A/N: First off, thanks for the reviews for my story Comes and Goes. I appreciate that you guys stuck through it.
Thank you for the reviews of this story too. I hope you will love this story just as much, if not more.
Enjoy!
The next day Caroline came over to help me with cleaning my house so I could get ready to put it on the market.
"Hey," she walked in cheerfully. She handed me a white envelope. "This was on your doorstep."
"Oh," my eyes crinkled in confusion. It had one simple word etched across the front… sorry. I tossed it on the table, figuring it was a sympathy card from someone. I would read it later when I was alone. I didn't feel like crying right now.
Caroline and I got right to work, reorganizing closets, and rearranging furniture. "How are you doing?" She asked as we shifted the couch.
"Taking it one day at a time," I huffed as we lifted the heavy piece of furniture. "Thankful for all of the distractions."
"Just make sure you're allowing yourself to grieve," she noted. "It's not healthy to keep it bottled in."
"Trust me, I grieve," I sighed. "Every night, when I'm all alone."
Caroline's face twisted in pain as she took in my words. "Elena, I am so sorry. If you ever want me to come over and stay the night I will."
I waved her off, "It's fine Caroline. I have to get used to it at some point. Being alone…"
"Yeah, but know that I am always here for you no matter what," she promised.
"Thank you," we lifted up the coffee table and moved it backwards. "Now let's talk about something else. What's new with you?"
"Not much," she shrugged after we set the coffee table down. "My parents are arguing about who gets me for Christmas. Can you believe that?" She rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "I'm 25 years old and my parents still have custody battles over me."
"Well, you're the adult now," I offered. "You can decide who gets you."
"I just wish they could handle being in the same room together," she sighed. "I would love to spend it with both of them."
"Why don't you try?" I suggested. "Invite them over to your place and tell them they have to get along or else you'll make them leave."
"Yeah right," Caroline rolled her eyes. "In my dreams."
"Why not?" I could feel myself getting upset. "Life is too short. People need to stop playing games, and start being with the people they love."
Caroline was silent, her face apologetic.
Great. Now I was the sad girl, who's advice was depressing and a constant reminder that I was living a tragedy. "I'm sorry," I shook my head. "I'm just all over the place."
"No, you're right," she shook her head in disappointment. "My parents have acted like children pretty much my entire life. It's about time they start acting like adults."
She gave me a smile, "Let's reorganize that office of yours."
"That's a good idea," I agreed.
We pretty much got the house ready to put on the market. I just wanted to get the carpets cleaned and touch up some of the paint. We were so exhausted by the end of the day. I had ordered us pizza and then Caroline went home.
I was just about to go sleep on the couch when I walked by the envelope from earlier. I picked up off the counter and walked to the living room. I switched on the TV and threw the blanket over my legs. Sorry had been written on the envelope, in what appeared to be written by a man. I opened the envelope expecting a card sending condolences, but I was surprised when it was a photo.
It was of Stefan and I on our wedding day. I had never seen it before, so I knew a guest had taken it. It was breathtaking. Better than the expensive photographer I hired who took amazing pictures. It was Stefan and I in the corner of our reception, having a private moment. His hands were resting on my waist, and I had my head thrown back laughing. He was smiling, looking down at me. The photo was black and white, the lighting coming through the window, and the angle of the picture… It was unlike anything I had ever seen.
I wanted to know who took the photo, but they didn't leave a name or anything to indicate who it was from. I frowned wishing I knew who took it. I wanted to see if they captured more from that day. Seeing a picture of Stefan that I hadn't seen before was like he was back for just a moment. It was like getting to see him for the first time all over again.
I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I just missed him. I wish I could feel him touch me one more time. Just one last kiss. Hear his laugh. I wish I could tell him I loved him.
I frowned as I set the picture on my side table, and let the exhaustion take over. I fell asleep in the matter of seconds.
Two months later my family and friends were helping me move. My house had sold pretty fast, and I found a small, town house not too far from here. My parents, brother, and Bonnie were loading the cars from my old house, while Matt and Tyler drove back and forth between the two places. Giuseppe, Caroline, and I were unloading and setting up my new place.
