Elena paced the row of lockers before gazing back at her blonde friend. Caroline was clearly as anxious as she was, and what made matters worse was that she was waiting for any and all development so that she could promptly pass it on. Crooking her head to the side, Elena waited for a queue to exit, and with the vibration of her phone, she saw her moment.
"Crap; it's Jenna." Her hand fisting her hair, she feigned a disgruntled expression.
"Crap," Caroline muttered. "It was just getting good, too."
"Yeah, I'm sorry it sounds urgent. She seems pissed. Chester probably tore something up." Elena waved her phone. "I'll let you know at tomorrow's track meet."
Blonde tresses bobbed. "Yes. You have to, Elena."
"See ya, Care." With that Elena gathered her things as the phone burned a hole in her shorts pocket.
Elena had nowhere to go, so taking a turn at the first street sign, she paraded away from the school altogether. The graveyard, its daunting presence looming in the distance, was more than likely the place to seek solace and not be bothered.
Her pocket was vibrating the moment she stepped foot into her target location, causing Elena to hurriedly drop her duffel and delve into its closed confines. Her hand shook as she withdrew the cell phone - nervousness getting the best of her. She took a breath before swiping the screen.
"This banquet, Stefan insists we skip... will you be there?"
Elena's feature's creased. What was it any matter to him? She was a Founding Family, so of course. If the Salvatore's accepted, she was reasonably expected to show.
Rolling her eyes as her fingers danced, Elena was no longer anxious, but unimpressed.
Yes. If you accept I at least have to breeze through. All of us will, at some point.
His response was instantaneous, shocking Elena.
"Is this a black tie affair or some semi-formal gathering?"
It's semi-formal. Casual, really; just a dinner with cocktails and a bunch of stuffy old people, who hope to ring you into their web of lies.
Elena laughed a little. Gathering her things she trailed against smoother footfalls and held off on reading the next message until she scaled the terrain. Teetering off rock and ridge, she progressed into the section that housed her parents, and like so many times before, she sunk to the ground.
"You make me laugh. I like that."
Elena stared at the screen for a few moments. She had been bold, and her humor had sparked a bit of excitement in her; but she expected Damon to see it as sarcasm.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she retorted with, what she personally thought was, a proper lashing.
How would someone who lurks like a picture in a hallway know that I have a sense of humor? I can't assume someone who hides in a backyard to be someone friendly, nor, can I fathom why you're texting me when I gave this number to Stefan.
A moment passed, or maybe five moments; whichever, time seemed to still and Elena figured the conversation was over, until the phone buzzed again.
"You're quick to trigger, aren't you? Is that why you bound off the other day before I could even wave? Did you think, for a second, that maybe Stefan asked me to ask you? He's a busy boy, after all. So judgmental, it's almost sad."
Elena gaped. She hadn't given it rational thought, and why? Maybe he wasn't doing anything at all, and maybe Elena did let the gossip affect her, but wasn't she the one that was curious about this mysterious man? Now that she had him at her fingertips, literally, she was practically beating him away with a stick.
Typing out three messages, Elena rapidly sent one after another.
I'm sorry.
I'm not usually like this. Can we start over?
I'm just embarrassed because I intruded the other day, and then I assumed there were some misplaced feelings on your brother's part about that. And, you just stood there like a statue. I startle easy.
Elena exhaled in a wavering wave.
"It's okay. I'm Damon. Damon Salvatore. I suppose we'll officially meet at the banquet. I've accepted the offer personally."
She couldn't help but groan.
But why? Didn't Stefan tell you what I told him?
His responses were once again rapidly appearing. "Yes."
Then why?
"Because we need to mesh well with the town, Elena. We're starting over, and though I might not be Stefan's guardian, I think its best."
Elena nodded to herself. Damon was right, and considering the tragedy that had befallen their family, they needed the moral support. No matter where it came from.
I see your point.
"So, will you be there?"
I already said yes, Damon.
"Good."
Her brows gathered. Why was she so important? Building the courage to ask, she relaxed back on the cool, grassy ground. Why?
"You're a vantage point. Stefan has met you, so you can help him meet others."
Tilting her head, Elena once again realized that maybe her mind had been running away with her.
Right.
"Also because we haven't properly met; I intend to fix that."
Something about this message shook Elena internally.
Right again. I look forward to it. The last part was a lie.
"Me too. You have a fantastic day, Elena Gilbert."
You too, Damon.
Elena dropped the phone. Distantly, a crow was cawing loudly making a mockery of the impending doom Elena felt. Daunted by something so simple, Elena laid her arm over her eyes. Shielding the sun and relaxing she almost willed sleep to take her. After all, she was exhausted and maybe that would clear the muddle from her mind.
...
Tassels restrictively pulled to create collecting lace as the corset tightened. Drawing in her breath, Elena hoped that the corset would give a final fashionable appeal, while Emily drew to the rear, her expert fingers knotting the cords, before stepping back.
Admiring her reflection in the mirror for a beat, Elena smiled. This dress was beautiful and most likely befitting a princess, not her. Casting a thankful glance to the lady her mind told her was Emily before dipping into a respected curtsy.
"Thank you," Elena said has her hands smooth the upper layer of the dress.
"You're most welcome, Ma'am. Now, are we to keep them waiting?" Her melodic voice resounded, swelling the room with its authentic Southern drawl.
"Ready for what?" Elena touched her own lips lightly. She too spoke with a kittenish coo that was tinged with twang.
"The ball held in honor of your birthday, Dear." Her head tipped as if she were confused, "You've been waiting for this day for some time."
"My birthday?" Elena was confused; her birthday wasn't for months.
"Yes, and if you do not hurry, I fear Mr. Salvatore will die from his prolonged wait."
"Mr. Salvatore?" Elena could make no sense of this.
"Yes, Damon Salvatore." She waved a hand in jovial gesture, before pinching her cheek. "If you don't hurry, Miss Katherine, your beau is going to grow weary. No man wants to wed a woman who fancies the mirror far too long, and spends considerable amounts of time collecting herself for a part."
"Katherine! But I'm..."
She coughed. Once. Twice.
"Child... What's your problem?" Emily's voice seemed diluted and oddly her image blurred.
Black. Nothing but blackness surrounded her, as if the lights had all went out.
"Are you okay?" A masculine voice sounded, breaking what became darkness and overwhelming silence.
"Huh!" Sitting abruptly, Elena clutched her chest. Wary eyes glazed her surroundings to remind her where she was before addressing the owner's of voice.
Matt.
"I said, are you okay, Elena?" He smiled his infamous boyish grin, while shoving his hands in his pockets.
"Yeah, I think I fell asleep." Her hand pressed her forehead.
"I'd say," he mused, as his voice dripped with amusement. "You were also thrashing like someone in The Exorcist, but we'll never speak of that again. You know, if you are taking naps in the cemetery, people are going to start talking… again."
Matt was right. Elena already had her "graveyard girl" phase.
"I can't believe I fell asleep, to be honest." She yawned. "Or maybe, I should head home."
He nodded. "That's probably best. Come on. I'll walk with you."