The next week and a half passed by in a rush. The school was preparing for the 60's Decade Dance, and Caroline was busy since she was organizing it. She had talked things out with Matt but he asked her to compel him to forget it, and now they were working on their relationship, starting new since he didn't remember her confession. Bonnie was looking through the grimoires she took from Jonas' house. She was also officially dating Jeremy, and he seemed to make her happy although he was constantly worried after I said she could die from using so much power. Bonnie had made me swear not to tell Elena about that, saying she would try to stop her and there wasn't need. I didn't agree on that, but I did agree on not telling Elena. Elena had inherited a house from Isobel, but refused to use it as safe-house. I didn't blame her. Her birth mother comes, hurt her friends, kidnaps her for the day, stole the moonstone and then killed herself in front of her. The Salvatores were going to change the boarding house contract, passing it to Elena so she would use it as safe-house. Katherine had disappeared right after Isobel died. Damon liked to think that the witch that helped Isobel, Maddox, took her to Klaus and that he killed her. Something happened between him and Katherine that made his hate even stronger.

Wedding planning went smoothly, and we had everything set half a week before the wedding. It would be a really small ceremony. My stuff was packed and ready to be taken to our new house after the honeymoon. Well, people thought that was what it would happen. Edward, Alice, Elena and I knew I wouldn't be coming back for a while. I had decided against calling my mom, since she didn't even know Edward was back and we were dating. She would probably try to convince me to back off from the wedding, and I had enough cold feet already. Besides the rest of the Cullen clan, Charlie, Matt, Liz Forbes, Jenna and Ric, I had sent Damon an invitation, hoping we could be in good terms and be friends. It would be on a Sunday, two days before Christmas. Edward would take me to Alaska, where the Cullens had a cabin, and there he would change me. I had thought Edward would invite his extended family, the cousins from Alaska that he had visited for a wedding, but he didn't. Alice explained that they were avoiding me meeting them, because they would probably want me to help them with a human-camouflage spell – as Emmett liked to call – and they didn't want me to take risks for them or exhausting myself. Also, the wedding would be at sunset, and although the weather would be chilly, there would be sunshine. We couldn't have people sparkling since we had human guests. Alice had dragged me, Bonnie, Caroline and Elena to Richmond with her and Esme, to get the dresses. After a full day of fitting and shoe shopping, the dresses were taken to Mystic Falls, where they would be locked up in Alice's closet so no one would see. She had ordered us not to think of it so Edward wouldn't 'spy'. My dress, only Alice and I saw, and the sales assistant. It was beautiful, and I had told Alice to pay it with money from the bank account she had opened for me but she informed me it was already paid. It was Emmett and Rose's gift. Although I appreciated the gesture, I asked if there was anything I would afford myself. She said no. Esme and Carlisle's gift was something related to the honeymoon, but a surprise.

So basically I only had to give Alice the 'ok' on what she selected.

The girls had said they would get the four things every bride needed, but I got to pick who got what. I chose Caroline for something new, Elena for something borrowed, Bonnie for something old and Alice for something blue.

Edward and I had chosen the wedding rings together and with no Alice-input. We had found a ring with Celtic knots and Edward thought it would be interesting to get it. Mine was yellow gold, with two trinity Celtic knots with a diamond between them. Edward's only had the knots. They were pretty and quite fitting considering my lineage.

One morning, Elena had asked me to join her to sign the papers of the boarding house. I was not willing to see Damon, but she had done so much stuff for me lately, that I agreed promptly and drove to the boarding house before school. Damon and Stefan were talking outside and when I got out of my car, Stefan turned to greet me.

"How's your day?" he asked. "I heard Alice is keeping you busy"

"Tease me" I rolled my eyes. "Alice wants to personally check the fitting of your suits tomorrow. Good luck"

"Again?" he frowned.

"Alice" I shrugged.

The fact that Damon was basically pretending I wasn't there didn't pass by unnoticed.

"How are you, Damon?" I asked politely.

"Great" he said and smirked. "In fact, I was going to call you… Your invitation doesn't make it clear… It's alright if I take Andie as my date, right?"

He wanted to take Andie Star as his date to my wedding?

No, he didn't. He wanted to piss me off, and I wasn't going to give him that pleasure.

"Of course, Damon. I'll tell Alice today at school and she'll rearrange the seats"

"Perfect" he said sarcastically. "Now… I was asking my dear brother… Do you think Bonnie can take on Klaus?"

