A/N: Hello readers :) I apologise for taking awhile to post this final chapter. Thank you all so much for reading my story, and thank you to those who have been leaving their reviews :)
Hope you enjoy.
The blue waters of the mediterrean ocean lapped against my feet. The coolness was refreshing; and a welcome relief from the sightseeing I had been doing on foot. Two magical weeks had gone by; the first part of my adventure spent on board a Contiki bus tour–taking in Rome, Florence, a pit stop in Pisa; and then onto Venice. I was wary about being stuck on a bus with complete strangers; but it had turned out quite well. There were twenty four of us, mostly travelling on our own; people from all over the world, young and carefree having the time of our lives. I enjoyed every minute, being my first real vacation in a long time. The Italian people, I found to be warm and welcoming; the food amazing, and the country was filled with so much to see and do–stemming from century's worth of history.
The only thing missing was the love of my life. How I missed him, beginning when the plane was half way between the Atlantic Ocean. I'd asked Damon to join me, however he refused telling me this was my trip of a lifetime, and I needed to enjoy it; besides he had no vacation time owing to him. Discouraged but not defeated, I planned for my trip; it wasn't a simple two week holiday, I had a lot of things to organize.
I went into work about a week prior to my departure, as daunting as that was; I made it through ok. Sarah jumped for joy when she saw me, standing uncertainly at the nurses' station; at least I knew one person was happy to see me back. Caroline was nowhere to be seen, a few other's acknowledged me as I made my way towards my old office. I was out of there in under an hour; signed off on some documents and meet with the doctor they had replaced me with. Initially I felt bad, having catapulted him out of a job, but he told me they had found another position for him here, and he was happy with the result.
On the way back to my car; I saw several ambulances parked near the entrance, I wondered briefly if one of those was Stefan's; I got an answer soon enough when I saw a familiar face walk through the open doors. I waved, making my way over to him. They had just dropped a patient off, involved in a nasty accident. After some informal conversation, he cut straight to the point, the Lockwood fiasco. He told me that I could so some stupid shit sometimes, I guess he was right – I didn't always come up with the best of plans. He was glad the hospital took me back knowing how important my job was. Stefan said he wanted me to be happy, and sounded like I had found the man who could. He patted my shoulder, bidding me well on my Italian adventure.
As for Damon and I, we spent every spare moment of our time together before I left. He took me to his favourite restaurants, and I took him for picnics in the nearby national parks. We frequented the beaches along the coast, in a way it felt like a vacation – in our own backyard. More in love that ever, I wondered how on earth I was going to cope without him.
The date of my departure came upon us quickly; I moved slowly like in a dream like state. I should have been packed and ready to go, well before the doorbell chimed; leaving Damon exasperated as he watched me pack the final item in my suitcase. "Babe, you are going on an all expenses paid vacation. Why are you procrastinating?" He hurried me along, telling me I was running on limited time.
I eventually flung the front door open. "C'mon Mr Salvatore, I have a plane to catch."
He stayed with me at LAX until my flights boarding call was announced. Wrapped in each other's arms, we said our goodbyes. I burst into tears, my face muffled in against the warmth of his chest.
His arms squeezed me more tightly. "It's going to be ok. You need to enjoy this experience because you have bloody well earned it. I'll be waiting for you." Half jokingly he said, "On one condition, don't fall for the charms of those Italian men ok?"
I wiped the tears from the corner of my eyes, lifting my gaze to his. "I don't think so. You have my heart. I love you Damon."
He brushed my tears away with his thumb. "I'm going to miss you baby. You may be gone for three months, but our love is strong, unbreakable. Just remember how much I love you Dr. Gilbert."
The Piazza Tasso of Sorrento was alive, even at this early time of the day. I watched as the store owners began the daily task of setting up shop. Most of the tables outside were empty, as I walked past, they nodded at me in greeting. If I remembered the way back here, I'm sure I would find a lot of hidden treasures to buy. I knew exactly what I wanted to purchase for Damon.
I could smell fresh coffee from the cafes, open for business, I walked past noticing the lovingly made cakes and other delicious's, call it sin city – I fought the urge to try everything. The warmth of the sun bore down on me, the back of my t-shirt dripped with sweat; I walked up and down the endless hills, chastising myself for leaving the sparkling blue coast and fresh cool breeze.
Checking the crumpled map in my hands, I read the street name again, Perrio via Caruso. Squinting at the blue street sign, it was not even close to where I needed to be. Sighing in exasperation, I took cover under a large tree studying the map once more; Giuseppe wasn't good at giving directions or I was crap at reading a map. Sorrento is where he now called home. He had left LA, and started a new pizzeria business, which was doing rather well, according to Damon. They were in touch since he left the states, and ecstatic that I was coming to visit.
Retracing my steps I headed back the way I came, finding the little street I had missed earlier. Just up ahead I could see a blue and red sign, even with my limited knowledge of the Italian language – I knew was Giuseppe's place.
