See first chapter

A/n- This chapter is the result of listening to Celine Dion for way too long. Sorry in advance if it makes anyone cry.

March 5, 1994

Caro diary,

You've probably wondered why it seems I speak so cruelly of the man I love. It isn't because he dropped out of the University, or even because of what happened with Katherine (I hold her responsible for all of that.) It's because of our children. It might not seem like either Damon or myself were the type to have a family, but then I must remind you we were married happily for four years before all the unpleasantness occurred.

Today would have been our son's 505th birthday, but that would be only if he was cursed with vampirism, a fate which I would not wish on anyone, especially not my only son.

His name was Dante Giovanni Evan Angelo Salvatore. And much like Damon's mother loved him so, I loved my boy. I had him when I was fifteen, and the day he was born was the happiest day of my life. I still remember the look on Damon's face after he first saw him. He looked so happy, like we had been greatly gifted. And we had.

Gianni was a sweet boy, thankfully gifted with Stefan's and Elena's temperament, rather then Damon's or mine. In the three years I knew him, his hunger for knowledge was a delight. He'd want me to read to him nightly, and before I knew it, he had inherited my genius. I often felt sorry for my husband, having to live with two geniuses.

But the real shock came right before stormy times. At the age of eighteen, a few months before my turning, and about nine months after Gianni's third birthday, I gave birth to our second child, a girl Damon proudly named Andria Mia Gianina Fiorenza.

I was a little worried about how Gianni would receive his new little sister, but Damon told me that worry was unnecessary. We put Gianni in Mia's room so that they could get to know each other. I held him over her cradle so that he could see her. He looked at her, then turned his face towards mine, and said to me, "Mama, la mia sorella è bella." My sister is beautiful.

I was stunned. I turned to look at Damon, and he just looked at me in an I-told-you-so sort of way. Later, that was actually what he did say. That night, we were alone, and I asked him, "How did you know Gianni would accept Mia so easily?"

He looked at me, laughed slightly, and said "Bella, Salvatore men do not fear women. We love them, hate them, or find them difficult to live with, but we do not fear them or feel threatened by them."

I could only roll my eyes. Sadly though, he spoke the truth. I sometimes wish I would've been able to live my life, if only for my children. I wonder if Damon remembers any of it. Probably not. He was probably too busy making eyes at my cousin to care about his own children. It makes me ill, and very sad.

I think I shall have to cry myself to sleep again tonight. Buon compleanno, Gianni. Happy birthday, Gianni. Ti amo, Mia. I love you, Mia.

Fino a che non veniamo a contatto di ancora,

Mama

Anglaia Di Willow- Thank you, and thanks for the review!

incarnated-soul- I'm glad Selina didn't tell James she was a vampire. Thanks for the review.

Angel- Thanks! Hope this wasn't too sad! Hope you keep liking the story.

Piscean Wisdom- I translate with the translator on but I want to take Italian in college. Thanks for the review, and hope you like the update.

Tyiagirl- I love showing Damon's past with Selina. Thanks for the review, and I hope you like the update!