I am back from London all tanned and happy! I had a WONDERFUL trip and am now returning to writing and uploading and stuff like that. Here's chapter 4! I hope you enjoy it. I enjoy writing this, way too much. So, I'll see you at the bottom?

Chapter 4:

-1 year later

Okay, I'll admit it, I'm pretty bad at staying away. But as I drove through the streets of Mystic Falls, I couldn't help but remind myself that this was a big thing. Elena was turning five. Yes, five years seemed like a lot, to the 279 year old vampire. Don't mock me.

I'd told myself all the way from New York city, that I just wanted to check up on her. That I just wanted to make sure she was okay. But who the hell was I kidding? I knew she was good. I could feel her heartbeat. It was normal. I would know if something happened. And even if something did happen, Stefan kept an eye on Elena. Don't ask me how he found out she was my singer. I just know that he called me, back when Elena was having her baby brother. And here I was again, returning to the town, to make sure she had a nice birthday – without her seeing me.

I'd let her see me the last time. That wouldn't be happening this time. I would stay away, watching her from afar. If her parents would take her out, I would probably be sitting a couple of tables away, drinking bourbon or coffee, watching the little girl eat whatever she liked, and maybe even open presents.

I wouldn't admit it to anyone, for anything in the world, but I really hoped she had my teddy bear. I so hoped she would bring it, that it actually mattered to her. But to be honest, I didn't believe it would. I was just some stranger in the hospital, and she probably wouldn't remember me.

I had a day before she would have her birthday. One day to settle back into Mystic Falls, settle back into my old habits and get my fill of ladies here. Maybe I would pay Kelly a visit again. She'd been pretty up to it the last time. Why wouldn't she be now?

I parked out front of the boarding house, and stepped out of my car. Everything looked exactly the same. Stefan really never bothered to change the place, and somehow, I kind of liked that. I liked that the boarding house had been the same, over the past 100 years. And it actually did serve as some kind of a home to me. When I returned to Mystic Falls, it was my home, and I liked that. Italy was something else. Of course, all of my childhood memories were there, and my family actually lived there. The only people in the whole world, that actually knew Stefan and my secret. They knew we were vampires, and I'd actually paid them a visit, the last time I'd been there.

I pulled out my duffel bag from the trunk, ready to go inside. I knew both Caroline and Stefan would be home. They'd told me they would be. Nice knowing that. Not that they ever actually left this silly place. My dear brother and his boring singer hadn't left town, ever since they came here, just after Caroline was turned. Why, I don't really get. I mean, we were vampires! We had the chance to go see the world, to actually achieve something with our eternal lives.

But no. Both of them stayed here, Caroline working as an event planner, and Stefan following her around, trying to make their lives as human as possible. God, pathetic people.

I strolled through the front door, looking around the parlor. Caroline was sitting by the fire, paper work spread out on the floor, and at least three cellphones in her hands. I raised one eyebrow and looked at her. She immediately looked up at me, surely confused by the beating heart. Right, she hadn't grown as used to it, as I had.

"Damon. I need you to go. I'm organizing Elena's birthday party, and I'm behind schedule. The parlors occupied for the rest of the day. Go to your room or something."

I chuckled and made my way to the stairs. So Caroline was planning Elena's birthday party. That meant her parents actually did something for this event.

Good. Elena deserved to have a party for this. She deserved to be spoiled rotten by her parents. And if they didn't have the money, I could make sure they got them. That wouldn't be too hard.

Without saying a word to Blondie, I made my way upstairs, ready to lay down in my own bed for once. Nothing like being in your own bed. A bed that hadn't been tainted by the countless women I'd brought to hotels.

Yeah, I'm one of those guys. I have never ever brought a girl to my own bed, and I probably never will. I just don't want their hair pins and make-up all over my sheets, and my bed is for me. Not for those sluts. Plus, I wouldn't want to get blood all over my sheets either. I mean, I'm not going to clean after that!

