Chapter 20: Only the Beginning (Epilogue)

The sky was dark and gloomy, the morning glow just about starting to light up the sky as the other drivers occupying the road prepared for the brightness that the orb, which some call the sun was about to inflict on them. Which was obvious to all, that it would blind their vision. The brunette let out yet another yawn as she lifted the coffee, taking the last gulp as she let out a breath and stared at the road ahead. Blinking, she worked her hardest to open her eyes again, tiredness creeping over her body with each passing second.

It was 8 in the morning. She had been driving for 13 hours straight. After finding out that Connie Becket was living in Illinois, she started driving and hadn't stopped. She wanted to get whatever this trip was over and done with. If it was bad, she'd rather it be quick so that she could let the wounds heal and slowly move on. Looking at the map briefly, she followed the carriage way along, until it came up to her cut off. Pulling off, she followed the road around and stopped at traffic lights, watching the few cars going around on the roundabout. It was funny seeing how many cars were out, even at the time of the morning.

According to the map and the area, she was pretty close to finding this house and finding that all hell was going to break loose, or maybe not. Rubbing her face, she indicated to the first turn off of the roundabout and followed the signs, which were showing which areas were where. Following the one for the area marked down on the paper, she looked around as she found herself coming to a street with beautiful, outstanding houses, white picket fences and everything that you could think of. Looking at the number on the piece of paper, she swallowed as she studied Damon's handwriting and shook her head.

Parking up at the side, she stared the house with the house number she was supposed to find. Getting out of the car, she took a shaky breath. Either way, her life was about to change and she didn't know if it would be for the good or the bad. Tucking her phone into her pocket, she seen 15 missed calls, a variety from Caroline, Stefan, Katherine, Jeremy and…Damon. Venturing up the steps, she raised her fist, slowly knocking on the door as she held her breath. The door opened, a brunette standing at the door, young-looking. Was this her? If it was, that meant she was alive, she was really alive, Damon hadn't killed her. That had to be some good news.

"Hello? May I help you?"
"I...I'm looking for a Connie Becket?" Elena spoke hesitantly.
"Who are you?" The women grew cold and harsh as she stepped back, fear in her eyes until it was hidden by a look of stone.
"I'm-"
"You have 5 minutes to leave until I ring the police."
"No no no! Please...I'm not any harm to you."
"What do you want huh? No one knows me by that name anymore. My name is Bonnie Bennet."

"Damon…Damon sent me."
"Damon?" She raised an eyebrow in surprise, the coldness slipping from her voice slightly.
"Yes…Damon Salvatore, you can even ring him."
"How do you know Damon?" Crossing her arms, she narrowed her eyes as if she was testing her.
"I'm his P.A and well…his girlfriend."
"Well…you must be close to Damon for him to tell you where I am."
"My name is Elena, Elena Gilbert. I have come to you for answers, I have questions about Damon and you, your situation."
"I see. Hmm, I'm trusting you, one false move and the police will be here."
"Heard. Loud and clear."
"Come on in."

Elena watched as Bonnie walked on inside and took a deep breath. Well, it wasn't starting out so bad. Stepping inside after her, she closed the door behind her and looked around, studying the place. It was beautiful, she had it all set out lovely. A nice and homey feeling swept through her as she rubbed her neck and followed her through to the kitchen, to see the pot boiling. Rubbing her neck, she let out another yawn, her hand covering her mouth as her eyes rolled into the back of her head, demanding sleep. Watching Bonnie, she poured two cups of coffee out and sat at the table, placing a cup on the other side for her, offering her the seat.

"You look exhausted, I figured you could use some caffeine to help boost your energy."
"Thanks, much appreciated." Sitting at the table, the brunette lifted the teacup into her hands, sipping it as she closed her eyes.
"So…Damon, he sent you here huh? He must be really desperate."
"To convince me, yes. He is."

"And you don't believe him?" She quirked an eyebrow, sipping at the hot beverage.
"It's a bit hard to believe a guy that you found out MAY have murdered an ex and the worst part is that you may be falling for him."
"Well, as you can see, I'm well and truly alive, not dead."
"I still don't quite understand what happened, can you help me see, please?"
"It was 4 years ago when I ran." She started off.

