When I walk into the center the next day, I take my usual route to go to the office to check in for the day. I've been thinking about little Anna all night. I am going to find out if she can be checked out of here for an afternoon. My dad and I have plans if they allow such a thing. As I get closer to the office, I can't help but notice Dr. Mikaelson and April apparently having words. I can't hear what they're saying but I can see by their body language that something isn't copacetic between the two of them. He's flailing his arms, she's poking him in the chest. Not knowing what it's about, I walk away and into Carol's office.

"Damon, good morning," Carol greets me when I step into her reception room. I'm a bit stunned to see her out here but since April is preoccupied, I shrug it off.

"Good morning to you as well. So what's on the agenda for me today?"

"Actually Damon, there really isn't anything for you to do today. You know what, no. There's actually beginner math classes for the younger kids today. You'll have to give Anna extra attention because of her condition but other that that, you'll do fine."

"About Anna..."

"Do you not want to be around her? I mean some of the other kids aren't very nice to her."

"No, no... that's not it at all. I was thinking she probably doesn't get out much attention. I'd like to sign her out for an afternoon to go to the zoo or something with me and my dad."

"Really?"

Shoving my hands into my pockets, I raise my eyes to her again. "Yes."

"If you're serious, yes, children can be signed out."

"What about her parents?"

"Anna was abandoned. She has no parents."

"That's sad but I do remember you telling me that some of these kids have been abandoned." Shaking my head, I drop my eyes for a moment.

"She seems like a really sweet little girl." Sighing heavily, I wonder why something like that would happen. I could understand her being given up for adoption given her special needs and all but to just abandon her.

"In that, I happen to agree with you, Damon. She is a very sweet child. But let's get you to the classroom now." Motioning for me to follow her, we walk out of her office.

"Did you enjoy the swimming lessons the other day? The kids sure seemed to enjoy you. They haven't stopped talking about it."

"I did. I would love to do that again sometime."

"I'll see what I can do." When we walk through the atrium, I glance to my right. Dr. Mikaelson and April aren't here right now but his office door is open. When Mrs. Lockwood leads me past it towards an empty classroom, I look inside to see them still going at it. Just as the two of us step into the empty room, I hear Nick's door slam shut. There's something about this place that causes the hairs on my neck to stand on end. I'll just have to keep my eyes open and my mouth shut for the time being.

Those books piled on top of the desk are for you to hand out when the kids arrive. They should be here shortly actually. Stop in my office when you're done for the day. I'll give you the paperwork you'll need to fill out to take Anna out on a day pass."

"I will, thank you Mrs. Lockwood."

"Please call me Carol. You have a good day now," she smiles, raising her eyebrows a little too flirtatiously before she turns her back to me and sashays out of the room.

I spent all day trying to teach the kids how to read. Most of the children were quite young. I didn't actually ask them to tell me how old they were but I did put some simple plus and minus equations on the chalk board so I'd have an idea of what they already know. As Carol predicted, Anna did need extra help but I was really proud of her when she got some of the answers right on her own. I couldn't have been happier actually.

When we were done with that lesson, I found a story book that was inadvertently mixed in with the math text books so we had story time. That was the best part of the day honestly because I hate math... I know it's a big part of my business but I still don't like it.

Glancing at my watch, I see that it's lunch time so I just walk to the cafeteria to see what's on the menu for today. Not seeing much of anything that catches my eye, I opt for the salad bar. Once I have what I want, I go cashier to pay for it.

"Mr. Salvatore, how are you?" Luke asks, taking my salad and putting it on the scale. Apparently they charge by the pound.

"Not too bad, Luke. Yourself?"

Smiling, he rings up my purchase, turning back to hand me my change. "Your cooking got a lot of compliments, let me tell you. I do hope they'll let you cook for us again."

"I guess that's up to Mrs. Lockwood. I did enjoy it too. You take care of yourself and say hello to Rose for me," I tell him as I hand him a ten dollar bill from my wallet.

"You mean you haven't heard?"

"Heard what?"

"Rose, she's dead."

Stunned, my mouth drops momentarily. Still in shock, all I can do is give him my sympathy. "I'm sorry Luke. I had no idea."

