All those people who wanted some more Delena scenes...I think you might like this chapter...with any luck :)

Bit of a time skip to help the plot but nothing too dramatic

Anyway...here we go...

The weeks in America passed slowly. My mum had always said that time flies when you're having fun but either I wasn't having fun or she'd been lying to me for seventeen years. When I was with people…well I was having a reasonable amount of fun. But then, when I was on my own and I didn't have the distraction. There was that other saying; that time heals the deepest wounds. It was bullshit. It only got worse.

During the day I'd be fine; happy and laughing and it didn't feel too difficult. I'd spend the time at school getting to know these new friends of mine. Then back at the house there was always things to be done. Night falls…everyone goes to sleep. That's when it gets hard. Because you can't sleep without peace and peace gives your mind free reign over your emotions. So I cried…every night. I did stupid things like spent hours calling my parents numbers over and over, just to hear their voices as they didn't pick up the voicemail. Or I was angry or… I didn't sleep well because of it. But that was a given, right? The dark circles under my eyes grew and my appetite shrunk…all the usual things. I remember back when I was doing some exams I'd got like this but that was down to stress. I was one of those people who just lost it when things got tough…maybe that's just what was happening now.

It had been about two months since I arrived here…I guess things were getting worse. The friends I'd made…they were great; whenever I went back home I knew I'd stay in touch. As I'd said, it wasn't that I didn't like Mystic Falls…I just didn't like the circumstance, but who would? I'd say I was closest to Caroline, then Lexi and Bonnie, and surprisingly Damon…no idea how that had happened. I sat next to him in all the lessons we had together…we talked…I liked him. Then there was Dom who I still talked to, we had a standing date in the library every Thursday after school (he really didn't need tutoring but it was always fun anyway)

As I said, it had been about two months when those brilliant friends planned a weekend trip out of town. More specifically to the Lake House owned by my aunt. I hadn't been asked, but I got the impression Jenna had suggested it. Caroline Forbes couldn't keep a secret to save her life; she might have let slip that my aunt thought I needed a break.

And that's how I found myself right now. Curled up on a sofa in a gorgeous log cabin, surrounded by these amazing new friends. Tyler, Caroline, Stefan and Lexi were finding that game of Scrabble much too fun to be acceptable for people of our age but sometimes you needed to have fun without the judgement. Matt and Bonnie were cooking dinner in the kitchen and I was on the sofa, watching the others getting way too competitive. It was hilarious to watch.

I glanced up from where my head was rested on the arm of the sofa as Damon appeared, two mugs of something steaming and smiled as he passed one to me, "Thanks," Had it really been so stupid of me to wonder whether or not they'd have tea this side of the pond? At least it tasted the same (the water sure didn't).

He just gave a smile in response, dropping down next to me close enough for my thick black sock-covered feet to touch his legs but I didn't bother moving. "How long do you think they'll be doing this?" He questioned, nodding towards the people around the coffee table in front of us, all shouting at each other because that was so not a double-word score! Seriously!

"I can't see it ending soon. It's quite fun to watch to be honest."

He nodded, "I would never play anything against Barbie."

And there was the common myth that Caroline Forbes was terrifying. Maybe she talked fast, got excited easily and was the stereotypical teenage girl…but she scary? No…no she was just great. "Scaredy-cat." I muttered, taking a sip of the tea and smiling as the perfect balance of sugar and milk hit my taste-buds.

I could feel his eyes on my face, scowling a little and I tried not to smile and look at him, "What was that Elena?"

Oh god dammit I smiled, "You heard me."

"I'm not sure I did."

The amusement in his voice was evident and that only served to make the smile more insistent on my face. Looking over at him, I raised an eyebrow, "Wimp, scared of a girl. What would your friends say…?" His group at school were all those macho-player types…just a little feared by the rest of the school. Looking at it from the Mean Girl's perspective, he would be the Aaron Samuels to Regina George...who was Katherine...sort of. In other words he was the King and she was the Queen except they hated one another. They would rip the piss out of him for years.

His eyes narrowed a little, shifting a little closer, "If you weren't holding that drink right now-…"

Ooh scary Damon, except there was that sparkle in his eyes that had me guessing. Maybe we were crossing that line from banter to flirting but somehow it just didn't bother me, "You'd do what?"

I really wanted to know…I did, what would he do to me? But the arrival of Bonnie and Matt from the kitchen with food cut off his comeback, "Oi you two stop flirting. Dinner's up."

