"Stripped"

Chapter 15: Need to Breathe

"You can't be serious," Damon said.

"Look I'm all better now," Bella said while walking through the house. "I'm completely healed."

"Pastor Young is still out there," Damon growled.

"And I'm on my guard," Bella replied, "Damon you all have been hovering over me, especially you. I understand you're worried, but damn it, I need my space. I feel like I'm suffocating."

"Bella," Damon warned.

"Just a couple days okay. Its Christmas break, I just want to spend some time with me; I haven't exactly gotten to do that." Bella interrupted.

"It's too dangerous." Damon replied sternly.

"Do you want me to throw you out of this house again?" Bella asked before raising her eyebrow, "You know I'm strong enough to do it."

"One day," Damon said.

"Three," Bella replied.

"Two," Damon said

"Three," Bella said, standing her ground.

"Knock, Knock," Caroline's voice said before entering the house, "Hey what's going on?"

"Bella thinks it's safe for her to stay in this house by herself for three days." Damon said while pouring himself a drink.

"Look my dad is coming into town," Bella said, "He comes in the day after tomorrow and I want some time alone, is that a crime?"

"No," Caroline said.

"Oh of course Barbie vampire is on your side," Damon said.

"This is not up for debate," Bella said, standing up, "My house, my rules. I want some me time and I'm getting it. Thank you Damon for taking care of me, but what I need and want right now is some space."

"You heard her," Caroline said as she crossed her arms, "Pack up."

"I am not going to be intimidated by some bleach blonde bimbo," Damon replied.

He was thrown into the wall.

"She's a natural blonde dumbass and she's no bimbo," Bella said.

"She slept with me didn't she so therefore she is a bimbo," Damon mumbled, "Fine you can have the house to yourself, but don't think for one moment I won't be around."

Damon packed up his bags and headed for the door.

"If you need anything," He said.

"I know," Bella replied and gave him a small smile before he left.

"You two still haven't talked have you?" Caroline asked sitting down.

"What do you mean?" Bella asked.

"Let's see him compelling you, the almost kiss after Carol's party, and the fact that you two feel something for each other," Caroline said innocently, "Does that sound about right to you?"

"Leave it alone Caroline," Bella warned, "He's hung up on Elena."

"Um I haven't really seen him around Elena lately," Caroline countered. "In fact he doesn't even look at her."

"Caroline stop it," Bella said as she puts away the dishes.

"You can't keep skirting around the issue…isn't that what you told Elena?" Caroline continued.

"Just stop," Bella yelled, "I don't want to talk about it."

Caroline's eyes got wide, "Bella I'm sorry."

"Just go," Bella said with her back still turned away from Caroline.

Caroline quietly got up and left. Bella leaned over the sink and took deep breaths. The house phone rang, forcing her to come back to the real world. She walked over and answered the phone.

"Hello?" Bella asked.

"Hey Bells," Charlie's gruff voice said, coming through the phone, "How are you?"

"I'm good dad," Bella said; she was happy to hear her father's voice, "How are you?"

"Good," Charlie replied, "Are you healing okay?"

"Good as new," Bella said with a sigh, "I feel like I'm suffocating though."

"Have you gone insane yet with Damon there?" Charlie chuckled.

"I finally kicked him out for a few days," Bella answered, "I just needed some space, beside you'll be here soon so I want to get the house ready."

Silence…

"Dad?" Bella asked.

"I'm sorry Bella sweetie, but I won't be able to come," Charlie said sadly. "One of the deputies got into a bad car wreck and he was supposed to work for me."

"Oh no," Bella said, "Is he going to be okay?"

"He'll recover." Charlie said, "But it means I can't come down."

"It's okay Dad I understand." Bella said sadly.

"I'm so sorry Bella, I know I haven't been around since…your accident." Charlie said with guilt flooding his voice.

"Dad I'm okay," Bella said, "Really I've got Liz's deputies looking out for me, Damon, Carol; I'm okay. I just wish you could be here."