The brunette listened to the terrifying voice mail again, her breath catching in her throat as she looked around her apartment in a panic. It had got worse. She was no longer able to hide from the danger that was chasing after her. She had tried her best to run from her past, but now it was catching up with her. No matter what she did to try and hide herself into the crowd, in the city where no one were to sleep, she was caught and had nowhere to hide. Rushing from the kitchen, she went into the living room, locking the front door quickly as she looked around, panic building up inside of her. Hearing her phone ringing, she jumped, her heart racing as she answered it quickly, not bothering to check the caller ID.

"Hello?" Her voice came out shaky as she studied her apartment, the windows and all.
"Hey, it's me. What's going on? You don't sound too good." Damon's voice cooed through the phone.
"He's found me Damon." She whimpered, "I think he's going to kill me."
"Calm down, breathe. Have you seen him?"

"No. He left a voice mail, he knows where I am Damon. He wants to kill me. I tried running…I've tried and you've covered me for which I thank you, 3 years with nothing and now he's back. I don't know what to do Damon. Whatever I do, he'll find me. I can't put everyone around me in danger, I just can't do it anymore." She cried, gripping the phone with fierce grip.

Hearing a bang on the door, she turned on her heel, her eyes wide with fear as she moved away slowly, staring at the door as if it were going to shatter into splinters at any second. Running to the kitchen, she lifted a knife from the stand and held it close, her heart racing as she blocked out Damon's voice, not being able to hear it over the sound of her heartbeat escalating.

"Someone's here. Someone is trying to get in. What do I do?" She questioned in a panic.
"Call security to your room, I'll be there soon, alright? I'm going to get you out of this, I promise you."

Doing as he had said after them hanging up, she called security to her room and they came only seconds later. Checking up and down the halls, they were trying to reassure her as all she could do was wait for Damon to arrive so that she would feel slightly safer. Looking up, she seen him walking into the room and sighed in relief as he let the officers out and shut the door, walking over to her as he bent down. Smiling weakly, she swallowed as he took her hands squeezing them.

"I got an idea, alright? Once and for all, no one will know or find you. Do you trust me?"
"Of course I do."

"That's when the plan came into action. Damon had it down to a T. He knew what we were doing, when and where it was going to happen."
"The murder? How?" Elena murmured, puzzles slowly filling themselves into her brain.
"That part was all down to Damon."

Looking out the window, she took a deep breath, knowing this would probably be the last time that she would see this place. Turning on her heel, she seen the cases on her bed, all packed and ready to go. The plan was in action and with some luck, it was going to work out. Hearing the front door open, she stepped out to see Damon walk in, a knife in hand as he held it out for her. Biting her lip, she took a deep breath and took it in her hand as she dragged the blade across her palm, the blood dropping into the awaiting cup that Damon was holding underneath. Passing the knife back to him, he squeezed the grip hard, making sure to get his fingerprints on it. Dropping the knife onto the couch, he looked around the apartment as if he were doing calculations in his head. Wrapping a bandage around her hand, she plastered it together, watching Damon cautiously.

"Damon, maybe this isn't a good idea. You could go down for this." She bit her lip in worry.
"I'll walk out of anything. I have a lot behind me, I'm more worried about you. I'll be fine. Now go, get the cases downstairs and go. The car is waiting, I'll be down soon."

Nodding softly, she walked back into the bedroom and lifted the two small cases off the bed, knowing she was going to have to go on a huge shopping trip later on. Walking into the living room, she watched Damon spill blood over the kitchen and living room floor, afterwards stepping in it to get his footprints down. Watching, she seen as he spilled blood over the bed and bedroom floor, taking some on his fingertips as he wiped it across the counter and the phone. Closing her eyes, she took one last look around the apartment and walked out, leaving the scene of her death behind, knowing she was about to reborn.