"Yeah, I'll talk to you about it another time." When I notice the reticent look on his face, I look up to see that he's staring at April, who's in front of the dessert stand. She's giving him a nasty glare. Not wanting to get him in any trouble, I tell him to keep the change. Once I find a secluded table, I sit down and start to eat my food. I never thought I'd begin to enjoy working here so much. I have especially enjoyed the time I get to spend with the children. Who knew? I also enjoyed cooking that day with look and Rose. I wonder what on Earth could've happened to her?

I'm going to have to look on the internet when I get out of here to see if I can find out anything about her. Of course, I don't know her last name so I don't know if I'll be successful in that endeavor or not. Obviously the way April was glaring maliciously at Luke, I really can't go back and ask him about her last name.

When I'm done, I go back to the classroom to teach the afternoon class. These kids are a little older so the class was easier for me. They're bright kids and I don't understand why they're here other than the fact that they're older and I suppose no one wants to adopt them? I just don't know. Once I get the books collected and piled back on the desk, I turn out the lights and pull the door shut. Walking through the atrium, I happen to notice the clock again. It's not quite time to check out yet so I decide to go outside and look at the gardens.

Pushing the doors open, I reach into my pocket to pull my sunglasses out. After putting them on, I start to walk down the path, amazed that the array of flowers and plant life that is growing here. I'd like to meet their gardener. When I see the sunflowers, I walk over to them, bending over slightly to take a whiff. I love how fresh and full of sunshine they smell. It's only when I hear my name that I stand up and turn around.

"Damon?"

"Elena, hi."

"It's nice to see you," she says, smiling.

"You too. I actually walked out here hoping to catch sight of you. Obviously I chose wisely."

"Um, do you know anymore about that job?" she asks, teetering from one foot to the other.

"Elena, I will have a job for you. I don't know if it'll be Stefan's yet because he's still deciding what he's going to do. But I will find a place for you so don't worry about it, okay?"

"Thank you so much," she says wrapping her arms around my neck. Too stunned to do anything for several seconds, I finally bring my arms around and pat her back gently. Out of my peripheral vision, I once again notice April leering out of the window at me. What is with her today? Something is amiss at this facility and I intend to find out what exactly that is..

Pulling away, I smile at her again. "Listen, I have to go to talk to Carol Lockwood about something so I need to get going." Reaching into my wallet, I pull out one of my business cards.

"My work number and email is on here." After taking my pen out of my shirt pocket, I write my personal cell phone number on the back. After handing the card to her, I let my hand linger on hers for several moments.

"This is my cell number. Call me okay?"

"I will. Thank you, Damon. I appreciate this more than you know." I hear a sharp intake of breath when I notice that Elena has seen April too.

"Are you afraid of her?"

"I can't talk about it with her nearby. I really need to go, I'll be in touch." Immediately she hurries away, almost in a frenzied manner.

"I'll be in touch," I mumble quietly as I watch her walk away till she disappears from sight. When I walk back inside, I look around but I don't see April. As I walk towards Carol's office, I discreetly look around trying to see if she is still hovering. After pulling Carol's office door open, I'm a bit taken aback when I see April sitting at her desk, engrossed in whatever she's doing. So much so that she doesn't bother to look up when I walk into the room. Whether she's ignoring me or that she didn't hear me, I don't know so I clear my throat hoping to get her attention.

"Damon, how can I help you?" she asks, her voice saccharine sounding.

"Carol asked me to stop before I leave to go over some things with me."

"I'll let her know that you're here. Have a seat." After pointing towards the chairs, she drops her eyes back to whatever she's engaged in.

When I hear my name, I look up to see Carol motioning for me to join her using a come hither motion with her hand. Standing up, I walk into her office and sit down on one of the chairs in front of her desk.

"Here's the paperwork you'll need to fill out to take Anna out on pass. You can take it home with you and bring it back the next time you come in. Did you happen to mention anything to her?"

"No, I didn't say anything to her yet. I didn't want her to get excited and then have it fall through if something unforeseen would happen to arise. I'm scheduled to be here again on Friday. Can my dad and I take her to the zoo on Saturday if I get these back to you?"

"If Anna wants to go out, by all means you can pick her up Saturday. You'll need to have the papers filled out though," she cautions me.

