So, here's chapter 3. I have to mention, that there won't be an update next weekend, because I am traveling to LONDON tomorrow! I am bringing my computer for writing, but I'm not sure my hotel will have wi-fi - so you have to wait until the week after for an update. Sorry folks!
Please notice the time gaps - there'll be a few of those over the next chapters, so keep an eye out for them!
Chapter 3
-4 years later
As I let my Camaro glide down through the streets of Mystic Falls, I couldn't help but look around. I knew what Elena's parents looked like, and they probably wouldn't have changed that much, during the 3½ years I had spent in Italy. It had taken me six months to get myself together to leave Elena. And I had. My emotions had been off, while I had been in Italy, except for one moment, where I had gone back to my mother's grave.
Every time I went to my mother's grave, I forced myself to feel. Because I couldn't even look at her name, without feeling just how much I missed her. Even after almost 263 years, I still missed her. And I probably always would. I only had 13 years with my mom. Not nearly enough. After her death, everything had been hell on earth, and I did everything I could to not think of that time. Instead, I felt much better, thinking about how I decapitated my father only a few years after turning into one of the monsters he so passionately hated. Many people would've felt bad about killing their father, but in my case, even with my emotions on, I didn't regret it one bit. He had it coming, and it was exactly what he deserved.
Stefan hadn't even mourned over his death. He had been busy draining girls in France. His humanity switch was almost permanently on 'off' and he had embraced his 'Ripper' character fully. He was fun, but he left a huge mess every single time.
And here I was, back in Mystic Falls, because Stefan had called me. How he found a way to contact me was a mystery for now, but I really didn't care, as soon as I heard what he had to say. Elena's mom was pregnant again. Elena was having a little brother. This was exactly one of the important moments in her life I had told myself I had to be there. When Stefan had called, I'd just brushed him off. Little did he know I was already looking for plane tickets back.
I had left to protect her, I knew that. But I just couldn't stay away. The nurse had told me back then, that it had been a miracle Miranda, Elena's mom, had become pregnant. Anything could happen during the birth, and I didn't want Elena to live without her mother. I would save her, if necessary. If not, I would keep in the shadows, looking at my little girl.
She was four now. And I was going to see her for the first time in four years. She had probably grown a lot. Human babies did that. I wondered what color her hair would be. I already knew the color of her eyes. Those eyes hadn't left my mind ever since I saw her the first time. Damn that freaking singer bond!
I hadn't really accepted the fact that my heart was actually beating during the time I had been away. The noise was still unbelievable annoying, but it was my only connection to Elena, and the only thing that reassured me she was fine. Of course I knew she would be. Even if I couldn't be there, Stefan and Caroline kept an eye on her. I wasn't sure if she could die before she reached my age, but I didn't want to take that risk. I had twenty years left to make the decision whether I wanted to turn her or not.
As I drove past the new restaurant that had opened in the town, I saw her. Miranda was walking out of the restaurant, The Grill, holding Grayson's hand. They didn't have Elena with them. She had to be at their home or something.
Miranda was obviously far along in her pregnancy. Her stomach was big, showing that she had a little boy in there. Elena's little brother. I slowed down a bit, and watched them as they walked along the streets. They were obviously in love with each other. They would be good parents.
As they turned around the corner, I found my self parking my car and following them. I wanted to know where Elena lived. Right now her heartbeat was steady and slow; she was sleeping.
When they walked up to a house on Maple Street, I stayed outside, watching them go in, before returning to my car. I could feel Elena's presence in the house. She was there, and she was safe. And that was what was important to me.
I could hear the heartbeat of another human in there. That had to be the babysitter. No way Miranda and Grayson had let their four year old daughter be home alone, while they went on a date. That wasn't the people I had watched four years ago.
Happy that she was safe, I started walking back towards the town square. I was hungry as hell. I hadn't fed ever since I left Italy, almost 10 hours ago. Maybe I would find a meal on the way. I didn't really feel like a lousy blood-bag, when I returned to the boarding house. Maybe that new place, The Grill, would be perfect to pick up something to eat.
