"Damon, can I talk to you?" Raising my eyes, I can't help but notice how apprehensive my dad looks.
"Of course, dad. What's on your mind?"
"Stefan is a bit concerned about this girl you hired?" Sighing heavily, I gesture for him to sit down. As soon as he sits down, I walk into the kitchen to take a couple of deep breaths. I don't want to lose my temper with my dad. Opening the refrigerator door, I pull out a couple of water bottles. After taking a moment to take a deep swig from my water bottle, I walk back into the living room to hear dad out. I hand him the other bottle before sitting down on the other end of the sofa.
"Go ahead, purge.." When he gives me his look, I know for certain that he's aware of my frustration.
"Damon?"
"Well, he already talked to me about her dad. I just didn't feel up to getting into it with him that day. I don't know why he felt the need to drag you into it." Not wanting to lose my temper with my dad, I simply look away long enough to contain my emotions.
"He thinks you don't know anything about her and that you're endangering your staff."
"Endangering my staff? Seriously! Do you really think I'd put any of them at risk?"
"No, of course not." He stares at me for a moment before tilting his water bottle into his mouth. I watch as his adam's apple bobs as he swallows. Setting the bottle down, he turns back to me.
"He's just concerned about whether or not you're operating on all four cylinders right now, given your state of mind. You have been spiraling, son. I love you dearly and there's no place else I'd rather be right now, but... I just don't want you to get hurt again."
"I know that dad." I give his forearm a squeeze before continuing.
"I know I'm not the best about expressing my feelings sometimes and I know you love me. But remembering is still so hard. I mi.. miss... so much. You can't imagine the emptiness that I feel inside and it never fucking goes away. There are so many times that I wish I could trade places with... you know?" He doesn't say anything, he just nods his head in understanding.
"I know I haven't known Elena for very long. I'm well aware of that. But when I'm with her dad, I feel alive. For the first time in a long time, it's like the weight is lifted if even only for a short time."
"You trust this girl?"
"For the life of me, I don't know why but yes... I do trust her. She's getting released from Happy Dale soon. I told her that I'd help her find a place to stay. There's that little cottage down the street that's for rent. I'd like you to meet her," I add, feeling a little unsure. He looks at me for a few seconds, before squeezing my knee again.
"If this girl helps lighten your load, I do want to meet her. Just be careful okay? I'm not ready to lose you, Damon. Do you understand?"
Nodding animatedly, I breathe a sigh of relief. "Thanks dad. And for what it's worth, I love you too."
After taking a couple of more days off to convalesce, I finally go back to Happy Dale. Immediately upon entering the place, I can't help but notice the heated exchange between April and Dr. Nik. But what's even more odd is that as soon as she sees me, she plasters a phony saccharine smile on her face and stalks off. Shivering slightly, I brush it off for now. I certainly don't want to do anything to raise her suspicions at least not till Elena is out of here for good. I know it's soon but I'll have to ask her the date when I see her again.
Turning towards the office, I pull the door open and walk inside. My eyes widen when I see April walking into the room from the hallway where Carol's office is located. Obviously there is another entry to this suite of offices.
"Good morning Damon. How can I help you today?" she asks, her voice still sickeningly sweet and condescending.
"Good morning to you April. I came to check in and see what my assignment is for today?"
"Let me check with Mrs. Lockwood. Usually I have a list of assignments for our 'forced volunteers'. Perhaps she was distracted or something. I'll be right back. Have a seat," she says, getting up and walking back down the hallway. Feeling restless, I walk over to the window to look outside. Unwittingly, a smile forms on my face when I see Elena walking hand in hand with Anna through the flower gardens. They don't notice me so I just watch them. Mel told me that she told Elena to come to my office this afternoon because she had some wedding plans to finalize this morning. I try to take good care of my employees. Mel is top of the line and I will miss her.
When I hear my name, I turn around to face April. "Carol says you should work in the kitchen again today. Do you remember where to go?"
"It's not that hard to find," I utter. It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. Turning my back to her, I walk out of the office and to the kitchen.
"Damon, it's a pleasure to work with you again," Luke greets me with a handshake.
