Love is never lost. If not reciprocated, it will flow back and soften and purify the heart.

-Washington Irving

8 Months Later

The atmosphere was calm as the music played in the distant background and the dancing went on. I watch them all as the couples varied from the elderly to teenagers. Everyone seemed so happy. They all seemed to have it all figured out. I cringed when I saw an older couple kiss each other and looked away to focus on the glass of champagne in my hand. I was tired of them all mocking me. I was officially done with this. Who cared about these stupid town events anyway. I walked over the open bar and ordered a stronger drink.

"Elena, isn't this the best." Caroline squealed next to me while dragging along Stefan Salvatore.

"Yea." I added trying to be enthusiastic but it didn't really come off that way. Caroline had a lot to do with getting this party ready and I didn't want my bad mood to rub off in the wrong way. I just couldn't deal with all these couples being shoved in my face. I guess you could say I was a tad bitter when it came to PDA. I was jealous. I had sworn off guys for months, knowing I needed a break. But now that I've finally accepted I was tired of being alone, it's like cupid went on a frenzy and forgot about me. "The party is great. This is my favorite part." I said while pointing to the bar.

"Yea, you and someone else apparently." I turned around to see who they were pointing to, to see Damon at the end of the bar completely oblivious to me. I turned back to them with wide eyes as I freaked out. What do I do? Do I say hello? Do I avoid him? There was no perfect thing to do in this situation.

"Hide me." I said while going in between them and ducking down.

"Don't be silly Elena." Caroline said while grabbing my arm and dragging me back into his view point. "It has been eight months. You both needed time and you had it. Now is your chance to be happy."

"What are you talking about? I know I have had enough time but I don't know about him. He had more things to dwell on than I did. I'm the one who screwed it all up."

"Elena things have changed. I'm with Stefan now, you graduated college, Damon is finally taking over the Salvatore business and things are good. Before none of us were in a good place. Take your chance." Caroline said while giving me an encouraging smile. Were we in a good place? Wouldn't I be somehow screwing it up. There would be no way I would be opening that can of worms.

"I'm just going to go... somewhere else."

I avoided the area of the bar for a very long time but it was inevitable that I had to go back when I realized my clutch was missing. The last I remembered having it was at the bar.

"Hey, excuse me." I said to the bartender. "Have you seen a blue clutch. I think I left it here on the counter." When he shook his head no, I sighed and sat back down on the chair. Where could it be?

"Looking for this?" I looked up to see the blue clutch in someone hand and I immediately went to thank them till the eyes that connected with mine was the person I had been avoiding all along.

"Thank you." I said hesitantly, not knowing what other thing there was to say.

"I'm Damon. Damon Salvatore." He held out his hand and I immediately knew the angle he was playing. "And you are?"

"Elena Gilbert." I took his hand in mine as he gently brought it up to his lips to kiss it gently. I watched this action carefully as he gently let go of my hand.

"It is nice to meet you Elena Gilbert."

"Nice to meet you too." I whispered.

"Would you like to dance." I couldn't hold back the grin that spread across my face.

"I would love to." He took my hand again and led me to the dance floor.

If there was anything that Damon and I needed, it was a fresh start.

AN: The End.

I told you it was going to be short. I got to say thanks for reading and reviewing. I hope you enjoyed this huge rollercoaster of a story.

Review one last time:)