"That was the night I was reborn and became who I am today, Bonnie Bennet." Bonnie finished off, licking her lip as she leaned back in the chair.
"Wow." Elena gulped, trying to take all the information in without her mind getting clustered.
"Damon, he's a really great guy you know? He's one of the best that you would be lucky to have on your arm."

"I know he is, I just, I got lost. In the mist of trying to run from my past and having it catch up with me, I got lost in his past too."
"An ex-boyfriend?" She raised an eyebrow.
"Mmhm, the abusive kind who won't stop until your dead."
"Yeah. I know what that feels like. Always on edge, always having to look over your shoulder. It's not the nicest life to have. Living in paranoia is not living, it is suffering."

Elena looked at her, the words sinking in as she felt tears jerking her eyes, causing her to clear her throat. Hearing her phone ring, she pulled it out of her pocket and took a deep breath, seeing Stefan's name come up on the screen. Just wonderful, that's all she wanted right now. Declining the call, she smiled weakly and finished off her coffee, letting the hot liquid nurse the dryness of her throat.

"How is your life now? Would you say that Damon helped you?"
"My life? It's peaceful, amazing and worth living now. Damon didn't just help me…he saved me, gave me another chance to live. He gave me a life."
"He saved you." Elena repeated, sadness sinking down in her chest. She was more confused than ever now.
"Do you love him? Are you in love with him?" Bonnie questioned.

"Yeah. Yeah I am." She answered hoarsely, "And no matter what I do, he's always stuck in my head. Day and night, night and day."
"You say it like it's a bad thing."
"Well, isn't it?"
"Love," Sighing, Bonnie got up, taking their cups over to the sink, "Love isn't bad, it's about taking risks, about taking a leap of faith and following your heart. Following your gut, your initiative."

A leap of faith, she had no more leap of faiths in her to take. She had been hurt too much and she didn't know if she could handle being hurt ever again. Maybe Damon was the guy for her. A genuine, sweet, real guy. He had everything that a women would look for in any man. Power, confidence and such a beautiful personality that was hidden beneath the surface, only revealed when he put that trust in someone. Swallowing, she watched Bonnie making them another hot beverage and rubbed her face. What did she do? She didn't even know how she felt at the moment. Hearing her phone ring again, she frowned. If it was Stefan, she was throwing her phone. Lifting it, she seen Caroline's name come up on the screen. Thank god, she would have hated to throw her phone and break it.

"Hello?" Elena answered, rubbing a hand up the back of her neck.
"Where the hell have you been? I was worried. I didn't hear from you since you told me you were going to work."
"Damon is not a murderer." The brunette stated, knowing what she was getting at.
"Elena, you can't-"
"Be sure? I'm sitting here with her right now, that's how sure I am."
"What?" She gasped, "Really? So Damon didn't kill her? What happened then?"

"All you need to know is that he's innocent."
"Shocking." Another voice spoke.
"Ah, Katherine. So nice to hear from you."
"Yeah, I'm sure. Your ex is on the move, he's looking for you. I've been surveying him. I'd be careful if I were you."
"I'm safe. YOU don't have to worry about that, I can take care of myself, and I always have. Now goodbye."

Hanging up, she tucked he phone back into her pocket and took a deep breath as Bonnie took a seat at the table again, placing the two cups down. Elena nodded in thanks, lifting the cup into her hand as she took a long sip and closed her eyes, sighing in content. She was so puzzled. Her heart was thumping, her head was in a daze. She was pretty much screwed at the moment.

"You really have got yourself into a struggle, haven't you?" Bonnie raised an eyebrow.
"Every day of my life is a struggle. You never know what is around the next corner, ya know?" Elena laughed weakly.
"You need to talk to Damon. You two need to sit and have a serious talk."
"I just…I don't know what to do anymore. I'm scared of being hurt again."
"Is he worth the risk of taking a chance?"

"Yes." She answered without a thought.
"Then you'll know what the right thing to do is." Bonnie smiled, "I think you're the best he's ever come across. He'd be stupid to let you go without a fight."
"Thank you Bonnie." She returned her smile.
"Go and make your life worth while. I'll always be here if you need advice or a shoulder to cry on. I'm someone who knows your struggles."
"Can I take your number?" Elena smiled weakly as Bonnie began writing it down and handed it over.
"Good luck Elena."

