Yeah, I've been away for far longer than what good is. But here you have chapter 8, and I so hope you like it! I'll see you at the bottom!

Chapter 8:

-2 years later

Okay, you can say it, I'm lousy at staying away. This time, I have absolutely no idea what made me come back. I'd been going down on some redhead in Amsterdam, when I suddenly had felt compelled (no pun intended) to return to Mystic Falls. And for the first time since I was turned, I followed my instinct and hurried to the nearest airport. 9 hours later, I was back in Mystic Falls, driving back to the boarding house. My heart had been normal the past two years. Sure, it had sped up a couple of times, but never in fear.

And still, as soon as I'd felt like going back, I'd done it. I hadn't even fought the urge to return. I'd just compelled myself to a plane ticket and here I was.

I'd wondered about it all the way and decided to check up on Elena. Bad feelings had to be connected to her. Maybe she needed me, without even knowing. I made the decision and turned down the road to her house. I'd probably see her in her bed, sleeping and then I could return home, feeling good again.

I parked a couple of corners away and walked the last distance to her house and climbed the tree outside her window with ease.

The sight didn't calm me down at all. The house was completely dark, and she wasn't in her bed. Actually, her bed was made and looked like she hadn't slept in it for some time. If she wasn't here, where could she be?
She better not be sleeping over with that Donovan boy. That had been two years ago, they couldn't still be together! He wasn't good enough for her!

Looking over the rest of the house, I noticed none of the family members were at home. All beds were made, and the entire house was quiet. No heartbeats.

Making a quick decision, I sped back to my car and drove towards Kelly's house. I really didn't want to see Elena in Matt's bed, but at least then I would know where she was.

This time, I didn't bother parking streets away, and I sped the short distance to the house. I got in, without a sound, and quickly searched the house. Matt was in his bed, alone, sleeping soundly. His room had changed a lot over the time, and I didn't miss the pictures of him and Elena. I would have to look at those later. Right now, I needed to find Elena.

Kelly was in her bed as well, but not alone. She was with some guy, a lot younger than her, but still older than I had been, when I was turned. They were both sleeping right now, her head on his chest, and one of his arms lazily draped over her sleeping frame. I smirked a bit at her, remembering the times I spent with her back then.

She'd been great company, and to be honest, I'd been sad to see her memories go. Maybe one day, I could let her have some altered memories, and maybe we'd be able to be friends. I didn't mind befriending a human, as long as she didn't expose me. And she really was a great drinking partner.

I left her room again, going down to my car and started driving around. Where could she be? Sleeping over with the witch girl, perhaps?

I started making my way to her house, when I felt my heart speed up. And this time, it wasn't excitement. Elena was scared, frightened for her life, and she needed me.

Knowing it would be so much faster to run, I sped out of my car, ignoring the freezing November weather, trying to track her down with my mind. I hadn't done that since seeing her in the hospital all those years ago, and I silently cursed myself for not practicing the ability. I sped around town, focusing solemnly on finding her, but it wasn't as easy as it had been back then. Perhaps it was because this was a larger area than the small town hospital.

It felt like an eternity, but at last I tracked her down. Just outside town, by Wickery Bridge.

I've never moved that fast before. It took me less than a minute to reach the bridge, and I instantly found out what was wrong. A big chunk of the bridge was missing and I could see the top of a car in the water. Her parents must have driven over the bridge, and they were probably dead now. But Elena was still alive. Her heart was still beating.

Without thinking, I jumped in and swam to the back door. Right there, was Elena. My entire world suddenly went in slow motion, as I looked at her still frame. Her mouth was firmly closed, and she was on the edge to losing consciousness. I didn't even have to look at her parents or her brother, to know they were dead. The only heartbeat I could hear was hers, and I could feel it. She was so afraid, so very much afraid.

It sped up even more, as she felt the loss of oxygen. She would pass out soon, and then the water would be going down in her lungs. She would die, if I didn't do something.

The thought of her dying, brought me to action. I quickly ripped the door off and got her seat belt off. She was drifting between being conscious and passing out, but she was still alive. Pulling her into my arms, I got her out of the sinking car and swam towards the surface. This was the first time I had her in my arms like this, since she was a baby. I forced myself to not look at her, and focus on getting her to the surface.

As soon as the cold air hit us, I realized I couldn't just stay here. She'd get sick and probably feel even worse. She had a small cut on her forehead, but I didn't feel hungry. Her blood actually didn't appeal to me at all. Her safety did, however.

I swam to the lakeside, pulling her from the water and lifting her into my arms with ease. I heard sirens in the distance, knowing that the place would be filled with cops and ambulances within long. I should probably let Elena stay here, letting her go to a hospital and get the message that her entire family was dead. If I just took her home, people would start asking questions.

