The Secret Life of a Rich Girl

by pirateangel27

Noel is used to the fast life and getting everything she wants. Back in high school, she could have any boy she wanted. But no one seems to pass her exceptions until Damon comes to her rescue. Noel is afraid of a real relationship with a boy she actually likes. Instead, she pretends to fall for Christian but she soon realizes Christian is just a friend but will it be too late.

11. My Knight in Shining Armor

Damon's point of view

I watched Noel as she went back into her room and then closed her door.

I stood there staring, contemplating my feelings. I instantly regretted lying to her, but the less Noel knew the better. I also didn't know how to tell her the truth. The truth is I'm a predator and I need blood to survive. I thought about going back to blood bags but something told me I needed my strength. Seeing as though I had no idea as to who tried to attack Noel or who did attack her friend, Ella. I needed all the help I could get.

I grabbed my keys off the bed side table in my room and then made my way to the front of the house. With no place in particular to go I left the house in search for my next meal.

I didn't realize how long I had been gone until I saw the sun rising up over the buildings. I withdrew my fangs from the girl's neck taking a step back to wipe my mouth. I found her at some random bar last night. My head wasn't in the game but she was basically begging me to take her home.

Her pulse weak but still there. I grabbed the random girl by the neck raising her head to look up at me. Focusing my eyes on her sleepy face. "You will forget me and everything I've done to you. Now go home and rest up." The girl repeated what I said and put her hand on her neck.

I watched as she stumbled down the alley way. I turned around and went to the back of the building to retrieve my car.

I was done feeding and all I wanted was to go check on my sleeping beauty. A smile grew on my lips with the thought of the nickname I gave her. I found myself drawn to Noel, having to be by her side constantly. The funny thing is I was only supposed to be here for a few days. And it's been over a week, a part of me wanted to stay longer. I knew I couldn't stay forever I already gotten multiple calls from Stefan.

I thought about all this as I made my way to the Moore house. I was stretching my time by lying to Stefan but I knew he would get himself and the people we cared about in some kind of trouble soon. I thought about taking Noel with me to Mystic Falls but I couldn't put her in that much danger. I just was tired of fighting how I felt. I just had to convince Noel the same.

It took me a while to get back to the Moore household, longer than I expected. The driveway was clear to park in so I pulled right in. Not that James or Carol would ever drive themselves anywhere.

I turned off the engine after parking the car in the driveway. Getting out of the car I walked right up to their front door. I walked right in after seeing that the door was unlocked. As I was walking in Carol was walking out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee in her hand. I could smell it from where I stood. She perked up when she saw me. "Damon, I'm surprised to see you up this early." She said.

"Just running a few errands, Carol." She nodded her head and took a sip of her coffee,

I was just starting to walk away when she spoke again. "Did you happen to see my daughter when you left?" I froze in place and turned my head toward her.

"No, I haven't seen her since last night. Is she not in her room?" I questioned.

"No it's empty, maybe she went to drop off Elizabeth." She said casually. "Well I have to get some work done but if you see my daughter will you let her know I'm looking for her." I ignored Carol as I quickly sprinted up the steps.

I went directly into Noel's room finding an empty bed and the TV in her room still on. I went further into the room and could smell that her scent was old. "She must have left in the middle of the night." I thought.

I pulled my phone out of the pocket and noticed that I had no miss calls. I growled in frustration, something told me I was right about that Sam guy, something about him didn't seem right. He might have fooled Noel but I know how sneaky my kind could be.

My mind went right into predator mode wanting to protect Noel. I wanted to rip the s.o.b's head off. But I knew I had to find Noel and quick. I thought of the last place I had seen this guy. Which was the night of the party at the guy Mason's house. I ran out of her room to make my way to his house. I just hope I can get to her in time.

Noel's Point of View

Last night

I practically bolted out of the house not thinking of anything else but my best friend. I got in my car and pressed the garage door opener. I shoved the keys in the ignition roaring it to life.

I flew out of the driveway and made my way to Ella's house. Not even sure if I closed the garage door or not. My mind filled with worry as I drove around the familiar dark neighborhood. I prayed silently to myself that my best friend was still alive.

As I pulled up to the house I noticed all the lights were off. Which was completely abnormal for Ella. I pulled the keys out and ran to the house. As quietly as I could I tried the door.

I twisted the door knob hoping it would be unlocked. The door opened with ease as I pushed the rest of the door open. I couldn't see anything in the darkened house. As I moved closer inside, I had to think where my best friend would hide.

