To Love Again

Chapter 3

Elena woke up in her empty bed and touched the pillow beside her that had once belonged to her husband Stefan. She swore if she concentrated hard enough she could still smell Stefan's shampoo on her pillow. She let out a sigh and bolted up right when the sound of the doorbell startled her.

She threw off her covers and put a bathrobe over her nightie as she headed for the door. She just hoped her kids hadn't answered the door yet. They both knew how she felt about letting people in the house without her knowledge.

Thankfully her kids hadn't woken up yet and she opened the door surprised to see Damon on the other side of it. She smiled to the best of her abilities and he gave her a small smile back. She wasn't sure what to do next. When it came to answering their door Stefan was usually the more hospitable one.

"What brings you to my doorstep this early in the morning Damon?"

"I feel bad for not getting to know my brother and his family before his death. I want to make that right."

"What do you suggest?"

"Have you guys ate breakfast yet?"

"No. Why?"

"I know this really good diner in town. They serve the best breakfast. I was hoping if it was okay with you that I could take you and the kids to breakfast. You know try to get to know my niece and nephew."

"Fine I guess I don't see the harm let me just wake up Audrey and Caleb then we can go."

"How old are they?"

"Audrey is six and Caleb is four, so this will take maybe forty minutes or so. Considering I have to get them ready and all."

"Perfectly understandable. Take your time. I'll wait right here."

"Thank you for understanding."

"It's the least I can do."

Elena smiled and went to go wake up her kids.

When everyone was up and ready to go Damon drove them to the diner Damon was talking about, Elena had only been there a couple of times, but she knew it as a hole in the wall place that served the best breakfast in the city. It had been a while since she had been there and she had never taken her kids to eat here, so this would be a new experience for them.

They were sat down at a table where Damon concentrated on getting to know her and Stefan's kids. She had to admit when it came to kids Damon was a natural. She smiled slightly and partook in a couple of conversations during breakfast, but she couldn't help but feel that Stefan should have been here enjoying breakfast with his wife, children, and his brother no matter how strained their relationship was.

Elena tried to push those thoughts from her mind and enjoy her time out with her family. It was very generous of Damon to offer a way for her and her kids to get their minds off things and so far Audrey and Caleb appeared to really like their uncle Damon. She was glad that her kids could have another grown adult to talk to in their life if they couldn't talk to her about something.

Caleb's face lit up like a Christmas tree when he found out that Damon played football back in high school. Damon agreed to play a game with Caleb a little while later if it was okay with Elena. Audrey had also like the fact that Damon was a movie buff so she had something to talk to her uncle Damon about.

So far everything was going well. When Damon dropped them off he played a quick game of football with Caleb and watched a movie with the rest of them before Elena walked him to the door.

"Thank you for everything Damon. They really needed a day like this."

"I know I can't replace their dad Elena, but if you ever need my help with the kids. Don't be afraid to ask."

"Thank you."

Damion smiled and left leving Elena smiling as she went back to enjoy the rest of the day with her kids.