Does anyone have any idea of what will happen between Leslie and Damon now? Will Leslie let him out? Will she even want to? Will Stefan stop her if she tries? Since this is my 20th chapter I decided to give everyone a special treat. The treat is based on the question... What happened to Leslie and Elena when their powers first surfaced? Please read and enjoy everyone. :)

P.S. I have this idea, but I'm not sure if you guys would like it. What would everyone think if I made Stefan slightly confused about his feelings towards Leslie. What if somehow, he began to think of her as something more than just a little sister? Damon would obviously not be pleased about that and he would show it in his own special way. If you think I should do that, but that I should wait to do it further in the story, tell me. If you simply think that's a terrible idea, please let me know. You won't hurt my feelings. Although, if you do give your opinion. Can you please give me the reason why you think that way? If I get a huge mixture of answers, I will base my decision on the reasons people give me. So, it would be nice if you guys gave me the why. :)

Chapter 20

(Leslie's POV)

I awoke to the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs. I lifted myself from my sleeping bag and looked up to see Stefan approaching me. I glared at him and said.

"Come near me and something precious of yours will be mercilessly torn off."

He instantly stopped mid-stride and said cautiously.

"Has he woken up yet?"

I merely stood up from the floor and said coldly.

"No, he hasn't. Now get out or I'll throw you out myself."

He sighed and said.

"Leslie, this is in everyone's best interest. He..."

"You know what, Stefan? Get the hell out of my face. I don't want to listen to you. I don't even want look at you, so just get the hell out."

He frowned at me then he said.

"Since when did you start caring so much for Damon?"

Was it just me or did I just hear a hint of jealousy in his voice? I shook my head and closed my eyes briefly. Maybe lack of sunlight did affect your senses. I glared at him and said.

"When I realized that Damon does all the things he does because he's been hurt. There's a saying that says," the hurt... hurt." Translation... the ones that hurt others are the ones that have been hurt. Over these past three days, I realized that saying is true. Just in case you didn't know, I'm a great example of that saying. I've been hurt before and that's why I am the way I am. Damon's heart was shattered and he acts out because he doesn't know how to deal with it. I know very well that he doesn't trust you or anyone, for that matter. He's lonely, Stefan. He acts like he doesn't care or that it doesn't bother him, but I know that's all a show. You're his brother and yet you don't want to see it. You can't see pass his mistakes. So instead of trying to help him, you judge him. I would never do to Elena, what you're doing to Damon. I thought Damon was the bad brother, but now... I'm beginning to have my doubts."

Stefan opened his mouth to say something, but I cut him off and I said.

"No matter what, family is family. Do you think Elena has always been the perfect little angel she is right now? If you think that, then you're the biggest moron on this freaking planet. She... well, we... have both made mistakes in our life. Some... were much worse than others, but we always moved on from them. So, no matter what horrible things you tell me Damon has done. I won't change my stance or belief. If your brother needs help, you help him. If he pushes you away, you don't give up. You only try harder."

He shook his head and said.

"You and Elena are different. Neither of you have ever killed anyone. Damon..."

"You don't know that."

He blinked and stared at me confused. Then finally he said.

"What do you mean?"

I smiled slightly and replied.

"I mean... I have killed before. Not a human, but I have killed."

Then suddenly I heard Damon stir from inside the cell and say.

"I'm not surprised."

Stefan suddenly turned around and looked inside. I instantly moved and shoved him out of the way. Damon looked worse then he had the previous day. I merely smiled at him and said.

"Hey, sleeping beauty. How are you doing?"

He looked up at me and said with a weak smile.

"I've been better."

I sighed and fought the urge to rip the door open. When I looked back at him. I noticed he was staring at his hand that no longer had his ring on it. Man, he looked pissed... Suddenly, he looked up at me and said.

"Where's my ring?"

I shook my head and replied.

"I don't know."

He frowned, then Stefan moved beside me and said.

"You won't be needing it anymore."

I sent him a murderous death glare and he instantly moved away from me. If he knew what was good for him. He would be very wise to stay the hell away from me, right now. I glared at him and said.

"What the hell are you talking about Stefan?"

Stefan didn't reply and then Damon said with a cough.

"You know what will happen if I don't feed."

As he said this, his eyes were locked with mine. I blinked and asked.

"What will happen?"

Stefan looked at me and said.