I walked inside, looking around. The place was nice. There were tables and booths and a small dance floor. On there, on my right, was a bar. Great, this would work out just fine. I sat down on one of the bar stools, ordering a bourbon on the rocks. The dark haired bartender didn't even ask for ID. Instead she looked me up and down, and flashed me her cleavage as she handed me my drink. Great, maybe that could be the meal of tonight.
"Haven't seen you around before. What's your name gorgeous?" she said, letting the bottle stay on the table. I smirked at her and gave her my killer look. Oh yes, I had missed American women.
"That's because I've just returned here, after being overseas. I'm Damon. And you?"
I could smell her arousal mixing with the scent of alcohol and her subtle perfume. Oh well, at least she wasn't as bad as some of the women here. She seemed to be in her late twenties, and she wasn't bad looking. Maybe I would let this one live. She was obviously one people would notice if was missing. Oh well, she would give me blood, and maybe we would have a bit of fun as well. This night wasn't turning out as terrible as I had thought.
"I'm Kelly. Donovan. Tell you what, drinks on the house tonight," she said, refilling my empty tumbler. Oh yes, this was great.
Two hours later, I was supporting a very drunk Kelly Donovan out of the back door to The Grill. I had to say, that woman wasn't bad at all. After people had started to leave, and the young people had come to dance and drink, she had been in on every drinking game I had in mind. She was totally wasted now, and I should probably carry her, but I didn't bother. She was fine like this.
"I think, I better drive you home, madame. You seem to be very drunk," I said, laughing a bit when she looked up at me with blurred eyes.
"You don't even know where I live," she pointed out, laughing and falling to my side again. I caught her and walked away from my car. She seemed like she would be able to throw up at any time, and I didn't want human puke all over my leather seats. I could just use my vampire speed to speed us to her place, have sex with her, take some blood and then compel her to forget it all. Then I would go home, and sleep at my own place, waiting for Miranda to go into labor. Maybe I could hope to catch a glimpse of Elena at the hospital. I wanted to see her hold her little brother for the first time. I remembered doing that myself, and I wanted to see the expression that would surely be printed on her lips. A little brother was something special, no matter if you were a boy or a girl.
"Well, you can show me the way, and I will promise to carry you," I said, remembering the drunk woman in my arms. I should probably take care of her, and push Elena out of my mind for the next five hours or so. I would have lot's of time to think about her later. I really didn't want to have her innocent little face in mind, when I fucked and drank from Kelly. No need to ruin the experience.
"Fine... That way."
Kelly guided me, and I took her in my arms, carrying her the way she showed me. If I hadn't had my vampire strength, I probably wouldn't have been able to carry her all the way to her house, but lucky for us, I had that feature.
She didn't even notice. She was a bit too drunk to care about the inhuman speed and all. Plus, she seemed to be busy planting sloppy kisses down my neck. I couldn't bring myself to care. Kisses had stopped turning me on a long time ago. I usually needed something a bit more... Touchy. Ah well, we would get to that part, when we were inside.
I stopped in front of the house she had directed me to, and she said something about the door being open. I shrugged and opened the door, setting her down and letting her walk inside by her self. She just needed to say those words...
"Come on in, handsome. You can't just stand out there," she smiled drunkenly at me and made a 'come hither' motion with her fingers. Great, didn't even have to convince her to let me in.
I smirked at her, stepping over the threshold and taking her into my arms. She wasn't bad.
Compelling her to keep silent, I let my fangs drop and quickly pierced her neck. Oh yes, exactly what I needed.
"You're not staying?" I looked at Kelly as I stood up and started to dress. She wasn't bad, actually. I was glad I let that one live. She could have something good from life, I was sure of that one. I smiled at her and pulled on my jeans.
"Nope. I've got important things to do. Now, tomorrow you're going to feel a bit sore and take some iron pills. I rocked your world and we had a fantastic night. And right now, you're going to sleep." I leaned over the bed to look her into the eyes. Her look turned dazed and then clear again. She smiled at me, kissing me quickly, before laying down.
"Night, handsome."
I chuckled and made my way out of the bedroom, going to the door again. I frowned as I stepped into the living room. Someone was here. Someone breathing. I opened the door on the left of me, and frowned as I stepped in. A child's room. Kelly had a son.
