A/N: Happy Labor Day! I hope you all have enjoyed your weekend. I'm so thankful for all your reviews and I hope you guys continue to have excitement about this story. Enjoy this chapter!

EPOV

The rest of the week Damon taught me everything I needed to know. I finally felt like I had all of the knowledge, but now just lacked the experience. I hoped and prayed that I'd be able to have the courage to actually follow through with all this new knowledge and put it into action.

My heart was racing, and hands were trembling as Caroline helped me get ready for this party Damon liked to refer to as my final exam. The thought of trying to make out with some random guy that I went to high school with made me want to vomit. For many reasons I wished the night was over already so it could just be done.

Being 18 years old and not experienced when it came to flirting, kissing, sex, or even just talking to guys was embarrassing. I had no idea how to show a guy I was interested, and how would I know if they're into me, if I've never experienced it before?

I was nervous to even just go to the party. I had no idea what it was like. I've never drank before, and I didn't know if I was going to try it tonight. I sure as hell don't dance. I just prayed that Damon would keep by my side, so I didn't end up curled in a ball in the corner, rocking back and forth.

"Do you need help?" Caroline offered, as I struggled with the clasp on my necklace.

"Please," I gave her a weak smile.

"You seem nervous," she observed as her cool hands expertly fastened the necklace.

"I've never done something like this before," I confessed. Although I'm sure Caroline was fully aware that I was a loser.

"It'll be fine," she waved it off like I shouldn't be worried. "Even if you do make a fool of yourself," she looked at me with a don't you worry look, "which you won't. Everyone will be too drunk to remember tomorrow."

"I hope so," I looked at myself in the mirror. I curled my hair, my makeup was generous yet light at the same time. I wore a turquoise dress that was tight fitted. It wasn't too short nor too long. It crisscrossed at the top and left a cut out in the shape of a triangle above my belly button, but just below my chest. It was very summery.

"You've been really helpful," I turned to her as she sat at the edge of my bed, putting in some earrings. "Thanks for being so nice to me. I mean… I know you and I run in different circles. I just wanted to thank you for treating me like… a person."

"Look," she sighed. "Stefan has had nothing but good things to say about you, and because he said you're one of his favorite people I knew I would like you too," She stood up off the bed. "Contrary to what movies portray, cheerleaders aren't always bitches."

I giggled, "I'm glad."

"Also, I owe you for saying something to Stefan," she stood in the mirror next to me, smoothing out her hair.

"How'd you know I said something?" I bit my lip hoping she wasn't upset with me.

"Two days after I talked to you, he made a move," she glanced at me from the side. "You had to of said something."

"Are you mad?" I flinched.

"God no," she shook her head. "It's about freakin time!" She nearly shouted. "I'm just glad I didn't have to be the one to tell him."

"You're welcome," I took that as a thank you.

The front doorbell sounded, "That must be the brothers," Caroline turned to grab her stuff.

I took a deep breath feeling my stomach twist in horror.

"It'll be fine Elena," Caroline promised me. "Parties are meant to be fun."

The whole five-minute drive in the car I picked at the polish on my nails that I had painted just an hour ago. But I needed to keep my mind distracted with something other than this stupid party. Caroline sat in the back with me, chatting up a storm with Stefan who was in the passenger seat. Damon drove, and would chime in every once in a while, but mostly he would peer at me through the rear-view mirror and try to give me a reassuring smile. But every time he did, I felt more nervous. I was just reminded that I was walking into a lion's den.

As we pulled to a lineup of other cars, I thought of a million excuses to turn around and go back home. But Damon was right about one thing. If I could do it here, in my hometown, it would be much easier in college. I needed to know what I was walking into. Otherwise, I'd end up right back where I started. A lonely girl, who hid behind everything.

Stefan and Caroline hopped out quickly and started off towards the house that was practically thumping from the base of the stereo. I opened up the door and stood up, somehow finding the strength to move forward. Damon stood before me, "Stop thinking so hard."

"I can't help it," I anxiously tugged at my fitted dress.

"You look nice," he threw his arm around me and forced me forward as we walked towards the house. "Just stick by me, and you'll be fine."

I just nodded, feeling my heart get louder as we got closer. He dragged me around back behind the fence. There was a slew of people, and he was right. It wasn't bad. For some reason I expected everyone to be staring and whispering, but everyone was in their own little conversations.