I hurried along the small path, dying for a cool drink and a slice of his renowned pizza. The wooden table and chairs at the front were empty, I peeked through the glass window, and the restaurant was draped in darkness. I knocked anyway, a short time later one of the lights flickered on. The red curtain behind the door parted briefly, a pair of brown eyes stared back at me. I heard the snip of the lock, the door pushed open; Giuseppe. He reached out pulling me into his embrace. "Welcome my dear girl. Please come in."
I embraced him warmly, planting kisses on each of his cheeks. "Hello Giuseppe. I am so glad to see you again."
He led me down the stairs into his small restaurant. The walls were a blue, like the ocean, the floor tiles terracotta, and a mix of white round tables and stools. I liked it, simple and cosy. Inside though I felt little relief from the warmth, even with the air conditioner on, the pizza ovens were cranking up for the busy day ahead.
I followed Giuseppe to the bar, tucked away in the corner. He pulled two stools out, I sat down immediately, my feet were sore.
He studied me, "What would you like to drink? You look like you could use something my girl. I know how hot the weather here can be."
I surveyed the bar for something refreshing, catching sight of a yellow bottle; limoncello. I pointed to the fridge, where he had bottles of them. "Please don't tell me it is too early for one of those?" I asked.
Giuseppe shook his head, "Excellent choice." He grabbed a bottle from the fridge, and two glasses from the shelf, filling them to the brim. Settling on the stool next to me, clinking our glasses together.
"To life, friends and good times." I said.
One hour later and a bottle emptier, he asked, "Elena, do you miss home? What has it been, two weeks in my country?"
Immediately I thought of Damon, I missed him; it was the one blight on my vacation. "I miss something Giuseppe, and he is at home."
He took another sip, before answering, "The one and only Mr Salvatore?"
I nodded. "We have been through so much. Probably more than most people. I can't explain it, this love I feel for him."
Giuseppe smiled knowingly. "I understand Elena. When you find the one, it is indescribable. That's how I felt about my late wife, I miss her every day."
"I'm sorry Giuseppe I really am. How much it must hurt. I couldn't imagine Damon not being in my life. I think we both owe you somewhat for that."
He patted my hand. "Your love was meant to be, and would have happened regardless, somewhere, somehow. So why is Damon missing from his lady love?"
I told Giuseppe how much I wanted him to come with me. Damon was unable to take any time off. We skyped each other every night, and played a game of back and forwards with text messages during the day. But it still wasn't enough, I needed him close enough to touch, kiss his lips, and feel his arms around me.
Giuseppe dug around underneath the bar, placing a brochure in front of me. He tapped down on it, "This place is like heaven on earth. Go visit tomorrow; the sheer beauty of the place will make you forget your worries."
I glanced down at the brochure; a photo of calm turquoise water, and the white sandy beaches of the Isle of Capri.
The ferry boat sped away from Sorrento, the rugged mountains of the Amalfi coast just visible in the distance. I took Giuseppe's suggestion; it was on my list to do anyway. I just hoped it would weave some magic, and help me take my mind off Damon.
He missed our skype session last night, the first one since I'd been away. I stayed online for hours, waiting for him. His status never changing from off line, and showing activity from two days ago. I knew he would have a reasonable explanation as to why; I was still disappointed on missing out.
The driver of the boat slowed down on our approach, I could see the outline of the isle; the crystal clear waters looked inviting, a few swimmers were already in the shallow reefs snorkelling. We docked at a small wharf, later disembarking and making the short walk to Capri.
I had my three days here planned; my driver was going to meet me, first stop to my accommodation, on Giuseppe's recommendation. When I exited the ferry terminal, I observed the people standing with signs and names written hastily on them. I kept going until I spotted a man, with my name E Gilbert. Waving I made my way towards him and introduced myself. He gathered my bags, leading me to his car outside.
He stopped, five minutes from the town centre at a private group of villas. Once I had navigated my way through the check in process, I was free to explore. Outside my villa, a small rectangle pool was surrounded by green lush gardens overlooking the coast and mediterrean sea. Every room inside had expansive views, there was a small kitchen I knew I would never use. The bedroom spacious with a comfortable king leather bed and soft white linen sheets. I loved everything about my home for the next few days.
I opened the free bottle of champagne that was sitting in an ice bucket inside. Relaxing back against the sofa in my private garden, I took in the beauty that surrounded me. My guide would be back at five pm, to take me to a restaurant highly recommended, and the perfect place to view Capri. Pulling out my cell, I called Damon's number, straight to voicemail. "You would not believe where I am right now; Giuseppe was right this place is magical. Wish you were here. Love you."
I must have fallen asleep for when I woke up it was close to four. Shit. I needed to go and have a shower, and get dressed. My driver told me it had a strict dress code, so wear something nice. Luckily I had packed my red and black cocktail dress. I applied some dark shadow on my eye lids, mascara and some gloss on my lips. I left my hair down falling around my shoulders.
Capri ol Mine was adorned with red and white lanterns lighting the small restaurant against the darkening skies. After disembarking the car and another glass of champagne later, I made my way inside the restaurant; dimly lit, my eyes focused on what I could see. The reception area, where I gave the smiling blonde woman my name. She suggested I head to the bar, while waiting for my table. I decided to do just that. I took a seat on a bar stool, asking the bartender for another champagne. I sipped slowly, taking in the other people milling around. I caught some American accents, British and a few Australians too. I averted my gaze down into my glass, I was here alone in this beautiful place.
