Sorry for the delay. School is busy right now. Then fanfic would not let me log on for like the last two days. It was weird. The page would not load. Thanks for being loyal. I never expected this kind of response. Those 59 reviews and hundreds of alerts. I hope you love this chapter. It took me a while. Lol . This is dedicated to LoveMeant2BE who I messaged a special surprise the other day. Everyone had got questions about the Damon and Isobel rumor. I can't tell you what's going to happen only that the truth always comes out. If it's true then everyone will find out. If it's not everyone will find out. I can tell you all that you will find who started the rumor. Okay rant over!

Enjoy!

"Elena!" A voice yelled out as Elena walked through the town square.

She turned around to see Tom jogging toward her. She looked down at the watch and saw she was late to meet Stefan and Katherine. Oh well. They could wait another fifteen minutes.

"Hey Tom." Elena replied with a smile.

"Where are you off to?" He asked as he fell into step with her and they continued to walk.

"The Grill for breakfast. I'm meeting Katherine and Stefan. Then I have to get to work. Jeremy picks me up in about forty-five minutes." Elena told him.

Elena took his Tom's appearance. Sometimes he could pass for Tyler despite the fact that he was shorter. Tom's personality was the only thing that made him different from his insane family. He was too quiet to be a Lockwood, not as ambitious and he was content with the life that he led. There was no hidden agenda. Tyler did not have a hidden agenda either but he was so competitive and his anger always got the best of him in the worst situations.

"Mind if I join you on your walk?"

"No. I've kind of missed your company to be honest." She admitted to him.

Elena had a thought that the reason she enjoyed spending so much time with him was because he reminded her of Elijah so much. He might have looked pretentious but he was always calm, cool and collected. They never let anyone ruffle their feathers and that was made people they were both uptight.

"I've missed your company as well. So how have you been since we last met?" Tom questioned.

"I have had my ups and downs. Nothing I couldn't get over. Just life."

"And you and that guy Damon?" Tom asked her.

Elena's eyes widened and she looked at Tom with suspicion. How could he have known about her and Damon? There was that one night the summer he was here and that was it … until recently. Tom just smiled at her.

"Elena, I'm very observant. I was not sure if you two were together but Tyler said you were not. I just assumed you two were together now."

Elena could not help the smile that graced her lips.

"No, we're not together. It's …" Elena trailed off.

"Complex?" Tom offered.

"Exactly." Elena said nodding her head in agreement.

"Well I can get why you would use the word. Is Jeremy not okay with the union?" Tom asked, walking with his hands behind his back.

Elena actually giggled at the last question. Union? Sometimes it was like some of the people she knew lived in a completely different world than she did.

"Jeremy actually doesn't know or he's in denial. Either way I don't think he would approve. He thinks your uncle Mason is like the perfect guy for me."

"Mason likes you a lot. Tyler tells me he cannot take a hint when it comes to you." Tom said.

Elena looped her arm through Tom's as they both smiled.

"Yea, Jeremy is trying to make sure I never end up stuck in this town. I doubt I will but I guess he already his full proof Get Elena out of Mystic Falls plan set into motion." Elena said thinking back unto two nights ago with Damon.

"Jer says Mason called him to set up another date." Damon said out of nowhere.

Elena rolled her eyes and turned around to look at Damon. His back was facing her as he stirred the sauce in the giant pot.

"Mason calls Jer a lot instead of being like a normal person and just asking me out." Elena replied.

"Eventually you'll run out of excuses. I can't have you work every Saturday, Jer isn't stupid. Then you'll be dating Mr. Medical School." Damon told her, sill not facing her.

Elena wrapped her arms around Damon's chest. She pulled them close together so that his back was touching her front. Elena smiled into his back. Sometimes he tried to hide his jealousy and he succeeded, but tonight was not one of those nights.

"Damon, I don't want him. He likes me for some weird reason which is beyond me. We only hung out the summer before I started high school when he was in his 'still in high school even though he had graduated' phase. It's never going to happen for him and me."