"She won't need to" I said glaring at him.

"But if she has to?"

"She won't"

"The question is centered on an 'if' or didn't you notice?" he asked.

Stefan finally decided to intervene.

"I told him she'll be able to channel enough power to do it, if needed" he said.

"That's dangerous" I said scowling.

"It will be our last resource" he assured me.

"Where are the girls?"

"Inside" Stefan said.

I passed by them and walked in the house. Elena was in the dining room frowning at all papers she had to sign while Bonnie stood leaned against a wall watching with amusement.

"Good morning" I said.

"Good morning" Bonnie said and arched an eyebrow. "Ready to start your last weekend as a single woman?"

"Yeah"

"Great. I asked Jenna and she said I could go" Elena said closing the folder. "Done"

"Gilbert Boarding House" I mused. "Doesn't have a ring to it, sorry"

"I thought the exactly same thing" she rolled her eyes.

We walked to the door, and Elena opened it with a flourish. Stefan smiled and tried to enter but couldn't, hitting an invisible barrier.

"It worked" Bonnie said.

"Stefan, come in" Elena said with a smile.

He entered with a smile, and Elena began to close the door. Damon stopped her with his hand and frowned at her.

"Invite me in, Elena" he demanded.

"Only if you promise to play by my rules" she said.

Bonnie and I chuckled at his scowl, and Stefan smirked at his brother. He shot us a glare and then to Elena.

"Let me in"

"Promise"

He clenched his jaw and with a sigh he raised his hands in surrender.

"Fine. I promise to play by Elena's rules" he vowed rolling his eyes.

She eyed him and then invited him in. Although I know she wouldn't left him out for too long, I hoped she didn't fully believe him, because eventually he would break that promise and disappoint her. We all went to the living room, where the girls got their backpacks.

"Where do you think you are going?" Damon scowled at Elena.

"School" she shrugged.

"Elena the whole reason to give you the house as safe-house, is for you to stay inside, safe" Stefan said pleadingly.

"I'm not stopping my life" she said. "We have a lot to do this weekend"

"Yes, tonight is Bella's bachelorette party" Bonnie said as we walked to the door. "Meaning, a boys-free night"

"Where are you going?" Damon asked curiously.

"Clubbing" I shrugged.

"Clubbing?" he snorted. "Well, good luck convincing the klutzy bride to dance. I almost had to drag her"

"When did you go clubbing?" Elena asked turning around.

"A long time ago" I said dismissively.

"Elena, it's dangerous" Stefan said.

"Stefan, I can't just sit around and wait for something" she said and smiled to me and Bonnie. "Who I'm riding with?"

"Me" Stefan sighed getting his jacket.

Damon rolled his eyes at us and went to the living room as we left to school.

"So, enjoy the afternoon together 'cuz tonight you, Ms. Swan is all ours and I don't want to see any stalkers, Mr. Cullen" Alice said sternly during lunch.

"I have to go home, get clothes…" I trailed off as Alice shook her head.

"Everything is done, you just have to show up at our place at seven"

"Don't worry, they will be with my sisters" Edward said to Stefan. "They will be safe"

"You have to stop worrying so much, Stefan" I smiled. He shrugged with a sad smile as Elena snuggled into his side. "Bonnie, Caroline and I will be there too, and Elena will be more than safe"

"Yes. This weekend has to be epic" Caroline said. "With the bachelorette party, the decade dance and the wedding we have a lot of opportunities to relax a bit"

"You're right" Stefan said and turned to Edward. "So, bachelor party?"

"No strippers" I warned.

"No" Edward chuckled. "My brothers and I were planning on drinks and hunting… You're welcome to join us"

"You know, I kind of feel sorry for you… Bachelor party, no stripers, only squirrels and bunnies" Jeremy said with a smile.

"You know, it's quite offending that knowing the predator we are you would think we eat squirrels" Emmett said pulling a seat for Rose and sitting across me.

"So, Bunnies you do eat" Elena said chuckling.

"Only if it's a playboy bunny" Emmett smirked.

Rose slapped him gently on the chest and we all rolled our eyes at the agreeing smirks of the boyfriends. And in my case, fiancée.

Later that day, by the end of the afternoon, Edward took me home. I took a shower, dried my hair and found the outfit Alice wanted me to wear. It was a blue sequin sheath dress with scoop back, and black and golden crisscross Louboutin pumps. I pulled my hair in a high ponytail and after some smoky make-up, I was done.