Blushing at her words, I averted my gaze to the mass of food that appeared on the table. Of course we weren't going to all sit around the perfectly-laid table with folded napkins and candles. We were teenagers…I think the Scrabble was enough.

Conversation was as easy as ever and, as usual, it didn't take long to get on the subject of school and how epically shit it was at the moment. In the past week they'd piled a tonne of homework on all of us which I'd used as the best distraction from, well…my life. I kind of spaced out as they started talking about people and teachers at the school, thinking instead back to my own college back in London. I wonder what had been happening there recently…I said that like I hadn't been receiving all the updates from my dear friends. It was what Caroline said that tore me from my thoughts and to an absolute stand-still.

"Well, I just can't wait get this year over. We'll finish our finals, then an amazing summer and Uni…it will make it all worth it."

"Finals?" It was such a stupid question…surely I should know.

They all laughed at my stupidity but right now, where my mind was going, I didn't care, "You know…the exams at the end of the year? Finals…"

My eyes locked on nothing really, mouth hanging slightly open as the realisation hit me…"Fuck…"

"What? They're not that bad."

Their words hardly sunk in as I bolted upright and away from the living room, barely hearing them calling my name. Practically smashing through the door of the room everyone's things were dumped in I dropped to my knees in front of the bed where my laptop sat open and ready. I didn't know what the hell I was doing but suddenly the three faces of my best friends were filling the screen, all smiles and cheeriness. Skype...

"ELENA!"

And it took them all of three seconds to realise I so wasn't in the mood, Fran took the lead of course, "Lennie! What's wrong?!"

"Finals! Fran….Finals!

Understanding filled her eyes and the semi-frantic worry was gone, "Oh is this about school again? Lena what did I tell you-"

"No, Fran listen! I have to do finals…not A levels…fucking finals."

Silence, "I don't get it."

Letting out a groan, I jerked to my feet, rubbing my face roughly with my hands, "Oi Len, talk." Rich…so eloquent.

A loud sigh of frustration, I stopped my pacing, completely ignoring the noises down the hall as they no doubt listened in, "Pretty much all my life…literally, for fourteen years…we have been at school, right? We did our SATS, entrance exam for year 7, GCSE's, entrance exam for college, sixth form, AS's! All to get our A levels so we get a semi-decent UCAS which will get us into University! And I'd apply to UEA, Nottingham, Exeter and Manchester-"

"What are you getting at Len? That hasn't changed-"

"-Yes it has! Rich can't you see that? I did all that work to get what? AS's? I was half a year from getting my A2's! So my entire education has been for nothing!"

None of them replied for a minute, the Jamie spoke slowly, "Lena I think you're overreacting-"

"Don't tell me I'm overreacting. Jamie I swear to god-"

"It's not the end of the world though. Len you come back here when you turn 18, then you just take a gap year to finish the course. We're all taking a year out."

I let out a sigh, dropping down onto my back on the bed, staring up at the ceiling, "This is so shit."

"Yeah…"

How insightful, "I hate school so much. Why couldn't it just be over?"

"Gilbert I really want to give you a hug right now." Laughing quietly at my friend, I pushed myself back to a sitting position, "And may I just add that you look like shit."

Now that earned her two mild slaps on her head, "Shut up Fran, you're meant to be the understanding one!"

Smiling at the little tiff, I nodded, agreeing with Jamie, "What? Just because I'm a girl? You two are bitches. Lennie you know I only mean it in the kindest way. You're gorgeous…but you look like shit."

"Thanks Fran."

"No problem."

"You've always been really good at the whole morale-booster thing."

"I know, it's a skill."

Rolling my eyes and laughing quietly, I yawned and glanced towards the door, "Look I should be getting back…kinda ran out when I had the whole exam epiphany."

"Wait, where are you? Don't recognise the room…"

"Oh…this is Jenna's Lake House…it's like a log cabin on a huge lake, little jetty and everything."

Her mouth fell open in awe, "Oh my god it's so American! I wanna go."

"Maybe one day. I'll talk to you guys later."

"Sure we love you Lennie poo!"

"Love you too freaks."

Closing the computer, I let out a sigh and crossed to the mirror to attempt to make myself look a little more presentable. When I did finally return to the living room I gave a small apologetic smile, "Sorry…bit of a moment…" I said to their expressions; a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Sitting back down next to Damon, I curled my feet under my body, "What happened?"