My first instinct was to check her bedroom. I knew from the millions of times in the house that the stairs were right by the front door. I tried my hardest to creep around the hallway to the stairs. I was just starting to go up the dark stairway. When the lights were suddenly turned on. I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I put my hand over my heart as my eyes adjusted to the light. Ella was standing in the middle of the room just watching me. Something was off with her I could tell. Her face was emotionless. Her body relaxed and she had on different clothes, clean clothes. "Ella what the hell. You scared the crap out of me." I practically yelled as I walked over to her.

"Sorry." She said emotionless.

I took a deep breath, "Okay what's wrong, is everything okay? You called me." I started rubbing her arms to try to wake her up. Her body was cold and her skin pale.

"Everything's fine."

My face twisted up in confusion, "Ella something is wrong. You sounded scared on the phone what's going on. Why are you just standing there?" I had so many questions and was getting more worried by the minute.

"I'm waiting." She said.

Just as I was about to speak I felt something strike my head hard, sending me into the darkness.

A deep manly voice woke me and my head throbbed as I began to open my eyes. Opening them wider I discovered that I was sitting on Ella's couch. I looked around the room and Sam was standing in front of me with a smile on his face like he had won. I was sick and tired of that face. I looked around for Ella and she was sitting on a chair not even noticing that I was awake.

My mouth was dry but I spoke anyway, "Sam, I should have known it was you."

"Yeah well you're a bit late for that discovery." He said snarky.

"Why are you doing this? Is this just some kind of sick game you and your kind like to play?" I asked.

"Why, are you having fun? Cause I am. Watching all you little people running from place to place trying to figure who and what is doing this." He said very amused.

"Okay, well game over Sam let us go." I demanded.

"Already? I haven't even gotten to the best part yet. All this planning and finally the moment has come and I couldn't be happier."

"What are you talking about you, psycho?" I spat.

"I'm surprised you don't recognize me, Noel. I mean we did date."

"Christian introduced us, how could I have met you before, let alone date you."

"Are you sure about that, Noel. I know it's been a while, grant it I have changed a little since junior year."

I tried to remember who I dated in my junior year but nothing came to mind. For some reason I couldn't think of who Sam could be. Maybe it was all of the horrible things he has done. I couldn't imagine anyone I went to school with doing things like this. Sam sighed and shook his head, "You want to try to take a guess?"

"I'm done playing these games with you, Sam."

"It feels great to give you a taste of your own medicine. Ella, come here."

Ella got up off her chair and walked over to Sam. "You recognized me right away didn't you Ella?" he said as he patted her head.

Ella nodded her head. She didn't even look at me. I couldn't tell if Ella was being compelled or if she was aware of what was going on. "Ella's been a great help, Noel, you should be proud to have a friend like her. That's why I had to keep her on such a tight leash." He paused for a minute then turned to me. "Have you figured it out yet Noel? Let me give you a hint you broke this guy's heart just before homecoming and the whole school mourned."

"Daniel?" His name flew out of my mouth before I could even think. He was the only guy that died our junior year. We had dated over the summer and it barely survived the beginning of the school year. "I thought they said you drowned. They found your car in the lake."

"Yeah well the law enforcement around here is crappy and you're right about one thing I did die. But I was reborn into something way better. I had someone teach me the ropes of controlling my thirst and not getting caught. We fell in love, I finally had someone who loved me."

"If your life is so great, why are you here?" I asked confused.

"You broke my heart, Noel. The last person I loved before I died I couldn't get you out of my head. The last bit of my humanity attached to some pathetic human. And I just couldn't pass up this opportunity." He disappeared and right behind me I heard him whisper, "You ruined everything the night when you broke up with me. Now you will know what it's like to lose everything in a blink of an eye." I pushed off the couch to try to race to Ella and push her out the way before Daniel or Sam killed her. But he was faster than me, way faster.

He moved Ella over and pushed me away sending me flying to the ground. Ella didn't even try to get away as I rolled down the stairs, my head hitting the wooden floor.

My ears were ringing as I tried to push away the pain. It was all too much as I tried to get up and save my best friend. My legs were wobbly like jelly, tears were streaming down my face. I looked up at the top of the stairs as Daniel held Ella in place. His eyes were bloodshot red and veins appeared under his eyes. "Please Daniel, don't do this Ella has nothing to do with what I did to you."

