"Elena," I gasp. Her heart monitor starts blaring loudly as her pulse sky rockets. She's literally panicking against the restraints that keep her hands from extubating herself.

"Elena, calm down." Taking her hand in mine, I try to reassure her.

"Sweetheart, you were hit by a car. You're going to be fine, just try to relax," I repeat as a nurse runs into the room to check out all the alarms that are sounding due to Elena's agitated state.

"Elena, look at me. Jeremy wasn't hurt. He's been staying with Caroline and her family." I grab the digital picture frame that I bought for her from the bedside stand. I downloaded it with several pictures of Jeremy and some with Jeremy and my family. After pushing it on, I show her some pictures of him and me at the playground as well as pictures of dad and Annabelle smiling with him.

"Elena, I'm going to let the nurses take over. I need to get to the ED, we have a trauma en route. I'll come back as soon as I can okay?"

Although subtle, she does nod. I can see both hurt and confusion dwelling in her eyes. All she knows is that I hurt her deeply. Unable to take my eyes from hers, I unconsciously bite onto my lower lip. Shaking off my stupor, I bend over and steal a kiss from her forehead before leaving to run down to the emergency department.

By the time I finish two surgeries, it's been several hours since I've seen Elena. When I finally have a free moment, I grab my cell phone to call Elena's aunt.

"Hello?"

"Jenna, hi. It's Damon. Don't panic, for a change I have good news. Elena is awake. I just finished a surgery so I'm on my way to go see her now."

"Oh Damon, that's wonderful news. Thank you so much for calling again. You've been so good about keeping us updated. You don't know how much I've come to appreciate your phone calls," she says, relief evident in her voice.

"You're very welcome. Listen Jenna, if you will allow me, I could buy you and your husband a couple of airline tickets to fly up to see her. I don't want to insult you or overstep my bounds but I think Elena would like to have you here now that she's awake."

"Oh my gosh. Damon, that's so generous of you. I would love to do just that. Let me talk to Ric and then I'll get back to you. Is that okay?"

"Absolutely Jenna. Just let me know so I can make some arrangements."

"I'll let you go so you can go to see her. Thank you again for keeping us so informed."

"You're welcome. It's the least I could do. I care about her so much and I have much to make up for," I tell her honestly.

"You do. Elena is a good person, Damon. Don't give up on her."

"I have no intention of doing that. I'm going to go now. You have a good day and I look forward to hearing from you. Goodbye, Jenna."

When she says goodbye, I click my phone off and drop it into my pocket. After taking a little time for myself to change scrubs and wash off a bit, I take the stairs up to the ICU floor. Inhaling deeply, I stand outside her door, just looking at her. They've taken her off the ventilator and removed her restraints. Closing my eyes, I inhale deeply as I attempt to steel my resolve. No matter how much she may lash out at me, I have to remember that I'm the one who put the words into her mouth. Taking one more deep breath, I push her door open and walk in.

"Hello Elena," I say tentatively as I walk to her bedside. The way her hands are fisting the sheets doesn't escape my attention. Turning my eyes to hers, I can't help but smile when I see the fire smoldering behind them. There's that fire that drew me to her in the first place.

Elena turns away for a few moments. It's as if she's trying to find the words. "Why are you here?" she rasps, her voice hoarse from being intubated for so many days.

Unable to take my eyes from hers, I open my mouth but nothing comes out for several seconds. When I finally find my voice, the words rush out as I try to begin to repair the damage I've caused.

"I'm so sorry Elena. I didn't mean what I said that night. I'm a blubbering idiot, I know that. Please believe me when I tell you that I care about you. I care more than I was ready to admit to that night."

"I'm really not interested in your apologies right now, Damon. But I want to know about Jeremy."

"Like I told you, he's been staying with Caroline and Matt. He and Annabelle are buddies. They got her old toddler bed out of their attic. He stays in her room with her. I've been spending as much time with him as I can." Grabbing my phone again, I go to my album to get to his pictures. Smiling, I show her a video of dad holding the bottle of bubbles while Jeremy tries to blow them. "He and my dad are buddies already too."

I notice as she tries to discreetly wipe a tear from the corner of her eye. "Looks like he's been well taken care of. Thank you, Damon."