So, call me Christian Grey if you like, but I'm not letting any girl sleep in my bed. Never have, and never will. That's just not going to change.

Throwing my duffel bag on the floor, I quickly rid my self of my clothes, before walking into my bathroom, needing a shower more than ever.

I couldn't believe it was actually me, as I stood in front of my full figure mirror. Caroline had forced me to wear a blazer over my usual button up and dark jeans. That blonde bitch, had actually forced me to wear it. What the hell was this world coming to?

She had pulled the Elena card. Of course she had. Elena would be there, and even though I had no plans what so ever about letting her see me, Caroline had made me put on the tux.

Not that I didn't look good in it – don't get me wrong. As always, my body looked stunningly good, prepared for the ladies at the parties. I would be able to pick up someone from that party. Get a quick snack or something. Right after I'd seen Elena open her presents and blow out her candles. Then I would find a girl. Perhaps a younger one this time.

I rolled my eyes and took a big swig from the bottle of bourbon on my table. Oh yes, I was drinking, as usual. I didn't exactly imagine Elena's parents having alcohol at her party – so, I had to bring the party myself. And make sure Elena didn't get to it.

"Damon, are you-.. Seriously, you're drinking? You're going to a five year old's birthday party! Could you just leave the alcohol home, just this time? I don't want anyone getting drunk tonight! This is a huge business deal for me, don't ruin it!" Caroline furiously stepped into my room, ripping the bottle from my hands, and throwing it out the open window. I felt my lips press into a hard line, as I looked at her. She didn't budge a single cm. She crossed her arms over her chest, and raised both eyebrows at me. She was becoming too brave for her own good. One day, I wouldn't be able to hold back from killing her.

"This is important to me, Damon. Please, I understand you want to go and see Elena, and I did a lot of work, to be able to get you in. So, please, don't fuck this up. And don't you dare snack on one of the girls at that party! This Elena's closest family and friends. You'll only hurt her," she said, not even flinching under my look. God, I felt like snapping her neck, but she was right. This was a big deal, apparently, and I didn't want to ruin anything for Elena – Elena. Not Caroline.

"Fine. I'll behave. You happy? Now, let's get going. Where did you say this party was held?" I asked, taking one last glance at myself in the mirror.

"The park. All of the founding families will be there, so you better behave. Just stay in the shadows and stuff. You'll be in Elena's life for a long time, so don't let her parents see you. They'll remember you, and you won't be able to actually be in her life later. Also, remember her gi-"
"Caroline, I've got it under control!" I snapped, turning around and looking at her. She rolled her eyes and walked to the door.

"Fine, Damon, suit yourself. As long as you behave!" She walked out, slamming the door on her way. I rolled my eyes at her, and looked at the small gift on the table. Nah, I would wait. I wanted to give it to her, personally. I needed to tell her happy birthday, when we could be in private. I would visit her later.

Checking over my room one last time, I closed the door behind me, and walked down to my car, ready to go to her party.

I have never been one for birthday parties. At least not, when there isn't any alcohol. But God damn it, if I weren't standing with a glass of soda, watching the kids run around and play. Elena had been put in a red summer dress, and had seemed overwhelmed by the gifts she'd gotten from her family and friends. She was now running around with a dark skinned girl, playing catch. And here I was, 279 year old bad ass vampire, watching her. This singer crap had me totally turned around, for God's sake.

"Fancy seeing you here!" I smirked at the voice, as I instantly recognized it. I turned around, meeting the eyes of Kelly. She had dressed up in a summer dress as well, hers black, and her dark hair were made into a bun. Her flirty eyes were framed by dark make-up, and I had to give it to her. She cleaned up pretty nice.

"Kelly! What a pleasure! What are you doing here?" I asked, hugging her gently, as if we were old friends. Oh well, I had been a lot closer to her, just a year ago.

"My boy's pretty good friends with Elena. Her parents invited us as well, even though we aren't founding families and all," she said, shrugging and looking at Elena. A blond haired boy had joined them now, running after both girls, while laughing. I raised an eyebrow and looked back at Kelly.

