Millie (Damon's mother)

Glancing at the clock, I see it's almost four in the afternoon already. The kids should be home from school soon. Damon promised me that he would stop by Caroline's school so he could walk her home. Just as I start to get things together to make a meatloaf, I hear the phone ring.

"Mrs. Salvatore, your son decided not to show up for class again today. He will be expelled if he keeps this up," Mr. Lockwood, the principal tells me over the phone.

"Why didn't you call me earlier? The school day is over now."

"I was out of the office at a district meeting. I'm just going over some of the notes on my desk before I go home for the day."

"I'm sorry Mr. Lockwood. I don't know what's gotten into Damon. I thought he was doing well and then all of sudden, he starts pulling this disappearing act. My husband and I will have a talk with him. Thank you for letting me know. Goodbye now," I tell him, hanging up the phone. Running my hand through my hair, I expel a breath wondering how Joe is going to react to this. I press my hands against the kitchen counter as I try to relax for a minute. My knuckles are starting to turn white when I finally hear the front door open and close.

"Mama," Caroline yells, running into the kitchen, followed by a sullen looking Damon.

"Hey baby. How was school?" I ask, pulling her into a hug.

"Good. We had show and tell. I showed Damon for show and tell." Raising my eyebrows, I look at Damon and then back at Caroline. "When was this?"

"Just before school was out. Can I have a cookie mama?"

"Sure," I tell her, reaching up to grab the cookie jar. "You run along now. I want to talk to Damon."

"Okay mama," she says, picking up her backpack and running out of the kitchen.

"Your principal just called. He said you missed school again. What's going on with you Damon?" My anger surges when I happen to notice him rolling his eyes.

"I don't like school. You don't know what it's like to have everybody treat you like a weirdo or a pervert or something."

"So the other kids are mean to you?"

"Yes," he says, turning away from me.

"Damon, you need to go to school so you can graduate."

"Fine, I'll go tomorrow. Can I be excused now?"

Sighing heavily, I rake my hand through my hair in frustration. "Yes, you can go to your room."

"Thanks," he utters then he walks out just as Stefan walks in.

"Stefan, what's going on with your brother?" I ask him.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm sure you very well know that he's been ditching school."

"How come he can get away with that and I can't?"

"Do the other kids treat him badly?"

"Sometimes. But he doesn't have to be such a baby about it and run away all the time."

"What kind of things do they say to him?"

"He's a loner mom. He doesn't have any friends other than Elena. He keeps to himself. He doesn't even really try to make friends."

"Stefan, Damon isn't used to being around other people. He was kept pretty isolated from what I understand."

"Yeah, I know. Poor, poor little Damon...," he utters, reaching into the refrigerator to grab the carton of milk. After pouring himself a cup, he puts it away and grabs a few cookies.

"I'm going upstairs."

Nodding, I turn back to the countertop and start working on my meatloaf, taking my aggression out on the package of crackers I'm crushing to use in it.

"Joe, what are we going to do about Damon? We just can't allow him to keep skipping school. We'll have to hold him back another year if he doesn't get the credits he needs."

"I know Millie. I just don't know how to get through to him. Sometimes it's like I'm looking at a stranger and not my own son."

"You too? I'll admit, I feel the same way at times. Do you ever wonder what his life was like with those people? Sometimes I'm afraid to know because something spawned his nightmares. I mean, did they abuse him and if they did, where did they draw the line?"

"Oh Lord Millie, I don't even want to think about 'that' kind of abuse. But you're right, his nightmares came from somewhere. Maybe we should talk to Dr. Mikaelson about his behavior. Or maybe his friend, Detective Williams. Perhaps he could get through to him? Damon trusts him," Joe utters taking another sip from his coffee cup.

"I wish he trusted us the way he trusts Chris," I muse, staring at nothing in particular.

"Me too, sweetheart, me too," Joe replies, taking my hand in his.

"This is Detective Williams. How can I help you?"

"Hello Chris. This is Millie Salvatore. How are you?"

"Millie? What can I do for you?"

"It's Damon. I'm at wit's end. He's skipping school and coming home late. Joe and I are at a loss."

"When did all this start?"

"It's been going on for a few weeks now. We still feel like we have to walk around on eggshells with him. His birthday is coming up. He'll be seventeen soon. I suppose some acting out is to be expected but I'm so afraid. I don't trust him not to run away, Chris."

"I talked to him a week or so ago. He didn't mention anything but then again, I guess he wouldn't. When is his birthday?"

