.
Bella noticed the unknown man's anger and clenched fists and whispered into Damon's ear, "I don't think that man likes us very much."
Damon replied, "Nope, don't worry whatever his problem is with the mayor and Liz on our side we will be alright."
Richard Lockwood apparently seeing the hostility coming from the other man started, "John Gilbert let me introduce you to Damon Salvatore and his fiancée Isabella Swan and her father Charlie Swan."
"Bella" Bella quickly replied holding out her hand to the man she now knew to be John Gilbert.
"Are you related to Elena and Jeremy Gilbert by any chance?" inquired Damon as he watched John's face turn red with fury.
"Why does it matter to you who I am related to or not, it's none of your business actually," John replied tersely.
"John, don't" Richard Lockwood warned.
"It's ok Mayor, mia Bella is aware of our town's problem," Damon reassured the Mayor as he pulled Bella in closer to his side.
"Mia Bella, I forgot you were from Italian decent. Italian is a lovely language do you speak it Bella," inquired Carol Lockwood hoping to ease the tension within the small group.
"I don't actually, but Damon has been teaching a few words here and there. I'm not sure I will be able to converse in Italian anytime soon although I do agree Italian sounds lovely," replied Bella smiling happily at the group turning toward her father to see her father smiling brightly at Elizabeth Forbes.
Damon interrupted the conversation between Liz and Charlie, "Sorry to interrupt this happy reunion, but we are actually here for a reason. Charlie is looking for a job and since he has experience…I thought Mystic Falls could use another officer, plus he is in the know." Damon wagged his eyebrows as he made a V with his fingers.
Liz clearly shocked at Damon's revelation questioned, "How is that possible?"
Charlie wanted to reassure Liz and his prospective boss spoke before Damon could answer, "Damon saved me from a vampire. If he had not been there I would have died and so would my daughter."
"Oh, Charlie I am so sorry. I thought you would be safe in Washington. I assumed that kind of problem was something we only dealt with here in Mystic Falls."
Richard Lockwood turned towards Liz and said, "If you vouch for Mr. Swan I'm sure our town could use someone with his experience."
"Where are you staying?" asked Liz.
Charlie turned towards Damon and Bella, who were holding hands and replied, "Damon's house until I can find something on my own."
Damon then added, "Why don't you and your daughter come for dinner tonight, this way you two can catch up. I'm sure I can whip up something, say around 6:30."
"Great I can bring by the paperwork you need to fill out with me," replied Liz.
With Liz's agreement, the trio left and headed towards the Salvatore boarding house.
Salvatore Boarding house
The car turned down a long driveway giving the passengers full view of the mansion. Damon smiled when he saw the looks of astonishment upon Bella and Charlie's faces.
Bella stunned at the massive home whispered, "this is your house?"
Damon smiled at the look of awe on Bella's face and replied, "Please remember I share it with my younger brother Stefan and it has been in our family for years."
Charlie was hesitant at first when he agreed to leave Forks to live with Bella and Damon at his home thinking it might be a tight fit, looked at the size of this mansion said, "Damon if this is what you call a house, I'm captain Blackbeard. You could fit three of my houses inside this monstrosity. I think you need to use better adjectives son."
Just then, the front door opened and Stefan walked out greeting his brother and guests. "It's good to have you home brother."
"It's good to be home, little bro. This is my mia Bella and her father Mr. Charlie Swan."
Stefan shook Charlie's hand and said, "nice to meet you, I hope you will enjoy living here, I'm sure it's a change from Forks."
Bella unsure of Stefan's acceptance due to the stories Damon had told her waited and shyly smiled as Stefan turned in her direction.
When Stefan smiled, Bella said, "thank you for opening your home to my father and me. I'm sure it was a shock to have Damon spring us on you."
"Shock no, surprise yes, but that does not mean you are not welcome. I want my brother to be happy and apparently you make him happy."
Damon interrupted, "let's get you two inside and show you to your rooms. I am sure you could use some time to yourself to be settled. Stefan, Liz Forbes and her daughter Caroline are coming over tonight for dinner. If you want to invite your girlfriend, it's fine with me. I think the sooner my mia Bella meets Elena the better it will be for all of us."