"You too," I reply, shaking his hand. "So what's on the menu for today?"
"Hamburger Stroganoff with either noodles or rice."
"Is it just the two of us?" I ask.
"It is today."
"Let's get started then."
After the meal is cooked and served, Luke and I take our time cleaning up. Once everything is washed and wiped and put away, I wash my own hands, thank Luke and walk out of the kitchen. When I glance at my watch, I see I still have some time before I need to get to my office so I set out in search of Anna. I look around the atrium and some of the other areas of the building, finally finding her sitting by herself when I get back to the atrium. Her eyes light up when she sees me and runs into my arms. Picking her up, I give her a hug before sitting down with her in my lap.
"How are you Anna? I've missed you."
"Me good," she says, rubbing her hand on my arm as if trying to show herself that I'm indeed real.
"Would you like to go outside to play on the swings for awhile?" Bobbing her head up and down, I set her on the floor, take her hand and the two of us walk outside to the playground area. First she hops on the merry go round. After telling her to hang on tight, I give it a gentle push so she doesn't get dizzy and fall off. I don't know how I'd forgive myself is she got hurt. When she tires of that, she walks over to the swings. I lift her in and then push her gently. Hanging on so firmly that her knuckles look white, she starts to pump with her legs. Stepping back slightly, I allow her to do the work herself. I want her to be proud of how special she really is. When she slows down, I help her off so she doesn't fall if she tries jumping. Taking her hand again, the two of us walk back inside and go to the lounge so we can share a soda.
Having lost track of time, I reach into my pocket to grab my phone when I feel it vibrate. Stefan sent me a text wondering where I'm at. I quickly type in a reply and shoot it back to him.
Stooping down to her level, I give her a hug and tell her goodbye. Sighing heavily, I melt into a puddle when I see her eyes begin to glisten. After reassuring her that I'll see her again and soon, I tell her goodbye. Taking a few minutes to run to the office to check out, I reach the bus stop just in time as it pulls away the moment I jump on.
Once I put out a few fires, I go into my office to try to decompress a little bit. Elena is busy with Mel so other than saying hi, I haven't gotten to really talk to her. When I hear my door open, I look up, a little surprised to see Caroline coming in.
"Hey?" I ask, perplexed.
"I just came to talk a little bit. How are you?"
"What's this about Caroline?"
"Stefan has voiced some concerns. I wanted to hear your side before I render judgment," she says, taking a seat in front of my desk. Sighing, I drop my head for a few seconds before looking at her again.
"Go on, out with it," I mutter, annoyance clearly evident in my voice.
"Just relax okay? I'm not here to judge you or Elena for that matter. I just want to hear your side of the story."
"You do know that Stefan ran to dad too don't you?"
"I did."
"Something about Elena sucks me right in. I don't know exactly what that is yet except to say that I feel alive when I'm with her. Can you understand that?"
"I can. For what it matters, I think she's a great girl too but I also think there's much more to her than meets the eye." I start to protest but she turns her palm toward me, silencing me for a moment.
"I don't believe she's dangerous but I do believe that she has secrets. All I want is for you to be careful and go easy. You both have healing to do I think," she adds, her voice full of understanding.
"Thank you, Caroline. I appreciate your support. Please ask Stefan to give her a chance. If she can't handle this job, I'll find something else for her even if that means she doesn't work here. I just want to help her."
"I will talk to Stefan so long as you promise you'll be careful with both yourself and with her?"
"You have my word." When I see her nod, I get up to walk her to my door. I press a kiss to her cheek before opening it for her.
"Thank you sis." She nods just slightly then walks away, disappearing into Stefan's office.
I'm practically at wit's end by the time the afternoon comes to a close. I'm frustrated with Stefan but I know better than to confront him when I'm this upset. He went to dad and Caroline too. I'm big enough to make my own decisions about 'my' business. I did build it from nothing to a million dollar business with a lot of hard work. I prefer the homey setting of my office with my core group of family and friends that work for me. Brady and Mel have been with me practically from the beginning too. I really hope that with some time, Stefan will accept Elena too. Caroline at least is willing to give her the benefit of the doubt for now.
