I haven't been to Mystic Falls, Virginia since I left for college five years ago after my parents died in a car crash. I decided that being away and figuring out my life would be the best thing for me to move on. After getting my degree in nursing at University of Illinois-Chicago, I decided it was time to return to my hometown. Being away from my hometown helped me deal with the pain in the right way. It was time to come home. I missed my aunt and brother dearly.

After our parents sudden death, Jeremy went off the deep end. Only a sophomore in hight school at the time, he didn't deal well with them being gone. While I closed everyone off and tried my best to push everyone away, he resorted to smoking weed and heavy partying. My aunt and I tried our best to help him but in the end he rebelled even more. It was when he started failing classes and ditching school when my aunt had enough. In the middle of his junior year my aunt forced him into counseling. Within a year of therapy, Jeremy was able to think of our parents with happy memories instead of feeling instant pain from knowing they're gone. Jeremy ended up going to college and was currently enrolled at a local college twenty minutes away from Aunt Jenna's. However, during the summer he had an internship at a company doing business. I couldn't be more proud of him after all he's been through.

As for me, I've done pretty well for myself. My graduating GPA was a 4.0 and I was top in my class at UIC. College was the best thing that happened to me. I opened up and was a part of many organizations that helped out with local charities. I had many friends, even had two relationships. They didn't end up working out, but both were good learning experiences. As soon as graduation came I knew I wanted to be back in Virginia, so I applied for a nursing job at the Mystic Falls Hospital and luckily got a job. I requested to not start until June so that I had a month to move back and get comfortable in Mystic Falls once again.

After a long two day drive, I finally was in my hometown. I pulled into my old driveway and stared at my childhood home and I felt anxious. Jenna would be thrilled to see me, that much I knew. What else to expect, I had no idea. Did she forgive me for leaving? Did she have a boyfriend? Any surprises I wouldn't know about?

I hadn't talked much to anyone while I was at college. I wanted a new life, one without the painful reminders of my past. The only people I communicated with more than once a month were Jenna and Jeremy. As far as I knew, not much had changed since I left. Besides the remarkable turnaround Jeremy has made in the last couple of years.

I made my way to the front steps and rang the doorbell. Aunt Jenna opened the door almost immediately after, as if she was expecting me. Her already bright smile grew even more when she saw who the stranger was. "Elena! I've missed you so much! I'm so happy you're finally home!" She enveloped me in a huge hug and immediately my eyes filled with tears. I guess I missed home more than I originally thought. It felt so good to be in her motherly embrace.

"I've missed you too, Aunt Jenna. I'm so glad to be back," I answered.

"Jenna? Who is it?" A deep male voice asked from the background

"Oh, Elena, there is someone I like you to meet," Jenna said opening the door for me to come in. I was met with man who couldn't be much older than Jenna. He had sandy blonde hair that was met with dark brown eyes and a bit off stubble on his face. He wore a gray shirt with dark jeans. He looked extremely intimidating and was very muscular. He had tattoos all the way down both of his arms.

"This is Alaric, my boyfriend," Jenna finished.

Despite the dominating appearance he held, Alaric smiled warmly and shook my hand, "It's nice to meet you, Elena. Jenna talks about you a lot."

"It's nice to meet you too," I greeted. "How long have you two been dating?"

"Only for about three months, but have known each other for about a year. I waited to tell you after I knew you were coming back!" Jenna explained.

I was happy for her, she deserved someone in her life. People tended to forget that her life was turned upside down as well because she had to raise two teenagers by herself. Before my parents died, she had barely graduated college and was starting her own life. She dropped everything on the spot so she could raise me and my brother. She did a hell of a job, given the situation.

After they helped me move my stuff back in, we caught up on lots of things. I told them about my time in Chicago, both the good and bad parts. Funny moments, my good friends, ex-boyfriends, heartbreak and the tough schooling. Jenna already knew a lot but it was nice to talk face to face. She told me about how her and Alaric had met at a mutual friend's wedding and it was 'love at first sight'. I was extremely happy for her. He seemed like a good guy who really loved her. It was obvious that she cared about him by the way she stared at him.