"Noel when I turned I learned that all actions have consequences. Damon coming to save you the night of the party ruined my plans for you. So I bit Ella, although it did get your attention. I even tried to get your little vampire out of the way with Evan."

I looked up at Daniel, he had a hand in everything. It made me wonder, what all had he planned.

I looked down at my best and I could tell she wasn't afraid. I mouthed to her that I was sorry. She closed her eyes as he bit into her neck.

It didn't take long for Daniel to drain her. He let her flop to the ground and roll down the steps, landing right in front of me. Sam's face was normal again with blood all around his mouth. I never wanted to kill someone more in my life. My blood boiled under my skin and I knew I wouldn't stop until he was dead. I looked away from Ella's body I felt nauseous I couldn't tell if it was because of my head or seeing my best friend die right in front of me.

I looked back up to the top of the stairs and Daniel was gone. Next thing I know I see Daniel next to me and he's picking me up. I tried to move away but he was stronger than me.

He sped up the stairs so fast I couldn't tell where he was taking me. I suddenly felt something soft under me. I looked around and we had ended up in one of the bedrooms. I looked around the room, it was one of the guest rooms that wasn't used very often. For some reason I always hated this room. I couldn't tell if it was the plain wallpaper or the plain furniture. Maybe it was everything combined.

Daniel pushed me down on the bed laying me on my back. I was terrified as to what came next.

Daniel hovered over top of me and began kissing my neck. My body rejected him and I tried to push him away. He took a wrist in each hand and held them above my head. He used one hand to hold my arms in place as he lifted up my shirt. I shook my head and tried to move my arms out of his grip. "Please, Daniel, don't do this."

He stopped and stared at me. "Daniel is dead, my name is Sam now. You killed Daniel and Ella, you're a murderer just like me Noel." His face grew into a smirk.

I ignored what he said and tried to convince him to let me go. "Sam I'm sorry, okay, I didn't mean to hurt you. I was young and I didn't know what I was doing."

"You knew exactly what you were doing and even if I did believe your apology. You're not sorry, matter of fact I think you missed me, Noel, did you miss me?" he asked almost sounded like the old him. The human him, I remembered.

"Let me go now, Sam." This guy was a monster. He was right. The Daniel I knew was gone. I had to try something else, maybe threaten him. I gathered what courage I had, "Sam if you let me go right now I can convince Damon to let you go. But if you're still here when he comes, I don't think I can stop him from hurting you."

"You think your little boyfriend is going to find us? By the time he realizes you're gone there will be no sign of you ever being here. Now hold still while I take what's mine." Sam used one of his hands to hold my arms up and the other to unbutton my shorts.

I tried to detach my emotions and any feelings while Sam raped me but I couldn't. I laid there motionless and frozen while he took whatever he wanted from me. I knew he took my blood as well, but I felt no pain as he took what he wanted. All I knew was that it went on for hours and the sound of his voice rang in my ears. Saying how much he missed me and wanted me.

I woke up to an empty bed. I didn't even remember falling asleep. The room was dark, I couldn't tell if it was night or day. I felt disgusted laying here and all I wanted to do was take a shower. The thought of trying to escape crossed my mind, but what was the point. Sam was probably on the other side of the door.

Flashes from the events of last night stained my mind. I wanted to find something to defend myself with. I tried to sit up but my body ached and my muscles wouldn't move.

The bedroom door opened and Sam walked in. He had on new clothes, sweatpants and a t-shirt. "Oh good you're up." He seemed surprised and a lot different from last night. "I was a little worried there, how do you feel?"

I just stared at him, confused. Was this some kind of act? Was this still some kind of game he was playing? He looked at me and sighed. "Look I understand you're probably mad at me but I lashed out. It's hard to control your emotions when you're a vampire. Everything is so. . ." he made an explosion sound and then chuckled at himself. "You seem okay, do you want me to put some clothes on you or I could get you some food?"

I just continued to stare at him. Even more confused, "What do you want from me?" My voice came out shaky, I almost regretted asking.

"How about I make you something and we'll talk about it. I really missed you Noel and I don't think make-up sex is going to cut it, I need you." He put his hand on me and I flinched away. He looked like he was getting angry again.

The silence in the room was filled with a phone ringing. I knew it wasn't mine as he pulled it out of his pants pocket. He stood and walked out of the room talking fast and quietly to the person on the phone.