Glancing up at Bonnie, I shrugged a little, "Just realised something. Which they of course proved to be completely insignificant. It's really nothing."

Conversation moved on but I stayed quiet, sat on the sofa and completely lost in my thoughts. I guess what they'd said was right…I could just do a gap year and retake my exams; they'd be taking one anyway and we'd all had plans to go travelling together. It could still be done I guess. But it was annoying…it was all so annoying. I wanted to 'graduate' with my friends, go and get results with them on that horrible day in August, I wanted to go home and tell my parents that I'd got the four A* that they wanted…but that was never going to happen anymore. I guess it was true that life just wasn't fair.

There weren't enough rooms in the Lake House to accommodate how many of us there were. In fact there were only three rooms while there were eight of us. So Caroline and Tyler grabbed the first room, Stefan and Lexi the second and Matt and Bonnie managed to get the last. It was fair enough; the couples get to share…I'd slept on the cold stone floor of Rich's kitchen enough times to be able to sleep anywhere (don't ask).

So that just left Damon and me on the sofas in the living room, which didn't bother me at all. We didn't talk so much when the others were around, they always seemed to be sending me pointed looks not to do anything with him like I was about to jump him or something when really it was the other way round.

I went into the toilet to get ready, taking off my makeup and all, and then changing into my black PJ shorts and old 'The Specials' band shirt of Jamie's before heading back outside. He wasn't in there but I could hear noises in the kitchen. There were two sofas, facing each other with only the coffee table in between. Finding some blankets folded up in one of the cupboards around the house, I dropped one on each and started to pull my hair up into a messy bun. Turning round, I froze at the sight of Damon in the doorway, apparently paused mid-step and watching me and I smiled, "Hey…how long you been there?"

"Not long." He smirked, continuing walking and I tried not to blush at the way his eyes ran over the length of my legs, "You feeling better?"

I frowned a little in confusion, "What do you mean?"

He shrugged, pausing in front of me, "Well you were a bit off all night."

Passing it off with a smile, I shook my head, "It's nothing, I'm fine."

He didn't look convinced but said no more on the topic, instead moving to turn out the light. The clock on the mantelpiece read half midnight as we finally settled onto our respective sofas, lying in silence on our backs. It didn't take long before his breathing slowed across the room and I was the only one awake in the house…as usual. I'd more or less gotten used to the feeling over the past few weeks. The clock chimed half past…then one, half one, two…when it got to four I gave up, letting out a heavy sigh and pushing the blankets back as I stood up. My eyes caught onto Damon, lying on the sofa looking deceptively innocent in his slumber.

Another sigh was all it took before I made my way to the kitchen. In the fridge I grabbed one of the many cartons of orange juice, lingering a moment longer before opening the door and stepping out into the cool night.

Being so far from anywhere it was near pitch black out here, which was strange coming from London where there were always lights around. Some people call it light pollution…but it was a lot more comforting than this. But at the same time this was beautiful; the way the full moon and millions of stars were reflecting on the lake…just like one of those corny inspirational postcards...where's the Drake quote?

Forgetting my shoes, the sharp gravel dug into my feet as I made my way down to the jetty. But as I reached the end of the wooden planks I dropped down to sit at the edge, legs hanging down and my toes just skimmed the surface of the water. Taking a gulp of the juice I set it down on the side and let out a millionth side, finally lying down on my back to look up at the sky. You didn't really get stars in London; there was too much crap in the air. It was nice though…you could so easily get lost in it.

Even with the Milky Way shimmering above me I still couldn't fall asleep; I shouldn't be so hopeful. But on a more positive note I didn't cry tonight…for once. I could have; I so easily could have but I didn't let myself. I couldn't do it every night…Guaranteed I'd do it again but right now I refused to be so weak and pathetic. So instead I just lay there and tried not to think, letting myself get lost.

It could have been five minutes or five hours later than I heard footsteps on the decking behind me. Before I could get remotely scared though, I caught a glimpse of those blue eyes, shining silver in the moonlight, relaxing almost immediately. For a moment he stood there, then sat down, lying back close enough for our arm to be touching, "How long have you been out here?"

I shrugged one shoulder, not looking at him; I was still trying to remember all those constellations we'd learnt in physics years ago, "No idea."

He didn't reply straight away and I jumped a little as his hand touched mine, turning my hand to press against his, "You're cold." It was really a conscious decision to wind my fingers through his, but I did it anyway.