"A husband I should know about?" I asked, winking at her. She laughed and shook her head, taking a sip from the beer she was holding.

"Not at all. Matt's father left just as soon as he heard I was pregnant. Never saw him again, and I don't feel bad about it," she said, looking at my hand, "you're drinking soda? Why don't I get you a beer instead? You're a bit too old to be drinking soda, don't you think?"

I laughed and nodded. If only she knew just how right she were. She handed me her beer, asking me to hold onto it for a moment, and then disappeared between the people. Caroline and Stefan were in deep talk with some other family, laughing and pretending they fit in. God, why did they even bother trying? Oh well, if it hadn't been for Caroline's job, I wouldn't be able to get this close to Elena. She had, after all, made sure I was allowed in.

Kelly came back, another beer in her hand and a big smile on her lips. We switched, and I took a swig from it, enjoying the taste of alcohol instead of that crappy soda. I hadn't drunk that nasty stuff in years, and I certainly wasn't beginning again.

"Now, that looks way better. So, care to tell me why you're here exactly? You don't look old enough to be a dad," Kelly said, raising one eyebrow at me. I laughed.

"My brother's girlfriend organized this, and she told me I had to come. I get why. The food is to die for," I said, lying through my teeth. These pathetic humans had no idea how to cook. The food was greasy, typical American barbeque. If only I had made a dish to show them how it's done. But then again, that would have indicated I cared about this whole thing, and I didn't. The only reason I'd shown up, was for Elena. And I was going to see her again tonight. I was going to deliver my gift to her personally. Nothing of that, putting it on a table crap. No, I wanted to give it to her in private.

"You have a brother? Is he just as hot as you?" she asked, looking around the crowds, undoubtedly searching for another dark haired, blue eyed man. I laughed and shook my head at her.

"He's nothing like me. And he's pretty serious with his girlfriend. They've been together forever," I said, enjoying my own little private joke. One she wouldn't get.

"Damn it. Oh well, what a shame. So, you planning on staying around this time?" she asked, drinking from her beer again. Shouldn't that bottle be empty by now? I took a huge swig from my own, hoping Caroline didn't see me. She had told me today would be alcohol free. Oh well, who was she to decide for me. I had a little under 200 years on her.

"Don't know. I'm a man that likes to travel, Kelly. And there is still parts of this world, waiting to see me," I said, winking at her. She pouted slightly at me, before putting down the beer on an empty table behind us.

"Well, then I hope I get to have you a couple times more, before you take off," she said, winking at me, before walking away. Sleeping with the same woman more than once? Oh well, maybe I would do an exception with Kelly. She actually seemed somewhat cool, and her blood hadn't been too bad. And I had to stay here for a couple of months, before Elena started school. I could have fun with Kelly while I was waiting for September to come around.

"Damon, I said no alcohol!" Caroline snatched the beer from my hand, setting it away on a table, before giving me the deathliest look she could manage. If I'd been human, I should be afraid. But I wasn't. I smirked at her, reaching for the beer once again.

"Kelly gave it to me. I didn't go for it my self. That has to be okay!" I said, quickly snatching it and emptying it in one go. I really needed to get a hold of something stronger than that. Some bourbon, preferably. But I did promise Caroline I wouldn't get drunk and start embarrassing her. Oh well, broken promises.

"No more than that one! God, I can't believe I have to say these things to you! You act like a child!" Caroline said, fury lacing her sharp voice. I just smirked and rolled my eyes at her.

"Sure, Mom. I'll behave." I raised both my eyebrows once, before walking past Caroline, searching for someone to talk to.

Elena's party went on for pretty long. When I finally returned to the boarding house, it couldn't go fast enough with getting changed. I needed to get out of that fucking blazer. Damn Caroline for being so stubborn.

