Saved by a Salvatore

Chapter 11

“So, are you talking to Stefan, or no?” he asks. We’re sitting in the car in the driveway.

“I haven’t decided yet. I guess I understand why he wouldn’t want me to know about you. But, you have to put the past in the past, Damon. You said bluntness is the best option, right? Katherine’s dead, so why dwell on it?” I ask. He explained in great detail about how he and Stefan fell for the same girl. She had the prettiest name, Katherine Pierce. It saddened me when he told me she was killed in a fire in Georgia.

“Well aren’t we feisty.” he smirks, “I’m over it, Stefan’s the one who needs to learn to let go.” He says

“Yet, somehow I think you just might not be over it as well.” I smirk

“Oh, I’m over it. I could prove it to you ten times over, but I’m being a gentleman.” He says catching my smirk before it falls.

“Okay, what’s with the flirty comments?” I ask

“I’m only being friendly. You should try it.” He says reaching out for my hand.

“I am plenty friendly. But, not friendly enough not to tell you to keep your hands to yourself.” I say swatting his hand away and folding my arms around myself.

He laughs as he gazes at me, “You are feisty. We could really have fun you know. If you get away from Stefan more often, I could show you things you’ve only dreamed of.” he says

“Like what exactly?” I say testing him

“Well, if you let me, anything you want. Anything to bring down those walls you desperately hide behind.” he says

“I’m not hiding behind anything,” I lie

“Sure you are. You were an addict that my brother found on the street. You of all people should have walls built of reinforced steel and cement.” he says forcibly. Then catches himself, “I’m sorry. I di-” I cut him off

“Thank you! Thank you for showing me that no matter where I go I’ll forever be known as an addict! I’ve made my mistakes and I’ve paid for them. But, I will not take you or anyone else who doesn’t even know me to sit around and judge me!” I shout opening the door, slam it behind me, and storm towards the house. But, not before I hear him still in the car, “I didn’t mean it!”

I bolt for my room, not even bothering to find Zach or Stefan, I throw myself onto the bed and have the heaviest, longest cry I’ve had in an extremely long time. Why do I put myself though this torture? What Damon said was true. I won’t deny that. But, why judge me? He doesn’t even know me. What did he think I’d say? What did he expect would happen after saying something like that? I can’t deal with this. I can’t. After a while, I feel arms around me, pulling me into an embrace.

“I’m sorry I lied to you. I didn’t think. You weren’t supposed to know about him, ever. I should‘ve known better.” It’s Stefan. “Please forgive me. Please don’t be mad at me.” he says.

“I already have forgiven you.” I say through my crying.

“Why are you crying? What did Damon do?” he asks close to my ear.

“He didn’t do anything. It’s what he said. Stefan, I’m a complete mess.” I sob kicking off my shoes and curling myself in his arms to face him.

“You’re not a mess. You just need to find the balance between rehab and happiness.” he says stroking my face.

“Where is happiness for me? I deserve to live in misery for the rest of my life.” I choke out.

“No, Kit, you’re wrong. No one deserves to be miserable.” he says.

“Well, you’re one to talk about misery Stefan.” Damon says from the doorway.

“Haven’t you caused enough damage already Damon?” Stefan glares at Damon.

“That’s why I came to apologize. I can admit when I’m wrong brother.” he glares back.

“You can keep your apology. I don’t want it.” I say not even looking at him.

“Well, can I at least give you this?” he says urging my curiosity. Damn it! Looking up from where my face was buried in Stefan’s chest and sit up, I catch something in his hand. Flowers? Flowers of all kinds neatly bounded together by a band.

“You picked flowers?” it’s almost a scoff at the gesture, but I’m taken aback. No one has ever picked flowers for me, ever. I’ve had flowers delivered to me. But, something about a boy picking flowers for whatever reason has always appealed to me.

No matter the pain or the hurt, if a boy has the common decency to go out and pick flowers just for you, you give that boy a second chance. You hear me?

Words from my aunt Gloria flood into my mind and taunt me. She’s told me that since I was eight. Although, it’s never happened to me until this very moment, I can’t help but want to curse at her right now.

Turning to Stefan as he sits up, “Stefan, can you leave us for a minute, please?” I ask

“You sure?” he searches my eyes.

“He won’t hurt me Stefan. I wanna give him the chance to redeem himself.” I say

Looking as if weighing his options he says, “I’ll be in my room if you need me.” he says standing and walking past Damon until he’s out of the room.

“I’m sor-” I cut him off.

“Is that all you came up with? I don’t wanna hear “I’m sorry”. Especially from you who looks like you never use those words.” I say

“I know. What I said was completely out of line. I was talking out of my head. I didn’t mean for it to sound like I was judging you.” he frowns

“Then why say it at all?” I scowl

“I meant it as an observation, not judgment. I didn’t think. I’m sorry I misspoke. It’s your business. I shouldn’t have gone there. Your flowers?” he says holding the small bouquet out to me.

“Thank you. Did you seriously pick all these?” I ask taking the bouquet. He had better answer correctly

“The look you gave me. I hurt you so much. It’s the only thing I could think of. Every time I picked one, I saw that look. I wanted to change it.” he says with a small smile.

“Damon. Thank you.” I say throwing my arms around his neck.