"He will grow weaker and weaker. Eventually, he won't be able to move or speak. In a week, his skin will desiccate and he'll mummify. A living corpse, unable to hurt anyone. Ever."

I froze in my place and felt the blood rush to my head. I instantly held on to the door for support. The only thought going through my mind at that moment, was... Don't hit him. Don't hit him. He's Elena's boyfriend and your new big bro. Don't hit him. I closed my eyes and focused on staying in control.

Stefan was practically going to kill him. I couldn't let him do that to Damon. I had to think of something to do. I had given my word that I wouldn't release him. So no matter how much I wanted to, I couldn't let him out. Why did I always get myself involved in these situations?

Still... Stefan had no right over Damon's life. It wasn't up to him to decide if Damon should live or die. Who the hell did he think he was? Besides, Damon was his brother. You don't do that to family. If they're messed up you help them, not kill them. I tightened my hands into tight fists and attempted to hold back my anger. Then I heard Stefan saying.

"Leslie, what wrong? Are you okay?"

I opened my eyes and glared at him. Then I nearly yelled.

"So, you're just going to leave him locked up in here forever?"

Stefan merely sighed and replied.

"No, I've injected him with enough vervain to keep him weak. Once his circulation stops, I'll move him to the family crypt and then in 50 years we will reevaluate."

Damon chuckled and replied.

"I'm stronger than you think."

Stefan looked back at him and said.

"You always have been, but you're not stronger than vervain and we both know it. I'm sorry, it didn't have to be this way."

What I was feeling was a mixture of rage, disbelief, sadness, and a huge load of guilt. I felt guilty because I could have saved Damon from Stefan. I shouldn't have let Stefan take him when he was hurt. Damon was my friend also. He deserved better than this.

Damon had won my friendship just as much as Stefan had. Hell, Damon had tried harder than anyone to be my friend. He had put up with all of my sarcastic remarks and threats to kill him. He had even been able to take the prank I had pulled on him. Damon was also the only person that was remotely close to having my similar personality in this town. He knew how to be sarcastic and funny even in the most inappropriate moments, just like me. If I really thought about it, Damon wasn't such a bad friend to hang out with. He didn't deserve my abandonment, right now. I owed it to him to be here. Therefore, I instantly turned to look at Stefan and I said angrily.

"Piss off, Stefan. "

He quickly turned to look at me and he said.

"Leslie, I..."

"What are you? Freaking deaf? I told you piss off. Get the hell out of my sight. I don't want to see you."

He stayed still by the door and didn't move. My nostrils flared in anger and I moved away from the door. I instantly began looking around for what I needed. Stefan merely stared at me and asked.

"What are you looking for?"

I laughed and said sarcastically.

"A stake, or at least a wooden chair I can brake."

He frowned and said.

"For what?"

"So, I can stake you and then drag you out of here myself. I'm not really in the mood for a fight. Therefore, I think killing you will be much easier. I'm sure Elena will be pissed, but she will forgive me in a couple of weeks or so."

I could hear Damon laughing somewhere inside the cell. I smiled, then I looked at Stefan and said.

"Again... it's your choice. You can get the hell out or I send you to hell. So pick, or I'll pick for you."

Stefan stared at me for a while and then finally said.

"Bye Leslie, I'll see you later."

I merely ignored him and replied, once he was gone.

"Good riddance."

Damon merely chuckled and said.

"Well, well, well, what happened to him being your big bro and all that good stuff?"

I looked inside the cell and said with a shrug.

"Siblings disagree every once in a while."

He looked up at me and smirked. I merely rolled my eyes and said.

"You should rest, Damon. You need to keep your strength until I can find a way to get you out of here."

He looked at me and said arrogantly.

"Have you tried sliding the lock to the side and opening the door?"

As he said this, he had a huge grin on his face. I sighed and said.

"I can't do that. I gave him my word that I wouldn't let you out."

"So?"

I stared directly at him and said quietly.

"I was raised believing that once you give your word, you can't go back. To me, giving my word is much more significant than writing it on a piece of paper. I believe in honoring the things I claim that I will, or will not do. I was raised to believe in honor and loyalty. That's why right now, I feel like the worst piece of..."

"Leslie!"

I took a deep breath and said.

"Yeah?"

He smiled at me and said.

"Don't worry about it. We'll figure something out."

I gave him a smile in return and said with determination.