As we were unloading the last truckload Giuseppe helped me carry in boxes. "I had asked Damon to come help today."
I looked at him confused. "Why? We have enough people."
"He has muscles," He set the box down in the entry way. "Plus, it's about time he starts helping out family."
"He isn't exactly family to me," I huffed, as I dropped my box.
Giuseppe seemed hurt by the comment.
"I just don't really know him," I opened the box, and started putting my shoes in the entry closet. "He doesn't need to help."
"I guess I shouldn't be surprised that he didn't show up," he sighed before heading out to grab another box.
I felt bad for the man. He was really lonely without Stefan. I think He asked Damon to help to have an excuse to hang out with Damon. But from the little time I had spent with Damon, I knew he was selfish.
After I finished up the entry way closet, I moved to the kitchen and started unloading the dishes. "Thanks for all the help Care." I thanked Caroline. "You have been such a great help the last few months."
"Of course," she broke down the empty boxes. "You know I love being a control freak. Organizing is only one of my many great qualities."
I laughed in agreement. "I owe you."
"Well, when you're ready to be my wing man, I could use a girl's night out," she suggested.
"I'll tell you what," I smiled at her. "Give me two weeks to get settled in, and I will go out with you. I could use a drink… or five."
"Sounds like a plan," she nodded.
Giuseppe walked through the door with another box. "This is the last one."
"Awesome!" I clapped. I was so exhausted and ready to be done with this whole moving process. "Thank you, guys, so much for all your help! Why don't you get home and rest. I can handle unloading the last few boxes."
"Are you sure?" Giuseppe asked as he set down the box on the counter.
"Positive," I promised.
"Call me when your settled," Caroline hugged me.
"I will," I squeezed her back.
They both waved as they left. I sighed feeling glad to be alone. Having my own place without the constant reminder of my dead husband felt refreshing. I loved him, and I always would, but it was so depressing. Every corner of the house held a memory, and it was just a constant reminder that he was never coming back. I needed to focus on healing, and I wasn't able to when my house felt haunted by him.
I continued unloading the dishes, when I heard a knock. My eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Did one of them forget something? Was a neighbor already introducing themselves?
I opened the door and was not expecting Damon to be on the other side.
"Heard you needed help," he greeted with a smirk.
"You're a little late," My face was expressionless. "It's all done. You dodged a bullet."
"I had to work," he let himself in, and walked past me. "Nice place."
"I don't remember saying come in," I turned to him.
He peeled off his leather jacket and walked into my kitchen. I noticed the tattoos covering his one arm. Black clean lines formed in shapes of incredible art. It was probably expensive; it was done so well. He looked into the open box and pulled out the coffee mugs and started unwrapping them. "Oh, come on. It's the least a brother-in-law could do."
"I've known you for all of five minutes," I snatched the mug from his hands and put it in the cupboard. "That hardly qualifies you as a brother-in-law."
He continued unwrapping the dishes, with a smug look on his face. "We sure fight like family."
"Why are you even here?" I ignored his comment. "You haven't spoken to your brother in years, and now that he's gone you want to spend time with his wife?"
He handed me the next set of dishes. "My dad asked for my help, so here I am."
"Are you really that blind?" I snarled. "Your dad lost the only son who spent actual time with him. He asked you to help because he wanted to see you."
His eyes glared at me; the joking gone. His eyes were dangerous, warning me I had crossed a line. "You don't know anything about my relationship with my dad."
"Well, I know he is sad," I pushed. "And he was looking forward to seeing you today."
He rolled his eyes and walked to my fridge and touched the mystery photo. "Glad to see you liked it."
"That's from you?" My jaw dropped.
"I'm a photographer," he looked at me like I should already know that.
"I've been asking everyone who was at my wedding if they took that," I said exasperated. "I never would have guessed…"
He looked offended, "That I have talent? That I'm actually really good at something?"
"No," I crossed my arms. "That you'd do something so kind as to drop it off at my door."