After Sam left the room I tried again to move. My body was finally starting to listen as I flipped over to lay on my side. My body caught some of the sunlight coming in through the windows. The light gave insight to all the bit marks that Sam gave me last night. I found myself touching one and hissed at the pain.

A tear escaped from my eyes and once one fell, I couldn't stop the rest. I started sobbing when all of a sudden I heard a crashing sound coming from downstairs. Either Sam was angry again or someone else was here. A little bit of hope filled my mind, but I didn't hear anything else.

I was just going to try again when I heard the door knob rattle. I gasped as the fear set in. I didn't realize I had closed my eyes until I felt someone touch my face. I opened one eye and saw that it was Damon. I started crying again but I think these were happy tears. He really was my knight in shining armor, well maybe black.

He was trying to wipe my tears away. As they flowed down my face. He looked so worried but I could see in his eyes he was relieved that he had found me. "Damon. . ." was all I could get out.

He shushed me, "It's okay I'm here and I'm going to get you out of here." He looked at my naked body, just a moment not too long. Normally I would feel embarrassed but I was just so relieved he had come for me. Damon went away for no more than two seconds. With clothes in his hands. "Can you move?" he asked.

I shook my head and then he started dressing me in what looked like Ella's clothes. After I was fully clothed, he picked me up and held me against his chest. It felt nice to be in his safe warm arms. I laid my head against his chest, passing out immediately.

I woke up in a brightly lit room, the bright white lights staring down at me. My eyes peeled open trying to adjust to the room. To my left a faint beeping sound was heard matching my heartbeat.

I looked down and saw that I was lying in a hospital bed with thin sheets to keep me warm. My body felt better than before but the pain was still there. I threw the blanket aside and my eyes were drawn to my perfectly tan skin. All of the bite marks from last night were gone. "How was this possible?" I murmured.

I looked over to my right and Christian was sleeping in the chair next to the bed. Not too far away I could hear my mother's voice. But where was Damon? Did he get out of the house? So many questions about last night popped up in my head. The last thing I remembered was Damon picking me up. But how did I end up in the hospital?

I got out of the bed and went to the bathroom. Once I was finished in there I opened the door and went right into Christian's arms. I sighed into his body liking the friendly embrace. "Noel, I'm so glad you're okay. I was really worried about you, I came as soon as I heard what happened." Christian took a breath and put me at arm's length away so he could look into my eyes. "I really wanted to thank you for trying to save Sam and Ella, it was very brave of you." After we separated he helped me over to the bed. I didn't need much help but I still appreciated the offer.

"What are you talking about, Christian?" I questioned.

"You don't remember? Ella called you yesterday because she was trapped in her house. You went to try to go save her but you couldn't, you couldn't get to her. If Damon hadn't come after you, you probably wouldn't be here."

"Who told you this?" I questioned.

"Damon told your parents and they told me when I arrived. Your parents wanted me to let them know when you were awake. Did you need anything?" he said while heading to the door.

I shook my head, I was still trying to wrap my head around what happened last night. Christian left me sitting on the hospital bed by myself as he went to tell my parents that I was awake. I watched through the window in the door as my mom and dad rushed into the room. My mom was the first to hug me when she pulled away. I saw tears in her eyes. I must have really scared my parents.

My dad just stood there and patted my leg when I looked up at him. For once he was speechless and it surprised me that I was the one to do so. My father was someone who was rarely speechless. As far as I knew he always had something to say.

My mom was the first to speak, "Sweetheart, I'm so glad you're okay. Promise me you'll never scare us like that again."

I looked up at my parents, "I'm so sorry mom, don't know what I was thinking." She caressed the side of my face. Bringing tears to my eyes, it felt like she could see the amount of pain I was in.

A light knock was heard from the doorway. When I looked up to see who it was, I could feel my heartbeat speed up with anticipation. It was Damon, he was finally here.

Just knowing he was okay it felt like a weight was lifted off of me. I hadn't realized how worried I was. He looked relieved to see me as well. An overwhelming urge to hug him came over me. I felt like I was dropped back into reality when I noticed that Damon and I were both staring at each other while my parents had no idea. "Mom, Dad can I have a moment alone with Damon."

"Sure thing, honey your dad and I are going home and will be back tomorrow to pick you up. The doctor wants to keep you overnight for observation. So we'll see you in the morning." My mom leaned down and gave me a kiss on the cheek. And my dad, still silent, came over to kiss me on the head.