"Thank you Carol. I'm actually looking forward to it. I'll see you on Friday." After shaking her hand, I get up to leave. She doesn't say anything as I walk towards the door. Pulling it ajar, I turn around for a moment.

"I'll make sure that I have these back by Friday. Have a nice evening."

"Goodbye Damon."

With a nod, I slip through the door and pull it closed behind me. I just stand there for a few moments reflecting on the weird vibes this place is giving me today. Unable to shake the feeling but knowing I'm helpless to do anything, I begin to walk towards the bus stop.

"Hello Damon," my dad greets me when I step into the house.

After picking up the mail to thumb through it, I raise my eyes to his. "Hi dad."

"How was your day? Did you remember to ask about the little girl?"

"I actually taught some simple math and reading skills. Dad, I'm not a teacher. I mean, I knew what I was doing, these were kids but I have no teaching certificate."

"Obviously if they were having you do it all the time, I would object if I were you. However, it was only one day. I don't think you need to be concerned about it."

"Surprisingly, I loved teaching them swimming lessons but I don't feel comfortable teaching school work. But I guess you're right, one day isn't going to ruin them."

Laughing, he uses his hand to raise my chin to look at him. "Parents do homeschool their children, Damon. They don't have a teaching certificate either. You love children, you won't ruin them."

Sucking in a breath, I stare for a few seconds before nodding. "You mentioned Anna. I did talk to Carol Lockwood about taking her out on a day pass. She gave me these papers to fill out. I thought maybe the two of us could take her to the zoo."

"That's a phenomenal idea. I would love to join you. I'm very proud of you, Damon."

"Don't dad." Unable to maintain eye contact with him, I drop my chin onto my chest, shaking my head back and forth. When I look up, I sigh softly.

"I'm going to take a shower."

"Alright. I'm going to start supper." I feel his gaze on me as I slowly march up the stairs, finally escaping it when I get to the top of the staircase and walk into my room. I sit down at the edge of the bed, dropping my face into my hands just as my tears start to erupt. I feel so empty inside at times. Some days are far worse than others but there isn't a day that I don't feel the sting of emptiness. Expelling a breath, I finally drag myself off of the bed and into the shower. Once I peel off my clothes I step inside, turning the water on full blast.

Dropping my eyes, I stand there as the hot water pummels my skin, releasing the stress of the day. Several minutes later, I reach for the shower gel with one hand and pour a generous dollop of it into my other hand. Once I set it down, I lather up my body, starting with my ankles, I work my way up to my groin and belly before pressing my palms against my chest, scrubbing it too.

After washing my face and hair, I turn the water off and step out. Wrapping one towel around my waist and a second on around my head, I step back into my bedroom to find a comfortable pair of shorts and a tee shirt. After hanging the towels on the towel rack, I jog down the stairs.

When I get to the kitchen, I'm a bit surprised to see that Ric is here. "Hey." Walking to the refrigerator, I open it, grabbing a bottle of water.

"Hi. I just stopped over to see how things are? I haven't talked to you for several days."

"I have my ups and downs, Ric. As I was telling my dad, I am actually enjoying the time I spend at Happy Dale. I may even check into volunteering when my sentence is complete." I chuckle a little when I see the stunned look on his face.

"Who woulda thunk it," I add, taking a swallow of my water.

"That is a bit of a shock," he laughs, taking a sip from his own water bottle.

"Sorry, I don't have anything stronger. The reason being, dad threw it all out." I don't miss the look that he and dad share. Although it irritates me a little bit, being treated like a child in some respects, I know they only mean well. How can I fault them for caring? Dropping my eyes for a moment, I raise them only when Ric starts to talk again.

"How are you doing with that?" He shares a second quick glance with my dad before looking at me again.

"Honestly Ric, I've been so busy between work and the center, I haven't given it much thought. It was only after...," closing my eyes for a second, I take a breath to calm myself.

"I know buddy. Do you want to go see a ballgame or something this weekend?"

"Actually my dad and I have plans for the weekend. Rain check?"

"Sure," he says, standing up and giving my shoulder a squeeze. "I better get home. Jenna sends her love."

Nodding, "I'll walk you out." The two of us walk outside together. When we get to his car, he leans his backside against it.