She could not tell if he believed her or not. He was still facing away from her.

"Damon?"

He slowly turned around and wrapped his arms around her.

"You should be with him. He could be good for you. Upstanding doctor and all. You need somebody good like that."

Elena smiled up at him. His face was serious and his eyes held a mixture of hurt and apprehension. She could tell he was conflicted with not only what he was saying but the entire situation within itself.

"Jer likes him and he approves. Jeremy doesn't approve of many people."

"Mason is like five years older than me so why Jeremy approves I have no idea." Elena said.

"I'm four years older than you." Damon countered.

"Yea but Jer's with Bonnie and we're the same age. Judging in that capacity would make him the biggest hypocrite which he hates." Elena replied.

"Elena, Mason will always be the better choice." Damon reasoned with her.

Elena shook her head. That was the problem, they were exactly the same. Stubborn as mules and never conceded to anyone. It seemed like he was trying to push her away for some unknown reason. Elena could only think of one way to make him believe that Mason was never a choice. Elena pushed herself up on her toes and pushed her lips to Damon's. She felt him tense then he relaxed into her lips. Tiny tingles erupted all over her skin and she felt like she was on fire. She grabbed the raven locks on his head, pulling him closer to her. She felt his tongue hit her lip and allowed him entrance into her mouth. Their tongues collided like a nuclear war had erupted. They both battled for dominance as they pushed back and forth, giving one another all they had. Elena wrapped one leg around his waist and Damon hoisted the other leg up. She wrapped her legs around his waist tightly. Damon turned them around and she felt herself begin sat down on the counter of his kitchen countertop. She pulled him closer using her legs. Damon's hands went underneath her camisole and she felt her skin go ablaze underneath his touch. Elena smiled into their kiss then moaned. Damon tasted like spearmint and cherries. How? Elena did not care at the moment; all she cared about was feeling Damon. Damon's hands inched up and finally reached their destination: her strapless bra covered breast. She felt him unhook the bra and whip it from underneath her with one hand. The other hand cupped one mound causing her to gasp into his mouth. Damon refused to let her mouth go. Their tongues continued to wrap around one another and battle for supremacy. His other hand found its way back to the unattended breast. She felt him pluck her pebbled nipples and she moaned. Suddenly, he pulled back from her. His cobalt blue eyes were now teal. Elena's lips were swollen and both were breathing in ragged breaths. Damon's hands were tight on her waist.

"Not tonight." Damon told her.

Elena pouted. Did he not want her? Again?

"I want you Lena. I always will. I just know we have some things between us that have been keeping us apart. That was our first kiss since the night you got on that train to Georgia. We need to talk about everything before we go there." Damon explained and Elena nodded her head.

"And we both don't want to ruin a good night." Elena said.

"Right. So let's eat and spend tonight together, happy."

Elena nodded her head. Damon bent down and captured her lips once again. This kiss was slow and loving. There was no tongue but they both could feel the passion between them. Damon reluctantly pulled back from her lips.

"Come on. You're probably hungry now."

On cue her stomach growled loudly causing her to blush in embarrassment and Damon to laugh.

"It's cute Lena. Don't be ashamed. Come on, let me feed my girl."

"I think you'll get out of this town perfectly on your own." Tom said pulling Elena out of her trance.

"Yea, me too." Elena said smiling.

"You're much more than Jeremy gives you credit for."

"How is that you are single Tom?" Elea teased.

Tom's grin grew a ten-fold when the words spilled out of Elena's mouth. Elena raised an eyebrow at him when he looked up to her.

"Tom, is there something you would like to share with me?"

"It's new. Her name is Lexi." Tom admitted.

Elena froze up. Lexi was another ex of Stefan. Elena had loved her. She was carefree, fun and not insane like Rebekah. She had moved away to the town where she knew Tom and Wesley lived. Last Elena heard was that Lexi was dating some crazy thug named Lee who was notorious for beating on his girlfriends. She remembered Katherine and Stefan arguing about Lexi when he found about Lexi and Lee. That was one of the only few times Elena had seen her twin sister crying and all over a guy.

