7. At The Grill

If there was one thing that Elena hated more than anything in the world, it was waiting for something. Patience had never been her strong suit. Now, as she was sitting in a booth at The Grill, tapping her foot and looking at her watch, she really hoped that Stefan would be coming soon.

It appeared that her plight hadn't gone entirely unnoticed as Matt sidled into the seat opposite her.

"Hey Matt. Aren't you supposed to be working?"

"I'm on my break, so I thought I'd talk to you, you looked like you could use a friend." He replied with a crooked smile.

"Thanks, I'm waiting for Stefan. He was meant to be here half an hour ago. When he left me he told me he had 'things to sort out' and with Damon back in town that can only mean trouble."

"Wait... Damon's back?"

"Uhuh."

"Well, shit. Poor Stefan, the bad news keeps coming doesn't it?"

"Yeah." Elena took a sip of her coke. "So ... you and Caroline split up. How do you feel about that?"

"Huh. I don't want to offend you, since I know she's one of your best friends and all, but that girl is completely impossible. One moment she's like 'Matt I love you and only you' and then the next minute there's another guy flirting with her. I know it's not entirely her fault, but it grates on a guy's nerves you know?"

"Yes, I understand. But you know she wasn't going to do anything with Klaus?"

"Yeah, but she wasn't exactly making him aware of her unavailability now was she? Truthfully I just don't think we were right for each other. I like the down to earth girls, like you ... or Bonnie."

Elena's interest was immediately sparked, "What's this I hear? You like Bonnie?"

"I said I liked girls like Bonnie!" Matt defended, maybe a little too forcefully.

"Hmm, if you say so. Anyway, are you going to the party on Saturday?"

"The one at the boarding house? Sure, I'm up for it."

Both teenagers turned towards the door as they heard Stefan come in. Matt got up to go back to his job behind the bar.

"Great, I'll see you there then!" smiled Elena.

"See you. Hey Stefan."

Stefan acknowledged the retreating Matt with a nod and settled down beside Elena. He looked apologetic.

"I'm so sorry to keep you waiting Elena. I just ... ran into a little trouble with my brother."

Elena was immediately concerned, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine. He was just being his usual insensitive and arrogant self, but he did seem to have evidence about what happened to my parents."

"You said before that someone was responsible for their deaths, do you know who?"

"His name is Michael. Apparently he went to school with my parents, but left Mystic Falls to live in Chicago. According to Damon, this guy has always had a feud with my parents ever since they were our age; I think he had been in love with my mother but she humiliated him when she didn't return the sentiment and fell for my father. Things were said, blood was spilt and Michael left town a laughing stock. This would have all been okay, but it seems that he was a bit of a psycho, the jealous type that doesn't take rejection well. He joined some gang in Chicago and has been sending my parents death threats for some time."

"What? No way! So how did you find all this out?"

"I knew nothing about this, but according to Damon he found these letters that Michael sent and he met one of the ex-members of the gang when he was living in Italy. This guy told Damon what Michael was planning and Damon tried to warn my parents, but it was too late."

"I can't believe it!"

"Neither can I really."

"How do you know that you can trust Damon? He's lied so many times before."

"I'm not sure that I will ever trust him, but this seems a little too dramatic, even for Damon, to make up."

"So what are you going to do now?"

"I don't know, get on with my life I suppose. I wanted to show the letters to the police, but Damon wouldn't let me."

"What do you think he's up to?"

"Beats me. He says he's going out of town for a bit. I can only assume that with him involved, it will be violent."

Elena gave him a look of sympathy, "For your sake, I really hope he proves us wrong then. So does this mean he won't be at the party?"

Stefan smiled, "Nope. Umm Elena, can I ask you something?"

"Sure. What is it Stefan?"

"Will you be my date?"

'Uh-oh' thought Elena, so she quickly clarified, "As friends right?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Then I'd love to Stefan."

"Brilliant! I'll see you at school tomorrow then shall I?" Stefan added as he saw that Elena was making a move to leave.

"Yeah. Bye Stefan. Take care."

"Bye Elena."


In a seedy bar down the back alleys of Chicago, where tourists and good citizens alike never strayed, Damon made his way in through the back entrance.

With his completely black outfit, dark hair and unreadable expression he fit in perfectly with the regular clientele. He made his way stealthily towards a smoky corner that was dimly lit, making sure not to touch anyone in his path.

Sitting in a booth surrounded by several stony faced henchmen sat the object of his search. The man was wearing a pin striped suit and Damon knew from experience that when he smiled you would be able to see a row of gold teeth to replace the ones that he lost in a fight. The other man lost his life.

Straightening his shoulders and gathering his thoughts Damon cleared his throat.

Immediately he heard the distinctive sounds of guns being cocked, and saw that all were aimed at his heart from beneath the table.

"Damon." the man smiled, but it looked more like a grimaced, and the sentiment did not reach his eyes. "It has been a long while my old friend. What can I do for you this fine evening?"

"I'm looking for Michael."


Soooo, what do you all think so far? Any suggestions? I'm really enjoying writing this, but I don't think I'll be able to update again this weekend as I have a s**tload of work to do. But I already have the plan for the next chapter: think party thoughts people! Peace out Cxx