Fortunately, he seemed to have slept through our small encounter. Oh well, I'd experienced worse.
Closing the door behind me, I left the small house, my leather jacket hanging over my shoulder. Nothing like a welcoming drink when you return to your home city.
"Oh, Stef! Guess who's home!" I walked through the parlor of the boarding house, looking for my baby bro and his annoying singer. Only bad thing about being back in Mystic Falls would be those two. I felt like puking every God damn time I saw those two exchange those loving looks. And I'm a freaking vampire.
Not getting an answer, I frowned and walked upstairs, to his wing of the house. He would've told me, if they'd left Mystic Falls. He knew right from the moment he called me, that I would come. Sadly, Stefan was my brother, and even though we'd spent the past 254 years fighting like crazy, he still knew me better than anyone else. God, I was turning into a sap.
Not bothering to knock at all, I opened the door to his room, walking right in on Caroline laying on my baby bro, both of them a bit too naked for my taste. Ugh, not a great way to start my visit. Stefan opened his eyes, his hand slowly caressing Caroline's blonde hair, while he motioned for me to get the hell out. I rolled my eyes at his lovely gestures, and hurried out of their room. Maybe I should just go for the day. I really didn't feel like listening to my brother having sex.
Trying to push the way too loving couple out of my mind, I made my way to my own room. I was in big need of a drink, gladly a strong one. And maybe I should go to sleep. I couldn't just return to my old sleeping habits, sleeping during the day and partying all night long. I needed to be fit for fight when Miranda would go into labor. Maybe I would even see Elena at the hospital. Laying down on the bed with a book and a glass of bourbon, I couldn't help but think about the little girl. How did she look now? Would her hair have grown? Would she still launch into a fit of smiles and giggles when she saw me? Would I even let her see me?
She was four years old now. She wouldn't remember me, if she saw me, right? She was still just a small child. And I would just be another stranger at the hospital. Would she be talkative? Maybe she would be shy, sticking to her parents side.
No, she couldn't do that. They would be locked in the labor room, and she would be forced outside. Would they let her walk around the hospital alone? Would she even know her way around there? Would she be curious and wander off on her own? In a dangerous hospital? She could be hurt!
I swallowed the rest of my drink, disgusted by my feelings of concern for this little girl. Sure, I had accepted that the fact that I cared for her wasn't going to change anytime soon. But I still felt weird, feeling again. I had gotten so used to not feeling anything at all, and now I was forced to feel something for this human baby girl. Would I be able to be an okay protector for the next twenty years? And what the hell was I going to do, when the time came? Twenty years is nothing to a vampire. Especially not one as old as me.
I sighed and put away the book. I couldn't focus on that one tonight. I stood from the bed, filling up another glass and emptying it just as fast. Maybe I should just throw away the glass, and drink straight from the bottle.
Settling down on the bed with the bottle in my lap, I closed my eyes and focused on the loud thumping in my chest. It was slow. Elena was sleeping, soundly it seemed. I liked that idea. Her lying in a soft bed, her small body wrapped up in blankets. Did she have a teddy? Someone to protect her, when I wasn't there? That was what I needed to do! I needed to get her a teddy. What kinds of teddies did girls like her like? I would have to go shopping in the morning. Yeah, I would do that...
I was woken up by the sun the next morning. I was in my bed, the bottle of bourbon still in my lap and my head resting on the headboard. Damn, I'd just fallen asleep like that. And I hadn't even been drunk! It had been years since I'd just passed out like that.
Rubbing my neck, I got out of bed and started to dress. I wanted to go and buy that teddy bear for Elena. Yes, it was something saps did, but I wanted her to have one. I wanted her to have something from me, even though she would probably never know who it came from.
Taking a swig from the bourbon bottle, I made my way downstairs, making sure I had my wallet and my car keys. Everything I needed. Stefan and Caroline were nowhere to be seen or heard, for which I was very grateful for. Wouldn't have been the best morning, if I woke up to noises from them.
Walking down to the basement, I emptied the bourbon and opened the fridge. I needed blood. I was actually going to be amongst humans, and I hadn't gotten enough from Kelly the night before, to keep me sated. I needed more.