"You bet your vampire ass we will. I already have a couple of good ideas. I just have to..."

Then I slowly put my hand over my mouth and yawned. I was slightly tired today, since last night I hadn't slept all that well. I had been up all night checking up on him. I had actually thought that the vervain had killed him. So, I stayed up all night checking on him, making sure he was still breathing. I also talked to my dad, who was beyond pissed to get home and not find me there. I had simply said, "I'm staying at the Salvatore's," and he had instantly calmed down and said, "okay, have fun." With that he hung up on me and left me staring blankly at the phone. What was his deal? He could be so weird sometimes. I had simply brushed it off and kept checking on Damon.

Damon easily noticed that I was tired, so he said.

"You're telling me to rest? Have you seen yourself? You're like a sexy, talking scarecrow."

I stared at him in disbelief and said.

"Yeah well, at least I'm sexy. You, on the other hand, just look like a talking scarecrow."

He smirked and replied.

"I hate to break it to you kitten, but I look good even half dead."

I snorted quietly and said.

"Sure, whatever. Wait, did you just call me kitten?"

He smirked and said.

"Indeed, I did."

I tilted my head to the side and said.

"Why?"

He smiled widely and replied.

"You can be kind when you want to be, but when someone slips up even once your claws come out."

I stared at him and then finally I smiled and said.

"You're right, that is me. I'm nice to people, but if they annoy me or piss me off. I snap, and usually someone gets hit."

He smirked at me and said.

"See, I don't just pay attention to my good looks. I pay to attention to you as well."

I raised my eyebrows and said.

"Just me?"

He grinned and nodded slightly. I pretended to shudder and replied.

"Well that's kinda creepy, if you ask me."

"I wasn't asking you. I was simply telling you."

I rolled my eyes at him and said.

"Smart ass."

His eyes lit up in amusement and he said with a grin.

"Oh yes, and that has received some of my undivided attention as well."

I stared at him with my mouth open and said.

"You little... freaking, perverted creeper!"

"Perverted creeper? That's a new one."

"Ugh! You're impossible."

"It's irresistible, not impossible. Irresistible."

I was about to reply when another yawn escaped me. He smirked and said.

"Get some rest. You need it."

I shook my head and replied.

"Nah, I'm cool."

He smirked and said.

"Well at least go lay down, so I can think."

I frowned and said.

"I'm not keeping you from thinking. I mean, unless you have to have absolute silence and solitude to have a thought. If that's the case, then my bad."

He grinned and said.

"No, that's not it. It's just that the view is very distracting."

"What view?"

His eyes left mine and he looked down at my chest.

During one of my failed attempts to sleep last night. My shirt had caught on to some sort of rock or something and had slightly ripped open. I had completely forgotten about it... until now. I instantly put my hands over my chest and covered myself up. I glared at Damon and said.

"Perv."

He grinned wickedly and replied.

"It's not my fault you enjoy teasing me."

With that, I moved away from the door and sat down near the wall opposite from the cell. I sat back down on my sleeping bag and closed my eyes. Instead of sleeping, thoughts and memories began invading my mind. The first thought I had was that Damon was simply misunderstood, just like me.

Most people that met me instantly thought of me as a sarcastic, uncaring bitch. None of them knew everything I had been through. None of them knew that I had practically raised Elena for the past seven years.

Our dad was never around for us. He took us away from our mother only so we could train and unleash our nocturnal side. When he was around, he tried to make up for everything by offering to play with us or give us whatever we wanted. Once, he had told me to ask him for whatever I wanted, and I would get it. At that time, I was about thirteen years old. The thing that I asked from him was, for him to leave me alone and get out of my room.

I knew I had hurt his feelings, but I was so hurt that I didn't care. Elena and I had no one, he always left and we only got to see our mother during holidays. Sometimes not even then. If we were, "unstable" then we weren't allowed to see her. "Unstable" meant that we still didn't have complete control of our powers or if we were emotionally distraught. According to our dad, if we didn't have control we might end up hurting somebody. Therefore, we were not allowed to be near anyone. So, we would call our mother and apologize.

I always hated doing that because it pained me to hear her voice and not be able to hug her. To not be able to cry on her shoulder and tell her how much I missed her, how much I loved her, and how much I missed home. Elena and I had been taken two weeks before our tenth birthday. By the time I turned ten, I had no more tears to shed. I matured quickly and helped Elena get through everything.