"Okay, I'm ready… But this heels will kill my feet" I said as I went downstairs.

Edward came from the living room and gave me a grin.

"You look stunning" he said and in a flash I was pinned against the wall. "I don't think I can let you go like this… Too dangerous"

"Dangerous?" I asked with a smirk. "The heels?"

"The fuck-me heels too" he said against my lips. "But mostly this goddamn sexy dress…"

I kissed him and he molded his body to mine. When his hands slid up on my thighs, pulling on the dress' hem, I giggled in his mouth and pulled back.

"I'm gonna be late" I said.

"So?" he asked kissing my neck.

"And your sister is going to kill you if I don't get there soon and in perfect state"

"I hate Alice sometimes" he grumbled.

He kissed my cheek, and taking my hand we walked out of my house. He drove to his house since Alice would take me home later, and told me Alice had everyone's outfits for the decade dance and although he didn't quite enjoy the 60's he was sure we would have fun. Alice had found time aside from wedding planning to help Caroline with organizing the dance and Caroline had been so happy to get help from someone who actually lived the 60's. I was just imagining the outfit Alice picked for me and I hoped it wouldn't be the horror show I imagined. Edward parked in front of his house, and ran to my side of the car to help me out.

"So, I'm not allowed to see you for the rest of the night?" he asked as I leaned against the hood of the car.

"No… Although my bachelorette party is two days before the wedding, we'll keep the tradition of the groom not seeing the bride" I said with a smile. "So, I'll see you tomorrow at school to help with decorating"

"Don't you think that's not fair?" he asked leaning close. "I don't get to enjoy you in this outfit?"

"Well, I have to enjoy one of my last nights as single… Do you like the outfit?"

"Loved it" he murmured kissing my jaw.

"Do you think I can score some at the club with this outfit?" I giggled.

"Do you think this is funny?" he growled playfully.

I squeaked as he grabbed my thighs and lifted me so I was sitting on top of the car. He kissed me hard and I hummed in appreciation fisting his shirt and pulling him closer.

"Save some for the honeymoon!"

I pulled back laughing and turned. Elena had just gotten out of Stefan's car and was looking at us with a teasing grin. She was wearing a black mini skirt, a light blue corset and black and golden sandals.

"He doesn't want me to go" I said and pushed Edward away gently so I could get down. "Something about not being allowed to use my outfit as weapon to get a hook-up"

Elena laughed and walked to me. She liked her arm with mine as we walked to the front door while Stefan and Edward followed. She told me that John had tried to parent her about the outfit and she told him to go to hell. We met Alice and Rose in the living room. Rose was sitting in the couch, wearing a red bandage one-shoulder dress, with light brown pumps and her hair curled. Alice was quite… flashy. With a dark pink mini skirt, a cropped black top and black and dark pink pumps, she was the one who showed more skin. She explained she was small, so technically, we had more skin to show. Edward went to change so he and the guys could head out to a bar, and soon Caroline and Bonnie arrived. Caroline was wearing red leather skinny pants, a brown tank top and black ankle booties, her hair in a side braid. Bonnie was wearing a halter sequin dress with black strappy shoes, and joked that Jeremy had said he hoped his sister was wearing more than that. Stefan muttered he agreed and Elena stuck her tongue at him. After saying goodbye to the guys, Alice and I took her Porsche while the girls went with Rose in her BMW. Rose and Alice would be the designated drivers since although they could taste the alcohol, thanks to my spell, they couldn't get drunk. On the way, I asked Alice how we were going to get in, and with an evil smile she said George Washingtons would help us. But money wasn't necessary, since Caroline compelled the bouncer to let us in. After getting in, we went straight to the bar to get some 'warm-up' shots, as Bonnie declared we needed it.

"To Bella" Caroline toasted. "A friend we never truly had the chance to party with and now we are already saying goodbye to her single version"

"We just hope you don't turn into a decent, dutiful, no-fun housewife with dinner ready at six for hubby" Bonnie laughed.

"No aprons" Alice chuckled.

"Active sex life" Elena giggled.

"And no knitting" Rose laughed and the girls gave her a confused look. "What? In my time you needed to know how to knit to be a suitable bride" she shrugged.

"To Bella!" Alice said.

We downed the shots and I laughed.

"You know, you make normal marriages sound boring" I said.

