She couldn't believe she was on the plane taking her home to save the last man she wanted to see. She was angry at him and part of her hated him but she would never let him rott in prison. She hated the fact that she had to lie to Liam but well…. She had called him earlier telling him Caroline was sick and needed her back home for a few days and he had been supportive. He was a good boyfriend treated her well. He was safe a successful doctor that wanted to have a family, exactly what she needed or that's what she told herself. She looked back at her lap top thinking about Sara and what to answer her. All she could think about was the night she truly found herself.

Richmond September 4th , 2014

6pm sharp Damon was waiting for her and ushered for her to get in his car so they could get going. He wouldn't tell her where he was taking her but for some reason she trusted him.

They arrived at an old pub that had a pool table and all sorts of games.

With his hand on her back he whispered "What's your poison?"

"Feeling adventurous whatever you're having"

"Oh honey not so sure you can handle my kind of alcohol"

"Let me guess bourbon on the rocks"

"How did you?..."

" I was raised in a family of men. So I know a lot about alcohol cars and how much you lots like your ego"

"Ouch you really are on fire tonight. 2 bourbons it is then. And then maybe you can show me if your skills in pool are as good as that mouth of yours"

"That impressed you, trust me Damon I have moves you have never seen" Elena shot back and winked at him.

He cornered her against the wall and whispered in her ears

"If you want to keep tonight PG 16, you better play by the rules because there is so much I can take before I stop behaving myself" He ran his hand between her shirt and skin and stepped back to get their drinks.

Elena took a minute to catch her breath. He was going to be the end of her and she wasn't sure how long she would last.

He came back with two glasses of bourbon and led them to the pool table. She was a good table. Her cousins and brother had taught her well but Damon was a pretty good opponent. 3 games later and a few drinks in, he had won. He was really interesting. He knew a lot about cars and fixed in his free time. His dad wanted him to take over his business but he wanted to be a mechanic. His car was pretty impressive and he took good care of it.

He was hot, smart and extremely fun. A dangerous combination.

"You like fast cars?" Damon eyed her from his chair at the bar.

"You are not driving anywhere with the amount of alcohol you have in your system"

"Not tonight.. But if fast driving gets your heart racing and turns you on, you are in for one hell of a second date"

"Who said anything about a second date"

"Me.. I haven't met anyone like you in a while. You know your way around cars. You know your alcohol. You can hold a banter with me. And you're just …. Gorgeous. And don't tell me you haven't felt a connection" He was closer now, his lips almost touching hers.

"Yea.. Tonight was pretty fun. It's been a while since I enjoyed myself this much. But I think it's time I get back home. And Damon, our second date better get my hear racing through the roof. Can't promise a girl adrenaline and not deliver."

Hearing her words, he just pressed their lips together and held her to him. She couldn't stop herself even if she wanted to. Too early for her, he pulled away and told her.

" I promise this is only the beginning, let's get you home"

He had kept his promise. This was the day she truly started living as herself. She had never been happier than that period of her life before it all came down crashing. She focused back on her lap top and started writing.