"Can't feel it." I mumbled, not remotely phased by the less than warm temperature, yet the warmth of his body beside mine was an added comfort, "Why are you out here?"

He shrugged, his thumb stroking back and forth on my hand, "Woke up and couldn't find you anywhere. Thought you'd made a run for it for a moment."

Laughing quietly, I rolled onto my side and propped my head up on his shoulder. The instinctive move seemed to surprise both of us but only for a second before he wrapped one arm around my shoulders, effectively stopping me from doing anywhere, "If I was going to do that I'd at least put some shoes on."

"You walked over that gravel with no shoes on?" I nodded and he shook his head a little like I was crazy, "Gotta hurt; Barbie always makes someone carry her if she forgets her shoes. But then again she's pretty pathetic."

"You're so mean." He gave me that look to say that he knew and he just didn't care. I suppose I couldn't argue, "What's to say that I'm not pathetic?"

He smirked, "Because you're not. She'd cry if someone called her a bitch."

Momentarily surprised, I pushed myself up on my elbow to down at him, that same amusement dancing in his eyes, "And I wouldn't? How well do you know me Damon Salvatore? I cry all the time."

There was no surprise in his eyes, "No you wouldn't. And I think you'd have a reason if you did."

I didn't reply for a moment, just watching him a moment longer before dropping back into my previous position, "I think you underestimate Caroline; she wouldn't cry if someone called her a bitch. I think she's the same as any girl; if the person who said it means anything to you and meant what they said…anyone would be upset."

It was true…I'd been called a bitch a million times by people I didn't know and it never really bothered me. Sure I had my moments but I knew I wasn't bad; as Fran, Rich and Jamie always said, I was cold…personality wise. And that can occasionally come across as rude but I didn't mean it to be like that. So when people slagged me of I just didn't care so much. But then there was that time that Jamie and I had that huge argument a few years ago which went on for a good few months and sure I cried because of the things he'd said.

I didn't realise the silence went on so long, bringing my hand up to rest on his stomach and I swear my breath caught for a fraction of a second at the solid muscle beneath the shirt, "But of course macho Damon Salvatore wouldn't cry at anything."

He smirked, nodding, "That's right." Laughing quietly, I rolled my eyes because we both knew that wasn't entirely true, "You tired yet?"

"Nope."

"When was the last time you actually slept?"

I opened my mouth to reply, then closed it when I realised I had to think about it, "Um…Tuesday? Yeah I think then…"

"Well that's not good is it?" I shrugged, smiling a little as his arm tightened around me, "Apparently sleeping is important. I was told…"

"Really? I never knew that."

"Hmm…something about maintaining your sanity. You should try it out."

Laughing a little, I rolled over a little more to prop my chin on his chest, looking at him, "You think I haven't already? I've taken sleeping pills and still woken up in the middle of the night."

He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk on his face like he was about to say something bad, "Well there are other things you could do…wear you out before bedtime." It took me a slow minute to realise what he was getting at, sighing and trying not to laugh but failing, "And if you need a volunteer-"

"-Damon!" As he laughed his hands found my waist, pulling me even further onto him, "Horny bastard."

That teasing spark lit up his eyes and the kiss he pressed to my cheek surprised me, frozen for a second at the unexpected contact, "Doesn't sound like an insult when you say it."

"What do you mean by that?" I questioned, confused.

"Your accent."

"What's wrong with my accent? I don't have one, you have an accent."

He smirked, shaking his head, "There's nothing wrong with your accent. And no I don't have one, I talk normally."

"Hey! I talk normally! You talk like this!" I said in my best impression of an American accent which only made him laugh more, his chest vibrating against mine with laughter. "Bitch, try and do an English accent."

"I've never been to England but you all talk like this."

Now it was my turn to laugh, shaking my head and dropping my head for a minute, "No! We don't all come from Chelsea or live in Buckingham Palace! Not all English people are posh."

"And not all American people are idiots."

"That's a completely different point. And there's a video on YouTube that says otherwise."

"I have seen that and it doesn't mean we're all like that!"

"Never said it did!" He laughed, one hand on the small of my back and sliding up a little under my shirt, little tingles shooting up my spine at the contact, "You seem relatively clever."

He scoffed, "Please, I'm a genius."

"You're cocky."

"Very."

How'd you like it? Tell me all. And more reviews means more chapters...

Watch 'Stupid American's' on YouTube. No offence intended, but it really is a funny video…slightly makes me want to cry but oh well.