"Touché," he shrugged.
He continued helping me unpack, "are you really here to help me? Or is this some sort of torture?"
"Torture," he smirked.
"Are there more?" I asked.
He looked at me confused.
"Pictures. Did you take more pictures?" I pointed to the one on my fridge.
"A few," he walked past me.
"Can I see them?" I asked.
"What's in it for me?" He stepped closer, hovering above me, his gaze intense.
"I thought that's what brothers-in-law were for?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, so now I'm family?" He teased.
"Forget it," I sighed, turning back to the box. It was now empty, so I broke it down. "That was the last box. You can go now."
"Good, I'm exhausted," he picked his jacket back up. "See ya later sis." He wiggled his eyebrows before leaving out the front door.
I shook my head hoping I would never see that stupid smug face again.
"It feels so good to go out again," Caroline yelled over the crowd. "Just us three girls."
"I second that," Bonnie raised her glass.
"It's been a while," I agreed. "I was always so busy with Stefan…" The looks I got from the two of them was that of a heartbroken puppy.
"Ok," I set my glass down. "If I say the word Stefan, or husband, or anything that makes you want to frown, can you please refrain? It makes it weird and uncomfortable. It makes this perfectly good evening depressing." I picked my glass back up and took a big gulp. "So, let's forget the fact that I am a widow, and have fun. Starting now!"
Bonnie and Caroline looked at each other before smiling at one another. They both sipped their drinks before they both pulled me out onto the dance floor. "I can't believe we've never been here before," Caroline shouted over the music.
We had always stuck to the same two bars. It had been many years since I had been to a club. It wasn't exactly my scene as a married woman. Not that I was even close to enjoying the single life, but it didn't feel so odd now that I wasn't wearing a wedding ring anymore.
We danced and laughed and sang along until we couldn't anymore. "I'm going to get another drink," I shouted to Bonnie and Caroline. "You guys want one?"
They both shook their heads as the bopped up and down to the music.
I escaped the crowd of dancing sweaty bodies and breathed a sigh as the cool air touched my skin. I walked over to the bar and waited for one of the bartenders to notice me.
"What can I get you?" That stupid smug face appeared out of nowhere.
"You're kidding," I clenched my jaw. "I thought you were a photographer?"
"I am," he threw the towel over his shoulder. "I'm also a bartender."
"I think you're stalking me," I leaned forward.
"You're on my turf sweetheart," he snorted. "I've worked here longer than you've been able to drink."
"In that case," I flipped my hair. "Pour me something strong."
He grabbed a shot glass from under the counter and poured me something from a bottle. "That should do it." He walked away to tend to someone else. I swallowed it quickly and I coughed, as it burned my throat. I set the glass down and grimaced.
"That was horrible," I stuck out my tongue gaging as he walked back. "What the hell."
"The stronger it is, the worst it tastes," he chuckled.
"How much do I owe you for that monstrosity," My face puckered, still grossed out.
"You get the family discount," he shrugged. "Go ahead and dance with your friends."
"Well, if I get the family discount, I'll have another drink," I smiled guiltily. I loved a good discount.
"What will it be?"
"Make me your sweetest, fruitiest drink. Something that will wash down that awful shot you gave me," I rested my chin on my hand.
He moved around mixing a few ingredients together. It was pink, and girly, and decorated all frilly. He slid it over to me and thanked I him before heading off to go back to my friends.
The drink was fantastic. It was sweet and went down very easily.
"Who was that hottie bartender you were talking to?" Caroline pulled me into their little circle.
I rolled my eyes, "That's Stefan's brother."
"Really?" Caroline glanced back at the bar. "They look nothing alike. He's like really hot."
I made a face at Caroline, as I continued sipping on my drink.
"Not that Stefan isn't hot. He's just like a different hot. Like bad boy hot," her smile was mischievous. Like she was thinking about doing very naughty things to him.
"No," I shook my head at her. "Don't even think about it."
"Why not?" she pouted.
"Because he's an ass, you deserve better than that," I finished the rest of my drink it was so damn good.