Stefan confused asked, "what does not mean?"
Bella wanting to smooth things over said, "What I think Damon is trying to say...is that I should meet Elena so we all can all learn to get along. Isn't that right Damon?"
"You are correct, my mia Bella. And just so you know Stefan I have told my Bella everything, no secrets, she has my blood her in and will continue until it's time."
After Victoria's attack on Charlie, Bella had agreed to having Damon's blood in her system at all times, Damon gave Bella a few drops of his blood in her morning coffee. Damon felt Charlie's decision would come after he reconnected with Liz although there was little complication with that plan. Liz did not know Damon and Stefan were vampires and they could not predict how Liz would react.
Damon and Bella's Room
Bella wandered around their bedroom looking at the furniture and artwork on the walls. Somehow, she knew the room fit Damon's personality perfectly. There was a large bed with a dark navy bedspread with lots of pillows. The built in bookshelves were filled with first and second edition editions, of all her favorite authors they were both so similar.
Bella unpacked her bag, placing the small collection of clothes in the bureau and walked into the attached bathroom and squeaked like a little girl. "Oh my gosh this is so beautiful I cannot wait to take a bath in that tub. It's huge," said Bella aloud. Once Bella felt she had unpacked sufficiently, she decided to go downstairs and look for Damon.
Bella walked the hall towards the stairs and looked at the portraits hanging on the walls. There was one of Damon in his confederate soldiers' uniform. Damon appeared to be about the same age, maybe a year or two younger. Damon's bright blue eyes in the painting mesmerized her. Next to Damon's portrait, was a portrait of Stefan, he was wearing what Bella assumed was appropriate clothing for that era. Bella sighed thinking of all the years that had passed since both portraits were painted.
Bella tried to keep her insecurities from running wild; she knew if she did not, she would turn into someone she definitely did not want to be. Bella loved Damon and for the first time in her life, she felt complete.
The smell of tomatoe and garlic brought Bella back to the present and she followed the smell down the stairs. When she reached the bottom step, Damon was there smiling up at her, "I thought you might have gotten lost for a minute La Mia Cara (my darling)." Damon wrapped his arms around Bella's waist pulling her towards him and kissed her until he felt her heart rate go up.
"Come, you can help me, I'm almost done with my sauce, you can taste it and tell me what you think."
"A man that can cook, be still my heart," Bella said as she placed her hand over her heart dramatically.
"And here I thought you were attracted to my good looks."
"Well…there is that too, just don't let go to your head."
"Now why would I do that my mia Bella, I have you to tell me every day how much you love only me."
Damon and Bella turned at the sound of Stefan clearing his throat.
"Sorry to interrupt this little love fest, I thought you might like to know Elena invited Bonnie to join us for dinner."
"Why did Elena go and do that, she does realize this is not her house even with the amount of time she spends here, she still is only a guest. You really need to have a talk with her Stefan. Be a man and stand up to your little girlfriend."
"Damon…please calm down, if Bonnie comes tonight that just makes it easier for us all. I am sure that given what has happened the last time she saw you Bonnie will just as unhappy at coming here tonight. Let's try to get along, maybe this is a good thing," stated Bella.
"I'm sorry if I implied otherwise. Once you meet little miss sunshine, you will see for yourself why I don't like her all that much. She is no Sheila or even Emily. Then there is her constant loyalty to Elena. It's really annoying actually."
Stefan interrupted Damon's rant, "Damon Elena thought since Caroline was invited, Bonnie might like to come, I don't think she meant any harm."
The group gathered to discuss how to deal with the "real world" issues without Liz suspecting something was going on. It was decided that Charlie would keep Liz busy with catching up while they would try to make friends with the girls. Damon surprised the group by suggesting that Bonnie would only feel better if Bella allowed Bonnie to get a read from her.
"Bonnie can be convinced that you don't mean any harm if you allow her to get a reading by holding your hands," stated Damon as he watch for Stefan's reaction.