I physically relaxed in his side, as he pulled me towards what I presumed was a beer keg. He poured himself a beer, in a red plastic cup. "You want to try some?" He offered his cup to me.

I was about to deny him, but I figured a taste wouldn't hurt. At least I'd know what to expect if I ever decided to drink.

I took the cup from his hands and took a baby sip. It was carbonated like soda but was not sweet at all. It was almost bitter. To me, it didn't taste terrible, but it wasn't like I could drink it like juice. "It's ok," I licked the remanence off my lips, handing him back the cup.

He took sip himself, "It's an acquired taste," he shrugged. "Would you like your own?"

"No thanks," I shook my head.

"Damon!" One of Damon's friends Mason walked up, giving Damon that stereotypical male greeting.

"What's up man?" Damon smiled.

"We've been waiting for you to get here," Mason clapped Damon on the shoulder, before his eyes fell on me. His eyes scanned me up and down a couple of times, making me feel judged. "Damn," he kept his eyes on me. "Who's this?"

"Elena," Damon answered for me. "You know Elena…"

"Oh yeah," he shook his head like he was dreaming. "Neighbor girl."

I gave Mason the best smile I could manage, "Hi," My hands were clasped behind my back. Why was I so awkward?

"Welcome to party central," His arms opened up gesturing to his house. "Come on, let's get you a drink." He threw his arm around my shoulder.

I looked at Damon, unsure of what to do.

"He's harmless," Damon smirked. "I'll meet you guys in a second," Damon's eyes flickered over to a corner and Mason, and I followed his gaze. Rebekah.

"Abort!" Mason gave Damon an apologetic look before he led me into the house.

The music was loud. There was flashing colorful lights. People everywhere on every surface of the house. Some were dancing. Some were sitting on a couch making out. Some were sitting around a table playing some sort of drinking game. It was exactly like the movies showed. Chaos everywhere, and I felt so out of place.

Mason brought me upstairs to the main level where there were still a lot of people, but it was a little quieter without the music. He walked to the fridge, "I have mostly beer, but I have a few Seltzers and I'm sure we could raid my parents wine cellar if you prefer wine."

"I"- I was about to tell him I didn't drink but I decided I was in a safe place. I had Damon, Stefan and Caroline. "I'll have a seltzer," I had no idea what that was. Hopefully it wasn't very strong.

He handed me a can before shutting the fridge.

I opened the can and slowly sipped on it. It tasted a lot better than the beer, but it still had a little bit of a bitter taste. I'm sure it was the alcohol taste. "Sorry I didn't recognize you earlier," he apologized. "You're a couple years younger than me, right?"

"Yeah, and It's fine," I blushed. I didn't expect anyone to know who I was. Like I said I was invisible in high school. I'm sure the only reason he knew who I was, was because of Damon mentioning me here and there.

"Mason," Matt and Tyler walked up to Mason. I was kind of thankful for people interrupting us. I still felt so weird around people. I was so aware of every awkward thing I said or did. "Who's this?" Tyler asked Mason.

I wanted to die. I'm sure I was going to hear that all night, but it made me realize just how forgettable I was.

"Elena," Mason smiled at me. "Damon and Stefan's neighbor."

"Oh right," Matt nodded his head.

It was even worse because Matt and Tyler were in my grade. They had no idea how many times I had a class with them over the last 12 years. "Yeah," Tyler shook a finger in my direction like he understood who I was. "I think I had a group project with you in like science or something."

I nodded because I distinctly remember doing all the work and he and the other three people got a good grade because of me. "Yeah, we also had a ton of other classes over the years." I blurted out, and I instantly regretted saying it.

He laughed out loud. "Sorry, school was never my thing. I never paid attention to anything that had to do with school."

I was glad he didn't think I was a total creep who stalked everyone. I was just a very observant person, who was aware of my surroundings.

Matt turned to me, "So where are you going to college?"

"Um… Whittemore," I almost forgot where I was going. His eyes were such a pretty blue.

"Oh yeah, I know a few people who are going there," he nodded smiling at me.

"Yeah, it's nice and close, but far enough away… And you?"

"I'm not," he shook his head almost embarrassed. "I can't afford it."

"They have financial aid… and loans," I suggested.

"It's not that so much," he flushed. "I have to pay for my house and all the utilities…My mom is kind of,"- he took a long pause. "She needs my help."