Quickly drinking a blood-bag, I left the bottle down there, and went up to my car. That had to be the quickest morning I had ever had. Normally I took my time, enjoying fresh blood, from the vein, and took a shower afterwards. But to be honest, I really wanted to buy that teddy, and then check up on Elena. Her heartbeat was a bit upbeat today, but not in the upset kind of way. She was awake, probably playing. I briefly wondered what she liked to play. Would she run around or sit with barbie dolls?
I shook my head and started the engine. I was so not thinking about stuff like that! There had to be limits to my sappiness. And this was definitely overstepping those limits. I didn't need to know how she played.
I pulled out of the driveway, trying to get my mind on something else than a beautiful little girl running around, playing with her toys. I still didn't know what color her hair was. I knew the color of her eyes – God, I knew that color way too good. Her big eyes had never left my mind.
Once again, I had to shake my head, and push her out of my mind. I just needed to focus on getting that teddy for her.
I had a weird feeling in my stomach, as I pulled into the parking lot at Mystic Falls Hospital. Miranda had gone into labor, and I could feel Elena's presence in the big building. She wasn't with her parents, and I felt at unease. I wanted to make sure she was okay. Not bothering to even compel the receptionist, I walked to the elevator, following the feeling of Elena I had. My heart was thumping faster than usual, which could mean a lot of things. She could be happy, she could be afraid. I just wanted to find her.
The elevator stopped at the sixth floor, and I hurried out. The teddy was safely behind my back, just in case I would see her. I wanted to surprise her, somehow. I had no idea how, but I would do something. I would figure something out when I found her. And that was my main focus at the moment. Finding her.
I followed the feeling I had of her presence, followed the sound of our synchronized heart beats. And all of sudden, way too early, was she standing before me.
She had grown a lot since the last time I'd seen her. She was around the height of my waist now, maybe a bit taller. Her dark brown hair was almost down to her shoulders, and her small frame was a lot thinner than when I'd last seen her. She wasn't a newborn anymore. Her brown eyes were looking at me with happiness and wonder. Around her neck was a stethoscope. How had she managed to get a hold of that?
She giggled and ran to me, standing right in front of me. As if on instinct, I kneeled down to her height, now looking into her beautiful doe eyes. They were exactly the same.
"What's your name, princess?" I asked, not wanting to scare her. I already knew her name, but she couldn't know that. She would probably be freaked out.
"I'm Elena! And I'm not a princess! I'm going to be a world famous doctor, just like my Daddy! Can I listen to your heart?"
She looked at me with those adorable eyes, and held out her stethoscope. I smiled at her, nodding, while opening my leather jacket. She wouldn't be able to hear my heart through that one.
Her small hand guided the instrument to my chest, hitting exactly the spot where my, now beating, heart was. She smiled and giggled at me, before taking it off.
"I think you're just fine, misser Damon"
She cocked her head slightly, looking at me with big eyes. I didn't let my face falter, even though I had been shocked. She knew my name. How the fuck could she know my name? I hadn't told her! I hadn't even told her back then!
I had to think about that later. I had to continue this conversation with her!
"Now, doctor, would you mind checking my friend as well? I don't think he's good." I showed her the teddy bear I'd hidden behind my bag. Her small face was lit up with happiness, as she took in the teddy. Her doe eyes went to mine, and I found myself returning her smile. Then a serious expression came over her face, as she put the stethoscope to the bear's chest. After listening for a while, she took them out, and looked at me, still serious.
"Misser, teddy is sick! We has to help him, so he can feel all better!" she said, trying to keep her face as serious as possible. I laughed and handed her the teddy bear. She would love it.
"I think you are completely right. Here you are, doctor Elena," I said. Her mouth fell agape, as she accepted the bear and hugged it tightly to her body.
"Thank you, misser Damon! That's very nice of you!" She hugged the bear tightly, before looking at me again, her face lit with happiness. Oh, how I loved to see that face happy. She deserved to be happy. And I had actually been the reason why she was happy!