I shrugged on my usual leather jacket, and then picked up the gift on my table. Now I just needed to wait outside Elena's window, for Miranda to tuck her in. And I had to make Elena invite me in somehow. I did have my work cut out for me.

Not bothering about my dear brother, I walked right through the parlor and grabbed my car keys. I would park the car a couple of blocks away from her house, and then speed the rest of the way. That would be the best way to do this.

Gassing up, I sped down the streets of Mystic Falls, right until I was just around the corner of Elena's house. I parked the car, and got out, remembering the present. Using my vampire speed, I hurried to a big tree outside her window, and looked in. Great timing, Miranda was tucking her in. Elena hugged her teddy close to her body, as her mother arranged the sheets around her. The teddy bear I'd given her! She was sleeping with it!
I smiled and looked around her room. It fit her perfectly. The walls were a cream colored, and her furniture were white. She had a dresser, holding all of her clothes and a desk. This was a room she would be happy about in a few years as well.

Miranda turned off the big light, leaving the room only lit up by the small lamp on her bedside table. Elena closed her eyes, hugging the teddy tight, as Miranda closed the door, leaving Elena alone in the room.

How the hell was I supposed to come in? The window I sat in front of was open, but I wouldn't be able to go in... Would I?
I carefully reached my hand forward, surprised that it wasn't stopped by the usual barrier, I was met with in a house I wasn't invited into.

Not wasting anymore time, I crawled inside, now standing in the middle of her room. Our synchronized heartbeats were slow, telling me she'd already fallen asleep. She had to be tired from that day.

I smiled and sat down on the bed next to her. She looked like an angel, as she lay there, her little arms wrapped around her teddy and her eyes closed softly. I smiled at her innocent face expression, and reached forward to gently stroke her cheek. As soon as my fingers touched the skin on her cheek, her eyes shut open, and focused on me. A smile made it's way onto her mouth, as she reached up to her mouth, telling me to be quiet.

"Jer is sleeping. You need to be quiet, misser Damon," she whispered, smiling at me. I tried to look as casual as possible, smiling at her and nodding.

"I just wanted to give you your birthday present," I said, hiding the small book and pen behind my back. Her face instantly lit up, as she sat up in her bed. She was wearing a t-shirt way too big to fit her, with the local baseball team's logo on front.

"You know it's my birthday? And you brought me a present!" She giggled, moving closer to my body. I smiled and showed her the items in my hand. Her eyes grew, as she looked first at them, and the back up at me.

"Do you know what this is, Elena?" I asked softly. She shook her head, her hair flying everywhere. I chuckled at her, as she cocked her head, looking at me with a patient face expression.

"This is a diary. You write down your most private thoughts in this book, Elena. It's a private thing, and you don't show it to others. It's yours, and yours alone," I said, handing her the book and the pen. She looked at me with big eyes, a smile slowly making it's way onto her small lips.

"Thank you, misser!" She suddenly leaped from the bed, throwing her arms around my neck and hugging me tight to her small body. I felt the air leave my lungs, as her skin made contact to mine. I'd never held a human child this close to my body. I didn't feel a single urge towards her blood. I felt disgusted by the mere thought of feeding from this little innocent person. She were to be taken care of, to be loved and to be treated perfectly.

I gently placed my arms around her, hugging her back, as if she could break at any minute. I was a lot stronger than her bones, and I didn't want to hurt her.

She pulled back slightly and smiled at me, her face still lit with happiness. I kept my arms on her back, as she sat in my lap, her small hand reaching out to touch my cheek lightly. She ran her hand over the light stubble on my cheek, and giggled.

"Your cheek is tickling me," she whispered, suddenly remembering to keep her voice down. I smiled and grabbed her hand, removing it from my face, and placing a small kiss on her index finger.

"That's because I'm a man. And men grow beards. This is what happens, when we don't shave," I said, chuckling lightly at her confused face. She then shrugged, wrapping both her hands around my thumb and my pinky, opening my hand and bringing it to her mouth. She left a sweet little kiss in my palm, before looking up at me with a smile on her lips.