At least I was there to keep Elena from crumbling down, but who was there for me? No one, I was alone and I dealt with it by being as tough as I could be. I dealt with it by protecting my heart. Also by learning how to switch off my humanity and letting the nocturnal part of me take over, when it was necessary. That was why I could see horrible things and act as if it were nothing. Then later on, whatever I saw wouldn't even cross my mind or affect me. Elena always hated when I did that. She hated that I would become and unaffected and unemotional person. She would scold me and I would merely tell her to leave me alone.

I helped Elena get through things in a lot of ways. I was there when she had horrible nightmares. I was the one to read her bed time stories before bed. I was the one that would wipe the blood from her arms or legs after our training. I was the one that would hold her when she cried for our mother or our family. I was the one that would shock the living hell out of anyone that dared hurt her.

Although, one of the worst pains Elena and I endured was when our powers first surfaced. It was the worst feeling that I wish upon no one. That day, will be engraved in my mind until the day I die.

At exactly, eleven-fifty at night I was taken out of my bedroom and taken downstairs into the basement. I wasn't even given the chance to change or anything. My dad and Danny were already there and when they saw me they merely looked the other way. The female that had me simply held me tightly in her arms. She kept telling me that everything would be okay and not to worry. I turned away from her and called out to my dad. I remember saying, "daddy what's happening? Daddy, where is she taking me?" He didn't even give me a side glance when I called to him.

Then I remember seeing, 'the door' for the first time. She approached 'the door' and opened it slowly. Then she set me down and took a step back. I remember looking inside and seeing that the room was white and had absolutely nothing inside. White walls, white floors, everything was pure white. It seemed pretty creepy to me and I knew that I sure didn't want to be in there by myself.

After that, she kneeled down and said, "go inside, dear." She was very pretty, with chestnut colored hair and stormy grey eyes. I remember shaking my head and saying, "no, it's scary." She smiled and said, "you're going to let your sister go in there by herself, then?" At that, I instantly shook my head and stepped inside the room. My thoughts were... Elena is not going to be in here by herself, she will cry. I promised mother I would take care of her.

As soon as I stepped into the room, the door was slammed and locked behind me. That's when the white room, became the room of doom. The white and light disappeared and was replaced by impenetrable darkness. I became terrified and turned to bang on the door. I screamed and began crying. I was hitting the door with all my might, but to no avail. That's when I started pleading and begging. I was crying and screaming, hoping my dad would hear me. I cried and yelled, "Daddy, help me! I'm scared, please let me out! I promise to behave! Please let me out! Daddy!" I was sobbing, begging him to help me, but he never came. I simply continued crying and then I decided to call for Danny. "Danny, can you hear me? Danny, let me out! Please, I'm scared, help me! Call my daddy, Danny! Tell him to help me!" Again, I never received an answer.

Suddenly everything changed, at first it was almost like a low buzzing I was hearing. Then the volume slowly increased every second. It kept getting louder and louder until I couldn't take it anymore. I covered my ears and tried to tune it out. Then suddenly, everything went completely quiet. Thinking that everything was over and done with. I instantly went back to hitting the door. Before I could actually knock, I heard my dad's voice say somewhere in my mind. Move to the center of the room, Leslie. I remember looking up and saying, "Daddy? Where are you? Help me, please! I don't want to be here, Daddy! Please, I'm scared!" Do as I say, and it will all be over soon. I decided to obey him and do as he said. I moved deeper into the darkness of the room and said, "okay, can I go back to bed, now?" No response. "Daddy?"

That's when it happened. A powerful and mind blowing pain erupted inside my head. It felt like someone was hitting me as hard as they could with a huge iron hammer directly inside my brain. I screamed in pain and collapsed to the floor. I held my head between my hands and screamed loudly. The pain only seemed to increase. Then it instantly began to spread from my head towards other parts of my body. I felt like I had a thousand needles inside and was bathing in hot molten lava. Every single part of my body was on fire. I was kneeling on the floor holding my head trying to hold back the screams, but I couldn't. Then my eyes suddenly began to burn almost like someone had poured loads of acid on them. I instantly began rubbing my eyes trying to make the pain go away. Instead of helping, I only made the pain much worse. The inside of my ears kept banging, threatening to explode at any moment. I simply covered my ears and continued screaming. By then, I could no longer withstand all the pain I was enduring. I collapsed completely on the floor and began rolling and screaming my lungs out. I was crying and my body was shaking violently. I could feel the palms of my hands dripping with liquid. When I briefly managed to find the strength to open my eyes. I saw that what I initially thought was sweat, was in reality blood. Apparently, I had clenched my hands into fists a little too tightly. So, that had caused me to puncture my skin and start bleeding.

