I am so sorry this is the second week that I have been late with my update, my brother just moved back from the city and I have been preoccupied. Hopefully this chapter is good enough to make up for it.

Also I need a beta so if anyone is interested just PM me :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Sirens.

Flashing lights.

Wet.

Cold.

Nothing but the darkness around me.

After they had left I cleared up the smashed glass and food before relaxing in a large warm bubble bath. My adorning bathroom was large and it was my second favourite place to be (bedroom comes first, for obvious reasons). The walls have large golden tiles on them separated by significantly smaller brown tiles that go down in strips before expanding onto the floor below. The bath tub itself was ginormous and could easily fit 3 people in at once. It was placed in the centre of the room with the cabinets along the side wall. A large mirror hung above the counters and inside once of them was an ice box containing many bottles of wine. One of which I am drinking now.

The bubbles drift aimlessly in naked air around me, the warmth both comforting yet suffocating. The smell of vanilla mixed with red wine is divine to my nostrils as, I close my eyes basking in its scent. I open them with a heavy sigh a few moments later.

As much as I love the space I can't help but fantasize about how good it would be if Elena was in here with me. Her warm, naked body pressed to mine, her hair all wet. Her olive skin partially hidden from my prying eyes by water and bubbles. It would be a beautiful sight to see. I just wish she would see what that guy is doing to her. Her friends are also very nasty I realized that today when one of them called her fat. If anything she needs more meat on her bones not losing it.

I am determined to help her. To teach her how to live. But first of all I need to get rid of Mason. Suppose I could kidnap her and take her away with me, it would be nice to have a companion on the run. However if they were to find me they would find her too and I could never condemn her to that fate. They would torture her until she was at the brink of death and then heal her just so they could start it all over again. I couldn't let that happen. Not to her. Not to my Elena.

Once I've had enough I step out of the tub and wrap a towel around my waist moving into my bedroom. The darkness was a comfort for me so the room was all black. It allowed me to hide in the shadows like the monster that I am. I grab the remote and switch the tv on as I get dressed in one of my Armani shirts and jeans, intending on seeing her again tonight like I did the last.

"Breaking news there has been a serious crash reported near Wickery Bridge. The car has been submerged and only one of the 2 people in the car has made it out. Police are looking for the other person who is believed to be Elena Gilbert." My head snaps up to see the TV and it contains images of the police, ambulance and the Lockwood and Gilbert families.

The sheer dread spreads through my veins and gathers in my bones. I finish dressing in lightning speed and make my way over to the sight as fast as I can. Not a second less.

I see everything around me and notice the car has not been brought up yet. I quickly scan the crowd until my eyes rest upon none other than Doctor Gilbert. Pushing past people abruptly I make my way over to him needing to know if they have found her.

"Where is she?" I ask Grayson Gilbert who looks at me with solemn eyes.

"They haven't found her yet," his words ring and echo in my head.

They haven't found her. How could they not have found her?

The next thing I know my body is under the water. I kick my legs with inhumane strength towards Mason's car. I see it tilted at an angle and the bottom of the river, its metal work battered and bruised. It must have hit something because the largest dent is at the front. I don't think I'll be fixing this one for her. I swim over towards the passenger side where she would have been sitting. Pulling off the car door, my eyes are exposed to a heart clenching sight. Her small, fragile body floating in the water. I tug on her arm however she is unresponsive to my motion but, I can hear her heart beating slowly and faintly. I pull her into my arms as I move her out of the vehicle her hair flowing in all different directions, covering her face. I swim upwards my hold on her arm is tight so I know I won't lose her despite her almost non-existent heartbeat.

I gasp for air when I reach the surface and there is an uproar of shouting as Elena comes to the surface too. Some people help us out of the water and the moment were on land I begin CPR on her despite the paramedics and ambulance around me. I need her to be alive. I press into her chest and before long she's spluttering out water and her heart rate picks up dramatically. Her eyes flutter open to reveal dull brown ones.

"Damon?" her voice is raspy and it brings a lump to my throat, she stares around confused and unknowing.

"Shhh you're alright now, I got you," I reassure her. Then I feel the presence of the paramedics behind me their faces harbouring a disapproving look.

"Excuse me Sir but you need to move away and let us do our job now. My colleague will check you over since you jumped in and was under for a while."

"That won't be necessary, I am perfectly alright, I took lifeguard training so I knew what I was doing," I lie easily with the slightest of influence and she nods her head in approval. I step back allowing them to help Elena medically and I feel a hand on my back. I turn my head to see Grayson Gilbert his face relieved after this fiasco and, finally knowing his daughter was going to be alright.

"Thank You so much, you saved her life," he says in a soft voice appreciation, and admiration shining through his eyes and, I feel as if I might be a step in the right direction to getting his approval.