He's never done that before and along with the total silence, it really freaked me out.

I watched as they walked away and right before my parents left my mom hugged Damon. She thanked him and my dad led her outside of the room.

The room filled with silence as I anxiously tried to figure out what to say. It was obvious neither of us knew what to say. Damon was the first to speak, "Hi, sleeping beauty."

I smiled at the nickname he gave that I was growing to love. "Hi, I'm so glad you're okay." I was barely holding on now that it was just the two of us. My body was starting to tremble.

"Were you worried about me, Noel?" He said as our eyes met.

I opened my mouth to speak but no words came out. I felt a lot of things right now but worried was not one of them. I cleared my throat, "Where were you?" I said while wring my hands giving my fingers something to do.

"Don't worry about that? How are you feeling?" He said, completely ignoring my question.

"Sore, I guess but I'm sure if it wasn't for you I would be in much worse shape."

Damon looked away for a second as if he was thinking and then said, "Good, then what the hell were you thinking Noel. Going in there alone, why didn't you call me?"

His anger surprised me, it took a minute to gather my thoughts. "I … I don't know" I hesitated, "I wasn't thinking. My best friend called me and I thought I could get to her in time." Tears were flowing down my face.

I heard Damon sigh and next thing I know he's next to me with his arms wrapped around me. "I'm sorry, Noel, I was just so scared that I was going to lose you." We just sat there for a minute while Damon held me.

I was the one to break the long silence. "So what did you do to Sam?"

"Don't worry you won't be seeing him again."

I hated the vague answers he was giving me. I needed more than that not just for me but for Ella too. "Christian told me about what you said about a fire."

"Yeah I wanted to talk to you about that. I'm sorry but I had to burn up Ella's house. I know you probably wanted justice for Ella and everything Sam did."

"As long as Sam paid for it with his life I think I can live with that."

It took me a while to realize Damon and I still held each other. He finally pulled away like he was reading my mind. But for some reason I missed his body against mine. I ignored my sudden pull to Damon.

"I should probably get going soon, you need your rest." Damon said not even taking a step toward the door.

"Do you have to? I mean, it would be nice to have some company." I moved over sitting at the very edge of the bed. Then patted the empty space to invite Damon over.

He took off his leather jacket and set it on the chair. Then he carefully took off his boots, setting them next to the chair on the floor. That's when he finally got into the bed with me. I turned on my side and placed my head on his chest. This was the closest we had ever been. I could feel my heart pounding against my chest. For some reason I expected to smell smoke or at least a burnt smell. But instead my nose was filled with the sweet smell of honey mixed with a musky cinnamon. I was so entranced that I forgot who I was laying on.

"Is this okay? Do you have enough room?" Damon asked.

"Yes I do." Letting out a long sigh I thought about all the mess I've caused. "You must hate me by now for causing you all this trouble. I mean you had to clean up my mess. You must think of me as some selfish, spoiled, rich girl."

Damon put his hand on the side of my face. Getting my attention and making me look up at him. "I could never hate you Noel. You're the most selfless and considerate person I know. You risked your life to save your best friend."

"Yeah but look where she is now. Everything that has happened is all my fault. I mean you were right if I had called you maybe she could still be. . ."

Damon cut me off, "First of all don't listen to a word I said. I was just angry and worried about you. Secondly none of this is your fault."

"How can you say that when you don't even know the whole story. Sam is not his real name we dated and I broke his heart."

"I know that's what I was trying to tell you. I went to his "secret" apartment. The guy was an idiot; he kept notes of his plans. And he took pictures of you, it is all over his apartment. Just because he got his heartbroken doesn't give him the right to kill your best friend and put you in the hospital."

"If what you say is true, then why do I feel so guilty?" My eyes started to get watery and Damon put his arm around me and pulled me closer to him. All of a sudden my eyes got very heavy and all I wanted to do was fall asleep in his arms.

"I'll help you get through this Noel. Anything you need just ask and I will do it." I fell asleep after hearing his declaration.

I woke up realizing I had slept all through the night. I was surprised by how tired I was. I looked around and the first thing I noticed was that Damon was gone. Christian was sitting on a chair with a cup of coffee in one hand and his phone in the other. Once he saw I was awake he put his phone away. "Good morning Noel."

"Hey, have you seen Damon?" Christian's smile fell.

"Uh yeah he left."

"Did he say when he was coming back?" I asked.