"I talked to Jenna before I came back here. Needless to say, she's ecstatic that you're awake and finally on the mend." When she looks at me, I can't tell whether it's gratitude or cynicism. It no surprise that she's still angry at me. In all candor, I expected no less. I notice her hands fist at her sides again for just a moment before relaxing them.

"Why are you doing this?"

Knowing I need to do everything possible to fix this, to fix us, I struggle to find the right words. "Because I care. I'm sorry it took so long for me to realize just how much you've come to mean to me. I know full well what a jackass I can be sometimes. For so long, I wasn't interested in anything more than meaningless sex, one night stands if you will. I know that's shallow but I got hurt once. I didn't want to put myself in that position again. Then you came along and every wall that I've worked so hard to erect, you just obliterated. It literally put the fear of God in me. I can never apologize enough for my abhorrent behavior leading up to and including that night," I exhale, scrubbing my palm across my face.

After dropping my eyes for a long moment, I raise them to hers once more. "Then you got hurt. I had to put my feelings on the back burner to save you. That's when the last wall dropped, Elena, forcing me to admit to myself that I've fallen head over heels for you," I whisper. Her eyes are wide as if in shock and her mouth agape, obviously stunned at my revelation.

"Damon...I," she stutters.

"You don't have to say anything, Elena. Just give me a chance to make it up to you. That's all I'm asking for."

She looks at me through teary eyes, "You hurt me, badly. And it's not just me, Damon. I'm part of a package deal. Jeremy has to be my priority. If I give you another chance, what's to stop you from freaking out again? I can't let you hurt him, Damon. He's just a baby," she tells, turning away to wipe the tears that are trailing down her cheeks.

The hurt reflected in her eyes nearly takes me out at the knees knowing I put it there. "I know I did. I can't even put into words how sorry I am but please, just don't close the door on us. Think it over. I just want the opportunity to earn back your trust."

After several moments, she finally nods. "I'll give it some thought but I can't promise you anything."

"Thank you, Elena. That's all I'm asking for is a chance. I promise you that you won't regret it."

"Can I see Jeremy?"

"No, I'm sorry. He's too young." As tears continue to rain down her cheeks, I pull her into my arms, pressing a kiss to the crown of her head.

"He misses you so much too. When I'm with him, I just tell him you're sick and need to get better before he can see you. It seems to pacify him for awhile." I'm reveling in the feeling of having her in my arms. As luck would have it, yeah that's sarcasm, my pager alarms. Releasing her, I grab my phone and call the number.

"I'll be down shortly, Care. Elena is awake. Maybe you can come to see her when you have time?"

"Of course I will but you need to get down here, the ambulance is just pulling up," Caroline replies.

"On my way." Stealing one last kiss from her forehead, I tell her goodbye before running out of her room and down the stairs.

Elena:

When I hear a rap on my door, I look up to see Caroline stick her head through the gap. "Elena, can I come in for a few minutes?"

Nodding, I gesture for her to come on in. She pulls a chair next to the bed before sitting down.

"I wanted to check to see how you're feeling. I also wanted to give you something," she says, reaching into her purse. When she hands me an envelope, my eyes reach hers. "It's just some pictures of Jeremy and some with him and Annabelle. I just thought you might like a few in your room while you're convalescing."

Taking them out of the envelope, I thumb through them. "Thank you so much, Caroline. I miss him so much."

"Don't I know it! I had to have my gall bladder out when Annabelle was two. I was only in the hospital for a couple of days but I missed her so much," Caroline smiles, giving my hand a gentle pat. "Elena, I know I'm probably overstepping my bounds and believe me, I know full well that my brother can be an idiot. But Elena, he really, really cares about you."

Turning away from her for a moment, I inhale deeply before turning my attention back to her. "I couldn't agree more about the idiot part," I utter sarcastically. When Caroline starts to laugh, I can't help but smile.

"You have no idea," she blurts out.

"I need some time to ponder everything. Can you understand that?"

"I not only understand, I think it's a wise decision," she reassures me, squeezing my hand gently.

"Thank you, Caroline."

"No worries, Elena. Listen, I need to pick the kids up from the daycare. How about I call later so you can at least talk to Jeremy on the phone?"

