A lot of you asked for the origins of the Elena and Andie feud so I thought I'd give you an extra chapter this week. You'll see some of it in this chapter and some in chapter 10. And BTW, nothing will happen between Damon and Andie.
By the time I wake up the next morning, the sun is already shining brightly through the gap in the curtains. Using my forearm, I shroud my eyes till I can get my bearings. Did I really stay overnight at Elena's house? It's then that I seize on the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and it does smell mighty fine. Standing up, I slip my jeans back on over my boxers and tug my tee shirt over my head. Although someday I'd enjoy giving her an eyeful, now is not the time. She's nowhere near ready to talk about the two of us trying anything together. I need to prove myself before I even consider approaching her for a date. I think she'd ream me out without bothering to take a breath were I do so now.
Just as I sit back down to put my converse back on, she walks into the living room, a cup of coffee in each hand. After handing it to me, she sits down on the opposite end of the couch.
"Did you sleep okay?"
"Yes, Elena, thank you again for putting me up or should I say putting up with me?" I mention, giving her a wink.
With a roll of her eyes and a shake of her head, she puts the rim of the cup to her lush full lips.
"Don't make me regret asking you to stay."
"I won't, Elena," I say, pausing to take a swallow of my coffee.
"Do you want to get some breakfast? It's the least I can do to thank you."
"Why not? I'm just going to call Kol first to see if he feels better. I'm going to ask him to join us, if you don't mind that is?"
"Sure," I agree. Although I'd prefer to be alone with her, I smile and nod because if he makes her feel more comfortable around me, then so be it. Once I finish my coffee, I start to look around.
"The bathroom is just down the hall. Make sure you put the seat up before you pee. And clean up your dribbles."
"Ha ha," I chortle then walk down the hall to find the bathroom.
As soon as I finish, I wash my hands and walk back out to find Elena waiting for me with her car keys and bag in hand.
"Since you're paying, I guess you get to choose."
"Wherever you want to go is fine with me, Elena."
"Bonnie's grandma owns and operates 'Sheila's. She's a fabulous cook."
"Sounds good, after you," I utter, extending my arm in front of me.
"No you first so I can lock the door," she says, a hint of a smile on her face.
"Miss Gilbert, is that a smile I see?" I tease, waggling my brows at her.
"Don't be ridiculous," she replies, shaking her head but I can see that she's trying hard not to smile. Afterwards she drives us to Sheila's. With Brady's folder in my valise, I tell her that I'm going to have to give it back to Brady by day's end since he was adamant about getting it back quickly. Do you think we should go over it once more before I give it to him?"
"Yeah, we can look at it in your office at the station can't we?"
Just as I start to answer her, I look up to see Kol sliding into the booth beside Elena, giving her a little nudge so she scoots over.
"You were saying, Damon?"
"What I was saying is that yes, we can look over it later. Um, when we're done here, can you drop me off at the Grill so I can pick up my car? Then we can talk once I get there?"
Nodding, she starts to eat the food that Sheila brings over. After stopping to say a few words to us and flirting a little with me, she leaves Elena, Kol and I alone to talk.
"Well that's a first."
"What's that, Elena?" I ask, sticking a forkful of eggs into my mouth.
"Sheila openly flirting with you."
"She was really close to my mom. She's always had a soft spot for me."
"Has she really?"
"Well, I'm jealous, she never ever flirts with yours truly," Kol utters, mocking a pout to Elena.
"Yeah and certainly Bonnie told you that Sheila used to babysit for me and Katherine, that is until Katherine was old enough to watch me by herself."
"I guess I'll have to ask her about that," she adds, digging into her own food.
"How's your head this morning, Kol?"
"I took a couple of Aleve when I got home last night and slept like a baby so I feel good."
"I worry about you," Elena adds, leaning in to lay her head on his shoulder for a few seconds. While we eat, I observe how close the two of them are. They bicker and lob barbs at each other but it's playful and fun and obviously the two of them are very close. Not wanting to interrupt whatever it is they're doing, I just eat my food and drink my coffee.
As soon as we're done, I leave a tip then walk over to pay the bill and visit with my friend for a few more minutes. When Sheila hugs me, Elena stands back, mouth agape, staring at the two of us.
"You really used to baby sit for him?"
