*This chapter has been edited by my Beta Casey. Thanks for the follows reviews and favorites. Please let me know if you think things are progressing too slowly. Im worried that everything isn't running as smoothly as I hoped. Constructive criticism is always welcome. Your feedback gives me motivation so don't be a silent reader. I promise I don't bite...too hard;)*
I opened the door to the house just as Jeremy was heading upstairs. I tossed my bag on the couch and followed him up. Oddly enough, he made his way into Elena's room. I had thought they were on the outs, but they were talking as I walked in. I ignored whatever they were saying and threw myself on Elena's bed. I wasn't much for open displays of affection, but after the crap day I'd had to deal with, I could really use a little sibling time.
"Gah, this day sucked, Lena!" I said, throwing my head in her lap and ignoring the oomph of protest that escaped her.
I covered my face with my hands and listened to her and Jeremy's conversation.
"Is Vicki in there?" she asked, nodding her head in the direction of his room.
My eyebrows rose at the revelation. Well, well, well little Jer getting it on with naughty Vic...
"You and Vic? Wow, I hope you wrapped it, Jeremy," I said without thinking.
Elena's mouth shot open, and she grabbed her pillow and used it to pummel me in the face.
"Ewww! Ellie that's disgusting. I don't wanna hear about what our brother does with Vicki or anyone else!" she shouted.
Jeremy was laughing loudly at our little display. I pulled myself away from Elena and jumped up beside Jeremy.
"What!? It's a valid and important thing to ask. I don't wanna be an auntie yet! Plus, Vic is...experienced. I just wanna make sure he is being safe," I tossed the nearby pillow at her face, then looked at Jeremy with a fixed expression. "So, you are being smart, right, Jer?"
He tried to hide the red shade the was beginning to cover his face without success. He put his hands over his eyes with a grumble. I laughed at his embarrassment and pulled his hands away, revealing his cherry red features.
"Ya know Jer, they say if you're too embarrassed to discuss sex than you're too young to be having it." I joked.
He pulled away from me and threw himself on Elena's window seat with a huff.
"We are being careful, El, and I know all about her past — it doesn't bother me," he said, indignantly
I sat back down beside Elena and laid back in her lap, shrugging.
"Okay then, that's all I wanted to know,"
Elena ran her fingers through my hair as we were all quiet for a moment.
"God, isn't it weird how adult our conversations have become? I can remember when we were all fighting over each other's toys. Where did the time go?" Elena asked.
Jeremy and I looked at her, our faces overcast with memories.
"We grew up, Lena. I miss our childhood as well but try to remember that we get to experience new things now. Like college, marriage, children," Jeremy said. "there is still so much to come,"
I quickly wiped the tears from my face as I imagined their lives. It was a sad and beautiful thought. I only wished I could be there to share it all with them.
"Ugh, enough of the heavy stuff. Now, how about we discuss why Lena is a pouty potato?" I said in a sing-song voice.
Elena smacked my forehead and sighed deeply. "I'm miserable," she said petulantly, her bottom lip sticking out a bit.
"Aww, poor little Lena. What happened?" I asked playfully.
I was hoping to lighten the mood because I knew exactly what was wrong with her. Stefan was still continuing to hide everything from her. She continued to play with my hair and looked down at me with a sullen expression.
"Stefan and I had a fight,"
My thoughts were confirmed. My eyes shifted to Jeremy, who had been tapping his foot impatiently. I could tell there was something he was hiding.
"Well, you should go get something to eat," he said.
I gave him a quizzical look as I slipped off of Elena's lap. I grabbed her hand and pulled her off the bed.
"Jeremy is right. I'm pretty sure I saw some strawberry ice cream in the freezer," I said.
I pushed her out the door and down the stairs. When I made to follow her into the kitchen, Jeremy grabbed my wrist and held me back. He put his finger against his lips and smiled at me. We waited in the living room, and I understood why as soon as Elena said Stefan's name. Jeremy pulled me back toward the stairs.
"He is gonna fix her dinner as an apology. He asked me if I'd help lure her downstairs," he said.
I shook my head and bit my bottom lip as we headed back up the stairs. "I really wanted that ice cream," I said, longingly.
Jeremy's laugh was all I heard as I pouted all the way into my room.
I was looking at myself in the mirror, eyeing my purple and black two-piece with a hateful glare. Why had I allowed myself to be talked into this stupid car wash? I wasn't even a cheerleader! I pulled at the top trying, in vain, to cover more of my cleavage. I felt incredibly exposed. My suit was just an average two-piece, apart from the black jewel placed conveniently between my breasts, but I still felt like I was basically naked. I mean, I could remember the days when a woman would be called a whore for revealing her legs, and here I was now, leaving very little to the imagination.
Damn Caroline and her shopping addiction. I should have known she had ulterior motives for offering to buy me a swimsuit. I gave the suit one last spiteful glare before throwing on my purple shorts and a tank top. Gods, this is gonna be so humiliating...