"Why does it matter if she's dating him?" Katherine yelled.

Elena was desperately trying to ignore Katherine and Stefan's yelling. She had even moved herself into the den to do homework. Sadly, Stefan had followed her attempting to end his conversation with Kat. It did not work which Elena knew it would not.

"She's my friend. I don't want to have to visit her in the hospital. If this was Elena or Caroline would you have a problem with it?" Stefan reasoned.

"No! And do you know why? She's your fucking EX-GIRLFRIEND Stefan. Not just your friend. How do you think it makes me look if all you do now is going around talking about the girl you lost your virginity to?" Katherine countered with a red face.

'Kill me!' Elena thought rolling her eyes. She finished her last geometry problem. She was going to fail and it was only October because of their arguing. Why were they even arguing about this?

"Kat, you're letting your jealousy issues get the best of you. It's unattractive."

That was a low blow and Elena's eyes snapped up to see the two looking at one another, clearly pissed off. Elena was not prepared for what was going to happen next. Kat launched herself at Stefan, slapping him everywhere she could reach. Stefan was blocking every hit but Katherine was acting like she had lost her mind. Elena eventually pushed herself up and pulled her sister off of her best friend.

"Have you lost your damn mind?" Stefan yelled, coming toward Katherine.

Elena let go of her sister and pushed Stefan back too. She could practically feel her sister's rage rolling off of her.

"I've had to deal with one of your crazy exes already this year. She attacked me in the lunch line Stefan! Now you won't shut up about another ex. So yes I may have just lost my mind. How do you think I've been feeling? Do you think I just take this all in stride? Are you that naïve?" Katherine screamed.

"You know what; no I don't know what you feel. But I dumped that girl for you and all you've done is act like I've been cheating on you. You're pushing me away and I might not come back." Stefan argued.

"Leave! Just go and don't come back!" Katherine yelled.

Stefan and Elena looked at her in disbelief. Did she really just yell that? Elena did not have time to wrap her head around her sister's words before Stefan stormed from the room. A few moments later, they both heard the front door slam shut. Elena looked at her sister with a shocked face. Katherine's hands were shaking and she was blinking furiously. Tears suddenly fell down her face and she fell to the floor sobbing.

"Why can't … can't … he just see that he's hurting me?" Katherine asked.

Elena was in shock. She could not believe Katherine was crying, she had never seen in before. Katherine had never shed a tear that she could remember. Not with her broken arm, not after their beloved grandfather passed away last year, not when Miranda left. Elena just wrapped her arms around her sister and continued to let her cry.

Stefan and Katherine made up two days later. Katherine and Lexi still hated one another to this day. She and Kat had never talked about her breakdown. They just understood it was one of things between them.

"I know Lexi. She's amazing." Elena beamed.

"Yea, she says the same about you when I talked to her earlier. You're like the only person I can be honest with here. I remember when you told me about you sneaking around to help Elijah see Vickie and everyone thought you two were sleeping together." Tom said with reverence.

"I'm still picking up the pieces from that. My brother seems convinced that Elijah deflowered his little sister."

She and Tom laughed in earnest. The Grill was coming into view and the two headed into its direction.

"Well we know the truth and I assume so does Damon."

"He asked me about it. I told him the truth." Elena admitted.

The two walked in silence the rest of the walk. That was how their friendship was. No words were really necessary. They could tell one another things because they knew when it was necessary to keep some things under wraps. They headed into the Grill.

"You might not want to mention Lexi to Stef when Kat is around. They don't agree when it comes to her. Lexi and Katherine love to hate one another." Elena advised.

Tom smiled as the two headed toward the booth where Kat and Stefan were talking and giving one another little peck kisses. Elena shook her head as they approached the table. Would they ever keep their hands off one another? She got herself ready for cake land as she approached the table.