"Thank God none of us are normal then" Elena said.

We danced and drank for hours, until our feet were sore and we were stumbling. We did behave like committed ladies, but we had fun with strangers. Nothing for our boyfriends to worry. Rose took the girls home and Alice dropped me off at my house. I entered and found Dad sleeping on the couch. I walked to him and shook him gently. He just stirred for a moment and then went back to sleep. I put a blanket over him and went to my room. I closed my door and undid my ponytail while looking for my PJ's.

"Bella"

I turned around and willed my heart so slow down. Damon was on the window seat.

"You truly enjoy sneaking in and scaring me" I said with a smile.

"Bachelorette party?" he asked standing up.

"Yes"

"Did you have fun? After all it's your last opportunity"

"It's not my last opportunity" I frowned.

"Maybe…" he said standing inches from me. "But it is your last opportunity to back off"

I looked at him in the eyes and he must have understood that was a 'go ahead'. He cupped my face gently and my eyes were locked on his, I couldn't look away. I held his wrists, not pulling or pushing his hands.

"You don't have to do this… Don't marry him, Bella"

"I do have to" I whispered. "It will save everyone…"

"Bonnie can kill Klaus"

"Bonnie would die"

"You don't want to do this… I can feel it. I can see it"

"Damon… Please" I begged with tears in my eyes. "Please don't do this. Not now. You had so many chances to tell me not to marry him… Why now? I can't. Everything is ready and…"

"You are not ready, it's obvious. Only Cullen doesn't see it" he said frowning.

"Damon, no" I shook my head. "I have to…"

"I'll change you. You would become like me… It would work the same"

"And then what?" I frowned. "Spend the rest of eternity alone?"

"I would be with you"

"For a while maybe" I said pulling away from him.

"You said you loved me, that that wouldn't change… You said I made you happy" he pointed out.

"True… But you don't feel the same"

"I… I could" he mumbled.

"You want me because I'm the only one who has been honest with you, who has felt something real and lasting for you, Damon. Because I'm the only one that hasn't given up on you" I said. "But I need to feel the same. I need someone to love me back. And Edward does. I love him. And I can't just cancel everything now and hope that someday you will give up on Katherine or Elena. I can't stop my life for you. You're being selfish by asking that from me"

He kissed me. It was like he hadn't heard a word I said. Or if he did, he ignored it. His arms wrapped around me tightly, leaving no space between us. Lost in the fact that his lips were on mine, I kissed him back and let him deepen the kiss. He dragged me and suddenly we were lying in my bed with him on top of me. He kissed down my neck, his hands pulling my dress up.

"Damon" I whispered and pushed him away gently. "No"

"You want me, I can feel it" he whispered.

"No, Damon" I said more firmly. "Stop"

He sighed against my neck and pulled away, looking down at me.

"You don't know the right words to convince me, Damon" I whispered sadly.

"Tell me then" he said.

"I can't" I said smiling sadly. "You should know it by yourself. I can't guide you through this. You need to take the lead"

"That was always your job in our friendship" he said frowning. "I don't want to take the lead. I'll destroy things"

"I can only take the lead on our friendship… And if… If we'll be friends, I'll gladly do this, but… that's it. You can't ask more from me"

"So now we are friends?" he asked.

"Without benefits" I smiled sadly.

"But that was the best part" he smirked.

And there was the Damon I knew. I sat up and hugged him. He seemed hesitant but hugged me back.

"Please, Damon, respect my wishes, my choices… Don't do anything stupid" I mumbled.

I felt him nod against my head and his lips brushed against my forehead.

"Go to sleep, mia bella" he whispered.

He kissed my forehead and I felt a gentle breeze, suddenly, he wasn't in my arms anymore.

I woke up after noon the next day. After a brunch, I took a shower, put on dark brown jeans, black cashmere tank top and black sneakers. I got to school later than I had told Caroline and Alice I would be but they were so busy decorating the gymnasium that they didn't even complain. After greeting everyone, I joined Edward, Stefan and Elena on decorating the bleachers. Elena and I told them an edited version of the previous night, and Edward said their night was peaceful too, only deer and bobcats. Stefan had a smirk and I narrowed my eyes at Edward. He gave me an innocent smile and I rolled my eyes saying that really, I didn't care if there was a stripper. He laughed and kissed me, whispering that I was right not to worry, I was still the most beautiful to him. I rolled my eyes at his cheesiness and Elena changed subjects to the wedding. Edward said that Esme was already arranging stuff for tomorrow, and that our bags were packed for the honeymoon, thanks to Alice.

