A couple of days passed. Two of the longest days of school in history. I called Stefan constantly through those days asking if Damon had made it home yet. I tried Damons cell but it seemed to be off. Stefan reassured me that as soon as Damon got in he would let me know. Early Friday morning before the sun had even had a chance to rise I was at my wits end. I grabbed my cell off the night stand and dialed Stefan's number once again.
"Stefan, is he there?" I asked as soon as I heard him pick up. There was a long moment of silence.
"Stefan!"
"Yes, Elena he's here but-" I hung up the phone before he got a chance to finish. I flew to my car and raced across town as fast as I could. I made it to the boarding house just in time for the on coming day to spread a slight pink hue across the sky. I burst through the door and up the stairs ignoring Stefan's instant protest as soon as I was inside. I walked in Damon's room closing the door behind me but froze when I found him sleeping. As if there was an invisible wall I couldn't move another step, I could only just stare at him, watch him sleep. His astounding beauty, frozen in time like a painting made to admire but not to touch. He looked sweet, profoundly innocent in every way. I studied him closely. The way his dark hair had grown enough to hang in his eyes and curl the tiniest bit at the nape of his neck. The way his eyelashes swept across the top of his cheeks. His lips falling into a pout.
Suddenly I realized why I was stuck staring at him. Aside from the fact that his beauty alone was enough to make you stop and stare. It was because I knew there was something Stefan was trying to tell me, trying to warn me about. I didn't want to know what it was yet. I just wanted to wait for a few more moments while he slept quietly and while everything was seemingly fixed and we were okay. I knew that once he was awake I would find out what Stefan was trying to warn me about. That maybe Damon didn't want me anymore. That he was going back to Katherine. I couldn't handle the thought. I already felt the heaviness in my heart but if he wanted to be back with Katherine he was going to have to tell me himself. I took a step forward ready to wake him up but stopped again. I just couldn't face it, not yet. I turned towards the door ready to leave, ready to extend my time of peace when I heard his voice.
"Elena...I never thought I'd see this day." He said. I turned to find him sitting up and pulling the sheets around his waste with a grin. I stared longingly for a moment at him sitting in the bed, wanting to jump in and wrap him around me.
"Yeah, I'm here. It's all okay now." I felt tears beginning to form in my eyes as I walked toward him.
His brows pulled together in what seemed to be confusion. "What's okay? You being in my room?" He grinned patting the bed beside him. "Join me?" His grin grew wider. When I began to walk towards the bed sighing heavily in relief I noticed his grin disappeared and was replaced with shock.
"What?" I stopped in my tracks when I saw his expression.
"Well well well, as much as I'm amused at you actually bending to my request I'm not really in the mood to get into a cat fight with my feeble little brother today." In a flash he was out of bed standing directly in front of me. I couldn't help but to notice the greek god like structure of his body was completely exposed and mere inches from mine. He ran his fingers down the side of my arm.
"But I'm not opposed to meeting up with you later in a dark corner, in that sexy secretive way if your into that." He winked.
That's when I realized what was going on, and what Stefan was trying to warn me about. He didn't go to Katherine to get her back. He went to forget. Tears stung my eyes upon this realization. I had to get out of there. Upon this realization I also realized now what kind of pain Damon must have been going through when I had forgotten because this was torture.
"I-I'm sorry. I'm going to go." I mumbled and fled from the room. I almost ran straight into Stefan when I reached the bottom of the stairs.
"That's what you were trying to tell me! That he didn't even remember!" I yelled.
"Elena, I'm very sorry." He said calmly.
"No your not! Your probably enjoying this!" I yelled back watching Stefan's face flinch in pain. I left quickly and made it to school right on time. I didn't hear a word the teachers had to say, I barely even noticed when Caroline came bouncing up beside me in the hall on the way to lunch.
"Aren't you just so excited about the party tomorrow night?" Caroline chimed slightly jumping up and down as we made our way down the hall.
