Chapter 19
Truthful Gifts

In the end, I was asked to leave early for the second time in two days. I also got a serious warning against further disruptive behavior-or as 'serious' as can be expected from a woman spending half her attention lecturing and the other half subtly adjusting her button down shirt in hopes of special attention from the child's guardian.

Said attention, was barely received.

Damon and I laughed on the drive home; he found it hilarious that a History teacher was so determined to make an impression upon young minds that he willingly dressed up as Princess Olga of Russia.

I really have no problem with him-or anyone else for that matter- dressing up in drag for any reason, but you should always commit to it! Beards will grow back, and a little cold cream will take off make-up.

However, despite anyone's view of men wearing pantyhose, there was the actual issue of my getting in trouble.

"So you're new extracurricular activity is detention?" He asked sarcastically.

"I know." I shrugged, only caring vaguely, "But I can't help it! It makes me feel like a badass when I do whatever comes to mind."

He gave me an unimpressed/disapproving look.

"I like saying what I think! I can't always restrain myself, and sometimes it just comes out-"

I stopped, realizing too late that practically bragging about my inability to retain information, considering what we literally just started to heal from. We may have been on better terms again, but Damon had definitely not forgotten, nor probably had really forgiven.

Definitely not the best idea… Should probably staple that to a T-shirt to remind myself.

We sat awkwardly in the car for a while, neither of us knowing-no scratch that, we knew, we probably just didn't want to say it right then, but Damon finally bucked up and spoke.

"Katy," He said, his serious tone making me nervous, "twice you've lied to me, and you've…" He paused to consider, "Made something of a spectacle of your guilt. But this will not become a habit."

He stared at me intently for a minute, warning me not to interrupt.

"If you really feel guilty, and want my forgiveness as much as you claim; tell me now if there is anything else you haven't told me. I let you off easily for the Grimoire, I know you were just trying to protect Stefan and Elena, fine. But if there is something else you've hidden from me, and you won't come forth with it now, you don't want to know how unforgiving I can be."

We hit a red light just then, and he turned to fully look me in the eye, his expression almost terrifying.

"Now," He said, "Is there anything you've not told me yet?"

I couldn't just say no, I knew that, I needed to say something that left no doubt in his mind. I needed something that made him believe I would tell the truth from here on out.

I thought for a moment, there wasn't anything serious that came to mind which I'd hidden. Then one thing came to mind, it wasn't something that I'd purposely hidden, nor something that would affect him I'd thought.

But I hoped it would be good enough for my purpose now.

"Lexi told me that my parents' killer was named Klaus. According to her sources, he's a powerful vampire that doesn't come into plain view often-prefers secrecy apparently. She said he killed them because they defied orders."

"What orders?"

I shrugged, "She didn't know." I looked him in the eyes, "But a part of me wants to track him down, and kill him. And I want to pursue that."

He looked back to the road, "I don't blame you."

We drove up to the stores soon after, not saying anything until we got into a parking space.

"I'm gonna go get some boards for the broken window, stay here." He told me, then left as soon as I nodded in response.

I waited for a while, writing in a notebook I got myself to pass the time. In a bit, I heard the trunk opening and closing and then Damon coming back into the car with a dark-shaded bag in his hand.

"Shut your eyes Girlie." I gave him a look, which made him roll his eyes, "Just do it."

I sighed and shut my eyes, soon after hearing a small 'click' and then felt something heavy placed in my lap, it took all my self-control not to open my eyes.

"Now you can open them."

When I did, my jaw slacked and my mouth hung slightly ajar, I was not expecting this!

In my lap sat a knife/dagger maintenance set, appearing to include sharpening stones, polish, and rust removal formula (or whatever you call it).

I turned to see Damon holding a small blue cupcake with one lit birthday candle stuck in; he looked fairly passive, and albeit, like he wanted to get this over with as soon as he could.

"It's for being honest. Just blow out the damn candle."

I smiled slightly and blew out the candle, then practically ripped the cupcake out of his hand and taking a big bite.

I swallowed, "Thank you Damon."

"You've got icing on your nose girlie."

I rolled my eyes and continued to eat my belated-birthday cupcake as we drove home.

I'm really starting to think there is something to this whole making friends business.