"I think you chose Alaska with second motives, Edward" Elena said teasingly. "It will be so cold that Bella won't get out of that cabin"

"Damn, you caught me" he laughed.

"Hey, Elena!"

"Hi, Dana" Elena greeted the girl approaching.

"Listen, a really hot guy asked if you have a date for the dance" Dana said.

We all frowned at each other. Everyone knew Elena and Stefan were together. Why would someone question if Elena had a date?

"Ahn, I'm going with Stefan" Elena said.

"Who asked?" Stefan asked frowning.

"He said his name was Klaus" Dana said smiling.

We all looked around and Edward pulled me closer to him protectively. There were only students and teachers there.

"Is he here?" Elena asked looking around.

Dana looked around and shrugged.

"No" she said. "Anyway, he just wanted me to ask you…"

After Dana left we separated to warn the others. While Edward told his siblings I kept looking around. I saw Alaric looking at me, and I slipped away from Edward. I quickly went to Ric and he stopped gluing stickers on the wall.

"Ric" I said. "Klaus was here… Did you see anyone different?"

"Klaus?" he asked frowning.

"Yes. We are gathering at the boarding house… Meet you there?" I asked stepping away to go back to Edward.

"Yes… Bella"

Alice said she hadn't seen anything, so Klaus hadn't decided what to do yet. She and Caroline stayed at school, to keep an eye on things and to finish decorating. Edward was on edge, and I knew it was because Klaus could have seen me. He drove top speed away from school.

"Maybe we should just leave" he said. "Alice will see and the rest of the family can follow if they want"

"We can't run from Klaus forever, Edward… We knew this would happen soon. I have to stay and make sure everyone is safe"

"I have to keep you safe" he snapped.

"Edward, calm down… We'll figure something out"

"Maybe I should just change you now… Take you to Carlisle…"

"Edward, no… I can't spend the next three days thrashing in pain with Klaus in town. I'm more helpful as I am now unfortunately"

He sighed and parked the car beside Stefan's. We all gathered on the living room and Damon was even more on edge than Edward. He had Elena and me to worry about. Damon said he and Ric would chaperone the dance in case Klaus showed up. Rose called Esme and she had volunteered to go too. Ric asked what the plan was if Klaus did show up. Damon looked at me before answering that Bonnie would take him out. Klaus couldn't know that she had her powers back or that she was much more powerful since Katherine, Isobel and John didn't know. Although Elena didn't know the risk Bonnie was taking, she seemed nervous about the plan. We agreed to pretend everything was alright to not attract more attention than necessary. Edward drove me home, where Alice was waiting. He went home to get ready while Alice helped me get ready, and once he was back she went home. I wore a strapless polka dot yellow dress with full skirt and tulle underneath, with blue flats and a blue bow headband. I thought it was a bit flashy with so bright colors but when we got to the dance, I realized yellow and blue weren't the most horrendous bright colors there. Edward kept looking around, his arm around my waist possessively and protectively.

"Edward, we have to act normal to not attract attention" I said quietly knowing he could hear it even with the loud music. "Come on, show me the 60's"

I pulled him to the dance floor and he gave me a small smile. He showed me how people danced in the 60's and we had a good time, laughing and spinning around the dance floor. I almost forgot the danger we could be in. The danger Bonnie would be in. Suddenly Edward's head snapped up and he looked around with a scowl.

"What is it?" I asked alarmed.

"Bonnie and Elena"

I looked around looking for the pair but they were nowhere in sight. Neither was Jeremy, Damon or Stefan. The Cullens were strategically positioned around the room and although they were tense, no one moved to do something. I scowled at Edward.

"You told your family. They are here to protect me" I accused.

"I'm sorry, Bella, I couldn't risk it" he said.

Suddenly someone bumped into me and I looked back. Ric gave me an apologetic smile.

"Sorry, Bella… Would you want to dance?"

Hoping he would use the opportunity to tell me what he knew about the others, I let go of Edward's hand and grabbed Ric's. He spun me around and we danced for a few moments.

"Ric, where are the others?" I asked frowning.

He smirked and I saw Edward moving in our direction.

"Tell your little boyfriend to stay away or I'll break your neck… Blaire" Ric said.

"Klaus" I breathed.