Elena watched as Mia played on the floor of Jeremy's office. When she asked Jeremy why she was here, he said Mani's baby sitter got sick and her grandmother was out of town. Someone needed to watch the young girl. Mia seemed oblivious to the world around her as she played with her dolls on the floor. The two year old had a giant black lap stuffed animal and two plush Disney Princesses: Princess Ariel and Princess Jasmine. She was making all the toys talk and acted like Elena was not in the room.

"Mia, are you hungry?" Elena asked looking up from the folders she had just finished organizing for Jeremy.

"Yes, I just don't want to bother you. Mommy told me you working." The young girl told Elena.

Elena smiled at her statement, then went over and bent down.

"If you're hungry, just tell me. Don't be afraid. You're family here. Come on."

The little girl's smile grew and she latched her hand to Elena's. Elena noticed that she did not let go of the stuffed puppy.

"Do you want to leave your doggy here?"

"No. I keep it with me."

Elena smiled at the girl's good speech but lapse in grammar. It was too cute.

"What's the puppy's name?" Elena asked they walked out the office and down the stairs toward the main part of the club.

"His name is Georgie. My Daddy got it for me when he took me and Mommy to Georgia."

Elena started to listen intently. Never once had anyone mentioned who was Mia's father. Mani acted as she got pregnant by herself. The only two people who Elena thought knew for sure were Damon and her brother. Some people thought it was her crazy ex Carl who Elena found out had been abusive to Mani. Katherine had told Elena that Jeremy beat the living crap out of Carl and he had left a month after he blew into town. Mani had Mia eleven months after that. Elena was not stupid, she knew that was impossible. So the paternity of the little girl remained in question. The only thing that seemed familiar about the girl was the green eyes she had. They were like little emeralds set on her creamy olive skin. The girls reached the floor and Elena saw people working to get the club ready for tonight. There was a birthday party being held in the biggest booth. Elena headed into the back where the kitchen was.

"What do you want little Mia?" Elena asked the girl.

"Mommy always says that I should eat healthy but I really want some wings." Mia said smiling shyly.

Elena laughed.

"Well I can get you some wings. Come on."

Elena lifted the girl and carried her on her hips. She reached the back where she saw the cook Lorenzo. He smiled watching her approach him.

"You two look just alike. It's crazy besides the green eyes." He said smiling.

The statement shocked Elena but she hid it well and smiled down at Mani.

"Well you should get my little twin some wings."

"Mani would tear me a new one and Jeremy would kill me. He doesn't like for me to feed Mia things Mani doesn't like." Lorenzo said.

"Well say you made them for me and they'll never know. I'll take the blame."

Lorenzo shrugged going to work. Elena sat Mia on the countertop where there was nothing sharp or harmful in sight. She watched as Mia hugged the dog to her chest looking around like she did not what to do. She watched her do that for several minutes before she decided to speak.

"So Mia, do you like The Little Mermaid?"

The little girl instantly perked up and smiled at Elena.

"Yes!"

"Well when the club opens in a little bit, you can go home with me. I can't dive today because we have family night later on. We can watch the Little Mermaid together. Is that okay?"

Mia's smile intensified as she shook her head yes. She hugged Elena, nearly choking her. Elena smiled hugging the young girl back.

"Food's ready!" Lorenzo exclaimed.

Elena grabbed the plate after she set Mia down on the floor. The two walked out of the kitchen and out to the main part of the club. Elena sat Mia down on the bar and put the plate next to her. The two girls began to dig in. The girls ate smiling and talking. Elena found out that Mia's dad did not live with her, her mother and great-grandmother. Elena figured the two weren't together but Mia did not really elaborate.

"Is that chicken?" A voice said from behind Elena.

Both girls turned to see Mani and Jeremy with Niklaus at his feet. Elena smiled and waved at them.

"She is not supposed to be eating that Lena." Jeremy said.

Elena just smiled innocently.

"Well I figured we could break the rules since you two weren't here. Hey Niklaus." Elena said.

Klaus ran over and hugged his aunt. She picked him up and sat him on the bar. He picked up a piece of chicken and instantly put it into his mouth.