Then the worst pain of all came. I felt a bright and terrible fire suddenly begin burning my skin much more painfully. Although, as soon as it began it was instantly gone. That's when the heart breaking scream of my little sister echoed through the walls. My eyes flashed open just long enough to see Elena hold her head between her hands and fall to the floor with a terrible scream. Her screams filled the entire room and bounced aimlessly off the walls. I could hear her petrified and painful screams only getting louder and louder. Then she started talking or rather screaming out. "Daddy, help me! Please, make it stop! It hurts! Daddy, please let me out! It hurts, please!" Again, no response whatsoever. Then what literally ripped my heart out was when she called to me. "Leslie! Help me! Leslie, you promised! Please, make it go away! Make it stop! Leslie!" That only made me cry even more. Even after I had promised our mother I would always care for her. I was so weak and useless that I couldn't even find the strength to help my sister.

Then the most horrifying thing I had seen in my life occurred. Elena was on the floor still screaming and then suddenly it stopped. She was panting for breath trying to relax. Suddenly she turned towards me and stared at me in horror. She screamed so loud anyone would have thought she was being murdered. "Leslie!" She looked like she wanted to come towards me. When suddenly, her entire body was engulfed in flames. I stared at her in horror until I finally saw that she was literally burning. Her entire body, her hair, every part of her body was ablaze.

I instantly snapped right out of my thoughts and screamed out Elena's name. I was sweating and my hands were clutched tightly into fists. I noticed I was panting and attempting to breath normally. Then I heard Damon suddenly calling my name.

"Leslie, what's wrong? Are you alright?"

I closed my eyes and replied semi-calmly.

"Yeah, I'm good. I just... had a bad dream."

"About?"

I couldn't tell Damon the truth, so I smiled slightly and said dramatically.

"It was about this eternal stud that kept stalking me and wouldn't leave me alone. Pretty creepy, I've never been so terrified in all my life."

I heard him laugh and then he said.

"Then why did you say Elena's name? Don't lie to me, Leslie. What were you dreaming about?"

I closed my eyes and stood up. I looked at him through the window and said.

"It was nothing, really. I guess I'm just worried about her. I haven't seen her for the past four days."

He blinked and stared at me in shock. Then he said.

"You've been here for four days? Why?"

I looked directly at him and said.

"Because it's the least I can do for you. What kind of a friend would I be if I simply left you alone in a time like this? Stefan made me give him my word that I wouldn't let you out. If it weren't for that, I swear I would have let you out the second he left."

Then I smiled and said.

"I am also officially volunteering to be your source of amusement until I can get you the hell out of here. So, whether you like it or not. You're stuck with me, Mister Eternal Stud."

I laughed at him and he merely stared at me, not saying anything. The look he was giving me made me slightly uncomfortable, so I said sarcastically.

"So, what do you want to do today? Oh, I know, let's talk about our feelings and express our emotions. That always helps relieve the soul."

He gave me this look of disbelief and I just busted out laughing. I stared at him and said.

"That's what Elena would say in a situation like this. Since, I'm not Elena. Let's do something fun."

Damon stared at me and then finally smirked and said.

"Go to her."

I blinked and said.

"What?"

"It's pretty obvious that you miss her. You're worried about her, so go see her."

"Damon, I can't just..."

"I'm obviously not going anywhere, so go out and get some Vitamin D. I'm sure she misses you to."

I stared at him in disbelief. I had thought that Damon didn't understand anything about family, but I was glad to be proven wrong. Damon had actually been able to see how much Elena and I cared for each other and he hadn't even known us that long. He had been able to realize and see that we had a very strong and unbreakable bond. I simply smiled and said.

"Are you sure?"

He smiled in return and said.

"Yeah, I'm sure."

I sighed and said.

"Alright, I'm going to go see what's up and take a shower. Then I'm going to come straight back, alright?"

He nodded in agreement and gave me a small smile. I simply smiled back and said.