"April eighteenth is his birthday. School is out for the summer at the end of May. The school principal called the other day about his truancy."

"Amanda is visiting her parents and family in Idaho. I have the weekend off. I could drive down and try to talk to him if you'd like me to."

"Please do. We have to do something. Our son is a stranger to us, Chris. He never talks about what his life was like with the Parkers. I want to know yet a part of me is afraid to know."

"I'm glad you brought them up. Their trial has been scheduled. Damon will need to testify. I know when I mentioned that to him month's ago, it scared him. I'll talk to him about that this weekend too, okay?"

"Thank you Chris. I'll get the guest room ready so you can stay at the house with him."

"Alright. Listen, I need to get back to work. I'll see you this weekend. Bye now."

"Goodbye," I tell him, hanging up the phone.

Damon:

When I reach my locker this morning, I'm once again treated to nasty cartoons plastered to the front of it. Everyday it's the same thing and I'm sick of it. They trip me sending me sprawling in the dining area. Aside from Elena and her friend, Matt, they treat me like a leper. I hate this place. Reaching up, I tear the cartoons down, crumple them up and drop them in the waste basket.

I know I shouldn't be skipping class and staying out late. My life is such a mess. I know my parents haven't done anything wrong really. I've been home for a few months now but things between us are still so standoffish for lack of a better word. They're afraid to discipline me other than sending me to my room. I've been alone my whole life so that's not really punishment. If they loved me, wouldn't they care enough to really discipline me? I know they tell me they love me but they stopped trying to hug me. I know I tense up but a part of me liked it when they showed me they cared with more than words. Exhaling heavily, I shove my backpack in my locker.

After grabbing my books, I take my time going to Tanner's class. He's worse than the kids because he's an adult and should know better. Hesitantly, I walk into his classroom. When I look up after taking my seat, I see him smirking at me as usual.

"Well, well, well, decided not to skip today, Mr. Salvatore," he says with a 'Grinch-like' smirk on his face. Not willing to give him any satisfaction, I don't say anything.

"Class, the great Salvatore has decided to grace us with his presence today. I think we should all give him a round of applause," he taunts, clapping his hands vigorously. Shaking my head, I just keep my eyes focused on my text book.

"Ah, what's the matter Salvatore, you can't take a little teasing?" he says, pouting his lip at me. Just like that the classroom erupts with pretend baby crying. Taking a deep breath, I gather my things and walk out of the classroom.

"Damon, shouldn't you be in class?" Mr. Saltzman asks me.

"Shouldn't you?" I sneer back. "Look I'm sorry."

"Come on. Let's go into my classroom." Nodding, I follow him. "Tell me what happened."

"Tanner. Everyday he humiliates me in front of the class. I don't know what I ever did to him," I utter, my eyes downcast.

"Look, I know Tanner is a jackass but have you told anyone? Mr. Lockwood, your parents?"

"No. He'll just deny it. Why would Mr. Lockwood believe me over a teacher? The other kids all laugh at me too. They're not going to back up my story."

"Have you talked to your parents about this?"

"No," I reply, shaking my head back and forth.

"Why not?"

"I just can't talk to them."

"Would you like me to talk to them or maybe have a few words with Tanner?"

"What and have him humiliate me all the more about running to tattle on him?"

"If you don't want to do anything, don't give Tanner the satisfaction of getting a rise out of you. I want you to tell me if he doesn't quit though because I will say something. The guy has no business being a teacher."

"Thanks Mr. Saltzman."

"You can call me Ric. Just not in front of the other kids. Okay?"

Nodding, I take a seat and open up my history book, looking up only when Ric walks out of the room.

Hearing Elena's voice, "Damon, wait up," I stop and turn around just as she catches up to me.

"Hi," she says, her voice breathy from running.

"Hey."

"You left Tanner's class again. Damon, you can't keep doing that. You're just giving him more ammunition to harass you with."

"Would you put up with his bullshit?"

"No, I guess not."

"I rest my case."

"Damon, don't be that way." she says, her eyes downcast.

"I'm sorry Elena."

"I forgive you. The dance is coming up next week. We'll have a good time," she says, smiling at me.

"You still want to go with me?"

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

"I don't know, maybe because everybody hates me."

"Well I don't hate you and it's their loss not yours."

"Thanks Elena."

We stop when we hear someone calling us. "Hey you two, what's shaking?"

"Hi Matt. We're just walking home," Elena tells him.

"Can I walk along? You walk right past my house."