"Me too hunny," Charlie said before his voice tensed, "Have they found him?"

"Not yet dad," Bella said, "Liz is almost as good of a sheriff as you…I have complete faith in her."

"You're too sweet to me sometimes," Charlie said, "I don't deserve it. Are you planning on going to Carol's party?"

"No," Bella said, "To be honest Dad, I don't feel very much into the Christmas spirit. I think since this is the first one since Grams it just doesn't feel the same."

"I'm sorry Bells," Charlie said, "maybe if I ask a favor…"

"Dad it's okay," Bella said, "Really. I'd probably just be a downer if you were here anyways."

"Next year," Charlie promised.

They talked for a few more minutes and then they hung up. Bella finished the dishes and then sat down on the couch. This was the first Christmas back in the old house since Grams had died and now there wouldn't be a Christmas. It was okay with her; she just couldn't really feel that Christmas spirit she used to have.

So much was weighing on her mind. The first one was what to do about Damon. Deep down she wanted to believe that he wanted her, that there was something between them, but the problem was that she knew Damon all too well. He was in love with Elena and that couldn't just change overnight. Plus she herself was still closed off. Edward leaving her, Damon betraying her, she just felt like she was some toy. At one time Damon and she had been close and she had been willing to risk her heart for him, but that time had passed. Things had changed, she had changed. Two years ago she would have taken the risk, jumping off that cliff into the unknown, but that girl had long since disappeared. Tragedy, pain, loss, and heartbreak had changed her…turned her cold even to the possibility of love.

Bella turned to look out the window and noticed the snow starting to fall; the first snowfall this winter. She walked over to the fireplace and threw a few logs in before she started the fire. In the kitchen she grabbed a bottle of wine as well as a glass before stopping by the bookcase. She pulled out Wuthering Heights. She settled on the couch again and opened the book, wishing to forget whatever troubles were brewing.

.*.*.*.*.*.

"Hey," Elena said as Caroline walked in, "Where have you been?"

"Over at Bella's," Caroline said, "I think I pissed her off."

"Why?" Elena asked.

"I might have pushed the issue about her and Damon." Caroline admitted.

"Well come on, we all see what's going on between them," Bonnie said as she chopped the salad.

"Yeah, but I just sort of pushed too hard I think," Caroline said, "I just don't understand why she won't admit it to herself that she likes him."

"Oh she's admitted it," Bonnie said, "But Caroline she's been hurt by both him and her ex. I don't blame her for being hesitant."

"What's going on?" Tyler asked after coming in and kissing Caroline.

"Are we having a pow-wow?" Matt said, joining him.

"Just talking about Bella," Elena said.

"Yeah she kicked Damon out today," Caroline added.

"That reminds me, I need to talk to her about my mom's Christmas party," Tyler said.

"Her Dad is coming into town so I doubt she'll come," Elena said.

"That'll be good for her," Jeremy said as he hoped onto the counter. "She misses him."

"Have you guys gotten her anything?" Stefan asked.

"I have no idea what to get her." Bonnie said.

"Hello everyone," Damon said as he walked in.

"I thought you were going to be stalking around Bella's house," Caroline said.

"She's awake right now, besides it started snowing. I needed something to warm me up," He said while shaking a bottle of whiskey.

Suddenly the house phone rang and Elena answered.

"Hello?" she asked.

"Elena, it's Charlie," Charlie said.

"Charlie," Elena said happily, "It's good to hear from you, we can't wait to see you."

"That's what I was calling to talk to you about. The deputy who was supposed to take over for me was in an accident. I won't be making it down." Charlie explained.

"Oh that's awful," Elena said, "Does Bella know?"

"Yeah, I just talked to her a couple hours go. She doesn't sound really good Elena." Charlie said, "You know she used to love Christmas but she just sounds so sad."

"We'll take care of her Charlie," Elena promised.