Bella asked, "why do you sound so sure that this will work?"
Damon smirked, "Bonnie hates me, has from beginning. She suspects anyone who has anything to do with me is evil. I think Elena wants to discredit you and she Bonnie to agree that your just as evil as me."
Damon made a face as Stefan answered, "I suspect that was her intention."
Bella asked more questions and found out Elena, Bonnie and Caroline were all about seventeen years old and were to be seniors in high school this coming fall.
"Sounds familiar," commented Bella but did not elaborate leaving Stefan to wonder what Bella had meant by her comment.
Charlie walked around the kitchen "Boys, you have a mighty fine home here. Bells I'm sure you're happy not to have to share a bathroom with your old man."
Bella's face lit up, "um no, and I have the biggest tub I've ever seen. I'm looking forward to using it as soon as possible." Bella failed to notice all three men blush at her words.
Bella instinctively moved to the stove, picking up a spoon she tried Damon's sauce, and hummed in enjoyment. "That's really good!"
"I'm glad you like," replied Damon as he moved to work on the salad.
Stefan left the room just seconds before the doorbell rang. Bella was confused at first, and realizing what was happening and said, "Vampire hearing, I forgot about that."
Charlie grunted and mumbled, "Good thing I can't hear you and Damon."
Voices trailed inside as Damon said, "We are all set, I just need to set the dining room table, help me?"
Bella replied, "I'm happy to help, lead the way. I don't want to get lost in this big house of yours." Bella giggled as Damon handed her the plates and grabbed the silverware and napkins.
"It will just take a minute Charlie, go greet Liz and Caroline," Damon said as he and Bella walked out of the kitchen with their hands full.
"Right," Charlie said and continued towards the sound of voices. Drawing room, that is going to take time to get used to, thought Charlie.
Earlier that day at the Forbes house
Elizabeth or "Liz" Forbes arrived home happy to see her daughter was still home as she had promised she would on their earlier phone call.
"Caroline, we have been invited to dinner tonight. I need to make you're your ready when I get home."
"Where are we going Mom, please tell me it's not the Lockwood's, I really don't think I could take another evening of Mrs. Lockwood going on and on about her reign as Miss Mystic Falls."
"Don't worry Caroline, were going to the Salvatore's."
"Why and are you serious?"
"Yes Caroline we are going there for dinner. They have guests and I would really appreciate it if you could be on your best behavior."
"I don't want to go, you can go without me."
"Caroline, Charlie Swan and his daughter are here from Forks, Washington and I would really appreciate it if you could be on your best behavior."
"Who's this Charlie person and how do you know him?"
"We have met at several conferences and training programs over the years. I like him Caroline. I mean I really like him."
"Okay mom, I'll go but if Damon acts up all bets are off."
"Thank you, I'll be home in about an hour that should give you enough time to get ready."
Liz exited her room moving her hands down the sides of her dress to see Caroline smiling at her.
"You look nice mom, you must really like this Charlie Swan," stated Caroline as she picked up her purse and the keys to the car, "are you driving or am I?"
Liz smiled at her daughter thinking of how grown up and beautiful her little had become, "thank you and I hope you like Charlie and his daughter. Charlie used to tell me stories of her growing up. Bella didn't always live with him. I remember him telling how happy he was the summer Bella decided to come live with him."
"Right so now I have to live up to the perfect daughter."
"No Caroline, all I am trying to say is you might have a lot on common with Bella although she's a bit older than you. Come to think of I think she's a college professor, teaching English or something to with that."
"Great so she smart and what am I?" replied Caroline as entered the car handing the keys to her mother to drive.
"Caroline why is that you take everything I say at some sort of criticism? I am just trying to tell you more about Charlie and his daughter. By the way, Bella is engaged to Damon so you need to behave. I know you had some sort of crush on him."
"I did not think Damon did relationships," muttered Caroline.
"I told you he was too old for you Caroline Bella is of a more appropriate age for Damon, so behave yourself."