"Take good care of him, sweetheart," I said, reaching forward and stroking her cheek lightly. Her hand went to mine, and she grabbed my finger, just like she had done back when she had been a newborn. Her eyes looked at mine, as she opened my hand slightly and pressed a kiss onto my palm.
"See you later, misser Damon!"
And with that comment, she was running down the hall, her new teddy bear clutched close to her body. I looked after her, my mouth slightly agape, and my hand still held in the air. What the hell had just happened?
I stayed at the hospital until I was sure Miranda was good. I was lurking in the shadows of the room, as I saw Elena hold her little brother for the first, time, noticed the smile on her lips, and the teddy bear by her side. Everything was good. She was going to be good. She had her family, and that was what mattered. I'd done my job, for now.
The first thing I did, when I returned home, was to grab the bottle of bourbon I had stashed in the parlor, taking a large swig from it. I needed to talk to Blondie again. And talking to Caroline, usually requires a large amount of alcohol.
"Stefan? Caroline? You guys home?" I walked up to Stefan's wing of the house once again, this time not caring if they were already going at it like rabbits. I needed to get some things cleared with Caroline. She'd been through this shit, she knew how Elena felt.
"Damon? Stefan's not home, he's out hunting," Caroline said, emerging from Stefan's room, just as I raised my hand to knock at the door. I didn't smile at her, but brushed past her, walking into Stefan's room.
"I need you to tell me something without starting your usual chatter. I'm serious here, Caroline," I said, taking another swig from the bottle. She frowned, crossing her arms over her chest and sitting down on a chair. I started pacing around in his room, the bottle still in my hand.
"I saw her. Down at the hospital. She knew my freaking name! I never told her! I didn't want her to know it. But she just called me Damon. She knew my fucking name, Caroline! How the hell could she know my name? And don't pull your usual talking at me, just. Freaking. Tell. Me." I grew even more furious as I spoke, drinking from the bottle again. I needed to feel relaxing burning sensation down my throat. And, for the first time in 250 years, I wished I was human, just to feel numb from the alcohol. I needed to be numb, to get away from all of this. But sadly, as a vampire, you can't drink yourself into a stupor. I could consume every single drop of alcohol in this house, and I still wouldn't be numb. I would be drunk, yes, and I probably wouldn't be able to control the words coming from my mouth, but I wouldn't be fucking numb.
"She's four, Damon. She'll always know who you are, even though she won't understand. I knew Stefan's name, right from the moment I saw him. As soon as he looked at me, I knew his name was Stefan Salvatore. There's nothing you can do, Damon. She'll know stuff. She'll do stuff, you won't expect. It's always going to be like that. She's meant for you, and you're meant for her. It will be that way, whether you want it or not," Caroline said, looking at me from Stefan's chair. His diary was on the table, and Caroline was just sitting there, looking at me.
"She wasn't supposed to find out my name! I wasn't supposed to meet her! I kept away for four years, Caroline! Fucking. Four. Years! She was supposed to forget everything. I was supposed to be a stranger in the hospital, giving her a teddy. She was never supposed to know my name. But now she does! And I can't be what I need to be for her! I fucking can't!" I paced even harder, not caring at all if I ruined Stefan's precious floor boards. I needed to pace right now, I needed to freaking destroy something.
Emptying the bottle, I threw it towards the wall, feeling better as I heard it shatter and felt the power flowing through my veins. This was who I was. A vampire. A predator. I destroyed something, I used my supernatural strength. I didn't go around, caring for small brown eyed girls.
"Damon, stop fighting it! She's your singer! You can't fight it. You can't stay away. You won't ever be able to. You need to stay here, you need to protect her. And I know you can do it. I know you think you're evil, but you're not. Just stop fighting it," she said, looking at me with those caring eyes. Fuck this shit, I didn't need her sympathy. I didn't need her fucking caring. I needed to get the hell out of here, and I needed to get away from fucking Elena. I needed to get away from that little girl, before I destroyed her fucking life.
Well, so there's chapter 3 for you guys! PLEASE tell me what you think in a review! I love getting those, they're like fuel for my inspiration! ;)
And if there's anyone living in London, come say hello! I'm there for a full week, and can't wait to see the city! See you all, when I get back!