I grabbed my matching purple flower-shaped sunglasses and hooked them onto my shirt. I quickly braided my hair and sprayed on some sunscreen before headed downstairs. Elena and Bonnie had left five minutes ago, so according to 'Caroline Standard Time,' I was running late.
I yelled my goodbyes to Jenna, who was still somewhere in the house and made my way to my car. I hopped inside and winced as my skin met the hot leather. I turned the air on full blast and switched the radio on.
I was already nodding my head to the beat of the music as I pulled out of the drive. I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel, singing along to the music when a black blur sped past my window. I screamed and tried to keep from swerving when I noticed a crow flying towards the windshield.
At the last minute, it changed direction and once again flew past my window. My breathing was rapid and substantial as I tried to calm myself down. My mind raced frantically when I realized that the crow had been much more than a bird. It was Damon.
I turned into the school parking lot and parked my car. I leaned into the steering wheel and let a few tears escape. He was calling for me, but what could I do? He was dangerous and explosive — he would be out for revenge, and that would lead to so much unnecessary loss. I heard a loud whistle and wiped my face before looking out my windshield to see Caroline. She threw up her hands and ushered for me to get out of the car. I waved and took a deep breath as I climbed out. I locked my car and ran over to Caroline, who was talking to a small group of people all wearing their own suits of torture.
"No friend discounts. No freebies. No pay-ya-laters. We are not running a charity here," Caroline barked, her hands on her hips, "No, we are not,"
I stood next to Elena and Bonnie, both smiling at Caroline in exasperation.
"No, we are not," Elena whispered, with barely restrained laughter.
I kept my mouth closed; too many thoughts stole any amusement I could have felt at Caroline's forceful attitude. Caroline looked down at her clipboard and began barking orders. I looked over to see Stefan heading towards us and sidestepped away from him. I wasn't ready to talk to him yet. My guilt was still too thick. I wasn't sure what he would do if he knew Damon was calling out to me. Luckily I was distracted by the hurricane that was Caroline Forbes.
"The event is called Sexy Suds, ya know. Why are you still dressed?" she asked.
I looked down at my shorts and tank top with a sigh and pulled my shirt off over my head. As I was slipping off my shorts, I could see Elena and Stefan kissing off to the side. I almost tripped in a mild shock. It was so strange seeing them kiss. All I could see was Katherine, which confused me because oddly enough, I never saw Katherine when I looked at Elena...until now.
"Okay, put your clothes in your bag and head over to Bonnie and Matt. You'll be pairing off with Matt while Bon works with Tiki and Tyler," Caroline ordered.
I looked away from the little public display of affection that had me baffled and moved over to Matt. I could see Matt was feeling just as sick by Elena and Stefan's presentation as I was.
"Uh-uh, no. None of that tortured pining stuff," Bonnie told him.
I couldn't help but smile at this.
"I'm just observing," Matt said.
I patted his shoulder as I passed him. I put my clothes in my bag and laid it on the ground next to Bonnie's stuff.
"Okay, let's get soapy," I said, earning a laugh from Matt.
I grabbed a sponge and began washing the red car in front of me. I ignored the stares I was getting from the guy we were washing the car for. I jumped slightly when the grey figure of Rebekah appeared beside him. She was looking him over with disgust on her face.
"God, look at this guy, Ellie — as if he'd ever have a shot with you. Ugh, he is disgusting!" she said aghast.
I bit back my retort, knowing how crazy I would look just carrying on a discussion with an invisible person. I continued to wash the windows trying to avoid the water Matt was flinging at me.
"Ya know, I have a few brothers that would love to meet you. One in particular," Rebekah said to the man who was now greedily staring at my ass.
I stood and adjusted my suit in embarrassment. Matt noticed my unease and grabbed the bucket of water that sat between us. He caught the eye of Tyler, who was standing behind the guy. They both tossed their buckets of water at the creep. Rebekah jumped out of the way, even though she didn't need to, just as the water hit him. He screamed in surprise and started to chase Matt and Tyler around the car. They were both laughing and shooting me smiles. I giggled along with Bonnie, who had used her powers to splash a rude Tiki after she had started whining about us mistreating the customers. Our fun was quickly ruined when Caroline stomped towards us in a blonde storm of fury.
"What are you guys doing?" she yelled.
We all looked at one another, all speaking at once. Caroline grabbed the creep by his ear and pulled him towards his car.
"Get outta here," she said.
The guy flipped her off and jumped into his still soapy car and sped off.
"Elena is out of towels and those shimmy things," Caroline told me pointedly.
I nodded sheepishly, "I'll go get some," I said, smiling back at Matt and Tyler.
They saluted me as I walked away and towards the school. The cold air greeted me and sent a shiver down my spine as I entered the empty halls. The eeriness of it all made me jump when my shoes squeaked on the freshly waxed floor. I kept my head down and tried to ignore the weird feeling that walking through the halls at school in my bikini gave me. I could honestly say it was an experience I never wanted to repeat. Finally, I reached the supply closet. I made to open the door when a shadow at the other end of the hall made me stop.
"Hello? Care?" I said, squeezing my eyes shut in annoyance.