"How are you really?"

"How do you think I am? The emptiness is like acid eating me from the inside out. I'm trying, Ric."

"One day at a time, okay?" he adds as he slides into the driver's seat. Once the engine flares to life, he backs out of the driveway, pausing a moment, only driving away when I bob my head up and down.

After dad and I finish eating, I excuse myself to go to my office on the pretext of doing some work. Curious as to why Rose died, I turn on my computer and start to see if I can find anything about a death at Happy Dale. I don't even know if she actually died on site.

I go to the search engine and type in Rose died. Lots of women named Rose but most of the obituaries are for senior citizens. Unable to find anything this way, I type in 'Happy Dale'.

Again I get zilch when I push enter. I drop my chin onto my palm as I try to think of what to type into the search engine. Although my office door is ajar, I don't even hear my dad come in till I hear his voice.

"I brought you some desert." After handing me a bowl of ice cream, he sits down.

Taking it from him, I take a bite, savoring the taste. "Thanks dad, it's good."

"It's homemade. I hadn't had homemade ice cream in about a hundred years so I figured, what the heck."

Taking another bite of the creamy goodness, enjoying the flavor as it goes down my throat. I practically moan it's so good. "I definitely approve."

"What are you doing?"

"I don't know what it is dad but something about Happy Dale makes my skin prickle. It's probably nothing but I just can't shake the feeling that something isn't right about the place.

After setting his empty bowl down, he stands up to look at the computer monitor. "Have you seen anything, heard anything?"

"Carol Lockwood's secretary is... I don't know. She practically radiates bad vibes. Something about her gives me the creeps. I've seen her making almost threatening looks at some of the patients when I speak to them. I also saw her going at it with a doctor. I'm sure it's nothing but... The day I worked in the kitchen, there were a couple of kids that worked with me. Nice kids. I saw the young man yesterday. When I asked about the girl, he told me that she died. I just happened to turn my head and saw April glaring at Luke. April is the secretary," I add, raking my hand through my hair.

"I was trying to see if I could find anything out about Rose's death on the internet. I've come up empty in my search so far."

"Have you tried 'Happy Dale and Rose together?"

I type dad's suggestion into the search engine. Starting to feel frustrated at the lack of anything on the internet, I drop my chin to my chest. "Again nothing," I utter in frustration when that doesn't work either.

"How about woman dies at sanitarium?" Blowing out a breath of air, I type it in. My eyes widen when a couple of items do pop up this time. Clicking on one, I start to read before looking at my dad.

"You had something there dad. It doesn't show her picture but there can't be that many Rose's that died there. It says she was found unconscious in her room by one of the patients. Says she was a DOA at the hospital and that an autopsy is planned."

"Well Damon, it sounds like this place has been in business for several years. If something untoward were happening there, surely they would've been closed down. However, your gut instincts are usually spot on. So I would suggest you keep your eyes open. But you need to be smart about it. Don't do anything that raises suspicions. I mean, if by the odd chance that something sinister is going on it that place, I don't want you to put the spotlight on yourself."

When I finally get to the end of the article, my mouth drops open when I get to the last line.

"What is it?" dad asks when he sees the shocked look on my face.

"It says that there have been rumblings about what goes on behind the gates of Happy Dale on and off for many years. The article says that this new death will give conspiracy theorists more ammunition. Rose is the third person to have died there in the last two years, all of them young women."

What do you suppose is going on at Happy Dale?

Thank you Eva for everything and for cheering me up when I feel down in the dumps.

Thanks to all of you for reading and reviewing. I appreciate all of you so much.

Chapter title: 'Building a Mystery' by Sarah McLachlan

I posted the final chapter of "The Unforgiven" on Thursday. Please give it a look. I really want that to reach 200 reviews. I did update 'Rainy Days and Mondays' yesterday.

*Please remember to leave a review*

Fair warning: I work Thanksgiving eve night and Thanksgiving day night so updates may be late or nonexistent next week because although I have 'black Friday' off, but altogether I'll be working five twelve hour shifts in six nights.

As always, stay safe. As 9/11 and all the attacks since then have taught us, the world is a dangerous place. Have a lovely weekend and Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans in case I'm not able to update next week. Until next time.