The roads were empty, the sky a dark blue with the moon shining bright. The familiar skyscrapers came into view as she recognized the city of New York. She was back, 13 hours later. It was 11 pm and she was close to falling from exhaustion. She hadn't caught one bit of shut eye, she had been living on caffeine for the past 24 hours. Taking a deep breath, she pulled around the corner, knowing that this was it. She was going to have to make a decision for herself. What she wanted, what she thought was right. Pulling into the car park, she parked anywhere as the car park was empty. She knew everyone would be gone, everyone except him. Maybe he was worried because she hadn't called back, maybe he was worried because he didn't know what she was going to do.

She didn't even know what she was going to do, never mind him. Getting out of the car, she bit her lip and entered the building with her key card, making her way over to the elevator as she got in and hit the button for the top floor. This was it, the moment of truth. Watching the numbers, her heart was racing, her palms growing clammy as she leaned back, trying to contain herself. As the elevator came to a stop, she stepped out, making her way down the hall as she realised it might be the last time. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door as she stepped in and kicked it shut behind her. Looking over, she seen Damon turn from the window, staring at her, his eyes full of emotions.

"Hey." Damon spoke softly, clearing his throat.
"Hi." She replied, tears glazing her eyes.
"So, do you believe me now?" He raised an eyebrow, swallowing.
"I should have followed my instinct and ignored everyone else. I should have followed my gut and trusted you. I know why you did it and it just showed me who you really are. You would do anything for the people around you, for the people you love and for the people you care about. I find it in a way, that you're like a warrior who would take anything on himself to make sure others were happy. I just wish…that I could do that for you, but I know I'll never be able to."

"Elena-"
"Damon, I love you. I…am in love with you." Elena admitted, tears falling down her cheeks as he stared at her.
"Why do you say it like it's a bad thing?" He whispered hoarsely, his own eyes growing glassy.
"Because we both have too many strings to be happy. I have strings with your brother, YOUR brother."
"I do NOT care about anyone else! I care about you! About us! I want you Elena!" Damon raised his voice, moving closer to her.
"You don't think I want you too!? I would sacrifice anything to be with you, THAT is the problem Damon."
"Ele-"

"Damon," She whispered, pressing her finger to his lips as she stared up at him, "We can't."
"Of course we can." He answered quietly, taking her hand as he pressed kisses to her knuckles, "We can."
"Damon, I love you." Elena swallowed, more tears falling, "But I don't know what to do anymore. This has been a crazy relationship from the start."
"It has been the BEST relationship. Please Elena, give us a chance. We can do this together, we can do anything together." He whispered.
"I'm sorry." She shook her head, pressing her lips against his lightly as she moved back, "I can't."
"Elena." Damon's voice broke, "I lo-"

"Don't. Please. Just please don't." She moved to the door opening it.
"Please don't go. I need you. YOU need me. We need each other." He told her.
"I can't be hurt anymore."
"I'd NEVER let anyone hurt you. You know I wouldn't. I'd go to the ends of this earth to fight for you."
"I need time." She looked over her shoulder sadly.
"I will fight for you." Damon told her determined, "I am not giving up without a fight!"
"I'm not worth fighting for Damon. Not anymore."

Looking at him one last time, she walked out, closing the door behind her as he took a shaky breath and ran his fingers through his hair, swallowing. This couldn't be happening. Looking at the door, he rubbed his neck and shook his head. No, this was not going to end this way. He pulled open the door quickly and walked out, stopping in his steps as he felt his heart crushing even more. She was gone. Rubbing his neck, he took a deep breath and walked back into his office, slamming the door behind him. Was this the end for them or only the beginning?

A/N: Well yes, this is the end, but NOT forever! There will be a carry over, onto a sequel. I hope you enjoyed, let me know what you think. I'm now taking ideas, so if you wish, you know where I am. Thank you!

Have a wonderful Christmas! :D

Shauna

xxx