"Nice to meet you, Isabella… I should say… I'm surprised to meet the descendent from who was almost my sister-in-law" he smiled. "You look quite a lot with her… Perhaps that's why Elijah decided to betray me"

I saw that Emmett was holding Edward back in a corner, both watching us.

"Where are my friends?" I asked.

"Busy… Don't worry" he said shrugging. "You know… I talked to Maddox, my warlock, and told him about the little fact that you clearly are Blaire's doppelganger… I was informed I should have known about you a long time ago, or it would be a waste of time trying to break the curse"

"I will never help you" I snapped. "I'll kill you myself"

"Kill me now if you want… I'll find another body" he chuckled.

Maddox had protected him with a spell. He couldn't die while using this body… We would only kill Ric if we tried.

"Where is Elena?"

"With Bonnie… Elena isn't my biggest worry right now. I want you to tell Bonnie to give herself in and nothing will happen… But if she tries to play against me, I'll have to get rid of that obstacle"

Bonnie's only chance to live was not doing anything against him.

"And tell your friends, the Cullens, that I know about a certain witch, that has a spell and a talisman, and if they get in my way, I'll get that talisman and spell and my witch will enjoy killing all of them"

The certain witch was me. He knew about my talisman and the spell to kill Edward's kind. I nodded while fighting tears.

"It's was a pleasure… And I must say, as enchanting as Blaire" he said taking my hand and kissed my knuckles.

He turned and calmly walked away. Edward ran to me, at human speed and took my face in his hands.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

"I have to stop Bonnie… I have to do something" I said shakily.

"No, Bella" Esme said. "You heard him… You can't get in his way and get out alive"

"I have to stop Bonnie or she'll die"

"I'm not letting you" Edward said firmly.

"Edward, didn't you hear him? He can kill you all" I said desperately.

"I don't believe it" he said.

I sighed and closed my eyes. If he wouldn't cooperate, I would make him. I murmured the spell and Edward shook me by my shoulders. When I opened my eyes I pulled away from him.

"Sorry, I have to protect you" I said.

I turned and ran out of there. When Edward tried to follow me he found out he couldn't. I had sealed them inside the gymnasium. He ordered me to break the seal, but I ignored him and continued to run. I found Bonnie in a corridor alone.

"What are you doing here alone?" I asked breathing heavy.

"We have a plan" she said.

"We who?" I snapped.

"Damon and I"

"No" I said already knowing what would happen. "Listen to me… Klaus needs me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but he needs me to break the curse too. Elena isn't enough. I have a plan"

"What?" she scowled.

"If he thinks I'm dead, he won't be able to break the curse and will leave all of you alone" I said.

She agreed on helping me with the new plan.

I entered the room, and Ric – Klaus was sitting on top of a desk playing with a dagger. He smiled at me with an arched eyebrow, questioning me on what I was doing.

"You knew my ancestor. You know how my magic works, I'm stronger than Bonnie, and if I wanted to, I could have absorbed some of the energy she got… I could kill you right now"

"You know… you're ruining my plan, Isabella" he said narrowing his eyes.

"Yes… You want Bonnie to try to kill you… She would die, and you wouldn't. We would have lost our secret weapon. But they don't know I am one too…"

"So kill me" he said standing up.

"You're daring me to do something you don't truly want me to do" I grinned at his glare. "You need me to break the curse… If I die, you can't break the curse and would leave everyone alone…"

"You are mistaken… I'll find every person related to you and to your bloodline, and kill them" he snapped. "I'll start with Elena who you insist on protecting, and then all vampires of the other kind. I bet you didn't hide your grimoire so well…"

I glared and him and he screamed as I made him feel pain of being burned.

Elena and Stefan ran, looking for Bonnie and Damon. And hopefully Bella would be with them. While Stefan was worried that Bella would try to help out, Elena feared the worse. She knew Klaus needed Bella, and the fact that Bella had sealed the Cullens inside the gymnasium gave her clue that whatever she was about to do, needed to be stopped. Edward had basically demanded of Stefan to get Bella safe, and although Stefan said he would, if he had to choose between Elena's safety and Bella's, he would choose Elena's. His plan was to get Bonnie to unseal them from the gymnasium. They finally found Damon leaned against the lockers, his hands in his pockets. A picture of ease.

"Where is Bonnie?" Elena asked alarmed.

"Doing what she has to do" Damon answered calmly.