The guy behind the bar tapped the counter in front of me. "Refill?" he asked.
I shook my head, I think I was done for now.
"You look sad. Cheer up, you're in Italy." His eyes darted to someone behind me. "I think your table is ready madam."
Looking backwards, I saw the waiter smiling from ear to ear. "Miss Gilbert, please follow me."
I followed him through the restaurant, to a private dining table on a balcony overlooking Capri; stunningly beautiful. He pulled out a chair, motioning for me to sit. I did, whilst he laid a napkin over my lap. "Thank you. This is lovely."
He nodded, and then proceeded to fill my glass with a white wine. "Let me know if you need anything. I hope you enjoy your night." He disappeared through the curtains behind me.
The sunset was just beginning, the blue waves crashing softly along the coast. Giuseppe was right, I loved it here. So caught up in the moment I didn't hear the curtain flap open, it wasn't until I heard a male voice ask, "Do you prefer Italian or American with that."
I flew around so fast it knocked my chair over, that voice haunted me, from thousands of miles away. He was here, he came for me; on some level I knew he would. Our bond was too strong to be away from each other for long. He helped me to my feet, his arms locking around my waist holding me close. Our faces were inches apart. I whispered against his lips. "How? What are you doing here?"
Growling like a wild animal, he said, "Explanations later. I've just flown 20 hours waiting to do this."
His head bent towards mine, knowing his intentions I pressed myself against him eager to receive his kiss. Our lips met, sending a jolt through my body. I opened my mouth wider allowing our kiss to deepen. I staggered backwards my back leaning against the table, effortlessly he picked me up placing me on top. His hands slid down my bare arms, then back again. My skin felt alive, this oh how much have I missed his touch. Pressing me backwards, his lips left mine to lay light kisses along my neck. He groaned against me, "Christ you drive me crazy."
Groggily I came to my senses. Was he really here? I put my fingers to my lips still tingling. It was definitely real, Damon was here. He'd pulled me down off the table, and onto his lap in the chair. My fingers swept through his hair. "I'm so happy you are here. I can't believe it."
He grasped my hand, our eyes meeting. "So am. I Hope you don't mind my crashing your vacation."
I took his face in my hands. "Never. I've missed you." Kissing him to prove it.
"I've missed you like you wouldn't believe." He said sheepishly, "After three days I wanted to jump on the bloody plane. You have an incredible pulling power over me baby."
We stared into each other's eyes for the longest time, because they were words that didn't need to be said. Our connection was deeper than anything I had ever felt before. He was it for me, and I knew I was the only woman he would ever truly love. Tears glistened in my eyes, concerned he asked, "What's wrong?"
"I don't know. I just couldn't imagine you not being in my life. You have embedded so deeply inside my heart, I love you Damon Salvatore."
He tilted my face towards his, "I promise you, I'm not going anywhere. You are the love of my life; I'll never let you go."
His kissed me urgently, as though any minute it might all disappear.
The waiter appeared just as we parted; guiltily I hopped off Damon's lap and sat down in my empty seat. Placing the napkin over my lap, the entree was brought out. Raw oysters with a green leafy salad.
Damon grinned from across the table. "Shall we? I'm hungry after a long flight."
I tried opening the oyster shell, but it wasn't budging. I shoved my fork in even harder, nothing was working. I stabbed at the salad, putting some in my mouth in frustration.
Damon was laughing from accross the table. "You need some help with that?" He asked.
"Be my guest, but I think I will ask for another one."
Making his way over to me, and clasping the shell in his hands, he twisted it slightly. "I don't think that will be necessary."
He passed it back to me; I noticed his hands were shaking, and he didn't move from my side. I opened the shell slowly, a perfectly cut diamond reflected back in the dim light. My heart stopped, just as Damon dropped to his knee beside me.
He coughed nervously. "Well this may seem unexpected. I've know for a long time that our future is with each other. You are an amazing woman, one I love so deeply. You are loving, generous, and have a big heart. You are the woman I want to spend my life with. There is nowhere on this earth I wouldn't go to be with you, I can't function without you Elena."
Tears started streaming my cheeks, stunned that this was happening, and touched by his words. He removed the ring from the shell, where he hovered around my left hand. He stared at me, "Elena Gilbert, will you marry me?"
My answer was immediate, "Yes I want to marry you. I want to tell you something, you have given me the best present in the world. And that is you, I've been waiting for you Damon, in what seems like forever. I'll be your best friend, your lover; and proudly be your wife. I love you so much."
His hand shook as he slid the two carat solitaire onto my finger. The perfect fit, like the two of us and the path which led us here.
He spoke softly, "It looks stunning on you. I can't wait for you to become Mrs Salvatore."
I smiled through my tears. "You make me so happy."
His arms lifted me into his embrace, kissing me softly. Gazing into his blue filled eyes was something I would never tire from. This man was mine, and I was his forever.
