You Are My Life

Decisions and Discoveries

After seeing some interesting landmarks, brushing up on their history in museums, adding to their closets, and consuming copious amounts of food, Mallorie and Matt returned home. Though it was just a weekend, it was a well-deserved break. In the quiet moments, Mallorie was able to find the clarity she needed.

"Are you going to tell me what prompted this spontaneous road trip?" Matt asked as he parked the truck in his driveway.

"Wouldn't that ruin the spontaneity?" Mallorie asked with a cheeky grin.

"Whatever it was, I guess I'm glad." Matt sighed. "I didn't realize I needed a break, too. This weekend was good." Matt patted her hand. "You seem happier, too."

Mallorie drew in a deep breath. "I figured out some things I needed to."

"Good." Matt opened his door. "Now, you better get home before the Gilberts come hunting for you. I haven't seen you use your phone this whole trip."

"Taking a break means no phones." Mallorie brushed her hair out of her face as she climbed out of the truck. "I told Elena I needed a break. She won't be worried unless I don't show up for school tomorrow."

"Whatever you say." Matt raised his hands. "See you tomorrow, Mal."

"See ya, Mattycakes." Mallorie grinned before walking to her vehicle and climbing inside.

With a deep breath, she restored power to her phone. As soon as the logo disappeared, her phone began to go berserk. Texts flooded in at lightning speed. Elena, Stefan, and Damon had tried to reach her almost all weekend. However, it was Damon who truly caught her attention. There were two voicemails from him.

"Hey, Mallorie. It's Damon. There's been a little change of plans. I need you to call me ASAP."

That was Friday evening. By Sunday afternoon, he wasn't as calm.

"Dammit, Mallorie. You had better be dead or you will be as soon as you get back here. Elijah's changed his mind, and we can't reach you. Call me."

The blood in Mallorie's veins ran cold. She threw the car into drive and raced out of Matt's driveway. If someone had stopped her and asked how fast she was driving, she wouldn't have been able to answer the question. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she thought of the fictitious Kalus slowly murdering all her friends to get to her.

Mallorie's headlights painted the face of a woman leaving in her car as Mallorie approached the driveway. As soon as her vehicle was out of the way, Mallorie pulled in. She ran into the house as soon as her car was parked.

"Andie, did you--"

Damon stopped speaking as he appeared at the top of the stairs. Mallorie's body shook as she continued to cry. Before she could calm enough to speak, Damon used his vamp speed to stop in front of her. He reached out and wiped her tears away with his thumb before wrapping his arms around her so gently, he must have thought she'd break.

In a way, Mallorie did. The sobs came much harder as she looped her arms under his and squeezed him to her body. Damon stayed there holding her for what felt like forever.

"I'm so sorry," Mallorie finally whispered. "Is everyone okay?"

Damon pulled back and just looked at her for a minute.

"Oh my God. Who is it?" Mallorie covered her mouth as more tears slipped from her eyes.

"No, no one. Everyone is fine." Damon paused. "It's just that I had this overwhelming urge to rip your throat out if I saw you alive again, yet here you are with your throat intact."

Mallorie stepped forward to touch his arm, but Damon pulled away. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I just needed a break."

"A break?" Damon raised his eyebrows. "A break is going to the spa with your friends not skipping town and not answering your phone while a murderous Original vampire is trying to find you and kill you!"