"Ofcourse I am! It's your birthday!" I said with false excitement. I had completely forgotten about Carolines party. My head was in a completely different place. Just when I thought I had pieced back together my life I realized that every beautiful memory Damon had as we fell in love was wiped from his memory. Given he had always had a crush on me, it still wasn't the same as when he completely let his heart open for me. I was back to Damons little brothers "hot girlfriend" he wanted to seduce. I had no idea what I was going to do. Even if I tried to explain it too him he'd probably think I had just broke into a liquor cabinet and would make some kind of sex joke about it.
I waited until Caroline was done chirping about every detail of her party and as soon as she was out of sight I dipped out and made my way to my car. Jenna was already convinced I was starving myself, eyeing me with suspicion every time I entered the room so I'm sure a dodgy school attendance wouldn't make it any better, nor make it any worse. I pulled out and headed north a few miles to the thickets area of woods. I had to hunt, and soon. My thirst was growing by the second.
After an hour or so I managed to get it down enough to feel more in control. I wondered through the woods for a few minutes pondering through the recent events and trying to clear my head. I needed to go pick up a gift for Caroline and manage to keep my emotions in check for the party.
"You're wrong." I heard someone say behind me. I turned to find Stefan leaned against a tree, arms folded in defense.
"Am I? Because I'm pretty sure if Damon could remember everything between us, he would also remember how you threw him under the bus during a really hard time." I rolled my eyes and turned to leave. In a flash he was standing in front of me.
"Forgive me, Elena...for not being there for Damon during a "really hard time" He flexed his fingers in quotation. "Can you please just take one second to forget Damon and realize that maybe I was going through a hard time. If you can manage to remember, you and I were together once Elena. You and I. We were happy and in love. And then in what seemed like over night my brother who has been trying to make my life a living hell from day one managed to sweep you off your feet and I'm left standing in the dust watching you bask in the glory of new love. So...excuse me if I took the opportunity to have my life back, even if it was only for a short period of time. I loved you Elena, and if you can recall. I still allow myself to have feelings, unlike Damon." And with that he was gone, leaving behind only a small rustle of the leaves in his absence.
I tried to be angry, but Stefan had a point. It wasn't fair what he did to either myself or Damon but how could I blame him? I took out my cell and dialed Bonnie's number.
"Hey Elena." She answered cheerily.
"Bonnie, I need your help." I said.
"What's going on?" Her voice fell serious.
"Damon went to Katherine the night you made me remember everything."
"What? What did he do!" She asked.
"He went to her to make him forget to. Now he has no memory of anything. Can't you undo it like you did with me?"
"Yes, yes I can, but I won't be home for another couple of days. Is that going to be okay?" She asked.
"Of course Bonnie, have a good time okay?" I said. I mean it. She was always helping me out of binds, so I wanted her to enjoy her time away as much as possible.
"Okay, don't forget to tell Caroline I said happy birthday." She reminded me.
"Alright Bonnie, and thanks."
"Of course Elena. See you in a couple of days."
I took the little white box out of the car along with a roll of aqua marine and pink star wrapping paper. I took a deep un needed breath and walked to the front door of the boarding house. I had decided that even though what Stefan did was wrong I would make amends and play nice. I walked into the house and set the present and the paper on the table by the steps.
"Stefan!" I called.
"What are you doing here?" He answered suddenly standing only a few feet away.
"I thought maybe you could sign this card for Caroline, we have to get going soon." I smiled. I began to wrap the box which contained a silver bracelet with her initials engraved on the front. I was amazed at what a skilled gift wrapper I had become with heightened senses and skilled precision now under my belt.
"We?" He asked not amused.
"Yes, Stefan. Let's call a truce okay. Go out to Caroline's party and have a good time like old times." I smiled.
"How much like old times?" He answered advancing towards me.
"Stefan. We're friends...only friends...and you know that." I answered giving him a long serious stare. His face fell but then he looked at me seriously and nodded.
"Fine...it will be fun." He answered.