"Yeah, his mom is a piece of shit," Tyler chimed in.

"Dick," Matt, shook his head at Tyler.

"I'll trade with you," Mason said before chugging his beer. "Your mom might be a drunk but at least she pays attention to you. My parents are never home, and when they are…" he let his sentence fall short.

"Yeah, but we get to have all these parties due to your absent parents," Tyler reminded Mason.

Gosh, guys could be so brutal towards each other. I'd probably be crying by now if they poked fun at the fact that I have shitty parents.

Damon joined our little circle minutes later, "They haven't scared you away yet have they?"

"No," I chuckled. I actually liked them. They were being very nice and inviting.

For a good thirty minutes I mainly listened to Damon and his friends talk. They were so funny and just a joy to be around. I hadn't laughed so hard in a long time. They made me feel included and made sure to keep me in the conversation.

I was watching his friends play beer pong as Damon and I sat on the counter chatting.

"So how was your talk with Rebekah?" I crossed my legs, still sipping on the seltzer that Mason gave me.

Damon rolled his eyes clearly not in the mood to talk about her. "She's pissed."

"Why?" I rolled my eyes. Everything was always drama with her.

"She's pissed I brought you," he shrugged.

"Why?" I snorted. "She knows were like best friends, right?"

"She's intimidated," he shook his head. "She's mad that you're hot, and that I had my arm around you when I walked in."

I rolled my eyes. "She is so annoying. You guys aren't even together. She can't even be mad. You're allowed to do whatever you want with whoever you want."

"I tried telling her that," He sighed.

"You need to stop giving her attention," I patted his knee. "Next time she tries to talk to you just ignore her."

"Ok bossy pants," he snorted. "How's your little make out mission going?"

I clamped my mouth shut, wishing he wouldn't have brought it up.

"I double dog dare you," he whispered in my ear.

"With whom?" I looked around. "Not one guy has made any indication that they would like to make out with me."

Damon burst out in laughter. "Have you not seen the flock of men you have been attracting all night? Since the minute we got here everyone's been coming up to you."

"Everyone?" I mocked. "You're three friends have been nice to me. That's it."

"Every time you walk by, I see every guy stare at your ass," Damon informed me. "I've had guys coming up to me and ask if you're my date, and when they find out your single, they ask me a ton of questions."

"So why haven't they come talk to me then?" I crossed my arms because I didn't believe him. Not one single bit.

He took a long chug of his beer, before hoping off the counter.

"Damon," I hoped off following him, as he walked outside.

"You don't have to lie to me to make me feel better," I followed him to the beer keg. "I can handle the truth."

He filled up his glass, "I'm not lying."

"Then if you're telling the truth I would've had at least one guy trying to make a move," I put my hands on my hips.

"Because every guy that talks to me about you just talks about how much they want to fuck you," he blurts out. "And I'm sorry but I'm not ok with that."

I'm thrown off by his statement. I have never been talked about like that, and in a weird way it flatters me, but mostly it just grosses me out. I don't want to just be some object that guys use once and throw away. I want to be romanced. I want to be swept off my feet. I don't want to be an object of someone else's affection.

"So, I lie and tell them, that I'm into you, so they back off," he took a swig of his beer.

"Thanks," I gave him a light smile. He really was the best friend ever. "You're always looking out for me."

"There are a ton of guys out there that you can make out with that won't take advantage of you," he changed the subject. "You just have to find them."

"Don't go for the guy that stares at your tits while you talk," he informed me. "Don't go for the guy who grabs ass. Or for the guy who talks about you so vulgarly. You want the guy who is genuinely interested in learning about you," he walked us back inside, as he explained. "He'll ask questions. Get to know you."

I nodded along, it seemed simple enough.

"Now go," he shoved me inside. "I'm going to play beer pong over there," he pointed. "You got this."

I felt so stupid. I was talking to guys and as soon as they'd stare at my chest or make a comment that made me cringe, I'd awkwardly walk away. I was surprised at the number of men that were giving me the wrong vibes. They were either too drunk, not single, or too forward. Nothing felt natural. Nothing felt right. I was beginning to think I was a lost cause.

But then finally I was talking to a really nice guy. He was not drunk. He was single. And most importantly he wasn't disgustingly horny. His name was Luke, and I knew him briefly from school. He was quieter, but he was nice.

