Title: Miles To Home
Summary: For Elena Gilbert life couldn't be more perfect. She has the perfect life, perfect boyfriend, and headed towards the perfect dream job. Everything is going, well, perfectly. There's just one catch… her twin sister Katherine. When Katherine disrupts Elena's perfect life, she runs away to New York. It was the perfect plan… until she has to return home and face everything she ran away from; including her ex-boyfriend Damon. Based off the amazing trailer of the same name by the extremely talented minds and video editing talents of ElePatro (noralsel) and Caro (_LightToMyDark).
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is being made from this work.
A/N: There's a little surprise for you in this chapter because I just missed him so much…
I step into the familiar office and my eyes scan around the room, taking note of the degrees and accolades as I try to imagine my own office in my not so distant future. Surrounding the accomplishments are photos of patients that have no doubt made an impact and fellow medical professionals that have stood out in her career. She's made quite a life for herself.
Dr. Laughlin's eyes lift up from her folder and she gives me a closed lip smile. "Have a seat, Miss Gilbert."
Doing as she says, I step towards the wood and leather chair before her desk and sit down. My hands rest calmly in my lap, legs crossed at the ankles and my back straight just like my mother taught me. I try to radiate as much self-confidence as I can. This is our final meeting of the semester and before I head home. I'm also pretty convinced she made me the last intern to meet with her because she just loves torturing me.
I've been in charge of one too many bedpans this internship to think otherwise.
"You've academically excelled in this program," she states clearly while flipping through the folder on her desk. Most likely my folder that contains all my grades, papers, exams; anything I've worked on since I step foot in Columbia. "You've known more than most interns do at this stage and actively participated in anything that was asked of you. You've basically done what is expected of you."
It's as close to a compliment that I can expect from her. "Thank you, Dr. Laughlin."
"But," she starts and closes the folder as she eases back in her chair studying me closely, "that's all you've done."
My brows furrow in confusion and I stutter out my next words. "Excuse me?"
"You've done everything by the book, Elena. I have no doubt that you have knowledge about medicine and that you're well equipped to handle yourself. Your parents—especially your father—must have made sure of that. But you lack something very important. Something that is essential in choosing a career."
"What's that?" I'm shocked I can manage the words out. This whole turn in the conversation is definitely not what I expected stepping into this meeting. I've excelled at my internship. There hasn't been a single mistake or error and it's been perfect except for when Dr. Laughlin has made an example of me for being a know-it-all.
Is that what's happening now?
She sighs in exasperation. "Passion. Drive. A purpose. It's not enough to know how to save lives, Elena. You need to want to make a difference. Make the world better. Care enough to be innovative and push boundaries and take risks if it means saving someone's life. It's not about being successful and doing what's expected. It's about wanting this with every fiber of your being. And I just am not seeing that drive in you."
My eyes are wide with shock and I'm fighting to not drop my jaw and let a variety of unintelligible words spill out. I have never in my life not been described as driven. I pushed myself in school to succeed, be the best. I've been pushing myself ever since I was little. Now the very person in charge of my internship is saying I lack the one word I would best use to describe me.
"While I may be the professional assigned to your internship, as long as you're not carelessly putting others in danger I can't expel you from the program. But as I am also your advisor I am urging you to take this summer to seriously consider either another major or seriously figuring out why you've decided medicine."
I can't help but nod along as my words have escaped me. This is not how I wanted to leave my internship for the summer. I expected praise on a job well done or tips for next semester. I most certainly did not expect to be told to reconsider being in the pre-med program at Columbia. It would be easy of me to dismiss Dr. Laughlin's words as just her hate towards me but there is actual concern in her eyes. She seriously cares about my future.
I'm not even sure she's supposed to be saying this to me.
"I expect to hear from you before the start of the semester. Take the summer break to seriously consider your options, okay?"
I continue to nod—I'm not sure I can stop—and I say, "Yeah, I will."
