CHAPTER 2:

"I would never intentionally bring harm to a human life, nor would I want a human to suffer. That being said, you will find Damon in an alley not far from here. He has lost a lot of blood and will need your assistance. If you love him, you will go to him, but if you do not… well, I'm sure you know what happens then. I cannot tell you how this works, but I assure you Elena, Damon will die if he does not drink your blood, the blood of the one he loves. Now, you will only remember that you have to help Damon and you know he is in an alley not far from here. Tell me that is all you remember."

"That is all I remember." Elena repeated back to Michael.

"Very good," He nodded, "Now, if it is what you wish to do, go find him."

When Michael disappeared, Elena rubbed her hand to her temples, a headache she didn't know she had, going as quickly as it had come. "Damon…" She breathed his name, knowing not how she knew it, but completely sure he was in trouble. Grabbing her Pink sweatshirt, Elena headed out of the Salvatore boarding house, allowing her feet to lead her elsewhere. When she stopped, she was peering down a dank and gloomy alley. No one appeared to be there. Walking further down the deserted street, she came across another alley just as creepy as the previous. Taking a step inside, Elena spotted a lump on the pavement. With her eyes not suited for the pitch black, she could just make out Damon's form sprawled out on the ground. She ran to him and kneeling down, felt the gash in his throat. It was deep and bloody. Elena recoiled at the gooeyness of it and nearly retched when she could feel it all over her fingers.

"Damon," Elena gently shook him, "wake up." He did not stir. "Damon, please, wake your ass up!" She shouted at his motionless body. Again, not a muscle moved. "Please…" Elena whimpered. Feeling like she didn't have a choice, Elena shoved her wrist into Damon's mouth, cutting into her skin with his teeth. "This can't be real." She breathed heavily, nauseous. "None of this is really happening, it's make-believe." Elena spoke out loud, her attempt at convincing herself nothing was wrong, failing miserably. Finally, she felt her raw skin pulling, like Damon was sucking on the wound. "Damon?" Her voice was scared and weak.

"Elena," He croaked, "How did you find me?" Damon rolled over onto his back where he felt the first drops of hope on his pale cheeks.

"Does it matter?" Elena was kneeling next to Damon, her eyes showing relief.

The rain slowly began to fade out the terrible anger and sadness Damon felt. He closed his eyes, letting the raindrops cascade down the sharp angles of his face.

"Let's go home, Damon." Elena stood, weary on her feet.

Opening his eyes, Damon saw his angel, his savior, he saw the girl who was in love with him.

"Ok, Elena." Damon stood and taking her hand, he led her safely home.

Once back, Elena stood in front of the fireplace, staring into the flames.

"Elena," With hands jammed into his pockets, Damon came up behind her, "I'm so sorry… I'm sorry I wasn't there to take his place." He cast his eyes down.

Elena turned and held Damon's face in her hands. He took his hands out of his pockets and laid them on top of hers. "Damon, I don't blame you and I sure as hell wouldn't want you to take his place." She shook her head and pulled him closer to her so she could rest her head on his shoulder. After a moment, Elena broke the embrace but continued the conversation. "You mean… so much to me." She traced Damon's chiseled features with a finger absentmindedly. "I truly mean it when I say you're my reason to stay strong." When her eyes grew dewy, she turned away.

Turning her back around, Damon wiped Elena's tears away. "Thank you." He pressed his lips to Elena's forehead, her eyes fluttering shut. Damon nodded once then walked away.

With morning already upon her, Elena decided it was time to go out and apply for a job at The Grille like she had been meaning to. Once she had showered and dressed she left the house and went to The Grille where her younger brother Jeremy was working tables. She couldn't believe he was already 20. That meant she would be turning 22 shortly. "Damn I feel old." Elena sighed. "Hey, Matt!" She put on a cheery face for her ex boyfriend when he approached her at the bar. Matt Donovan was now the proud owner of The Grille, the home-town restaurant he had made so many memories in.

"Hey, Elena." His smile was warm, like it should be. He kissed Elena on the cheek, a familiar greeting. "What's up?"

"Can you get me a job as a bartender?" Elena bit her lip and raised her eyebrows.

Matt laughed, "Can I?" He snorted. "You want it, the job is yours!"

Elena found herself feeling the way she did ages ago when she and Matt were still best friends and the supernatural lived only through stories, she felt utterly happy and free to be who ever she wanted to be; a feeling that had so long been taken away from her.

I hope you enjoyed chapter two :3