"Yes, Elena, I did. He had his moments but most of the time he was good for me. And believe me when I tell you that I scolded him more than once when Bonnie would inform me of his exploits," she says, raising an eyebrow at me.
"She did but I was a bit thick back then and didn't take her advice to heart."
"No you didn't. Elena, if he gives you any grief, you let me know, I'll set him straight."
"I will do that, Sheila."
After we all give Sheila a hug, the three of us walk outside, Kol separating from us when we walk by his car. Once we get to her car, I hop in so she can drive me over to pick up my car.
As soon as I get to the TV station, I give my dad a call to tell him that I'll be home when I can. Fortunately I remembered to give him a call before I went to sleep last night so he wouldn't worry about me. He doesn't need that kind of stress given how weak his heart is. When I hear a rap on my door, I look up to see Elena standing there with Brady to her left.
"Have a seat," I tell them.
Once they do, I hand Brady the file back so he can take it with him when he leaves.
"Brady, I happened to notice that Amber left a suicide note. I didn't see it in the crime scene photos?"
"It came via USPS, addressed to her mother and dad."
"Was it analyzed, I mean fingerprint analysis, was her handwriting confirmed? Wouldn't an expert be able to tell if it was written under duress?"
"Her mother recognized the handwriting and yes, her fingerprints were on the letter as well as the mail carrier."
"Something is wrong here, Brady. Surely you can see that?"
"Damon is right, Brady. What motive could anyone have for killing Ben other than the fact that he was often spouting off that she didn't kill herself. What if he found some proof and then he had to be silenced... permanently?"
"Elena, I'm not going to reopen Amber's case unless I have something concrete to take to my superiors. I'm not about to have Richard Lockwood all over my ass if I don't have anything to back it up. Surely you understand that? Plus there could be any number of reasons for this that we know nothing about."
"Yes, I can understand where you're coming from but it's so frustrating, Brady."
"I know that, Damon. But for the time being, my hands are tied as far as Amber is concerned. Ben however is another story. I have a murder to solve. His body has been underwater for the last year and a half. Other than the gun shot wound to the head, it's impossible to determine whether drugs and alcohol were involved. There's no tissue left to test for those things. We only have his skeletal remains. If the water had been colder, if we had found him sooner, we may have had some of his body habitus left but with the windows open the bacteria and fish had a feast."
"Brady, that's gross," Elena utters, scrunching up her face.
Interrupting, I add my two cents worth, "I think we should start out this week's show with an update on Ben and then we can delve into the Will Turner case. Does that sound okay with you, Elena?"
"It's your show," she says, nonchalantly.
"Elena?"
"What? It's not like I have a say in it."
"Yes, you do. We work together. I want your input and for you to feel like a part of the team."
"Fine," she adds, rolling her eyes. Although discreet, I don't miss it. I don't know how I'm ever going to break through the walls that I alone erected. I just never dreamed that she'd still harbor so much animosity towards me but then again, I only thought about her sporadically when I lived in Chicago. Stefan and I kept in touch once in awhile, even surprising me once when he showed up my doorstep for a visit. At that time, he told me that Elena was dating someone that Jenna set her up with. Thinking that she was forever out of reach, I didn't give her much more than passing thoughts afterwards.
When I moved home and saw how the ugly duckling morphed into a beautiful swan, I started to pay attention again. And I know that's shallow beyond words but it's true. But it's also true that I've always had a bit of a crush on her. For whatever reason, I never believed that I was good enough for her back then. So rather than attempt to get close to her, I tortured her incessantly. Yeah, it was stupid and illogical and childish and I'm definitely paying the price for it now. In reality, I wanted to make something out of myself to prove to both myself and her that I was worthy of her affections. When I think about it, I don't know why I was so insecure back then? But instead of trying to conquer my demons, I only exacerbated them by being an ass to her. Rather than confront my feelings head on, I slipped on a mask of cruelty and indifference and took it out on Elena. You know what they say about hurting the ones you love the most? It's true.
"Damon?"
"Sorry, my mind was elsewhere," I start to say, shutting up when I see her drop her chin in obvious frustration.
"Please, Elena, what did you want to say?"
"All I was going to say is that you're right, we should start the show with an update on Ben. But are we going to tell the audience that he's been murdered?"
"Hey, hold off a minute. The coroner hasn't confirmed yet that the remains are Ben's. Given all we know, I'm certain that our John Doe is Ben, but we're waiting for his dental records for confirmation. They're supposed to be delivered to the precinct this morning."