She stands up and holds out a hand and as if on autopilot I rise and shake it. As I slide my hand from hers I thank her and tell her I'll speak to her soon but inside I'm numb. I don't know how I'm managing to make it through all of this without freaking out.
My entire life has been planned out since as long as I can remember: do amazing in high school, get into an Ivy League with scholarships, get into the pre-med program, excel to the point where I have my choice of any hospital, become a doctor. I've put in all the hard work and the goals seem right within my reach. But now I'm being told I don't have the passion for it?
My phone vibrates as I step out of Dr. Laughlin's office and I look down to see a text from Elijah asking how the meeting went. We already said our goodbyes this morning since I have to catch a flight not long after I get home. It's going to be a hard few months without him but I'd rather handle Caroline and my sister and possibly Damon on my own. It's better than having to worry about Elijah getting caught up in the mess.
I shoot him a text back, lying about the reality of what's weighing on me.
It went fine. Just have a few things she wants me to focus on before next semester.
As I hop on the elevator, he writes back. That's natural. Can't have you slacking off over the summer… So you're headed home and then straight to the airport?
I write back that I am and let him know that I'll miss him. It's just something to add to my anxiety and stress of returning home. With Dr. Laughlin's words still on replay in my head this is turning into a horrible day. More so than it should be.
He types back immediately and I have to imagine that he's in his office right in this building only a floor or two away from where I was. No plans to surprise your boyfriend in his office then?
I smile because it's where my mind was headed. But I just don't have the time. Traffic is going to make me late enough and I'm planning on getting their early. Unfortunately not. Wish I could…
His response comes quick. Are you sure you don't want me to join you? Last chance…
I'm sure, I write back. I just don't want that drama effecting us.
I can handle your sister, he texts back.
Unfortunately that's not the only person I'm worried about.
Damon's POV…
I stand back admiring my handiwork. The new table for the center of the bar that I made from an old barn door fits in perfectly with the wood and steel motif of the place. I have to admit I'm pretty fucking proud of myself. Creating new ways of restoring trash to treasure hasn't been a long hobby of mine but I have to agree with what the guys say and admit I have a talent for it.
"That came out great!"
Easing back my googles, I turn around to see Stefan standing there arms cross and a huge grin on his face. I can't help the smile on my face at the sight of it. Having people be proud of me is a new development in my life and this new found confidence in myself that accompanies it has had me in a stellar mood.
"Thanks."
Stefan runs his hand along the newly sanded table, feels the wood smooth under his hand. It still has to be stained and treated but the look of all of it when it's finished will make quite the addition to the Mystic Grille. The Grille was a little endeavor by Stefan and I with the help of dear old Dad. And not to be cocky—ah, who the hell I am kidding—it's been kicking butt.
The small town of Mystic Falls was missing a cool hang out for people that were too old for day care and too young to be hanging out at some diner or VFW. The idea of a town bar and grill that fit everyone was just what this town needed and from the moment we opened we've been busy.
"I don't know what you're doing in some bar with me when you could really do something with this," Stefan says.
I shrug. "It's just a hobby for now and you're benefiting from it so no complaints, capisce?"
Stefan laughs. "Who's complaining?"
"That's what I thought."
Grabbing a towel hung over the back of a nearby chair; I wipe down my face and sling it over my shoulder. "So what's up?"
His eyes slide off mine and look around the spacious backyard of my father's house. My dad lets me use his yard or garage and tools to work on my upcycles since I don't have enough space at my loft. Dad and I have been getting along better and making up for all those lost years where I thought he was an asshole and a dead beat Dad and he thought I was a waste of space and a disappointment. We've grown.
Stefan's helped.
He's lived with me the past few years though I'll never know why he decided to. When his Mom died from cancer and he inherited all her deep South family money he could've had his choice of any town and any place. Yet here he is living with me and hanging around with my version of a learning to be functional dysfunctional family. He's running a bar with me, putting all his faith and money—along with Dad's—on a former screw-up like me.