"What?" Elena snapped.

"Where is she, Damon?" Stefan asked angrily.

"With Klaus"

"And Bella?" Stefan asked as Elena turned to run.

"What about her?" Damon scowled.

"Where is Bella?" Stefan snapped.

"She's not with the Cullens?" Damon snapped. The last thing he needed was Bella getting in the way.

"Bonnie!" they heard Elena say with relief.

They ran to where they were. Damon was confused, why was Elena relieved?

His question was answered. Bonnie was in another corridor, sitting on the floor, leaned against the wall. She seemed weak.

"What happened? Are you hurt?" Elena asked holding her by the shoulders.

"No…" Bonnie murmured.

"What's going on?" Damon snapped. "Where is Klaus?"

"Bella is channeling power from me…"

Damon's mind was in overdrive. If Bella was channeling power from Bonnie, she was trying to kill Klaus. She would die. That was her plan. If she died, Klaus wouldn't be able to break the curse. Damon looked around. If Bella was channeling power, she was close. He ran to the first class room and nothing. Then he heard a scream. With Elena he ran to the door of the History class room. Through the small window on the door, they could see Klaus on the floor, thrashing. The lights were flashing and one burst, sparks flying everywhere. Damon tried to open the door, and it attracted Bella's attention. She looked at him with a light frown. Her nose was bleeding profusely, dripping down her chin, and staining her yellow dress. Damon tried to burst the door, but nothing.

"Open up!" he screamed banging on it.

She couldn't die.

"Bella!" Elena cried turning the knob over and over. "No!"

Bella locked her eyes with Damon. She was trying to tell him something. He glanced at Bonnie. Bonnie wouldn't agree on what was happening. She wasn't the type to let a friend die to save herself. And that's when it clicked. Damon understood Bella had taken Bonnie position on their plan, so Klaus would think he couldn't ever break the curse.

Elena was still banging on the door desperately, crying and begging her friend to not do that. Although she only knew Bella was needed to Klaus, she didn't understand what the hell Bella was doing. Bella was never one to give up or give in. She fought back.

"No" she cried again as she saw Bella sway.

Stefan watched as his brother and girlfriend watched their friend die. He didn't want to know how Edward would feel when they told him his bride died on the eve of their wedding. When the thought of Elena dying crossed his mind, he had to push it away, for the pain was too much.

With a gasp, Bella's body jerked and she fell lifeless on the floor. Klaus disappeared and Elena finally could open the door. She ran to Bella's, falling on her knees and cupped her pale face. Her fingers pressed against the pulse point in her neck, but there was nothing.

"Bella?" Elena cried shaking her gently. "Bella!"

"She's gone" Damon said detachedly. "Stefan, take Elena away, I'll deal with the body"

"What the hell is wrong with you?" she yelled wiping her tears to glare at him. "It's Bella! Our Bella! Your Bella"

"She wasn't mine, Elena" Damon said rolling his eyes. "What do you want me to do? Mourn the loss of a girl I hooked-up? I have been to many funerals of girls I slept with, most I killed them myself. Bella chose to kill herself by twisting my plan"

"I hate you!" Elena screamed at him. "You are heartless! She loved you! She was your friend. What kind of monster are you?"

"Elena" Stefan said soothingly.

He knew his brother well. He had seen emotion from him many times when it came to Bella. He cared. But if he wanted to shut off his emotion then, maybe it would be for the best, since Damon in pain and grief usually ended in disaster. Elena was too distressed to see his brother had shut off his feelings, and she would probably regret her words later.

"Take her home" Damon said coldly.

After Stefan got to detach Elena from the body, he dragged her to his car and took her to his house. Damon took a moment before approaching the body, and when he did he felt sick. He knew she would come back. But still the sight of her lifeless was sickening. He pulled bloody strands of hair from her face and picked her up carefully. He gently put her in his car, and took off the falling blue headband. She used to wear red for him and he hated that now she wore blue for Edward.

"Damon" Jeremy said running to him. "Where is Bonnie?"

"She's fine" Damon said. "She's inside, resting a bit before trying to break the seal Bella put on the gymnasium"

"Why? Where is Bella?" Jeremy frowned.

Damon stepped aside and Jeremy's eyes widened with the sight of his friend.

"Is she…"

"Dead? Yes, for now" Damon sighed.

"What do you mean?" Jeremy asked.