"What if we mention what we know that a body and what's positively been identified as Ben's truck have been pulled from the quarry and if anyone knows something that they should call our number of the police?"
"That sounds perfect, Elena," Brady adds, giving her forearm a squeeze.
"Alright, that's the plan," I agree, standing up to refill my cup of coffee. Turning back around, I watch Brady and Elena step towards the door. Dropping my eyes for a moment, I realize that she seems to have such an easy rapport with everyone but yours truly. I only look up when I hear Brady say my name.
"I'll be in touch," Brady says, then walks away, Elena following behind.
Sitting back down, I drop my face into my hands. It seems every forward step I take with her, I get thrown ten steps back. How am I ever going to get anywhere with her at this rate?
Elena:
After leaving Damon's office, I go to look for John Anders, my co-anchor on the evening news show. We talk for quite sometime about the days news and what to incorporate into our news show. Once we're done, I head back to my own office. With my mind occupied, I walk right into Kol, laughing when both of us land on our bottoms. As soon as he helps me up, he invites me to go across the street to get something to eat at 'Subway'. Thinking that sounds like a wonderful idea, I readily agree. Quickly I go into my office and grab my bag then follow Kol outside and across the street.
Having placed our orders, we take a seat in front of the window. I look up just in time to see Damon walking down the sidewalk, Elijah beside him. Wondering what they're up to, I stare until they disappear into the McDonald's about a half a block away.
"So Elena..., I didn't bring it up at breakfast but how did your night with the D man go?"
"He was a complete gentleman if that's what you're asking."
"It is but that's all?"
"Yeah, we looked at Amber's file and talked and that was about it."
"I see."
"Kol, what are you going on about?"
"I think that Damon likes you."
"Don't be ridiculous. He hates me as much as I hate him," I scoff, laughing aloud.
"That's just it, Elena, I don't think you hate him. I know there is still a lot of bad blood between the two of you but you don't hate him anymore than he hates you."
"And just what makes you such an expert on the psychology of our minds?"
"Just call it as I see it, babe," he says, biting into his sub.
"You're being ridiculous and we're done talking about this subject. There will be no buts about it."
"Elena, Elena," he mumbles, shaking his head.
"I mean it, Kol. The subject is closed."
"Far be it from me to argue with her majesty."
"Stop that," I snap, breaking into a smile when he makes one of his ridiculous faces at me.
Not bothering to continue the conversation, I take another bite of my turkey sub, chewing it slowly because it tastes so good. When I look out of the window, my mouth drops when I see my grandma and Damon's grandpa walking up to the McDonald's entrance, hand in hand.
"It's a sad state of affairs when my grandmother's love life is more active than mine," I utter, dropping one side of my face into my palm. Hearing Kol sniggering, I stick my tongue out at him before taking a drink of my soda. Although my eyes are staring outside, in my head, they're staring at his brilliant blue ones.
I'm on location at the quarry for tonight's episode of Damon's show. We're starting out with an update on Ben. The coroner has now confirmed his identity via his dental records. Of course, his parents are distraught, Amy, their only surviving child is a senior in high school. Amy and her parents are in studio with Damon this evening with their plea to anyone who might be watching who could possibly know something, anything to help Brady solve Ben's murder.
When Kol says 3-2-1 in my ear, I turn to face the live feed from the studio as I wait for Damon to cut away to me.
"Hello ladies and gentleman. Tonight we have an update on last week's story about Ben Bradley and then we'll move into another. Tonight we have the Bradley family joining me," he says, walking the microphone over to the couch where they're all seated. I'd like to introduce you to Ben's parents June and Clarence and their daughter, Amy. Now we'll go to Elena Gilbert on scene at the Mystic Falls Quarry... Elena?"
"Hello everyone. Due to the severe draught that has engulfed Mystic Falls for the last two years, the water level has dropped and this week, a pickup was pulled from the murky depths. The truck has been positively identified as belonging to Ben Bradley. The remains have now been identified by the coroner using Ben's dental records. On your screen now is footage from the operation the police used to pull the truck out of the quarry. Joining me here are Chief Liz Forbes and Detective Brady Williams, who's in charge of the cold case division.
"Liz, is there anything you can tell us?" I ask, holding the microphone to her mouth.