Basically, I've been living with him long enough to know when he's nervous about telling me something. And that's exactly the look he has on his face now.
"Elena's coming home. She'll be here in a few hours."
I stay quiet for a few moments trying to collect myself. It's what I've been waiting for these past few years. Ever since Elena walked out on me, our life, us I've been waiting for the moment she would return. I went on a bender the nights following her exit and then somehow found my footing and realized she had been right: I had no idea what I wanted from my future. My whole life had been wrapped up in her.
I was following her to New York City while she pursued her career and what was I going to be doing? Odd jobs? Waiting around for her? That was no life for us. We'd eventually grow to resent each other. Me for her long work hours and her for my endless mooching. She was the reason I was bettering myself and without her there to put me in check the ground fell out from under me. It just proved her point that it didn't stick without me wanting it for myself. Becoming a better man needed to be because of something in me not by Elena's hand.
With Elena gone, it forced me to become the man she always believed I could be. Only this time I did it for me. I had a stable thriving business. I had hobbies that didn't included drowning myself in alcohol and running away from my problems. My Dad was now a part of my life.
In a way Elena running out on me and disappearing was the best thing that could've happened to me.
That didn't mean the thought of her didn't hurt like a bitch.
"Caroline actually convinced her to come home before the wedding?" I'm in complete shock, my lips pursed as I nod along. She hasn't stepped foot in Mystic Falls since she left and now she'll not only be back for her wedding but for the months leading up to it. Blondie must have pulled out all the stops.
Stefan gives a proud smile. "You know my girl. She's hard to say no to."
"Is that how she locked you down?"
He just shakes his head and then drops his smile and looks at me. "You okay?"
"Yeah, you know me… Mr. Roll-With-The-Punches."
"Damon," he says seriously.
I sigh and turn myself so I'm facing the grounds surrounding my father's property. I have so many memories here with Elena. From staring at the stars and late night campfires to nights where we just sat outside and talked about everything. If she thought that by disappearing it would lessen my love for her she was seriously mistaken. If anything it only strengthened it.
Not a day has gone by that I haven't thought about her; haven't opened up my phone to message or call her. I wish she could have seen how much I've grown and changed. I wonder if she would be proud of the man I've become. Or if she's moved on to the point that she couldn't care less.
Caroline has told me enough that I know she has a boyfriend. Maybe I really have lost her forever.
But no, I know Elena. I've loved her for years. I'm still in love with her. By blocking my number and removing me from social media, pushing me away and refusing to come home it only shows just how much she does care. It's her way of pretending things are better than they are. By forcing herself into whatever life she created and ignoring what she really wants.
If Elena didn't care, my presence wouldn't have stopped her. She's put up with Katherine for her whole life. Her being cut off from the only home she's ever known has everything to do with me.
"Damon?" Stefan says again.
I must have been too stuck in my head that he's formed his extra-worry brow. "I'm good. Great, actually. Elena's coming home."
And for once a smile graces my face at the thought of her without a trace of sadness.
"Oh, no. I know that look. Damon, she has a boyfriend."
My hands rest on my hips as I shake my head, smirking. "That may be true. But she's been running from me. That means something."
"It just means she's hurt." He sighs, running a hand through his messy hair. "Caroline will kill you if you ruin our wedding day."
"How will I be ruining it if I'm righting a wrong? Caroline will be happier if Elena's in her life more."
Stefan's shaking his head. "She'll be the definition of a woman scorned if you make matters worse."
"Come on, Stef… Our eyes will meet, fireworks will go off and the balance of nature will be restored." My arms are flailing around; I'm losing any sense of being calm. Knowing Elena will be here soon has me desperately needing to see her. I need to confirm that my suspicions about her behavior is right.
He rolls his eyes. "And you say Caroline has a flare for the dramatics."
I turn towards him and grab hold of his shoulders, making him meet my eyes. "I just want to see her, Stefan. Not in a room full of people. Not when we need to be focusing on other things. I need to see her and tell her everything she stopped me from saying."