Once I was settled in, I decided I should get in touch with my old friends Bonnie and Caroline. Both had been my best friends growing up and the guilt I felt from not speaking with them more often now overtook me. They had been great friends throughout the death of my parents, even when I didn't deserve it. I was cold and unrelatable and pushed them both away and then I abandoned them when I left for college. I promised we would stay in touch, but while they tried, I slipped away hoping to go unnoticed. I had hundreds of missed calls and unreturned texts between the two of them wondering how I was and why I wasn't responding.

Not wanting to call them, I sent a quick text out.

Caroline and Bonnie. I hope these are still your numbers. It's Elena. If you guys don't hate me I would love to meet at the Grill sometime soon. Miss you both.

Caroline responded first, ten minutes later.

Hey Elena! I would love to meet up! I'm free tonight if you wanna meet up. Lots to catch up on.

My phone vibrated again and I saw Bonnie's name pop up.

Let's meet tonight if you can.

I smiled. At least they were talking to me. It could have been worse.

At six thirty, I nervously walked into the Grill to meet with my friends. The Grill hadn't changed one bit. It was still that comfortable hangout where it was busy enough to stay in business but quiet enough where you could have private conversations with people. Looking towards the back corner, I saw them at a table laughing and talking.

"Hi guys," I said as I approached the table.

Both of them stood up and I was met with only friendliness and "I miss you! I'm so happy you're here!" from both of them. I didn't deserve friends like these.

"How have you been?" Caroline asked as I sat down. She looked the same, only a few years older. Her blonde hair was in light curls and she wore a tad bit of mascara on with red lipstick. Always the fashion queen, she wore a light pink blouse with skinny jeans and some summer heels. She was beautiful, she always had been.

I smiled, "'Good. I've finally got my life figured out. Got a job nursing at the hospital here."

"That's awesome! Congratulations! I'm so happy you came back." Caroline exclaimed.

I blushed, "Thank you." I gulped, knowing I needed to apologize for the past few years. I needed to get it off my chest and they needed answers. I cleared my throat and said, "Guys I am so sorry for not keeping in touch these past few years. I have been an awful friend, I know. You guys are my best friends and I don't have any clue why I did what I did except that I was in too much pain and was selfish enough that I couldn't see past that. I am so sorry."

They both frowned and Bonnie responded first, "Elena, I was so mad and hurt when you wouldn't respond to any of my calls or anything. I wanted to hate you. But you're my best friend and I figured out that you needed your time and space. Now that you've got it, I'm glad you're back. We have a lot to catch up on."

"Yeah, Elena, we could never stay mad at you. No worries," Caroline adds.

I was so grateful for these two. They seriously were the best. Wanting to move onto hopefully lighter subjects, I asked, "So, any boys in your life?"

Bonnie immediately looked at Caroline who blushed and spilled, "Oh Elena, I've met the most wonderful guy ever! His name is Stefan. We met over summer two years ago and have been dating ever since. I can't wait for you to meet him, you'll love him!"

"Caroline, I'm so happy for you. You deserve a good guy. I can't wait to meet him, either," I told her.

"What about you Bonnie?"

She shrugged. "I've dated here and there, nothing serious though. I've been working on my psychology degree."

"How's that going?" I asked, I knew she always dreamt of becoming a psychologist.

"Really good, I'm in med school and I really like it," Bonnie says, and her smile told me she was happy with herself.

"That's awesome Bonnie, you'll be a great psychologist." I meant it. Ever since we were children Bonnie had this uncanny ability to help her friends and family in time of need. It was wonderful to have her around.

"I sure hope so. Anyway, Caroline has her own bakery a few blocks away. It's beautiful and always busy," Bonnie revealed.

"I'll have to see it soon! I bet it's just amazing! What's the name?" I asked. I couldn't be happier for my friends. Both seem to be successful and very happy.

"Sweet Retreat. I-" Her phone cut off whatever she was about to say. She looked at the caller and answered quickly, "Hi babe. What? Again? Stefan, he needs help. I don't know what to do anymore. Yeah, okay, I will. Love you too."

Caroline hung up and looked a lot less happy then she did before the call. "Guys I am so sorry to leave you this early, but Stefan's brother is drunk again and needs a ride home from the bar. But we need to hang out again soon!"