"Good." I smiled. I handed him a pen and watched him sign the card.
I heard footsteps nearing us and looked up in time to see Damon round the corner to where Stefan and I were standing.
"Hey, can I sign that? I'm way to cheap and lazy to go out and buy a present." He said grinning and gripping a glass of scotch.
I smiled and walked up taking the glass out of his hand and setting it down on the table.
"And if your so lazy why are you taking the effort to go?" I asked with a light laugh.
"Free alcohol which I'm sure will be there...and high school girls. Always makes for a good party." He smiled and managed to do that crazy hot eye thing he does all in one fluid second. I looked down quickly trying to hide the flinch of anger on my face.
"You should probably leave the high school girls alone Damon." Stefan said smiling. I turned and fidgeted with the wrapping paper to avoid looking at Damon. I held the card out for him to sign. He took it.
"Oh and by the way Stefan. I found your little girlfriend in my room this morning. Pleasant surprise." He grinned taking his glass and stalking off too the living room.
By the time Stefan and I made it to the party it was in full swing. The bar was packed with people spilling out the doors. We finally made our way to Caroline who was hanging onto Matt and squealing about the super secret surprise he had for the after party hours. Sure enough alcohol was at the party and somehow 75% of our high school population was getting away with underage drinking. I walked in with Stefan who for all pretense and purpose hung his arm over my shoulder as I gave my gift to Caroline. I ignored his gesture so that there weren't any raised eyebrows. I didn't want to deal with any questions. She loved the bracelet as she lifted it out of the box and Matt slipped it on her wrist.
"Thanks you guys!" She squealed. "Awww from Damon too! I can't believe it." She laughed looking adoringly at her bracelet. "By the way...where is Damon? I have someone I want him to meet." She smiled pointing across the pool table several feet away. There stood a dark headed beauty, only a little taller then me but could definatly turn heads. I was pretty sure I didn't want Damon to even spot her at all. I shrugged at Caroline who in return shrugged back and then I pulled out of the grasp that Stefan had on my shoulder while he was trying to silently comfort me. I smiled politely and then turned and walked out onto the bar floor. I heard random people call my name as I walked by, but I wasn't in the mood for social interaction. Then I finally spotted Damon standing against a floor to roof beam drinking non other then a classic beer.
"You made it." I smiled as I approached him.
"Told you I would." He grinned. "Want some?" He asked holding out the beer.
"No, thank you." I said.
"Well then what do you want? Come on didn't Stefan change you...you can handle it better then you think." He said smiling.
"Fine, get me a glass of scotch." I answered.
"Ah, a girl after my own heart." He grinned putting his finger in the air signaling a near by waitress.
"What can I get for you?" The blond waitress asked batting her eyelashes more then necessary.
"Get me a glass of scotch." He answered not moving his eyes from me.
"Can I get you anything else at all?" She asked being blatantly flirtatious.
"No...just the scotch." He answered.
As soon as she walked off Damon and I both laughed.
"I had the strangest dream about you..." Damon said.
"What about?" I asked
"You saved me." He smiled.
"From what?" I asked.
"The sun." He answered.
"Are you so sure it was a dream?" I asked.
Damon's face grew serious. "Why are you saying that?"
"Damon...I-"
"Here's your scotch." The waitress interrupted.
"Thanks." I took the scotch watching the waitress smile at Damon.
"Always catching attention." I laughed shaking my head as she walked away.
He smiled and took a sip of his beer.
"Do I catch your attention?" He asked suddenly flashing the eyes purposely.
"You catch mine." A voice suddenly answered. I turned to find the dark haired, Megan Fox look a like standing there staring at Damon.
"And who might you be?" He asked.
She walked forward sticking out her hand. "I'm Kaitlyn." She smiled.