"See the children love it. Don't get mad at me!" Elena pouted.

Mani just laughed walking toward the trio.

"Did she behave well?"

"Mia's a darling."

"Elena said that I can go to her house and watch The Little Mermaid. It's family night!" Mia exclaimed.

Mani looked at Elena with a hesitant expression.

"That's okay. Lena, she's alright."

"No, she's family, right Mia?" Elena said smiling.

"Right! Please Mommy!" Mia gave her mother a pout identical to Elena's and Mani just smiled.

"Is that okay Jer?" Mani asked turning to face him.

He nodded with a big smile. He walked toward Mia and lifted her into the air. She giggled.

"Can we watch Cars 2 too Auntie Lena?" Klaus asked from his position.

"Yea buddy. You both have got a movie. We've got some games too. Auntie Care, Auntie Kat, Uncle Stefan and Uncle Damon will be there."

"What about grandpa?" Klaus asked with his excited green eyes.

"He's got the night off so he will be there Klaus. Uncle John and your cousin Isobel are coming too." Jeremy said.

Elena unconsciously rolled her eyes at the mention of Isobel's name. Niklaus smiled and waved his finger in disapproval at Elena who just smiled back at him.

"Mani, do you want to join or do you have to work?" Elena offered.

"I have to work-"

"You can have the night off. " Jeremy said instantly.

"Jer I need to work." Mani complained.

"You know I won't take no for an answer and I can help you out if you actually need the money."

"And you know I hate when you do that. I like to do for myself."

Elena got quiet. Something was going on between Mani and her brother. No, he was with Bonnie. Well … that never stopped him from cheating on Anna. Then again, he and Anna were doomed from the start. Jeremy loved her, just was never in love with her. Bonnie had his attention for almost three years now. Mani was not the type to sleep with someone else's boyfriend. Elena knew that for certain. Maybe Jer just had a thing for her, it would explain a lot. Mani stayed away from douchebags now, everyone knew that. Jer was a douche, a lovable one but a douche none the less.

"So is that a yes?" Elena asked.

"Yea, I guess."

"Is Bonnie coming?" Klaus asked.

Mani and Jeremy both seemed to still for a second.

"Whose Bonnie?" Mia asked.

"No one of importance. Jer, she is not invited to family night." Elena exclaimed.

""I didn't invite her Klaus and Elena calm down. You two used to be best friends." Jeremy reasoned.

"Until she lied to me to sleep around with you when you had a baby on the way!" Elena bellowed.

"Anna and I weren't together."

"Doesn't matter. If she had told me, things could have been different. They're not. I'm content with Care, Kat and Jenna. You can do better. … Hey Mani, are you single?"

Jeremy's eye widen as Mani blushed. Elena giggled.

"I think Jer might have a crush on you." Elena teased.

"Daddy has a crush! Daddy has a crush!" Klaus said making Elena and Mia laugh.

Jeremy rolled his eyes bouncing a laughing Mia.

"That's funny Mia?" He said then he began to tickle her.

"Stop it!" She said giggling with infectious laughter.

Elena knew Jeremy always wanted a daughter. He had hoped Niklaus would be one but it never turned out like he wanted. Jeremy loved his son though.

"So are we going home so I can watch Cars?" Klaus asked hugging Elena.

Mani and Jeremy laughed.

"Yea just let me talk to Hank about Mia not working tonight so the other girls can expect to pick up the slack with the tables. Then we can leave."

"I'll go get my car."

"I'm driving Mani. Just put Mia's car seat in the back next to Klaus'. Lena will strap them in."

"Yes because I am the official baby sitter." Elena mocked back as Jeremy headed toward the back with Mia still in his arms.

Mani sighed and smiled.

"Well Niklaus, let's go." Elena said lifting her nephew onto her hip.

"Daddy does have a crush. He blushed." Klaus whispered into her ear making her erupt into giggles as they headed toward Jeremy's Honda Pilot.

Love it? -Nee