"I need your help. Bella needs to get to the place of the witch massacre… But I can't go in the house"

"Alright, let's go" Jeremy said promptly already hopping in the backseat.

"It's my entire fault" Elena cried quietly. "She did it to save me…"

"It's not, Elena" Stefan said soothingly while rubbing her back. She still hadn't touched the glass of water he gave her. "It's Klaus'"

"She was needed to break the curse" Elena confessed. "Klaus needed both of us. By killing herself she made it impossible to break the curse and so Klaus won't try to get me"

Stefan was shocked by Elena's confession. Shocked at the fact that Bella hadn't told anyone else about that, shocked that she had willingly given up her life to save Elena's. He had always liked Bella, not only for who she was, but for the fact that she seemed to bring the best out of Damon. When his brother continued to insist on pursuing Elena, Stefan had been disappointed that he couldn't see what he had right in front of him. And when Bella got engaged, although happy she was looking for happiness, he was sad that Damon had lost his chance. Now, he had much more respect for Bella, knowing what she did for them.

The front door opened and closed and Damon walked in, with just one glance at the couple, he headed to the bar.

"You knew this would happen. You planned on getting Bonnie killed" Elena said accusingly, standing up.

"Yes, Bella shouldn't have gotten in the way" he said.

Elena slapped him hard, and he flexed his jaw a bit, surprised at the strength she found when furious.

"You…"

"You need to listen to me, Elena" Damon said sternly, done of playing games. "She had to die, Klaus wouldn't stop with her alive"

"We could have found another way!" she protested.

"She had to be dead… He had to believe it"

"W-What?" Elena mumbled not understanding.

"She took Bonnie's place on my plan. She used a spell on herself… She isn't truly dead. She is fine" Damon said. "Klaus now thinks she is dead"

He turned to leave but Stefan grabbed his arm.

"You should have told me" Stefan scowled.

"You would have told Elena"

"You put her through unnecessary pain"

"That's why I didn't tell you" Damon frowned at him. "That's the difference between you and me, brother. I don't mind being the bad guy who has to make the life and death decisions. And it's alright to Elena to hate me for it, because at the end of the day, I'm the guy who keeps her alive"

He pulled his arm away from Stefan and turned to leave, he should be somewhere else. When he was reaching the door, Elena ran to him.

"I understand why you did what you did" she said softly. "For it all to work, I couldn't know…" she sighed and shook her head. "But I won't let Bonnie or Bella die for me. We have to find another way… I'm sorry for hitting you" she mumbled.

"If it comes down to you or Bella and Bonnie, I would gladly let them die" he said seriously. "I will always choose you, Elena"

"Are you sure?" she retorted. "I saw your desperation when you saw Bella inside that room…"

"You all should stop expecting me to choose her. You will get disappointed. She understands that already… I mean it, Elena, it will always be you"

She looked down at her feet. Damon's 'love' for her made her uncomfortable. She knew he loved her, that he thought she was the one… But she also knew Bella was much better for him and that he just refused to let her go – let Katherine go.

He turned and left.

My eyes snapped open and I gasped for air. It was a bit painful as my heart restarted. I sit up and Jeremy smiled at me, pulling me to a hug.

"Good to see you alive" he said.

"It worked" I mumbled.

"You had doubts?" he asked alarmed.

"A bit" I chuckled. "Where is…"

"Elena is with Stefan, she was pretty upset but Damon updated her on what is truly going on. Bonnie is trying to break the seal you put against the Cullens" he informed.

"Damon?" I asked worriedly.

"Outside" he said with a small smile.

I stood up and jumped over the candles Jeremy had set around me. I ran out of the abandoned house and Damon was leaned against a tree. He smiled at me, with relief and a bit of smugness. I smiled and ran to him. He blurred in front of me, making me crash against his chest. I hugged him and he hugged me back tight.

"You are insane" he said. "You scared the hell out of Elena"

"Only Elena?" I asked smiling.

"And Stefan" he shrugged and smiled as I pushed him away playfully. "It's good to have you back"

"It's good to be back" I said rubbing my chest where it ached.

"Don't ever ruin my plans again"

"I told you I would do anything necessary to stop you if you risked my friends"

"Bonnie would be fine"

"But with me dead, Klaus would leave us alone" I pointed out.

"True… But you still risked yourself" he scowled.

"I'm fine, that's what matters"

"Yes" he smiled but then frowned. "Come on, a lot of people want to see you. Especially Sparkles"