"I know you will, I just thought I would give you all a heads up. She's not much into the spirit." Charlie replied.

"We'll get her into it," Elena said, "You take care of yourself and we'll take care of her."

"Thanks Elena," Charlie said, "I'm so happy she's got friends like you."

"Bye Charlie, have a good Christmas," Elena said before they hung up.

"What's going on?" Bonnie asked.

"Charlie can't make it for Christmas," Elena said, frowning.

"Bella's not in the Christmas mood?" Caroline asked, shocked.

"That's really not like her," Tyler said, "Guess mom's party is gonna be a definite no-go for her."

"Damon?" Stefan asked, "Has she mentioned anything to you?"

"We haven't really talked." Damon replied, "I'm heading back over there."

"Damon give her some time," Matt said.

"Forgive me, but I'm not going to take advice from someone who was willing to let Elena die." Damon replied.

"Hey," Elena said, "Back off of him."

"Or what?" Damon asked.

"Knock it off," Jeremy said as he got down from the counter, "Look just give Bella some space, she's had a lot of shit to deal with and maybe she just needs some time to let it all sink in. Unlike you Damon, the rest of us need to grieve and deal with shit so just back the fuck off for a while."

Jeremy stomped out of the room and up to his bedroom.

"What bug got up his ass?" Damon asked.

"Damon he's right," Elena said. "Give her some space."

Damon walked outside and tried to calm himself.

"Damon," Stefan said as he came up behind his brother.

"What do you want brother?" Damon asked, "Here to give me some advice, words of wisdom. Tell me, give me this earth shattering advice."

"I have no advice to give you," Stefan said, "You wouldn't listen even if I did."

"Dare I say you've changed," Damon said, "Where's the moral Stefan I know and hate?"

"He's tired," Stefan replied. "You know what she wants, you know what you should do, it's up to you to do it."

"That's deep," Damon replied.

"Look I know you worry about her," Stefan said, "But you also have to give her space."

"You know as much as I love our brotherly bonding moments I think I've reached my limit for the day." Damon said before he walked to his car.

Elena came out and wrapped her arms around Stefan's waist.

"They're gonna be okay," she said.

"I hope you're right," Stefan replied. "She's closed off and he's trying to make it better."

"She's had a lot to deal with and she took on a lot when she came back. He needs to give her time." Elena explained.

.*.*.*.*.*.

Bella walked through the woods and towards the cemetery while keeping her coat close around her. The air was abnormally cold tonight and her senses were in overdrive. She neared the grave and smiled as she kneeled down. She brushed away the snow and foliage to reveal the name.

"Hi Grams," Bella said, smiling sadly, "Sorry I haven't gotten out here lately."

She placed the blanket on the ground and sat down until she was leaning against the headstone.

"I know, I know I shouldn't be out here alone, but I needed to come here." She said, "I kicked Damon out of the house today; I need my space. Dad can't come to Christmas so I'll be spending it alone." She sighed, "I don't know why, but I'm not exactly in the Christmas mood this year. Maybe it's because it hasn't been the same since you died or maybe it's because of everything that's happened." She took a deep breath, "I've been thinking a lot about what you said when I was…in-between. I don't know if I can trust my heart in everything. I mean seriously look at where it's gotten me. Edward left, Damon betrayed me, and the list goes on. I don't know if I can trust it again."

Before Bella could speak another word, her entire body tensed and immediately she knew someone was watching her.

"Who's there?" Bella asked as she stood up.

"Oh calm down love," Klaus said while coming out from behind a tree, "It's only me."

"No exactly very comforting," Bella replied, "What do you want?"

"Well I went by your house and saw you leaving, I followed you here." Klaus said with a smirk, "So you're in love with Damon."

"Love is a very strong word," Bella replied, narrowing her eyes, "I wouldn't say I'm in love with him."