"Thank you for the present, misser Damon. Will you please tuck me in now?" she asked, yawning big time. I smiled and quickly agreed, not knowing how I would ever be able to say no to this girl. She had my wrapped around her finger.

She crawled under the covers again, pulling her teddy close to her body, as I carefully tucked her in. She look at my one last time, saying a small thank you, before her eyes fell shut, her slowing breath telling me she was sleeping soundly. I placed the diary and the pen on her bedside table, before disappearing out the window and speeding back to my car.

Over the next few months, I had a lot of battles with my self. Should I really stay, and watch over Elena on her first day of school? Or should I just leave already? I knew I would be leaving as soon as her day was finished, but I wasn't sure whether I should stay for it or not. It would've been so easy for me that drain her dry that night. I could've ripped open her throat and fed on her blood, but I didn't. For some odd reason, I didn't even feel like tasting her blood.

In the end, I came to the conclusion that I would stay and see her first day of school, and then I would be off. To somewhere far away. And this time, I was staying gone for good. I was only making her life harder, and she didn't need that. I wanted her life to be free of trouble.

I actually had a lot of fun, during those months. Kelly and I somehow saw each other regularly, keeping my blood lust and libido down. The citizens of Mystic Falls were actually safe, while I was there.

But of course, Kelly couldn't be compelled too much. I would have to break off things with her soon. And this time, I would have to compel to forget everything about me, 'cause I couldn't have her remember me. If I ever decided to come back again, she would notice that I hadn't changed, and we couldn't have that. That would create an unnecessary amount of fuss.

The day of Elena's first school day came a little too quickly for my liking. Staying in town, also meant that I was able to watch Elena from afar. When I hadn't been at home drinking, or with Kelly, I'd been in town, watching over my little girl.

She hung out with the exactly same people as she did at her birthday party. That little dark skinned girl, and the blond boy, Kelly's son. Matt, I think.

And I wasn't surprised to see the three of them stand hand in hand, with their backpacks on their backs, on their first day of school. Their parents were there, kissing them goodbye, as they sent them out on the adventure that would be kindergarten.

As their parents drove off, I stayed. I was going to stay the entire day, watching over Elena. School could be tough, and I wanted to make sure she had a great first day. She deserved it.

Her classes went fine. Her teacher was sweet, and she seemed to swoon over the little girl with the pig tails and the big brown eyes. When they had their lunch break, I'd hidden myself in the darkness of some trees and bushes, watching as she sat down with her new classmates. She fit right into the circle, laughing and joking with the other girls. And even some of the boys.

But all of sudden, she excused her self from lunch break. The others watched over her stuff, as she stood up and started running – right towards the place I was standing. I gulped and pressed myself backwards, trying to blend in further with the bushes.

But that didn't matter. All too soon, she'd made her way into the green plants, standing in front of me. Trying not to look too strictly at her, I crouched down and let her jump onto my knee. She cocked her head at me, doing that adorable face she was doing when she was trying to understand something.

"You're here," she finally said, her hand reaching forward towards my cheek. I smiled and nodded slightly, letting her touch the stubble on my chin and cheek. She giggled a bit and then looked me into the eyes again.

"I have written in the diary, just like you said, misser," she said, a beaming smile appearing on her lips. I smiled at her, and placed my hand on her back, to make sure she didn't fall down.

"That's good, Elena. Are you having a good first day of school?" I asked, smiling at her. She nodded eagerly, almost falling down from my knee. I chuckled lightly at her, holding her small body. She leaned forward, hugging my arm, before jumping down.

"Thank you for looking out for me, misser Damon."
And with that comment, she ran out of the bush again and joined her friends. I almost felt like changing my plans. Almost.

So, there you have it! PLEASE leave a review! I am overwhelmed by 70 reviews, it's completely crazy. Thank you guys! I'll try to update next week, but I'm falling behind on future chapters, so I'm not sure whether it'll be up or not!

Thank you guys!