"Oh my God, Dave, get over here! He pulled out someone! She's alive!" I vaguely heard a woman scream for her husband, as I made my way onto the bridge again, trying to figure out how to keep Elena warm. I kept her in my arms, tightly pressed to my chest, as I jumped onto the pavement. She'd lost consciousness, laying completely still in my arms.

"Did you call anyone? She needs warmth, right now!" I said, trying to warm up her freezing limbs. It was obvious from her clear breath that she didn't have any water in her lungs, and her heartbeat was fast, but steady. She didn't need CPR, just warmth. I didn't even notice the way the freezing cold were biting my own skin. Maybe because I wasn't as affected by it, as Elena was.

I shrugged off my leather jacket, draping it over her body, and hoped it would provide some sort of warmth to her. I knew it must look weird – I was in jeans and a t-shirt, giving her my jacket, but honestly, I couldn't bring myself to care. This was about saving her life, not about me freezing.

"How about yourself?! You must be freezing to death!"
"She needs warmth! Right now! Do you guys have blankets or something? Anything!" I said, getting desperate, as I felt her body temperature fall. My jacket was wet, and it probably wasn't producing as much warmth as I hoped for.

"We have some in the car... I'll go and get them... Are you sure she's alive?" the guy asked, looking at Elena with doubt in his eyes.

"Of course she's alive, are you stupid?! Go get those blankets! Now!"

If it hadn't been because of Elena's freezing body in my arms, I would've ripped his fucking head off. How hard could it be, finding a simple blanket, to freaking save her life?!

The couple returned with two woolen blankets, which I instantly wrapped Elena's small, fragile body in. Her heart was slowing down, but she wasn't in danger yet. If she was nearing any serious danger, I would feed her my blood, but for now, I had to let the car accident survivor thing go it's own way. I didn't want to compel every single person involved.

The sirens came closer, as I tried heating up her body. As she lay there, her body limp in my arms, I started seeing to the cut on her forehead. I forced myself to not look at her features, knowing she would've aged a lot since she was fourteen. Yeah, it had only been two years, but she'd gone from child to woman, and I couldn't afford being distracted by her now.

I let out a breath of relief, upon inspecting her forehead. The cut was deep, but it wasn't life threatning. It would probably need stitches, and she would probably get a scar, but she would be fine. If she wanted the scar gone, I would heal it for her in time. If not, I would let it be. It would be entirely her choice. Right now, I just wanted her to be okay again.

After the ambulance arrived, everything happened quickly. Elena was pulled into the back of it, and as the only person who knew who she was, I followed. Police cars were starting to arrive, talking fast over a radio about getting someone out there to pull out the car from the water. They wouldn't like what they found. But honestly, I couldn't bring myself to watch them work. I kept my eyes on Elena, as the paramedics started examining her, coming to the conclusion that she needed stitches on the forehead. I could've told them that.

As we drove, I let myself get a look at her. She'd changed a lot since I'd last seen her. Her face was fuller, somehow, more grown-up. Her lashes were long, and she had obviously worn make-up, 'cause it was smeared around her eyes now. Her skin looked incredibly soft, but way too cold from the water. She hadn't been under for long, but she'd been wet while we waited for the ambulance. I felt like warming up her entire body, but I would have to let the paramedics do their work. I couldn't do anything else than watch her, and pray those silly humans knew what the hell they were doing.

Fortunately, Elena's body was covered by the blankets, which meant I wasn't able to see the way her curves had aged. Hell, last time I'd seen her, she'd been a little girl. She was well on her way to being a woman now, and she was beautiful.

"What's your name, son?" one of the paramedics asked me. He looked a lot older than I did, but I couldn't help but feel pissed at the 'son'. If only he knew I had more than 200 years on him.

"Damon Salvatore," I said, trying to sound as authoritative as possible. Maybe he'd gain some respect that way. The paramedic looked back at Elena for a second, before turning to me again, and continuing.

"She'll be fine. She needs stitching up, and she'll probably have a cold, but she'll be okay. You can go into the emergency room when we arrive, but they'll probably throw you out, and say you'll have to wait outside. She shouldn't be too long."

I looked over his shoulder at Elena's form, and then nodded at him. He didn't need to know that I wasn't going to leave her side, even if I would have to compel every single person in the emergency room.
"You seem like you know her. May I ask what relationship you have to her?" he asked, as I stood up and fought the urge to take her in my arms. She looked way too small and fragile.

"I'm an old friend of the family. I've known her since she was a child," I said, unable to take my eyes from her. The lie had come out easily, and would probably come in handy later on. She would need a guardian, and with a little compulsion, they would choose me, and not her aunt. I would get to know her, and maybe, when the choice came, she would actually chose to become like me. I wouldn't wish it upon her, but... I couldn't watch her die. I just couldn't. Tonight had been close, and I never wanted to go through that again. I had no idea how she would die, if she chose to, but I knew it wouldn't be pleasant.