"I won't be long, so please try not do something stupid that will make Stefan actually kill you. When I get back I promise, I... well, you will be free. Just be patient, okay?"

Again he nodded and agreed. Then I narrowed my eyes and said.

"Why do I have a feeling that you won't do what I'm telling you."

He smirked and said innocently.

"I have no clue."

I sighed and said.

"If you do try something. Try not to get yourself killed in the process."

He nodded and said.

"I'll keep that in mind."

I merely smiled and shook my head at him then I said.

"Oh Damon, what the hell am I going to do with you?"

He smirked at me and replied smugly.

"Love me, hug me, kiss me."

I shook my head and replied.

"I'll see you later Damon."

I moved way from the door and then walked quickly up the stairs. As I was walking past the kitchen I heard Stefan say.

"You're leaving?"

I rolled my eyes and said sarcastically.

"Naw, I just came up to look at your handsome face."

He frowned and said.

"Leslie, what's wrong? You've never been this, this..."

"Bitchy?"

He instantly shook his head and said.

"No, not that. The day we met, you were distant, but you were kind to me. Then when I started dating Elena, your kindness and fondness of me seemed to increase. Now... now, you're different. You seem to have become more distant since that first day. What's wrong?"

I moved towards him and said.

"You want to know what's wrong? What's wrong, is that I can't stand people that think they have a say over someone's life. Who the hell do you think you are to decide if Damon should live or die? I also can't stand people that physically put their hands on their brother or sister. What are you? Freaking stupid? No matter what has happened in the past, you never hurt family. I went through a lot of crap with my dad, but the one thing I did learn with him was loyalty and the value of family. That's why I can't even stand to look at you, right now."

With that I turned my back on him and as I walked out the door, I said.

"If it were Damon doing this to you, I would have told him the same thing. Not only that, but I would have tried to help you and I would've been there by your side as well."

With that I walked outside and left him there to think about that. I pulled my phone out and texted Elena and asked her where she was.

Heyyy, whereee r yhue?

I got inside my car and waited for her reply. She instantly texted back and said.

Where am I! Where am I! Where are you! I've been texting you for the past four days and you never texted back!

I smirked and replied.

Moszttt ppl wuld tackqe dat s a hinnttt.

I knew she probably wouldn't like that answer, but I had been bored for the past three days. I had told Stefan off so many times that after a while, it simply got boring. She instantly replied.

Ha. Where have you been? Stefan only called me to tell me that you said you were ok. After that he never called me back. What's going on?

I smiled and turned on the engine of my car. Then I texted back and said.

Damons bveen siqck. I stayeed 2 helpp Stefann wattchh hym.

She instantly replied.

Damon's sick? Is he okay?

Elena always worried about people. She was always very humanitarian and kind to people. Especially people that were close to us. I smiled and replied.

Yheahh, hell beh betterr by 2morrow.

As I said this, I knew it was true. Something told me that Damon wouldn't be in that cell for long. If he was patient, then I would help him break out in no time. If he wasn't, then I was sure he would be out by his own means. We had totally gotten off topic, though. So, I instantly texted her and said.

Wherree r yhue?

She immediately texted and said.

I'm at school. You've missed a lot of days Leslie, but I have your homework for you.

I smirked and replied.

Itz not liqcke im actuallyyy ghunna doh it, bhut thankxxs ahnywayyy. Soh, ill c yhue dere in 30 min kay.

She merely texted back.

Okay, is Stefan coming to?

I frowned at the sight of Stefan's name and simply replied.

Idk, bye.

With that, I exited out of the conversation and then drove directly towards home. I was in desperate need of more appropriate clothing and a bath.

(Elena's POV)

As I was standing near the front of the school talking to Bonnie, I noticed Stefan making his way towards us. I sighed and waited for him to approach. It must be very sad to have to take care of your sick sibling. I had never had to take care of Leslie, but she sure had to take care of me a lot of times. She never complained, but I'm sure it drained her. As soon as Stefan approached, he gave me an apologetic smile and said.

"Hey."

With that, Bonnie quickly replied.

"Hey, you know I gotta go be somewhere right now."

Then she instantly turned around and disappeared, leaving us alone to talk. Stefan kept his same smile and said.

"I'm sorry I haven't called you."

I smiled at him and then carefully wrapped my arms around him. Then I looked up at him and said.