We both gave her hugs and watched as she quickly left the Grill. "Is Stefan's brother an alcoholic?" I asked, because the tone which Caroline said he was drunk again made it sound like it was often.

Bonnie nodded and frowned, "I've only met him a couple of times. He's gotten in a lot of bar fights in the past two months, that's all I know ."

I nodded and didn't push the subject further. She didn't seem like she knew much about the situation and it honestly wasn't our business. Bonnie and I reminisced on high school days for another hour before we went our own ways.

I laid in bed at home and felt as if a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I hadn't felt this peaceful in years. Everyone, including me, seemed to be happy. In a way I felt a little dread with the thought of happiness because last time I had felt like this, my parents had died. I just hoped this time was different, that something bad wouldn't happen as soon as my life was set straight.

The following night was Friday and Caroline invited me to go to the bar with her and Stefan. When I got into the Pub, it was pretty busy. There were basically two bars in Mystic Falls, The Grill and The Pub. The only difference was the latter only allowed people over 21 at night.

I walk in wearing tight, black skin tight pants with pink pumps and a loose blue top that showed a bit of cleavage. My hair was at its natural straight state and I had a little bit of makeup on. I heard my name being called and look to find Caroline standing next to a ridiculously good looking man. He had beautiful bronze hair with almond colored eyes. His muscular arms were visible through his shirt and I could tell he was nicely built. The looked like a couple sent from heaven.

He was wearing jeans and a striped button up shirt. I walked over and his face broke out into a friendly smile. "I'm Stefan, it's nice to meet you."

"You too, Caroline has said nice things," I replied, shaking his hand. His grip, as expected, was strong.

"Well, I certainly hope so," he teased and smiled at Caroline. Even though I just met him, I could tell the two were very much in love.

Stefan led us to table by the bar and looked at his watch with a frown. "Damon should be here by now," he announced.

I looked around, confused. "Who is Damon?" I asked.

Caroline glanced around the Pub while she responded, "Stefan's brother." I nodded, I was nervous to meet this Damon Salvatore, from the little I knew about him it seemed as if he was trouble. Neither Caroline or Bonnie seemed to fond of him.

"Give him time," she said, rubbing her boyfriend's back.

"No need to worry, Barbie, I'm right here," a velvet voice said from behind me. I turned to find the most beautiful man I'd ever seen. Damon Salvatore blew Stefan out of the water, and I thought Stefan was good looking. His raven hair looked messy and he had a bit of scruff on his face, as if he hadn't shaved in a couple of days. He, not unlike Stefan, was built as well. His biceps were protruding from the all black shirt he was wearing. His outfit was entirely black. His jeans were black and he wore black shoes to go with it.

While his face was beautiful, his eyes were a world of their own. My breath hitched as soon as my brown eyes met his. The icy blue orbs were intimidating yet strikingly beautiful. Beneath his wonderful eyes were dark circles and his eyes were dark, as if holding secrets.

"Who is this?" he asked rudely.

I smiled despite his shortness and replied, "I'm Elena Gilbert, Caroline's life long friend."

I stuck out my hand for him to shake it. He took it and smirked. "Damon Salvatore."

His gaze finally left mine and looked around the crowded bar, almost as if he was nervous about something. "Why are we sitting in the middle of the Pub?" He abruptly asked.

"We can somewhere else, if it bothers you that much," Caroline offered.

He tensed and turned toward her with a glare. "Well, it does bother me, Barbie. So we're moving," he bit.

I stood watching the altercation between the two. It seemed as if he didn't like Caroline much. I could't imagine why, she was the sweetest person on earth. She had never given anyone any reason to hate her in the time I've known her. Caroline was a person who was always smiling and bubbly, even when things were rough. I had to give her credit for that because she hasn't had the easiest life either. Her dad divorced her mom when she was 10 and ran off with another man. He never was in her life and her mother was a policewoman and always working. I knew how much it affected Caroline, even if she didn't ever admit it. Sometimes I swore Mystic Falls attracted tragedy and pain.

Caroline seemed unfazed. "Okay, you pick then. If it's that important."

Stefan stepped in before Damon could say something else, "How about the corner back there? Against the wall?"

Damon nodded and led us four toward the designated table. He sat with his back towards the wall, facing everyone else. I noticed that he seemed to relax immediately. I took the seat next to him in the booth so that Stefan and Caroline sat next to each other.