"That sounds nice. Are you close?" he asked, sitting down next to me. I ripped my gaze from Elena and forced myself to get my shit together.

"Not really. I mean, we've been to parties and such, but we've never really been friends," I said, trying to sound as realistic as possible. She wouldn't recognize me completely, when she woke up. If I wanted to have a shot at being her guardian, I would have to come up with a realistic story.

"I'm sorry about your loss. The firemen mentioned three bodies in the car. It's a miracle you were able to save the girl," he said, nodding towards Elena. I lowered my head and fought the urge to stroke her cheek.

"Her parents and her little brother. It's horrible. They were dead when I reached her. She was the only one alive," I said, remembering how she'd floated just a bit off her seat, almost being unconscious. The picture made me shutter, and I looked down at her still frame again, just to be sure she was actually there. As if my beating heart couldn't confirm that. It was a lot slower than it had been earlier, but it was my guarantee that she was still alive.

"She's probably going to go through a rough time," the paramedic said, looking at her. I shook my head and stood closer to her. Carefully I let my finger stroke her cheek, feeling the soft skin underneath my fingertips.

"She'll survive. I'll take care of her," I said, not caring at all what he was thinking.

When we reached the hospital, Elena was taken to the emergency room, and I followed, keeping my distance, and letting the doctors work. She didn't need much. They stitched her forehead and made sure she was getting warmer, before taking her to a private room, where I was left alone with her.

I sat down on the chair next to her bed, looking at her. She was still unconscious, but I knew it wouldn't be too long before she woke up. She would be good.

"Mr. Salvatore?"

I turned my head at the sound of my name, and eyed up the two persons making their way into my room. One was a blonde woman, dressed in a sheriff's uniform and a soft look on her face. Another was a man, dressed in a suit with a briefcase in his hands.

"That's me," I said, standing up from the chair. I had to remember I looked younger than those people, and that I would have to pretend to have respect.

Humans.

"We're so very sorry about your loss," the blonde woman said, shaking my hand. I nodded, not wanting to start a conversation.

"It has come to our attention that you know the young woman, and we were wondering if you could tell us if she has any relatives," she continued.

"She does have an aunt, but I'm listed as her next guardian. Jenna can't take her in, because she isn't stable enough to take care of a child. You checked, called Jenna, and everything is in order," I said, using my compulsion to make them to exactly as I say. I watched as their pupils dilated in the usual way, and a dazed expression came over both their faces for a short while.

"Well, I can see here you're listed as the next guardian. Are you sure you're up for the challenge? A teenage girl with this kind of experience won't be easy," the man said, coming back from wherever people go, when they get compelled.

"You will have to sign papers, and you will get support, if you decide to take her in. It won't be easy, and you're young," the woman said, raising an eyebrow at me. Apparently my compulsion hadn't been as strong on her, as it had been on the male. I let out my charming smile and nodded.

"I am fully aware it won't be easy, but I am, nonetheless, capable of taking her in. And I do wish to take care of her" I said, sounding as sincere at possible. I was getting through to them, I could feel it.

"Okay, Mr. Salvatore. I think you've proven yourself worthy. If you would sign the papers, you can take her home, when the doctors thinks she's ready to go," the man said, his pupils dilating once again from my compulsion. Being a vampire had it's perks.

I signed the paper work, and when the two humans left the room, I was at Elena's side again. I'd felt the small disturbance in our heartbeat – she was waking up. Not wanting to freak her out, I fought the urge to take her hand in mine, and sat down next to the bed again, waiting for her to wake up.

As soon as her eyes opened, I found myself staring at her eyes. As usual, they were the only thing that hadn't changed over the years. They were just as big, and just as brown as they'd been when she'd been born. And right now, they were looking at me in wonder.

"Elena? Can you hear me?" I asked, careful not to sound too serious. She didn't need some serious looking stranger in front of her, when she was waking up in a freaking hospital bed. I couldn't even be sure she remembered what happened.

"Yeah, uhm... Where am I?" she said, slowly sitting up in the bed. She winced a bit at the movement, but seemed fine when she was sitting upright. Again, I had to fight my urge to help her.

"You're at Mystic Falls general... You, uh... You were in a car crash," I said, wondering how the fuck I would tell her, her entire family was dead. Well, except for her aunt of course. She was still well alive, but not able to take her in. Maybe she was, but she wouldn't be able to take as good care of her, as I was.

"Car crash? Wait, where's my family? I know you... What's your name? Where have I seen you before?" she asked, looking around the room and then at me. I sighed and leaned back in the chair. She obviously wasn't too panicked, and she didn't seem like she was remembering what happened. I would have to go easy on her.