"He didn't really say much of anything. But I told him that he could head back to the house. That I could take you home and keep you company."

"Why did you do that?" There was a lot more anger in my voice than I thought.

"He looked like he stayed here all night so I thought he would want to go home. Plus I wanted to spend some time with you."

Before I could even think or process I blurted out, "I think we should break up."

"What?" Christian was just as surprised as I was. "Noel I understand you went through something pretty traumatic but I think it's a little soon to call it quits."

I sighed it didn't take long to accept this was how I truly felt. No matter the timing. "I have to be completely honest with you Christian. I felt this way before today."

"I see, well I just wish you would be completely honest with me and say you like someone else instead of making up excuses."

"Christian I'm not leaving you for Damon."

"I never said it was Damon but since you brought him up for just friends you guys seemed pretty cozy last night. I came to say goodnight to you and I saw you two all cozy up with each other."

"Look Christian I can explain."

"That's okay Noel, let's just leave things how they are. I hope you feel better." I was speechless. I had completely forgotten about Christian last night. I'm glad my subconscious was able to cut him loose before I dragged him even more into my mess. Christian came over and gave me a kiss on the forehead. Then he left the room taking his stuff with him.

I hadn't noticed but the room was filled with balloons, flowers, and well cards. I didn't even hear anyone come into the room. I got up and went into the bathroom. I happened to glance at the mirror and my hair was a mess. "I should have asked my mom to bring me some clothes." I thought to myself. My mind kept going back to last night. I couldn't get myself away from Damon. What was I thinking? I splashed some cold water in my face.

Maybe Christian was right, there might be something going on with Damon and I. Ever since he saved me that night of the party I haven't been able to get him out of my mind. Instead of being afraid of us now I can't imagine the thought of losing him. Just as I was walking out of the bathroom there was a knock on the door. I hoped it was Damon so I practically ran over to the door.

Swinging it open a woman was standing in the doorway wearing scrubs with a chart in her hands. "Oh good you're up. Hi my name is Emily and I'll be your nurse today. At least until your discharged which should be later today." She said while looking down at the chart.

I took a step back disappointed that it wasn't somebody else. The woman looked up at me. She had on your typical hospital scrubs with her medium brown hair tied up in a bun. "What's wrong, sweetheart?"

"Nothing I just thought you were someone else."

"Oh you mean mister tall, mysterious, and handsome?"

My head shot up, I stood there stunned by her description of Damon. Before I could even get a word out she led me over to the bed. She sat me down on the edge of the bed as she began to put gloves on. "I should have known you two were close by the way you were cuddled up this morning."

"You saw Damon? What time was this?"

"Is that his name? That explains the mystery vibes coming from him. I think it was around seven." Emily began wrapping a cuff around my upper right arm to take my blood pressure. "I think I surprised him this morning that's why I remembered him and that he was a nice looking guy. Anyway I was making my rounds of the patients and when I came in to check on you guys he was sleeping. By the time I was done he was dressed and walking out the room. I think he was taking a call."

"That's when he must have ran into Christian." I said to myself.

"Hey cheer up, my personal experience with guys I never had one sleep in a cramped hospital bed so if you want my opinion he'll come back. If you needed anything I'll be right at the nurse's station, okay."

"Thanks for the advice, Emily." She wrapped her stethoscope around her neck and opened the door to the hallway. As she opened it someone walked up and peeked in. A familiar voice said, "Is she up?"

A smile stretched across my face as Emily said, "Why don't you come in and find out." Damon walked in and came right over.

"Good morning sleeping beauty. What's wrong with you?"

"Damon you're back! I thought that Christian sent you home?"

"You mean your boy toy? No I ignore almost everything he says. I went to get you breakfast. Hospital food is disgusting and I thought you might need a little morning pick me up.

I looked up at Damon and once again I had tears in my eyes. I don't remember always being this emotional. "That is just what the doctor ordered."

"Good cause I brought enough food to fed an army. I hope your boy toy is hungry I didn't know what either of you liked so I got one of everything."

"Damon he's not my boy toy and Christian left."

"Good more for us." Damon began taking stuff out of a paper bag I could smell the food as soon as he opened it. My stomach growled and I heard Damon chuckled "Looks like I got here just in time. Any preference to what you would like?"

"Any coffee? And the English muffin looks good. Look Damon there's something I think you should know."