I was the dumb girl at the beginning of every scary movie ever. I grabbed the handle of the door and pulled it open — I was not getting killed today. I grabbed what I needed and kicked the door closed behind me. I quickly headed back the way I came when I heard a familiar, pleading voice behind me.
Dammit.
Slowly I turned around to see a flickering version of Damon.
"Elandra. Elandra, help me. Help me,"
I stomped my foot down in anger when the image flickered again and disappeared. He was totally gonna make me regret this. I dropped the towels and ran outside to my car.
I sped towards the Boarding House, slamming my hands on the wheel repeatedly.
"Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!" I yelled with every hit.
What the hell was I doing? He was going to hurt people! Yet, I couldn't turn around, not after hearing his voice call to me. He was still my Damon and was once my best friend, and I would be damned if I left him to mummify and suffer.
I wasn't the kind of person to leave him like this — It was almost like another curse. I trusted and saved people until I had nothing left to give. Angry tears filled my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I would just have to deal with whatever this caused. I could bury the guilt — I had too.
My tires squealed as I sped into their drive. I had to hurry; I wasn't sure how long Stefan would be gone.
Stefan, Gods he was gonna hate me.
I shook my head forcefully, I didn't have time for depressing thoughts. I entered the house quickly and scanned my surroundings for Zach. Luckily I found him on the couch asleep. I quietly stepped beside him and touched his head, causing him to fall into a deeper sleep — I didn't want him to get hurt. I would hate to be the reason the Salvatore bloodline was lost.
"Elandra, please," Damon said, his voice lilting through the air almost seductively.
I ran to the cellar door and carefully took the narrow steps one at a time. I finally made it to the door and looked in through the tiny window.
"You called?" I said sarcastically.
His eyes were lifeless, and his face was a sickly pale color. He licked his dry, cracked lips, and I could see his hunger. I felt pity surge in me, and I started to unbolt the door. I stopped and looked him over again.
"Don't kill me, Damon," I said.
His blue eyes cleared for a brief moment as he took in my words.
His weak face turned grave, " I would never hurt you, Elandra," he said, his voice dry.
The corner of my mouth lifted in a sad smile, "Now we both know that's not true, Damon," I whispered.
He turned away from me and started to fall, his strength giving out. I swung the door open and lowered myself down next to him, only just then noticing I hadn't changed from my bikini. I shifted slightly and felt the rush of blood in my neck and face. I sat on my knees and lifted his heavy head onto my shoulder.
"Damon, Damon! I'm gonna need you to drink, okay," I said.
His eyes were closed, and breathing was erratic. I looked around in panic. My gaze landed on a jagged stone by my foot, and I grabbed it in determination. I held the cold stone in my shaky hand and took a deep breath.
"Okay. Okay, I can do this," I whispered.
I took the sharper end of the stone and laid it against my neck, I dug it into my skin and let out a rush of air through my teeth. I could feel blood trickling down my throat as I tossed the rock behind me. Grabbing Damon's head, I laid his lips against my neck. I let out a relieved laugh as he started to lick the blood from my skin. I kept my eyes on the wall in front of me when he began to hold his own weight. A jab of pain told me he had finally inserted his fangs into the small gash I had made. He wrapped his arms around me and held me close as he drank my life's blood. The hand I had on his shoulder started to falter as I grew weaker — he was taking to much.
"Damon," I murmured, barely able to keep myself awake.
Slowly he pulled away, allowing me to see his vampiric face. It was frighteningly beautiful. In my weakened state, my mind was having trouble processing what was happening, but I was almost certain he let out a pained moan when I ran my fingers across the black veins under his eyes. My eyelids fluttered closed, and my hand dropped from his face.
"El, stay with me. Here, drink," Damon rushed out.
I could feel his wrist on my lips, and I parted them as best I could as the salty, coppery taste of his blood filled my mouth. I gagged and tried to spit it out, but he kept my head still and bent down to my ear, "You have to swallow it, sweetie. I took too much, and you're weak," he mumbled in my ear.
My mind caught up finally, and I allowed myself to accept his blood. I instantly felt better and let him help me sit up. I ran my hand across my mouth and wiped the red liquid from the lips. I looked up at his nervous face and couldn't help but grin at him.
"Well, that was something," I said.
He chuckled and stood up in front of me, offering his hand.
"Thank you for helping me, El," he said.
I brushed off the dirt from my legs.
"But, you didn't have to dress so...provocatively," he slyly said, obviously knowing how uncomfortable I felt.
I slapped his arm and growled, less than menacingly, at him. A noise from above drew our attention to the fact that we were not alone.
"That's Zach. Please don't hurt him, Damon. He is still your family, please," I begged him, taking hold of his arm.
He pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head.
"Okay, as long as he doesn't try anything, I will let him live. But, Stefan is gonna pay, El," he said menacingly.
I looked up at his face the pale grey look was gone. He was back to his annoyingly beautiful self.
"Just leave Elena out of it," I said.
He kissed my head again, lingering for a brief moment before, with a rush of air, he was gone. I looked around at the dark and empty cellar with dread filling me. Things were about to go to hell.