"Both Detective Williams and I are asking the public that please, if you know anything, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, please give us a call," she implores, turning then to Brady.
"I just want to enforce what Chief Forbes had to say. It is our belief that Ben Bradley was murdered, so please, if you know something, give us a call."
"Thank you, Chief Forbes, Detective Williams. Before we go back to Damon in the studio, I want you to note the phone number that is running on the chyron at the bottom of your screen. Please help us bring some closure to the Bradley family. Back to you, Damon." I say, smiling till the camera's light goes out.
"Great job, Elena," Kol tells me, giving me a one armed hug. Aren't we supposed to meet Caroline and Bonnie at the Grill?"
"Yep," I say, turning back to the in studio camera. Damon is talking to the Bradley family now. Although Clarence looks stoic almost in shock, Amy and June are crying. Seeing the depths of their grief, I vow to myself that somehow, someway, Damon and I have to find some answers for them. Despite Brady's protestations, I believe with everything in me that Amber is the key to this. As soon as they leave the stage, Damon goes the other story that he had planned for the evening. Since I'm done, I help pack up our remote van and then get into the car with Kol to go to the grill. Once we're inside, I excuse myself to use the bathroom while Kol says he's going to have seat with Bonnie, Tyler and Care. When I finish washing up, I go in search of my friend, sliding in beside Kol and Bonnie.
Almost immediately Kol slides a tall glass of beer in front of me. Tipping it to my lips, I take a big swallow, savoring it as my taste buds ignite. The five of us are laughing and joking when suddenly, I hear a familiar voice. And when I look up, I see him, his arm wrapped around Andie Starr's middle, his lips next to her ear.
"Looks like Mr. hotshot over there didn't heed our advice about Andie," Kol says, elbowing me in the ribs.
"I don't want to talk about him," I grumble, taking another deep swallow. As a devious plan hatches in my head, I get up, walk over to the bar and request another pitcher of beer. Feigning drunkenness, I walk right over to them, purposely tripping on someone's heel, the contents of the pitcher flying all over Damon and Andie. Even though I land on the floor, it's worth it to see the two of them drenched and no doubt sticky with beer. Next thing I know, despite his predicament, he's helping me up, asking if I'm okay. Getting right in my face, Andie starts cursing a blue streak about how I ruined her designer dress and who knows what else since I'm not paying any attention to her. Unable to hold in my laughter, I barely eek out that I'm fine before running off to rejoin my friends.
When I wake up the next morning, I see a couple of aspirin and a bottle of water at my bedside.
"Thank you, Kol," I say, raising my bottle in a mock salute since he isn't here. Just as I drag myself out of bed, I hear my front door open. My grandma and Kol are the only ones who have a key besides myself. When I hear her voice, I know who it is.
"Elena, are you at home?"
Dropping my chin to my chest, I shudder that she's here because she'll probably ream me out about basting Damon in beer.
"I'll be right out, grandma," I tell her. As soon as I finish up in the bathroom, I go out to face her.
"Grandma, what are you doing here this time of the morning?"
"I spent the night with James," she starts to say, pausing when my mouth practically drops to the floor.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You spent the night with James, TMI, grandma," I utter, wrinkling my nose.
"Don't act so scandalized. I'm not an old woman yet," she scoffs, still focusing her gaze in on me again.
"So what were you starting to say?"
"Imagine my surprise when Damon came in looking like a drowned rat."
"I don't understand?"
"Oh yes, you do. He said that you accidentally spilled a pitcher of beer on him. Was it really an accident, Elena?"
With my fingers crossed behind my back, I start to defend myself. "Why would you even ask me that when Damon told you it was an accident?"
"I don't know, it just seems too convenient."
Still keeping them crossed, I implore her, "Grandma, why would I lie?"
"Alright, I'll drop it for now. Have you had lunch yet, given the time of day it is?"
When I glance at the clock, I see that it's after ten already.
"No, grandma, I have to get to the station. I had no idea that it was this late already."
"Alright, I'll go. Jenna told me you're not going to make it to our next get together but you need to call me about a date that will work for you. James and I have some news to share."
"I promise, goodbye now, grandma." After giving her a kiss, I shush her out of my door, breathe a sigh of relief and quickly dress and run out of the house.