"But you care for him," Klaus replied. "And here I thought Stefan was the only one being strung along with his and Elena's little 'I love you but I don't' game they play." Klaus blurred close to Bella and placed his cool hand on her cheek, "You know a woman like you should never be second choice for anyone. If you were to give me a chance I could show you how you should be treated."

"What's your fascination with me Klaus?" Bella asked while not moving; she was not going to let Klaus scare her.

Klaus smiled, "Well first off you're a very powerful witch then of course there's the fact that you've survived a Cold One's bite," he said as he revealed her scar, "I've seen you touch dark magic…you're comfortable in it, you can handle it. Join me."

"The answer is no," Bella replied as she pushed him away, "I will never join you; you can't have me."

"I told you I always get what I want," Klaus said as his eyes became dark and his face began to change.

"Look here hybrid," Bella snapped, "I don't scare easily and I'm not intimidated. Now unless you have some useful information like where Pastor Young is then get lost."

"Oh well looks like I found where the party is," Kol said while coming into view, "Brother." His eyes fell to Isabella, "Hello my dear, you are looking inviting this evening. So glad to see you out on your own."

"Kol didn't you have a date?" Klaus said annoyed.

"She was boring," Kol replied dismissively.

"Okay that's it," Bella said before she flung her hand out, pinning Kol and Klaus to a tree, "Let's get this straight, I am not some pawn, I am not some game or puzzle or prize for either one of you. I don't want either one of you and neither of you will get me. I will not be part of some fucked up threesome between two brothers."

"Your friend Elena is," Kol argued.

"But I'm not Elena, I'm not Katherine, and I'm not Tatiana." Bella said and Klaus' eyes widened, "Yes I know all about her. I'm not as naïve as I seem and you would be wise to remember that."

"Bella," Elena said while coming into view, "What's going on? What are you doing out here?"

"Just having a friendly conversation with these two," Bella said as she narrowed her eyes before she released them. "Get lost before I show you another of my party tricks."

"I'd love to see it," Kol said with smirk.

"Another time and place," Klaus said before grabbing Kol, "Let's leave the ladies to talk."

"How did you get away from Damon?" Elena asked.

"A glamour," Bella said, "I just needed to come out here."

"Come on let's walk back to the car, it's freezing," Elena said and hooked her arm through Bella's.

"Spit it out," Bella said after they started walking.

"What are you talking about?" Elena asked.

"Say what you want to say. I'm not gonna snap at you," Bella replied.

"I'm sorry," Elena said and Bella looked at her confused, "I'm sorry I've been such a shitty friend, I'm sorry I have been so wrapped up in my transformation that I haven't been here to listen to you about Edward or Damon. I'm sorry I didn't tell you when Klaus came into the picture; I knew deep down you could help but I pushed it away. I'm sorry I didn't believe in you. I'm sorry you came home to this shit storm and started cleaning up our messes. All this time all you've done is protect us or help us, but you've needed us too and we haven't been there for you." Elena said before she started to cry. "I'm sorry I dragged this out with Damon even though I knew you cared for him. I knew there was something between you two but I just didn't think."

"Elena," Bella said, stopping their walk and forcing Elena to look at her, "Stop apologizing for stupid crap."

"But you shouldn't have come home to all this," Elena replied.

"Elena, I didn't care that I came home to this," Bella said, "What I cared about was my best friend had been put in the worst position. If I didn't want to help I would have ran; I stayed because I care about you. You and the others are my family; we've known each other since we were babies. I risk everything because I love you guys and you have been there for me. When my mom just disappeared it was you, Bonnie, and Caroline that came over and listened to me as I cried. When I told you I was a witch, you were supportive and excited. When Grams died, you guys stayed with me all night and let me cry. You held my hand at her funeral, you stayed with me for a few weeks afterwards and finally convinced me to remodel. You listened to me rant after Damon bit me and you didn't stop me from leaving; you supported me. You aren't a shitty friend Elena, you haven't been." Bella hugged Elena, "I love you girl so stop beating yourself up over this crap."