"Ugh, mom I don't think of him that way anymore, he turned out to be a jerk. Are you sure that you want me to make friends with Damon's fiancée I could tell her things she might not like."
"Please Caroline just be nice. I finally have a chance with a man I respect and enjoy being around. I never thought we would have a chance with him living across the country, but with him here now. I want to explore this opportunity."
"Mom! You really like this man! Oh my gosh! I never thought I would see the day you were interested in a guy. I promise to behave and make nice with his daughter," said a very excited Caroline.
The Salvatore Boarding House
Stefan open the door just as the doorbell rang, "Hello and welcome."
Caroline tilted her head and smiled at Stefan, "Couldn't keep us away."
Stefan watched as Caroline's excitement made her mother blush.
"Thank you Stefan, Caroline and I were very happy to receive the invitation."
Charlie entered and said, "Hello everyone, I'm glad you could make it."
Stefan heard the door open and said, "I'll be right back, I think Elena has arrived.
Damon and Bella entered the room holding hands when Liz began to introduce Caroline to everyone. Bella was happy to see Caroline's reaction to the buddy romance between Charlie and Liz.
Bella hugged Caroline in welcome and whispered in her ear, "I'm so glad you are happy for them. I was worried that you would not want your mom to spend time with my dad. And don't worry my dad is a really great guy."
Caroline was shocked at first but as they got to know each other better, she felt that Bella and Charlie would become very important people in her and her mother's lives.
Bella was asking Caroline questions about what she did for fun, when Stefan led Elena and Bonnie into the room.
Damon was handing a drink to Liz and Charlie when he said, "Nice of you to join us Elena and Bonnie."
"Damon," warned Stefan in a tone of voice that pleaded with his older brother to behave.
"Elena, Bonnie this Charlie Swan and his daughter Isabella Swan, originally from Forks, Washington. Charlie and Bella this is Elena Gilbert and Bonnie Bennett. And you all know Liz and Caroline Forbes," finished Stefan as he pulled Elena towards him.
Bella greeted Bonnie warmly and shook her hand, knowing Bonnie would get a reading from her, as Damon warned her previously. "It's nice to meet you Bonnie, call me Bella."
Stefan, Damon and Elena watched Bonnie, after releasing Bella's hand, Bonnie smiled, "It is really nice to meet you too Bella. I hope that once we get to know each other better, we can be friends."
Damon smiled, and pulled Bella closer to kiss the side of her temple. Elena's reaction to Damon kissing Bella did not go unnoticed by Damon, Stefan or Caroline.
Charlie took note of Liz's eyes roaming the room, "It's something huh? I still don't believe I will ever get used to this house." Liz just nodded.
Damon then announced, "I think dinner is ready, Stefan show our guests to the dining room, I'll bring in dinner with mia Bella's help."
Dinner that night was a pleasant affair, as much as could be expected by all gathered there when including a rather put out Elena. Charlie and Liz shared stories from their training, making the group break out in laughter.
Bella's natural openness allowed Caroline and Bonnie to like Bella immediately, while also making Elena less than happy.
Stefan tried to ease the tension by taking Elena away from the group and occupying her with his worries about the tomb vampires on the loose by showing her how the Gilbert watch would allow her to know where a vampire was and how to avoid an attack.
The group moved to the sitting room after dinner.
Liz asked, "Charlie do you think you could do me a huge favor?"
Charlie pleased to help Liz replied, "Sure, what's the favor?"
Carol Lockwood, you know the Mayor's wife has been on me to get…to get a volunteer for a fundraiser tomorrow night. I was going to ask Damon, but since you are here…I thought you might like to help me out."
"What would I need to do to volunteer?" asked Charlie hesitantly.
Liz blushed and said, "I need you to volunteer to be auctioned off for a date." Liz closed her eyes when she finished.
Charlie looked stunned and did not answer.
"Well, I will volunteer Damon, so you can stand alongside him Dad," announced Bella proudly at making both men blush.
"Don't worry Damon, I'll bid on you, so you won't have to go on a date with anyone else but me, It will be fun," laughed Bella.