His eyes study me for a moment and I can tell he's warring between his promise to Caroline and the desperation he sees in my face. I don't want to cause problems for Caroline. Honestly, Blondie is scary enough but throw in an added dose of Bridezilla and I'd be lucky to still be walking. I just want to get the hard part over with.
Once I see her I'll know.
Finally, Stefan says, "I'll tell you where she's staying."
I collapse on the bed absolutely exhausted from the flight back to Mystic Falls. It hits me that I haven't referred to it as home in a long time. A part of me wants to consider this home because it's the place I grew up but I've created a life in New York. I haven't been here in forever and there's a sense of the unfamiliar. It could be because instead of staying in my bedroom—in my family home—I'm stuck at a nearby Hampton Inn for the summer.
All in an effort to avoid Katherine.
Ugh.
I had hoped to avoid my problems in New York and my future by coming here. I had stressed about it enough on the plane ride over. Caroline helped the moment I saw her. She was beyond excited to see me and wouldn't let me go for a solid five minutes. I didn't want to either—I was practically in tears at the sight of her—but I wanted to sit and talk and lose myself in her life.
When we finally let go, she launched into full Bride mode. She filled me in on every little detail and what she needed my help with all while filling in sentences with how thankful she was that I came home. Caroline knew how hard it was for me but seeing how she relaxed at the sight of me even if it was just a little bit made me feel like a jerk for even thinking about not helping her.
Once we crossed into Mystic Falls, anxiety crept up inside of me. I kept expecting to just see Katherine or Damon making out against the town welcome sign or inside the gazebo in town square. Thankfully, Caroline kept me absorbed in her stories and I didn't see a single glimpse of them.
We reached the hotel and I checked in and Caroline helped me bring my bags up. Then we just spent hours catching up. Sure, we spend every day texting, Face Timing, talking on the phone but nothing compares to actually having your best friend in front of you, being able to see them without the grainy quality of a screen hindering their features. When she finally had to go we hugged fiercely enough that I was sure we'd both bruise.
Then she had pulled back with tears in her eyes and told me, "I'm just so happy you're here."
And I knew that would be enough to get me through whatever reserves I had about coming here. Caroline needed me. She had been there for me through everything and I could not bail on her when she needed me the most. I could face Katherine and Damon because I was doing this for Caroline. And our friendship means enough for me to put aside everything to be there for her.
When she finally left, I collapsed on the bed and crashed for a bit. Caroline and I were meeting up in a bit for dinner and I wanted to be refreshed. When I woke up it was nearly time to get going so I hopped in the shower and cleaned up before getting dressed.
Just as I was slipping on my leather jacket over my purple top and making sure my denim skirt was positioned the right way, my phone went off with a new text message. I reached for my phone I looked down at it.
Caroline: See you in a bit! Can't wait for you to meet Stefan!
I smile down at the message and type back a response letting her know I'm excited to meet him too. To say that the curiosity over this guy is driving me crazy is an understatement. This guy has managed to make my best friend willing to break her own walls and rekindle her relationship with her father. Not to mention he had somehow become Damon's best friend. I knew so little about him and yet he was one of the most important people in my best friend's life.
I'm just ready to get the first meeting over with and give Caroline my stamp of approval. Because if he managed to get her stamp it's almost guaranteed he'll get mine. He's had a temporary one since our phone conversations but it's about time he got the real thing.
As I try to think up what I'm going to say I start curling my hair and applying some minimal makeup. I need to make sure that things go perfectly tonight. And I must be so caught up in my thoughts because the sound of someone knocking at my hotel door interrupts my thoughts.
"Who is it?"
Whoever is on the other side doesn't reply so I decide to just open the door and take my chances. My hand reached for the knob and I feel something I can't explain just as I'm about to turn it. I'm so focused on it that it takes me a second before I look up at the person standing in the now opened door way.
But when I do my heart stops.
My whole body shakes.
And I watch as he takes in a breath at the exact same time I do.
Damon.