"Oh Caroline, please do."

Standing up, she puts the chair back. "I'll talk to you later," she utters, waving as she walks out of the door.

Damon:

"Strike three," the umpire yells from behind the plate. Right before our eyes, both benches clear and a melee is taking place right in front of us.

I'm sitting here on the bleachers with my papa next to me as we watch a little league baseball game. The park we always take Annabelle to is a big complex. In addition to the baseball field, there's also a swimming pool, tennis courts, soccer and football fields. It's really a great thing for the kids. "This was really a great idea papa. Thanks for inviting me to come along. Who knew we'd get to witness a brawl though?" I laugh. Before long, order is restored on the baseball field and the game continues.

"It sounded like you could use a time out," he needles, raising his eyebrow at me.

"You know me too well."

"So do you want to talk about it?" he asks pointedly.

"Elena woke up. She's still pretty pissed at me," I utter, looking down at my clenched hands.

"Doesn't she have a reason to be?"

"She does."

"What are you going to do about it?"

"I'm going to do everything in my power to earn her forgiveness and hopefully her trust again."

Reaching around, he wraps an arm around my shoulder. When I raise my eyes to him, he smiles. "That's my boy. You know what Churchill said, "If you're going through hell, keep going."

"He also said, never, never, never give up. I love her, papa. I want to have a life with her and Jeremy. I haven't told anyone but Jeremy isn't Elena's biological child. He's her half brother. Her mom died when she was just a kid herself. Her dad remarried a woman just a little older than Elena. Jeremy is that woman's child. When they died, Elena adopted him because the grandparents, who disowned their daughter for marrying an older man, were trying to take him away from her. She was appointed as guardian in their wills but they had the means to fight her. She did what she had to do to keep Jeremy," I explain to him.

"It sounds like this one is a keeper."

"She is papa, she is."

I'm waiting at the airport to pick up Jenna and her family. I didn't tell Elena that she was coming because I wanted it to be a surprise. Elena has been moved out of intensive care and is doing well. She's not ready to be discharged yet by any means but she's making progress. Her broken leg and rib fractures are still the source for much of her pain. Someone was watching out for her given the fact that she didn't have many more broken bones.

Jenna texted me a picture of herself so I'd know who to look for. Before long I see her making her way to the luggage carousel assigned to her flight. "Jenna?" I ask when I get close to her.

"Damon?"

"Yeah. It's nice to meet you," I tell her, extending my hand.

"You too. This is my husband, Ric and our baby, Charlie," she replies, taking a hold of my hand and shaking it.

After shaking his hand too, we wait for their luggage to arrive. "Are you going to need a car rental?" I ask.

"No, we can't impose on you anymore, Damon," Ric answers, shaking his head no.

"You're not imposing. I just want to cheer Elena up. She's been kind of despondent since she can't see Jeremy. They strictly enforce age restrictions at the hospital."

"That little boy is practically her whole life," Ric says, his arms full of luggage.

"He is. He's really a great kid."

"You're in love with her," Jenna muses, smiling.

Smiling, I turn away for a minute before looking back at her. "I am."

"She's lucky to have someone who cares about her so much."

"She's still really tentative around me, not quite trusting that I won't break her heart a second time. I'm not going to give up on her though."

"Good," she says firmly before linking her arm with mine as we walk to the parking lot.

"Dad, we're here," I yell as we step into his house. It has so many rooms. My dad graciously offered to let Jenna and her family stay here rather than a motel. It took a lot of convincing on my part before they would accept the plane fare. I certainly don't want them to feel further indebted if I pay for a motel room too so my dad really stepped up and offered the perfect solution.

"Hello," dad says when he walks into the foyer to greet our guests. "I'm Jack Salvatore, Damon's dad," he says extending his hand first to Ric and then to Jenna.

"Thank you Mr. Salvatore. I don't begin to know how Ric and I can ever repay your kindness," Jenna tells him.

"I have this great big house all to myself. Honestly, I'm thrilled to have some company for a few days," he tells her reassuringly. "Follow me, I'll show you to your room."

When dad comes back downstairs, I walk over to him and give him a light hug. I know his arm is still pretty tender. "Thank you, dad, for everything. I love you so much," I tell him.

