Chicago was beautiful. The sun was starting to fade. Darkness had not overcome the night yet. The sky was a pale, cloudless gray. Buildings and high rises lined the streets. There were lights everywhere. Elena smiled as they passed over the giant river that cut through the city. There was art in the parks, people in the streets, it was alive here. The city didn't just shut down at night like Mystic Falls had. It seemed to take on a whole new element. Damon noticed how enthralled she was with her new surroundings. She looked so adorable taking it all in.

Traffic moved slowly down the streets. Yellow cabs cut through the lines, and honked loudly. They would have to find a hotel for tonight, and soon. Damon's eyes were heavy. He had hardly slept at all the last few nights. After a couple of miles bumper to bumper with the car in front of him, Damon veered off into a low lying parking garage. Elena couldn't tell which building it lead into, but Damon seemed pretty familiar with it.

"Grab your pillow if you want. I'll get the bags. We will stay at the place tonight, and tomorrow I will find us somewhere a little more permanent," Damon smiled at Elena.

"Where is here exactly," Elena looked around.

"Here is a parking garage, up there is a hotel, a nice one at that," Damon pointed towards the ceiling.

They walked to the elevator and chose the lobby floor. Damon carried their bags to the front, and checked them in. Elena walked around the lobby while waiting for him. It smelled strongly of coffee, and then she noticed some muffins set next to the large coffee machine. She hadn't noticed how hungry she actually was until all the aromas had hit her. She was headed towards the snacks, but Damon caught her arm before she could snatch them up.

"Don't go for those, they've probably been there for days. Let's get up to the room, then I'll take you out," Damon smirked.

Elena smiled as she followed him to another elevator. Damon pushed the #24 button on the number pad. When the elevator stopped they walked off and down a long, carpeted hallway. Elena hadn't really been paying attention to the numbers, she just continued following Damon. He stopped at their room and took out the key. The lock clicked as he slid the card in and out of the slot quickly. He held the door open for her.

The room was small, but clean. There were two queen beds situated side by side in the main room. There was a bathroom off to the right. Elena darted to the window. The city lights lit up the now dark sky. She could see everything from here. She was face to face with other skyscrapers. She looked over the car packed streets. Neon signs blinked in store windows. This place was so different from home. Damon walked over to her and placed an arm around her shoulders.

"Would you like to go out and get some food," Damon asked.

"It looks beautiful and all, but can we just eat here, I'm too tired tonight," Elena replied.

"How about you stay here and do whatever you need to do, and I'll go out and bring us something up to eat. I need to walk around after such a long drive anyways. I'll be right back," Damon said.

"But what if-," Elena began.

"Don't worry. Nobody knows we are here. You are perfectly safe right now," Damon cut her off.

He kissed the side of her head and walked to the door. He waved to her before leaving. Elena slid her cell phone out of her pocket and dialed aunt Jenna. She should at least know Elena was doing okay. A few rings in Alaric answered.

"Ric," Elena questioned.

"Yeah sorry, Jenna is finally sleeping. I would wake her up, but she hasn't slept much at all recently and I'd feel horrible ruining that. She really needs it. I'll have her call you tomorrow," Ric explained.

"I think we all need more sleep. Just tell her I've left town for a while. I needed to get away and start fresh for now. I'll be back, I'm just not sure when yet. "

"You know, I get it Elena. Jenna doesn't understand why you want to push her away, but I do. When I lost my mother at such a young age, I pushed all of my family away. It was just easier for me to cope that way without the constant reminder. Just know we both love you, and I'm here if you ever need to talk. Jenna too. Keep in touch."

Ric's words were oddly soothing. At least he somewhat understood. Hopefully he could explain to Jenna and she wouldn't feel like everyone was leaving her all of a sudden. Elena felt slightly better. She needed a shower, though. That'd be perfect. A nice, hot, shower and then food. She dug around in her suitcase for her shampoo, conditioner, razor, and body wash. When she found it she went and locked herself in the stark white hotel bathroom. The handle creaked as she turned it all the way to the left.

Elena got in and let the hot streams of water run down her hair and back. She was letting all of the stress wash down the drain right now. Though it may be impossible, she needed to try and be happy. Everyone around her was dying, but she couldn't let herself sink into a depression. Like she said earlier, she needed to fight to get through this, and the firs step to that is putting on a brave face. Elena massaged the shampoo into her hair, and then promptly rinsed it out. She slathered on conditioner and while she waited for it to set, she shaved her legs. Afterwards, when the conditioner was gone she knew she would have to get out soon. The steam from the shower was starting to make her feel light headed. She wrapped her hair up in a towel and put another around her body.

Elena opened the bathroom door, and walked to her suitcase to grab a change of clothes. Damon, thankfully, was not back yet. He sure would've loved to see her in just that towel. Elena laughed to herself. She pulled out a pair of silky shorts and a tank top. She put them on and managed to get a comb through her long,tangled hair. The blow dryer was weak, and it took nearly ten minutes to even get her hair somewhat dry. She gave up after a while and brushed her teeth instead. After all was done, she laid down on the bed closest to the window and tucked herself up under the covers.

She was starting to doze off when the door swung open. Elena jumped slightly before realizing it was just Damon. He had a big, square box in one hand.

"Hope you like pizza," Damon joked.

"I guess it'll have to do," Elena teased.

He tossed the box on top of her bed. Elena reached and opened the top. She took a napkin, pulled out a large slice, and began eating. Two pieces in and she was laughing at how she must look. Damon sat in the chair by the window happily chomping on his slice of pizza.

"Why do you eat regular food? I thought vampires only ate, well you know," Elena said quietly.

"It isn't exactly the tastiest thing anymore, but it curbs the hunger. I'm ok right now, but I just thought I'd eat with you so you didn't feel so alone," Damon laughed at her.

"Did you, uh, feed while you were out."

"Yes. I have to, Elena. I don't hurt them, and I just make them forget afterwards. It's not as bad as you imagine," Damon said.

"How do you make them forget? Wait, have you done that to me," Elena's eyes widened.

"It's called compulsion. When our power is strong we can make people believe anything we want them to. No, I haven't done this to you, but I strongly believe somebody has before," Damon admitted.

"What, who?"

"I don't know who, but I remember when you explained that you couldn't remember anything from the night your family -died-. I think one of the vampires stuck around to compel it out of your memory and make you believe a whole different story."

"Will I ever get that memory back?"

"No, probably not. I'm sorry Elena. Here, let's finish eating. We can talk more in the morning. It's been a long day."

Elena got up and moved the box off of the end of her bed. Then, she silently tucked herself back in and turned away from Damon. Minutes passed and neither had said anything. Elena was still awake, thinking. Damon kept taking swigs of his Bourbon.

"I'm scared, Damon. Everyone keeps leaving. Eventually, I'll be alone," Elena said softly.

"You'll never be alone, Elena. I'll be here for as long as you want me to be."

"Will you lay with me?"

"Always."

Damon got up and walked over to the bed. He sat down next to Elena. He kicked his boots off, and slung his jacket onto the chair. He laid down and wrapped his arm around her. She could feel his chest press against her back. His slow breathing was comforting. She drifted to sleep, and for the first time in a long time, she was happy.