"I'm just looking to get my… bell rung. I'm not looking to date the guy," Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she continued eye fucking him.
"No," I said again sterner. "He is off limits."
"Why? Do you want him?" She regretted the words as soon as they were out of her mouth.
"Caroline!" Bonnie smacked her arm.
"No, I don't want to fuck my husbands' brother," I looked down into my empty drink. "I need another drink."
Before I knew it, I was wasted. Bonnie got sick to her stomach and Jeremy came to pick her up, and Caroline ditched me for some guy. Normally I would be infuriated with her for leaving me all alone, but I was actually having fun for once in my life.
I was dancing with strangers, and just being the life of the party.
The song My Pony came on, and my jaw dropped with excitement. Some girls that I had just met grabbed my hand and she pulled me up onto one of the tables. We moved sensually to the song. I felt so carefree and happy. I hadn't felt this way in a very long time. Even in college I tried to always be responsible. But tonight, I was letting myself be free.
I moved my hips as a group of people cheered us on, enjoying the show. I sang the words out loud, as I flipped my hair around. I let my hands trail down my body, and for once in my life I felt… Sexy. I dipped down, pushing my butt out as I slowly snaked back up, and that had everyone going wild. I never felt this good.
As I looked down smiling, I saw the circle start to break up, as security tried ushering us girls down. My eyes found Damon's who was directly below me. He reached up a hand, "You have to get down, Elena."
"Why?" I yelled over the music. I wasn't ready for the fun to be ruined.
"You're a liability on that table," he looked up at me. "You could get hurt."
I twirled in a circle just wanting to finish out the song, but before I could turn back around, I felt his arms, throw me over his shoulder. He set me down on the floor and pulled me to the bar. "You're going to get yourself kicked out if you don't listen," His voice sounded angry.
He sat me down on the barstool as he walked around the bar. He set a glass down in front of me and sprayed some liquid in it.
I took a sip of the drink and frowned, "Water?"
"I think you've had enough liquor tonight," he said before going to help other customers.
What a party pooper, I thought. I was having a great time, which I hadn't had in a long time. Why did he have to be so… aggravating?
"I was having a g-good time," I stuttered as he walked past.
He took an order from the girl next to me. "You can still go have fun," he gestured to the dancing crowd. "Just stay off the tables."
"Hi Damon," a pretty girl approached the bar.
"Elise," he smirked at her.
"I'll have the usual," she flirted.
He winked at her before making her a drink. She was gorgeous… ok… she was hot. She wore a tight red dress, that showed off her huge fake boobs. She had a perfect white smile. Her lips were perfectly plump from the lip injections. Her long blonde hair was done perfectly in curls.
He slid the drink over to her.
She laid down some cash, before seductively biting her lip, "thanks for the wet panties." She walked away making sure to sway her hips.
I looked back at Damon who was clearly staring at her ass. "Wet panties?"
"It's a drink," he smirked. "I can make you one."
"I thought I was cut off," I leaned forward with a sly smile.
"Damon would you quit flirting with the hot girl and help me out?!" one of the bartenders said as he passed by. "I'm fucking swamped down here."
Damon pushed off the counter to go towards the mass of needy drunk people.
I decided to go back to dancing… not on the tables this time. I was having such a good time. I wasn't thinking about my grief. I wasn't trying to find tedious things to occupy my time. I was just living in the moment and enjoying feeling numb. I haven't felt this ok since Stefan passed away. And I know it was just because I was drunk, but it felt good for a change.
I moved to the beat of the music, and at first, I was enjoying myself. But then I started to get all hot, and my stomach started to turn. Ugh… Damon was right. I swayed unintentionally as I walked out of the crowd.
I don't know if it was from not eating and drinking too much. Or if it was from all the heat in the crowd of people but I felt like I was going to faint.
I walked to the bar, and the last thing I remember was Damon's face, as he looked concerned, before everything went black.
A/N: What'd you think? Please let me know! It keeps me motivated to keep going when I know my readers and invested in the story. Have a good week, and I'll see you next time :)