After we ordered drinks, Stefan asked Damon, "You're going to dad's fundraiser next weekend, right?"

"Why the fuck would I do that?" Damon snapped.

"Damon, he wants you there. He said he's talked to you about it," Stefan cautiously explained.

Damon's jaw clenched and unclenched before he spoke. "We did. I told him no. Dressing up and putting on a fake smile with fake people doesn't interest me."

"It would mean a lot to him if you went. I think you're not going because you're afraid people are going to ask you about what happened when you were dep-"

Damon immediately cut him off with a hard glare. His tone was ice cold when he warned,"You have no idea what you're saying. Father doesn't need his screwed up son to show up, believe me."

My eyes were glued to the table. I had no idea what they were talking about, but I could tell it was off limits for Damon. Obviously, his relationship with his father wasn't the best. Damon didn't seem like the type of person I would want to get into an argument with.

Stefan dropped the subject and luckily the waitress came to take our orders. Damon went first, "Cheeseburger. Also, another glass of bourbon."

The waitress was either struck by his beauty (which wouldn't surprise me) or the harsh way in which he ordered. She stared at him and Damon snapped, "Do I have to repeat myself?"

She recovered and wrote down his order, along with the rest of ours. As soon as she left Stefan said one last thing about their father's fundraiser, "Just think about it. That's all I ask."

Damon nodded but gave no verbal answer. Instead, he took a few large gulps from his glass of bourbon. I stared in awe, he drank it like it was water.

The rest of dinner went a lot smoother with lighter conversations. I told Stefan about growing up in Mystic Falls and how it would always be my home no matter what happend. I asked him about where he grew up, because Mystic Falls was a small town and Salvatore wasn't a name I had heard before.

"Damon and I grew up in New York and moved here when I was fourteen and he was sixteen," Stefan explained, "I love it here. People are very friendly. What made you leave?"

I didn't want to bring the awkwardness that followed after I told people my parents were dead, so I told a little white lie, "College. I went to school for nursing. I start working at the local hospital in June."

"'That's great! Well I know Caroline is happy you're back in town," Stefan said while he wrapped an arm around her.

"I love Bonnie, but you know how she can get. Plus, it's always nice having more than one girl friend in town," Caroline added. I laughed because I knew what she meant with how Bonnie could get. Bonnie could be very sweet and caring, but she could also be judgmental and pessimistic at times. There were a few occasions when I went a long time without talking to Bonnie because of fights we got in. It all seemed stupid now, but at the time I swore to my family that we were 'never going to talk again. I hate her'.

"I'm glad I came home, it's been a long time since I've been back," I admitted. "So what do you do Stefan?" I asked in order to direct the conversation to someone else.

"He's in law school," Caroline announced proudly.

"Wow. Good for you, I could never go through that much school." I loved learning, but law school would be too much.

"My father was in law so it was only natural for me," Stefan said proudly. I didn't miss the grunt from the man beside me.

"What about you Damon?" I asked, turning to him.

He reached for his glass and I saw a tattoo on the inside of his right bicep. In bold cursive writing was:

Never forget

1.04.12

C.W. A.S. R.B. I.N.

Damon must have seen me staring at it because he quickly put his arm back to his side, where the tattoo was against the side of his torso and no one could see it.

"I didn't go to college," he replied curtly and I caught on that he didn't want to talk about himself. I inwardly sighed. I wanted to know more about this gorgeous man. Major problem was he didn't seem to want to share. I'd met people who put up walls before. Hell, I did it for years, but he wouldn't share one thing.

Caroline didn't seem to catch Damon's don't-talk-about-me tone because she said what he didn't, "Damon went into the military. He's a Navy Seal."

My eyes widened in shock. I wasn't stupid, I knew what an honor it was to be a Navy Seal. It was one of the hardest branches of the military, if not the hardest. They did the dirty stuff, the hard stuff. "That is quite an honor," I expressed.

Damon didn't respond. His cheeks turned red, and I could only guess it was from anger towards Caroline because she spilled the beans. "I think I've had enough of this, I'll be at the bar." Damon stood quickly and walked away. I noticed he had a slight limp, he clearly favored his left leg.