Elena wiped away her tears, "I'm sorry."

"Forgiven," Bella said with a smile, "Was there anything else other than the overflow of apologies for things you shouldn't be sorry for?"

Elena laughed then looked at her friend seriously, "Bella, you have to talk about it…all of it; Damon, the kiss, Pastor Young, everything. You can't keep it bottled up inside."

Bella sighed, "I know," Bella said, "But I don't even know where to start."

"How about what has hurt you the most," Elena suggested.

"Well that would be the whole Damon-compulsion issue," Bella said before she shuddered.

"You're cold," Elena noticed, "Come on let's get you to the house."

.*.*.*.*.*.

They arrived a few minutes later and Damon was sitting on the swing.

"You aren't supposed to be out," Damon chastised.

"And you aren't my dad," Bella replied and looked at Elena, "I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Elena," Damon said as he headed for the door.

"Where do you think you're going?" Bella asked, turning to face him.

"Inside with you," Damon replied simply, "You aren't going to be in this house alone."

Damon made a move to go in, but Bella pushed him back.

"No," Bella said firmly, "I'm spending the night in my house alone and there's no discussion."

"Damon come on," Elena said, "Let her have some time alone."

"Pastor Young is still out there," Damon argued.

"Goodnight Bella," Elena said as she dragged Damon off the front porch. "You need to give her space."

"Elena she's vulnerable," Damon seethed.

"She's a badass witch that can hold her own." Elena snapped, "Do you want a chance with her?" Damon nodded, "Then give her some space to think things out. If you hover over her, she's going to stay closed off."

Damon watched as Elena stormed off. He was torn he knew he needed to give Bella her space, but Pastor Young was still out there and she was vulnerable. Damon watched through the window as Bella built a fire sat down with her journal and began to write. He didn't look to see exactly what she was writing he was just watching her. In her eyes there was so much confusion; inner conflict that rivaled even Stefan.

Damon stepped away he wanted to talk to her to see what was really going on in that head of hers. What had she been thinking sneaking out of the house? What was she thinking about them? Did she remember when she was…a spirit?

"Damon," Liz said startling him, "What are you doing here?"

"Watching over Bella," Damon said. "You?"

"Inviting her to Carol's party," Liz said, "How's she doing?"

"I think I suffocated her," Damon admitted.

"Damon we're all worried about her," Liz said comforting him, "She needs to learn to accept help." Liz took a seat next to him, "I talk to Charlie and found out more about the guy she dated. She shut down completely went all what's that word…"

"Emo," Bella's voice said interrupting, "I wouldn't say I went that way more like I just stopped."

"Bella," Liz said surprised.

"I knew you two were out here," Bella said.

Liz stood up, "I came to talk to you about Carol's party."

"I don't know," Bella said leaning against the door, "Not really up for it, but I'll think about it."

"I'm gonna go," Liz said completely embarrassed by Bella catching her.

Damon chuckled and shook his head, "I suppose I should leave too your guards are here," he said pointing to a patrol car that had pulled up.

Bella took a deep breath and exhaled. For a while she stared at Damon just taking deep breaths. Damon had to look away from her gaze; he had been caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar. He knew she hated people talking about her behind her back for her friends the repercussions were much worse.

Finally Bella spoke;

"Do you want to talk?"

"What?" Damon asked confused.

"Everything," Bella said clarifying, "I think I've avoided everything long enough." Bella opened the door, "So what's your answer? You going to stay out here or are you going to come in?"

A/N: Hey everyone I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Today is a very special day for me I graduated it's been a long time coming, but I made it. Graduation made it pretty impossible to get the teasers sent out so I am very sorry you guys.

Thank you to my wonderful Beta Dark~Supernatural~Angel for all her work. Shout out to my lovelies over on Bamibi's Beloveds.

Next update will be December 19

Not much to say except if you want to offer me congraduations review! Bye see yall Wednesday!