We talked for over a half hour, and I felt like he was maybe into me. He was genuinely asking me questions, getting to know me. He made me laugh, and we were leaning into each other. Now it was hard for me to know if it was just because it was loud or if it was because there was actually something between us.

I felt the heat in my face, as his arm came to rest up on my shoulder, and he leaned in slightly. This was it. This would be my first kiss. Well.. besides when Damon and I played house.

Before I could even think about what to do with my hands or decide if I was going to use tongue, he opened up his mouth, "It was nice meeting you," he said loudly over the music. "I have to get going."

I could've died right then and there. How could I have misread things? I was so sure that he was into me. Did he just get nervous? Did he have a curfew? Or maybe… I was just really not that interesting. Maybe he decided I wasn't what he thought. I mean, he would've asked for my number if he was interested but had to leave.

"That was a bad choice," I heard Damon from behind me.

I turned to face him and buried my head in my hands. "Don't make me feel more embarrassed than I already do."

"Elena he's gay," Damon informed me.

"You're just trying to make me feel better," I mumbled into my hands.

He yanked my hands away from my face, "I'm serious. You can ask my buddy Mason. He tried making a pass at him once."

"This is so embarrassing," I turned to walk away. I didn't know where I was going to go, Damon was my ride home.

"Elena, you literally picked the guy who wouldn't make out with any girl here," he followed me up the stairs.

"I talked to several guys," I pointed out.

"Yeah, and I watched you turn all seven of them down," he followed me. "Where are you going?"

"I don't know," I made my way up to the second set of stairs where it was much quieter. "To find a bathroom to hide in for the rest of my life."

"You're being dramatic Elena," Damon followed me.

I turned around abruptly to face him, "Am I?"

"Yes, you are," he argued with me. "You must be blind and deaf because you're all any one can look at and talk about."

"Until they talk to me and realize I'm a complete loser!"

"I don't think you're a loser," he shook his head. "I wouldn't have brought you here if I didn't think you could do this."

"I can't," my voice cracked.

"You haven't even tried," he rolled his eyes.

"Yes, I have," I argued.

He didn't say anything he just breathed heavily his jaw clenched tight.

"See?" I finally spoke. "You know I'm right."

"No," he shook his head.

He grabbed my hand and led me down the long hallway. "Where are we going?" I asked as he tugged me along.

He opened the door, and I couldn't see because the lights were off, and he didn't bother switching them on as he pulled me into the room. He shut the door behind me, and before I knew it, I was shoved up against the door. His face was just centimeters from mine. I could smell the beer on his breath. And the scent of his cologne falling off his shoulders. I could faintly make out his features as the moon cast off the side of his face through the window. "Don't hate me for this," he said.

"For what?" I was still confused.

But before he could explain his lips were on mine. His hands were cupping my face, and his body was pressed against mine. My hands flew up to grab at his back without even thinking, as I pulled him closer. My lips parted with his, my tongue danced with his. I didn't even have to think. I just did. It felt so natural, that I didn't even worry about what I was supposed to be doing. I pushed my chest into him and my hips into his. His arms snaked down my body as he looped them around my waist pulling me closer than we already were.

He tugged at my lower lip with his teeth and a moan escaped my lips. And it was then that I realized I was making out with Damon. My best friend. Half of me was shouting no in my head. Telling me this wasn't right. That this couldn't be good, and this would make things really weird for us. But the other half was rejoicing in the fact that I was enjoying this. That it felt good. My body was tingling with more want. My natural hormonal response wanted to take this further. It ached for some sort of release when five minutes ago I didn't even know that I could feel that way.

I don't know how long it had been but the sound of someone barreling down the hall followed by the door across the hall swinging open, and someone getting sick in the bathroom, made us stop. He gently pulled away and I turned my head looking away from him, as I wiped my lips.

We both were silent taking time to catch our breath and wait to see if the person was done getting sick.

He must have noticed my mind was racing with conflicting thoughts, because he tilted my chin up to look at him. "It was just practice," he looked deeply in my eyes. "Don't be weird on me now."

I couldn't help but smile. He always knew how to calm me down. But I noticed the way his eyes dropped to my lips briefly, and then when he looked back at me, he looked just as worried as me. "Are you ready to go home?" He asked.

I just nodded, as he opened the door back to the real world.

A/N: What are your thoughts? What do you think will happen next? See you next week ;)