"It was instinct and the right thing to do," I tell him in an attempt to be modest and he gives a nod of acceptance before, returning to his sobbing wife's side to comfort her. I stand back observing the scene before me. I shouldn't have let them leave, I should have made Elena stay.

There was a constant beeping noise to my right and the soft murmuring of voices all around me. The overwhelming scent of flowers surrounded me. But the pain… that is the worst. My head really hurt and my throat was as dry as sand paper. It's also extremely difficult to breath and there is a sharp sting every time I do so. I open my eyes slightly and glance around. My parents are sitting side by side my father cradling her like a child. Jeremy is standing by a window looking outside. My Aunt Jenna is fiddling with a large bouquet of flowers in a very agitated manner. Mason sat beside me his fingers lightly grazing mine. It would have been a loving gesture if his eyes didn't show boredom, like all he wanted to do is get out of here. Suppose hospitals aren't everyone's thing.

"Mom, Dad," I croak quietly and their heads snap up towards me my mother's face is one of concern and fear however, my father has schooled his features to show no emotion.

"Elena sweetie, you're okay. You had a little tumble in the car on the way back home and fell into the river. But your fine now," Mom says softly in a kind of hushed way.

"They want to keep you in overnight maybe a day longer whilst they monitor your brain as it was deprived of oxygen for so long. Your vitals are okay and you have no serious injuries except a broken rib which they have told me to treat at home like normal. You have not showed any signs of hypothermia since coming out of the water however, your body temperature had lowered quite significantly. You also have not showed any signs of hypoxia but, they did give you heated oxygen using an endotracheal tube because, your body wasn't warming up quickly even though it did not drop lower that 34'C." my father begins to explain before my aunt interjects

"Grayson the girl just woke up stop being a doctor for once in your life,"

"It's okay I understand everything he's saying its basic med stuff," I croak some more and my mom brings a glass of water to my mouth so I can wet my throat.

"Well doesn't that make me feel dumb," Jenna says back with a modest smile on her face

"Sorry Aunt Jenna I didn't mean it like that," I begin

"Jesus Elena she was being sarcastic. You're almost as bad as dad," Jeremy laughs facing me now and moving toward my hospital bed.

"Sorry sweetheart… what was the last thing that you remember?" my dad asks

"Cerulean blue… beautiful cerulean blue and messy black waves like… like… Damon! The last thing I remember is Damon!" I exclaim finally piecing my distorted memory together. I feel Mason's hands move away from mine and my father nods with a forced smile.

"Yes he um… jumped in after you,"

"He did what! Where is he? Is he okay?"

"Yes sweetheart he's fine he er… saved your life actually," he informs me hesitantly

"Saved my life?"

"Yes the rescue services were taking too long and the moment he got there he jumped in after you. He was under for about 5 minutes but he took life guard training so he said he knew what he was doing,"

"Oh my God. I can't believe he jumped in after me," I say more to myself in complete disbelief. I remain silent looking around at the white walls the encompass me, the numerous flower bouquets has been placed around to add colour to the room, obviously my near death experience had become public news.

"I'm hungry when do I get the hospital food?" I ask my tummy rumbling slightly from not being able to finish my dinner last night. Speaking of which Mason was being awfully quiet for someone who usually so loud and boisterous.

"Well Mom and Dad would have you eat that slop however, my first-hand experience says that it's disgusting. So I took the liberty of getting you some food from the shop," Jeremy says handing over a carrier bag containing an egg and bacon muffin, a fruit pot with mango and melon in it and a bottle of chocolate milk.

"Thanks Jer you're amazing,"

"Jeremy,"

"Yes Dad,"

"What first-hand experience would you be referring too?" My father questions him with his brows furrowed.

"Well… er… I don't think you want to know any details but, sometimes when I'm not home I might just be closer than you think," he laughs trying to ease the situation and I can tell that my dad wants to pry however he must have decided that this was not the time nor the place for it.

"As long as it's nothing dangerous and you're being safe then I won't ask having learnt my lesson and, trying to fix my… attitude problem I shall let it slip," he says firmly although I can see the fear in his eyes and the concern for his only son.

"Sorry Gray but when did you ever go to hospital unless you weren't being safe?" Jenna questions rhetorically and my mom gives her a disapproving look.

"Not helping Jenna," she scowls at her and my Aunt looks down continuing with her fiddling.

"The police also want to talk to you about what happened when the car crashed," my dad tells me with a calm voice and I look at Mason who stares back at me with such an intensity it sort of scares me.

"It was an accident Dad, Mason just lost control of the car," I claim in a squeaky voice however, my brother does not look convinced.