"Absolutely Matt," Elena tells him while looking at me. I can't not smile when I'm with her so I find myself smiling back at her. After Matt leaves us to go into his house, Elena gives me a look then entwines her fingers with mine. Her touch no longer makes me cringe. I actually enjoy it when she touches me. She makes me feel 'normal'. Once we get to her house, she invites me in so we go into her bedroom. I look around as it's the first time I've been in her room.

There are pictures all over and girly things. Staring at the picture on her dresser top, "Are they your parents?" I ask, pointing to one of the pictures.

"Yes."

"How old were you when they died?"

"I was twelve, Jeremy was fifteen. Aunt Jenna and Ric took us in. I don't know what would've happened without her. We don't have any other family and as such we would've ended up in foster care if not for them."

"You're very lucky in that way," I utter, smiling tightly.

"I'm sorry about what happened to you, Damon."

"So am I. Listen, I better get home. I'm sure my mother will jump all over me about blowing off Tanner's class again."

"I could come along, tell her what he's doing to you."

"Don't bother," I utter, standing up to leave.

"Damon," she whispers, stepping over till she's standing in front of me. I can't help but stare at her eyes. When my eyes drop to her lips and then back to her eyes, she leans forward and presses her lips against mine. Stunned I pull back a moment to stare at her for a long second before leaning in, joining our lips again. My body is alight with the electricity that's flowing through my body. Breathless, she pulls away, our foreheads touching as we stare in awe of each other.

"Chris! What are you doing here?" I ask running outside just as he's stepping out of his car.

"Amanda is in Idaho visiting her family so I thought I'd drive over to see you."

"I hope she's okay?" I ask, concerned.

"Amanda is fine. It's been almost a year since she last saw her parents so I put her on a plane to go to see them."

"I'm glad everything is okay with her."

"Hello Chris," my mom says as she steps outside too.

"Hi Millie. Thank you for inviting me."

"You're welcome. I'm sure Damon is over the moon to have you here."

"Mom, you're embarrassing me."

"Try to deny it," she scoffs, albeit playfully. "Grab his bag and take it up to the guest room would you please, Damon?" Nodding, I grab his bag and carry it in the house, Chris and my mom following behind.

"Damon, I've been sitting all day while I drove down here. Come, take a walk with me," Chris suggests.

"Um... sure."

"What time do you want us to be back Millie?"

"Supper will be ready around six."

"Alright, we'll be back before then. Thank you again for inviting me." Mom smiles then walks into the kitchen. We step outside and start walking down the sidewalk.

"Where do you want to walk to?"

"Is there any place you like to hang out?" Chris inquires.

"I like Falls park. It's pretty there."

"Let's go there then." Nodding I lead the way. We pretty much walk quietly till we get there and take a seat on one of the picnic tables.

"Why are you really here, Chris? I saw the way my mom looked at you."

"Yes, your mother gave me a call. She said you've been skipping class and coming home late, worrying them. Is there a reason for that?"

"I have a teacher that hates me. Everyday it's the same thing, he does whatever he can to humiliate me. And the kids are just as bad. They tease me and make fun of me. My friend Elena from across the street and a guy named Matt are the only ones who are nice to me. Stefan is better I guess, but at school, he's still pretty indifferent."

"Have you told your parents about that teacher?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because he'll just be even more nasty if I tell on him."

"Damon, the man is an adult. He shouldn't be picking on school age kids."

"Tell him that," I yell, throwing my arms up in frustration.

"Calm down. We'll talk more about him later. I'm also here because the Parker's have been given a trial date. You'll have to testify against them Damon."

"Wha...what?"

"I'll talk to the DA to see if you can give your testimony via video tape so you don't have to face them, okay?"

"I guess I could do that. I don't want to see them," I utter, my voice fearful.

"I'll do everything in my power to make sure that you don't have to see them. I can't promise you though. It'll depend on the DA. He's a friend of mine though so I think he'll probably agree to let you give your testimony remotely."

"Thanks Chris."

"So, how are things with your friend Elena? Look at you smiling," he teases. Suddenly feeling shy, I turn away for a minute.

"We're going to go to a dance together next weekend. She kissed me," I whisper, my face flushing pink.

"Well?"

"It was nice, real nice," I admit, turning to him with a big smile on my face.

Nice DE moment. A ginormis thanks to Eva. I can't thank you all enough for all of your support with this and my other stories. It means more than you know.

I did post the first chapter of 'The Unforgiven' Wednesday. Please give it a look. 'Shatter Me' will update tomorrow.

I hope you all have a safe and fabulous weekend. Please don't forget to hit that REVIEW button. Until next time...