He started handing me food and then a paper cup from a cup carrier I didn't even see he had. "Wait I was supposed to warn you. I saw your mom and some people with her before I came up. I snuck by before they could see me so I could warn you."

My mind instantly started thinking about who my mom could be talking to down in the lobby. Before I could even swing the conversation back around to what I was going to tell Damon there was a knock at the door.

The door opened and my mom walked in with my older sister Lexi walking in right behind her. "Lexi? What are you doing here?"

"My sister is in the hospital you really don't think I'll come on the next flight to see you. Gosh Noel it's been too long."

"What like last Christmas?"

"You always were the funny one. I'm pretty sure I saw you since then I'm sure I saw you on your birthday."

"No you didn't that was the day you got engaged."

"Right how could I forget? Speaking of engagements I think its past time you meet my fiancée, Mark." Lexie walked over to the doorway to get what I guessed was her fiancé.

Damon looked down at me and said, "It looks like this is a family day, maybe I should go." I immediately grabbed Damon's hand.

"Please don't go, I need you here." Damon looked around the room then back at me. Right now my body was screaming Damon. I needed him right now, if he left me right now who knows what I'll say or do. I was not in control of my body right now.

Damon said, "Alright, I'll stay." I continued holding Damon's hand, he was surprised but didn't object.

Lexi said, "Mark honey get in here." A second later a young guy walked in with short brown hair. He had brown eyes and was wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Lexi continued "Mark this is my sister Noel and my dad's boss Damon."

I said, "He is a lot younger than I thought." I heard Damon chuckle and my mom smiled. Lexi smile turned to a frown.

Mark said, "Thank you, I brought you a teddy bear. When Lexi said she had a younger sister she never emphasized how old you were." Mark handed me the bear it was small and soft with brown fur. It held a heart that said Get Well Soon.

"Thank you, it's cute."

"How's your head?" Mark questioned.

"Better"

"I read your chart and it said in your notes that you lost a lot of blood and you have a concussion."

Lexi interrupted with, "He's a doctor, Noel. One of the tops in his field." I nodded my head not really caring about my sister's soon to be new husband's job. Then my doctor came in.

He said, "Hello Noel, how are you feeling?"

I said, "Good am I gonna go home soon doc?"

"Yes your mom just needs to sign your release papers. Are you Mark Sloan?" He said turning to my sister's man."
Mark looked at my doctor and said, "Yes I am."

"I'm Andrew big fan of your work in Seattle." Mark, Lexi, and my doctor walked out of my room to continue talking about god knows what.

My mom said, "How about you get dress and I will sign the papers so you can go home." Mom hugged me and walked out the door. Damon let go of my hand and was about to follow my mom.

I said, "Damon, is everything okay?"

Damon said, "Not really, what are we doing?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your holding my hand and asking me to stay in bed with you."

"After everything I've been through my body is just used to you I guess."

"It's fine that you are it's just I told you that I like you and you clearly told me you have a boyfriend. Don't worry I completely understand."

I didn't mean for it to come it the way it did. "Damon" I pleaded with him.

"You should probably get dress. I will be right outside your door." I nodded and Damon leaned over and kissed me on the head and left the room quickly.

I sighed at my stupidness. I'm only hurting him, if he only knew Christian and I broke up. Mother brought over some clothes from home. I took out a sweater first. I looked at the sweater and I didn't recognize it at first. Then a flood of memories broke through filling my brain of Ella and I. She had let me borrow it when we were in high school and I just never returned it. I threw the sweater tossing it on the ground like it had burned my hand. While holding back the overwhelming emotion. I put on my shirt first next was the pants. I bent down to put my legs inside now all I had to do was stand up and pull them up.

I put my legs over the edge of the hospital bed and pulled them partly up my legs. I took a breath then stood up it was okay at first then I got dizzy and a swarming headache, it was all too much. I slid down to the floor with the pants still around my ankles and tears began falling down my face. Look at me a hot mess crying over pants, I wiped my tears.

Next thing I know I hear Damon talking, "Noel, are you alright?"

"Um, I don't know actually. Can you help me?"

Damon opened up the door and peeked in. He saw me on the floor and started laughing.

"Shut up, close the door and help me." Damon stopped laughing but he still had a smile on his face. He put his hands on my waist to help me up. Then he put my arms on his shoulder's for support and balance. He bent down and pulled up my pants. Damon's thumb ran up my leg sending a shiver throughout my body. As Damon stood up it brought our faces just inches apart. I felt a pull to Damon and just as I was leaning in for a kiss my mom barged in with a wheelchair in tow.