"So he wasn't distracted? Or not watching the road properly?" Jeremy asks with his brows furrowed a look of suspicion on his face.

"What are you trying to say Gilbert? That I wanted my girlfriend to get hurt and almost die!" Mason reacts standing from his chair with an accusatory frown.

"Of course not Mason he's just looking out for his sister," My dad ushers him guiding him back to his chair, giving him a plastic cup filled with water. He puts his back lightly before continuing "It wasn't nobody's fault and no one is to blame here. Like Elena said it was simply an accident however, it is the polices job to check,"

"I think the stress of everything is getting to us all, it's been a long evening and barely any of us got some sleep. This morning has been just as hectic and I think you 3 boy's should go back and get some rest," my mom suggests soothingly to the men in the room and they all nod their heads in agreement with the exception of Jeremy, who just grunts before storming out of the room.

"I'll see you later dear," my dad says to my mom before reaching down and giving me a kiss on my forehead. "Get better Lena and I'll come say hello before I start work later, might even bring you some dinner," he tells me before letting Mason hug me goodbye.

"Don't say anything about the argument Elena," he whispers in my ear emotionlessly before pulling back and giving me a quick peck to the lips, however keeping it PG rated for my dad.

"Don't you guy's worry us girls can man the fort," my Aunt Jenna reassures them as she sees them out of the door and closes it behind them.

"Hey Jenna can you pass me my muffin please?" I ask and she gives me a mischievous smirk whilst picking it up.

"Only if you let me have a bite and it's still warm must of brought it downstairs,"

"Jenna!" my mom gasps

"What you heard Doc she's fine it's not like I'm praying on a starving neglected child!" Jenna defends herself against my mom's look of horror.

"Well I feel starving and neglected having to wait for some food, so just take a bite and give it to me so then I can eat," I say with a pout and she giggles before taking a mouthful of my muffin and passing it to me so that I can munch on the rest. My mom and Jenna take seats on either side of me and they begin talking about Jenna's recent date with this new guy in town.

"So his name is Alaric Saltzman, he is going to start teaching history at the high school after the summer, and he has hazel coloured eyes," my mom relays to us simply stating all the information (or lack of thereof) that Jenna had given to us about her mysterious date.

"So did he take you anywhere fancy?" I ask

"Nah just to the grill but he is so sweet and caring," she gushes; mom and I just share a look with raised eyebrows.

"Sounds too nice to be someone that you're interested in Aunt Jenna,"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean young lady?" she questions trying to hide her smirk as she gives me an authoritative stare.

"It means little sister, that you were never one to choose a good guy. I mean look at all your past conquests need I say a particular name that comes to mind…"

"DO NOT MIRANDA! That is a name which should never be said in my presence," My Aunt Jenna yells pointing her finger before hugging her arms around herself as she shivers from the mere suggestion of him.

"What Logan Fell," I says with a grin and her head shoots up.

"Elena Gilbert you are no longer my favourite niece,"

"I'm your only niece Aunt Jenna," I laugh and my mom does too.

"Right then I prefer Jeremy," she says looking away from us

"What the child who put the neighbour's dog poo in your conditioner," my mom reminds her as she enters full on laughter.

"Oh God do you remember?" I say in-between giggles.

"Yes Elena I do remember I was the one who put it in my hair!" Jenna complains clearly not enjoying this as much as me and mom.

"Right we need to move on to something else because my ribs are really starting to hurt from all of that laughing," I say trying to calm myself down as the pain ebbs in my ribs and my mom quietens down beside me.

"So Elena, what actually happened because Mason's car is only a few weeks old and therefore shouldn't have swerved off of the road?" my mom asks carefully analysing my every move. She always has been very observant and most certainly isn't stupid.

"We were having a… heated discussion," I reply

"By heated discussion do you mean argument?" my Aunt questions me with a knowing smirk and I just simply nod my head. The two adults exchange looks with each other before they press on with their interrogation.

"This… discussion wouldn't have had anything to do with Mr Salvatore, would it?" my mom enquires softly like she's treading on very thin ice.

"Partially," I reply timidly

"What else was you arguing about sweetie?"

"Our relationship has been… kind of rocky recently," I say not looking at them and being extremely careful of what I'm saying.

"Are you unhappy with him Elena?" Jenna probes sifting for more information.

"I don't know, I feel bad about what happened with Damon but he's being so irrational and insensitive," I shrug tears pooling in my eyes.

"You know you didn't do anything wrong right?" she asks again and I nod scared that if I replied then my voice would break. "Is there anyone else in the picture so to speak? Who's this Damon guy?" Jenna continues.

"Jenna what are you suggesting?" my mom exclaims

"I'm suggesting that maybe Elena wants to get to know someone else. Maybe not romantically but in a friends way and, they might be one of the very few people that sees Elena's relationship as toxic,"

"I wouldn't say her relationship with Mason is toxic, Jenna," my mom interjects.