Caroline frowned and apologized to Stefan, "I'm sorry, I didn't think he'd get so upset."

Stefan rubbed her back and comforted her, "I know. You didn't do anything wrong. I'll be by the bar. I'm gonna see what his deal is."

As soon as he left, Caroline slumped against the chair. "That's Damon Salvatore for you."

I chuckled. He definitely was a piece of work. "Was he deployed?"

"Yeah, spent a tour in Afghanistan and and three in Iraq. Apparently, he went through a lot. I don't know the whole story, only Stefan does. Which is why he's so patient with Damon's moods." Her eyes followed to where Stefan was now talking with Damon.

"Moods?" I inquired.

Caroline let out a sarcastic laugh. "What you saw right there was nothing. Being around Damon can be exhausting. He likes to piss people off."

"So you think highly of him," I sarcastically added with a smile.

"I don't really know him that well either. Only what Stefan tells me. When I met Stefan, Damon was already a Seal. He was constantly training and being deployed. I've only spent time with him in between his tours and since he got back."

"When was that?"

"March."

It was May 7. Damon literally had just gotten home two months ago. "I'm sure the transition has been hard for him," I stated. I'd heard coming back from war and readjusting to the 'civilian' life was hard for a lot of soldiers.

"Tell me about it, he can't even drive a car without freaking out," Caroline revealed.

I frowned. I felt bad for the guy. My gaze found him at the bar with another glass of bourbon in his hand. His head was down, but I could see his eyes watching his surroundings. Stefan stood behind him, talking to a friend.

"Does he live by himself?" I asked, not being able to stop the questions. I was a curious person.

"He has his own apartment and has a yellow lab. More often than not they stay with me and Stefan at their childhood home," she explained. I can hear a tinge of annoyance in her voice.

When she sees me raise my eyebrows she continued, "I care about Stefan, therefore I care about Damon because I know that his well being is extremely important to Stefan. They are very close, despite the banter. Because of that Stefan is bending over backwards to help Damon all while finishing school. And I can't help with Damon because he doesn't trust me and quite frankly I don't think he likes me very much."

"What about therapy?" I suggested.

"Stefan brought it up once and Damon almost punched him in the face. He yelled and screamed at Stefan for ten minutes. I kid you not. It was scary," Caroline revealed. The thoughtful look on her face tells me she was remembering the moment in her head. "However, Stefan kept at it and he started therapy two weeks ago."

"Matt went into the military didn't he? Maybe he could try to talk to Damon?" I don't know why this was so important for me, to have Damon get help, but it was. Caroline once told me it was because I had a big heart. Maybe that's why I'm in nursing too, I liked to help people who are in need. It was usually just never from themselves.

"Matt didn't even deploy. He is stationed in Hawaii right now. I don't think he would quite understand anything. What's it to you anyway? Do you have a crush on Damon? Don't because all he does is sleep around and drink and-"

"No! I just met him! I'm just...I don't know..." I really had no explanation for why I asked so many questions about the older Salvatore brother.

"My advice would be to stay away, Elena. Damon will only drag you down with him."

Caroline invited me for dinner Sunday night. Apparently, the Salvatore's father would be there and Caroline didn't want to be left alone with them. "I promise it's not intruding. Bring Jenna and Alaric too," she begged.

I sighed, "Fine. But I still feel like it's supposed to be a family dinner."

"Elena, if it was supposed to be a family dinner then I wouldn't be there," she reminded me.

She was able to convince me to go so here I was driving over with Jenna and Alaric. Jenna warned me, "Guiseppe Salvatore is not the friendliest man alive. He's not warm and welcoming so don't feel like he only doesn't like you. He doesn't like anyone."

Alaric snorted, "He doesn't even like his own son."

"How do you know who he is?" I asked, confused. They seemed to know him pretty well. Obviously, Jenna knew Caroline but I doubted she knew Stefan or Damon. Also, I don't think Jenna spent time with Caroline while I was gone.

"Alaric was in the SEALs with Damon; they're very good friends," Jenna explained.

My mouth hung open in shock. I had no idea Alaric was in the military, or even knew Damon. It made sense though, Alaric and Jenna were only 30 and Damon was 26. "I didn't know that. Did you serve together?"