Without missing a beat or realizing what she was interrupting my mom said, "Honey, are you ready to go."

"Yeah just about, mom." Damon took a step back and went over to get the wheelchair. My mom went over to the hospital bed and picked up the sweater I desperately didn't want back.

"Noel, why is this on the floor? I brought this because I thought you might be cold."

"I don't want it, it has a hole in it throw way." Damon helped me into the wheelchair.

"I can have Maria sow it up for you."

"No throw it away!" My head was pounding again and I instantly felt a pit in my stomach filled with regret. I cleared my throat and continued, "No thank you mom please just throw it away. Damon can you take me downstairs please." Damon nodded and wheeled me outside of room. My doctor was talking to a nurse when we pulled up when he saw me come over they stopped their conversation and turned his attention over to me.

He said, "Take care Noel, if you ever have any questions or your symptoms worsen don't hesitate to call. Oh I also gave your mother some numbers to a couple of really good recommended therapist. What you went through can give anyone a hard time to process, don't do it on your own.

"Thank you doctor but I probably won't be needed it." Damon wheeled me to the elevator and by then my mom had caught up with us. Silence filled the elevator has the three of us got on. Of course my mom was the first to break the silence.

"I know it's bad timing but Ella's parents called and they said the funeral for her is this weekend and they were wondering if you are coming. I told them probably not considering your condition."

"We'll call them back and tell them I'm coming."

"Do you really think it's a good idea. I know she was your friend."

Before my mom could even finish that sentence I had to intervene. "I'm going mother because she was my best friend! So call them back and tell them I'm going." Mom was silent the rest of the short ride to the first floor. I got in the car with Damon without another word to my mom. As we made our way home Damon was pretty silent as well. I couldn't tell if it was because he was trying not to get yelled at or if he was trying to give me my space.

We arrived at the house and Damon helped me to my room. I changed into my pajamas whatever I could find that was comfortable and got right in bed. Damon sat on the edge of my bed he said, "Can I get you anything? A extra blanket, a pillow are you hungry?"

"You don't have to do this Damon."

"Do what Noel?"

"Be nice to me, I know your probably mad at me and I would be too with all the mix signals I've been throwing around."

Damon sighed and he didn't say anything for a while and that got me thinking I don't want my recovery to be Damon taking care of me. I want to come out of this stronger than ever I want to protect my friends and family. "Damon don't get me wrong I like seeing this side of you but I want to be better. I don't want to be this damsel in distress. I want to learn how to kill a vampire."

The words just sat there heavy in the air and something about Damon's demeanor changed. "Look Noel I understand trust me I got my fair share of getting my butt kicked but it take a lot more than just knowledge to kill one of us. Sam was young probably only a couple of years old. That's not the case most time and I don't want you to get hurt trying."

"I see you're point but it's not like I'm going to be come some hunter I just want to learn how to defend myself if something like this happens again." I gazed into. Damon's eyes and I had tears in my eyes again. I swear I don't remember being this emotional.

I don't know if he saw the determined look in my eye that convinced him or if he actually thought I was right. I tried to stop the yawn that was determined to make it's way out. Damon smiled, "You're tired, you should probably get some sleep." He stood up but I instinctively reached for his hand holding it like it was my lifeline.

"You'll teach me right, Damon."

His face softened, "Yes, Noel I'll teach you it wont be easy but if you're determined I'll do what I can." My eyes lids began to drift to a close and I could feel the gentle caress of his fingers on my face.

"Please Damon, don't go stay here with me." I moved over and Damon laid on top of the covers facing me. Both of us laying on our sides.

"Do you want to lay on my chest again?"

"If that's okay." Damon laid on his back and I moved in closer. I laid my head right on top of where is heart would be. As I laid quietly I could hear the faint beat of a heart. "I can hear your heart beating."

"Well I hope so."

"Wait but aren't you. . ."

"Dead, yes technically but as long as I have blood in my system everything runs smoothly."

"Is this lesson one in vampire hunting with Damon?"

Damon didn't respond although I could tell he smiled at my joke. "Damon?"

"Yes, Noel?"

"Will you go with me to Ella's funeral?"

"Of course just get some sleep it's going to be a long day tomorrow." I smiled and closed my eyes listening to each beat of Damon's heart. Drifting into and uneasy slumber.