"No but he doesn't let her associate with other boys and, it's not healthy Miranda," my Aunt explains and I sort of see her point.

"It sounds like you are referring to Damon, so yes."

"Is he someone you want to be friends with?" she asks with a single eyebrow raised.

"Yes but Mason doesn't want me near him. He said that Damon only wanted to get to know mean so that he could get into my pants," I explain letting the tears flow.

"Well honey, I think that's something that you should decide for yourself because, Damon doesn't seem like that type of guy," my mom tells me taking my hand in hers so as to reassure me.

"Well yeah, I've had many guys try to get in my pants and none of them jumped into a river to save my life," Jenna snorts

"I know but I care about Mason so much and he really hates him,"

"Well whatever is going on with Mason and Damon shouldn't affect you," Jenna interjects

"But Mason will get angry and someone will get hurt," I mumble whilst sobbing.

"No one is going to get hurt sweetie except yourself if you keep denying yourself the freedom to make friends," my aunt continues to tell me clearly trying to persuade me to talk to Damon. The weird thing is I think she's right.

I find myself agitated all day. I watched her through the hospital window until she woke up but that was the longest I could wait. I needed blood. I had flown away from Mystic Falls Hospital just after she had said her first word and made my way to a hidden area where I changed back to normal. I walked through the hospital to the blood bank and compelled the woman to give me 5 bags that way I could tone down the people attacking. I left as quickly as I came and saw Grayson and Jeremy Gilbert get into a car which had Mason Lockwood in as well. Let the girls have some girl time together.

When I get back I stock my blood bags into the freezer except one which, I pour into a tumbler. I sit on the leather sofa in the lounge, opposite the fire place with my drink in hand nursing it softly. I take the occasional sip but I can't help but remember my father sitting in this same chair, scolding me for giving some of my lunch to a poor worker who had nothing. I didn't see anything wrong with it, he needed food I had plenty, so why not share? Well to say my father was furious would be an understatement. I remember it crystal clear.

It was the first time my father ever laid hands on me.

It was when my mother started getting sick and my father had become extremely temperamental. He had called my silence, arrogance and had stood so he could loom over me, with an evil glint in his eyes. His big hands had reached around my neck and pulled me into the air and off my feet so that I was eye level with him. Then I was being flung backwards into the fire.

The burns were unbearable and marked every inch of my skin on my upper half. My face had been scorched horrendously and I had struggled to breathe. I felt like I had been screaming for hours in pain. My father left to go and get help telling everyone that I had tripped into the flames as I went along. However after a few minutes there was a hooded figure at the window who tapped lightly. I demanded that the maid open it for the person so that I could hear them speak.

Once the window was wide open I heard a sweet voice ask politely

"Might I come in young sir, I know how to heal your burns and would like to offer my abilities for no cost." It was a woman voice and I croaked out an invitation in return. She sped over to me like lightning and sat beside me on the floor. Long, slender fingers came out of her fur cloak and reach for her hood. When she pulled it down I was met with beautiful brown eyes and olive skin. She had ruby red lips which were pulled into a smile, her hair falling in tender curls around her beautiful face.

"You're beautiful," I whispered and her smile extended to show perfect teeth.

"Thank you, my name is Katherine and it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," she said and I gazed up at her like she was an angel. "Master Salvatore,"

"Please address me as Damon,"

"Of course Damon. In order for me to help you I need you to keep a secret,"

"Any but please Miss, help me. I beg of you Miss Katherine help me please," I begged and she smiled sweetly before her eyes bored into mine.

"Tell no one," and then suddenly the angel above me was a demon with black eyes and red veins visible under her delicate skin. She bit into her wrist before, she brought it to my lips. Her blood travelled into my mouth and through my body. The relief was amazing as the blood healed my burns. I thought then, 10 year old me, that she was perfect. Despite her face she has the power to heal the sick and needy.

She had disappeared before I could even say goodbye or a simple thank you. Unfortunately in her place was my father and other members of the founding families. They demanded to know what had happened but I couldn't tell them.

Little did I know that it was that angel that would destroy me undead life.

I am pulled out of my thoughts by a knock on the door, I am over to it in a flash and open the door to reveal a teenage boy. But he isn't any teenage boy, no he's Elena Gilberts little brother Jeremy Gilbert. He has dark circles around his eyes due to lack of sleep, most likely because of his sister.

"Little Gilbert, to what do I owe the pleasure?" I ask flashing him a 250 kilo watt smirk. His face looks up at me and his eyes hold such an intensity in them I know that this is serious.

"I want you to help me get rid of Mason Lockwood."