As soon as I walk into the station, swiping my badge at the time clock just in the nick of time. Elijah just happens to be standing there. Knowing that I've been busted, I just go straight to my office, not at all surprised when I hear it open behind me.
"You usually don't cut it so close, Elena."
"No, I don't. I overslept. Fortunately my grandma showed up otherwise I'd probably still be cutting zzzz's," I admit, seeing nothing to gain by lying.
"I want to have a few words with you."
"Sure, have a seat," I tell him. After I put my purse in my drawer and fill my coffee cup, I sit in my chair and focus my attention on him.
"There's no easy way to say this Elena but I'm going to give Andie your co-anchor spot and you will be working full time with Damon on his show. You two have had astronomical ratings and I want to capitalize on that."
Immediately every cell in my body is erupting with anger. "You can't do that. I worked hard to get that anchor spot only for you to rip it out from under me to play second fiddle to Damon fucking Salvatore," I yell, not caring that it is my boss I'm speaking to.
"Elena, control yourself."
Indignant, I stand up, place my hands palm side down and lean over my desk getting right in his face. "How dare you?"
"Elena, stop it right now. You and Damon have higher ratings than the evening news has ever had. You'll get more exposure on that show than you've ever gotten in your current position. Whether you choose to believe it or not is your decision but this move is for your benefit and Damon's."
"I don't care. You know that Damon and I are like the spider and the fly. What if I don't want to work that closely with him? Are you going to force me to do so?"
"Yes, because either you work with him or you find yourself another job because I've already told Andie that she'll be moving into the anchor spot. I don't choose to discuss this with you any further. If you refuse to work with him, you can turn in your resignation."
"I can't believe you. I've been here a lot longer than he has. Why are you doing this, Elijah?"
"Because the owners of the station have forced my hand. Now the decision is yours. Good day, Elena." Standing up, he straightens his suit coat then makes his escape from my office. Seething, I flop into my desk chair and drop my face into my hand to try to calm myself. The minute I close my eyes, memories of Fiona flash in my head.
"You stupid little fool. What's the matter with you?" Fiona sneers. Laying in a heap on the track, I can't even get up because before I know it, her merry band of reprobates are surrounding me. It's the annual Mystic Falls track meet. Despite my usual awkwardness, I'm a good runner, having excelled in track and field. But for whatever reason, I tripped, falling forward and knocking Fiona down with me. Before I could even catch my breath, she was on her feet lambasting me in front of everyone. I feel about two inches tall. This is the only the most recent in a long line of my supposed indiscretions towards her.
"Well aren't you going to say anything? You cost me the blue ribbon. You will rue the day you were born by the time I'm done with you."
I'm stunned when she actually spits at me. Although her saliva doesn't land on me, it's meant to send a message. As soon as she and her friends stalk off, I stand up, brush the dust off of me. With everyone staring at me, it's all I can do to keep my composure until I retreat to the safety of the locker room. I quickly grab my things so I can get out of here before Fiona shows up to berate me all over again. Kol is waiting for me as soon as I walk out. It's only when our eyes meet that my tears finally fall.
Having stewed sufficiently and wanting nothing more than to take Damon's head off, I storm out of my office and into his without bothering to take a breath. As soon as I slam his door behind me, he looks up, daring to look dumbfounded.
"Elena?" he asks, his eyes darting from my eyes to my fisting hands and back to my eyes again.
"What's wrong?"
"Y.O.U., that's what's wrong. Because of you, I'm losing my anchor position."
"I had nothing to do with that."
"Bullshit," I seethe. Reeling back, I slap him hard, stunning even myself. It's then that he slowly stands up. With a fierce look on his face, he cups my fist in his palm. While keeping my hand in his, he leans forward till our noses are almost touching, 'You will never do that again," he says, his voice low but deadly serious. Continuing his stare for several seconds, he finally lets go and walks out of his office, leaving me to wonder what the hell just happened.
Yikes..
Thank you so much, Eva. Nothing would exist without you.
A huge thanks to all of you for taking the time to review. They're really so important to a writer plus they keep me engaged writing new versions of DE.
Chapter title: 'Bat Out of Hell' by Meatloaf.
'Nothing Left to Fear' updated yesterday. 'I Fall to Pieces' is still in progress as well. Watch for 'The Game of Life' to post once I finish with it. It's a shorty story sequel to 'The Dating Game'.
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Please be safe and have a fabulous day. Until next time.