"I'm Damon Salvatore... I'm, uhm... You're going to be staying with me... Your parents and Jeremy died in the car crash," I said, keeping my eyes on her face to read her reaction. She frowned and took a hand to her head, brushing over the bandage on her forehead.

"What, you... I don't even know you... Wait, no. My parents can't be dead! Jeremy can't be dead! You're lying!"

She didn't try to escape the bed, even though I'd counted on it, and she didn't seem to be retreating from me. But tears were filling her eyes and she did look like her whole world just went under. How the hell could I explain to her that this wasn't the end? I mean, sure, it's not easy losing a parent, but this wasn't the end.

"I'm sorry, Elena, but they are. I'm really, really sorry. Jenna isn't able to take you in, so, you'll be living with me. You probably don't remember me, but I'm an old friend of the family. You'll be okay," I said, wanting to reach out and touch her, but refrained from doing so. I wasn't going to push her. She was in a nasty situation already, and I didn't want to make it even worse, by confusing her. For now, I would just be her guardian. A bit ironic, considering the fact I'd been watching over her ever since she was born.

"What... Do you know what happened? I don't... We were on our way home..." She looked down at the floor, obviously trying to remember what had happened.

"Your car went over Wickery bridge..." I said, not wanting to go into details. She didn't need to know everything that had happened at the accident. She frowned and looked up at me again.

"No... Why did I survive, then? If they died? Why not me?" she asked, her voice suddenly small and fragile. She would have these questions in her head for a long time – and I'd be there to answer her. I didn't want her wishing it'd been her instead of them – I'd saved her, just as I was supposed to. I wouldn't have let her die.

"Listen, Elena, we'll talk about everything later. Right now, I'm going to call the nurse and we'll see how long it'll be until you can be released, okay? I'll make sure you have a good life... I promise."

Without waiting for an answer, I pulled the string hanging from the ceiling, calling on a nurse.

I don't think anyone had expected her to wake this fast, which was why I wasn't surprised at the nurse's baffled expression. Elena was sitting upright in her bed, looking at her small hands, probably trying to process it all. She'd lost her entire family, and her entire world had just been turned upside down. I would be surprised if there weren't a lot of thoughts going through that pretty head of hers.

"How are you feeling, Miss Gilbert?"

I could have strangled the nurse right there on the spot. How the hell did she think she was doing?! Stupid human!

"My head hurts... But... Surprisingly well," she said, lifting one thin arm to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. I tore my gaze away from her, forcing myself to look out the window. I shouldn't be looking that much at her. I didn't want to make her even more uncomfortable.

"I'll just check up on you, and then I'll go discuss with a doctor. We're going to keep you for a while, so you might want to think about bringing some personal belongings. How are you feeling emotionally?" the nurse asked, checking up on her body. I walked to the window, letting the two women have some sort of privacy. No way I was letting her be alone right now.

"All over the place, honestly... I... I don't know what I'm feeling," she said, her voice suddenly small again. I couldn't blame her. Who wouldn't be all over the place, after waking up in a hospital and discovering you're all alone?

Well, not entirely alone. She still had me, and I would be there for her, for as long as she needed it.

"Oh, honey. You'll be all right. Now, try getting some rest. Maybe your boyfriend can go home and fetch some things for you?" the nurse said. I turned on the spot, narrowing my eyes at her. Boyfriend? Me? Didn't I look way too old for her? She was only sixteen!
"I'm not her boyfriend. I will gladly gather your stuff from your home, though. Maybe you would be kind enough to go get some paper and a pen, so Miss Gilbert can write me a list of items," I said, keeping my voice cold. How could she just assume something like that? I looked at least eight years older than her!

"Yes, sir," she said, blushing violently and keeping her head down, as she left the room. Elena just sat in her bed, twiddling her thumbs. I felt my gaze softening, as I looked at her. She was looking down right now, probably too confused and too shy to look at me. I didn't mind. I wanted her to take her time recovering.

"Listen, Elena, everything will be okay. I'll let you have some alone time while I go get your stuff, and then I'll come back and answer any question you might have," I said, standing by the end of her bed, while waiting for the nurse to return.

She looked up at me, her big brown eyes focused on my face. She still looked confused, but there was something trusting behind it all. She trusted me.

"Thank you, Mr. Salvatore," she said, her voice still small and now a bit hoarse as well. I smiled at her.

"Call me Damon."

There's a big plot twist! I hope. I know some of you had seen it coming, but I hope the rest of it will be a shock. This story has only JUST begun, and there's a lot left on my list. I can't wait to get this properly started, because you all know me. I like a good build up.

Leave a review! That'd make my day completely. This time, I'll promise to try and not be so slow about updating. Life got in the way.