"I'll um...leave you two to talk." I answered turning to leave. I took a long sip off the scotch as I walked away. I stood for a moment and let the base of the music beat through my chest as I wrapped myself in the moment of pure heartbreak and frustration. I felt the familiar feeling of being completely overwhelmed as I felt my face tighten and I knew the darkness was taking over my eyes. I looked down trying to hide the change in my face. I felt the canines of my teeth beginning to grow. I had to stay calm, I couldn't lose it right now. I listened to the music closely. A Beautiful Mess by Jason Mraz. Perfect...just perfect.
I turned and looked back at Damon. Although the Raven goddess was in the middle of entertaining herself with her own words he was looking directly at me. We looked at each other for the longest time. I listened to the base of the music as I drank in the perfection of his eyes, looking at me as if for the the first time. When she tugged on the bottom of his shirt to get his attention I looked away. I drank down every last drop of scotch and sat the glass down at the nearest table.
"Hi there Elena." I girl suddenly appeared in front of me. She was beautiful...a tall brunette that seemed so familiar.
"Hi."I replied.
"So your the famous Elena? Makes sense, seeing as your identical to Katherine." She smiled.
"Who are you?" I asked feeling suddenly on alert. Then before she could answer I realized...she was the witch who made me forget. She was Tabitha.
"Judging by your expression I would say you know exactly who I am." She smiled.
I took a few steps back. "What do you want?" I asked.
She took a few steps forward until she was standing a few feet in front of me.
"Damon killed me a few days ago, or so he thought. Me and Katherine are protected, like he'll never know." She smiled.
"What do you want?" I asked beginning to feel panicked.
"Revenge Elena, are you stupid? What do you think I'm here for? I heard I didn't do such a great job making you forget you and Damon. Well, since he decided to end my life I'm here to thoroughly destroy his. Let me tell you something. I'll be putting in him in a pretty fragile condition that I feel like he will suffer more from, aside from death. If you tell him or try to remind him of what you had with him, your little romance story and all...i promise you Elena...I WILL kill him...inFRONT of you. Do you understand?" She smiled.
I nodded, scared out of my mind not knowing what she was planning to do, not to mention, realizing she was a much more powerful and skilled witch then even Bonnie. She suddenly disappeared and I looked instantly behind me where I last saw Damon. He was gone of course and I began to search frantically through the room. I thought about getting Stefan but decided against it. I decided to instead zone in on my hearing. I caught a strange murmur. And the back door shut to the bar. It led me outside to the back alley way. I heard something a little further down when I found Tabitha holding Damon against the wall.
"Damon!" I screamed as I ran to him.
"No! Remember what I told you." She hissed. I stopped suddenly scared about what she would do to him if I went any further. She slammed her fist into his chest and began to ramble words so fast I couldn't understand them. He looked over at me. The fear in his eyes was too much for me to handle.
"Damon!" I whimpered towards the pain in his eyes.
"Elena... help me." He whispered. With his words my face grew dark and my fangs grew fast. I lunged towards Tabitha, but she was suddenly gone. And all I met was Damon on his knees with his head down, his hair hanging in his face. The strangest, most attractive scent rose up to meet my face.
"Damon!" I cried out reaching under his arm to pull him to his feet. He felt heavier than usual, yet with less resistance. When he finally managed to stand in front of me, his face looked far away, and desperately tired. The scent hit me again strongly, almost making my new found thirst unbearable.
"Elena." He barely whispered right before he collapsed. I held him in my arms as he fall. That's when I caught the strangest sensation as I held him close to my body. He looked up towards me as a swell of craving hit me again, violently. I realized I was not only deeply in love with this face looking up at me, I was thirsty for him, his scent was unbearably intoxicating.
"Elena, what's happening to me?" He asked in a weak whisper.
I pulled him closer to me, trying to ignore the scorching thirst in my throat. That's when I truly recognized what was going on.
"Damon?" I began to sob. His fading blue eyes looked up at me. "Your heart." I said.
"What's worng?" He asked weakly.
"It's beating." I gasped.
Sorry it's been a few days since the last update and I've been drinking tonight lol I guess I have my own Damon issues lol. Please leave reviews...especially the fans of this story. Please.