"I love you too, Damon. I just want my children to be happy. Clearly this girl is the one for you. I can't wait to meet her."

"I did show her the video with you and Jeremy that I took with my phone. She really liked it."

"He's a precious little boy."

"He is, dad. I already told papa but Jeremy is her half brother slash adopted son. It's a long story and I'll tell you all about it later. I hope Elena will give me the chance to be the father to him that you've been to me."

"Damon," he says, turning away from me for a moment to rub his eyes. "That's the nicest thing you've ever said to me," he whispers after turning around and pulling me into a hug.

Just then Jenna comes down the stairs. "I'm sorry if I'm intruding."

"You're not Jenna. We were just having a father-son moment. Are you ready to go to the hospital to see Elena?"

"I am. Ric is going to stay here with Charlie since he can't go to the hospital with us."

"I can watch the baby if you want. I babysit my grand daughter," dad offers.

"Oh Mr. Salvatore.."

"Please call me Jack," he says, interrupting her.

"Would tomorrow be okay? Ric is tired anyway, he wants to shower and take a nap with Charlie," she explains.

"Certainly, my dear. You just let me know," he says, smiling.

I pull the front door open and motion for Jenna to go outside. "I'll see you later, Dad." I tell him then close the door behind me.

Elena:

"Oh my God, Jenna," I squeal when Jenna runs in and gives me a big hug.

"I was so worried about you, Elena."

"I'll be fine once I heal up."

"I know you will." Jenna replies, taking a seat in one of the chairs in my room.

"I'll let you ladies visit. Jenna, just page me when you're ready to go back to the house," Damon tells her then turns those beautiful eyes on me before he steps out of the door.

"He really likes you. You are aware of that, right?"

"Actually, he told me he loved me."

"Damon admitted that to me too without any coaxing whatsoever," Jenna reveals, placing her hands over mine.

My eyes widen, "Did he?"

"Do you think you'll be able to forgive him?"

"I've already forgiven him but I'm afraid to trust him again."

"I think he's aware of that. You have to give him credit for trying."

"I do. I want to trust him again, I really do. But he needs to earn it."

"From what I do know of him, I think he's up for the challenge," Jenna says, smiling.

"I think so too," I smile back, taking her hand in mine. Although my mind is full of everything Damon, I need to steer the conversation away from him for awhile. "Enough Damon talk. Tell me all about your trip and the baby and Ric." My thoughts are still with Damon as she begins to tell me all of her baby stories.

Damon:

"Sssh Jeremy," I whisper, pressing my fingers very softly over his lips. "We have to be really quiet so we don't get caught."

He bobs his head in understanding. Using my hospital ID, I unlock the ground level stairs entrance from outside. Carefully we go up the stairs till we reach the third floor where Elena's room is.

Fortunately the stairway entrance is close to her room. It'll be easier for the two of us to sneak into and out of the stairwell and into her room. Once we arrive, I quietly open the door wide enough to stick my head out to see if anyone is around. Seeing no one, we walk out of the stairwell and stealthily make our way to the right room.

When I hear her say, "come in," after knocking on her door, I pull it open and step inside while holding Jeremy in my arms.

"Sprise, Mommy," he squeaks as he struggles to get out of my arms and over to her. Smiling ear to ear, I hold him tight till I reach her bed and set him down for her. Tears are pouring from her eyes as she wraps her arms around him and peppers his head with kisses.

Reaching out, she takes my hand in hers. "Thank you," she whispers before pressing a hesitant kiss to my palm.

Damon is really a stand up guy for bringing Jenna and Ric to Elena. Thank you Eva for everything you do for me. This would not exist if not for you. Thanks so much to all of you who do take those couple of seconds to leave me a few words. The reviews are so important to a writer. I did update 'What If I Was Nothing' yesterday. 'Shatter Me' has also been updated. I do work July 4th so next week's updates may be on time or a little late. It'll depend on how tired I am and how hellish the night was. Nursing is a stressful profession. We quite literally have people's lives in our hands. As my friend, 'chellethebelle' used to say 'reviews are love'. It would be nice to hear from those of you who never review at least once! Stay safe and have a wonderful weekend. Thank you again for all of your support with this and all of my stories. Until next time...