"We met after training and ended up serving in Ramadi, which is in Iraq, at the same time. It was my fourth tour and after I ended my career. Damon continued to go on a another tour in Afghanistan. After we came home from Iraq, we got an apartment together, which he still lives in. I met Jenna and the rest you know. But yes, I've known Damon a long time and I know his family well," Alaric told me.

I wanted to ask more about his tour in Iraq, what it was like and more about Damon, but we had arrived at the Salvatore mansion. Instead of knocking, Alaric walked in the house and we were met by a beautiful yellow lab who I assumed was Damon's from what Caroline told me. I reached down to pet the canine, but she ran out of site. I noticed she came back with Damon at her side, as if she went to fetch him.

Once Damon saw Alaric, he smiled and greeted us, "Alaric! Nice to see you, man."

Alaric gave him a slap on the shoulder and replied, "You too, bud. Glad we could come. Haven't seen you in a while."

Damon led us into the kitchen, his dog trailing slightly behind him. Their house was seriously gorgeous, inside and out. The interior design had a antique feel as if it had been designed in the 1800s. The kitchen felt like the size of half of my first floor. Their boarding house was definitely the biggest house in the area. It was no wonder no one had heard us walk in.

Caroline was cooking while Stefan spoke with an older looking man I assumed was Guiseppe. He had thick gray hair with a clean shaven face. His eyes were blue and held the same iciness that his Damon's held. He had a tight smile and held perfect posture which was naturally intimidating. I could tell that his presence demanded respect and he was a very dominant personality by just looking at him.

Stefan introduced me first, "Father, you've met Jenna and Alaric before. This is Jenna's niece, Elena. Elena, this is my father Guiseppe."

The gray haired man stuck a hand out and shook my hand firmly. "It's nice to meet you," I tried to say confidently even though the man made me feel like I was two feet tall. I shrank as his eyes looked over me, clearly judging me.

As we sat at the kitchen table, I could see that the eldest Salvatore thought very highly of Stefan, all while he practically ignored Damon. Stefan and Guiseppe talked about being lawyers and schooling. Damon, instead of listening to his family members, engaged in conversation with Alaric. He seemed like a totally different person around Alaric. Instead of being cold and closed off, he seemed friendly and warm. Someone who was easy to talk to and relate with. It was a huge change from the Damon I had drinks with just two nights ago.

"So is Cari done with her training?" Alaric asked.

"Yeah, we just went for her last session yesterday. I can now bring her in public places and restaurants because she's certified. Took a long time, but finally it's over," Damon explained. I realized Cari must be Damon's service dog. That's the only thing I could think of because he clearly wasn't blind or physically disabled. She must help him with psychological problems, I had read that it was becoming a very popular thing for veterans to have dogs to help them.

While Alaric and Damon caught up, I chatted with Caroline and Jenna more until the topic of Guiseppe Salvatore's charity event came up. I heard him ask Damon if he was going. It was more of a demand. "I expect you to be there son, and behave like a man."

Damon rolled his eyes and said, "What makes you think I won't?"

"I don't want any of your episodes or anything. Behave like an adult that you are, not a child," Guiseppe scolded.

The table went quite and I could cut the tension between father and son with knife. "Well, father, I don't plan on being there so you can quit worrying about me making a scene with my dramatics," Damon sarcastically told him.

"Get a goddam date and go to the ball! Represent your family," Guiseppe bursted out with anger.

Caroline, god bless her heart, interrupted the quickly growing argument by suggesting, "Elena, you could go as Damon's date. It'll be fun."

I almost died of a stroke. I couldn't believe she just offered me to go with Damon. Hell, I hardly knew him! What was she thinking? By the look on her face after she said that, I could tell she surprised herself too.

I blushed crimson and forced myself to look at Damon. He gritted his teeth, but actually looked like he was contemplating it. A few moments of silence passed and Caroline felt like it was her duty to apologize, "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me, you-"

"Fine. I'll go to the ball with Elena. As long is it's okay with you?" He asked, looking at me. Numbly, without realizing what I was agreeing to, I nodded. "Does that make you happy, father?"

Guiseppe eyed the two of us, who sat diagonal from one another and nodded, "As long as you're there."

I slouched in my seat. What did I just agree to?