Charlie reluctantly replied, "I will do this but only because you asked me Liz. Hopefully this won't be an annual event."
Damon added, "Well since this year I am still considered a single man, I'll happily volunteer only if Bella promises to win me. Next year I plan to be off the market."
Charlie walked Liz and Caroline to their car making promises to see them soon. Stefan made sure Elena and Bonnie were safely in their car. Stefan was glad to have Charlie next to him as they waived to the cars as they left the driveway.
"Elena and Bonnie seem to be good friends with Caroline. I'm glad they have each other. Bells had a few good girlfriends when she was their age. It makes things easier I think."
Stefan was confused when Charlie added, "That age is rough on girls, they tend to be unsure of themselves, it can lead to making bad choices. Give Elena some time, she'll be just fine. My Bells went through a rough patch and came out alright."
"Thanks Mr. Swan," replied Stefan.
Charlie patted his shoulder, "Call me Charlie son, we are family now."
Stefan nodded, "Charlie it is."
"Damon told me a little about your family and your history. Don't worry I won't be telling anyone. I just want you to know that if you need to talk, I'm here. I know I'm not your father nor would I ever want to be I just know sometimes you to trust someone with some of your worries. It helps to work things out a bit. Damon wants you to be closer than you have been lately. Give him some time. I think he'll be the brother you need from now on."
Stefan was surprised, confused and relived to have someone to talk to who might just understand he needed support. Especially with all that was going on in his life right now. The stress of having to deal with everything by himself was wearing him down.
"Thanks Charlie, I really appreciate it."
"No worries son, anytime. I am heading up to my room now. Knock if you need me. And just so you know I do sleep with my gun on my nightstand so no surprise visits." Charlie laughed, "Damon gave me wooden bullets."
"Good to know Charlie, no surprise visits. Knock first," replied Stefan as he followed Charlie up the stairs to his room unsure if Charlie was for real or pulling his leg.
Damon and Bella's room
Bella snuggled in Damon's arms, "do you think it went well with Liz and Charlie?"
"How could it not, Charlie has that awesome porn-stash" Damon wagged his eyebrows.
"Be serious Damon, Charlie has been alone for so long. I want him to be happy."
"You worry too much, he's a grown man. You saw how Charlie and Liz lit up when they were together. It's just a matter of timing."
"What was with Elena all night? She didn't seem happy to be included in our dinner party?" asked Bella hoping to get more insight into the teenager with an attitude.
"Well I think she's unhappy with my attention towards you mia Bella, previously and I do mean previously, I was attracted to her because she looked so much like Katherine Pierce. You know the one I told you about."
"Yeah, I remember you mentioning Katherine. Elena is pretty and I could see how you could be attracted to her, but I don't like her personality. She comes across very spoilt and selfish. I not trying to sound mean, I just don't see you and her or rather Katherine together."
"Now that I have you mia Bella, I don't see the attraction either. It might have been out of habit. I don't know anymore. Just know that I love you with all my heart and I only want you. No other."
"I know Damon you don't need to tell me. I trust you and I love you with all my heart."
"Good night sweetheart. I really need to behave until we are married. I promised your father no funny business."
"I know Damon we had the talk. Funny the topics of conversation my dad is willing to talk to you about isn't it?"
"Don't remind me, I was threatened with his gun. It will hurt and I do bleed so please let us go to sleep."
Bella held up her hand in the dark like she could see the ring on her left hand. "I love my ring Damon and I am so glad we are getting married. I hope we can pick a date soon."
"Soon my darling, soon."
Stefan's room next door
Stefan was listening to his brother's conversation and could not believe that Damon had not slept with Bella yet and that he promised Charlie not to until they were married. All of his recent memories of his brother were of him being a selfish jerk and not caring for anyone but himself. Maybe Bella is good for him. Maybe Bell is good for us all, thought Stefan as he closed his eyes thinking of his time with Elena and her arguments to have Bella removed from his home. Elena was becoming irrational. Maybe Bella would be able to help him with Elena. It was a good thought smiled Stefan.