CHAPTER NINE
I was too immersed in my Damon euphoria that I didn't even notice when I fell asleep, neither did I dream that night. Nothing in the world felt better than being tucked up in the warmth of his arms and falling asleep to the rhythm of his breathing .This had been the most comfortable I have felt since being in this century.
Once again, I woke up with the sun streaming on my face. With my eyes still closed, I reached out from under the covers to search for Damon's warm body, but I was only met with cold sheets instead. I slowly open my eyes to find that I am the only on bed, the blanket had been pulled over to one side. He left. Sadness welled up in my chest as I began searching the room for any traces of Damon Salvatore but found none. I slowly sat up on the bed and tried to recount the events that transpired the night before. Was I too forward? Had I scared him off? I didn't want to dwell in the 'what ifs' anymore. Ultimately, I was here to serve a purpose and maybe it was a good thing that he decided to run for the hills.
I straightened up off the bed and stood up, making sure to stretch my whole body. My legs felt achy and sore but nothing like my heart at the moment. I know in the back of my mind that I was probably being irrational and there would be a perfectly sane reason for his departure but I couldn't help but let those intruding thoughts into my head. I walked over to the bathroom and peered into the mirror over the sink. I took out a brush from my toiletry bag and began brushing my tangled hair. Once done, I pulled out my toothbrush and began washing my teeth, slowly. I would do anything to keep my mind off things. Once I felt clean enough, I walked out to the bedroom again and picked out a box for something to wear. This ensemble was a navy, long fitted maxi skirt with a simple cream colored, short. Puff-sleeved shirt. It was simple but still really elegant and almost sexy. Mr Foster had also recommended wearing a navy hat-like fascinator which had cream colored feathers sewn into the material. This was definitely something a woman with stature would wear.
I was careful to put on the ensemble carefully and methodically, I needed every piece in place if I were to blend in. Once I was happy with how the shirt and skirt looked, I began to focus all my attention on this fascinator. I had watched future Damon put the pale blue one on once before but pinning one to your own head was a completely different ballgame. I spent what felt like ages in front of the full length mirror trying to clip this little hat on my head with no luck.
"Here, let me help you with that." I must have been so immersed that I didn't hear Damon enter the room. His hands expertly went to work in my hair, pinning and placing the little fascinator.
"Geez, you scared me Damon," I squeaked " I thought you left for good."
"Never." He chuckled. I looked up to take in his face. Damon had two pins sticking out of his mouth as he was working away in deep concentration; his eyes were deadly serious. I couldn't help staring at him when I noticed a red patch on his left cheekbone. A bruise.
I quickly spun around and held his face in my hands to inspect the large red welt on his cheek.
"It's nothing, Elena." Damon tried to reassure me.
"Who did this to you?!" I couldn't contain my anger. "What happened, Damon? Tell me!"
I gently touched the injury on his face and he winced away from me in pain. Dried blood still clung onto the angry, red blotch. All I waned to do was take the pain away. I walked over to the bathroom and retrieved a damp wash cloth so I could soothe the wound.
"Sit down, Damon." I gestured towards the bed. I began to slowly dab at the wound, taking away the blood. The whole time I was concentrating on his injury, I could feel Damon's eyes burrowing holes into my face. He was staring at me. "There, that's much better"
Just as I was about to pull my hand away from his face, Damon clutched my wrist and gave the palm of my hand a soft, tender kiss.
"Thank you, Elena." The words that came out of his mouth were sincere. It suddenly hit me; he never has had someone to care for him before. It all made sense now.
"Who did this to you, Damon?" I implored "Please tell me you didn't pick a fight with those guys from last night?" I had both of his hands in mine now.
"N-no I didn't" I could sense traces of sadness when he was talking "I went home this morning, to change and pack a few things for this afternoon. Unfortunately, my father discovered that I wasn't home last night and assumed I was out drinking. Suffice to say, I am not exactly his favorite son."
I couldn't stop the tears that welled up in my eyes nor control the immense sadness I was feeling. How could someone harbor so much hatred for their child to resort to hurting them. I quickly wrapped my arms around Damon's neck before breaking out into muffled sobs on his shoulder " That's terrible, Damon."
"Shhhh, Shhhhh. Please don't cry, my love. It's over, I am here." He comforted me while petting my hair. We stayed like this, intertwined with each other for awhile before I mustered enough courage to break away and look at his face one more time.
"Are you alright?"
"Better, now that I am with you." He said with a smile. " Come, I brought some breakfast for us."
He led me to the couch area and handed me a plate filled with toast and eggs for breakfast. It looked delicious. We both ate side by side just enjoying each other's company.
"Elena, as you aptly put yesterday 'no pressure' and please you can decline if you would like," I had never seen Damon flustered before : My family is hosting a ball tonight and it would truly be my honor if you would come and be my escort?"
"What about all the power hungry women of Mystic Falls?" I joked " Don't you think they would be disappointed to see one of their most eligible bachelors with someone from out of town?"
"Well, I'm sure I can take them on." A huge grin broke out on his face " In all honesty, there is no one in this world I would rather have on my arm than you. You look breathtaking today, Miss Grant."
I couldn't help but let out a sheepish grin " Well then, it is settled, I'll be your date."
We both chuckled at each other and continued eating our breakfast. I couldn't believe how easy it was to be around Damon. It felt so natural and perfect.
"Problem is, I have nothing nearly formal enough to wear to a ball!" I exclaimed.
With his cheeky grin, "I have that covered already,love."
Holy man! Nine chapters already?! I know, I know this one is a little shorter but I promise, the ball is going to be super busy and long and detailed. You guys have been so awesome! Thank you so much for your continued support and love. Don''t forget to leave a review :) xoxo Oak&Lace