"I'm so sorry about Damon, Stefan."

He seemed to completely freeze in my embrace. I panicked and said.

"Don't worry about him Stefan. With Leslie there, I'm sure Damon will be better in no time. She called and told me that you've been taking care of him because he's sick. Don't worry, I'm sure he'll get better soon."

He looked at me and said.

"Leslie told you Damon's sick?"

"Yeah, she texted me and told me she was helping you take care of him."

He stared at me for a while and then finally smiled and said.

"Yes, I was taking care of him, but not anymore."

Oh my god! Had Damon died? Poor Stefan! Before I could ask him anything, Stefan smiled at me and said.

"He was transferred to a hospital out of state yesterday."

I sighed in relief and replied.

"I'm sorry, that must've been very hard for you."

His smile disappeared and he said.

"You have no idea."

I simply held him tighter and said.

"If that were Leslie, I don't know what I'd do. I'm so sorry Stefan. I'm here for you."

He sighed and said.

"I promise to give you the details later, okay?"

I let go of him and said.

"Okay. When and where?"

He gave me a small smile and said.

"How about today after school, at the Grill?"

I smiled and nodded in agreement. He smiled in return and asked.

"You aren't mad at me?"

I frowned. Why would I be mad? I would abandon anyone for my sister, even him. I understood that when family needed you. You should always be there for them. I stared at him and said.

"Why would I be mad? Your brother needed you. I completely understand. If that were Leslie, I would do the same thing to you."

He stared at me and said.

"You and Leslie are very big about family, right? Both of you seem to really value the meaning of family and sibling relationships."

I smiled and replied.

"Of course, we were raised believing that you should always value your family and have honor about the things you say. We grew up always sticking up for each other and being careful with the things we promised or gave our word to."

I began walking towards the building and I continued by saying.

"Leslie is very big about siblings and family. She hates it when family members fight or argue, especially if they're siblings. She is also a very honorable person. If she says she'll do something, she'll do it."

I stopped near the entrance and I saw Caroline walk up to us. She looked at Stefan and said, no, demanded.

"Stefan, where's Damon? He has some serious apologizing to do."

Stefan merely replied.

"He's gone, Caroline."

She seemed upset by that. Did she want an apology that badly? Also, why did Damon have to apologize? Was it because he had left her at the party by herself? Or was it because she was jealous that Leslie was taking care of him? Did she even know he was sick? I highly doubted it. She frowned and replied.

"When's he coming back?"

Yeah, she had no clue he was sick. Stefan sighed and replied.

"He's not coming back, Caroline."

I held his hand and squeezed it tightly, trying to reassure him that Damon would be okay. Then suddenly I heard a too familiar and tired voice say.

"Who's not coming back?"

Stefan froze and then turned around to stare at Leslie. I noticed how Caroline instantly disappeared when she heard her. Caroline was afraid that Leslie was still mad at her and would end up hitting her. I didn't know what went on between them because she wouldn't say. All she said was that there was a HUGE misunderstanding and she wanted Leslie to hear her out. So, she told me she would give her some space until she was better. By the look Leslie gave her. My best guess was that she was still mad.

I merely let go of Stefan and ran into her arms. She wrapped her arms around me and said.

"Hey, little sis. How you been?"

I simply tightened my arms around her and replied.

"I've been great, but you don't look so good."

She released me, then shrugged and said.

"I have insomnia, remember?"

That was right. Ever since we moved in with our father Leslie had developed insomnia. I blamed it on the nightmares and the training, but I wasn't so sure. Leslie had simply brushed it off and ended up getting used to it. I told her over and over to go to the doctor, but she refused. Why did she always have to be so stubborn? Leslie took me out of my thoughts when she said.

"Who's not coming back Stefan?"

Stefan stared at her and said cautiously.

"Damon. Damon's not coming back."

She stared directly at him and replied.

"How much you wanna bet he is?"

Stefan froze and didn't reply. Leslie merely smiled at him and said challengingly.

"Come on, how much are you willing to lose?"

I smiled and said to Stefan.

"Just a heads up, she's never lost a bet."

Leslie smiled at me and said.

"That's right. Never have and never will. So, what do you say Stefan? Wanna make a bet?"

Stefan stared at her and said slowly.

"No, I don't."

She smirked at him and replied.

"I didn't think so."