Ric handles legal matters and patents whenever we develop a new game. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to associate with. Knowing I'll do everything humanly possible to make Elena fit in, I hope she will feel safe and comfortable here once she gets to know everyone. When I hear a noise, I look up just in time to see Elena slip through the crack in my door.
"Hey?" I greet her, standing up.
"Hi Damon. I just wanted to tell you goodnight. And that I get out of Happy Dale a week from tomorrow."
"Speaking of, an acquaintance of mine owns a little cottage in my block. It's for rent and it's quite reasonable. I thought maybe tomorrow we could meet him there so you can give it a look?"
"That sounds perfect. Thank you."
"No worries. Mel tells me and I quote, 'she's amazing'. Do you like this work, Elena? I mean, I don't want you to do something if you're heart isn't in it. I want you to be part of my 'family' here but if there's something you'd rather be doing, promise me that you'll speak up."
"Oh no, Damon. I like it here just fine so far." I visibly sigh with relief when she tells me that. I give my office door a light shove, forcing it closed then I take her hand and pull her over to my overstuffed chair, pulling her onto my lap when I sit down. Reaching up, I cradle her face with my palms, pulling her lips to mine. As soon as she opens her mouth, I plunge my tongue inside her moist hot mouth to play with hers. As our lips meld and slide together, I feel the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air as the electricity arcs between us. When we separate, we're both panting breathlessly.
"You take my breath away," she whispers, brushing her forehead with the back of her hand.
"I have so much to tell you as soon as I'm free from Happy Dale," she blurts out.
"Oh sweetheart, you takes my breath away too." When I see a her lips forming a smile, I press a sweet kiss to her temple.
"Once you're free of that place, I want you to tell what's happening there. I hope you know that you can trust me?"
"I do know that."
"I was hoping that maybe the two of us can go out that night to celebrate or I can make you supper? I want you to meet my dad."
"I would like that a lot."
"We'll just have to make it happen then," I utter, lifting another kiss from her lips.
"But sweetheart, you need to be careful while you're there."
"I will."
"Promise?"
"Of course," she assures me, lifting a kiss of her own from my lips.
"I spent a little time with Anna today. I took her over to the playground for awhile. I'm crazy about that little girl."
"She's pretty enamored with you too. Believe me, she hasn't stopped talking about the zoo. She has the mentality of a four year old so she does really well for being a Down's child. I would love to be able to send her to a special school that's equipped to nurture and foster her development rather than just move her along. I will tell you that she does have temper tantrums."
"I assumed no less. So called normal kids have temper tantrums too though."
"You're right. She's just the sweetest little girl."
"That she is." We're both quiet for a long moment as we stare into each other's eyes before joining our lips once more.
"As much as I'd like to continue this, I really need to get back. I have some homework to do." I pout when she slides off my lap to stand up.
"Do you want me to walk you back?"
"That's not necessary. What time and where do you want me to meet you to look at that place tomorrow?"
"Why don't we meet here? I'll be in at nine or so. Come on, I'll walk you to the door." Standing up, I take her hand and lift it to my lips. After pressing a kiss to it, I link my fingers with hers and walk with her to the door. When we get there, I give her one last lingering kiss before she steps outside and walks off down the sidewalk. I watch till she disappears around the block. Before going back inside to grab my things, I look up and down the street, taken aback momentarily when I see Carol Lockwood walking down the sidewalk towards me.
"Damon," she greets, although her eyes are on Elena's back as she walks away.
"Hello Mrs. Lockwood. I'm surprised to see you here this time of day?"
"I actually came to talk to you about the center."
"Why don't we go inside?" When she nods, I pull the door open wider and step aside so she can walk inside.
"This way," I tell her, motioning for her to follow me into my office. After telling her to have a seat, I lean against my desk, crossing my arms.
"How can I help you today?"
"You run a gaming business. I was wondering if you would consider making a donation to the center for the children?"
"Well, I hadn't really thought about it. I would be happy to do that." I get up and walk behind my desk to pull open one of the side drawers. Thumbing through the files, I find the one I want and pull out a piece of paper. After giving her a terse smile, I walk over to my copy machine and make a copy for her.
"Here is a list of the games and their descriptions. Why don't you go through that and let me know if there's any of them that you'd prefer the children not to have. I mean some of them are rated 'M'."
"Oh thank you, Damon. The children will be thrilled but you're right, some of them may not be appropriate." Nodding, I agree with her.
"So... Damon, how is Elena working out here?"
"She hasn't started on her own yet. I have one of my employees training her." I don't miss the curious look on her face. Just as she starts to open her mouth, the door to my office opens.
"Damon, can I talk..., Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had a visitor."
"Come on in. Mrs. Lockwood, this is my brother Stefan." Turning my attention to Stefan, I introduce her to him.
"This is Mrs. Lockwood. She runs Happy Dale. She came to ask if we would consider donating some games for the children."
"That's really a great idea. Good publicity too," Stefan muses.
Rolling my eyes, I look at Carol, "Is there anything else that you wanted to discuss with me?"
"No, thank you for your time, Damon. I will go over this.," she says, waving the game list I gave her.
"Are you scheduled for tomorrow?"
"I believe so but I'm not positive. I have my schedule at home." Standing up, she starts to walk towards my office door. I follow behind, pulling the door open for her before following her to the entrance.
"Thank you again, Damon."
"You're welcome. Goodbye now." I watch intently as she walks down the block before jumping into the driver's seat of car not far up the street from my office. When I walk back inside, I lock the front door and flick the sign to say 'closed' before slowly walking back into my office where I know Stefan is waiting for me.
"What is it Stefan? If you're here to trash Elena some more, I don't want to hear it. Are we clear?"
"No we're not clear. She's a psych job! And I won't have her putting my wife and child to be in danger!" he demands, slamming his hand, palm spread, onto my desktop.
Taking a moment, I close my eyes and fist my hands as I try to get my temper in check. "I will not sit here and listen to you slander Elena. It ends right now. Are we clear?"
"No, we're not clear. You don't know anything about her. She's a psych patient. How do we know she won't lose it over something inane?"
Exhaling heavily, I round on him. "Elena isn't going to hurt anyone. Do you really believe that I'd put you, Caroline or any of our friends at risk here?" I snap, lowering my eyes for a moment before raising them again.
"My God, Stefan, do you not know me at all?"
"Damon, come on..."
"No you come on, do you believe that?"
"Of course not. I'm just worried about Caroline and my baby. I don't know what I'd do if anything happened to them? I couldn't cope with that...," he utters, his eyes widening with pity.
"Damon, I'm sorry. I didn't mean...,"
"Stop! This conversation is over. And you little brother are going to treat Elena with respect." After glaring at him for a few seconds, I walk out of my office to the back door and leave. Once I'm a good distance down the block, I bend over, palms on my thighs as I struggle to take a deep breath. Standing up a few seconds later, I take a seat and wait for the bus. My reverie is broken when I hear its brakes squeal. I climb in and flop into a seat. The driver turns to look at me as I'm the only one on the bus right now.
"Where to?"
"Just drive," I tell him, dropping my face into my hands when the bus pulls away from the curb.
Something is rotten at HD...
Thank you Eva for everything. I know we wouldn't be here without you. Love you lots.
Thanks so much for all of the follows and favorites and especially for the reviews. Thanks for putting me at the 100 review mark.
Chapter title: 'Love Walks In' by Van Halen
I did post my one-shot for Kate on Wednesday. Please give 'The Christmas Shoes' a look. I'd so appreciate a review. I really put a lot into that. I also wrote a one-shot for 'NotEnoughPotter'. She writes wonderful DE stories and is a published author. It's called 'When You Believe'. It's based on her prompt for the DE A2A exchange hosted by Sar aka BadBoysAreBest and NerdDamon.
I did update 'Rainy Days and Mondays' yesterday. There is a snippet of 'Angels Fall' included in chapter 16 if you're interested. I have also updated 'It Came Upon a Midnight Clear' and 'When You Wish Upon a Star' this week.
Do remember to *REVIEW*. They're what help to keep my DE muse alive.
Have a safe and wonderful weekend. We'll see you next time.